Michael Schwartz

Michael Schwartz is the editor of Richmond BizSense, and covers banking, lawsuits, finance, M&A and golf. He can be reached at [email protected] or 804-855-1037.

Markel hauls in another deal

Markel's headquarters at Innsbrook

The insurance firm added to its eccentric portfolio with the purchase of a Georgia trailer company.

Trading Day: Local SEC filings for 7.24.14

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A local exec cashes out on a $2M stock option. A downtown REIT has two hotel acquisitions in the works. And Richmond’s king of tobacco provides an update on the roll out of its new e-cigarette product.

Local fro-yo chain leaps into Africa

sweet frog

A Richmond-based frozen yogurt brand is continuing its international expansion with a deal to bring locations to the Egyptian cities of Cairo and Alexandria.

Local bank merger market stays hot

Franklin Federal headquarters

The deal between TowneBank and Franklin Federal Savings Bank is the third M&A transaction announced this year involving a Richmond bank and the fourth in the last 12 months, further illustrating that the trend of consolidation in the banking industry overall may be picking up in the local market.

Local bank to be acquired in $275M deal

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Hampton Roads’ largest bank is entering the Richmond market in a big way, announcing this morning a deal to acquire a longtime local institution, its eight branches and its $1 billion in assets.

Local bank trade group crafts merger in W.Va.

Va Bankers Association Bruce Whitehurst 620

The Virginia and West Virginia bankers associations are working on a merger agreement that would bring the two lobbying and industry groups under one umbrella nonprofit.

Local restaurant files Chapter 7

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Arcadia Restaurant at 1700 E. Main St. filed bankruptcy on July 11, about two weeks after its closed on June 22.