Sunday share tips: BT Group, Shepherd Neame, Afren

Long-term investors should consider buying shares in BT, Danny Fortson argued in the Sunday Times. The Inside the City columnist said BT boss Gavin Patterson is likely to ask shareholders for about £2bn to help fund his acquisition of mobile operator EE. Patterson might not stop there because the next soccer Premier League rights auction is looming. He has the chance to deal a knockout blow to Sky, whose finances are tight after consolidating its European operations. Investing ahead of a rights issue is not for those after quick returns “but if you are happy to wait, why not take a punt on BT?” Fortson said.

Shepherd Neame is a good long-term buy, Midas said in the Mail on Sunday. Britain’s oldest brewer should benefit from the improving economy, interest in speciality beers and the popularity of good, local pubs. The Neame family, whose Jonathan Neame is Chief Executive, owns 54% of the company so its interests are in line with those of other shareholders. The company is committed to increasing its dividend and the shares are cheap, Midas argued.

Afren’s shares rose by more than a third last week, but from a very low base for the troubled Nigerian oil explorer, Danny Fortson said in the Sunday Times. Rumours of a takeover persist but the Inside the City tipster said he would not buy the shares based on that hope alone.

Park Group shares have almost tripled since Midas recommended them in July 2009 and they should continue to rise, the Mail on Sunday’s Midas column advised. Park's main business is producing multi-retailer gift cards and vouchers, used by indivduals to save for Christmas and companies to reward staff and customers. It makes money from commission paid by retailers and interest on money held in trust for customer savings. Pre-paid cards are growing fast and existing shareholders should stick with the company. New investors may also find value.