James Hardie Industries, the Australian building materials supplier, settled legal action with the New Zealand government over leaky school buildings. While the terms of the deal are confidential, Sydney-based James Hardie said in its second quarter financial statements in November that it faced potential costs of up to US$47.6 million related to a slew of leaky building claims, including provision …

Talley’s Group, the privately-held maker of foods ranging from frozen fish to ice cream, agreed to buy up to 14.99 percent of Open Country Dairy from Singapore’s Olam International for as much as $46.5 million. The deal would lift Talley’s holding of the dairy company to as much as 70.5 percent from 55.5 percent, increasing its control of a business …

The New Zealand dollar advanced in subdued trading heading into the quiet Christmas holiday period. The kiwi edged up to 82.06 US cents at 8am in Wellington, from 81.93 cents at 5pm yesterday even after reports showing US consumer spending and consumer sentiment at five month highs. The trade-weighted index strengthened to 77.50 from 77.43 yesterday. The New Zealand dollar …