Company News
Wednesday preview: Lloyds Banking Group in the spotlight
The flow of economic data is scheduled to slow in the middle of the week with the spotlight expected to fall on a final reading for German gross domestic product in the last three months of 2020.
Sigma Capital begins first PRS development in Scotland
Private rented sector (PRS) development specialist Sigma Capital announced the start of its first PRS development in Scotland with Springfield Properties as its strategic delivery partner on Tuesday.
Director dealings: Game Workshop CFO raises stake
Games Workshop revealed on Tuesday that chief financial officer Rachel Tongue had acquired of 1,376 ordinary shares in the London-listed figurines retailer.
Alkindi sales drive revenue higher for Diurnal
Speciality pharmaceuticals company Diurnal reported 6% growth in first-half total revenue in its interim results on Tuesday, to £1. 21m.
Profits fall as revenues rise at Arcontech
Financial market data provider Arcontech reported a 4. 7% improvement in turnover in its interim results on Tuesday, to £1. 54m.
Revenue and profits rise at Springfield Properties
Scotland-focussed housebuilder Springfield Properties reported an 18. 3% improvement in revenue in its first half on Tuesday, to £94. 4m, as its operating profit rocketed 42% to £9. 8m.
Estee Lauder to raise stake in Ordinary in $1bn deal
Cosmetics maker Estee Lauder said on Tuesday it would raise its stake in DECIEM Beauty Group, parent of Ordinary skincare brand, to about 76% from 29% in a deal worth $1bn.
Kazera Global makes 'significant progress' with diamond asset
Investment company Kazera Global reported “considerable progress” at its diamond asset on Tuesday, with more than 220 carats being sorted in the last month, with a mining grade of 10 carats per 100 tons, in line with its internal forecasts.
Premier Oil gets regulatory approvals for merger with Chrysaor
Premier Oil said on Tuesday that all the regulatory conditions relating to its merger with Chrysaor have now been satisfied.
UK retail sales slide, further job losses predicted
Retail volumes fell in February, a closely-watched industry survey showed on Tuesday, although online sales surged to fresh highs.
Vela Technologies raises £1.5m to fund investment opportunities
Vela Technologies announced on Tuesday that it has conditionally raised £1. 5m, to take advantage of a number of investment opportunities.
Strategic Minerals begins trenching programme west of Redmoor
Strategic Minerals announced on Tuesday that its wholly-owned subsidiary Cornwall Resources (CRL) is starting a trenching and auger exploration programme to investigate the possible presence of extensions of mineralisation up to 1,000 metres to the west of the already-established Redmoor resource.
Wells Fargo to sell asset management business for $2.1bn
Wells Fargo said on Tuesday that it has agreed to sell its asset management business to private equity firms GTCR and Reverence Capital Partners for $2. 1bn.
Greatland Gold outlines 2021 work at Juri joint venture
Precious and base metals exploration and development company Greatland Gold announced the initial 2021 work programme for the Juri joint venture on Tuesday, including the drilling of several targets within the Paterson Range East and Black Hills licences.
AB Dynamics chair takes leave for ill health
Testing systems and measurement products company AB Dynamics announced on Tuesday that its non-executive chairman Tony Best would be taking a leave of absence due to ill health.
Facebook to reverse Australia ban after deal with govt
Tech giant Facebook said it would restore news content to its users in Australia after reaching agreement with the government over a proposed law that will see publishers paid for stories on social media networks.
First Derivatives selling down stake in Quantile Technologies
First Derivatives has agreed to sell part of its investment in Quantile Technologies to growth equity company Spectrum Equity, it announced on Tuesday.
Victoria raising EUR 350m to fund acquisitions
Flooring company Victoria announced on Tuesday that, following continued strong operating performance and favourable market conditions, it would offer €350m (£301. 91m) in senior secured notes due 2026.
HSBC turns to Asia, resumes dividend as profits slump 34%
HSBC reported a 34% slump in annual profits dur to the Covid-19 pandemic, but resumed dividend payments and said it would refocus operations on China.
EasyJet sees surge in airline, holiday bookings after UK Covid plan
The UK government’s announcement of a roadmap out of coronavirus restrictions has sparked a surge in demand for airlines and travel firms with easyJet reporting a more than 300% spike in bookings.