Business briefs: Omega | News Corp | Maxi Caledonian | Blackadders

MEDICAL testing-kit maker Omega Diagnostics has appointed to its board a non-executive director with “invaluable” experience.

Bill Rhodes, 59, will join the Alva-based firm on 1 May. Prior to this Rhodes had a 14-year career taking in a number of senior roles with New York Stock Exchange-listed medical device and life sciences giant, Becton Dickinson and Co. He also recently joined US-based healthcare private equity firm Linden Capital Partners as operating partner responsible for life sciences and diagnostics. Rhodes said that “now is a very exciting time for [Omega]”.

• News Corp has recovered $139 million (£91m) in insurance proceeds in a settlement with shareholders over the board of directors’ actions related to the firm’s phone hacking scandal and its acquisition of Shine studios.

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The company said yesterday that the money would come from insurance policies held by members of the board who were the defendants in the suits.

News Corp also said it would adopt enhanced corporate governance procedures, which would stay in place after the company’s pending split later this year.

• Haulage and construction group Maxi Caledonian achieved “satisfactory” performance in the year to the end of September despite “depressed conditions”, the company said yesterday.

Chairman and owner Gerry Atkinson said the Irvine-based company saw turnover rise to £50 million and achieved a pre-tax profit of £1.8m. He added that the firm has “significant cash reserves and a strong balance sheet”. Its Maxi Haulage division increased its turnover for the year to £42.6m but cost inflation and price pressure reduced pre-tax profit to £1.4m.

• Law firm Blackadders has added to its investment team by hiring John James, formerly of Brewin Dolphin.

James, previously based in Cardiff focusing on charitable trusts, will work out of Blackadders’ Dundee and Edinburgh offices. He began his career in Edinburgh with WM Company in 1985 before moving to Edinburgh Fund Managers. Blackadders’ managing partner Johnston Clark said: “The skills, knowledge and experience that John brings to the firm will enhance the quality service we already provide to private clients.”