Hirepool’s 64 percent owner, Australian private equity firm Next Capital, has abandoned plans to sell shares in a $262 million initial public offering after concern from institutional investors that on market support for shares of the unprofitable equipment rental company wouldn’t be strong enough. Next and fellow shareholders Macquarie Group holds 21 percent. Hunter Powell Investments were to have reduced their combined …

Don’t act so surprised, Your Highness. You weren’t on any mercy mission this time. Several transmissions were beamed to this ship by Rebel spies. I want to know what happened to the plans they sent you. In my experience, there is no such thing as luck. Partially, but it also obeys your commands. I want to come with you to …

The New Zealand dollar slipped from its recent highs above 87 US cents as the US dollar rebounded during the weekend. The kiwi softened to 86.93 US cents at 8am in Wellington, from 86.96 cents at the New York close and 87.20 cents in Wellington on Friday. The trade-weighted index edged lower to 81 from 81.04 on Friday. The US …