Ideas

Grafton-based Seek Careers/Staffing Inc. has acquired Minnesota-based Brigham Group Staffing.

Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp, which operates U.S. Bank branches in Wisconsin, reported record third quarter net income of $1.4 billion, or 74 cents per share, up from $1.3 billion, or 64 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Chicago-based Northern Trust Corp., which operates a Northern Trust Bank branch in downtown Milwaukee, reported third quarter net income of $178.8 million, or 73 cents per share, up from $170.4 million, or 70 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Associated Bank, a division of Associated Banc-Corp, announced it will close 12 retail branches in Wisconsin and Illinois to enhance efficiency in its branch network.

Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. is advising owners of outdoor power equipment be aware of a new fuel with a higher level of ethanol that could harm small engines.

The AFL-CIO Center for Strategic Research has released a new report that questions whether Milwaukee-based Palermo Villa Inc. has lived up to its commitments to create family-supporting jobs after receiving $26 million in government subsidies.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. has entered into an agreement to purchase the automotive business assets of A123 Systems Inc., a Waltham, Mass., company that filed for bankruptcy protection.

Milwaukee-based Badger Meter Inc. reported increased sales, earnings and earnings per share for the third quarter.

Water technology company A. O. Smith Corp. reported third quarter net income of $37.0 million, or 79 cents per share, down from $182.3 million, or $3.91 per share, in the same period a year ago.

Snap-on Inc. reported third quarter net earnings of $74.1 million, or $1.26 per share, up from $67.8 million, or $1.16 per share, in the same period a year ago.