News And Announcements
Spirent Communications launches 'Promise Assured' expansion initiative
Spirent Communications on Thursday launched a company-wide business initiative to pursue emerging technologies and new industries while extending into wider markets.
Ferrexpo's interim profits hit by rising costs and production dip
Iron ore pellet producer Ferrexpo raised sales 4. 4% over the six months to 30 June to $617m as record price premiums offset a 1. 2% dip in pellet production.
Restaurant yield management platform BigDish admitted to trading
Restaurant yield management platform operator BigDish announced on Thursday that its ordinary shares had been admitted to the standard listing segment of the official list of the UK Listing Authority, and to trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities under the ticker 'DISH’.
Revenue and earnings rise comfortably at Portmeirion
Portmeirion Group announced its performance for the six months ended 30 June on Thursday, reporting an 11. 4% improvement in revenue to £36. 9m.
Versarien signs collaboration with 'prominent' sporting goods brand
Advanced materials engineering group Versarien has signed a collaboration with an unnamed “prominent” global sports and fashion goods manufacturer, it announced on Thursday.
Animed Direct drives growth at CVS
Integrated veterinary services provider CVS updated the market on its trading for the financial year ended 30 June on Thursday, reporting a 20. 7% improvement in total group revenue to £327m.
Ceres Power enters new electric vehicle tech partnership with Nissan
Solid oxide fuel cell developer Ceres Power has entered into a new partnership with Nissan to further develop fuel cell technology for electric vehicle applications, it announced on Thursday.
Applegreen takes majority stake in Welcome Break
Petrol forecourt retailer Applegreen has entered into contracts to acquire a majority holding in Welcome Break, it announced on Thursday, which would constitute a reverse takeover under the ESM and AIM rules.
Aviva first-half profit falls but earnings target intact
Aviva’s first-half profit fell but the insurer said conditions would improve and stuck to its target for higher annual earnings per share.
Barclays underlying profit beats forecasts
Barclays first-half profit fell as it paid out £2bn in litigation and conduct charges but the bank's underlying performance beat market forecasts.
Merlin says 'too early to judge' London tourist recovery
Merlin Entertainments, the theme park and tourist attraction operator, increased sales in the first half of the year but profit fell 14% due to currency swings.
Stride says gambling regulator to impose big fine
Stride Gaming lost a third of its market value after the online gaming company said the UK’s gambling regulator planned to slap a big fine on one of its businesses.
Rolls-Royce improves guidance but takes £554m Trent hit
A leaner and meaner Rolls-Royce said full year profits and cash flow should be towards the higher end of expectations but that it had taken a £554m exceptional charge due to problems with its Trent 1000 aeroplane engine.
Moneysupermarket poaches new CFO from M&S
Price comparison business Moneysupermarket on Thursday appointed Scilla Grimble to the board as chief finance officer to replace Matthew Price who will step down on 31 October.
Centamin second-quarter profits fall on lower production
Centamin’s profit fell heavily in the second quarter as the Egyptian gold miner produced less gold and costs rose.
WPP to buy remaining stake in India's Madhouse
WPP on Thursday said its GroupM investment operation was buying the remaining 50% in Indian mobile marketing agency Madhouse for an undisclosed sum.
ConvaTec maintains guidance as it clears backorders
Medical products and technologies company ConvaTec Group reported its first half results for the six months ended 30 June on Thursday, which were in line with expectations, with guidance for the full year confirmed despite what the board called a “challenging environment” in certain key markets.
Serco H1 pre-tax profits almost double to £25m
Government contractor Serco on Thursday almost doubled interim pre-tax profits to £25. 6m, despite a fall in revenue and a weak UK contract market.
CRH returns EUR 350m to shareholders in first phase of buyback
Building materials group CRH has completed the first phase of its share buyback programme, returning €350m of cash to shareholders, it confirmed on Thursday.
Countrywide seeks £140m to shore up finances
Countrywide announced plans to raise £140m from investors to strengthen its finances after the estate agent lost more than £200m in the first half.