Fraser Beattie

Rival bidders for rail and ports giant Asciano are considering making a joint, all-cash $9.05 billion bid in an effort to seal the long-running takeover battle.

Perth-based GR Engineering Services has delivered a strong result despite the doom and gloom of the resources sector, announcing today a rise in profit and an increased dividend payout.

Austal has doubled its interim dividend after growing revenue and boosting its cash flow, despite posting a 41.8 per cent fall in profit for the six months to December.

Financial services provider Pioneer Credit says it’s on track for a record FY16, after delivering a 105 per cent rise in half-year profit.

Gold miner Beadell Resources has received commitments for a $50 million capital raising to fund exploration to build its mining inventory.

MMA Offshore has reported a dramatic slide in half-year profit as the marine services company faces challenging conditions in the offshore oil and gas industry.

NRW Holdings emerged from a trading halt this morning with its share price nearly tripling in value on the back of news yesterday that its joint venture with Salini Impregilo had been named the preferred contractor for the $2 billion Forrestfield-Airport Rail link.

Mineral sands miner Iluka Resources has made good on its commitment to invest further in UK technology company Metalysis, announcing today a $12.2 million injection into the business with plans for another $8.1 million soon.

Automotive Holdings Group has won regulatory approval for the sale of its Covs Parts business after agreeing to retain four regional stores, and has also expanded its east coast operations through another acquisition in Melbourne.