Company News
Thursday preview: Inflation data, IAG in focus
Should the Federal Reserve begin to reduce interest rates in June?.
Director dealings: Brickability CEO raises stake
Brickability Group revealed on Wednesday that chief executive Alan Simpson had acquired 553,642 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed construction materials distributor.
Direct Line rejects £3.1bn takeover approach from Belgium's Ageas
Direct Line confirmed on Wednesday that it had rejected a £3. 1bn takeover approach from Belgium’s Ageas, as it significantly undervalued the group.
Aston Martin halves losses on record prices
UK luxury carmaker Aston Martin Lagonda more than halved annual losses last year, driven by higher prices for its high-end vehicles.
Co-op Bank profits slide after rise in redress costs and expenses
The Co-operative Bank reported an underlying profit of £120. 9m in its full-year results on Wednesday, down from £136m year-on-year, with a net interest margin of 180 basis points, making for a 14 basis point increase compared to 2022.
EnSilica secures substantial US order
Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) specialist EnSilica announced a substantial order for the tape-out of a bespoke ASIC from a major US-based electronics manufacturer on Wednesday.
Ageas mulls £3.1bn bid for Direct Line, shares surge
Shares in Direct Line Insurance Group motored ahead on Wednesday, after Belgium's Ageas confirmed it was considering a possible £3. 1bn bid for its UK rival.
Verditek shares jump as it agrees sale of solar assets
Verditek shares were surging on Wednesday afternoon, after it announced a conditional sale and purchase agreement to divest its solar business, including Verditek Solar Italy, to Verditek Solar Limited for £0. 53m.
Taylor Wimpey sees fewer builds in 2024 as profits slump
UK housebuilder Taylor Wimpey said current trading was showing “some encouraging signs of improvement” but would still build fewer homes this year as 2023 profits almost halved on higher mortgage rates and weaker demand.
Trellus Health signs deal with large US health plan
Digital health company Trellus Health announced a significant agreement with a major US health plan on Wednesday, targeting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management.
Nexxen reaches settlement and inks alliance with Alphonso, LG
Nexxen International announced on Wednesday that it had finalised a settlement and embarked on a three-year strategic alliance with Alphonso and LG Electronics.
Kibo Energy subsidiary MED strikes new funding partnership
Kibo Energy announced on Wednesday that its flexible power specialist subsidiary Mast Energy Developments (MED) had struck a strategic funding partnership with RiverFort Global Opportunities PCC (RiverFort), along with a substantial funding agreement, a new capacity market contract, and the termination of the Proventure joint venture agreement.
Revenue rises but margins narrow for Avingtrans
Avingtrans reported a 30. 4% increase in first-half revenue in its interim results on Wednesday, to £65. 2m, compared to £50. 0m in the same period last year.
Bradda Head completes exchange of claims in Arizona
Bradda Head Lithium announced on Wednesday that it has concluded a significant land exchange concerning the unpatented lode claims at its Wikieup clay project in Western Arizona, originally announced on 1 March 2023.
AB Dynamics reports positive trading performance
Testing, simulation and measurement products specialist AB Dynamics reported positive performance in a trading update on Wednesday, in line with the board's expectations.
Thames Water calls for higher bills as it looks to stay afloat - report
Thames Water is lobbying both government and the regulator to allow it to raise bills, pay dividends and avoid swingeing fines, it was reported on Wednesday.
Image Scan confident despite slower start to year
Security and industrial inspection scanning technology specialist Image Scan said in a trading update on Wednesday that, while it returned to profit in 2023, trading in the current financial year started at a slower pace in terms of sales and order intake.
EasyJet to re-join FTSE 100 in latest reshuffle; Endeavour up for demotion
EasyJet is expected to make its way back into the FTSE 100 in the latest reshuffle due to be announced after the market close on Wednesday.
Capita secures £220m contract extension
Outsourcing company Capita has inked a deal with as much as £220. 0m with a "major European telecoms provider".
St James's Place tumbles as it swings to loss, cuts dividend on customer refunds
Wealth manager St James’s Place tumbled on Wednesday after saying it swung to a full-year loss and slashing its dividend, as it set aside £426m for potential client refunds.