Ideas

The number of new businesses formed in Wisconsin in the first quarter increased by 12.2 percent compared with the same period in 2011, according to data released by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).

Madison-based Axley Brynelson LLP and Murn & Martin S.C. of Waukesha announced they have merged into one law firm.

St. Francis-based Stark Investments plans to raise $39.5 million with Stark Mortgage Opportunities LP, a new hedge fund.

Milwaukee-based Dohmen Company announced it has acquired BioSoteria, a leading provider of drug safety and risk management services to the biopharmaceutical industry.

Milwaukee-based Rexnord Corp. has closed its previously announced initial public offering (IPO) of 27.2 million shares of common stock at $18 per share.

Milwaukee investor Sheldon Lubar, his family and his company are in the midst of a busy week in which they agreed to invest $15 million in Ixonia Bancshares, parent company of ISB Community Bank, and they acquired Madison-based Erdman Company.

U.S. Bank announced it plans to open four full-service locations inside local Walmart stores over the next two years.

BMO Harris Bank plans to close six of its Wisconsin locations, including three in the Milwaukee area, on June 29.

You've been thinking about starting your own company for quite a while. In fact, the ideas you jotted down on your laptop are haunting you each night as you wonder, “What if someone else does this first?”

Economic indicators for metro Milwaukee rebounded in February from a weak January performance, according to the latest monthly report by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC).