25 Sep 2019

Today's business news: What you need to know

5:00 pm on 25 September 2019
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Photo: 123RF

Latest - The country's annual trade deficit has remained flat, as exports rose in line with imports.

Official numbers show the deficit for the 12 months to August was $5.5 billion the same as July.

Exports of crude oil, fruit and dairy products all increased, mostly to China, while imports of crude oil, aircraft parts and fertiliser also rose.

For the month there was a deficit of $1.5 bn - the largest monthly deficit in a year.

Abano in talks with buyers

The dental chain owner has confirmed it's in talks with two parties on different options for buying all or part of the company.

Abano owns Lumino the Dentists in New Zealand, and Maven across the Tasman.

The company has confirmed it's talking to two parties - one which wants to buy all of Abano, and one which just wants to buy Maven.

The Australian Financial Review has named the bidders as listed dental company 1300 Smiles and private equity investor BGH Capital.

Abano said it won't do any deal that is not a compelling proposition for its shareholders.

Government urged to review property management sector

The Real Estate Institute has launched a campaign asking the government to urgently review whether the property management sector needs regulation.

It has launched a website asking people to share their experiences of dealing with property managers.

The Institute's chief executive Bindi Norwell said the lack of regulation hurts tenants and landlords who've found property managers acting unprofessionally and not being held to account.

She said the government should review the industry and announce its recommendations before next year's election.

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