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Quoted Micro 16 March 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Marula Mining (MARU) is still investigating various sources of additional finance. The directors and related parties are providing funding. An $8m copper concentrate purchase agreement has been secured with a New York company. This covers 2,500 tonnes of copper concentrate each month from the Kinusi copper mine. The 2024 accounts have still to be published. An agreement with Baosteel Resources South Africa covers initial deliveries of a minimum of 5,000 tonnes of manganese ore from the Kilifi manganese processing plant. Marula Mining will receive a provisional payment of 90% of each monthly shipment upon delivery to Mombasa Port. Marula Mining has not paid the £1m for the minority interest in the Kilifi plant. This will be settled for £856,000 in shares at 3.85p each. Marula Mining and the WEEE Centre have finalised phase 1 of implementation of the lithium-ion Battery Recycling and Critical Metals Processing facility (the “Project”) in Kenya.
Stack BTC (STAK) raised £260,000 at 5p/share early in the week. The cash for acquisitions and investing in Bitcoin. The company subsequently bought 5 Bitcoin at £51,850 each and 5 Bitcoin at £52,758 each.
B HODL (HODL) announced a capital deployment programme. It is redeploying £350,000 in cash to invest in Bitcoin or buy back shares, which still leaves 24 months of working capital. B HODL will participate in the rewards account set up by CoinCorner, which owns 14.3% in B HODL, that will provide a return on part of the Bitcoin holding that is not in the Lightning network.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says M3 Helium, which it has an option to acquire that has been extended to 30 April, will commence drilling of wells on Rost and Enwell leases. The drill rig should arrive in the week beginning 16 March.
Falconedge (EDGE) says that the February Bitcoin yield was 0.912%. The total Bitcoin holding is 20.059694.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) won a contested ballot for 67km2 of mineral title on crown land, 25km north-west of Telfer, which was applied for by multiple parties.
Vault Ventures (VULT) is developing a post-quantum secure communications platform with Whitespace Global. The contract with Whitespace Global is worth £1.6m. Vault Ventures will have controlled ownership of the cryptographic architecture.
The WeShop share price has fallen to $16.40, which is a drop of more than 90% since the high just after flotation. The value of the WeCap (WCAP) shareholding is just over $20m.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has signed an agreement to acquire the Pereira Velho gold project. The payment is $200,000 cash plus $1.9m in shares, plus a 1.5% net smelter return, depending on the level of the gold price, which can be bought back for $1.5m. Ajax Resources issued 927,000 shares for the option agreement for the purchase of 100% to the Macacha project. Ajax Resources chief executive bought 264,146 shares at 8p each, taking his stake to 16.3%.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) edged up income from £277,000 to £283,000 in the year to December 2025. The loss was reduced from £500,000 to £425,000. NAV was reduced from £2.14m to £1.71m.
Gana Media (GANA) is providing a loan of up to £100,000 to NYCE International (NYCE). The loan lasts with 12% and the interest rate is 7%. There are “discussions to integrate ‘NirmataPlay’ games aggregator into Estadio Gana Mexico”. NYCE chief executive Farzad Peyman-Fard is a non-executive director of Gana Media.
Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) is acquiring and integrating an existing validator within the Bittensor network under the Astrid Validator brand. Validators verify results and ensures rules are followed.
Oscillate (SRVL) has renewed four prospecting licences in Botswana for two years. The final $80,000 has been received for the sale of hydrogen assets. Pella Ventures has a 4% stake in Oscillate
Coinsilium (COIN) says that the Yellow network token and trading platform has been launched.
Fidelio Partners has a 20.2% stake in Supernova Digital Assets (SOL).
Slater Investments has reduced its stake in Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) from 5.15% to 4.99%.
JP JENKINS
The London Tunnels (TLT) is raising money via Crowdcube. It wants to raise up to £10m at 180p/share, which is a discount to the $3 share price published by JP Jenkins. The London Tunnels is developing the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels as a visitor attraction
AIM
All Things Considered (ATC) is acquiring digital marketing and fan engagement business Push Media Ventures and Cirkay, which has developed a platform to connect artists and fans. The Cirkay Fan Pass is a digital key that provides exclusive perks and engagement. The total cost is £1.05m, which is made up of £300,000 in cash and £750,000 in shares. The operations will be integrated with the group’s platform and services division. Push has annual revenues of £2.7m and is profitable. Cirkay is yet to report revenues.
Alien Metals (UFO) says West Coast Silver has announced results of a drone magnetic survey for the Elizabeth Hill silver project joint venture. This highlighted multiple new exploration target areas. There is also potential for a larger silver bearing mineralised system outside the existing area. Joint venture partner GreenTech Minerals has completed the phase 1 drill programme at Munni Munni Platinum-Palladium-Copper-Nickel project in Western Australia. Assay results will be published. This is part of the work to calculate a JORC resource. The previous mineral resource estimate is 24 Mt @ 2.9 g/t 4E (PGE+Au) for 2.2Moz.
Offshore energy services Tekmar Group (TGP) reported a dip in 2024-25 revenues from £32.8m to £28.7m, but recent contract wins should return the company to growth with £38.6m forecast for the year to September 2026. It should also mean that there will be a move from a loss to around break even. Net debt was £2.4m at the end of September 2025 and since then a surplus property has been sold for £2.84m. There is already a strong order book for this year and further out.
Semiconductors designer and supplier EnSilica (ENSI) raised £9.7m in an oversubscribed placing at 47p/share. A retail offer could raise a further £300,000. This is expected to unlock £2m of matching funding for the £10.4m UK Space Agency award that was previously announced. The cash will also help to accelerate supply volumes to customers. Earlier in the week, EnSilica announced another two contracts, plus a $4m extension to an existing contract with an automotive customer. The new contracts are in life science and healthcare worth an initial $1.6m and $200,000 for a feasibility study respectively.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has taken advantage of the share price rise to raise £550,000 at 11p/share, which was a small premium to the market price. This will help to progress the work towards a mineral resource estimate. This is much less dilutive that the £1.05m raised at 3p/share last year. Peter Hall took a 4.34% stake. Metals One (MET1) also took the chance to reduce its shareholding from 6.33% to below 3%. Further sales will not have to be reported. Metals One invested £175,000 in last year’s placing so it has already got more than its investment back.
Concrete levelling equipment supplier Somero Enterprises (SOM) had a tough time in the US and Europe in 2025. Revenues dipped from $109.2m to $88.9m, although the second half was stronger. Pre-tax profit fell from $23.4m to $16.3m. This also meant that the dividend was reduced to 10.24 cents/share, meaning it is nearly twice covered by earnings. Net cash is still $33.2m and after dividends and share buybacks it should continue at that level.
Agricultural and fire protection technology supplier Light Science Technologies (LST) is acquiring Injectaclad for up to £4.8m, as well as paying £600,000 for the 10% minority shareholding in UK Circuits and Electronics Solutions and a related property, which can also be used for the fire protection division. Injectaclad has developed a remedial cavity fire barrier for properties and Light Science Technologies has a subsidiary that installs this product. The deal could help to improve margins by streamlining the supply chain.
Earnz (EARN) is acquiring Zero Carbon Group, which takes annualised sales to £30m. The deal will initially cost £3m – £1.5m in cash and £1.5m in shares – with a further £2m plus depending on achieving profit targets. Earnz raised £3.56m at 5p/share.
Anglesey Mining (AYM) has raised £680,000 at 6p/share, following the completion a £4m debt settlement agreement with Energold. There is £250,000 earmarked for dewatering of an existing shaft, £50,000 for analysis of samples and £100,000 for ongoing exploration.
IT company CloudCoCo (CLCO) announced it is raising £275,000 at 0.12p/share. Chairman Simon Duckworth is investing £210,000. A capital reorganisation is required before new shares can be issued for less than 1p each. The cash will fund Project Brightstar, which will enhance the company’s position in the B2B market. Target revenues are £10m, compared with £8m in the year to September 2025.
Ilika (IKA) has made the first commercial delivery of Stereax batteries to Cirtec Medical.
MAIN MARKET
Marine services provider James Fisher (FSJ) significantly improved margins in 2025. In 2025, revenues adjusted for disposals and closures increased 4% to £377.2m. Last year’s profit was boosted by gains on disposals. Underlying pre-tax profit improved from £11.9m to £15.3m. Operating margin was 2.5 percentage points higher at 7.6%. All three divisions improved margins.
BATM (BVC) improved full year revenues from $117.3m to $123.2m, while pre-tax profit jumped from $3m to $13.6m, but this included an exceptional disposal gain. Net cash was $14.7m at the end of 2025. There are more non-core businesses to sell. The cyber and networks divisions are growing strongly. Pre-tax profit is expected to be modest this year before recovering in 2027.
Bitcoin investor and wed development company The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has offered pre-IPO warrant holders the chance to realise value. The warrants are exercisable at 2.5p each. The offer price is 20.6p for each warrant. The current share price is 31.155p. The company has raised £63,000 at 37p/share. It bought three Bitcoin for £48,764 each.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 22 December 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Vault Ventures (VULT) has raised £555,000 at 1p/share. This will be invested in technology. The Vault Accelerator for blockchain and AI development and income generation is in the final stages of implementation.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says that the flow rate for the Rost 1-26 well in Fort Dodge, Kansas has more than doubled to 250Mcf of helium per day, which equates to $1.4m in income in one year. There are discussions with potential partners for additional wells.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has been granted a patent in Australia. It covers a range of formulation versions which includes both the Berol® 6446 Heavy Sulphur Fuel Oils (HSFO) emulsifiers and Sulnox Eco™ Fuel Conditioners which enhance all diesel, petrol/gasoline and biofuels, and marine fuels.
DXS International (DXSP) was hit by a cyber incident on 14 December. This should net have a material effect on the full year figures.
B HODL (HODL) has joined the US OTCQB Venture Market under the code BHODF.
Ananda Developments (ANA) is pleased with the US Presidential executive order to reschedule cannabis in the USA from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act. This recognises the benefit of medicinal cannabis. This will make it more straightforward to gain FDA approval and potentially make it easier to raise money. Trading in Ananda Developments shares ends on 22 December.
Mark Horrocks has reduced his stake in Lift Global Ventures (LFT) from 19.96% to 17.9%.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has not raised any cash from share subscriptions in the past two weeks, which takes it to four weeks since any subscriptions.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) completed a share issue raising £1.2m at 5.5p each and creditors have converted £110,000 of money owed into shares at the same price. Total cash is £2.6m.
First Sentinel has resigned as corporate adviser to Valereum (VLRM) and trading in the shares The company is still trying to complete the transaction with Quorium Global Photonics SPC. The share price fell 7.41% to 12.5p prior to suspension.
EDX Medical (EDX) is commercially launching a new BC95 testing service for early detection of bowel cancer as well as providing assessments of hereditary risks. Interim revenues increased from £18,000 to £173,000, while the loss increased from £1.7m to £2.3m. Cash was £125,000 at the end of September 2025.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) is redomiciling to Gibraltar. This is due to the regulatory environment and crypto advisory infrastructure.
RootstockLabs Ltd has reduced its stake in Coinsilium (COIN) from 6.69% to 5.32%.
Oscillate (SRVL) has issued an unsecured convertible to raise $400,000. This is equal to the amount to be received for the sale of helium operations. That will be received over 5 months, and the loan note will provide cash in the meantime. It lasts five months and the annual interest rate I 15%. It can be converted into shares if the company moves to AIM.
Connecting Excellence (XCE) has bought 8.12682413 Bitcoin for £560,000, taking the holding to 24.77668182 Bitcoin at a total cost of £1.71m. The next update will be on 5 January.
Oberon Investments (OBE) published increased interim revenues rose 14% to £5.4m with the fastest growth from investment management. Investment in growing the business means that the loss increased from £1.24m to £2.39m. Management believes that like-for-like growth could be 30% this year.
In the six months to September 2025, business assurance provider Adsure Services (ADS) revenue dipped from £5.06m to £4.89m, and pre-tax profit edged down from £330,000 to £310,000. Management says the decline was down to timing issues. Cash was £610,000.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has not raised any cash from share subscriptions in the past two weeks, which takes it to four weeks since any subscriptions.
Property investor Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) chairman Dr. Antonios Ghorayeb bought 200,000 shares ag 60p each, taking his stake to 0.89%.
JP JENKINS
Bitcoin mining company Argo Blockchain (ARB) has exited the Main Market and joined JP Jenkins on 15 December.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) has left AIM and joined JP Jenkins on 18 December.
Powder Monkey (PMGL) has appointed Jon Radford as managing director of the UK brewing operations.
ASSET MATCH
Greenshields Agri Holdings (GAH) improved revenues from £3.95m to £4.27m, while there was a swing from loss to a pre-tax profit of £3.12m. However, this was due to a £4m gain on disposals. Cash generated from operations increased from £340,000 to £1.65m because of a reduction in working capital. Net cash is £1.3m.
Shareholders in Gulfsands Petroleum (GPX) agreed to the capital reorganisation
AIM
Technology enabled PR company Pathos Communications (NEWS) raised £5m at 30p/share ahead of joining AIM on 15 December. Management plans to invest in staff, marketing and technology. The share price ended the week at 32.5p.
Music management company All Things Considered (ATC) switched from Aquis to AIM and raised £8.6m at 125p/share. The share price ended the week at 131.5p.
Kettle components supplier Strix (KETL) is transforming its balance sheet through the £110m sale of Billi, which supplies multifunctional taps, to a private equity-backed Australian bidder. Billi was acquired three years ago for £38m, although Strix has invested in the business since then. Billi has been a growing contributor to the group at a time when other parts of the business have found trading conditions difficult. There are plans for a manufacturing and development agreement. Shareholder approval is required so the sale will not be completed until early next year. Strix will move to a net cash position and a £10m share buyback is planned. The sale equates to 47.8p/share.
The Zimbabwe government has revised its changes to mining royalties and that is good news for Caledonia Mining Corporation (CMCL). The proposed royalty rate of 10% will only come into effect when the gold price exceeds $5,000/ounce, rather than $2,500/ounce. Changes to tax have been withdrawn. The rise in the gold price means that the payback on investment in the Bilboes project could be less than one year. Cavendish has raised its 2025 pe-tax forecast to $131.3m with $163.8m expected in 2026.
The new strategy of Naked Wines (WINE) is already showing signs of paying off and Panmure Liberum has upgraded expectations due to strong pre-Christmas trading. The wines supplier expects full year EBITDA to be at the top of guidance of £5.5m to £7.5m. Panmure Liberum forecasts £7.2m, up from £6.2m. Pre-tax profit of £800,000 is estimated when previously a small loss was expected.
Mkango Resources (MKA) joint venture HyProMag USA, a rare earth recycling and processing business, has expanded the Texas hub facility and is planning a listing in the US in around one year’s time. The NPV of the Texas project and two other sites is $409m based on current market prices. The figure is much higher based on forecast prices. Up front capital costs are $142m.
Chariot (CHAR) has completed a financing for two wind projects in South Africa. The funding is via a subsidiary, and the wind farms should be commissioned in mid-2027. Chariot retains 65% of the subsidiary and Mahlako is paying $17m for 35%. Chariot’s stake is valued at 2p/share. This is the start of the strategy to build up a portfolio of renewable energy assets. The water business, which primarily held the proof-of-concept desalination project in Djibouti, has been sold.
Scotland-based housebuilder Springfield Properties (SPR) has secured a deal with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks which covers 293 homes across six sites. This will provide income from rentals to help cover building costs on the sites. This deal is part of the new strategy in the north of Scotland, where home will be leased to workers improving the electricity transmission infrastructure.
Bars operator The Revel Collective (TRC) is in discussions with potential acquirors of its businesses and they would not lead to any return for shareholders. There is no likelihood of raising money through a share issue. Trading in the shares will be suspended on 29 December because the 2024-25 annual report will not be published by the end of the year.
Offshore energy market services provider Tekmar Group (TGP) has won a contract with an existing customer worth €8m. This for a major UK offshore wind farm. Revenues should be recognised this year and next year.
Quantum Helium (QHE) says an independent resource report has been published and the best estimate for the Coyote Wash project in Colorado is 0.97bcf of gross recoverable helium. This takes the gross recoverable resource of the company’s projects to 1.1bcf, which have a gross value of $330m. There are also potential oil resources of up to 750,000 barrels. The company also has a 90% working interest in the Sagebrush helium project which has 2U helium reserves of 101MMscf net.
Gaming machines hardware and displays supplier Nexteq (NXQ) has traded in line with expectations in 2025, but management is cautious about next year. A small dip in revenues from $85.5m to $85m in 2026. This has been downgraded from $94.1m because the largest gaming customer has been acquired and the product range rationalised faster than anticipated.
Groundworks company Van Elle (VANL) completed the sale of the Canadian rail business. This raised C$2.7m with a deferred payment of C$2m to be paid during 2026. The total is equivalent to £2.5m but subject to balance sheet adjustments. Meanwhile, revenues of the continuing business rose 12% in the first half.
MAIN MARKET
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) investee company ICEYE along with its joint venture partner Rheinmetall has secured a €1.7bn contract for space-based reconnaissance capabilities for the German Armed Forces. This involves a dedicated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation with AI driven image evaluation. The contract starts at the end of 2025 and lasts for five years. ICEYE recently raised €150m in a financing round, which valued the company at €2.4bn. ICEYE is by far the largest investment at just over one-third of the portfolio. The latest contract indicates the maturity of the business and ICEYE could consider a listing in the future. At the end of September 2025, the Seraphim Space IT NAV was £283.6m, which is equivalent to 119.55p/share.
Cash shell Medcaw Investments (MCI) is proposing to acquire Ulvestone, which holds licences for the Eagle Lake gold project in Ontario, Canada, plus a move to AIM.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 24 November 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) plans a return of cash to shareholders. There should be £3.4m in cash after selling assets and this should be returned to shareholders. A subscription of £200,000 at 1p/share will provide an additional £100,000 for distribution. The new investors include new executive chairman Kwasi Kwarteng, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, new non-exec Paul Withers, Daniel Howe and Sam Daughtry, plus existing directors Jai Patel, who will become chief executive, and Brendan Kearns. Bryan Coyne, Steven Davis and Jane Thomason will resign from the board. The unsuccessful digital assets strategy will be adapted with a greater focus on Bitcoin, and more cash raised.
WeCap (WCAP) owns 11.8% of WeShop Holdings (NASDAQ: WSHP), which has joined Nasdaq, There are 806,022 shares owned directly and 2.08 million shares via a 23.5% holding in Community Social Investments Limited (CSIL). The share price was well above $200 at one point last week and ended at $113.40, which means that the stake is worth $31m. Peel Hunt has cut its shareholding in WeCap from 18.4% to below 10%.
Hot Rock Investments (HRIP) has a portfolio of shares, including 150,000 shares in WeShop. The stake is valued at $17m.
Music agent All Things Considered (ATC) is moving to AIM and raising £8.6m at 125p/share. The expected admission date is 17 December, which is four years after joining Aquis at 153p/share. Trading is second half weighted and is currently in line.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) says the terms of the conditional acquisition of the Paguanta zinc, silver and lead project have been revised. It will acquire a company with a 74.81% stake in the project for $37,500 in cash and $37,500 in shares. The seller will retain a 1% net smelter royalty capped at $500,000. The Environmental Impact Assessment has been submitted for the Eureka project and the company issued formal notices to relevant communities. The Environmental Impact Declaration should be issued in early December.
Online consumer loans provider Amazing AI (AAI) is exploring the options of quotations on the Mauritius Stock Exchange and/or the US OTCQB Market. This follows the decision not to go ahead with spinning off 80% of its subsidiary based in Mauritius and retaining the minority stake. Existing company shareholders will receive shares on a pro rata basis.
Evrima (EVA) investee company Eastport Ventures Inc has joined the TSX Venture Exchange. Evima owns 3.83% of the Botswana-focused critical minerals explorer and also holds warrants.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is holding a general meeting on 28 November to gain shareholder approval for a 100-for-one share consolidation.
Dominic White has stepped down as a director of technology-based financial services company Eight Capital Partners (ECP).
Energy transition engineering Time To ACT (TTA) says the main subsidiary Diffusion Alloys is likely to be profitable in 2025-26 and 2026-27, although this depends on timing. The order book of large project work is worth more than £4m and most of this will be recognised during 2026. There is enough cash for at least 12 months, but it appears it will not last as long as previously expected. Oberon Capital has been appointed joint broker. The general meeting was postponed.
Financial media company Lift Global Ventures (LFT) intends to change its name to Yorkshire AI and focus on AI investments. It will work with Yorkshire AI Labs (YAIL), where its new executive chairman David Richards is a partner. YAIL has bought a 0.45% stake in IntelliAM. In the year to June 2025, revenues declined from £477,000 to £281,000, but lower costs and a fair value gain rather than loss mean that the loss was reduced from £976,000 to £27,000. Cash was £196,000 at the end of June 2025.
TechFinancials (TECH) has not received placing proceeds of £250,000. Gathoni Muchai Investments has money in the bank, and it is still awaiting regulatory clearance. A further £100,000 will no longer be accepted.
Ethtry (ETHY) has appointed Patrick Chopard as chief executive and David Levis will become a non-executive to devote attention to the battery storage investments.
BWA Group (BWAP) used £980,000 of cash in operations and investment last year. There was £20,000 in cash at the end of June 2025.
Asia Wealth Group (AWLP) reported interim revenues falling from $504,000 to $395,000. Pre-tax profit fell from $13,000 to $8,000. There was cash of $977,000 at the end of August 2025.
AI company Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) has appointed Mark Creaser as chief executive.
NYCE International (NYCE) has appointed Alex Crockford as chief commercial officer.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised another £141,000 at 61p/share.
Valereum (VLRM) has completed a subscription to raise raised £600,000 at 5p/share. Chairman James Bannon and chief executive Gary Cottle contributed £225,000 each and they will each receive 2.5 million warrants exercisable at 50p each and 2.5 million warrants exercisable at 100p each. The rest comes from another investor, which will also receive warrants. A further £50,000 has been raised by the exercising of warrants at 4p each.
Mendell Helium (MDH) raised £200,00 at 3p/share. This is a direct investment by an existing shareholder.
B HODL (LON: HODL) has taken its Bitcoin holding to 155.039 and the total cost was £13.1m.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) non-executive director Marion Sears bought 4,000 shares at 466p each.
JP JENKINS
JP Jenkins has been awarded a PISCES (Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System) operator licence by the Financial Conduct Authority. This will be called the JP Jenkins Private Market, and the JP Jenkins Matched Bargain Facility will continue.
Bespoke kitchens designer and installer John Lewis of Hungerford (JLH), which left AIM on 29 June 2023, joined JP Jenkins on 18 November.
London and Associated Properties (LAS) left the Main Market on 19 November and joined JP Jenkins. The property investor expects to make annual savings of £350,000. There has been a lack of liquidity in the shares.
AIM
CML Microsystems (CML) interims wee hit by supply problems but they should reflect the base from which the semiconductors designer can grow. Interim revenues wee 27% lower at £9.2m and there was a loss. Net cash was £10.7m at the end of September 2025. The interim dividend is unchanged at 5p/share. CML has received £4m of the £7m proceeds of the sale of land. There are no forecasts, but a better second half is expected, and this could enable a full year profit. A major £30m plus contract over 12 years has been won from a satellite systems company.
Telecoms testing instrumentation supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) improved interim revenues despite the telecoms market remaining weak. Demand for datacentres and defence is providing growth opportunities. In the six months to September 2025, revenues were 9% higher at £8m. The loss was reduced from £1.3m to £1m. Telecoms is a minority contributor to revenues. Additional sales personnel have been hired to develop the other markets. Full year revenues are forecast to rise from £18.4m to £20.3m and the pre-tax profit will edge up to £700,000. That is before any recovery in the telecoms market, which probably will not happen until next year.
NWF (NWF) says its businesses have had a mixed first half performance. Heating oil volumes have been lower than normal and the winter increase in demand is not likely to make up for this. Commercial fuels demand has also been lower, and this is higher margin. This has led to pricing pressures as the company rolls out a new regional operating model. The food distribution and feeds businesses are doing well, with the former picking up new contracts.
Cloud-based digital media services provider Zoo Digital (ZOO) has significantly reduced its cost base and generated $549,000 in cash from operations in the six months to September 2025. Interim revenues fell 19% to $22.4m, but this was an increase on the second half revenues from last year. Zoo Digital has launched its Fast Track service that can provide a premium service for streaming programming that can turn around dubbing and subtitling in hours rather than days. Zoo Digital is still expected to report an underlying operating loss of $2m in 2025-26, but it will continue to generate cash from operations.
Transport software and services provider Tracsis (TRCS) says full year revenues improved from £81m to £81.9m, although like-for-like growth was 3%. Underlying pre-tax profit edged up to £10.2m. Recurring licence revenues were £23.2m. Net cash was £23.4m at the end of July 2025. The dividend was raised to 2.72p/share. The business has been reorganised and there were £2.4m of exceptional provisions with around £1m of the cash outflow expected next year. A major geointelligence contract has been won with DEFRA. This is worth up to £9m over ten years. Singer forecasts a 2025-26 pre-tax profit of £11.1m.
Eyewear supplier Inspecs (SPEC) says trading improved in October with order books 10% higher than one year ago. US tariff disruption will affect the timing of shipments. Full year revenues of £191m and EBITDA of £17.7m are expected. Safilo Group made an approach to Inspecs to acquire the Eschenbach and BoD businesses. It made two non-binding cash offers, and they we rejected by Inspecs.
Musical instruments retailer Gear4Music (G4M) has bounced back from a troubled couple of years. It is set for its best year since the Covid-boosted 2020-21. In the six months to September 2025, revenues jumped from £61.7m to £80.7m, while a loss of £1.25m was turned into a pre-tax profit of £2.72m. Gear4Music was helped by smaller rivals going out of business. This helped grow revenues and also enabled the retailer to pick up stock at attractive prices that boosted margins. Net debt was £16m at the end of September 2025 as cash generated was invested in stock. There is an upgrade to full year pre-tax profit from £5.5m to £6.7m.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) is in talks with the buyer of Skymesh about the post-acquisition performance of the business and whether there is going to be any deferred consideration. Bigblu Broadband may have to compensate the buyer for debtors that have not been collected. Bigblu Broadband plans to ask for shareholder permission to leave AIM at a general meeting on 8 December. It could leave on 18 December. Management will seek to realise value form the remaining assets.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) has reported 8.9% growth in revenues in the first ten months of the year. Zeus raised expectations for 2025 revenues, but the pre-tax profit forecast has been cut. Higher than expected cost increase have led to a one-quarter reduction in the 2025 pre-tax profit forecast to £3m. Capital investment will increase annual capacity to £250m.
Whisky supplier Artisanal Spirits Company (ART) has been hit by the US government shutdown, having already been hampered by tariffs. It is taking more than six weeks to gain approval from the US authorities for new product labels. This means that $3.2m of shipments will not clear customs this year. This will reduce EBITDA by £2m. The US strategy is being changed and the contract with the current distributor will end in March 2026. There will be a stock provision of more than £1.5m. Full year underlying revenues ae expected to be flat, excluding the one-offs.
Battery technology developer Ilika (IKA) says interim revenues will be £600,000 and are mainly from grants. Initial Stereax battery deliveries could be before the end of 2025 with commercial revenues possible in this financial year. The interims will be published on 22 January 2025.
Northern Bear (NTBR) interims exceeded expectations. The building services provider increased revenues from £37.6m to £49.4m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £1.54m to £4m. The pre-tax profit included a £1.3m one-off gain. Underlying full year pre-tax profit has been upgraded to £3.9m.
Empyrean Energy (EME) says Conrad Asia Energy has signed an agreement with PT Nations Natuna Barat for farming into the Mako gas field in the Duyung production sharing contract and the new partner will pay 100% of project development costs for a 75% non-operated participating interest in the Duyung PSC. The deal could be completed by the third quarter of 2026. Empyrean Energy is in dispute with Conrad Asia Energy about its interest in the Duyung PSC.
Industrial equipment distributor HC Slingsby (SLNG) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM. The shares are illiquid and the cost of being on AIM adds to the company’s loss, which was £237,000 in the nine months to September 2025. Net debt was £340,000. There is already support from shareholders owning 73.2% of the shares. HC Slingsby transferred from the Main Market to AIM on 24 May 2005. It has been on the London Stock Exchange for many decades. The cancellation could be on 23 December. No matched bargain facility is planned.
Defence consultancy RC Fornax (RCFX) raised £2.25m in a placing at 6p/share and raised £70,000 out of the £500,000 retail offer. The cash will fund development of the Procure X Marketplace to connect small companies with defence buyers and provide working capital. Directors and management are investing £156,800 in new shares. This includes Paul Reeves and Daniel Clark who raised £1m in the flotation back in February, when the company raised £5.2m at 32.5p/share. Cavendish has increased its 2025-26 forecast loss to £2m and expects a lower loss next year.
Great Western Mining Corporation (GWMO) has completed 6,158 feet of drilling at the West Huntoon copper project and the Rhyolite Dome prospect. This includes an extra hole at West Huntoon. Assay results are expected within eight weeks. Exploration is being accelerated at other sites.
Sabien Technology (SNT) says Korea-based partner City Oil Field has commissioned its first regenerated green oil production plant. The partnership is being progressed to a strategic agreement. Sabien Technology will acquire a 1.12% stake in City Oil Field for £600,000 in shares, and the UK sales agreement has been extended for ten years and will be expanded to other countries. There will also be a deal to sell products from the new plant. City Oil Field will own 15.9% of Sabien Technology.
Litigation finance provider Manolete Partners (MANO) says interim figures were hit by slower than expected revenues and cash generation, partly due to the lower average settlement values. There have also been delays in collecting money owed. Settlement values have increased in the second half, and it should be a stronger period. Even so, Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2025-26 pre-tax profit estimate from £2.8m to £1.5m.
Circulating tumour cells diagnostic device developer CellBxHealth (CLBX) has entered a non-exclusive deal with QIAGEN Manchester, which will offer the Parsortix platform to its pharmaceutical customers alongside its own molecular analysis tools. There could be joint development of products combining technologies.
MAIN MARKET
US cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) reported a 74% increase in interim revenues to $2.05m and the loss fell from $1.87m to $555,000. There was cash of $224,512 at the end of September 2025 and the chief executive loan has been extended.
Trading in New Frontier Minerals (NFM) shares has been halted on the ASX ahead of a fundraising. The company has entered a binding commercial framework with Metallium Ltd to create a “western heavy rare earth pathway for Harts Range raw ore that will target US magnetic and defence customers”. This is an exclusive processing contract lasting ten years. There are plans to produce concentrate samples for potential customers in 2026.
Nanoco (NANO) has agreed a $5m settlement with LG relating to the dispute over quantum dot technology. There have been $600,000 of costs incurred last year. An underlying pre-tax profit of £700,00 was reported for the year to July 2025. The cash position will be boosted to enable further investment in technology.
J Smart (SMJ) continues to lose money on construction activities, but revenues from investment properties and the valuation surplus rising from £994,000 to £5.82m, helped pre-tax profit rise from £2.37m to £5.11m. So, there was an overall loss before the valuation surplus. The total dividend is 3.25p/share.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 13 October 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Music management and services provider All Things Considered (ATC) is paying an initial $520,000 for certain assets of Control Industry Inc, which owns a merchandise management business. Client relationships include Diana Ross and Billy Joel. The total payment could be $760,000 depending on revenues over the coming nine months. This business fits with the existing Sandbag subsidiary and its boss will take over sales and marketing in the US for the group.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) has completed a partnership agreement with Tesco in Ireland. Five Esquires stores will be opened in Tesco stores by the end of November.
Valereum (VLRM) raised £600,000 at 5p/share. Chairman James Bannon and chief executive Gary Cottle contributed £225,000 each and they will each receive 2.5 million warrants exercisable at 50p each and 2.5 million warrants exercisable at 100p each. Tokenisation marketplace VLRM Markets has generated $135,000 in revenues in four months to September 2025. The share price jumped 86.3% to 4.75p.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has achieved a key milestone with the final participant receiving the final MRX1 dose in the pharmacokinetic. Final readouts will be in the first quarter of 2026.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) executive director Jonathan Neame has bought 4,000 shares at 520p each.
Igraine (KING) has reduced its stake in Oscillate (MUSH) from 5.05% to less than 3%.
Global Connectivity (GCON) has raised £200,000 at 1.5p/share.
B HODL (HODL) has taken its Bitcoin holding to 136 at a total cost of £11.5m.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised £2.56m at 102p/share via subscription and £9.68m from a placing at 100p/share.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has raised £401,000 at 1p/share and settled £172,000 of creditors through a share issue.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has expanded the drilling programme at the Red Setter Gold Dome project.
WH Ireland (WHI) shareholders have voted against the sale of its wealth management division to Oberon Investments (OBE). The two companies are assessing options.
Diagnostics firm EDX Medical (EDX) has started marketing of the TC100 testicular cancer testing service. The blood test has shown 100% efficacy.
Stelios Panikos Michaelides has a 4.03% stake in Nyce International (NYCE).
ASSET MATCH
Tottenham Hotspur (TTNM) has received a £100m cash injection from majority shareholder ENIC.
AIM
HSS Hire (HSS) digital marketplace subsidiary ProService has agreed a five-year commercial hire and services supply deal with fully listed Speedy Hire (SDY). The deal is estimated to be worth at least £50m/year in revenues for Speedy Hire and improve HSS revenues and margins. Three HSS service centres and other assets will be transferred to Speedy Hire, which is taking a 9.99% stake in HSS Hire. Speedy Hire is paying a total of £35m. HSS is selling HSS Service Group, which will continue to supply power access equipment to HSS to Project Mansell Newco for £1, although HSS will contribute £26m to facilitate the separation. This means that HSS will purely be a digital business.
Fishing tackle retailer Angling Direct (ANG) increased revenues 17% to £53.6m with most of the growth in the UK. Like-for-like UK sales were 14% ahead. The average basket size has fallen slightly. MyAD has 496,000 members. The focus in Europe has been profitable sales, and the loss was reduced. Pre-tax profit was one-third higher at £3m. Net cash is still £12.5m after share buybacks and store investment.
Uruguay-focused oil and gas explorer Challenger Energy Group (CEG) is recommending a bid from Sintana Energy Inc, which is on the TSX Venture Exchange. The offer is 0.4705 of a Sintana Energy share for each Challenger Energy shares. This is currently equivalent to 16.61p/share and values the company at £45m. The share price has not been this high since January 2022. There are plans for Africa-focused Sintana Energy to join AIM.
Ariana Resources (AAU) says that the second gold mine at Tavsan in Turkey is fully operational. Ariana Resources has a 23.5% stake in this mine which could produce up 30,000 ounces of gold each year at a cost of $1,500/ounce. At the current gold price, the company’s share of EBITDA could be £14m, according to Zeus. Cash could be used to invest in the Dokwe gold project in Zimbabwe.
Panmure Liberum raised its target share price for pawnbroker Ramsdens (RFX) from 385p to 450p on the back of the full year trading statement. This is due to the strong gold price and an 8% increase in the pawnbroking loan book to £11.5m. Net cash is estimated at £2.5m.
Angle (AGL) chairman Dr Jan Groen has become executive chairman, and the company is changing its name to CelLBxHealth. This is designed to reflect the new focus on circulating tumour cells (CTC) intelligence. There are plans to integrate existing proteomics and genomic assays with the company’s Parsortix technology. Cash should last until the first quarter of 2026, and more cash will be required.
Beeks Financial Cloud (BKS) grew full year revenues 26% to £35.9m with the contribution from Proximity Cloud jumping from £1.6m to £7.8m. Annualised recurring revenues are £29.5m. Pre-tax profit improved from £3.9m to £5.5m. Beeks Financial believes that increasing cloud adoption, cybersecurity requirement, analytics and AI use in risk management mean that there are more opportunities. New contracts have been signed since the year end.
Reabold Resources (RBD) has entered an agreement with Beacon Energy (BCE) for the sale of its 46.2% stake in LNEnergy, which has a 90% interest in the Colle Santo gas field, for an earn-out that is valued at €16m in contingent consideration and €700,000 in shares. Beacon Energy will initially acquire 49% of the stake and the rest will be bought subject to the granting on the Colle Santo production concession. Contingent consideration is based on 25% of the acquired stake’s net cash flow from the project. First gas could be produced in 2027. Reabold Resources will take a 29% stake in Beacon Energy – the shares are currently suspended at 0.0039p. It needs to raise £3.5m to complete the deal and restart trading in the shares.
Washing machine technology developer Xeros Technology (XSG) has secured a joint development and product launch agreement with a global OEM that will use the technology in domestic washing machines in America. Commercialisation could be within 18 months. There are three more potential agreements like this one. A reduced loss of £2.8m is forecast for 2025.
Neo-natal medical devices developer Inspiration Healthcare (IHC) had already flagged the strong start to the year as phase one of the two phase Middle East order was finally recognised. There was also another large contact, but even without these two contracts there was underlying growth in the business. Interim revenues were 41% ahead at £24m and there was a swing from an operating loss to a small profit. Panmure Liberum expects a £600,000 pre-tax profit this year
Copper gold explorer Bezant Resources (BZT) says investee company Blackstone Minerals has gained regulatory approval in the Philippines for a two-year extension to the Mankayan copper gold project work programme. The drill rig has been mobilised.
Oil and gas producer Zephyr Energy (ZPHR) has announced results of a competent persons report for its assets in the Paradox Basin in Utah. Proved recoverable reserves have shot up from 160,000 net barrels of oil equivalent to 14.8 million net barrels of oil equivalent. This could generate up to $115m in cash.
Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) is building up cashew production, and it has reached 500 tonnes/month, and additional equipment installations could increase that to up to 10,000 tonnes/month. Palm oil production fell 49% in the third quarter, although prices rose by 24%.
Sareum Holdings (SAR) has discontinued its 16-week GLP preclinical toxicology study for SDC-1801 following safety issues. The study was supposed to be a precursor to a phase 2 clinical development programme focused on psoriasis. However, the issues observed were predominantly in the control group, so it is unlikely it is due to SDC-1801 and Sareum plans to restart the study, and it can be completed within cash resources.
Premier Miton (PMI) assets under management slipped from £10.5bn to £10.3bn in the quarter to September 2025. Annualised cost savings of £2m, have been identified. Full year results will be published on 4 December.
Results from the Gazelle-1 well test are much better than Petro Matad (MATD) believes is commercial. The well could go into production by the end of October and should double the company’s production. This will generate revenues and help Petro Matad to secure a farm-out deal to fund development of the 100%-owned Block XX in Mongolia. Flow testing is due to start at the Heron-2 well. Shore has a share value estimate of 6.1p.
MAIN MARKET
Trading improved in the third quarter at online travel hostel agency Hostelworld (HSW) due to increases in bookings and average booking value. Net revenues for nine months were flat at €72.6m and margins have dipped due to investment for growth. Net cash is €6.6m. There are social media and budget accommodation initiatives that could further improve performance.
BATM (BVC) is selling it distributor of diagnostic laboratory equipment in Romania. Non-executive shareholder Dr Zvi Marom will swap his 22.2% stake in BATM in return for the business, which values it at £17.6m. This exceeded a competing offer. The deal requires shareholder approval.
Educational products supplier RM (RM.) has raised £13.5m in a placing at 95p/share. The cash will fund the development of the RM Ava platform and in sales and marketing for RM Assessment.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 8 September 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
AI technology developer Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) moved from the Main Market to the Access segment of Aquis on 3 September. The company was previously a CBD and health products retailer known as Cellular Goods and most recently it was called Cel AI. It is developing autonomous AI agents that provide personalised wellness recommendations and holds digital assets.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) reported a dip in revenues from £31.9m to £30.1m, but the loss was reduced from £2.55m to £1.47m, even though exceptional costs were higher. There was an operating profit before exceptional charges relating to packaging recycling requirements. Debt has been cut to £11.7m and could be down to £8m by the end of September due to disposals. There are nine managed and 19 tenanted pubs left. Gains on disposals enabled the first half profit. The distribution business had mixed fortunes in the first half
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has appointed Strand Hanson to replace Peterhouse as corporate adviser. Albert Soleiman has joined the board as finance director. The company has signed a subscription agreement with Shard Merchant Capital, which will be issued 21 million shares at par value, and the company will receive 97% of net proceeds when they are sold.
Oberon Investments (OBE) is raising £1.85m at 4p/share and two institutional investors have agreed, subject to documentation, to subscribe for £3m of convertible loan notes. The cash will be used to finance further hires for the investment management division and acquisitions. There are discussions concerning the acquisition of the wealth management division of another Uk firm. That would add £850m to assets under administration.
VSA Capital (VSA) chairman Mark Steeves will stand down after the AGM on 30 September. Mark Thompson will take over the role at the broker. VSA has entered into a five-year lease for new office premises in London and has been loaned £95,715 by 19.9% shareholder Drakewood Capital Management, which is represented on the board by Mark Thompson.
In the year to March 2025, SulNOx Group (SNOX) increased revenues from £54,000 to £1.21m, although the loss rose from £1.86m to £4.21m. Sales growth is accelerating and £564,000 has been generated in the two months to August 2025, taking the five month total to £1.09m.
Oscillate (MUSH) has conditionally agreed to sell its hydrogen assets to AIM-quoted Pulsar Helium (PLSR) for $800,000 in shares. The focus switches to base metals. Oscillate has entered a joint venture to develop the Duekoue copper gold molybdenum prospect in Côte d’Ivoire. Geochemical results and magnetic data has identified the historical anomalies.
All Things Considered (ATC) has merged its ATC Live and Arrival Artists businesses to form ROAM. The two parts of the business will still maintain financial independence.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has received the fourth tranche of the disposal proceeds of its A shares in investee company The Homebuilding Centre. This was £75,259, which was well above the minimum payment of £50,000, and a fifth tranche is outstanding. Capital for Colleague still owns 13% of the homebuilding advice business.
Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) has completed the sale of liquid assets as part of a voluntary winding up and has £3.5m in cash. A return of capital to shareholders is prioritised although there has been interest in the company from other parties.
Marula Mining (MARU) still has not completed the 2024 accounts. Trading in the shares remains suspended. Marula Mining has completed due diligence on the proposed purchase of a 60% stake in the Bamba Manganese mining project in Kenya. Manganese ore exports from Kilifi have been delayed as result of the Bamba deal and the fact that delivery arrangements are yet to be agreed. Further work on the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine in South Africa continues and a sample is being prepared for test work. Due diligence has been completed on the Boteti lithium brines project in Botswana and the first payment advanced.
Mollyroe (MOY) is investing £150,000 in Cascade Studio via a convertible loan note with a conversion price at a 20% discount to the next funding round. Cascade Studio is developing a SaaS platform for AI filmmaking and storytelling.
Vautz Capital (V3TC) reported a loss of £361,000 in the year to April 2025, which was prior to the change in focus to crypto currency.
NYCE International (NYCE) has raised £150,000 at 0.2p/share. And the cash will fund the expansion in the crypto casinos channel. That includes gaining certifications for the company’s games platform and developing games and services.
Valereum (VLRM) has adopted the crypto and multi-currency payroll solution developed by investee company Fideum. There is potential for this as a white label service.
Directors continue to buy shares in EDX Medical (EDX). Sir Christopher Evans bought 51,225 shares at 10.88p each and Martin Walton acquired 20,000 shares at 10.8p each. Stephen Hill has taken a 6.48% in Ingraine (KING). Ventura Finance has increased its stake in Evrima (EVA) from 5.14% to 6.15%.
IntelliAM AI (INT) has appointed Victoria Brown as a non-executive director.
ASSET MATCH
Synairgen (SNG) says full year accounts will be published by the end of September. The drug developer is assessing its financial requirements. The company intends to change its articles of association to remove first right of refusal rights for shareholders. The company is preparing a phase 2 INVENT clinical study for SNG001 in mechanically ventilated patients infected with a range of respiratory viruses. Interim analysis should be available by mid-2026 and final analysis in mid-2027. A network of 60 clinical study sites has been established and progress made towards regulatory approvals.
Zytronic (ZYT) is advising shareholders to vote against resolutions at the requisitioned general meeting. Henry Spain Investment Services wants Tom Spain and former director Glen Arnold to gain appointment as directors of Zytronic and remove two current non-executives. The strategy is not to return cash directly to shareholders, but they would be offered the chance to sell shares via a tender offer at NAV. The plan is to invest in cash generative businesses with good management. They would have a niche market and competitive advantages. The meeting will be on 1 October.
JP JENKINS
The JP Jenkins-15 index rose 0.8% to 1095.2 in the four weeks to 29 August.
AIM
Cash shell Vulcan Two Group (VUL) raised £12m at 200p/share when it joined AIM at the beginning of September. The strategy is to acquire ePharmacy businesses and consolidate a fragmented market. A suitable target would have annual revenues of between £8m and £22m and be growing rapidly at an EBITDA margin of between 10% and 20%. Independent, owner managed businesses are preferred.
Fiinu (BANK) is taking advantage of the share price rise since readmission last week to raise £1.41m at 15p/share. The initial payment of £8m for Poland-based foreign exchange brokerage Everfex was satisfied by the issue of 80 million shares at 10p each. A previous subscription generated £801,000 at 10p/share. Luxembourg fund QVP is the main investor in the placing.
Bricks manufacturer Michelmersh Brick (MBH) has been held back by weak demand in the UK and Belgium, as well as an extended stoppage at one of its plants. Interim revenues were 1% ahead at £35.8m, but the pre-tax profit fell from £4.1m to £2.9m. Capital investment cut net cash to £1.5m. The interim dividend is maintained at 1.6p/share. Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2025 pre-tax profit expectations from £13.5m to £9.7m and made further cuts to forecasts for the next two years.
Churchill China (CHH) had already flagged the interim figures in its recent trading statement. UK and US trading held up, but Europe and the rest of the world were weaker. Interim revenues fell from £40.6m to £38.5m, while pre-tax profit was harder hit falling more than one-third to £3.1m. Efficiency is being improved and there are signs of recovery in Germany. Churchill China is reducing its interim dividend by 39% to 7p/share.
Building components manufacturer Alumasc (ALU) continues to outperform the UK construction market, as well as growing water management equipment exports. In the year to June 2025, revenues were 13% ahead at £113.4m, while underlying pre-tax profit was 9% higher at £14.2m. Net debt is £5.8m. All three divisions improved underlying operating profit. New products helped the housebuilding division to grow, despite a low level of housing starts. The roofing business has grown its share of the roof vents sector. The full year dividend is 11.1p/share
Flexible workplace software provider Essensys (ESYS) says it returned to positive EBITDA in the year to July 2025 even though revenues fell from £24.1m to £19.2m. Closing datacentres has helped to reduce costs. Net cash was £1.8m at the end of July. The new elumo meeting rooms bookings software has gained its first customers since the year end.
Bars and escape rooms operator XP Factory (XPF) reported figures for the year to March 2025. They may not look good compared to the comparatives but that is because they are for 15 months. There was a 19% increase in revenues to £57.8m over the previous 12 month period. Both Escape Hunt and Boom Battle Bars improved revenues with the latter buying out more franchisees. There was an underlying pre-tax profit of £800,000. There appears to be an improving trend for revenues, after a poor first quarter.
ImmuPharma (IMM) has filed a new patent application for P140, which can help to identify and treat a subpopulation of patients with Type M immune disorder that are P140 super-responders. This can be used to sped up diagnosis and treat up to 50 autoimmune diseases. The global market is worth more than $100bn.
Team Internet Group (TIG) was always expected to report a downturn in interim revenues following changes to Google search policy and they slipped from $409.7m to $263.9m. A loss was reported, but there was a profit before amortisation and impairment. The internet domains business continues to grow with new contract wins set to contribute to the second half. The comparison business had a weaker first half, but it has started to grow as revenues build up in newer countries. There are also signs of improvement in search, but they are relatively modest, with higher gross margin achieved on newer search services. Zeus forecasts a 2025 underlying pre-tax profit of $49.4m, recovering to $62m next year.
Supreme (SUP) is acquiring carpet care products brand 1001 for £1.65m, plus £1m for inventory, from WD-40. The business generated revenues of £4.5m in the year to August 2025. which is well below the peak of £8m in 2022-23. This purchase follows the recent acquisition of Typhoo Tea.
Gear4Music (G4M) forecasts have been upgraded on the back of its trading statement. The musical instruments retailer is continuing its recovery, and first quarter sales are 27% higher and the growth is continuing into the second quarter. UK and international sales are growing. The 2025-26 pre-tax profit forecast has been raised from £2.7m to £3.6m.
Newmark Security (NWT) had a much stronger second half and this is carrying on into the new year. In the year to April 2025, revenues rose 3% to £23m, while pre-tax profit improved from £388,000 to £643,000. The growth came in the Grosvenor Technology business, which provides software and hardware for access control and managing people, with recurring revenues growing faster than hardware sales. The launch of GT Tablet, a pure software product, will help to broaden the potential market. The Safetell security products revenues declined, but the services contribution increased. Increasing recurring services revenues is a core part of the company’s strategy.
Legal services provider Gateley (GTLY) is acquiring Groom Wilkes & Wright for up to £9m, which is a trademark and design law consultancy. The payment is three-quarters cash and one-quarter shares. The business generated revenues of £4.7m and pre-tax profit of £1.4m in 2024-25.
Iodine supplier Iofina (IOF) produced 74.3 MT of crystalline iodine during August, which was the record for a month. The IO#11 plant has started production and takes the number of plants to eight. Cash has reached $1.8m after a tax credit.
Atlantic Lithium (ALL) has secured up to £28m in funding though a deal with Long State Investments, who will receive 5% commission plus shares and warrants, and this will enable the Ewoyaa lithium project in Ghana to progress. A mining lease still has to be ratified by the authorities and cash outflows have been reduced until it is received. There is an initial placing to raise £2m at 8.07p/share with potential for three more placings of £2m each. A committed equity facility could raise up to £20m over 24 months. This is subject to shareholder approval.
Student accommodation and private rental housing develop Watkin Jones (WJG) has appointed Singer as joint broker alongside Peel Hunt, which is also nominated adviser.
MAIN MARKET
Cash shell Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) still had £397,000 in cash at the end of June 2025. It has broadened the range of potential acquisitions by looking at healthcare and life sciences companies. Renewable energy acquisitions are still being considered, and the range of sectors could be broadened again.
Trading in Pineapple Power Corporation (PNPL) shares after the termination of the proposed acquisition of Buffalo Battery Metals.
US cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) reported that the Ranger.ai threat and mediation platform has achieved “Awardable” status through the US Department of Defense’s Platform One (P1) Solutions Marketplace.
Structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) reassured investors with its AGM statement. Bridge remedial works are in progress and the £20m insurance payment has been received. Expectations for 2025-26 are unchanged.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 14 April 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
BWA Group (BWAP) published an updated inferred mineral resource for the Dehane heavy mineral sands project in Cameroon of 4.2 million tonnes at 3.5% THM cut-off, comprising grades of ilmenite at 0.99%, kyanite at 1.54%, rutile at 0.13% and zircon at 0.11%. There are plans for a fundraising during this year to finance the development of the project. Chairman Jonathan Wearing bought 500,000 shares at 0.2p each and Tricastle Investments, a company he controls, purchased 1.33 million shares at 0.15p each, taking his total stake to 25.85%.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) is acquiring Godolphin Exploration, which is exploring for tin and copper in Devon and Cornwall, for £3.66m. The two assets are Devon Great Consols and Great Wheal Vor and there are option agreements for each of them. The company intends to consolidate every 20 shares into one new share and change its name to Tamar Minerals. Mark Thompson will join the board.
All Things Considered (ATC) is acquiring 75% of Easy Life Entertainment, which is an artist management, PR and record label owner. The consideration is £750,000. Annual revenues are £510,000. There will be cross-selling opportunities.
Richmond Hill Resources (SHNJ) has signed a term sheet to potentially acquire mineral exploration licences in Quebec. The consideration is £3.3m in shares. A condition of the deal is a move to AIM. Trading in the shares has been suspended.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) says full year group store sales were 26% higher at £35.1m. Operating cash flow is growing.
EDX Medical Group (EDX) is launching TC100, a highly accurate early detection test for testicular cancer. A blood sample is assessed. There have been more than 30 study reports on the test.
Automotive electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) has received a £368,000 order from Gilmour Space Technologies, which about to launch an Australian orbital rocket later in the year. Equipmake will supply electric motors and inverters.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) increased quarterly revenues by 92% and average revenues per contract were 2.5% ahead in the three months to March 2025.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has raised £796,000 through a placing and subscription at 2p/share. Once the option to acquire M3 Helium Corporation is taken up a move to another UK stockmarket will be considered.
Valereum (VLRM) says the £19m strategic deal with DMC is nearing completion but the additional £1m subscription by a UK institution will not happen.
Clean fuel additives SulNOx Group (SNOX) says Colas Rail UK is adopting SulNOx Eco following an evaluation. There were sharp falls in emissions and a 4.5% improvement in fuel efficiency. This is the first major contract in the rail sector.
Chief executive Paul Mathieson’s stake in Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) has reduced from 35.4% to 29.9%. Michael Rogers has a 4.88% shareholding.
Unicorn Asset Management’s stake in skincare technology developer Incanthera (INC) from 11.4% to 10.8%.
Ananda Pharma (ANA) has appointed former GW Pharma executive director Chris Tovey as an adviser.
ASSET MATCH
Political information provider Merit Group (MRT) has joined the Asset Match trading platform following its exit from AIM. Lord Ashcroft owns 42%.
JP JENKINS
Models and collectibles company Hornby (HRN) has left AIM and joined JP Jenkins.
AIM
Thor Explorations (THX) has announced a maiden dividend alongside its 2024 results. Higher gold production and lower production costs at the Segilola gold mine in Nigeria enabled net profit to jump from $10.8m to $91.1m on revenues up from $141.2m to $193.1m. There is no debt and net cash of $11.2m. Costs are expected to rise this year and production should be at least maintained. Dividends will be paid quarterly, and the first dividend is C$0.0125p/share – this will be the minimum quarterly level. The shares go ex-dividend on 1 May. The dividend policy will be reviewed in two years.
Ceramic hospitality products manufacturer Churchill China (CHH) is indicating its confidence for the medium-term by increasing the final dividend by 6% to 26.5p/share, which takes the total for the year to 38p/share. This was despite the dip in pre-tax profit from £10.8m to £8.5m as revenues fell from £82.3m to £78.3m. In the UK the sales to national pub and restaurant chains rose, but independents spent less. There was a decline in international revenues, although £1.1m of hotel projects were won. Additional retail business was taken on to help keep the manufacturing facilities running at an efficient level even though it is lower margin. The US was 9% of revenues and tariffs create uncertainty, but there may also be opportunities to gain from manufacturers in countries where the additional tariffs are higher. There is a new manufacturing facility in Romania. A flat profit is expected this year.
Franchised lettings and property sales business The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) has made good progress integrating Belvoir. In 2024, the acquisitions meant that revenues jumped from £27.3m to £67.3m, while underlying pre-tax profit doubled to £22.3m. Even earnings improved from 28.4p/share to 31.4p/share. The dividend was raised from 14p/share to 18p/share. Net debt was £9.1m at the end of 2024.
Greatland Gold (GGP) is changing the domicile of the holding company to Australia. This will be called Greatland Resources Ltd and is part of the process of gaining a listing on ASX. The AIM quotation will be retained.
Organ transplant diagnostics developer Verici Dx (VRCI) has received the local coverage determination for Tutivia reimbursement, so revenues on the tests can start to be recognised. There were 292 tests ordered in the first quarter of 2025 and price has been set at $2,650 each. The annual global market is 100,000 patients. Singer previously cut 2025 estimated revenues from $11.6m to $4.4m. A fundraising is expected by June.
Induction Healthcare (INHC) is recommending a 10p/share cash bid from VitalHub Corp. That values the digital healthcare technology company at £9.7m. The flotation in 2019 raised £14.6m at 115p/share.
A strong gold price has benefited pawnbroker Ramsdens Holdings (RFX) in the first half and led to an upgrade in forecasts. Retail jewellery sales were also strong and the outlook for pawnbroking is positive. Panmure Liberum has raised its 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast from £12m to £13.1m. There was a small downgrade for the foreign exchange division, and this is not expected to show growth next year.
Character Group (CCT) says that tariffs could hamper US sales this year and market guidance is being withdrawn. They were one-fifth of sales last year and it is difficult to assess the impact of the tariffs. Character still expects to be profitable in the year to August 2025. Interim figures should be in line with expectations.
Peru-focused gold explorer Nativo Resources (NTVO) is undertaking a feasibility study at the Toma La Mano tailings dump and there are other tailings dumps that are being considered. This will require additional funding. Peterhouse is subscribing for 12 million shares at 0.15p each, which gives the broker a 19.4% stake. That will be used to offset fees and Peterhouse will try to place the shares and provide Nativo Resources with 95% of the proceeds. Cash is being carefully managed, and some directors will receive their salary in shares. Further funds will be required by May and there are discussions with finance providers. Debt is being restructured. Nativo Resources is issuing 15.4 million shares at 0.7475p each to acquire Morrocota gold mine, which is near the 50%-owned Bonanza gold mine. The vendors are also subscribing for £10,000 of new shares. There are plans to start contract mining at Morrocota.
Clinical trials manager hVIVO (HVO) reported 2024 figures in line with its previous trading statement. Revenues improved from £56m to £62.7m and pre-tax profit rose from £11.9m to £14.1m. There was net cash of £44.2m before recent acquisitions and it is still expected to be £38m at the end of 2025, leaving room for more acquisitions. The 2025 revenues guidance for hVIVO is £73m.
Audioboom (BOOM) says the latest quarterly figures show record revenues per thousand downloads. The podcast platform operator increased 2024 revenues by 13% to $73.4m. The first quarter performance and advertising bookings were 15% ahead of the first quarter of 2024. Revenues are currently forecast to grow by 9% in 2025.
Belluscura (BELL) has withdrawn guidance for 2025 because of the uncertainty due to increased tariffs on imports to the US. The company’s portable oxygen concentrators are predominantly made in China, and the tariff will increase from 20% to 54%. Belluscura had been moving towards profitability. That is less likely to happen and could put pressure on the cash position. Earlier in the year, £4.7m was raised at 2p/share. John Gunn has increased his stake from 7.83% to 8.14%.
Consumer appliances retailer Marks Electrical (MRK) is showing signs of improvement. The full year trading statement shows revenues growing by nearly 3% to £117.2m, which was slightly lower than forecast. Pre-tax profit is set to fall from £3.3m to around £2.1m. Net cash was £8.8m at the end of March 2025.
Liquidators have been appointed to Bushveld Minerals (BMN). SP Angel has resigned as nominated adviser and broker.
MAIN MARKET
New Frontier Minerals Ltd (NFM) says the initial findings of rock chip samples from the Harts Range project in Northern Territory, Australia show heavy rare earths. There is Dysprosium Oxide (11.75%) and Terbium Oxide (1.87%). This is particularly attractive because of China restricting exports of rare earths.
Tirupati Graphite (TGR) has raised more than £2.5m from a zero-coupon convertible loan note issue. The conversion price has been lowered to 3.75p. In March, the Vatomina project has produced 388MTs of flake graphite concentrate. Lower ore grades and shutdowns meant that production was lower than expected. The audit of the annual results to March 2024 has resumed.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 17 March 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
All Things Considered (ATC) has raised its stake in Brighton venture Concorde 2 to 80% and acquired the remaining shares in bar services provider JTR Productions for £2.49m and 60% of Brighton venue Volks, which is close to Concorde 2, for £400,000. This broadens the range of music-related services that can be provided by All Things Considered. In 2024, Concorde 2 generated pre-tax profit of £240,000, while JTR Productions made pre-tax profit of £150,000. The initial interest was acquired through Joy Entertainment, previously McKeown Asset, last year.
Marula Mining (MARU) has made the first copper concentrate sales from the Kinusi copper mine in Tanzania. The payment of 90% of the initial estimated value will be made in the coming week. The rest will be paid when specifications for the concentrate have been met.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) will supply a 10.8MWh of its ENDRIUM flow batteries in Hungary and a 0.9MWh VS3 battery to a US customer. Progress is being made with the LODES project in the UK and grant funding may be recognised this year. OFGEM has published a technical decision document on the long electricity duration storage cap and floor. This will be designed to attract investment, which should be good for Invinity Energy Systems.
Richmond Hill Resources (SHNJ) has signed a letter of intent with Three Mile Beach to acquire mineral exploration licences in Quebec. There is a 60-day exclusivity agreement. The Saint Sophie copper project is located in the Beauce. There have been historic mines and there are also high-grade discoveries.
Gledhow Investments (GDH) reported a reduction in NAV from £1.41m to £989,000 in the year to September 2024. That includes £150,000 in cash and subsequent disposals have increased cash to £220,000.
Oscillate (MUSH) became a hydrogen explorer during the year to November 2024. Net assets were £1.75m, including £1.59m in cash and £158,000 in short term investments.
Peel Hunt has a 13% stake in WeCap (WCAP). Virya Solutions Group has taken a 7.37% stake in ChallengerX (CXS), while Hub Affiliations owns 10%.
There was a 62.2% take up of the One Health Group (OHGR) open offer and it raised £300,000, taking the total fundraising to £7.8m. Trading on AIM will start on 20 March.
ASSET MATCH
Remote Services provider RA International Group (RAI) has joined Asset Match on 11 March. The facility is expected to operate for a minimum of 12 months.
JP JENKINS
Eresos Holdings (ERS) joined JP Jenkins on 11 March. Eresos, which is a village in Lesbos, makes CBD-based cosmetics and nutraceutical products using Greek botanical science. Chief executive Carl Jat was previously part of the management team of Claire’s Accessories and is founder of Wellverse. The accounts of Eresos Holdings, which was formed in March 2023, for the year to May 2024 have not been published on the Companies House website yet.
Gosport-based brewer Powder Monkey Group Ltd (PMGL) joined JP Jenkins on 13 March. The company has acquired a range of brewing brands and hospitality sites in the UK and Australia. Further international acquisitions are planned. NAV was £4.33m at the end of 2023, including £342,000 in cash. Former England rugby union player Steve Thompson is a director of subsidiary Power Monkey Brewing. The company also owns Australia-based Southern Highlands Brewing.
Edison has published research on Studio Stays Hotel Group (SSHG). The recent start-up plans to buy underperforming hotels and encourage a combination of short and long stays. In 2025-26, management believes revenues could be £4.3m, which is enough to be profitable.
AIM
Shares in cash shell Rosebank Industries (ROSE) returned from suspension after it ended discussions with Cerberus Capital about the potential acquisition of critical electrical distribution systems supplier Electrical Components International Inc (ECI). Rosebank Industries says that there was support for the deal from existing and potential new shareholders it has decided not to go ahead with the deal because of stockmarket volatility.
Cakes retailer Cake Box (CBOX) is buying Indian sweets maker Ambala Foods from the executors of the founder for £22m. This includes the freehold of the Ambala facility. Ambala is a profitable business and Cake Box has identified £1m of annual cost savings. This includes head office and distribution efficiencies. Ambala has its own outlets, and the sweets could be sold via Cake Box stores. There is also scope for increasing online sales. Cake Box raised £7m through a placing at 180p/share and a retail offer could raise up to £200,000 more. The rest of the purchase price will come from debt. Panmure Liberum believes the acquisition could add £1.1m to pre-tax profit in 2025-26. This will enhance earnings by 5%.
US-based government relations and public affairs services provider Public Policy Holding Company Inc (PPHC) continues to grow via a combination of organic and acquisitive growth. In 2024, revenues rose 11% to $149.6m with organic growth of 3%. Underlying pre-tax profit edged up to $34.3m. Net debt was $17.5m, but this will rise when the acquisition of TrailRunner is completed at the beginning of April. The dividend was cut from 14.3 cents/share to 9.4 cents/share to preserve cash. Last year, the company made its first UK acquisition and TrailRunner further increases exposure outside of the US. The latest deal is earnings enhancing and 2025 pre-tax profit is forecast to be $41.8m.
Hornby (HRN) is the latest company to want to leave AIM. Phoenix Asset Management investment company Castelnau owns 54.9% of the hobby products supplier and other shareholders take the total in favour to more than 70%, so the departure is almost certain to be approved at a general meeting. Liquidity is limited and annual costs of £400,000 will be saved. JP Jenkins will provide a matched bargain facility. There is also an exchange facility where Hornby shares can be swapped for shares in fully listed investment company Castelnau at the equivalent of 19.3p/share to retain an indirect interest in Hornby.
Respiratory treatments developer Synairgen (SNG) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM less than two months after TFG Asset Management subscribed £18m at 2p/share. A related fundraising did not reach the minimum to scale back the investment by TFG. The general meeting is on 28 March and the cancellation is expected on 9 April.
Concrete levelling equipment supplier Somero Enterprises (SOM) reported a decline in revenues and profit in 2024, but that masks an improved second half. In 2024, revenues fell from £120.7m to £109.2m, which is well below the 2022 figure of $133.6m. Pre-tax profit dipped from $34.5m to $25.4m and that led to a decline in the dividend to 16.9 cents/share, which is twice covered by earnings as is normal. The excess cash enabled an additional special dividend of 4.1 cents/share. Net cash was $29.5m at the end of 2024. There remains uncertainty in the core US market because of labour shortages and concerns about the economy and the possible effect of tariffs. A flat pre-tax profit is forecast for 2025.
Ground engineering contractor Van Elle (LON: VANL) says the Building Safety Act id delaying approvals of residential projects and there are also delays in the Canadian subsidiary’s rail work. The future of the Canadian business is being considered. The construction market remains difficult with residential particularly weak. Zeus has reduced its 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast by one-third to £4m, while next year’s forecast has been reduced from £7.6m to £7m.
Surveillance technology developer Thruvision (THRU) says potential contracts have been delayed. This means expected 2024-25 revenues will be between £5m and £6m. The previous expectation was £9m. Cash should last until May and talks have commenced with potential acquirers or providers of additional cash.
Distil (DIS) shares have recovered some of the loss sustained following yesterday’s trading statement. The drinks brands owner expects to improve fourth quarter revenues by one-third, but full year revenue is expected to fall to 31% to £1.1m. Trading remains difficult. Management believes that the switch of UK distributor to Global Brands will help to return the business to growth. Costs are being reduced and strategic options assessed – but not including an offer for the company. There will be a need for more cash by September.
Developer of kinase inhibitors for autoimmune disease and cancer treatments Sareum (SAR) raised £1.07m at 1.25p/share. This follows the acquisition of the licence for SRA737, which targets cancer cell replication and DNA damage repair mechanisms, following its return to the CRT Pioneer Fund by a US biopharma company. The deal includes an increase in Sareum’s share of future revenues to a net 63.5%, from 27.5%. In the short-term, the ongoing costs will be limited to data storage and IP management.
SIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE) has been awarded a capacity contract for the AW1 120MW BESS project at Uskmouth in Wales. It will receive £60/KWh for 15 years in return for a reliable source of electricity supply. This will help to secure funding for the project.
Kingswood Holdings (KWG) has received a bid offer of 7p/share from HSQ Investments, which already owns 68.4% of the wealth management firm and it is in talks to buy the 21% stake of KPI (Nominees). There is a lack of liquidity in the shares. Kingswood’s growth HSQ has also provided additional loans to Kingswood in the past year, taking gross debt to £90.7m. The Kingswood independent directors “would be minded to recommend” the potential offer.
Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) says February crude palm oil production was 6% lower at 3,527 tonnes as better extraction rates only partially offset the reduced crop. Year-on-year sales volumes rose 28.5% because of the timing of sales. The average sales price was €950/tonne, which is well above the average price assumption of €775/tonne for 2025. Palm kernel oil production rose, and the average price jumped 54.4% compared with one year ago. Raw cashew nut purchasing has started, and production rates are increasing. Quarterly data will be published next month.
Savannah Energy (SAVE) has completed the acquisition of Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Nigeria, which gives it 100% of the Stubb Creek oil and gas field. This produces 2,700 barrels of oil equivalent/day and there are plans to increase production. The Stubb Creek field petroleum mining lease lasts until 2043.
Empire Metals (EEE) has reported positive test results and delivered a product which assayed at 91.6% TiO2. Purification and product finishing steps have been optimised. There are limited levels of deleterious elements. Larger scale test work will be undertaken.
NWF (NWF) has acquired Northern Energy Oil, which distributes 42 million litres of oil annually from five sites in north east England. This will cost a total of £8.3m and increase NWF’s volumes by 6%. Last year’s revenues were £35.1m and underlying pre-tax profit was £700,000.
In the six months to December 2024, Optimer binders developer Aptamer (APTA) increased revenues from £298,000 to £653,000, while the loss was reduced from £1.9m to £1.2m. The cash outflow was £1.3m. Net cash is £1.95m. Fee for service revenues have risen and progress has also been made with programmes that could lead to licencing deals. Unilever is starting human skin trials for deodorant using Aptamer’s ingredient.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) proposes a company voluntary arrangement and a subscription to raise £300,000 at 0.24p/share, plus £55,000 from heavily discounted convertible loan notes. The nominal value of the shares will be reduced to 0.01p so that new shares can be issued. The business has been sold. Debts are currently nearly total £1.4m. The debts would be converted into 236.8 million shares. The CVA requires £115,000 of cash to be contributed from the subscription. The CVA has to be approved by creditors.
MAIN MARKET
Thalassa (THAL) has taken a 21.3% stake in AIM-quoted Newmark Security (NWT). It also has a 5.21% shareholding in US-based Encision Inc.
LMS Capital (LMS) plans a managed realisation of its assets because of the discount to NAV and lack of liquidity. An initial capital distribution is promised, but the realisation could take years.
First Tin (1SN) has been awarded two new exploration licences near its Taronga tin project in Australia.
BSF Enterprise (BSFA) is progressing the commercialisation of its lab-grown leather. Collaborations will help to assess potential opportunities. There is a separate subsidiary called Lab-grown Leather Ltd, which could attract outside investment.
Bitcoin miner Vinanz (BTC) is considering a dual listing on Nasdaq. The company is relatively small for a Nasdaq listing.
Pyx Resources (PYX) reported more than halved revenues of $11m in 2024. The loss was reduced from $10.5m to $4.1m. Net cash was $5m.
Georgina Exploration (GEX) says staff has returned to the EP513 Hussar helium and hydrogen prospect in Australia to complete the environmental study and heritage reports. The reports should be completed in May. This will enhance the future field development.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 17 February 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Music management and event promotion company All Things Considered (ATC) more than doubled 2024 revenues to £50m and EBITDA was £1.5m. Growth is coming from adding managers and new clients, plus acquisitions. Further acquisitions are planned. An agreement has been reached to take the stake in livestreaming platform Driift from 32.5% to 100%. All Things Considered is assessing a move to an unspecified London Stock Exchange market.
Broker and investment manager Oberon Investments Group (OBE) has raised £2.5m in an oversubscribed placing at 4.5p/share. The cash will be used to accelerate growth, particularly in the broking business, which is expected to increase revenues by more than 50% in the current year. Mergers among larger broker provide potential to add to clients. There are also opportunities to add teams of investment and wealth managers. The Oberon AIM VCT (OVCT) is trying to raise a further £5m, plus over-allotment facility of £3.4m. Oberon Investments gets a fee based on the amount subscribed.
Cardiogeni (CGNI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the private office of Sheikh Al Qassimi for funding of clinical trials. A joint venture will be formed, and it will receive £20m over a period up to 2027 to complete research and clinical trials in the UAE. There will be an initial cash injection of £5m. The cash will fund phase 2b/3 clinical trials and commercialisation of Cardiogeni’s heart failure treatments. The deal could be signed by the end of March 2025.
In the year to January 2025, EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) NAV edged up to 328p/share. That includes cash of £11m. Trading was tough for all of the businesses in the portfolio. Investee company Whittard of Chelsea increased like-for-like sales by 6%. Pharmacy2U also grew organically and acquired a business in the pet care market.
ChallengerX (CXS) has entered into conditional agreements to acquire NYCE International for £1.6m, Virya VC for £280,000 and an instance of Reelsof AB’s remote gaming software and game aggregation platform for £160,000. These payments will be satisfied by the issue of 510 million shares at 0.4p each. There will also be a £600,000 fundraising. Virya founder Farzad Peyman will be appointed chief executive and NYCE founder Harmen Brenninkmeijer will become executive chairman.
Marula Mining (MARU) has signed the first copper sales agreement for the Kinusi copper mine with a European commodity trader. The initial delivery is 250 tonnes of copper concentrate based on 20% copper grade. The income is linked to the LME copper price with additional payments for gold and silver content. The first revenues should be received in this quarter. After successfully delivery, there will be more each month that will total up to 1,000 tonnes. There are three other potential offtake agreements. Kinui has reached a milestone, so $200,000 of shares have been issued to Takela Mining Tanzania at 6p each. Marula Mining has also paid the final consideration of £625,000 for Northern Cape Lithium and Tungsten in the form of 20.83 million shares at 6p each. Modifications to the plant at the Kilifi processing plant in Kenya should be completed in the second quarter. As part of the drawdown agreement, AUO Commercial Brokerage has subscribed for £500,000 worth of shares at 3.75p/share.
Valereum (VLRM) is not proceeding with the £2m option agreement with Blue Sky Ventures. Blue Sky was going to subscribe for shares at 10p each. It was previously announced that the option had been exercised. The proposed subscription may be taken on by another investor.
Inteliqo Ltd (IQO) wants to cancel the admission to the Aquis Stock Exchange. Inteliqo has been developing and marketing the Langaroo app for a client. It wants to save the costs of the quotation. Trading could end on 14 March if shareholders agree at the general meeting on 27 February.
Early-stage businesses investor MaxRets Ventures (MAX) is also seeking shareholder approval at a general meeting on 4 March to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange. There has been limited liquidity in the shares, and it can be difficult to trade. It has not been possible to raise additional cash.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) has secured three-year renewals for two gold exploration licences in Zamora Province in western Spain. Ormonde Mining plans to acquire the other 51.3% interest in the licences from AIM-quoted cyber security company Shearwater Group (SWG) for five million shares. That is a discount to the implied book value.
EDX Medical (EDX) has appointed Martin Walton as deputy chair. He has worked for other life sciences companies, including former AIM company ReNeuron.
One Heritage Property Development has reduced its stake in Zentra Group (ZNT) from 65.2% to 53.8% and Jason Upton, a director of the company, has raised his shareholding from 3.5% to 14.85%.
DXS International (DXSP) chairman Bob Sutcliffe bought 60,000 shares at 2.89p each, taking his stake to 2.08%. Gowin New Energy Group (GWIN) director Chen Chih-Lung has been transferred 9.73 million shares by Choice Only International Ent Co at a price of 0.00012894p each.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) has appointed Oberon as broker.
ASSET MATCH
The i-nexus Global (INX) auction has closed, and 49,220 shares were traded at 1.5p each.
AIM
Agricultural products supplier Wynnstay (WYN) reported a small dip in gross profit for the year to October 2024, but higher energy and labour costs meant that pre-tax profit reduced from £10.3m to £7.6m. Higher prices for milk and other agricultural products provide a more favourable background for this year. Even after a £600,000 National Insurance cost increase, pre-tax profit is expected to recover to £8.5m this year. A three-year programme called project Genesis will help to improve efficiency and there will be investment in additional feed capacity.
Cavendish has upgraded Filtronic (FTC) due to another contract from SpaceX. The 2024-25 pre-tax profit estimate has been raised from £11.5m to £11.9m, while the 2025-26 figure has been edged up from £8m to £8.3m. This £16.8m order is part of the framework agreement to supply technology for the Starlink Low Earth Orbit satellite network.
Specialist staffing provider Gattaca (GATC) has offset a small decline in net fee income in the first half through cost control. This is a better performance than the sector. Interim net fee income is 3% lower at £18m following a 10% decline in permanent net fee income. There are signs of recovery in permanent net fee income. Interim pre-tax profit is likely to be flat at £800,000. The full year pre-tax profit forecast is £3m. The forecast dividend of 3.1p/share should be twice covered by earnings.
Distribution Finance Capital Holdings (DFCH) has received authorisation from the FCA to conduct consumer lending. The core business is providing finance to distributors and manufacturers. The new retail products should be launched by the end of the first half of 2025. They can be offered through dealers that already work with the company.
Lord Ashcroft is trying to remove another of his companies from AIM. A general meeting has been requisitioned at wine maker Gusbourne (GUS), where he owns 66.8%. Talks with potential acquirers have ended and the strategic review has been terminated. This follows Lord Ashcroft’s success in getting Merit Group and Jaywing to leave AIM.
Genetics company GENinCode (GENI) is raising £4m at 3.7p/share and a retail offer could raise up to £500,000 more. The retail offer closes on 17 February at 5pm. There will be £1.5m set aside for commercialising its diagnostic products in the US. The US regulatory and reimbursement programmes will be completed. There will also be cash spent on expansion in the UK and the EU. There could be other funding options, such as partnerships and distribution agreements. Lipid inCode and Cardio inCode are the two main products. Lipid inCode diagnoses family hypercholesterolemia, which has a low rate of diagnosis with four-fifths of sufferers estimated to be undiagnosed. Cardio inCode focuses on genetic risk.
Optimisation software provider Checkit (CKT) has agreed a merger with Crimson Tide (TIDE). Shareholders will receive six Checkit shares for each Crimson Tide share. This ratio is based on the relative annual recurring revenues of each company. Checkit has been interested in a merger for four years and an indicative offer was made and rejected. Following the decision of Ideagen last July not to make a cash bid for Crimson Tide the two companies commenced discussions. The deal will increase the scale of the workflow management business. The Checkit chief executive and finance directors will remain in their roles. Crimson Tide was valued at £6.5m (99p/share) at the Checkit closing price last Monday.
Healthcare services provider Totally (TLY) has lost the NHS 111 Resilience support contract. The 12-month contract was worth around £13m and it ends on 15 February. This is due to the ending of national services for excess demand. Totally is still expected to make a pre-tax profit of £700,000 for the year to March 2025, but Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2025-26 forecast from £1.6m to £700,000. The 10-year government plan for the NHS should be published in the spring.
Medical imaging technology developer IXICO (IXI) announced the completion of the analysis of more than 6,000 images within its Huntington’s disease patient MRI datasets. This puts IXIXO in a strong position to be selected as a contract research organisation on Huntingdon’s disease clinical trials. This is part of the Huntington’s Disease Imaging Harmonisation consortium. This data should identify imaging biomarkers. This will help with improving clinical trial design, patient selection and drug development. IXICO has 25 clinical trials in its order book and ten of them are for Huntington’s disease. They account for 50% of the order book that was worth £15.4m at the end of September 2024. Globally, there are a total of 58 active Huntington’ disease clinical trials.
Avingtrans (AVG) subsidiary Booth Industries has won a £4.5m contract to supply pressure rated fire doors to HS2. These doors provide access to railway tunnels in emergencies. Booth Industries already had a £36m contract with HS2 for cross-tunnel sliding doors that seal off passageways between tunnels. Production for the latest contract is not expected to start until the year to May 2027. Interim results are due to be published on 26 February.
Serinus Energy (SENX) has won a legal case against the Romanian tax authorities over VAT refunds. The company has been awarded a VAT refund of $1.73m for 2018 and 2019, as well as interest of $750,000. This has to be paid within 45 days. The Romanian operation is loss-making, but there are gas projects that could be developed. The 2024 results are due to be published in March and there should be news concerning how the money will be invested in the business.
Empire Metals (EEE) has achieved a 91% extraction rate of titanium dioxide at the Pitfield project in Western Australia. The test work results suggest that the processing method is straightforward. Development of the processing flowsheet is continuing, and further refining could increase recovery. The main titanium-bearing minerals are anatase and rutile.
Surveillance technology developer Thruvision (THRU) says potential contracts have been delayed. This means expected 2024-25 revenues will be between £5m and £6m. The previous expectation was £9m. Cash should last until May and talks have commenced with potential acquirers or providers of additional cash.
Surgical instruments manufacturer Surgical Innovations (SUN) has returned to profit in the second half of 2024, although the full year loss could still be £300,000. Trading was broadly in line with expectations. Net debt was £300,000 at the end of 2024. Brent Greetham has been appointed as finance director. The business restructuring of the business will benefit the 2025 figures.
Wound healing technology developer AOTI Inc (AOTI) says 2024 revenues will be in excess of $58.1m, up from $43.9m. The Veterans Association accounted for less than three-fifths of revenues as new markets are developed, and they will become increasingly important. However, payments are slower. The full figures will be published on 26 April. Growth is expected to be more than 30% in 2025.
Strategic Minerals (SML) has identified additional mineralisation at the Redmoor tungsten and copper project in Cornwall. This will add to a future update of the mineral resource estimate, which is six years old. The total inferred resource was 11.7 million tonnes at 0.82% tungsten equivalent. Further drill core from 2017 will be relogged to support the remodelling of the deposit.
MAIN MARKET
Fintech Asia has completed the reverse takeover of Mongolia-based ICFG and changed its name to ICFG Ltd (ICFG). The payment was 177.84 million shares at a valuation of 64p each, which was higher than the market price. The main subsidiary InvestCore NBFI is listed on the Mongolian Stock Exchange, but ICFG owns more than 80%. This subsidiary has operations in Mongolia and Kyrgystan and is opening additional operations in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. There are plans to open up in other countries in Asia. Investment in software and AI helps ICFG to be competitive. Other operations include investment banking and property investment. Trading in the shares resumed and the share price ended the week at 50.5p.
ACG Metals (ACG) is planning a cash tender offer for 30% of warrants in issue. The offer is 50 cents for each warrant. It already announced an offer for the other 70% of warrants of 0.1 of a share for each warrant. Both tenders close on 28 February. The Gediktepe mine increased gold equivalent production by 49% to 57,000 ounces. Costs fell 2% to less than $1,150/ounce.
Shares in royalty company Cloudbreak Discovery (CDL) returned from suspension following publication of the accounts for the year to June 2024.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 30 September 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Seneca Partners has requisitioned a general meeting at ProBiotix Health (PBX) to remove chief executive Steen Andersen and Frederik Bruhn-Petersen, whose family office recently subscribed for shares, from the board. Seneca was an early backer of OptiBiotix (OPTI), which spun off ProBiotix Health and whose boss Stephen O’Hara is on the board. OptiBiotix was unhappy with the share subscription and concern about the increase of the number of employees in Denmark.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) interim revenues improved from £30m to £31.9m and the loss was reduced from £4m to £2.55m. NAV fell to £19.9m at the end of June 2024. The funding review is continuing. Proposals for additional funding have not been at suitable cost, so non-core assets will be sold to reduce debt. Adnams improved market share in the off-trade, but sales to pubs and bars declined faster than the market.
Music artist talent management services provider All Things Considered (ATC) increased interim revenues from £3.4m to £19.6m, helped by a sharp increase in services revenues and an initial contribution from the live events division. The loss rose from £1.14m to £1.26m. Net cash is £1.68m. The first major production for the ATC Experience division is Hamlet Hail to the Thief, which combines Shakespeare and Radiohead.
Skin treatments developer Incanthera (INC) says the initial launch of the SKIN + Cell is being expanded and the products will be in the European retail network of Marionnaud sooner than originally planned. That is 1,200 outlets and this should be enough to move Incanthera into profit. Full timing of the launch is still being discussed. There are also plans for additional products.
Trading in Essentially (ESSN) shares has been suspended pending an investigation.
Cleantech engineering company Time to ACT (TTA) reported a loss of £1.1m on revenues of £1.89min the year to March 2024, which was prior to flotation. There was a profit the previous year, but that was due to a one-off payment of £1.5m. Oberon forecasts revenues of £2.2m this year but points out the lumpy nature of revenues. There would still mean the company would be loss making.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) joint venture development partner Gamesa Electric has ordered a 1.2MWh Mistral battery for a solar and wind generating site in Spain. This was announced at the same time as the interims, which were already well flagged. Interim revenues were £1.6m and the cash outflow from activities was £12.4m.
Bad debts of €1.09m were recovered by Black Sea Property (BSP) helped it move into profit in the six months to June 2024. Net assets are €50.6m.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) made an interim loss of £2.5m, while net assets were £17.8m at the end of June 2024. The net cash outflow from activities was £300,000 and net cash was £100,000.
IntelliAM (INT) generated revenues of £106,000 between July 2023 and March 2024 and lost money.This is the period before the acquisition of 53 Degrees North Engineering. There was cash of £91,000 at the end of March 2024.
Equipmake (EQIP) has received an additional order from South American bus manufacturer Agrale. Equipmake will supply parts for the MA11 light bus platform, which is an electric/ethanol hybrid.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) is investment in the Oscillate (MUSH) placing to help it finance the acquisition of Quantum Hydrogen. The investment company is buying shares in Oscillate at 1p each and they come with a warrant exercisable at 2p. The total fundraising is £700,000.
Coinsilium (COIN) reported that interim revenues slumped to £3,000, but the digital assets investor and services provider moved from loss to profit. That was due to a net fair value gain on financial assets of £336,000. Cash was £430,000 at the end of June 2024.
Igraine (KING) had £84,000 in the bank at the end of June 2024, following an interim loss of £67,000. The board is evaluating new opportunities.
Valerium (VLRM) has launched VLRM Capital Management in Gibraltar and it will act as director of VLRM Capital Management VSA Private Fund. The fund will use volume spread analysis to generate returns. Valerium chairman James Formolli has invested £1m in the fund.
Marula Mining (MARU) has updated its mine development plan for the Kinusi copper mine in Tanzania. The infrastructure is suitable to support open pit mining and two-phase copper processing operation to produce copper cathode.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is receiving A$55,000 from the Western Australian government towards exploration of the Nullagine tenements at Mosquito Creek.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) had net assets of 5.07p/share at the end of June.
Voyager Life (VOY) says that M3 Helium, which it has an option to acquire, plans a second frack on the Nilson well. This is a fully funded programme with investors providing $170,000 for a 25% interest in the well.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) says cash decreased by €769,000 in the first half of 2024. Net assets were €5.06m at the end of June 2024, with cash of €1.54m.
Globa Capital (GCAP) had net liabilities of £485,000 at the end of June 2024. There is support from shareholders and loan note holders to meet ongoing costs.
TechFinancials (TECH) had cash of $318,000 at the end of June 2024. Management is seeking investment opportunities.
Vinanz (BTC) raised £608,000 at 13p/share. This will fund the acquisition of more Bitcoin miners.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) appointed Oberon as corporate adviser and broker.
RAJ Bailey acquired 10,000 shares in Daniel Thwaites (THW) at 85.25p each. It taks the director’s stake to 1.32%.
AIM
Floorcoverings supplier Airea (AIEA) had already flagged the weak second quarter trading. Interim revenues were 6% lower at £9.3m and there was a swing from a pre-tax profit of £620,000 to a loss of £68,000. Airea does not appear to be losing market share, and third quarter trading has been stronger. The investment in the manufacturing facility continues and should be completed in early 2025. There is still net cash even though inventories have increased.
Software and maintenance services provider Pennant International (PEN) says that the UK strategic defence review has led to delays in training contracts. This part of the business is being reviewed with plans to focus on a software-led model. Interim revenues were 4% higher at £7.4m despite a decline in North American revenues because of the splitting up of a large Canadian contract. There was a move back into a modest profit. A new software product will be launched in early 2025. Cavendish still expects a full year loss of £400,000, but it is reviewing its 2025 figures.
Telematics services provider Microlise (SAAS) has secured a five-year contract renewal with JC Bamford up until September 2029. The technology enhances connectivity and diagnostic capabilities to improve productivity. The relationship has lasted 14 years.
Graphene technology developer Directa Plus (DCTA) is taking a cautious approach to the environmental remediation tenders that it has been expecting to be awarded. These have been removed from forecasts and full year revenues are estimated at €7.3m, down from €10.5m, with a loss of €5.1m. The interim revenues declined 27% to €3.45m, although this was partly offset by the concentration on higher margin business. If Directa Plus wins one of the tenders, then revenues could rise significantly over the next year. There should still be net cash of €5.2m at the end of 2024, so Directa Plus can wait for the tenders to come through.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) has revealed phase 3 paediatric study results for ACCRUFeR, its iron deficiency anaemia treatment, that show highly clinically relevant effectiveness. This will support filings with the FDA and the European authorities for children older than one month. The FDA filing should be in the first quarter of 2025.
Ondine Biomedical Inc (OBI) has raised £2.8m at 12.5p/share, although the transaction is not expected to be completed until early November. This follows a partnership with Sweden-based Molnlycke Health Care that will take the Steriwave nasal antimicrobial treatment in the European and Middle East markets. The UK is the initial focus. The addressable market is $300m.
Cora Gold (CORA) says exploration work at the Sanankoro gold project in southern Mali has identified twenty new targets within eight gold bearing structures – four primary and four secondary structures. There are seven key targets. This provides potential to extend the existing gold resource of 920,000 ounces. There are signs that the Mali government may lift the moratorium on issuing permits. The existing DFS was based on a gold price of $1,750/ounce and even at this price level the project would generate $71.8m of free cash in the first year.
Clean Power Hydrogen (CPH2) has completed the final stage of the Factory Acceptance Test for the MFE110 electrolyser. The customer is Northern Ireland Water, and it will deploy one unit. This should help to spark more serious interest from other potential customers.
Fluid power products supplier Flowtech Fluidpower (FLO) had already pre-empted the interims in its July trading statement, but trading got tougher in the third quarter. Interim sales fell 6% to £55.7m with customers deferring orders. A recovery was expected in the second half, but revenues are likely to be flat leading to a 2% decline in revenues to £110m. Pre-tax profit is forecast to slump from £4.3m to £1.7m before recovering next year.
Emmerson (EML) is hopeful that it will receive the environmental permit for the Khemisset potash project in Morocco before the end of the year. There will also be the release of lab results from the second round of crop trials that examine the effectiveness of the potash providing phosphate to lettuces. Emmerson currently has $1.7m in cash. This should last well into 2025.
Hummingbird Resources (HUM) has launched an operational and strategic review and Dan Betts is moving from chief executive to chairman of the gold producer. A new boss is being sought. Lower than expected mining volumes mean that Kouroussa will take until the end of the year to reach commercial production. A $30m prepayment gold loan has been agreed with CIG. Gold will be delivered to CIG each month.
Energy services supplier Enteq Technologies (NTQ) has raised £1.5m from a placing and subscription at 5p/share. A retail offer could raise up to £500,000 and it closes on 30 September. The cash will help to finance the commercial launch of the SABER (Steer-at-Bit Enteq Rotary) tool. Testing with the first customer is ongoing. The fleet of SABER tools will be raised to ten.
Spirits supplier Distil (DIS) is raising £650,000 at 0.12p/share with non-exec Roland Grain subscribing £200,000 and Dr Graham Cooley £90,000. The shares come with placing warrants exercisable at 0.36p each. Allenby has been appointed as broker. The cash will fund promotion and production of stock.
MAIN MARKET
Highway Capital (HWC) has ceased discussions for the purchase of Guinevere Capital Esports and Entertainment. A capital restructuring is planned so that debt can be converted into equity and more cash raised via a share issue. The 2022-23 and 2023-24 accounts should be published by November. Trading in the shares was suspended in 2016.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 24 June 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Brewer Daniel Thwaites (THW) increased full year revenues by 6% to £115.5m. The main growth was in the pubs and inns division. Operating profit before property disposals improved 4% to £11.3m. The interim dividend was raised from 0.75p/share to 0.85p/share. Net debt increased from £66.7m to £70.8m at the end of March 2024. The pension surplus rose to £34.9m.
Adnams (ADB) is outperforming the market in terms of beer sales and volumes. Funding plans are still being assessed.
Marula Mining (MARU) is seeking admission to the Growth Enterprise Market Segment of the Nairobi Securities Exchange in July. This will provide access to institutional investors in Kenya. Initial spodumene sales of 500 tonnes have been made from the Blesberg site. The export sales process will complete in the next four weeks. Minimum sales target of 10,000 tonnes should be achieved for 2024. Other buy-products could be sold later in the year.
Cooks Coffee (COOK) says the Esquires store sales increased by 24% in the first ten weeks of the financial year. The rate of growth is faster in the UK than in Ireland, although like-for like growth was faster in Ireland.
At the end of 2023, Evrima (EVA) had net assets of £1.02m, down from £1.77m at the end of 2022. Evrima is ready to capitalise on natural resources opportunities.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has launched its US service via its joint venture with Zero Hash. This operates a B2B2C crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform and the US users will get access to a core suite of services to trade bitcoin and other digital assets.
EDX Medical (EDX) is launching comprehensive hereditary germline cancer testing products and services. These will predict if family members are more at risk of contracting cancer. The first test identifies mutations in 70 genes associated with cancers.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has secured the sale of a 4.4MWh vanadium flow battery to PowerFlex in the US and it will help to underpin the 2024 forecast revenues of £37.3m. The deal is for California where there is significant demand for storage batteries.
The Mustang Energy acquisition of Cykel AI (LON: CYK) should complete on 26 June.
Health food company Essentially Group (ESSN) has received approval for the listing of $25m of 12% fixed rate notes 2027 on the Vienna MTF. This cash will fund capital investment.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 354.89p/share.
Skin treatments developer Incanthera (INC) has completed the recent fundraising at 15p/share. Unicorn Asset Management has taken a 11.4% stake.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) chairman Geoffrey Miller has increased his stake from 8.24% to 9.22%. Another shareholder transferred 1.5 million shares at 1.5p each.
All Things Considered (ATC) has appointed Allenby as corporate adviser and broker.
AIM
Medical technology company AOTI Inc (LON: AOTI) has developed products that help to heal wounds by focusing oxygen on chronic wounds. These can include diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers. It joined AIM last Tuesday and raised £19.5m at 132p/share, but £6m of that went on expenses. There were also shares sold by existing investors. The share price ended at 136p. Revenues are growing at an annual rate of 38% and reached $43.9m in 2023.
Market research company YouGov (YOU) says sales bookings have been lower than expected since the interims were reported. Full year revenues will be approximately £324m-£327m and underlying operating profit will be £41m-£44m. There is reduced demand for fast-turnaround research. There will also be a change in revenue recognition for consumer panel services that delays some revenue into next year.
Longboat Energy (LBE) is selling its assets in Norway for $2.5m and the assumption of $8,5m of debt by the acquirer. This should save $1.25m in costs in 2025. The cash will be invested in the main asset, which is the 52.5% owned Kertang gas prospect, offshore Sarawak. A farm out process will be conducted in the second half of 2024. An updated competent person report is due at the end of the month. Chair elect James Menzies has bought one million shares at 9.75p each.
Full year results from Pennant International (PEN) achieved the expected recovery in 2023 pre-tax profit to £1.3m. Higher software income has helped margins to improve. The Gen 3.0 software launch this year has already led to a major contract gain. There is strong activity in the defence sector, but the timing of business is uncertain so a dip in pre-tax profit to £1.2m is forecast for this year.
There is a rival to the Checkit (CKT) indicative offer for Crimson Tide (TIDE), which has been rejected despite an increase in the bid from seven shares to nine shares for each Crimson Tide share. Former AIM company Ideagen has offered 312p/share for Crimson Tide, which is being considered.
Training services provider Mind Gym (MIND) reported an 18% decline in revenues and a slump into loss in the year to March 2024 and revenues are expected to continue to decline this year. Clients are putting off spending on developing the skills of employees. There was a loss of £12.1m after exceptional costs of £8.9m. There was a £6.6m write down on digital assets, restructuring costs of £1.8m and a £500,000 impairment of a US office lease. At the end of March 2024, cash was £1.4m. Liberum expects the underlying loss will be reduced from £3.3m to £1.7m in 2024-25. The new chief executive is updating strategy through further productisation of services.
Kibo Energy (KIBO) has simplified its restructuring plan. It is raising £340,000 at 0.01p each and creditors will convert £274,000 at the same share price. This replaces the £500,000 placing at 0.015p/share. Cobus van der Merwe will become an executive director and Clive Roberts a non-exec. Louis Coetzee is leaving the board.
Concurrent Technologies (CNC) has won its largest single contract worth $4.5m. The company will supply multiple standard plug-in cards to a major US defence and aerospace contractor. The lifetime value of the contract could be $40m. The income should begin this year, but the full benefit will come through in the future.
Crossword Cybersecurity (CCS) has signed a partnership to jointly market its Rizikon supply chain cyber platform. The deal is with a UK subsidiary of a global aerospace and security company. The focus is sub-sectors within the UK critical national infrastructure market. There is potential to generate several million pounds over the next few years.
Active Energy Group (AEG) dived because it intends to leave AIM and go into liquidation. There is no suitable offer for the CoalSwitch assets, but some discussions continue. Even so, shareholders are unlikely to get anything from the liquidation. Trading in the shares will be suspended on 1 July because the 2023 accounts will not be ready. Assuming the general meeting agrees to the proposals the AIM quotation will end on 23 July.
R&Q Insurance Holdings (RQIH) says that it intends to accept the alternative proposal from the buyer of Accredited. This means that the company will go into liquidation.
Geological information publisher Getech (GTC) reported a rise in loss from £3.1m to £3.6m in 2024. Getech has refocused on its core business because it does not have the financial strength to develop hydrogen products. The first four months trading in 2024 has improved by 17%, but the cash outflow needs to be stemmed. There was £400,000 in cash at the end of 2023, supplemented by a property sale in January raising £650,000. There is another property valued at £850,000. Cavendish believes Getech could break even this year.
Seed Innovations (SEED) has £3.9m in cash following the special dividend payment. The main investments are in Juvenescence, Avextra and Clean Food Group, all of which are biotech or cannabis related businesses. There are seven investments with valuations with two written down to nil.
MAIN MARKET
Chamberlin’s financial failure has provided an acquisition opportunity for Castings (CGS) which has paid £400,000 for the assets and inventory of Russell Ductile Castings. That is well below the previous book value. The foundry is based in Scunthorpe, where there is a 25-year lease, and it makes castings from 10kg to 7,000kg in iron and 10kg to 1,000kg in steel. Management believes they can maintain the customers, which diversify the business into new sectors making it less dependent on heavy trucks.
Advanced Energy Industries Inc has decided not to bid for power controllers supplier XP Power (XPP).
Andrew Hore