By: Robert J. Terry

Pensions, horse racing and football were some of the topics driving last week’s most-read stories reported by The Daily Record’s business news team. There was also news for Maryland oenophiles and mergers and acquisitions buffs.

1. Md. pension commission recommends shifting burden to employees
The recommendations will be forwarded to the governor and General Assembly before the start of the legislative session Jan. 12. But, the Public Employees’ and Retirees’ Benefit Sustainability Commission will be back in 2012 for another go at finding solutions to keep the massive and underfunded benefits system afloat.

2. Maryland comptroller wants to allow direct shipments of wine
After reviewing direct wine shipping practices and laws in 37 states and the District of Columbia and interviewing hundreds of people, the Comptroller of Maryland’s office is recommending legislators draft a law that would allow the direct shipment of wine to state residents.

3. UM football coach Ralph Friedgen fired
In the end, it wasn’t about wins and losses for University of Maryland football coach Ralph Friedgen. It was about empty seats and suites.

4. Maryland racing commission again rejects 2011 thoroughbred plan
The Maryland Racing Commission sent the corporate giants that control thoroughbred racing in the state back to the drawing board again Tuesday night, heaping more doubt upon the future of the racing industry — and the Preakness Stakes.

5. Dutch firm offers $1.09 billion for Columbia-based Martek
Royal DSM NV, the world’s biggest maker of vitamins, said Tuesday it will bid $1.09 billion in cash for Columbia-based biotech firm Martek Biosciences Corp., in a management-endorsed buyout that would improve its presence on the American infant formula market.