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Top story
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National Express concludes Elliott saga
The board of transport giant National Express has called a truce with its biggest shareholder after weeks of unrest. Elliott Advisors, which owns about 17.5 per cent of the company, said it will not interfere with or publicly question the board's decisions for the next year as the company prepares for its AGM this afternoon. In return, Birmingham-based National Express has appointed Chris Muntwyler, a candidate proposed by Elliott, to its board.
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Deals
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Dunns Brothers acquired by Sims Group
Metals recycling business Dunn Brothers has been acquired by Sims Group. Smethwick-based Dunn Brothers operates nine facilities across the UK.
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Meaty deal for Mad O'Rourkes Pie Factory
One of the Black Country's most iconic pubs has been bought out of administration, saving 15 jobs. West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler advised on the acquisition of Mad O'Rourkes Pie Factory from administrator PKF.
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Small caps face acquisition danger, says survey
Smaller AIM companies could increasingly fall victim to takeovers. That's the view of Richard Baker, partner at the Midlands office of tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill.
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Property
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St Modwen Homes kicks off Longbridge scheme
Work has begun on the construction of the first new houses in Birmingham-based St Modwen's £1bn regeneration of Longbridge. The scheme of 115 houses and apartments is the first housing development in the UK by St Modwen Homes.
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Nanny Marney sets up in Birmingham
Cafe operator Nanny Marney has taken a unit in the Bradford Court Business Centre in Birmingham. The company agreed terms on a 20,000 sq ft lease at Northern Trust's centre.
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Business
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Punch split to generate 70 jobs
The demerger of Burton-upon-Trent pubco Punch Taverns will create more than 70 jobs at the company's two support centre buildings, it has said. Vacancies will include positions in finance, marketing, logistics and HR.
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Wesleyan quickly out of the blocks
Wesleyan Assurance Society has reported a "strong start" to 2011 with a 9 per cent increase in new business sales to £8.8m. Birmingham-headquartered Wesleyan, which has £4.6bn of assets under management, said its performance in the three months to 31 March built on its successful year in 2010.
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Auto events come to West Midlands
The West Midlands is set to host two automotive events this month. The seminars will target companies looking to boost their eco credentials and protect their business against risk, said organisers.
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Community
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In Focus: Funding fault
Andy Coyne calls on banks to help businesses by being more transparent about their lending criteria.
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Dealmakers wrap: Primary education
In our latest Dealmakers Wrap - contributed by winners of our Dealmakers Awards 2010 - Matt Caffrey of ISIS reflects on the opportunities presented by the government’s shake-up of healthcare provision.
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