Ideas

Menomonee Falls-based Actuant Corp. reported fiscal third quarter net earnings of $34.4 million, or 45 cents per share, down from $36.4 million, or 49 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Milwaukee-based law firm Quarles & Brady will pay $26.5 million and Greenberg Traurig will pay $61 million to settle a lawsuit against the two firms that accused them of assisting in an Arizona Ponzi scheme that cost investors $900 million, according to a Reuters report.

Milwaukee-based national CPA and consulting firm Wipfli LLP has launched a turnaround and restructuring services practice to help companies who are in operational or financial distress.

Dallas-based 7-Eleven, Inc. announced it has completed a transaction to acquire 18 Open Pantry convenience store locations in Wisconsin, primarily in the greater Milwaukee and Madison markets.

If Congress stays as cocked up as it been in the recent past, high earners in states like Wisconsin and Minnesota could achieve the dubious distinction of paying more than half of their incomes to state and federal government in 2013.

Waukesha television company The Wellness Network has acquired Germantown health guide publisher HealthStyle Press.

BMO Harris Bank will close 24 branches, including 17 in Wisconsin, as part of its post-acquisition consolidation efforts.

Milwaukee-based Journal Communications Inc. subsidiary Journal Broadcast Group has acquired Tulsa, Okla. Radio stations 106.9 KHTT FM and 92.9 BOB FM from Renda Broadcasting Corp.

Eagle Capital Growth Fund Inc. and its investment advisor, Sims Capital Management, have moved.

Milwaukee-based Lakefront Brewery Inc. was awarded seven medals at the Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition.