Dispatches: Never say never to bank consolidation

A month after the ACCC blocked NAB's pitch for Axa Asia Pacific, bank chiefs are still reluctant to rule out further consolidation. For the chiefs it's more a question of "never say never", even though Australian Competition & Consumer Commission chairman Graeme Samuel left the merger door slightly ajar in a recent self-appraisal. (The Australian)

Knees will be seen, legs - even hairy ones - will be bared too, and men will find themselves weighing the Freudian merits of a high, mid or low-thigh hemline with the same gravity as women pick the skirt lengths best suited to their foibles and figures. It will happen as spring unfolds and young men discover the expressive potential of tailored and even low-key corporate-style shorts. (Sydney Morning Herald)

A source of inspiration for victims of sexual harassment that forces bosses to lift their game, or a pyrrhic victory that encourages a string of spurious claims? Kristy Fraser-Kirk's decision to accept an $850k settlement of her sexual harassment suit against David Jones and its former chief executive, Mark McInnes, has sent public debate about the case into overdrive. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Fund manager Perpetual is considering offloading its corporate trust business as part of a defence against a $1.75 billion takeover approach from aggressive US private equity raider Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. (The Age)