Insights

Key investors in Treasury Wine Estates are believed to be preparing to crank up discussions with the board to offload the global wine giant's beleaguered US division before it becomes a drag on the Australian business.

Shares in the hotly contested dairy company Warrnambool Cheese and Butter have fallen amid concern a blocking stake by Lion could see Saputo retreat from its knock-out offer.

When it comes to dealing with potential misuse of market power by the big supermarkets, which is the best way forward - to prosecute, to negotiate or to legislate?

Law firm Maurice Blackburn is considering widening a class action against construction major Leighton Holdings to take into account shareholder losses as a result of recent claims over corruption inside the company.

Ousted Treasury Wine Estates boss David Dearie has dismissed allegations by his former chairman that he lacked sufficient operational skills to lead the winemaker, openly contradicting Paul Rayner's key message to the market last month for the former chief executive's ejection from the company.

Fortescue Metals Group will try to extend the maturity date on its biggest debt obligation and request cheaper interest rates, as it continues to act early on its giant debt pile.

Crown's executive chairman James Packer was forced to assure investors on Wednesday that its aggressive expansion plans in Asia were affordable, at a time when its local operations continue to suffer from poor consumer sentiment.

People living in areas at greater risk of natural disasters should be prepared to pay higher home insurance premiums, the chief of one of the country's biggest insurers says.

The owner of outlets including Donut King and Michel's Patisserie is raising cash for bolt-on deals.

APN is likely to record a loss on the sale of its ecommerce company, which has drawn a range of bidders.

The mining group is trading well below its net asset value, and faces continuing losses.

Investors in shares and property can rest easy for now … the boom is too hard to stop.

Removing the cross-links between Brickworks and Soul Pattinson would unlock value.

The festive season is fast approaching, but not all consumer stocks will be celebrating.

Expect a market upturn pre-Christmas … but look overseas or to domestic midcaps.

This week we look at BHP Billiton, UGL, ResMed, AMP, and GPT Group.