Ideas

Of late some mud has been slung at the newly formed Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Much of it deserved. The agency discovered it had failed to track nearly $9 million in loans that are not current, the chief financial officer resigned and Governor Walker brought in a new interim leader while suggesting he would be discussing a series of dramatic moves with the board. WEDC will seek new leadership in a national search as Paul Jadin, former WEDC CEO, jumped ship to run Thrive, the economic development partnership for the Madison area.

Cudahy-based Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc. announced it has acquired all of the outstanding stock of A&A Express, a provider of truckload services based in Brandon, S.D., for approximately $24.0 million, plus an earn-out capped at $2.5 million.

New Berlin industrial automation software developer WEM Automation has been acquired by Madison-based mergers and acquisitions firm The Mendota Group. Milwaukee M&A advisory firm Pentvia Partners advised WEM shareholders in the transaction.

Kate Nixon, chief investment officer for personal financial services at Northern Trust Bank, visited Milwaukee Thursday to provide post-election financial insight at a breakfast for clients.

Kohl's Corp. reported third quarter net income of $215 million, or 91 cents per share, up from $211 million, or 80 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

MillerCoors LLC reported a 74-percent increase in quarterly profits, sparked by continued growth in its Coors Light and Tenth and Blake Beer Co. brands.

Milwaukee-based WorkWise LLC announced the strategic acquisition of OnContact Software, a Cedarburg-based provider of mid-sized CRM (customer relations management) systems.

Briggs & Stratton Corp. announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Companhia Caetano Branco of Brazil for approximately $60 million, subject to post-closing adjustments.

Northern Trust Bank has been named “Best Private Bank” in the United States for the fourth consecutive year by Professional Wealth Management and The Banker magazines, both published by the Financial Times Group.

Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin Inc., the Madison-based parent company of Anchor Bank, announced a third quarter net loss of $12.1 million, or 57 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $19.6 million, or 92 cents per share, for the same period a year ago.