Banking & Finance

Milwaukee-based Brady Corp. reported fiscal second quarter net earnings of $16.4 million, or 31 cents per share, up sharply from a net loss of $8.7 million, or 17 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2013.

Milwaukee-based Northwestern Mutual announced it will pay a record $5.2 billion dividend to policyowners. Most of that payout will be used to purchase additional coverage.

James Ropella, senior vice president and chief financial officer of First Business Financial Services Inc., announced he plans to retire in the fourth quarter.

Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. reported a record year for its investment banking arm in 2013.

Brookfield-based information security consulting firm 403 Labs will merge with Naperville, Ill.-based Sikich LLP.

Cudahy-based Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc. announced that it has acquired Rich Logistics, a provider of truckload and expedited services based in Little Rock, Ark.

Associated Bank has been expanding its revamped training program, Associated University, based on a prototype location in Milwaukee.

Brookfield-based information security consulting firm 403 Labs will merge with Naperville, Ill.-based Sikich LLP.

The board of directors of Milwaukee-based Sensient Technologies Corp. is defying an attempt by a hedge fund to nominate four people to serve on the board at the company’s next annual meeting of shareholders.

Wells Fargo Bank has contributed a $150,000 grant to a joint project between ACTS Housing and Rebuilding Together of Greater Milwaukee that aims to breathe new life into distressed neighborhoods and give low-income income residents and families a chance to become homeowners.