Banking & Finance

Buoyed by a record performance from its Marcus Theatres division, Milwaukee-based Marcus Corp. reported fiscal first quarter net earnings of $12.5 million, or 42 cents per share, up 24.5 percent from net earnings of $10.0 million, or 34 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

New York-based Prince Minerals Inc. has acquired IGC Technologies LLC of Milwaukee for an undisclosed amount.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker announced that the U.S. Treasury Department has approved Wisconsin’s application to participate in the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which was created by President Barack Obama’s first rounds of economic stimulus.

U.S. Bancorp announced Monday it plans to restructure its operations at 777 E. Wisconsin Ave and eliminate 35 employees in the process.

Naushad Moolla has always wanted to go into business for himself, but didn’t want to start a company from scratch during the recession.

Financial resources

The Brewers Community Foundation recently announced that its 50/50 Raffle for the 2011 season has surpassed $1 million in gross revenue.

Most vendors have occasionally accepted a business check in payment for a customer's personal goods or services. This practice is typically common among contractors furnishing residential services (remodeling, roofing, landscaping, painting, etc.) to clients who are also business owners.

There's a lot more demand from buyers in the local mergers and acquisitions market than there are companies willing to sell, and experts don't expect that trend to change anytime soon.

Recent volatility and ongoing uncertainties have left several financial experts defensive or bearish about the stock market in the fourth quarter, while others remain more bullish about the slow-moving economic recovery.