The best Microsoft Gold Partners consider themselves strategic partners for their clients, not merely technology solutions providers, says Thomas R. Cutler.

The concept of business improvement, whether part of a lean initiative, six sigma, or other continual process improvement methodology, is often one of the metrics or deliverables offered by many Microsoft Gold Partners. 

Arch Coal today announced the completion of its acquisition of International Coal Group Inc, for $3.4 billion.

Prior to the merger, Arch had acquired approximately 92 percent of ICG's outstanding shares of common stock in connection with its previously disclosed tender offer. ICG has now become a wholly owned subsidiary of Arch.

"We are pleased with the swift and successful completion of the ICG transaction, which will add tremendous value for Arch's stakeholders in the coming years," said Steven F. Leer, Arch's chairman and chief executive officer.

Swedish telecommunications operator Ericsson has agreed to acquire New Jersey, US-based Telcordia for $1.15 billion.

Telcordia develops mobile, broadband and enterprise communications software and services within the operations support systems/business support systems (OSS/BSS) field.

Ericsson said Telcordia’s core competence and leading market position within the OSS/BSS market would reinforce and expand its own existing competences.

Jim Beqaj offers his expertise in how to sustain yourself in employment by finding your FIT in your target rich environment.

To make sure your business is prepared for anything, you need more than just a plan, says Ray Bryant, CEO of Idappcom.

Sunnyvale, California-based positioning technology specialist Trimble today announced the acquisition of Yamei Electronics Technology, Co. Ltd, a Chinese wholly foreign owned entity (WFOE) of Digisec Group of the Caymans.

Financial terms have not been disclosed.

Wood Group PSN has announced the extension of its contract with TAQA Bratani by a further five years.

Under the terms of the services contract, Wood Group PSN will provide operations and maintenance support, and engineering and construction services, to TAQA's Cormorant Alpha, North Cormorant, Tern and Eider platforms in the northern North Sea.

The contract is an extension of the previous duty holder and integrated facility management services contract that was awarded to Wood Group in November 2008.

VF Corporation, the apparel business best known for its Wrangler brand, is to acquire The Timberland Company to create a $10 billion global apparel and footwear powerhouse.

The two companies signed a definitive merger agreement today under which VF will pay Timberland shareholders $43 per share, representing a total enterprise value of approximately $2 billion. The merger agreement was unanimously approved by both companies' boards of directors.

Copper producer Kazakhmys has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the China Development Bank for a $1.5 billion loan.

The money will be used to develop the company’s major copper project at Aktogay in Kazakhstan.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has agreed to sell its global wire business to Hyosung Corporation, a multinational corporation with substantial tire reinforcement operations, for $50 million.

The business manufactures tire reinforcement wire in Asheboro, North Carolina, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, employing around 600 people.

Goodyear and Hyosung will also sign a multi-year supply agreement upon closing, which is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2011.