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 7.25.12

lightbulbpatent

Patents for MeadWestvaco, Philip Morris and the UVA Patent Foundation. Plus, a Mechanicsville man has invented a process of star navigation for missile systems. BizSense Pro shows you the innovations local companies have coming down the pike.

A cleaning service soap opera

frank patton pic

Frank Patton has handled plenty of dirty laundry in his day. But it wasn’t until he cut a deal with a local businessman that Patton found himself entangled in messes made by two of Richmond’s most notorious schemers.

10 percent will do

landamericafrontdoor

A $365 million lawsuit against the former heads of LandAmerica has been resolved.

Monday Q&A: The prognosis is good

linda nash pic

It’s been almost a year since the investment arm of Markel Corp. acquired PartnerMD, and the locally based concierge medical firm has expansion in its sights.

Goodwill thinks inside the big box

Goodwill store

Richmond-based Goodwill Industries of Central Virginia is embarking on another multimillion-dollar expansion, this time with the purchase of two sites, including a massive store that once housed a Target.

Interbake cuts a sweet deal

Mrs. Fields cookies

The 113-year-old Richmond company struck a deal Thursday to manufacture and sell Mrs. Fields-branded cookies in North America.

UR endowment is in new hands

Rob Blandford

Rob Blandford is taking over as president and CIO of Spider Management Company, which manages $3 billion in assets, including the University of Richmond’s $1.8 billion endowment.

Oklahoma lumber firm saws into Richmond market

Cedar Creek lumberyard

An Oklahoma City lumber company is putting down roots in Richmond, and its first move was to strike a deal on a 19-acre property in Chesterfield County.

DealFlow: M&A roundup for 7.18.12

Always Be Closing

Deals this month from BB&T Capital Management and Harris Williams & Co., including an acquisition by Performance Food Group and a $97 million stock offering.

Firm kept lawns green but landed in the red

On the hook for millions with several banks and facing lawsuits in Chesterfield County, a local irrigation company has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.