Company News
Thursday preview: ECB and United Utilities in the spotlight
The focus on Thursday will be on the European Central Bank as it publishes the minutes of its last monetary policy meeting, former President Mario Draghi's last at the head of the Governing Council, at 1230 GMT.
SkinBioTherapeutics strikes deal with chemicals giant Croda
Skin health-focussed life sciences company SkinBioTherapeutics has signed a commercial agreement with speciality chemicals giant Croda International, it announced on Wednesday.
Brand Architekts positive on outlook despite market difficulties
Personal care and beauty products company Brand Architekts Group told shareholders on Wednesday that, since the “transformational” disposal of its manufacturing business on 23 August, it had transitioned its focus to solely be on developing its portfolio of beauty brands.
Property Franchise Group performs better than expected after fees ban
UK-based property company, the Property Franchise Group, updated the market on its trading on Wednesday, reporting that the second half of the financial year to date had remained strong, with management said to be confident that the group remained in line to achieve market expectations for the full year.
European Metals Holdings agrees strategic deal with CEZ for Cinovec Project
European Metals Holdings has reached a conditional agreement with CEZ Group - one of central and eastern Europe's largest power utilities - over a potential strategic partnership and significant investment into the Cinovec Project, it announced on Wednesday.
Hansteen buys property portfolio from M&G for £12m
Industrial property investor Hansteen has bought a portfolio of seven multi-let, urban industrial estates on Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate in County Durham from M&G for £12m.
FCA fines Henderson £1.9m for unfair treatment of retail investors
The Financial Conduct Authority has fined Henderson Investment Funds £1. 9m for the unfair treatment of retail investors in two of its funds.
Slowdown in UK consumer spending to dent Fevertree revenue
Fevertree warned on revenues on Wednesday as sales of its posh tonics at UK retailers were hit by a slowdown in consumer spending, but shares rallied as investors cheered US growth.
Creo announces first in-human use of 'Speedboat' in India
Medical device company Creo Medical Group announced on Wednesday that the first mentored, in-human use of its ‘Speedboat’ device had taken place in India.
President Energy acquisition of Angostura goes ahead
Upstream oil and gas company President Energy announced on Wednesday that the acquisition of the Angostura exploration contract in the Rio Negro province of Argentina from Compania General De Combustibles (CGC) has successfully completed, alongside the agreement for subscription for $1. 825million of new ordinary shares in the company, by CGC becoming unconditional.
Prosus calls on Just Eat shareholders to accept offer
Prosus has called on Just Eat shareholders to accept its unsolicited £4. 9bn takeover offer, cautioning that the offer from Dutch online food delivery firm Takeaway. com creates "signifciant risk".
U+I drives portfolio yield higher as conditions remain difficult
Specialist regeneration developer U+I reported £3. 6m of development and trading gains in its first half on Wednesday, compared to £12. 8m in the comparative period a year earlier.
Argentex Group pleased with progress since listing
Foreign exchange services provider Argentex Group issued its maiden interim results for the six months ended 30 September on Wednesday, following its admission in June.
Falcon Oil & Gas upbeat after vertical drilling at Beetaloo
Falcon Oil & Gas announced on Wednesday that drilling of the vertical section of the Kyalla 117 N2-1 appraisal well in the Beetaloo Sub-Basin of Australia has been completed to a vertical total depth of 1,895 metres.
Carclo disposes of Wipac Czech unit
Injection moulded plastic parts manufacturer Carclo disposed of its Wipac Czech unit to Magna Automotive on Wednesday for a total of €1. 1m.
Babcock backs FY expectations as H1 profit grows
FTSE 250 defence company Babcock reported a jump in first-half pre-tax profit on Wednesday as a solid performance from its marine business offset a weaker showing in the aviation segment.
HICL income slides but NAV makes gains in first half
HICL Infrastructure reported “resilient” portfolio performance in its interim results on Wednesday, underpinning continued growth in its net asset value per share of 0. 3p, to 157. 8p at the end of its first half ended 30 September.
International PPL plays down nationalisation risk in portfolio update
Infrastructure investor International Public Partnerships updated the market for the period from 1 July to 19 November on Wednesday, reporting that its portfolio of 130 investments in public and social infrastructure assets and related businesses were continuing to operate and perform in line with expectations.
Origin Enterprises warns on profits following 'unseasonal' weather
Agri-services group Origin Enterprises issued a profit warning on Wednesday following a slow start to the year as a result of some "highly challenging" crop planting conditions in the first quarter.
Clipper Logistics confirms preliminary takeover approach
Clipper Logistics confirmed on Wednesday that it has received a preliminary takeover approach from private equity firm Sun European Partners.