Edited announcement

Perth-based asset management company PearlStreet Ltd will acquire Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd subsidiaries Metlabs and ITS for $32 million, the company has announced.

Pilbara iron ore mining company Fortescue Metals Group made a trading halt request today, prior to an announcement regarding an institutional equity capital raising.

Women's Interests Minister Sue Ellery has appointed the Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Marcia Kuhne and Donna Marie Fahie of the Rural Remote and Regional Women's Network to a 14- member consultative group.

The State Government will offer 40 apprenticeship and traineeship places for aspiring chefs and front-of-house staff in a bid to combat seasonal skills shortages in tourism hotspots.

The State Government will seek public input into some aspects of its Fiona Stanley Hospital through the release of an online community survey, Health Minister Jim McGinty has announced.

Western Australians are more likely to buy their first home alone, rather than with a partner or other family, and a quarter believe they will be over 41 when they buy their first home, according to a survey released today by Mortgage Choice.

The State Government will set up a taks force to co-ordinate the development of gas resources in the Kimberley, with a focus on safeguarding the region's indigenous, environmental and heritage values, State Development Minister Eric Ripper has announced.

South Perth-based oil and gas explorer Central Petroleum Ltd will offer 102.7 million options at 2.5 cents to eligible shareholders to supplement its working capital, the company has announced.

Malaga-based Advanced Engine Components Ltd has entered a joint venture arrangement with Thailand-based Monika Motors Ltd to build new natural gas powered vehicles and repower existing diesel vehicles with new natural gas engines.