Sensata Technologies N.V. reported a bottom line of $177.5 million, or 98 cents per diluted share, for 2012, versus profit of $6.5 million, or 4 cents per diluted share, reported during 2011. more

For Rhode Islanders, marine debris is an environmental problem whose solution has been a long time coming. You may have heard the recent news that the Senate Commission to Study Producer Responsibility Models for Paper and Packaging has been meeting since November, and will soon make a recommendation. more

Cranston-based jewelry company Alex and Ani and a Providence-based supplier of brand-name items for loyalty programs recently announced an expansion of a partnership that’s relatively rare among local businesses. more

Profit for Hasbro Inc. fell 6.4 percent to $130.3 million, or 99 cents per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2012 and 12.8 percent to $336 million, or $2.55 per diluted share, for 2012 as a whole, the company announced after markets closed Thursday. more

William J. Murray has been appointed president at Teknor Apex Co. more

A.T. Cross Co. saw profit fall 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012 but rise 10.1 percent for the year as a whole, the personal- and business-accessories maker said late Wednesday. more

(Updated Feb. 20, 4 p.m.) Bella Consulting and Events, the Providence-based marketing, public relations, and event production firm, will announce tomorrow its transition into Seven Swords Media, a division of Alex and Ani LLC. more

Nortek Inc., a residential and commercial ventilation maker, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Lehi, Utah-based 2Gig Technologies Inc., Nortek announced Thursday. more

The Smaller Business Association of New England has announced additional funding for its Manufacturing Matching Grant Program, an initiative designed to provide funds for high-powered consulting expertise to small and medium-sized manufacturers. more

Exports from the Ocean State dropped 0.5 percent in December to $191.1 million on a month-to-month, seasonally adjusted basis after rising a revised 3.4 percent in November, according to an international trade statistics report from e-forecasting.com. more