Banking & Finance

It's no secret that Republicans and Democrats in the Wisconsin Legislature have disagreed on more than a few issues in recent years. There comes a time, however, to put partisanship aside and to stand on common ground.

Ten Wisconsin companies took spots on the Fortune 500 listing released yesterday.

Madison-based Wisconsin Bank & Trust plans to enter the Milwaukee market with a mortgage lending office in Brookfield.

Profits for Waukesha-based Generac Holdings Inc. surged in the first quarter by 68.4 percent. The company reported first quarter net income of $50.7 million, or 73 cents per share, compared to $30.1 million, or 44 cents per share for the first quarter of 2012.

Waterstone Financial Inc., the Wauwatosa-based parent company of WaterStone Bank, reported first quarter net income of $4.6 million, or 15 cents per share, up from $2.2 million, or 7 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

The Milwaukee chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants has changed its name to the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance following a name change enacted by the national organization.

Milwaukee-based Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. reported net income of $3.0 million, or 19 cents per share, in its first quarter as a publicly traded company.

Milwaukee-based MGIC Investment Corp. continues to post hefty losses. The company today reported a first quarter net loss of $72.9 million, or 31 cents per share, up significantly from a net loss of $19.56 million, or 10 cents per share, in the first quarter of 2012.

Chicago-based accounting, tax and advisory firm Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP will merge with New York-based Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLP on June 1.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based FIS notified the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development that it will close its facility at 1515 N. Rivercenter Drive in Milwaukee and lay off about 301 employees.