Mark Beyer

Western Power is moving into the final stages of preparing for its break-up into four separate corporations, with the announcement of the chairmen and trading names of the four new entities.

Biotechnology company Imugene said it has achieved "one of its biggest regulatory milestones" with a licence for the limited release of its poultry productivity enhancer (PPE).

The state government’s waste management board has released a discussion paper proposing a sharp increase in Western Australia’s landfill levy, which is among the lowest in the country.

It's not often that a political announcement genuinely catches everyone by surprise, but Geoff Gallop’s decision this week to step down as premier and retire from politics certainly falls into that category.

Three high-profile transactions launched during 2005 ran into unexpected difficulties, providing telling reminders that even the best-laid plans can run off course.

Private equity investors participated in some of the largest and most notable transactions in Western Australia in 2005, including the rescue of biotech company Chemeq and the acquisition of EG Green Group.

Former Mallesons Stephen Jaques partners Ian Cochrane and Michael Lishman are looking forward to working for their clients of choice when they open the doors of their new law firm next week.

With Western Australia entering what promises to be another year of strong economic expansion, the major challenge facing the state continues to be managing its rapid growth.

West Perth-based Transerv Australia has been placed in administration, just two weeks after new directors took control of the company.