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.: Patents for 3.30.11

A smorgasbord of patents this week including an invention to help select health insurance plans, a proposed patent for a drink maker, some high-tech gloves and a some sort of explosive-related device.

That new bank smell

Richmond’s biggest local bank recently opened its newest branch, which, in a break from recent trends, was built from scratch.

Boxwood expands in Shockoe

The Richmond-based private equity firm recently leased 2,000 square feet in Shockoe Slip above the Irish bar Sine to house more employees for its various businesses.

Bracket Buster, USA

Office bracket pools have been turned upside down thanks to the University of Richmond and VCU’s run to the Sweet Sixteen. Some great statistics from ESPN show just how unlikely of a run this has been for Richmond’s new favorite sports teams and just how bad it has been for bracket pickers. Of the 5.9… Read more »

Dismantling is almost done

One of the last remaining major assets of Chesterfield-based Commonwealth Biotechnologies Inc. was auctioned Monday to a businessman from China.

Trading Day: Inside the SEC filings for 3.24.11

Proxy season continues – and more hefty pay packages for local execs at Markel, MeadWestvaco and others; Genworth’s new CFO gets a sweet new deal; new directors at a local bank; and another big hotel purchase made by a local REIT.

Va. law schools make the list

The University of Virginia’s law school was the top ranked law school in the state and the ninth best law school in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

Cinderella comes to town

Richmond has suddenly become the capital of the college basketball universe. And that has some major business implications for both schools as they try and get the most out of the national exposure and hoopla.