In a second courtroom victory for Koppers...

In a second courtroom victory for Koppers Co. this week, a Pittsburgh federal judge temporarily halted Beazer PLC’s hostile $1.69-billion bid for the chemical and construction company. On Monday, a Los Angeles federal court also issued an order indefinitely stopping the bid by the British construction firm. Beazer attorneys immediately appealed the Los Angeles court’s decision, but said the order could have “drastic consequences” on the firm’s tender offer of $60 per share. They said the ruling could thwart Beazer’s attempts to finalize financing for the offer. In Pittsburgh, U.S. District Judge Maurice Cohill said he needed time to consider Koppers’ lawsuit in the event the Los Angeles order is overturned on appeal.