Lovell buys Connaught contracts

Lovell, the Staffordshire-based affordable housing arm of the Morgan Sindall group, has bought the majority of Connaught Partnerships' contracts and related assets. The deal was made after Connaught announced that it had fallen into administration earlier this week. The contracts were sold for £28m, and approximately 2,500 employees will transfer to Lovell as part of the deal.

Harris Cooper Walsh and Brownings merge

Law firm Harris Cooper Walsh (HCW), based in Solihull, is widening its horizons once again by merging with Redditch-based law firm Brownings. The firm has now been renamed Harris Cooper Browings.

Trotec identifies acquisition opportunity

Trotec Laser, the Birmingham-based provider of advanced laser technology solutions for marking, cutting and engraving, has acquired Identify Engraving Systems. Ian Bradbeer, managing director of Trotec Laser, said that the acquisition would allow Trotec to further strengthen its position in the UK and European markets.

Sanctury secures £120m bond

Sanctuary group, the housing association based in Worcester, has secured a £120m bond issue. Law firm Wragge & Co, which has an office in Birmingham, advised the group on the capital injection.

Hortons' continues its acquisition trail

Birmingham property company Hortons’ Estate has added an industrial site in Telford to its portfolio. In a deal worth £2m, Hortons’ purchased the Hortonwood 7 Industrial Estate, which comprises 12 units totalling 37,500 sq ft.

West Mids needs special treatment, says IoD

The West Midlands economy is in such a poor state that it should be treated as a special case by the government, John Rider, regional chairman of the Institute of Directors (IoD), has insisted. He said the region needs to “catch up with competitors in the north”.

Businesses' attitudes hindering economic growth, says PwC

The growth of businesses in the Midlands is faltering due to skeptical attitudes about the economy. According to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) concerns regarding public sector spending cuts and fiscal policy are holding back businesses in the region.

Low interest rates will ease double-dip fears, says Chamber

Birmingham and Solihull business leaders said that they agree with today’s decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to keep interest rates at 0.5 per cent. It is the 18th consecutive month that rates remain unchanged. Money supply has also remained constant at £200bn.

Friend appoints Goldstein as chairman

Birmingham-based accountants and business advisers Friend has appointed property expert Stephen Goldstein as chairman of its Corporate Finance division. Goldstein is currently chairman of a French leisure group in the hotel and golf course sector and will bring “immeasurable” experience to the table, said corporate finance partner Denise Friend.

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In Focus - Bordering on the interesting

Andy Coyne, editor of Midlands Business Insider, thinks the decision to abolish RDAs was motivated by political spite, not economic efficiency. But where does that leave the region? And how will the old allegiances fare in the brave new world?

Talking point: Funding a solution

Enterprise needs backing to become successful. Paul Kalinauckas, chief executive of the Black Country Reinvestment Society, believes his organisation has a workable solution to which the government and banks should be paying close attention.

Minimising capital gains tax

Caroline Marshall, senior tax manager at MacIntyre Hudson LLP, talks about choosing a personal finance or tax adviser and how they can help minimise the capital gains and tax you pay when you sell.

Forthcoming Experts

Assessing offers

Paul Bevan, head of corporate finance - Midlands at RSM Tenon, is our next Selling Your Business expert. Paul offers advice on how to assess offers for your company.

For Insider's full Selling Your Business guide click here.

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