Whittier Energy Corporation (NDAQ:WHIT) entered into a definitive merger agreement with Sterling Energy plc under which Sterling will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Whittier for $11.00 per share in cash.

Internet Commerce Corporation (NDAQ:ICCA) confirmed that it has sent a letter to Easylink Services Corporation (NDAQ:EASY) proposing to acquire all of the outstanding Class A common stock of Easylink for $5.00 per share in ICC stock and/or cash.

M/I Homes, Inc. (NYSE:MHO) reduced its annual earnings estimate to $2.50 to $3.00 per share after pre-tax impairment charges of between $65 and $75 million recordeded in the fourth quarter, in addition to the $2 million impairment recorded in the third quarter. The company also sees an additional $3 million write-off for Q4 and $7 million for the FY.

Capstone Turbine Corporation (NDAQ:CPST) said that it expects its fiscal third quarter 2007 revenue to exceed analysts' consensus. The company said it expects revenue for the quarter of approximately $5.7 million, exceeding analysts' consensus estimate of $3.6 million.

Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. announced it had reviewed the terms of the investment in the Scottish Re Group Limited (NYSE:SCT) recently proposed by Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. and MassMutual Capital Partners, LLC and agreed to by the board of directors of Scottish Re. In light of objections to the investment transaction, on January 11, 2006, Brandes, on behalf of its clients who own approximately 2.63% of Scottish Re shares, sent a letter to Scottish Re asking its Board to consider an alternative shareholder-backed rights offering.

Interpool, Inc. (NYSE:IPX) announced that the Special Committee of its Board of Directors has retained The Blackstone Group as the Special Committee's independent financial advisor in connection with the proposal from Martin Tuchman, its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, supported by other significant Interpool stockholders and an investment fund affiliated with Fortis Merchant Banking, a division of Fortis, to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of the Company for $24.00 per share in cash. In addition, the Special Committee retained White & Case LLP to serve as independent legal counsel to the Special Committee.

EasyLink Services (NDAQ:EASY) announced that its Board of Directors has formed a committee of independent directors to evaluate strategic alternatives for EasyLink, which could include a potential business combination transaction. On December 22, the Company hired Americas Growth Capital as its financial advisor. As part of this process, numerous parties have expressed interest in potentially acquiring the business.

Glenn H. Nussdorf, a 12% stockholder in Parlux Fragrances, Inc. (NDAQ:PARL), announced that he had begun mailing materials to Parlux shareholders seeking their consent to the removal of all current Parlux directors and the election of himself and five other nominees in their place.