Milford hires top legal gun, Cavalier clipped, SkyCity convention centre spin

Milford Asset Management is understood to have hired a top commercial lawyer to represent it while it is being investigated by the Financial Markets Authority. Meanwhile, NBR chief reporter Duncan Bridgeman has obtained a copy of a letter outlining a complaint to the regulator in September 2013 requesting an investigation into Milford over alleged market manipulation.

Cavalier Corp [NZX:CAV] faces being shorn of a meaningful stake in a proposed wool scour merger under revised terms that cede greater control to Melbourne-based wool processor Lempriere. The amended terms will test the Commerce Commission, which has delayed its decision on the already controversial merger for six weeks due to the new information, and also the Overseas Investment Office – given that Lempriere is now controlled by investors in Asia.

The principal players in the SkyCity [NZX:SKC] convention centre deal are ducking for cover as the gap between the rhetoric about the project and the apparent reality widens to rival its funding fissure. Nick Grant reports.

Meanwhile, columnist Matthew Hooton has his say on the convention centre debacle. Be sure to read this one.

Analysts are not expecting any great surprises from the four power companies reporting this earnings season but there are a number of issues investors should keep watch over in the year ahead.Calida Smylie reports.

You’ve heard it before, but this time Sky TV’s [NZX:SKT] Netflix clone Neon is truly about to launch. Technology editor Chris Keall has the good news and the not so good news.

If there’s one thing fund managers do well, it’s talking up their own performance. With the FMA cracking down on market manipulation, Shoeshine details two areas of concern – performance fees and Direct Market Access.

In property, Sally Lindsay reports on Auckland Council’s Wharves reports and finds them all at sea.

Also, what’s happening with Alexandra Park’s apartment and retail development?

Rob Hosking talks to Productivity Commission economist Paul Conway about labour productivity and whether the evidence is solid enough to base public policy on.

The Cricket World Cup is here but economically speaking, might this country find itself bowled out for a duck? Jamie Ball looks at the cost benefits of hosting the event.

Ad Media reporter Campbell Gibson checks up on Postr, eight months after the launch of its app in which consumers are paid to view ads.

Motoring editor David Linklater casts his eye over the Rolls Royce Ghost II.

In Margin Call, Nevil Gibson finds currency turmoil trapping investors.

NBR columnist Jacqueline Rowarth says beware of the cult of reorganising, singling out the Department of Conservation's latest restructure.

All this and more in today’s National Business Review. Out now.