Simon Hartley

Log exports look set to double

Log exports look set to double

Port Otago's log exports could double this financial year as Chinese and Korean demand for southern radiata pine surges, in turn boosting prices more than 60% for the hard-hit forestry sector.

ORC eyes merger decision

ORC eyes merger decision

Port Otago's 100% owner, the Otago Regional Council, favours discussion continuing over a proposed merger with rival Lyttelton Port of Christchurch - preferably with a decision made by the end of 2010.

Oceana Gold to buy out forward orders hedge book

Triple-listed Oceana Gold has raised $C86.3 million ($NZ123 million) in ordinary shares and chess depository interests, which it will use to buy out its contracted forward orders hedge book.

St Kilda Finance payout drop likely

Investors in failed Dunedin boutique company St Kilda Finance have received $1.7 million in disbursements since its receivership in November 2008 - but for the second time have been told the overall payouts would be lower than indicated earlier.

Government 'cautious' about exploration boost

Government 'cautious' about exploration boost

The Government remains tight-lipped on the contents of its wide-ranging "stocktake" mineral report - likely to be one of the more contentious environmental issues this year - which is due to be released by the end of the month.

South Canterbury Finance loss worse than market expected

South Canterbury Finance loss worse than market expected

Southern lending giant South Canterbury Finance's six-month loss of nearly $155 million was worse than market expectations and gives little detail of overall recapitalisation plans or pending loan repayments of more than $1 billion this year.

Bad time for Southbury to be listing

South Canterbury Finance's plans for its owner Southbury Corporation to list on the stock exchange faces headwinds on several fronts, while the listing remains crucial for it to maintain its Standard and Poors rating in coming months.

Majestic Mansions block sold

The landmark 90-year-old Majestic Mansions apartment block at St Clair has been sold for an undisclosed sum, and leased back to former owner and local developer Stephen Chittock.

New Zealand, Australia both look to China

The respective state of the economies of New Zealand and Australia were brought into sharp relief during the listed-companies reporting season. Business Reporter Simon Hartley and Craigs Investment Partners broker Peter McIntyre consider the two economies' effects on company fortunes and outlooks.

South Canterbury Finance exits 'disadvantageous' situation

Embattled South Canterbury Finance has made its final payment to American investors - $24.3 million - a month early in order to exit a $100 million loan whose terms it yesterday described as "disadvantageous".