Viewpoints

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. has entered into an agreement to purchase the automotive business assets of A123 Systems Inc., a Waltham, Mass., company that has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Grafton-based Seek Careers/Staffing Inc. has acquired Minnesota-based Brigham Group Staffing.

Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp, which operates U.S. Bank branches in Wisconsin, reported record third quarter net income of $1.4 billion, or 74 cents per share, up from $1.3 billion, or 64 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Chicago-based Northern Trust Corp., which operates a Northern Trust Bank branch in downtown Milwaukee, reported third quarter net income of $178.8 million, or 73 cents per share, up from $170.4 million, or 70 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Associated Bank, a division of Associated Banc-Corp, announced it will close 12 retail branches in Wisconsin and Illinois to enhance efficiency in its branch network.

Milwaukee based ManpowerGroup reported third quarter net earnings of $63.1 million, or 79 cents per share, down from $79.6 million, or 97 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

BMO Financial Group announced it has completed the integration of the personal, commercial and wealth operating systems of Harris Bank and M&I Bank.

Bank Mutual Corp. reported third quarter net income of $2.0 million, or 4 cents per share, up from $1.3 million, or 3 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Green Bay-based Associated Banc-Corp reported third quarter net income of $45 million, or 26 cents per share, up from $34 million, or 20 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Despite posting a record third quarter with a 49-percent increase in earnings, Caterpillar Inc. lowered its outlook for 2013.