Ideas

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.

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

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

Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. announced that its Public Finance business has added five bankers and opened three new offices in Texas, expanding the firm's presence in the state.

The Fisher-Barton Group of Waukesha has acquired Lund Precision Products Ltd., Ireland, from Lund Precision Group.

Menomonee Falls-based ZBB Energy Corp., a leading developer of intelligent, renewable energy power platforms, said it has completed its previously announced underwritten public offering of 31.6 million shares of its common stock at a price to the public of 38 cents per share.

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.