Banking & Finance

Milwaukee-based Mason Wells announced it has closed on the acquisition of A&R Logistics Inc., a Morris, Ill.-based bulk transportation and logistics company.

Bolstered by a strong cast of fall movies, The Marcus Corp. today reported fiscal second quarter net earnings of $4.7 million, or 17 cents per share, up from $2.8 million, or 10 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Gladstone Capital Corp., a McLean, Va.-based investment company, today announced today it has invested $19.5 million in Allen Edmonds Shoe Corp. of Port Washington by purchasing a loan from one of Allen Edmonds' existing lenders.

The U.S. economy grew more quickly than previously stated in the third quarter due to stronger trade, faster health care spending and increased local government construction, the U.S. Commerce Department reported today.

As we approach the end of 2012, and with the holidays upon us, many Americans will be giving gifts in December by way of a check. This year is unique because the Fiscal Cliff is also upon us. Some people will be writing very large, multimillion-dollar checks to family members with the hopes of taking advantage of favorable tax conditions in advance of the Fiscal Cliff. Those taxpayers may become victims of their own generosity.

A second review presented to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.'s board of directors said the agency's problems stemmed from transferring duties from the old Department of Commerce.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. chief operating officer Ryan Murray encouraged local entrepreneurs to support the early stage capital program being proposed in the state legislature at a meeting of the Wisconsin Innovation Network-Milwaukee.

Todd Sivak, partner at Sivak Financial Group in Brookfield, has earned a Certified Family Business Specialist certification.

First Business Financial Services Inc., the parent company for First Business Bank in Madison and First Business Bank-Milwaukee, announced the closing of its previously announced public offering of 1.1 million shares of common stock at $23.00 per share.

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