Artificial heart device company Ventracor Ltd has reported a & #36;14.98 million net loss for the first half of 2007/08.

Lihir shares, which rose 26 percent last year on the back of soaring gold prices, closed at A & #36;3.90 on Thursday. ( & #36;1=A & #36;1.09) (Reporting by James Regan)

SYDNEY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Caltex Australia Ltd CTX.AX, the country's only listed oil refiner and marketer, on Friday reported a lower-than-expected 3.25 percent rise in net profit, as lower refining margins and a strong Australian dollar offset record production

Nestle brushed off fears of commodity price inflation and global slowdown to post an above forecast 15.8 per cent rise in 2007 net profits.

The ACT Government and Canberra Business Council representatives are meeting today to discuss the city's continuing taxi crisis.

SYDNEY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Australian shares fell 1.2 percent on Friday, dragged down by fresh concerns that the U.S. may tip into a recession, while a tumble in oil prices hit energy firms.

SYDNEY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Minara Resources Ltd MRE.AX, Australia's second biggest nickel producer, said full-year profit dropped 20 percent due to lower production following a plant maintenance shutdown, but saw higher output in 2008.

SYDNEY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Table of the latest Australian economic data.

The following substantial shareholder notices were made to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) yesterday.

WELLINGTON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Contact Energy Ltd CEN.NZ, New Zealand's biggest listed power company, reported a flat first half net profit on lower electricity prices and increased costs, but said it expected a small lift in full year earnings.

The Mainfreight Group has reported a net profit after tax and before non recurring items of & #36;A25.6 million.

Brazilian miner Vale X has raised its bid for rival Xstrata to 47 pounds a share from 40 pounds.

The Serious Fraud Office in New Zealand is looking into property investment business Blue Chip.

Michael Hill International has reported a 27.1 per cent rise in half year net profit after tax to & #36;A17 million.

SYDNEY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Australian shares are set to fall on Friday, after fresh concerns that the U.S. may tip into a recession pushed Wall Street lower, while a tumble in oil prices may pressure energy firms.

WELLINGTON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - New Zealand pay-TV operator Sky Television Ltd. SKT.NZ reported a 40 percent rise in first-half profit on Friday on strong revenue growth and subdued costs.

WELLINGTON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - New Zealand and South Korea will meet in April to explore the possibility of a free trade deal between the two countries, New Zealand's trade minister said on Friday.

Marathon Resources says it is still waiting for instructions from the Department of Primary Industries and Resources before it can finish cleaning up in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, in South Australia's far north.

FRANKFURT (AFP) - German private banks and other financial services companies are involved in some cases of tax evasion by foundations based in Liechtenstein, a press report said Thursday.

FRANKFURT (AFP) - German chemical giant BASF wrapped up 2007 with record results owing to positive contributions from recently acquired companies, a statement said Thursday.