Australian Markets

Australia's largest diversified property group, Stockland (ASX:SGP) have raised their takeover offer for Australian retirement village operator Aevum (ASX:AVE) by 20 percent to $1.80 in an "unconditional and final" bid for the company after Aevum rejected an initial bid by Stockland.

Airline services company, Virgin Blue (ASX:VBA) have had their propsed alliance with Air New Zealand rejected by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in a draft report released on Friday as it felt that such a link would lessen competition.

Retail giant, Woolworths (ASX:WOW), has said in its annual report that it is open to potential acquisitions.

Australian mining company, Mirabela Nickel (ASX:MBN) is seeking a capital raising to the value of $US135 to $US165 million. The new capital will be used for debt repayment dues as well as future growth plans with some of the funds to be allocated to operational expenses.

Oil and gas producer, Drillsearch Energy (ASX:DLS) has agreed to a "friendly merger" with Innamincka Petroleum (ASX:INP) through an agreed scheme of arrangement.

Australia's largest investment bank, Macquarie Group (ASX:MQG), has announced a profit warning that the first-half year profits will be down 25%.

Mining company, Lynas (ASX:LYC) have seen their shares surge 15 percent. The mine development company declared a substantial increase to previous mineral resource estimates for its Mount Weld project in Western Australia (near Laverton). The combined rare earths mineral resource estimate has increased to 17.49 million tonnes, with 8.1 percent rare earth oxides (REO).

Australian investment banker, Macquarie Group (ASX:MQG) has delivered its third profit warning in three months. At an investor presentation in London, yesterday, it was revealed that volatile financial market conditions is likely to be 25 percent below market expectations. Macquarie's first half profit for the six months to September 30 would drop to $359 million (from $479 million the previous year).

Dual listed, Australian Gold company, Andean Resources (ASX:AND) have seen its shares rise in both its listings on the Toronto stock exchange (TSE) and on the Australian share market. Canadian company, Goldcorp is seeking a takeover, offering $C3.6 billion for Andean Resources, or $C3.50 per share.

Founder and director of collapsed childcare group ABC Learning Centres is seeking to sue ASX listed stockbroker, Austock Group (ASX:ACK). The legal redress being sought by Mr Groves is over a share order which was not executed. Austock received a letter of demand from the lawyers acting for Mr Groves.