Montana-based natural-gas distributor Energy Inc. (EGAS) expressed displeasure with Florida Public Utilities' recent proxy filing related to its proposed merger with Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) and reaffirmed that it will vote against the transaction. In April, Chesapeake agreed to acquire Florida Public Utilities in a stock-for-stock deal valued at $73.5 million. Energy Inc., formerly Energy West, had made its own proposal valued at $73.4 million, but argued that it would have raised the offer had Florida Public Utilities acknowledged that it was in talks with another bidder. Since then, Energy Inc. has attempted to rally shareholders against the deal. In his latest missive, Energy Inc. Chairman and CEO Richard Osborne accused FPU directors and executive officers of "self-dealing" and said provisions in the deal deter a third party from making a higher offer, and the price Chesapeake is paying is "inadequate." Energy Inc. owns 411,848 shares (6.7% of the total outstanding) and is Florida Public Utilities' second-largest shareholder. The company purchased 13,945 shares from June 15 to Aug. 6 at $12.56 to $13.00 per share.

Danaher (DHR) disclosed that it holds 6,412,132 shares (8.8%). The company received 5,561,489 of the shares and $13 million in cash as part of a settlement related to a patent-infringement case involving its Ormco subsidiary and Align. Pending regulatory approval, Danaher will receive a further 2,025,000 shares, giving it an approximate 10% stake in Align. The companies also agreed to collaborate on an orthodontic product that combines their respective dental-bracket systems.

Gamco Investors (GBL) said it holds 935,106 shares (5.1%). The firm paid a little more than $46.4 million, or $49.66 per share, between July 28 and Aug. 20.

TA Chen Stainless Pipe said it holds 445,993 shares (7.1%). The Taiwanese company paid about $3.8 million, or $8.57 per share, on undisclosed dates.

Elm Ridge Capital Management raised its stake to 5,501,111 shares (17.6%), after exercising warrants for 2,966,000 shares on Aug. 13 at $5 per share.

Domain Associates increased its holdings to 5,466,816 shares (11.8%), after purchasing 620,510 shares from Aug. 11 to Aug. 18 at $7.60 to $8.00 per share.

SPO Advisory cut its stake to 3,196,197 shares (4.9%), after selling 254,153 from Aug. 12 to Aug. 19 at $19.27 to $20.49 each.

Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin (WEST) announced that Western will merge into a subsidiary of Steak n Shake, and each share of Western's common stock would be converted into the right to receive an amount equal to approximately $8.11 in the principal amount of debentures issued by Steak n Shake. The merger is subject to due diligence and the approval of Western's stockholders, among other things.