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A recent survey of land sales has recorded the most lots sold in one week since May 2008.

Santos's half year profits have fallen by 66 per cent in the year ending June 30 due to lower international crude oil, condensate and LPG prices.

Straits Resources is poised to sell two of its Pilbara base metal projects to West Leederville-based mineral exploration company, Venturex Resources in return for a substantial shareholding as part of a deal worth up to $11 million.

National property developer Peet has announced strong results in its year end profit statement, with an operating profit after tax of $31.2 million, excluding revaluation of assets.

The state's only listed financial planning firm, Plan B Group Holdings, suffered a tough year as falling equity markets eroded profits right across the financial services sector.

Nickel miner Mincor Resources has recovered from a big first-half loss to post a modest profit in the second half of the finacial year but it was not enough to save the group from an annual loss of $16 million.

Directors of Polaris Metals have recommended its shareholders accept an off-market takeover bid worth up to $67 million from mining services outfit, Mineral Resources, subject to an independent expert assessment and in the absence of a superior offer.

Gold producer, Avoca Resources managed to raise its stake in takeover target Dioro Exploration to more than 44 per cent by the close of business yesterday, ending the four-month acquisition proposal.

Engineering and construction company Clough has posted a rise in revenue and profit from continuing operations, which it said puts the group in a position to pay a higher dividend.

Garrett last Gorgon bar; Qantas to jettison $1.5bn in costs; State tax in reform mix, says Henry; Write-downs cruel Iluka result as zircon sales fall; Major store deals 'real barrier to competition'

THE proponent of Australia's biggest new coal-fired power plant believes the two-stage 330-kilovolt upgrade of the Perth-Geraldton transmission line has left the door open to competition among aspiring power proponents in the Mid West.

THREE directors from global education services provider Navitas have pocketed a combined $18.6 million from the sale of more than 6 million shares following the release last week of another strong profit.

PERTH students seeking commerce skills to engage with Chinese business have a new avenue open to them with the launch of a program at Murdoch Business School.

WESFARMERS Energy has recently signed a major two-year sponsorship agreement with the Asthma Foundation of WA.

THE impact of the global financial crisis on the drilling industry was painted in stark relief this week in a flurry of news from key players in the sector.

Wholesale bread business backs Nedlands retail outlets. Jonathan Barrett reports

Labor to oppose retail trading change

A MOVE by Perth businessman Gordon Martin to bankroll a $20 million "rescue package" for Great Southern investors is widely expected to be the first of several competing proposals to be lodged in the coming weeks.

PATENT and trade mark attorney firm Wrays has extended its services by establishing a law firm specialising in intellectual property in recognition of the increased local demand for IP litigation s

Local executives joined a WA Business News forum to discuss ways to take innovative products into a competitive global market.

He may have made WA his home, but Tim Atterton still wants England to win the Ashes.

HEAVY-LIFT shipping carrier Schiffahrtskontor Altes Land (SAL) has expanded its Australian operations, opening an office in Fremantle as part of a strategic plan to service the Australasian resourc

WESTERN Australia may be an isolated state and its industry dominated by the resources sector, but that need not be a major issue for a technology firm entering the global marketplace.

The news cycle means that many stories do not get the scrutiny they deserve.

BUNNINGS Warehouse Property Trust has reported a small rise in profit for the year to June 30, but only if revaluations are not included in the result.

COMPANY executives have called on the government to provide more certainty for public sector innovation funding.

There is a relatively limited pool of directors in Australia and an under representation of women on company boards, a new report has found.

THE state's politicians will not receive a pay rise this year after the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal ruled the base salary will remain at $128,980 a year.

THE state opposition spokesperson for science and innovation has called for major changes in the portfolio after a series of significant funding cuts.

A healthy dose of scepticism is a mandatory job requirement for a journalist.

THE International Accounting Standards Board has issued an international financial reporting standard for small and medium-sized enterprises, which are estimated to represent more than 95 per cent

BALCATTA-BASED Orbital Engine Corporation has a history of creating business opportunities from innovative advancements in alternative fuels technology, but has chronically failed to turn its technical expertise into financial success.