News And Announcements
Possible crackdown on energy drinks as MPs open inquiry
A committee of MPs has launched an inquiry on the consumption of energy drinks by young people in the UK.
Credit Suisse upgrades Synthomer as risks abate
Credit Suisse upgraded its view of Synthomer and increased the speciality chemical company's target price as it sees negative risks surrounding oversupply and raw material pricing have started to abate.
Universe Group signs deal to offer NetPay's onboarding solutions
Point-of-sale, payment and online loyalty systems supplier Universe Group has signed an agreement with NetPay Merchant Services to offer their acquiring and onboarding solutions to its own retail clients, it announced on Wednesday.
Mirada secures one-year £3m loan in bid to convert pipeline
Audio-visual content interaction specialist Mirada has entered into a secured one-year loan facility for up to £3m, it announced on Wednesday.
Sirius Real Estate included in FTSE EPRA-NAREIT Index
Germany-focussed branded business parks operator Sirius Real Estate announced on Wednesday that its shares have qualified for inclusion in the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate Index, Developed EMEA region.
Panther Securities expecting £20m profit for 2017
Panther Securities announced on Wednesday that, based on preliminary unaudited information, it expects the profit after taxation for the year ended 31 December to be of the order of £20m.
FDM Group profits up 26% on strong showing from financial services project
IT firm FDM Group saw pre-tax profits rise 26% in the year ended December 31, rounding the year out with £47. 2m in profits thanks to increasing revenues from Mountie.
Rolls-Royce profits and cash flow soar above forecasts
Engine maker Rolls-Royce reported profits and cash flow well above expectations for 2017 thanks to improved revenues and a vigorous cost-saving programme, even though cash was hit by costly reliability issues in its Trent 1000 and Trent 900 models.
New Look to close 60 stores, putting 980 jobs at risk
Fashion retailer New Look said on Wednesday that it plans to close 60 of its 593 UK stores, putting up to 980 jobs at risk.
Focus on costs lifts Ophir in 2017
Ophir Energy announced its full year results for the year ended 31 December on Wednesday, with revenue increasing 76% to $189m year-on-year.
Vitec buys Aussie imaging gear supplier Adeal
Broadcast and photographic products and solutions provider, the Vitec Group, has completed the acquisition of Adeal for a total investment of AUD 5m (£2. 8m), it announced on Wednesday.
Stock Spirits board pleased with 'year of stabilisation'
Branded spirits and liqueurs producer Stock Spirits Group announced its results for the year ended 31 December on Wednesday, with revenue rising 5. 2% to €274. 6m, and 3. 0% on a constant currency basis.
WANdisco enters sales agreement with Alibaba Cloud
Data company WANdisco has entered into a non-exclusive original equipment manufacturer sales agreement with Alibaba Cloud - the cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group - it announced on Wednesday.
Tyman swallows up US firm Ashland in $101m deal
Door and window components supplier Tyman has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire Ashland Hardware, a North American manufacturer of hardware for residential windows and doors, for an enterprise value of $101m (£72. 7m), it announced on Wednesday.
Paddy Power Betfair swings to profit but notes hit to customer activity
Paddy Power Betfair said on Wednesday that it swung to a net profit in 2017 as operating profit and revenue grew, but it also warned that sporting results favouring bookies have hit customer activity.
Breedon profit jumps 52% in 'productive' year
Construction materials group Breedon posted a 52% rise in 2017 profit on Wednesday as revenue grew thanks to improved performances from all three of its divisions.
Equiniti profits down as it pursues US expansion
Specialist non-discretionary payment and administration technology outsourcer Equiniti Group issued its full year results for 2017 on Wednesday, with revenue rising 6. 1%.
Tritax Big Box pleased with progress, earnings see slight decline
Big box logistics asset specialist Tritax Big Box reported its full year results for 2017 on Wednesday, confirming dividends declared for the year totalled 6. 40p per share, in line with the board’s target.
CLS turns to Germany as Brexit unsettles UK property market
CLS Holdings said it was shifting property investment towards Germany amid Brexit jitters in the UK as the company reported a near-doubling of annual profit after selling its Vauxhall Square site in London.
Biffa full-year trading seen in line but Chinese headwinds to persist
Biffa said on Wednesday that trading for the full year is expected to be in line with management's expectations following an in-line performance in the second half, but it warned that headwinds from Chinese regulation will continue.