Mergers & Acquisitions

San Diego -- Teradata Corp. signed a definitive agreement to acquire Aster Data Systems, a market leader and pioneer in advanced analytics and the management of a variety of diverse data that is not structured.

Topeka, Kan. -- Collective Brands, the parent company of Payless ShoeSource, said Wednesday that its net loss narrowed slightly in the fourth quarter as sales improved in its wholesale unit. The performance beat Wall Street expectations.

For the three months ended Jan. 29, Collective Brands lost $10.1 million, compared with a loss of $10.9 million in the year-ago period.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores on Thursday said its board rejected a takeover bid by an activist investor, saying it "substantially undervalues the company." In February, Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund offered $55 to $60 per share, or about $6.99 billion, for Family Dollar.

The chain said it also adopted a shareholder rights plan, commonly called a "poison pill," that would significantly dilute shares if a takeover attempt proceeds.

Columbia, S.C. -- Edens & Avant has announced the promotion of Carol Hall to VP portfolio management. In her new position, she will be responsible for creating value through the delivery of technology-enabled process and analytical tools to the investment management, property management and leasing teams.

MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores announced that it will continue to implement its strategic plan. The decision was agreed upon unanimously by the company's board of directors who decided the strategic plan was the best way to deliver value to all Family Dollar shareholders.  The company also reported that it would not entertain the proposal from Trian Group to acquire Family Dollar and that pursuit of a sale of the company is not in the best interest of shareholders.  

Huntington Beach, Calif. -- BJ's Restaurants on Tuesday announced the opening of its newest restaurant in Tyler, Texas on Feb. 28.

The new, 8,000-sq.-ft. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is the newest addition to the 650,000-sq.-ft. Broadway Square Mall.

According to Jerry Deitchle, chairman and CEO of BJ’s, the company is on track to open as many as 12 to 13 new restaurants during 2011 and currently has six new restaurants under construction for planned openings later this year.

New York City -- Target has partnered with two local developers to purchase a 7.9-acre United States Postal Service site in the Throgs Neck section of Bronx, N.Y., for $35.2 million, where they plan to build a 300,000-sq.-ft. mall, according to New York Read Estate News.

NEW YORK -- Loehmann's has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is ready to position itself has the destination for top designer clothing for less. The company said it will focus its merchandising strategy on well-known designer brands that resonate with its frequent shoppers. The company has also refined its advertising outreach to communicate with Loehmann's core customers and potential new shoppers.