Home » Posts tagged 'mka'
Tag Archives: mka
Quoted Micro 25 May 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Time to ACT (TTA) says that Ruth Herbert has been appointed chief executive of EET Hydrogen and power, which is a potential client, and final investment decision for the HPP1 blue hydrogen project is due in the second half of 2026. Time to ACT has completed the acquisition of MTE Heat Treatment for £500,000.
Unigel Group (UNX) has decided it is best to leave Aquis and is asking for shareholder agreement. A general meeting is planned on 5 June.
Ian Bagnall has taken a 5.78% stake in Tomahawk Minerals (TMHK), formerly Shortwave Life Sciences. The company is concentrating on its gold and antimony, and it is planning a move to AIM.
In the first quarter of 2026, SuperSeed Capital (WWW) improved to 141p/share or 136.4p/share after notional management fee.
B HODL (HODL) has launched the Lightning Service Provider platform, which provides programmable liquidity for Bitcoin.
Quantum computing technology developer Delta Gold Technologies (LON: DGQ) pointed out a Wall Street Journal article concerning the award of up to $2bn in grants to the quantum computing sector. The company issued 28,571 shares at a warrant price of 50p each.
In the six months to February 2026, Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) had a cash outflow from operations was £612,000. There was £338,000 left in cash. Income from digital assets was £516,000, up from £20,000 in the first half of the previous year, but there was a sharp increase in operating costs. There was a £3.76m drop in the valuation of the digital assets.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has completed the acquisition of M3 Helium and Paul Mendell, who has a 9.37% stake, has been appointed technical director.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) made a strong start to the year and loan balances edged up to £2.32bn by the end of April 2026. Deposits were 1% ahead to £4.26bn over the same period. Funds under management and administration were 5% higher at £2.8bn. No reductions in interest rates so far this year has been good for Arbuthnot Banking, and the income on its surplus funds.
Nomad Compute (NMD) has raised £3.124m at 0.125p/share. A capital reorganisation is required to reduce the apar value to enable the shares to be issued. The cash is for “developing and operating modular, containerised edge AI compute infrastructure for global enterprise and sovereign markets”.
IntelliAM AI (INT) has appointed Joel Crawfod as chief revenue officer. He will be based in Texas.
Energy B (NRGB) has appointed First Sentinel as corporate adviser.
Oliver O’Donnell, head of equities for VSA Capital (VSA), has been appointed to the group board.
Roundhouse Digital has changed its name to Roundhouse AI (ETHL).
AIM
Asia-focused oil and gas producer Jadestone Energy (JSE) reported a loss of $133.7m on revenues of $408m for 2025, but that figure is complicated by $126m impairment charge and the $18.5m write off for the abandonment of the SKUA-11 well. That masks the strong cash generation of the business last year. Cash generated from operating activities was $91.4m, helped by lower operating costs, and along with the $39.4m proceeds from a disposal this was more than enough to fund capital expenditure and interest charges. Net debt reduced to $89.1m. Jadestone Energy has refinanced debt through a $200m bond issue, which increases the cash available. Production in 2026 could be at the lower end of the 18,000-21,000 boe/day guidance range – last year it was 19,829 boe/day – because of a storm stopping production at the Stag field. That should generate enough cash to cover investment this year. The farm-out process for the Vietnam asset has commenced.
Medical devices developer Creo Medical (CREO) has raised £5.5m at 15p/share and the Bank of Wales is subscribing for £2m of convertible loan notes. Creo Medical plans to sell the remaining 49% interest in Creo Medical SL to 51% shareholder CME at book value. The sale of the 51% stake raised £24.7m after costs CME will continue to distribute Creo Medical products in Europe. Cash was £12.4m at the end of 2025 and there was a subsequent dividend of £1.6m from CME. Creo medical made an underlying operating loss of £13.7m on revenues of £6m in 2025 and the additional cash will help to accelerate growth in sales. First quarter revenues were 60% ahead and full year revenues could grow at a similar rate. Operating costs should be reduced by 15%.
Energy efficiency technology developer Sabien Technology (SNT) is entering into an agreement for a proposed strategic commercial partnership and financing that will help to accelerate commercial deployment of the M2G technology. The partnership with Haydale (HAYD) and SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC) means that SMCC will be the M2G distributor in agreed commercial, industrial and public sector markets. Haydale would also help with improving manufacturing efficiency. Non-core investments are being reviewed, and additional opportunities will be assessed. A strategic investor group could acquire the 26.7% stake held by executive chairman Richard Parris and restructure the debt owed to Parris Group. A convertible loan note could raise up to £2m. Final terms have to be agreed. This announcement follows the settlement of a historical contract for £40,000 in cash and £50,000 in shares at 5.71p each.
Building and plumbing products distributor Lords Group Trading (LORD) has reported better than expected results. Pre-tax profit still fell from £3.8m to £2.8m. There has been a rationalisation of plumbing and heating distribution sites and there was a small dip in sales. Online builders merchant CMO made an initial contribution. Market share is improving. There could be a further fall in profit this year.
FIH Group (FIH) will pay a 40p/share special dividend from the funds from the £11.6m sale of the Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company. The shares go ex-dividend on 5 June. Chief executive Stuart Munro gets a £478,000 bonus and finance director Reuben Shamu £293,000 for the successful disposal.
Gold producer Metals Exploration (MTL) produced 65,287 ounces of gold in 2025, but the higher gold price meant that revenues rose by 9% to $208.4m. Free cash generated from operations was 19% higher at $115.3m. Construction of the La India project in Nicaragua is one-third complete. The first gold pour could be in December. Gold production guidance for Runruno has been revised downwards to 40,000-48,000 ounces.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has won a project through FlexBase to design a GWh-scale vanadium flow battery to be deployed at the Technology Centre Laufenburg, Switzerland. This datacentre and technology campus required up to 1.5GWh and it could be expanded to 2.1 GWh. There should be phased manufacturing of the batteries.
Automotive interior components manufacturer CT Automotive (CTA) reported a 4% dip in revenues to $114.8m, while pre-tax profit improved by one-fifth to £9.5m. Earnings were 11.4 cents/share. A further improvement is expected this year.
TV programmes producer Zinc Media (ZIN) has won a $6m contract to produce an entertainment series in the Middle East. The international distribution rights should add extra income. The series has already been broadcast for 17 seasons, and it follows inventors developing ideas. Zinc Media has been brought in to refresh the format, and the programme will be shot in Arabic and English. Zinc Media is acquiring William Martin Qatar for an initial £400,000. The final purchase price will be up to £1.12m. This is an agency specialising in events and film in the Middle East and it fits well with the existing business in the region. Full year revenues of £3.4m and pre-tax profit of £300,000 are forecast.
Tap Global Group (TAP) recently launched the Tap Earn app and it has reached $3.5m of assets under management. The app offers a yield of up to 7% on supported stablecoin holdings, up to 3.5% on Ethereum and up to 2.5% on Bitcoin. Tap Earn is available across all the company’s markets and will generate revenues for the company by converting passive customer balances into generating income.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has secured surface rights to 270 acres of the Teck Hughes tailings project. This provides access and operational flexibility. The price is C$220,000 in cash and a 1.5% net smelter royalty. The net smelter royalty can be reduced to 0.75% for C$750,000 in cash and to 0.5% with a further C$500,000 payment.
Mkango Resources (MKA) subsidiary Mkango Rare Earths has filed a registration statement in the US concerning its merger with Crown PropTech Acquisitions. This helps to progress the proposed Nasdaq listing for Mkango Rare Earths.
Ariana Resources (AAU) is selling a 13.6% stake in the Zenit gold mining joint venture in Turkey to the majority shareholding for $19.5m – $17.2m after tax. Ariana Resources retains a 9.9% stake in Zenit, which could generate dividends, and has $29m in cash. The cash will be invested in the Dokwe project in Zimbabwe and the cash will fund the project up to the definitive feasibility study.
First quarter results from gold miner Thor Explorations (THX) show year-on-year revenues increasing from $64m to $74.3m and lower operating costs per ounce of gold. Net income rose from $34.4m to $46.7m. Net cash was $177.9m at the end of March 2026. A dividend of C$0.0275/share was announced. Full year production guidance is 75,000-85,000 ounces of gold with average costs likely to edge up.
Gene therapy technology developer 4basebio (4BB) increased 2025 revenues from £900,000 to £1.7m and it is forecast to rise to £2.5m. The loss was £17.9m. There should still be £8.5m in the bank at the end of 2025. The company has secured a clinical supply deal with a biotech company for supply of synthetic DNA to a phase II immunotherapy programme.
MAIN MARKET
Vehicle rental and claims management company Zigup (ZIG) traded strongly in the second half with profit at the upper end of expectations. Full year pre-tax profit is set to be around £160m. Cash generation has improved. The results will be released on 8 July.
Ground engineering and piling business Keller (KLR) reported stronger trading in the first four months of the year despite the global background. North America has done well. Higher costs are being passed on in new contracts. The order book is worth £1.7bn. The interim results will be published on 4 August.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) has visited the NWQ Copper project with partner Austral Resources to inspect the Big One Deposit and Big One North prospect. The historical copper stockpile was assessed. Mt Storm was identified as an under explored near surface target.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 19 January 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Bitcoin investor and wed development company The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has published its prospectus for the move to the Main Market. A general meeting will be held on 28 January to gain shareholder approval. The listing is expected to cost £1.5m. Management wants to use the listing to fund acquisitions and further purchases of Bitcoin. The share price recovered 42.5% to 57p. The April 2025 reversal into an Aquis shell was done at 2.5p.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) says drilling has commenced at the Eureka gold and copper project in Argentina. Initial results will be at the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Vault Ventures (VULT) has entered into post-quantum security infrastructure. The initial focus is post-quantum encryption at the application layer.
Falconedge (EDGE) has achieved incremental Bitcoin growth of 0.23526 of a Bitcoin during December, taking the holding to 19.509853 Bitcoin.
WeCap (WCAP) has fallen 16% to 1.575p on the back of a further decline in the WeShop share price to $67.17. The stake is still probably worth nearly 10p/share.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) has withdrawn resolutions 7 and 9 from its AGM. Revised authorities to allot shares and disapply pre-emption rights will be voted on at a general meeting. This is on top of the requisitioned general meeting to remove David Richards, Mark Horrocks and Sandy Barblett from the board and appoint Howard White and Nicholas Monson.
Zentra (ZNT) has formed a property management joint venture with Connor Moylan. Zentra will own 51% and continue with its own lettings and property management business. This deal will avoid adding fixed overhead to the group.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has gained a patent for emulsification for Heavy Sulphur Fuel Oils (HSFO) and Sulnox Eco™ Fuel Conditioners in Vietnam.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) has secured an agreement with Altarius Asset Management to establish and investment fund and two sub-funds investing in private debt and private equity. They should be established in the first quarter of 2026.
Ethtry (ETHY) has secured a partnership with the Liechtenstein Trust Integrity Network.
B HODL (HODL) has bought one more Bitcoin taking the holding to 159.295 Bitcoin costing an average of $83,103 each.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 304.54p/share at the end of December 2025.
BWA Group (BWAP) says St. Georges Eco-Mining Corp has disposed of its shareholding. Three directors bought shares and David Butler took a 3.52% stake.
JP JENKINS
The JP Jenkins-15 index rose 5.4% to 1209.1 by the end of trading on 9 January. This is a 21% increase over the first year. THG Ingenuity has been a strong performer. OPG Power Ventures has replaced e-therapeutics in the index.
ASSET MATCH
Regenerative medical devices developer Tissue Regenix (TRX) has undertaken a review of executive directors’ activities and uncovered potentially serious corporate governance concerns. Sufficient funding has been secured for the company to support commercial operations and further investigation.
AIM
Pizza restaurants operator DP Poland (LON: DPP) gained momentum in the fourth quarter of 2025 and this has continued into this year. System sales were 14% higher on a constant currency basis and 22% on a reporting currency basis. Full year system sales were 8% higher at £16.4m on a constant currency basis. The growth rates in Poland and Croatia were similar. Group EBITDA rose from £4.8m to £6.3m. Cash was £1.6m at the end of 2025. Consolidation of commissary and dough production in a single facility should be completed in the first half. There are 135 Domino’s and 75 Pizzeria 105 locations. Panmure Liberum forecasts a reduced pre-tax loss of £300,000 in 2026, down from £500,000 in 2025.
Caledonia Mining Corporation (CMCL) has increased the offering of 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2033 from $100m to $125m. The initial purchasers have an option to purchase a further $25m for 13 days after the issue of the notes. The offer should close on 20 January. Net proceeds will be around $120m, or $144m if the option is fully taken up. There will be $12m spent on the cost of capped call transactions. The rest will fund development of the Bilboes gold project in Zimbabwe.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) reported 2024-25 results in line with the October trading statement, but Zeus has reduced its expectations for this year. Full year revenues fell 8% to £149.1m due to store closures and reduced footfall. Online sales did increase. Higher wage costs meant that pre-tax profit dropped from £10m to £2.4m. This year’s pre-tax profit forecast has been cut from £4.5m to £1m on a further fall in revenues for £145.8m.
Semiconductor wafer products supplier IQE (IQE) gained positive momentum in the second half of 2025 due to defence business. There was also strong photonics demand and higher sales of wireless products. Revenues will be full year revenues of around £97m and EBITDA at least £2m due to operational gearing. HSBC has provided a waiver for the EBITDA covenant test. Cash was £15.6m at the end of 2025. There is a strong order book. The board is negotiating with potential buyers of all or part of the business.
Online fashion retailer Sosandar (SOS) increased third quarter revenues 10% higher at £13.4m and gross margin improved. Sales from the company’s own site were 27% ahead, but the Marks & Spencer business is still being affected by the cyber incident. Net cash is £9.7m. Trading is in line with expectations of a full year pre-tax profit of £400,000.
Western Australia focused explorer Artemis Resources (ARV) plans to cancel its AIM quotation and concentrate of the ASX listing. Liquidity has been limited. There is an opportunity for each Depositary Interest holder can become a registered shareholder on the Australian share register. This is expected to happen on 13 February, which is three years after joining AIM. The introduction price was 3.75p and the share price has fallen by more than 90%.
Cyber security company Corero Network Security (CNS) says 2025 EBITDA was ahead of expectations. Revenues rose 4% to $25.5m instead of the anticipated dip and this meant that there was not a loss and instead it was positive EBITDA of $1m. Annualised recurring revenues are 23% higher at $23.9m. Net cash was $4m at the end of 2025. Zeus has maintained its 2026 EBITDA forecast of $1.4m and pre-tax loss of £1.3m. This will be reviewed when the full year figures are announced in March.
Distribution Finance (DFCH) has grown its loan book to £846m at the end of 2025, ahead of guidance, and it is targeting a figure of £1.5bn by 2030. New loan origination was more than £1.8bn in 2025. Full year underlying pre-tax profit will be at least £17.5m, up from £14.4m. Tangible net assets are at least 75p/share. The
Tern (TERN) has been notified by the general partner of SVV2 that Tern has ceased to be a limited partner in the SVV2 partnership because it has been classed as a defaulting investor. Tern’s interest has been transferred to other partners, and it is unlikely to receive any compensation. The general partner is also seeking default interest and costs of £40,000 and indemnity from consequence of default of £184,000. Tern is taking legal advice.
Virtual product advertising Miriad Advertising (MIRI) says 2025 revenues fell from £1m to £400,000. It expects a much stronger performance in 2026 with positive signs for February and March. There are joint venture discussions for emerging markets. Cash was £1.2m at the end of £1.2m and the monthly cost base is £220,000.
Eqtec (EQT) is broadening its strategy to gain exposure of critical and precious metals, while continuing with the core waste to energy technology business. They are viewed to be complementary segments of the energy transition sector. Lenders are supporting the move.
After trading problems for capital equipment supplier Mpac (MPAC) earlier in the year, the 2025 outcome is set to be in line with expectations. Helped by previous acquisitions’ full contributions, revenues grew from £122.4m to £170m, while pre-tax profit should be £13.5m. The order book is worth £92m and covers 50% of 2026 forecast revenues. Some orders were delayed.
Toys and games supplier Character Group (LON: CCT) says like-for-like sales in the fourth months to December 2025 were 11% lower, but sales should improve in the second half. Full year revenues are likely to be flat, but pre-tax profit could more than double. The £2.96m share buyback is complete.
Wellnex Health Ltd (WNX) improved gross margin from 22.8% to 31.3% in the first half. Breakeven was achieved in the second quarter. The core Pain Away product generated revenues of A$3.3m in the second quarter.
Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ) produced 7,915 tonnes of copper, 25,061 ounces of gold and 153,332 ounces of silver in 2025. Copper production was at a record level in the fourth quarter. The first sales of copper concentrate were made from the Demirli mine. Gedabek and Demirli mines both increased copper production, although copper production was slightly below guidance. There is inventory of 2,457 tonnes of copper valued at $12,504/tonne.
Public Policy Holding Company In (PPHC) has filed an amended Form S-1 with the US SFA for the proposed listing on Nasdaq. It will retain the AIM quotation after the listing.
Mkango Resources (MKA) has completed concept studies for expanding South Carolina and Nevada hubs, which will treble production of magnets and alloys to 4,656 metric tons. The expanded hubs could have a post-tax NPV of more than $2bn. This will help the proposed reversal into the US listed shell. The rare earth recycling and sintered magnet manufacturing plant in Birmingham has been officially opened.
Cancer diagnostics developer CelLBxHealth (CLBX) expects 2025 revenues to be £1.4m, which is lower than the forecast of £1.6m due to deferral of contracts. After the recent fundraising, year-end cash was £7.3m. The 2026 forecast is maintained with revenues of £3.6m and a £5.7m loss after annualised cost savings of £5.9m.
Shuka Minerals (SKA) has received the £815,000 payment from Gathoni Muchai Investments. A placing raised a further £1m at 4p/share. This funded the completion of the acquisition of Leopard Exploration and Mining and the Kabwe zinc mine. There are 5.723Mt of resources at Kabwe (including 700,000 tonnes of zinc and 100,000 tonnes of lead), with a value in excess of $2bn. The NPV10 is $561m.
MAIN MARKET
North East England-based investment company Develop North (DVNO) has published a prospectus to raise £58m to help its move towards its target of reaching £300m in assets. There is a subscription and retail offer at 81.6p/share.
Online travel hostel agency Hostelworld (HSW) increased revenues by 7% in the second half and marketing costs as a percentage of revenues declined to 45%. Social Passes were launched last November, which will help to generate income from social media. In 2025, net revenues were 2% ahead at €93.8m, while EBITDA was €19.9m, which is lower than the previous year. Net cash was €10.6m at the end of 2025.
Cadmium-free quantum dots developer Nanoco (NANO) has received $4.5m from LG Electronics with $500,000 withheld due to tax liabilities. Nanoco is seeking damages for IP infringement from rival Shoei. The case could go to trial in 2026.
Panther Metals (PALM) has signed a three-year purchase option over three mine claims in the Obonga project area in Ontario. There is a C$200,000 cash payment and 1.5% net smelter royalty.
Ecora Resources has changed its name to Ecora Royalties (ECOR) and has translated the interim dividend at 0.4471p/share.
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 18 September 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
An update on the Amapa iron ore project in Brazil from Cadence Minerals (LON: KDNC) says permitting times for the mine and related logistics should be reduced to 12-16 months. An environmental control plan is required to obtain the permits. This will enable a funding decision for the project. Investee company Hastings Technology Metals has expanded its offtake agreement with thyssenkrupp Materials Trading, which will take two-thirds of production from the Yangibana rare earths project.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has converted an existing order from Taiwan to its next generation Mistral flow battery. This is a higher margin product targeted at large wind and solar applications. Management is securing additional production capacity with Taiwan partner Everdura.
EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) had net assets of 308p/share at the end of July 2023. Investee company Rayware’s sales have been hit by weak consumer demand. Pharmacy2U continues to grow. Two investments have been sold. Ther was cash of £16.3m at the end of July 2023.
Financial services company Eight Capital Partners (ECP) says its 2021 figures have been restated because of a change in the accounting treatment of the bonds. Non-cash transactions have been removed from the cash flow statement. The book value of the bonds has been changed to fair value and a modified loss recognised on loan liabilities. Net liabilities were £11.4m. The 2022 results show net assets of £25.3m after a debt conversion to equity. A partial reversal of previous fair value adjustments also helped.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) is providing a convertible loan of $50,000 and has a 12-month option to subscribe for $500,000 for shares in Silta at a pre-money valuation of $7.5m. This means that it could end up with 6.7% of Silta. Last year, Coinsilium entered into an early contribution agreement to buy $75,000 of SILTA tokens. Silta is developing an advanced AI platform for sustainable infrastructure financing.
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) is paying an interim dividend of 12p/share.
Rod Weinberg has reduced his stake in SulNOx Group (SNOX) from 6.35% to 2.49%. Macaulay Capital (MCAP) managing director David Horner has bought 200,000 shares at 22.5p each. Nigel Pope has taken a 3% stake in NFT Investments (NFT). Gathoni Muchai Investments has trimmed its stake in Marula Mining (MARU) from 12.2% to 11.26%. A warrants subscription at 4p each raised £30,500.
Black Sea Property (BSP) has raised €4.44m from a loan note issue, which is being used to pay for the recent acquisition of a majority stake in Grand Hotel Varna, which owns three hotels and a beach marina resort, plus a mutual fund portfolio. There is still €15.5m to pay.
AIM
Parcel delivery and logistics company DX (DX.) has received a bid approach from private equity firm HIG European Capital Partners. Gatemore Capital Management, which owns 16.8%, says it is willing to support the proposal of 48.5p/share. Management had rejected lower bids, but it would be minded to recommend this one. Due diligence will be required.
Online gaming firm Gaming Realms (GMR) reported interim revenues 35% higher at £11.5m and a 74% increase in pre-tax profit to £2.4m. The licensing business drove the growth. North American revenues increased by 47% and there are more states likely to ease restrictions on online gaming. Growth is coming from moving into new markets and adding new games. There are upfront costs to the expansion, holding back short-term profit. Net cash is expected to be £8m at the year end
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) increased interim revenues by 27% to $24.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from $2.6m to $4.7m. First half iodine production was 242Mt. Iofina commenced production at its IO#9 plant in Oklahoma at the end of the half year. This is the sixth plant in operation and will help boost second half production to 325-350Mt.
Contract research and infectious disease study services provider hVIVO (HVO) is moving into larger London premises in Canary Wharf. The latest interims have led to an upgrade of guidance for the full year and hVIVO intends to pay a nominal dividend for 2023. Interim revenues were £27.3m, up from £18m, and the full year outcome is expected to be £55.1m with most of the rest of the revenues already contracted.
Construction and property software supplier Eleco (ELCO) increased like-for-like interim revenues by 5% to £13.5m. More importantly, recurring revenues were 18% ahead at £9.7m. This indicates the success of the move to SaaS-based revenues which has held back progress in the short-term. Net cash could reach £10.8m by the end of 2023.
Mkango Resources (MKA) subsidiary HyProMag, which is a short loop rare earth magnet recycler, is participating in a grant funded project called RE-RE Wind, which is designed to provide a circular supply chain for rare earth magnets for wind turbines. The first generation of wind turbines are coming up to the end of their life and a decommissioning programme is required.
Payments services provider Cornerstone FS (CSFS) made a small maiden interim profit. The move into profit was earlier than expected. Interim revenues were 90% ahead at £3.6m and most of this is direct business rather than through third parties. The overheads were held down enabling more of the additional revenues to flow through to profit. Cash is being generated from operations.
Online gaming company B90 Holdings (B90) has raised £2m at 5.44491p/share. The cash will go towards funding acquisitions and further investment in existing assets. The company is also converting £4.73m of loan notes and interest into 86.8 million shares. Enwys, which acquires customers for online gaming companies, has been bought. There are more than 20 other acquisition targets.
Keystone Law (KEYS) is paying a special dividend of 12.5p/share on top of the interim of 5.8p/share. Underlying pre-tax profit was one-quarter ahead at £5.7m, while net cash was £11.3m at the end of July 2023. Interest from new principal lawyers is increasing and 25 offers were accepted in the first half. There is plenty of back office capacity for additional lawyers.
Communications technology developer Feedback (FDBK) is taking time to secure new deals, but they should be on the horizon. The community diagnostic centres contract with the Queen Victoria Hospital has been delayed, but hopefully it should be secured by the end of the year. Feedback is still loss making, even though full year revenues were 74% ahead at £1.02m. The cash outflow, including capitalised development costs, was £3m and the £7.3m in the bank should last more than two years.
North Sea oil and gas producer IOG (IOG) has been told by the authorities that the Nailsworth P2342 and P130 licences are not going to be extended and this could have a negative commercial impact on the potential for the Elland licence. Bondholder discussions continue and the waiver lasts until 29 September. There was £14.5m in cash at the end of August, including £7.3m of restricted cash. There was stable production from Blythe H2, but the realised gas price was lower.
The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) has offset lower revenues from property sales by increasing lettings revenues. Overall interim revenues were 1% ahead at £13.2m. The higher tax rate meant that earnings slipped 2% to 13.8p/share despite an increased profit. The interim dividend was increased by 10% to 4.6p/share.
US-focused betting company Sportech (SPO) plans to leave AIM. It says the burden of time and money is too great. A circular will be sent out to gain shareholder approval at a general meeting.
Bushveld Minerals (BMN) has signed a binding term sheet for a potential $69.5m-$77.5m investment by Southern Point Resources. This includes the acquisition of 50% of Vanchem and 64% of the Mokopane project, plus a $12.5m investment in Bushveld Minerals. There will also be a working capital facility provided. Southern Point Resources will take over marketing and sales of vanadium and other products. The stake disposals will lead to a book loss of $59.6m.
Animal feed ingredients supplier Ocean Harvest Technologies (OHT) raised interim revenues by 43% to €1.8m and gross margins jumped to 36%. Investment in marketing and other aspects of the business meant that the loss was flat at €1.3m. These additional costs should help to generate further sales growth of its seaweed-based feed. Field trials could add up to €13m to annual revenues. However, delays in these trials mean that full year revenues have been downgraded from €4.3m to €3.4m. There should be net cash of €2.9m at the end of 2023.
MAIN MARKET
The FCA has approved the takeover of Lookers (LOOK) by Alpha Auto Group. The bid is 130p/share.
On The Beach (OTB) says its full year results will show record revenues and the holiday company says pre-tax profit will be at the top end of expectations. In the year to September 2022, revenues were £144.1m, which was slightly higher than the pre-Covid level of £140.4m, and underlying pre-tax profit was £14.1m. Consensus forecasts for 2022-23 were revenues of £179.5m and pre-tax profit of £22.6m. The guidance suggests that profit should be slightly higher than that. Even so, underlying pre-tax profit in 2017-18 was higher at £27.6m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 20 February 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
EDX Medical Group (EDX) acquired Torax Biosciences for the issue of 1.67 million shares at a notional 6p each. Torax provides development and pilot scale fabrication of immunochemistry-based assays and diagnostic testing services. The experienced team at Torax was an attraction.
Marula Mining (MARU) signed a co-development and relationship agreement with a subsidiary of South African mining and investment company Q Global Commodities, which had already agreed to subscribe £3.75m for shares. Q Global chief executive will become Marula Mining chairman, subject to regulatory approval and admission to AIM. Marula Mining is expanding its graphite interests through the proposed purchase of a 75% stake in ten licences comprising the Nyorinyori graphite project in Tanzania.
Electric vehicle drivetrains developer Equipmake (EQIP) reported more than halved interim revenues from £2.32m to £1.05m and the loss increased to £2.76m. There was cash of £7.44m at the end of November 2022. The contracted order book is worth £9.1m. That includes 100% of second half expected revenues as well. There have been delays in delivering vehicles to First Group, so these will be in the 2023-24 figures.
Energy supplier Good Energy (GOOD) has launched a new smart export product for Feed-in Tariff for FiT customers, which could help them to earn more from electricity they generate. There are plans for a new domestic export tariff for households in the next few months.
AQRU (AQRU) has incorporated the London Carbon Exchange and it has a wating list of investors interested in using the platform when it is launched later this year. The platform allows trading in the voluntary carbon market.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) has entered a three-year agreement with X1 Property Management, a residential and student letting company, which hopes to generate secure tenants.
Digital asset investor Kasei Holdings (KASH) raised £500,000 at 12p a share from Aalto Capital. This is a 12.5% stake. ChallengerX (LON: CXS) raised £250,000 through a share issue to Aalto Capital at 0.45p a share. An equal number of warrants exercisable at 0.45p each were also issued.
Spirits company Rogue Baron (SHNJ) non-exec Charlie Wood acquired an initial 600,000 shares at 0.846p each. He also has an interest in the 1.1 million shares owned by Orana Corporate, where he owns 25%.
Hikmat El Rousstom has resigned as non-exec director of Ace Liberty & Stone (ALSP), while at British Honey Company (BHC) Sophie Guifang Luo stepped down from the board to pursue other interests.
Love Hemp (LIFE) has withdrawn from trading on the Aquis Stock Exchange as of 14 February. Trading in Pioneer Media Holdings Inc (PNER) will end on the Aquis Stock Exchange on 9 March.
AIM
Purplebricks (PURP) is launching a strategic review because the board believes the company is undervalued. The share price slumped to 7.86p, which is a new low. Changes to the estate agency business have disrupted the third quarter performance. Instruction numbers were lower than expected. Management has identified an additional £4m of annualised cost savings. There will be £1.2m of one-off costs in the second half. The full year adjusted EBITDA loss will be between £15m and £20m. It was previously expected to be around £10m.
Semiconductors designer EnSilica (ENSI) moved into operating profit in the first half and momentum has continued in the second half. A €5m contract has been won to develop a chip for the satellite communications market, which will start generating revenues in 2023-24. Interim revenues are nearly one-quarter higher at £8.59m. The growth came from design and supply. There was a pre-tax loss of £202,000, but R&D tax credits meant that there was a £322,000 profit after tax. A small full year pre-tax loss is forecast for the full year with a £844,000 post-tax profit.
Semiconductors designer Sondrel Holdings (SND) says the project design for a customer in the automotive sector has been delayed because project design will not be completed until the first quarter of this year. The payment for the first milestone was in January and the second will not be until May. The 2022 loss is higher than forecast and there will still be a small loss in 2023.
Esports company Gfinity (GFIN) raised £2m at 0.15p a share, having originally sought £1.5m. The cash should last for 12 months. Technology platform Athlos still requires a strategic partner and there is enough funding for this for around four months. If not, then it could affect the restructuring and other plans for the rest of the business. At 0.1575p, down 33%, the current share capital is valued at Gfinity at £2.1m. Each placing share comes with a warrant to subscribe for one share at 0.15p and these warrants are exercisable between six and 18 months after the placing shares are admitted to AIM.
Fertiliser producer Harvest Minerals (HMI) had cash of A$2.72m at the end of 2022. Sales of KPFertil are growing and that has enabled the repayment of A$1.2m of debt. A court ruling requires Agrocerrado to pay $463,000, because it failed to acquire the minimum tonnes of KPFertil required by the agreement between the companies.
Medical devices developer Creo Medical (CREO) raised £28.5m from the placing at 20p a share, which was more than the £25m initially targeted. The cash will be used for further development and commercialisation of Creo Medical’s minimally invasive electrosurgical devices. With up to £5.2m more to come from the open offer, Cenkos believe that this is enough cash to fully commercialise the current product portfolio. Revenues of £100m are forecast by 2027.
Clontarf Energy (CLON) is forming a joint venture with US-based NEXT-ChemX Corporation, which covers the deployment and marketing of the latter’s direct lithium ion extraction technology in Bolivia. There is limited water and energy consumption with this technology. The share price soared by 129% to 0.172p. Pilot testing and extraction starts in March. Clontarf Energy will contribute $500,000 towards the pilot plant for exclusive use of the technology. There will also be share issues to NEXT-ChemX.
Promotional goods supplier software platform provider Altitude (ALT) says results for the year to March 2023 will be much better than expected. Zeus has upgraded its pre-tax profit forecast from £500,000 to £800,000 and that is the second upgrade in three months.
Deferral of contracts by clients has led to forecast downgrades for Jaywing (JWNG) and 2022-23 pre-tax profit expectations have been more than halved to £1m, while next year’s forecast has been slashed from £3.7m to £2m. The digital marketing services provider won an Australian online education services contract which will help to offset some of the decline in forecast revenues in 2023-24.
Mkango Resources (MKA) raised £3.5m at 12.5p and this will fund further development of the Songwe Hill rare earths project. Talks with potential funders for the project continue. Mkango Resources will also provide a €2.5m loan facility in HyProMag, which is developing a rare earth recycling production facility in Baden-Wurttemberg. The company’s stake in HyProMag could increase to 66.8%. Chief executive William Dawes acquired 400,000 shares at 12.95p each and 400,000 shares at 12.75p each. He owns 4.42%
WH Ireland has reduced its forecasts for SaaS-based retail software provider itim Group (ITIM) because of contract delays. Revenues for 2022 will be slightly below previous forecasts and that increases the loss by £200,000 to £1.1m. The 2023 loss is expected to be the same. Annualised recurring revenues are £13m, which is lower than expected. Net cash is £3.9m.
Mark Horrocks has increased his stake in cloud-based international payments services provider Cornerstone FS (CSFS) from 8.66% to 13.4%.
Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) achieved record local process for its crude palm oil in January and there were strong extraction rates from the fruit bunches. However, there were disappointing volumes because of aggressive rival bidding for fruit bunches, although this has eased this month. There no changes to 2023 expectations of a sharp rise in profit.
MAIN MARKET
The ignominious life of Hawkwing (HNG) as a quoted company appears to be coming to an end. Kroll Advisory has been appointed administrator to the company. Hanover Investment Management demanded repayment of £2.2m relating to a convertible loan note. Hawkwing is owed £13.7m plus interest and add-ons by IFG (SPP), where liquidators have been appointed. This is secured on two subsidiaries and their assets, but it is uncertain how much can be clawed back. The cash shell was formerly sports representation and marketing company TLA Worldwide, a past AIM embarrassment which released a profit warning after the market had closed for Christmas.
Zamaz (ZAMZ) has acquired Dallatte Italia, a manufacturer of dairy products. This fits with the Bella Dispensa subsidiary and its Made in Italy ecommerce service. Management wants to change the terms of its bonds by extending their life and increasing the interest rate.
Trading in Net Zero Infrastructure (NZI) shares recommenced last week following publication of accounts and interim figures. The share price fell from 2.2p to 1.55p.
RC365 Holding (RCGH) intends to issue 18 million shares to Hatcher Group Ltd and in return it will receive 38.64 million shares in Hatcher Group. The two firms will collaborate in research and development of smart algorithm technology and other fintech services.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 9 November 2020
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Kent-based brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) lost £2.9m in the year to June 2020. There was a small operating profit, but this was swamped by interest charges. The loss excludes one-off charges of more than £9m, predominantly relating to the impairment of 26 properties and the cost of unlawful actions by an employee. Pub revenues fell due to the original lockdown period, although tenanted pubs remained profitable in the financial year. Trade was slow in July, but it started to build up prior to the latest restrictions.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) is not entering into new contracts and suspending existing contracts. Management is paying amounts owed under existing contracts and says that there will be minimal cash balances. The requisitioners of a general meeting have injected cash in order to keep the company trading and enable it to hold the general meeting on 4 December. The employment contracts of the directors have been terminated and the requisitioners want their own representatives elected to the board. Trading in the shares remains suspended.
There was a slight improvement in first quarter revenues generated by National Milk Records (NMRP) to £5.32m. The specialist services such as the testing of Johne’s disease provided the growth. Milk recording figures were 3% down. The latest lockdown should not have a significant effect on performance.
Gunsynd (GUN) has subscribed A$100,000 for a convertible in gold explorer Rincon Resources that converts at a discount to the flotation price on ASX. Rincon plans to raise at least A$5m prior a listing planned for 10 December.
GP software provider DXS International (DXSP) says that revenues are marginally up on the previous year and it remains profitable. There is around £1m in the bank. However, launches of new products have been delayed by the pandemic.
Primorus Investments (PRIM) has sold its remaining shareholding in Greatland Gold (GGP) and raised £4.6m. That means that Primorus made a total gain of around £5.9m.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has identified four shallow targets on its Patersons Range project in Western Australia. Wishbone intends to move to close the acquisition of its interest in the tenements.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) has agreed in principle to a settlement with secured creditors of the Amapa project. Once this is completed, Cadence will inject $2.5m into the project and take a 20% shareholding. There has been a 21% increase in the mineral resource. The initial mine plan envisages the production of 4.7 million tonnes of iron concentrate a year and the mine life could be nearer to 17 years following the updated resource.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) expects to complete its relaunch with a new strategy before the end of the year. There will be new corporate branding and a new website.
World High Life (LIFE) has raised £381,000 at 1p a share. This cash will finance due diligence on investment opportunities.
Imperial X (IMPP) has appointed Novum Securities as corporate adviser.
European Lithium has left the Aquis Stock Exchange.
AIM
Trinidad-focused oil and gas producer Touchstone Exploration Inc (TXP) has raised £23.1m at 95p a share. The previous placing in February raised cash at 40p a share. The money will be used to fund further exploration and development of the Ortoire onshore block. Touchstone recently announced its third discovery (Chinook-1) out of three wells drilled. Chinook-1 is thought to be a similar size to Cascadura, which is estimated at around 45mmboe. The current exploration well is Cascadura Deep-1 and that will be completed and tested in the first quarter of 2021. The original discovery, Coho, will soon start producing gas.
Mkango Resources (MKA) has started a drilling and soil sampling programme at the Mchinji rutile licence area. This will help management to identify the areas with the best prospects. The licence initially lasts until 2022 but can be extended. It is next door to a rutile discovery by Sovereign Metals, which makes the chances of a commercial discovery even better. There is already significant infrastructure in the area. Rutile is a white pigment used in paints, plastic and paper. Demand is strong and reserves are declining.
PerkinElmer Inc is offering 185p a share in cash for Horizon Discovery (HZD), which is double the previous market price. The bid is equivalent to the high in the past 12 months, but below the share price three years ago. Horizon is valued at £296m. PerkinElmer is keen to increase the scale of its cell engineering business and add to its gene editing services.
Trading in the shares of NWF (NWF) has been suspended following a cyber attack on the feed and fuels divisions. The businesses continue to operate.
Attis Oil and Gas (AOGL) has agreed an amalgamation with Helium One, which will then gain an AIM quotation and raise at least £5m. Helium One is offering one of its shares for 236 shares in Attis, which values the AIM shell at £1.76m (0.012p a share). The Attis share price has risen to 0.02p. Helium One has a potential helium project in Tanzania and is valued at £6m, which is similar to level of investment put into the project. Drilling is planned early next year. Scirocco Energy (SCIR) subscribed for a 10% stake three years ago and that will probably be diluted to around 4.6%.
AB Traction has increased its stake in construction disputes company Driver (DRV) from 15.6% to 17.3%.
Empire Metals (EEE) has achieved significant results with its drilling programme at the Eclipse gold project in Western Australia. The results confirm extensions to previously defined mineralisation. Drilling has started at the second potential target called Houdini. The proposed sale of the Bolnisi copper and gold project to TSXV-quoted Candelaria Mining Corporation means that Eclipse is currently the main focus of Empire’s cash investment.
Nasdaq-quoted Masimo Corporation is making a 12p a share recommended cash bid for non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring technology developer LiDCO (LID). Masimo is a medical technology company.
Surgical endoscopy devices supplier Creo Medical (CREO) has acquired its distributor in Belgium. Creo has also received FDA clearance for MicroBlate Fine, which is thought to be the world’s smallest diameter microwave ablation needle.
Dekel Agri-vision (DKL) has acquired a further 14.2% in the Tiebissou cashew nut processing project in return for 28.55 million shares. This takes the stake to 52%.
Beximco Pharma (BXP) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Serum Institute of India and the Bangladesh government for the supply of 30 million doses of the Oxford University/ AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. Supplies will commence one month after regulatory approval in Bangladesh. This could provide a significant uplift to revenues, although the timing is uncertain.
Toilet tissue manufacturer Accrol (ACRL) is buying rival LTC for up to £41.8m. This will take Accrol’s share of the market to 16% and provide greater geographic coverage of the UK market. LTC has revenues of £28m and is profitable. There could be cost savings of £1m a year. Accrol raised £38.5m at 44p a share to help finance the deal. A one-for-21 open offer could raise up to £4.1m.
MAIN MARKET
Zotefoams (ZTF) says that third quarter revenues were 22% higher year-on-year due to demand for protective equipment and footwear. Management expects continued growth in the fourth quarter. Net debt was £36m at the end of September 2020. The new site in Poland should commence production early next year.
Cryptocurrency miner Argo Blockchain (ARB) generated £1.2m in revenues during October. It held 137 BTC in bitcoin at the end of the month. Argo is leasing 4,500 mining machines for 24 months and they should be up and running in February. It is also managing the mining operations of 4,378 machines for a third party.
Shell company Highway Capital (HWC) had £3,000 in the bank at the end of February 2020 and it has net liabilities of £991,000. There was £327,000 in borrowings.
Andrew Hore