1. UPDATE 1-EZCORP buys Cash Converters’ US stores, franchise rights


    EZCORP had ended an agreement with Cash Converters International Ltd to acquire a controlling stake in the Perth-based peer following an Australian government move to cap small credit contract fees.The acquired stores operate the Cash Converters’ buy/sell model rather than the pawn model used in EZCORP’s other U.S. stores.The acquired franchise rights include the exclusive right to develop Cash Converters stores in Virginia, North Florida and Eastern Pennsylvania, the company said in a statement.The acquisition, which was completed on Oct. 12, also includes a right to acquire the Cash Converters franchise rights in the District of Columbia and 17 other states in the East, South, Midwest and Southwest.EZCORP shares, which closed at $27.65 on Nasdaq on Monday, were up 3 percent after market.

  2. UPDATE 1-KNOC signs supply deal for Newfoundland refinery


    CALGARY, Alberta Oct 12 (Reuters) - Macquarie Energy Canada Ltd will supply Korea National Oil Corp’s [KOILC.UL] Newfoundland refinery with oil and buy petroleum products from the plant under a new agreement, state-run KNOC’s Canadian unit said on Wednesday.The deal, which comes into effect in November, replaces an existing agreement for the 115,000 barrel a day refinery in Come By Chance, Newfoundland, Harvest Operations Corp, KNOC’s Canadian subsidiary, said in a statement.It is a continuing agreement that has an initial one-year term. No volumes or dollar figures were disclosed.Harvest will provide storage tanks for the feedstock and petroleum products and is responsible for vessel loading and offloading, it said.