Viewpoints

Financial institutions reported $37.6 billion in net income in the third quarter, up more than 6 percent from $35.2 billion in the same period a year ago, according to the Federal Deposits Insurance Corp.'s Quarterly Banking Profile.

First Business Financial Services Inc., the Madison-based parent company of First Business Bank and First Business Bank-Milwaukee, announced it has priced a public offering of 1.1 million shares of common stock at $23.00 per share.

Milwaukee-based Wipfli LLP, one of the top 25 CPA and consulting firms in the United States, has acquired Duluth, Minn.-based Eikill & Schilling Ltd.

Jeff Sherman and Andy Tarnoff, the founders of OnMilwaukee.com, say their company is looking for new investors.

Wisconsin-based Wegner CPAs has named current partner Glenn Miller, CPA, as managing partner as of Jan. 1.

Erik Buell Racing LLC in East Troy will receive inventory financing from GE Capital's Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) to help it build a motorcycle dealer network.

Milwaukee-based RCB Awards has acquired Artistic Engraving of West Allis and Premier Awards of Fort Atkinson.

Milwaukee-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. announced it has acquired Companhia Caetano Branco of Brazil for a total consideration of approximately $57 million in cash.

Today, 96 Milwaukee residents will graduate from Make Your Money Talk, a four-week financial education course that teaches basic personal financial management techniques and introduces home ownership and entrepreneurship.

Waukesha-based MetalTek International has acquired Lakeland, Fla.-based industrial metal fabrication and machining company Specialty Maintenance and Construction Inc.