Raleigh-based Martin Marietta is poised to combine with Lhoist North America in a roughly $13.5B deal that would expand its specialty-minerals footprint.

SAS Institute cut roughly 300 positions last week as the Cary-headquartered analytics firm shifts resources toward cloud, R&D and sales. Impacted staff were offered transition support and may apply for internal openings.

Franchisees in multiple states say Durham-based Spiffy misrepresented sales, support and equipment; former owners have filed mediation demands and federal suits alleging fraud and RICO claims.