News And Announcements
ProPhotonix upbeat after solid first half
Designer and manufacturer of high-tech LED and laser systems ProPhotonix confirmed its term debt was fully repaid by the end of June in a trading update on Friday - a total of $3. 3m of principal and interest since the restructure of the notes in June 2013.
Metminco establishes sale facility for small shareholders
Metminco gave its small holding investors an opportunity to sell their shares without incurring brokerage or handling costs on Friday, announcing a share sale facility for those holding fewer than 11,111 shares, which equated to a market value of less than AUD 500.
Broadband consumers should be freer to shop around, says regulator
Phone and broadband consumers were promised help to shop around with confidence on Friday, as the communications regulator Ofcom annnounced a new initiative to help people identify and secure the best deal for their needs and budgets - be it through agreeing a new deal with their current provider, or finding an alternative one with a different provider.
Railway passenger satisfaction the lowest in 10 years
The trains are late and we’re not happy.
Shell declares force majeure on Nigerian Bonny Light crude
Royal Dutch Shell has declared force majeure on Bonny Light crude oil exports in Nigeria, meaning be temporarily exempt from contractual obligations.
Character Group gets three more years as Teletubbies toymaker
Character Group principal trading subsidiary Character Options had its master toy licence for Teletubbies extended for another three years by DHX Media, it reported on Friday, following the retail success of its current toy range.
Ramsdens reports 'unauthorised' access to IT systems
Ramsdens Holdings reported “unauthorised access” to its IT systems on Friday, adding that it had informed the relevant authorities and was working with third-party experts to take “all appropriate” actions.
Osirium signs new European distribution partner
Cyber-security software provider Osirium Technologies signed its first distribution partner in the DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) region, it announced on Friday, saying Ectacom would work closely alongside Osirium to build a broad reseller channel and develop business opportunities in the territory.
B&M gets Goldman upgrade as 'significant' outperformance expected
B&M European Value Retail should "significantly outperform" UK non-food retail sales in its next two years, reckoned Goldman Sachs, which upgraded the discounter's shares to a 'buy' recommendation from 'neutral'.
Origin acquisition of Bunn hits CMA speed bump
Origin Enterprises’ acquisition of the fertiliser activities and assets of Bunn Fertiliser hit a regulatory speed hump this week, as the CMA published its initial findings over the deal.
Stanley Gibbons interiors division sale delayed
Stanley Gibbons’ sale of its interiors division - including the assets and liabilities of Dreweatts and the intellectual property rights and goodwill of the Mallett and Made by Meta brands - has been delayed, the company announced on Friday.
NewRiver REIT lifts first quarter divi by 5%
NewRiver Real Estate Investment Trust increased its first quarter dividend by 5% as it said it was “well placed” to deliver sustainable returns to shareholders.
Royal Mail sees 'materially lower' risk from new DB/DC pension proposal
Royal Mail expects the overall cost of a new staff pensions plan to be fundable from its current £400m annual pension contribution.
Easyjet nears launch of Austrian airline to allow post-Brexit flights in Europe
EasyJet hopes to soon receive a licence in Austria to enable it to launch a new budget airline headquartered in Vienna and continue operating flights across Europe after the UK has left the EU, however negotiations go in the coming two years.
GCP Infrastructure ups placing target after significant oversubscription
GCP Infrastructure said its placing was “significantly oversubscribed” on Friday, having initially announced plans to raise £50m at a price of 124p per share on 10 July.
Workspace claims 'strong' start to new financial year
Workspace Group saw “strong” customer demand in its first quarter, it reported on Friday, with enquiries averaging 1,055 per month - slightly down on the 1,060 per month average during the 2017 financial year - with lettings averaging 95 per month, down from the full-year average of 99.
Carillion rallies on new adviser appointment, but suffers new contract hit
Still reeling from the massive profit warning earlier in the week, Carillion has hired HSBC as its second financial adviser and joint corporate broker with immediate effect.
Hays sees full year profits slightly ahead of expectations
Recruitment outfit Hays said full-year operating profit was expected to be marginally ahead of consensus expectations of £209. 5m and was considering increasing shareholder returns.
Dixons Carphone offloading Spanish operations for £48m
Electrical and telecoms retailer Dixons Carphone has agreed to sell it entire holdings in The Phone House Spain, along with its related companies Connected World Services Europe and Smarthouse, to Bilbao-based technological services firm Global Dominion Access, it announced on Friday.
Acacia Mining to begin paying higher royalty to Tanzanian government
Acacia Mining will begin paying a higher royalty to the Tanzanian government for its production of gold and copper of 6%, up from 4%, after new mining regulations were drawn up following an export dispute.