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.

The R&D Dept.: Local patents for 12.5.12

lightbulbpatent

A busy two weeks in the R&D Dept. with patents from VCU, MeadWestvaco and an invention for a “virtual reality shopping experience.” Get details on all the local patents with BizSense Pro.

Firm takes a $1.2 billion bite out of REIT

Apple REIT headquarters

Richmond-based Apple REIT Six, which owns 66 hotels across the country, said Friday that it would be acquired by an affiliate of private equity and financial firm Blackstone.

Markel sells slice of stock in a major bank

Markel logo

The West End-based specialty insurer made five transactions over a few weeks last month to reduce its holdings of Union First Market Bank.

Trading Day: Inside local SEC filings for 11.29.12

A local CEO is giving himself a pay cut to $1 per month until his company turns a profit. A Richmond insurer continued to sell off its stake in a local bank. And dividends from two local banks.

REIT wants ability to evict Hooters owner

The Hooters at 7912 W. Broad St.

Spirit Realty Capital is fighting to keep some its Richmond real estate from getting tangled in the bankruptcy of a local restaurateur.

Hooters owner files for bankruptcy

The Hooters at 7912 W. Broad St.

Cornett Hospitality, which owns a dozen Hooters and Topeka’s Steakhouse locations in the Richmond area, lists 287 creditors in its Chapter 11 filing.

Cloudy days for West End hotel

Days Inn Richmond West Broad

A hotel next to two of the biggest corporate campuses in Richmond is facing foreclosure for the second time.