Brokerage Forsyth Barr and French bank Credit Agricole avoided a lawsuit over the sale and promotion of the disastrous NZX-traded Credit Sails notes because the regulator deemed a settlement would return more to the mostly retired investors. Commerce Commission chairman Mark Berry told media the $60 million settlement announced in December was in the best interests of the investors who …

Briscoe Group, the homeware and sports goods retailer controlled by managing director Rod Duke, said annual profit rose 11 percent to a record as sales gained more than costs, allowing the company to lift its dividend. Profit rose to $30.5 million in the 12 months ended Jan. 27, from $27.5 million a year earlier, the Auckland-based company said in a …

Restaurant Brands New Zealand reported a 4.5 percent gain in fourth-quarter sales as the inclusion of two Carl’s Jr stores made up for weaker revenue from Starbuck’s Coffee as it closed six outlets. Sales rose to $72.96 million in the 12 weeks ended Feb. 25, from $69.8 million a year earlier, the Auckland-based company said in a statement. Annual sales …