Milwaukee-based Manpower Inc. said Tuesday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Comsys IT Partners Inc., a professional staffing firm based in Houston, for $17.65 per outstanding share of common stock. The total value of the deal, including debt, is $431 million. Comsys’ professional IT staffing services will be integrated into the Manpower Professional business, and when combined with Elan, Manpower’s European IT staffing business, will create an entity with total revenue of more than $2.5 billion. Manpower reported net earnings for the quarter ended Dec. 31 of $29.1 million, down from $76 million a year earlier.

Goodrich Corp. was selected by two Russian aviation companies, Irkut Corp. and Aviapribor Corp., to provide flight control actuation systems for the Irkut MC-21 family of single-aisle commercial aircraft. The aircraft is also incorporating components from United Technologies Corp. and Cedar Rapids-based Rockwell Collins Inc. The MC-21 is being developed by Irkut Corp. as a family of short- to medium-range airliners carrying between 150 and 210 passengers, and is expected to debut in 2016.

The Iowa Office of Energy Independence (OEI) will launch the State of Iowa Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program on March 1. The program is open to Iowa residential consumers only and rebate dollars will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for purchases made on or after March 1. the agency said. On Friday, the OEI will host an optional training seminar for retailers interested in participating in the program. Retailers are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible. To register,click here.

David Norton, group pharmaceuticals chairman for Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., will speak next Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Des Moines Club during the “Innovate Iowa” breakfast seminar. The event will focus on how to create additional research opportunities and jobs within the life sciences sector in Iowa. Other panelists will include Doug Reichardt, chairman emeritus of Holmes Murphy & Associates Inc., and Doug Getter, executive director of the Iowa Biotechnology Association. The event is free, but advance registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.businessrecord.com.

Hearts for Haiti, a fundraiser to benefit earthquake recovery efforts, will be held Friday evening at Copper Creek Golf Clubhouse in Pleasant Hill. The event, sponsored by Copper Creek, Hubbell Realty Co. and 3E, will raise funds for Meals for the Heartland to provide aid to Haiti. It will feature entertainment by the Nadas, a silent auction and more. A donation of $10 at the door is suggested. For more information, visit www.desmoinesheartsforhaiti.blogspot.com.