Morning Links: 28 August 2008

Genesco lifts guidance, Tractor Supply chief to sell lots of stock, state targets private equity investments, former Sounds GM in Florida deal, and more...

Email | Print By Geert De Lombaerde

Genesco posted a $10.3 million loss last quarter, a number that includes a $7.5 million tax expense related to its stake in Finish Line. Pre-tax operating earnings at the retailer (Ticker: GCO) came in at $2.5 million versus a $5.6 million loss a year ago. Same-store sales rose 4 percent and the company also raisedits guidance.

Jim Wright, chairman, president and CEO of Tractor Supply, has filed a plan to sell a block of shares worth $2.7 million at current prices. Wright, who owns about 2 percent of the company (Ticker: TSCO), has until the summer of 2010 to do so.

Tennessee's pension investment entity is devoting $900 million to private equity and is looking at hiring an executive to oversee the effort.

A U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel has ruled that an Alabama lawsuit against HealthSpring (Ticker: HS) must move back to state court.

Former Sounds GM Joe Hart has teamed with Cal Ripken to buy a minor-league team in Florida.

The Documentary Channel has hired two major-network veterans to be senior vice president.

And lastly, The Hermitage is home to the country's best public restroom, according to a contest sponsored by Cintas.