Sterling Venture Partners said that it would vote in favor of the company's proposed $12-a-share acquisition by Royal Philips Electronics (PHG). Sterling Venture Partners beneficially holds 3.28 million shares (9.9% of the total outstanding). In a separate SEC filing, a shareholder group including Cardinal Health Partners and John K. Clarke reported holding 3.4 million shares (10.3%) of Visicu. Cardinal Health Partners also said that it would vote in favor of the $430 million deal.

Jay L. Schottenstein reported ownership of 2,652,700 shares (14.3%). Schottenstein said that he "may enter into discussions with the company and/or third parties," about his holdings of DSW stock.

Investor James R. Smail said that he is disappointed in the bank holding company's ongoing underperformance, in comparison to its peers, and that he intends to seek at least one seat on the company's board. Smail urged management and the board to take immediate steps to improve the company's performance,profitability and returns for its shareholders. Smail is chairman and owner of J.R. Smail, an oil-and-gas production company. He also owns Monitor Bancorp, the holding company for Monitor Bank, an Ohio commercial bank. Smail reported ownership in OLCB of 119,978 shares (5.4%).j

Crescendo Partners believes that O'Charley's current stock price doesn't reflect the intrinsic value of the company's real estate and its opportunities to franchise new restaurants and refranchise company-owned restaurants. Crescendo has had unsatisfactory discussions with management regarding its views, board representation and strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value, including a significant repurchase of shares, the sale-leaseback of the company's real-estate assets, a sale of the company's Stoney River restaurant concept, and the outright sale of the company. As a result, Crescendo has nominated four persons for election to the board at O'Charley's 2008 annual meeting.

Markel Corp. (MKL) reported holdings of 930,500 shares (5.98%) that it purchased from Oct. 31 through Dec. 21.

South Korea-based CAS has 290,654 shares (5.21%). No further transaction details were provided.

Dubai World, the investment arm of the Dubai government, reported ownership of 19,548,838 shares (6.5%).

Farallon Capital Partners and its affiliates raised their stake to 2.13 million shares (7.3%), from the 1.56 million (5.3%) they reported owning on Dec. 3.