I've been a business reporter for a while. I've covered Wall Street, venture capital and now private equity. I'm always looking for a scoop or something to talk about. I'm the eternal optimist and am still waiting for the Chicago Cubs to win the World Series. Yes, I believe.
In Second Opinion, Google is buying Gecko Design, most smartphone users don't download any apps each month, 16 rules of engagement to help your startup grow and what it takes to be a ballperson at the U.S. Open.
1 min read · 22 August 2014
Aperion Management and Falcon Investment Advisors, along with company management, are acquiring Ontario Drive & Gear Ltd. Financial terms weren’t announced. Stone Arch Capital is the seller. Ontario Drive & Gear, of Ontario, makes amphibious utility/extreme terrain vehicles for commercial and recreational use under the Argo brand. ORIX Corporate Capital and Ocean Avenue Capital Partners are also investing in the deal. The Bank of Montreal’s Corporate Finance Division is providing financing. Greene Holcomb & Fisher advised Stone Arch Capital/ODG.
4 min read · 22 August 2014
Tate’s Bake Shop, which is known for its gluten-free cookies, is up for sale, according to three sources.
2 min read · 22 August 2014
Resilience Capital Partners has invested in Hynes Industries and Hynes Kokomo. Financial terms weren’t announced. Youngstown, Ohio-based Hynes is a North American manufacturer of rolled formed shapes, strip steel and flat wire. The Bresnahan family, which is the seller, will retain a minority ownership stake.
3 min read · 21 August 2014
In Second Opinion, we wonder why Wrigley Field is suddenly so empty, WalMart slashes the price of the iPhone 5S to $79, and EBay is considering spinning off of PayPal.
1 min read · 21 August 2014
In Second Opinion, Verizon claims it's not in talks to set up another app store, even a former mob boss doesn't trust Wall Street and Vine is finally letting users import video from their phone.
1 min read · 20 August 2014
Longitude Capital and NovaQuest Capital Management have acquired California Cryobank. Financial terms weren’t announced. Los Angeles-based California Cryobank provides resources for frozen donor sperm and specialized reproductive services, including private egg and embryo storage services.
3 min read · 20 August 2014
Mati Kochavi, the entrepreneur behind AGT International, has launched Moonscape Ventures. The investment firm, based in Tel Aviv, Israel, focuses on early stage investments in “new and innovative” technologies in a wide variety of sectors related to the Internet of Things, including smart cities, big data and news and media technologies. First round investments will range from $500,000 - $5 million. Moonscape’s first deal is a $3.1 million investment in SocialStudio, which provides a software platform that allows publishers to transform original web content into videos viewable on all devices.
4 min read · 20 August 2014
Lavante has raised a $3.5 million round of investment led by PointGuard Ventures. Prior investors SAP Ventures and ATA Ventures also participated in the financing. San Jose-based Lavante provides on-demand SIM (Supplier Information Management) and profit recovery solutions.
3 min read · 20 August 2014
HearHere Radio said Wednesday that it has raised to-date $1.7 million in Convertible Promissory Notes. The investors include The Associated Press, A.H. Belo Management Services, Whittier Ventures, Ringleader Ventures, individual backers including Chicago venture capitalist Steve Miller, employees, family and friends. HearHere Radio’s flagship app, Rivet News Radio, aims to deliver personalized local, national and world news directly to smartphone users.
2 min read · 20 August 2014
