Market Report
Costain to deliver 'major improvements' to A19 road
Infrastructure solutions company Costain has been appointed to deliver “major improvements” on the A19 road for Highways England, it announced on Friday, as part of the government-owned company’s ‘Regional Investment Programme’.
Oxford Instruments to kit out new high-tech Beijing laboratory
Industry and research technology supplier Oxford Instruments has won a global tender to supply cryogenic equipment to the Institute of Physics-Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOIP-CAS) - a research institute in the fundamental study of condensed matter physics.
Reabold Resources moves closer to earn-in at Monroe Swell
Reabold Resources announced on Friday that Integrity Management Solutions (IMS) has started drilling operations at the Burnett 2B well within the Monroe Swell field, onshore California, in which the company expected to earn a 50% equity interest.
Symphony International backs partial management buyout of Vietnam freight firm
Symphony International Holdings announced on Friday that it has, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a structured transaction to provide funds to Su Misura - a company owned by the management of Vietnam-based Indo Trans Logistics Corporation.
Solo Oil talks up new acquisitive growth strategy
Solo Oil updated the market on its strategy on Friday, reporting that under the stewardship of its recently appointed and experienced board, it was seeking to assemble a “balanced, full lifecycle” portfolio comprised of production, development and exploration assets that provided a sustainable path for growth.
Dev Clever releases consumer incentive platform for Oracle EPOS
Consumer engagement and ‘gamification’ product developer Dev Clever announced on Friday that its new integrated electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) application for the ‘Engage’ platform was now available for release.
Toople sees record new customer numbers as it focuses on SMEs
Business telecoms provider Toople reported “tremendous progress” in recent months, it said on Friday, with shareholders being told that recent strong growth proved its strategy was working.
Royal Mail appoints BA veteran Keith Williams as chairman
Royal Mail said on Friday that it has appointed current deputy chairman and British Airways veteran Keith Williams as its new chairman with effect from 22 May.
Henry Boot revenue and earnings fall as it gears up for Brexit
Property investment, development and construction company Henry Boot reported revenue of £397. 1m in its final results on Friday, which was down from £408. 5m year-on-year.
Bank of Georgia prices $100m offering in bid to hedge against dollarisation
Bank of Georgia announced on Friday that its operating subsidiary, JSC Bank of Georgia, has successfully priced an inaugural $100m offering of 11. 125% additional Tier 1 capital perpetual subordinated notes.
EasyJet ready to suspend voting rights in wake of no-deal Brexit
EasyJet said on Friday that it was ready to activate its Brexit contingency plan of suspending shareholders' voting rights in respect of a small number of shares on a last in first out basis, given it still had not reached the 50% plus one share of EU ownership it required.
London open: Stocks nudge down as sterling regains some composure
London stocks nudged lower in early trade on Friday as the pound regained some composure after European leaders gave the UK a few more weeks to leave the bloc.
RPC suitor Berry says offer is final
Berry Group has said it will not make a higher takeover offer for RPC Group unless the UK plastics manufacturer receives a better bid from someone else.
Smiths Group profits fall 2%, plans IPO of Medical arm in 2020
Smiths Group reported a decline in first-half profits and said it aims to demerge and float its medical devices arm by the middle of next year.
Senior selected by Saab to work on Boeing pilot training system
Senior, a manufacturer of high technology components and systems, said on Friday that its aerospace division has been selected by Saab to supply components for the Boeing's T-X advanced pilot training system.
Sanne profits and revenue rise as EMEA, US perform strongly
Sanne, a provider of alternative asset and corporate services, posted a rise in full-year profit and revenue on Friday thanks to strong performances from its core businesses, particularly in EMEA and the US.
Friday newspaper round-up: Boeing, ExxonMobil, rail firms, Mike Ashley
Indonesia’s national carrier Garuda has cancelled a multibillion-dollar order for 49 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets after two fatal crashes involving the plane, the company said, blaming passengers’ loss of trust in the aircraft. In what is thought to be the first formal cancellation for the model, Garuda spokesman Ikhsan Rosan said: “We have sent a letter to Boeing requesting that the order be cancelled. “The reason is that Garuda passengers in Indonesia have lost trust and no longer have the confidence” in the plane, he said, adding that the airline was awaiting a response from Boeing.
Smiths Group profits fall in first half, Sanne sees strong performance from core business
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to open 20 points lower on Friday, having closed up 0. 88% at 7,355. 31 on Thursday.
London pre-open: Stocks to slip as pound recovers after EU says UK can delay Brexit
London stocks were set to slip at the open on Friday as sterling recovered after European leaders gave the UK a few more weeks to leave the bloc.
US close: Markets higher as investors digest fresh data, Fed decision
US stocks finished in the green on Thursday, as investors digested fresh readings on manufacturing and jobs, and continued to mull over a more dovish policy statement than expected from the Federal Reserve, which prompted concerns about the US economy.