Investment firm triggers Bell drop

Shares of Cincinnati Bell Inc. fell 17 percent Tuesday after an investment firm cut its opinion of the company to "market perform'' from "strong buy.'' Shares of Bell, which late Monday reported fourth-quarter earnings excluding special items of $13 million, or 6 cents a share, closed at $4.17, off 83 cents. In a research note, a Raymond James analyst said the firm believes Bell's shares are trading closer to "fair value'' given the company's lower earnings estimates. Bell told analysts it is stepping up expenditures to acquire new wireless and high-speed Internet customers, but that won't hamper its ability to continue cutting debt.

F&W purchases scuba magazine

F&W Publications Inc. has completed the acquisition of Scuba Diving magazine from Rodale Inc. F&W, based in Sycamore Township, said the magazine has a circulation of more than 185,000. Terms were not disclosed. The deal is F&W's fifth acquisition in less than two years.

Sheakley sells some businesses

The Sheakley Group of Companies has agreed to sell some of its businesses to Talx Corp. for about $39 million. The deal includes Springdale-based Sheakley's national unemployment cost-management program, and employment verification and pre-applicant screening businesses. Sheakley, a provider of back-office services, said the deal will strengthen its position in the smaller-employer market.

New Mango Arts store to open

Latin American-themed store Mango Arts is opening a second location, at Newport on the Levee, beginning in mid-May. Mango Arts owner Francisco Marziano travels to Mexico, Central America and South America to buy wrought-iron and wood furniture, hand-crafted furnishings, art and home accessories. It opened in Tri-County Mall in 2001.