News And Announcements
Glencore shares drop on reports of looming SFO probe
Glencore’s shares were well into the red on Friday afternoon, as reports emerged that the Serious Fraud Office was making preparations to open a formal investigation into the company, over its work with the leader of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler.
Live Company to open LEGO cafe in Seoul
Live Company announced the launch of BRICKLIVE Kids' Café on Friday, to take place next month in the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, South Korea.
OptiBiotix wins top dieting ingredient award
OptiBiotix Health has won the award for Weight Management Ingredient of the Year at the Vitafoods European trade show in Geneva, it announced on Friday.
Union Jack Oil welcomes government statement on shale development
UK-focused onshore hydrocarbon production, development and exploration company Union Jack Oil said it welcomes the government's support and commitment to it industry on Friday, as was laid out in a written ministerial statement from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Volga Gas confirms start of LPG production at Dobrinskoye
Oil and gas exploration and production group Volga Gas announced on Friday that production of liquid petroleum gases has commenced at its Dobrinskoye gas processing plant.
Hunters expecting to end first half ahead of expectations
Franchised sales and lettings agency business Hunters confirmed on Friday that in the year-to-date, it has signed nine new branches and opened three, as its investors mustered for the annual general meeting.
Barclays downgrades Grainger on recent share price strength
Grainger was in the red on Friday as Barclays downgraded the stock to 'equalweight' from 'overweight' following recent share price strength.
Barclays to buy Lloyds Irish mortgage portfolio for £4bn
Lloyds said it was selling its Irish residential mortgage portfolio to Barclays Bank for £4bn.
Rockhopper making good progress at Sea Lion and in the Med
Oil and gas exploration and production company Rockhopper Exploration told shareholders on Friday that it had continued to balance the progression of the Sea Lion project in the North Falkland Basin with building a material production base in the Greater Mediterranean throughout 2017, as the investors met for the annual general meeting.
Goldstone receives important licence extensions
GoldStone Resources announced on Friday that the extension for the prospecting licences in respect of the Homase-Akrokeri project in Ghana has been received.
TClarke maintains expectations as it adds more new contracts
TClarke was continuing to expect revenue and profits for 2018 in line with current market expectations, investors were told on Friday as they gathered for the company’s annual general meeting.
Andrews Sykes continuing operations solid as it continues to invest
Andrews Sykes Group reported a decent improvement in revenue from continuing operations in its preliminary results on Friday, with the figure rising to £71. 3m from £65. 39m year-on-year.
Unite's Richard Simpson to head up Watkin Jones
Watkin Jones announced on Friday that, following a “comprehensive” formal search process, Richard Simpson has been appointed to succeed Mark Watkin Jones as CEO.
Permira ditches its entire Just Group stake
Just Group fell on Friday as private equity investor Permira ditched its entire holding in the retirement services company a day after it surged on the back of solid first-quarter sales figures.
PayPal to buy Swedish payments group iZettle for $2.2bn
PayPal has agreed to buy Swedish payments group iZettle for $2. 2bn, in a deal that will "significantly" expand its in-store presence.
AstraZeneca confident of return to growth despite mixed Q1
AstraZeneca has a tough first quarter as sales and earnings came in lower than expected due to investment in drug launches and a larger erosion of its Crestor statin drug than expected, but there were encouraging performance from newer drugs.
Carpetright announces £60m fundraising
Embattled retailer Carpetright announced plans for a £60m placing and open offer on Friday as part of its efforts to turnaround the business.
Watchdog kicks off investigation into Sainsbury-Asda merger
The UK competition watchdog has invited all "interested parties" in the proposed merger between Sainsbury's and Asda to submit views on the impact of the deal on competition around the country.
Hikma makes 'encouraging' start to year, shareholders told
Hikma Pharmaceuticals told shareholders its year had begun with an “encouraging start” on Friday, as they gathered for the annual general meeting, with the global Injectables business particularly said to be performing “well”.
John Laing Infrastructure Q1 NAV up 1.84%
John Laing Infrastructure (JLIF) said underlying portfolio growth in the three months to 31 March 2018 was 1. 84% to £1. 37bn.