WASHINGTON, DC-Legislation assisting landowners with brownfields revitalization was signed into law Dec. 22. The new law allows owners to expense clean-up costs, as opposed to capitalizing them, until Jan. 1, 2004.

HOUSTON-BMC Software has added a headquarters and training center in Amsterdam to its international roster. The five-story headquarters includes a hands-on customer laboratory, auditorium and capacity to teach 100 people simultaneously.

FT. WORTH-Crescent Real Estate Equities wants its employees to know the corporation cares. In an ongoing effort to improve administrative-employee relations, Crescent has opened an on-site lounge targeting new or would-be mothers or workers who just need a few minutes quiet time.

AUSTIN-Something's amiss at Netpliance, where co-founder and investors have initiated talks for a buyout. The acquisition group currently owns 52% of the Austin company's common stock and has lobbed an offer of 65-cents per share for outstanding shares.