Viewpoints

Five Wisconsin firms were recently recognized in a Financial Times Top 300 listing, including Elm Grove-based Annex Wealth Management, Milwaukee-based Cleary Gull, Milwaukee-based Diversified Management Inc. and Milwaukee-based Sadoff Investment Management.

Milwaukee-based Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. reported second quarter net income of $19.3 million, or 42 cents per share, up from $5.7 million, or 38 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2013.

Wauwatosa-based WaterStone Bank has named two community president and an assistant vice president.

Midwest mergers and acquisitions deal value over the first half of 2014 has already surpassed the value of deals for all of 2013, according to a recent report from MergerMarket.

When a customer says “I want to think about it” or “I need some time to think it over” it's one of the most frustrating expressions a salesperson can hear. You feel helpless, or if you've been poorly trained, you lapse into some manipulative dialogue that proves you’re both a bad salesperson and you’re only there for the money.

Grafton-based Kapco Inc. recently purchased a building at 983 Badger Circle in Grafton, and has applied to the city to start production operations there.

HellermannTyton Corp. is seeking a $10 million loan from the Milwaukee Economic Development Corp. for the ongoing expansion of its facility at 6701-11 W. Good Hope Road in Milwaukee.

Kenosha-based Snap-on Inc. reported second quarter net earnings of $108.8 million, or $1.80 per share, up from $90.7 million, or $1.50 per share, in the second quarter of 2013.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. reported fiscal third quarter net income of $196 million, or 26 cents per share, down significantly from $572 million, or 80 cents per share, in the third quarter of 2013.

Brown Deer-based Badger Meter Inc. has reported its best quarter in company history.