Private equity firm buys Guitar Center
      Westlake Village-based Guitar Center announced it has accepted a $1.9-billion buyout offer from Bain Capital Partners, LLC, a private equity investment firm. The total transaction value, including assumed debt, is approximately $2.1 billion.
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into gold with a smile Eco-pirates turn castaways
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com
      Like modern pirates in search of lost treasures Joey Ramos and Mark Corralejo successfully turn people's castaways into gold every day. But they don't have to raid ships to gather the loot. People willingly deliver the goods to the Simi Valley Recycling Center, nestled between Simi Valley and Moo...
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Plenty of options for first-time home buyers
By Kevin Panet
      Many people believe that homeownership is out of reach, not realizing that it might be closer than they think. With today's "buyer's market" and a growing array of financing programs available, it's easier for first-time home buyers and for those who may be looking to trade up.
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