London close: Oils and pharmas shine
22nd Dec 2009 17:09
London equities added to the previous day's gains although a late pull-back ensured that rises were not as extensive as yesterday. Oil stocks and pharmaceuticals led the way higher. Cairn Energy enjoyed another strong day after it announced yesterday that it would start its drilling programme in G
Read moreAscent to have second bite at Fontana-1 well
22nd Dec 2009 16:39
AIM-listed oil and gas company Ascent Resources is to have another crack in January of next year at drilling the Fontana-1 well in Italy's Frosinone permit, after the first attempt experienced mechanical problems at the target depth. 'The drilling of the Fontana-1 well is substantially under budget
Read moreSmall Caps round-up: Alternative Networks, Ascent Resources, Indian Film Company...
8th Dec 2009 16:08
Telecoms services provider Alternative Networks reported lower revenues and profits as its small business customers spent less. Revenues fell 4% to £89.7m. Cutting £1m from operating costs helped to reduce the effect on profits, although lower interest rates hit interest income. Underlying pre-tax
Read moreSmall caps round-up: Lees, Pubs 'n' Bars, Parity...
4th Dec 2009 08:14
Scottish cake and sweet maker Lees Foods has reached an 'amicable settlement' with the former directors of Patisserie UK after a dispute over the disappointing performance of the pastry supplier following its acquisition by Lees. Under the terms of the settlement, Lees will receive about £225,000,
Read moreAscent places shares at discount
27th Nov 2009 08:37
Shares in Ascent Resources were on a downward trajectory Friday after the oil and gas company announced fund raising plans. The company intends to raise £6m by means of a placing of 120m new shares at 5p each. The placing price compares with a mid-market closing price of 7p on the day before the pl
Read moreLondon close: Stocks in late surge
18th Aug 2009 16:36
A late rally driven by early gains in the US had London back up at session highs, with gains among financial plays easily offsetting a weaker property sector. Investors overcame disappointing US housing starts data that had the blue chip index struggling at session lows mid-afternoon. The annual ra
Read moreLondon afternoon: Gains pegged after US housing data
18th Aug 2009 14:37
Disappointing US housing starts data took the wind out of London's sales over the lunchtime session, though the blue-chip FTSE 100 index remains in the blue. Housing starts are seen as one of the vital signs of the US economy and July's figures disappointed, with the annualised number of housing sta
Read moreAscent ascends on drilling update
18th Aug 2009 14:07
Shares in Ascent Resources were wanted Tuesday after the oil and gas company said drilling of the PEN-105 well in the Penészlek area of the Nyírség permits in Hungary has reached a depth of 310 metres. It is expected it will reach its primary target depth of 1,500 metres within two weeks. Ascent h
Read moreEntertainment One bosses add to stakes
25th Jun 2009 16:40
Three of the senior directors at film maker and distributor Entertainment One have built on their holdings following an upbeat trading statement yesterday. Darren Throop, chief executive, purchased 300,000 shares at 21.5p per share, boosting his total holding to 4.5m shares or 3.47%. Giles Willits
Read moreAscent to abandon Gazzata-1 well
16th Jun 2009 09:54
Shares in Ascent Resources are down almost 60% after the oil and gas firm said it will plug and abandon the Gazzata-1 well in Italy's Po Valley. The Gazzata-1 well reached a total depth of 2,840m, but the group did not find commercial gas reserves. Earlier this month, Ascent reported a pre-tax lo
Read moreSmall caps round-up: Dwyka, Panther Securities, St Modwen ...
8th Jun 2009 09:10
Dwyka Resources has received further backing for its possible all share offer for Minerva Resources from Golden Prospect Precious Metals. The letter of intent from Golden Prospect, which owns 3.5m Minerva shares, or 2.3% of the company, takes the level of support for the deal to 69m shares, or 44.
Read moreNighthawk raises $10.9m through Jolly Ranch sale
1st Jun 2009 07:06
US-focused oil group Nighthawk Energy and its partner Running Foxes have agreed to sell to finance group San Severina a 20% working interest in the Jolly Ranch prospect in Colorado. San Severina, a Swiss investment group, will buy 10% each from Nighthawk Production and Running Foxes in the core are
Read moreSmall caps round-up: Individual Restaurant, Hawtin, Avon Rubber...
21st May 2009 08:34
Individual Restaurant Group, which operates the Piccolino and Bar & Grill chains, said recent trading has been in line with expectations amid continuing tough conditions. The firm said it was focused on cost cutting measures, with the economic condition looking challenging for the time being, but h
Read moreSmall caps round-up: Axis Shield, Central China, Trafficmaster...
20th May 2009 12:36
Axis-Shield has sold its Dorset-based subsidiary, Plasmatec Laboratory Products, to Cambridge-based Lab21 for an undisclosed consideration. Axis-Shield said the sale will help it to increase focus on the innovative products in its Point-of-Care and Laboratory Divisions. Central China Goldfields h
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