Despite a moderate gain in median sales price, 2010 was a very difficult year for sellers in the metro area.

The Inver Grove Heights-based company sold its 44.2 percent ownership of Multigrain, SA-a joint venture focused on agricultural production, processing, logistics, and merchandising.

Mortenson Construction will begin demolition at St. Paul's Union Depot following a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday-the next step in a $243 million project.

The fine imposed on Guidant, which hid information from federal regulators about "catastrophic failures" in three of its life-saving devices, is reported to be the largest criminal penalty that's ever been handed to a medical device company.

CustomGuide claims that CareerBuilder breached its contract when it sold some of CustomGuide's products to other businesses without permission.

Minnesota is reportedly among the states that have the most victims of Bernie Madoff's massive Ponzi scheme and now some face more bad news: Lawsuits asking them to return money they withdrew from their accounts before the scheme surfaced.

Most sectors experienced gains in late 2010-with consumer spending/tourism and construction/real estate seeing particularly notable increases within Minnesota.

The retailer will pay $1.825 billion in Canadian currency to take over the leases of up to 220 retail sites now operated by Zellers, Inc.

Minnesota's largest private company saw an impressive second quarter, with earnings increases in four of its five business segments.

Linda Kae Tuttle-Olson allegedly took funds from escrow accounts for personal use.

A recent report indicates that Minnesota grant-makers are more optimistic about their giving than they were at this time last year.

The founder of Ridgeway International-a Minnetonka-based event and transportation management business-listed assets of $1 million and liabilities of $4.6 million.

The company lowered its fiscal 2011 earnings guidance following third-quarter sales that were "softer than . . . anticipated"-and Wall Street responded unfavorably as Supervalu stock reportedly reached its lowest levels since late 1984.

The decision means that medical residents are not considered "students" by law and will continue to be required to pay income taxes on their earnings.

First Option Mortgage opened an office this week in Edina, only a couple of months after MetLife Home Loans expanded to Minnesota.

The Minneapolis-based retailer will open new stores in 12 states, including one in Woodbury, which is slated to open in March.