Australia's biggest private hospital operator says partnerships with governments to build public hospitals are the way of the future.

Beleaguered electricity customers could be in for another price rise after AGL Energy said it wanted to bolster margins.

Metcash is poised for a $215 million takeover of Franklins supermarkets after the Federal Court dismissed an ACCC action to block it.

Woolworths expects tough times for retailers are here to stay as consumers have "stopped dead", leading to anaemic trading for the supermarket giant.

Leighton says a change in leadership style is necessary to re-energise the company and return it to profitability.

Iluka has booked a first half profit due to higher mineral sands production and a jump in prices, and expects strong prices will continue.