BRIEFS

According to a statement to the ASX, Mariner Corporation's low‑ball takeover bid for stockbroker Wilson HTM may have lapsed. Wilson told the ASX it had urgently asked Mariner whether shareholder letters extending the offer period had actually been sent, and Mariner had yet to respond.

Wilson HTM asked Mariner whether letters had been sent to shareholders notifying an increase of the offer period from Friday until June 28, but Mariner was silent and had not confirmed to Wilson whether the extension notices were sent.

Shareholders should note that Wilson HTM has asked Mariner to confirm whether extension letters were dispatched and that, at the time of the ASX statement, Mariner had not responded. That means the takeover timetable was uncertain and investors were awaiting clarification from Mariner.

Official Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed seasonally adjusted new motor vehicle sales fell 2.4% in January, with 95,694 new vehicles sold compared with a downwardly revised 98,097 in December.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that, seasonally adjusted, new motor vehicle sales rose 10.8% in the year to January, increasing from 86,387 in the prior year period.

Speciality Fashion Group said its focus on growing online sales paid off: the retailer almost tripled its first‑half net profit to $17.97 million for the six months to December 31, up from $6.16 million in the previous corresponding period.

The market responded positively: Speciality Fashion Group shares closed higher, around a 7.5% increase, at $1.025 following the profit announcement.

The takeover update came via a statement to the ASX, the vehicle sales figures are from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the retail profit and share reaction were reported by the company. These items matter to everyday investors because takeover developments, official sales data and retail earnings can affect share prices and sector sentiment.