Banking & Finance

Green Bay-based Associated Banc-Corp today reported fourth quarter net income of 47.7 million, or 28 cents per share, up from 46.6 million, or 26 cents per share, at the same time a year ago.

Menomonee Falls-based MTI Electronics has been acquired by Austin, Texas-based technology product manufacturer VirTex Enterprises LP.

Milwaukee-based SmartLinc Inc. has been acquired by Fremont, Calif.-based digital printing firm EFI.

Milwaukee-based financial services firm Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. has been ranked No. 9 on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Brown Deer-based Bank Mutual Corp. reported fourth quarter net income of $2.7 million, or 6 cents per share, up 16.9 percent from $2.3 million, or 5 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Wisconsin's business owners are optimistic about the year ahead, according to a study released today by BMO Harris Bank.

WaterStone Bank has opened its new branch at 17495 W. Capitol Drive in Brookfield.

Gov. Scott Walker recently floated the idea of eliminating the income tax in the State of Wisconsin. It would be a bold move and one that comes as a bit of a surprise given that the last budget still leaves Wisconsin's highest income tax rate higher than it was during most of the Doyle administration.

Milwaukee-based Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. Inc. is exploring a possible sale of its Russell Investments asset management business, according to a report by Reuters.

Advicent Solutions has hired Phil Cunningham as chief executive officer.