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Welcome to Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business, an experimental AI podcast by the New Zealand Herald. Each weekday, we bring you five stories, the best of the New Zealand Herald business journalism, summarised and delivered by an AI voice as an easily digestible recap. It's Tuesday, August 26, 2025, and here are five stories you should know about. Fonterra has settled a licence dispute with Bega Cheese, clearing the way for its $4.22 billion sale of consumer and associated businesses to Lactalis. The French dairy giant will pay 3.845 billion dollars, plus 375 million for Bega licences, which are now included in the divestment. Fonterra confirms it will also cover Bega's legal costs. The sale includes the co-op's global consumer business, except Greater China, along with foodservice and ingredients operations in Oceania, Sri Lanka, the Middle East and Africa. Chief executive Miles Hurrell earlier noted the sale price exceeded expectations, marking one of New Zealand's largest corporate transactions. In other news, Genesis Energy has reported a 29 percent rise in net profit to $169 million for the June year, driven by higher generation. Normalised earnings reached $470 million, up 14 percent, while the board declared a final dividend of 7.17 cents, taking the annual total to 14.3 cents. Genesis produced 30 percent more electricity than planned last winter amid gas shortages and low lake levels. The Huntly Power Station again played a central role in supply reliability. Shares dropped 2.6 percent after guidance for next year projected lower earnings due to investment and fuel costs. Elsewhere, Vulcan Steel is raising A$87.1 million through a shareholder entitlement offer to acquire Roofing Industries for $88 million. The deal values the roofing manufacturer at $99 million, including related businesses and branches. Roofing Industries generated more than $160 million in revenue and $25 million in earnings last year. Vulcan reported a 61 percent fall in net profit to $15.7 million for the June year, with EBITDA at $109 million, down 26 percent. The company declared a final dividend of 3.5 cents. Roofing Industries operates from 15 sites across New Zealand, significantly expanding Vulcan's operational footprint nationwide. Meanwhile, NZME has posted operating earnings of $23.9 million for the six months to June 30, up nearly 12 percent from last year. However, the company recorded an after-tax loss of $393,000, compared with a $1.9 million profit in 2024, due to $5.2 million in non-recurring costs. Revenue fell 3 percent to $165.7 million, impacted by the closure of community newspapers. OneRoof lifted revenue 16 percent, with earnings up 52 percent. Net debt rose to $33.3 million. The board declared an interim dividend of 3 cents per share and announced the creation of new editorial and OneRoof advisory boards. In a separate development, the receivership of appliance retailer Kitchen Things has drawn customer complaints over deposits and deliveries. One customer says he paid a $5500 deposit on the same day receivers were appointed by ASB Bank, which holds security over the company. Receivers Grant Thornton are now controlling the business and assets, including related entities Applico and Baumatic Appliances. Customers also report prepaid appliances withheld by courier Fliway. Receivers Russell Moore, Stephen Keen and Adele Hicks say the group faced weaker demand and rising competition, and they are assessing stock while seeking buyers. That was Today in Business - Powered by Spark for Business - your NZ Herald daily business summary. For the best in business, subscribe to Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.