NEWS IN BRIEF: NOV 10

IRIS CORPORATION BHD wholly-owned subsidiary, Capillary Argotech (M) Sdn Bhd (CASB), has entered into a Joint Venture and Shareholders' Agreement with Demeter Farms Sdn Bhd to produce rick melons.

The proposed company Peak Platform Sdn Bhd is intended to carry on the business of growing, harvesting and farming, sale, marketing and distribution of rock melons under the trade name “Premium Gold”.

In an announcement to Bursa Malaysia, Iris said the venture was consistent with its objective to expand farming solutions.-- BERNAMA

CREST BUILDER HOLDINGS BHD has been awarded a RM145.3 million contract by Khor Joo Saik Sdn Bhd to construct the super-structure works of a 35-storey office tower at Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

The contract is for a 24-month period and expected to be completed by Nov 11, 2011.-- BERNAMA

RALCO CORPORATION BHD's pre-tax profit for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2009, increased to RM1.026 million from RM339,000 in the same quarter last year, although revenue fell to RM22.716 million from RM29.467 million.

For the nine months period, its pre-tax profit was at RM3.205 million, a reversal from a pre-tax loss of RM792,000 in the corresponding period last year, although revenue fell to RM62.040 million from RM86.936 million.-- BERNAMA

MSL SD