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Quoted Micro 12 January 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
AI company Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) is transitioning into execution and infrastructure-led growth. Astrid Intelligence owns and operates Subnet 127 within the Bittensor network, whose brand has been changed from SigmaArena to Astrid Arena. Bilateral arrangements have been secured with subnet operators. Astrid Vault, a protocol-native infrastructure platform intended to facilitate orderly liquidity coordination within the Bittensor ecosystem, is being developed. Astrid Intelligence has cash to finance that growth.
Gowin New Energy (GWIN) director Chen Chih-Lung has made a £30,000 loan to the company for 12 months at an interest rate of 2%. This is for short-term liquidity.
UTXO Management has reduced its stake in The Smarter Web Company (SWC) from 12.99% to 11.1%. Martin Thomas has been appointed as a non-executive director.
EDX Medical (EDX) founder and chief scientific officer Sir Christopher Evans bought 45,500 shares at 10.75p each and 41,780 shares at 13p each. He owns 35.2% of the diagnostics company. Chairman Jason Holt bought 235,000 shares at 11.4p each, 150,000 shares at 11.23p each and 50,000 shares at 12p each.
NYCE International (NYCE) has entered a joint venture with Spandan Manhata, which has developed software for the igaming industry. The joint venture will acquire these assets called Innovassion and NYCE will be majority shareholder and oversee commercial strategy. The first client has been secured.
Daniel Thwaites (THW) has bought back 300,000 shares at 110p each.
Shareholders in Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) have approved redomicile to Gibraltar.
Spreadex has a 3.08% stake in Vaultz Capital (V3TC).
Delta Gold Technologies (DSQ) is planning to get its shares traded on the OTCQB Venture Market. Jonathan Swann has a 21.3% shareholding.
B HODL (HODL) has generated revenues of 0.084 Bitcoin (£5,471) during December, which is higher than the previous month. The total holding is 158.295 Bitcoin. The share price dipped
AI software company IntelliAM (INT) has won a £115,000 contract with a frozen food company. The deal covers four manufacturing facilities.
Connecting Excellence (XCE) has purchased 16.58306046 Bitcoin at an average price of $86.980.16 each. That takes the total holding of Bitcoin to 41.35974228 at a total cost of £2.75m. The company has launched its 2026 Bitcoin-denominated convertible bond programme.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has mobilised a drilling rig for the Eureka gold and copper project in Argentina. The initial drilling programme is near to the former Mina Eureka copper and gold mine with ten holes totalling 1,500 metres.
Zentra (ZNT) has changed its nominated adviser to Guild Financial with Hybridan continuing as broker.
ASSET MATCH
Regenerative medical devices developer Tissue Regenix (LON: TRX) has left AIM and the shares joined the Asset Match trading platform on 7 January.
AIM
Galantas Gold (GAL) is acquiring 100% of the Andacollo Oro gold project in Chile. This is an open pit mine with a historical inferred mineral resource estimate of 5.06M ounce of gold. It has been in production in the past. The seller is owned by Galantas Gold executive Robert Sedgemore, so it is a related party deal. His company bought the mine from Dragones, whose former owner will receive payments of $27.5m in the four years to the end of 2029, as well as initially being issued 91.3 million Galantas Gold shares. Galantas Gold will assume $3m of debt and pay $1.5m to Robert Sedgemore.
Cerillion (CER) has won its largest ever contract for its BSS/OSS software suite and provide ongoing support and maintenance. The Oman Telecommunications contract is worth c.£42.5m over five years will underpin the current forecasts for this year and in the future.
Semiconductor designer EnSilica (ENSI) increased interim revenues 37% to £12.7m and moved from loss to profit. Cash was £2m. A full year pre-tax profit of £600,000 is forecast.
Reabold Resources (RBD) says that the Italian authorities have published the formal decree and positive decision on the small scale LNG development plan by 47.4% owned investee company LNEnergy Ltd for the project in Colle Santo.
Pulsar Helium (PLSR) says that the Jetstream #5 appraisal well at the Topaz project in Minnesota has encountered an additional pressurized gas influx at approximately 2,857 feet in depth. This new gas zone is estimated at around 1,292 psi, the highest recorded to date at Topaz. The drilling of the hole continues before moving to the next well. The share price improved 7.98% to 57.5p.
Fiinu (BANK) has changed management at Everfex and improved controls. The acquisition enabled the group to be profitable in November. At the end of the year there was cash of £5.34m and the cash burn is less than £200,000 each month. The company has served formal non-compete breach notices against Karol Oleksa and Marta Oleksa, in respect of the non-compete obligations relating to the Everfex acquisition.
Biopesticides developer Eden Research (EDEN) has achieved a second regulatory authorisation this week with fungicide Novellus+ gaining approval in Chile. This is used in wine and table grapes to control grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) and powdery mildew (Uncinula necator). Earlier in the week Mevalone was granted approval in France to use on grapes to control downy and powdery mildew.
Extended reality technology company Engage XR (EXR) is still suffering from a tough market with contact delays and poor renewals. In 2025, revenues were €1.9m and net cash has fallen to €1.6m. Cash is being conserved and there are potential opportunities in education. Forecasts are under review.
Rent guarantee services provider RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) increased full year revenues from £1.27m to £2.39m, which is 9% higher than expected. However, the loss is expected to be much more than the forecast of £446,000. Marketing spending was brought forward to 2025.
Graphene technology developer Directa Plus (DCTA) says 2025 revenues improved from €6.66m to €7m and the loss will be lower. Cash has fallen to €1.5m, which is much less than the outflow in 2025. A non-core land sale could generate €500,000. Joint ventures and licensing opportunities are being assessed.
Telematics services provider Quartix (QTX) says 2025 revenues and profit will be ahead of expectations. Cash was £5.6m at the end of the year. Annualised recurring revenues are 14% ahead at £37m and net revenue retention is 98.1%. A final dividend of 7.5p/share is anticipated, taking the total to 10p/share.
ValiRx (VAL) has entered a nine-month, evaluation and material transfer agreement with The Royal Institute for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University and The Institute for Research in Immunology, and Cancer-Commercialization of Research in Canada. This will evaluate a RNA Helicase inhibitor. ValiRx will own the evaluation results, and they can be swapped for a 15% stake in the company set up to commercialise the technology.
Shareholders in Indus Gas (INDI) voted in favour of leaving AIM and that will happen on 23 January. JP Jenkins will provide a matched bargains facility.
Touchstone Exploration (TXP) has drilled the Carapal Ridge-3 development well on the Central block onshore in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Touchstone holds a 65% working interest. The well encountered a thick pay zone across multiple Herrera horizons and it could be tied-in to the Central block natural gas processing facility in the first quarter. There is potential for three more development wells and potential for another gas play in the Karamat formation.
Goldstone Resources (GRL) operates the Homase gold mine in Ghana which produced 2,912 ounces of gold in 2025 and generated revenues of $10m. Heavy rainfall and inspections held back production. Avrage all-in sustaining cost was $2,781/ounce up until November and it is expected to be $2,500-$2,900/ounce in 2026. Production could reach 4,000 ounces this year.
Geo Exploration (GEO) is still falling following yesterday’s news that although maiden drill holes at the Juno project in Australia intersected gold and copper sulphide mineralisation, together with silver and zinc, it appears that the higher grade mineralisation could be to the south.
In an update on the Barb Project in Manitoba, Canada, Gunsynd (GUN) says field work is consistent with a structurally controlled orogenic gold system. However, none of the latest rock sample results produced grades of more than 1g/t gold. Funding of C$105,000 has been secured from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund to help fund further exploration. Targeted exploration will enhance understanding of the project.
Versarien (VRS) has been placed in administration with Leonard Curtis.
MAIN MARKET
Kelso Group (KLSO) has bought 400,000 shares in Saga (SAGA) at 386.5p each. Saga has been reducing borrowings via disposals, and it has strong asset backing. Kelso believes Saga is undervalued particularly compared with US listed rival Viking Holdings. Kelso has made proposals to the Saga board, including attracting US investors and continuing to reduce debt.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) says that the mining lease application over the Big One copper deposit in Queensland has reached technical assessment phase. The JORC-compliant Mineral Resource of 2.1Mt @ 1.1% copper, and an additional 7,000t @ 1.3% copper of surface Indicated stockpiles.
Supply @ME Capital (SYME) plans to acquire the inventory ownership business and related assets of Société Financière Européenne S.A. by the end of March. This is part of the strategy to move the business model towards direct inventory ownership and capital deployment.
Lakestreet Capital Partners has requisitioned a general meeting at Palace Capital (PCA), where it owns 22.5%. It wants remove chairman Steven Owen because it believes he is being paid too much. The investor would appoint other directors which would not be paid and believes that the sale of remaining properties could be completed more quickly.
Bluebird Mining Ventures (BMV) says that there is increased interest in its gold streaming and treasury strategy. It confirmed a technology partnership with The BE Company, which is related to the company’s chief executive Sath Ganesarajah, and BE will act as the company’s technology and hosting partner. The arrangement with Skylake, which is owned by the chief executive, and it will subscribe for 650 million shares for £3.25m. An initial will be paid upfront with the rest dependent on setting up an incentive scheme where services can be supplied in lieu of cash.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 3 November 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) is planning a move to the Main Market. A prospectus has been published, and the switch is expected on 25 November. There are also plans to raise money from a placing programme of up to 125 million shares if it is agreed by shareholders at a general meeting on 20 November. This will broaden the shareholder base. KR1 chairman Rhys Davies has been paid a bonus of 580,000 shares. NAV was 50.9p/share at the end of September 2025.
Valereum (VLRM) says COINGT, the infrastructure tokenisation project representing the Interoceanic Corridor of Guatemala, will be listed on tokenisation venue VLRM Markets. The token represents a project to create a logistics and trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific.
SulNox Group (SNOX) generated record second quarter revenues of £679,300, which is 30% above the first quarter. Fuel emission reduction additive volumes were 39% higher. So far this year, revenues are 173% ahead at £1.2m. Cash was £1.36m at the end of September 2025.
WeCap (WCAP) holds 806,022 shares in WeShop, which intends to join Nasdaq, as well as a 23.5% stake in a company that owns 2.08 million WeShop shares. The other investment is waterway cleaning technology developer Bio2pure. The 10% stake is valued at nil. WeCap had net assets of £6.77m at the end of April 2025.
Healthcare IT developer DXS International (DXSP) improved full year revenues from £3.31m to £3.47m and the loss was reduced from £4.95m to £175,000. Slow NHS decision making is holding back progress. Even excluding the previous year’s asset impairment of £4.38m the loss is lower. Turnover is expected to be flat this year and there will be another loss.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) says it is extending the loan to investee company Trans-Africa Energy to 31 January 2026.
Igraine (KING) has received £3.91m of fundraising money and is still waiting for the other £3.24m.
UTXO Management GP has belatedly stated that it has reduced its interest in The Smarter Web Company (SWC) from 26.6% to 12.99%.
Adnams (ADB) interim chair bought 1,650 B shares at 1805p each, while finance director Andrew Driscoll bought 500 A shares at £10 each.
There will be a 150-for-one share consolidation at Nyce International (NYCE) on 3 November.
Unigel Group (UNX) is paying an interim dividend of 2.5p/share.
IntelliAM AI (INT) is switching to the Apex segment of Aquis.
ASSET MATCH
Zytronic (ZYT) has disposes of all assets except for the freehold property in Blaydon. Completion of the sale has been delayed. An environmental survey will be received later in November. The estimated return to shareholders is still 48p/share to 58p/share.
Greenshields Agri (GAH) says draft accounts for 2024-25 show a swing from a loss of £317,000 to a profit after tax of £2.68m. NAV is 158p/share.
AIM
Empire Metals (EEE) is raising £7m at 40p/share. The cash will be used to finance work on the Pitfield project in Australia. This includes metallurgical test work, resource expansion and commencement of pilot production of Ti02 product samples for end users. This will initially be for the titanium metal supply chain. A listing on ASX is being considered for 2026.
Kromek (KMK) says interim revenues will be at least £14.5m, up from £3.7m. This includes revenues from Siemens. There is still underlying growth of 70%. An interim pre-tax profit is expected.
Belluscura (BELL) is appointing an administrator.
Shareholders did not agree to the proposed fundraising by Anglesey Mining (AYM) and management is preserving cash as it seeks alternative forms of financing. Without that the company will go into administration. Alumni Capital had agreed to offer equity funding of up to £2m.
Conygar Investment Company (CIC) is selling its 203-acre brownfield land at Rhosgoch in Anglesey to Rhosgoch Property, a subsidiary of Stena Lin. The net proceeds will be £18.3m, compared with a valuation of £2.5m. NAV was £63.8m (107.5p/share) at the end of March 2025, but since then there has been a £750,000 loss on the sale of a Virgin Active gym. Premier Miton trimmed its stake from 13.9% to 12.8%, while First Equity has cut its interest from 13.2% to 12.8%.
European Green Transition (EGT) has entered an exclusive six-month option agreement to sell the Pajala copper project in northern Sweden to Recovery Metals Cyprus. Historical drilling confirms copper mineralisation. Recovery Metals Cyprus will fund due diligence during the option. Copper prices are moving towards record highs.
Caledonian Holdings (CHP) has entered an agreement with Mousdale Investment and Nevis Investments which will each swap 250,000 AlbaCo shaes for 6.25 million Caledonian Holdings shares at 0.004p each. This will take Caledonian Holdings’ sake in new smaller company focused bank AlbaCo to 5.47%.
One Health Group (OHGR) has made a positive start to the financial year. Surgical procedures jumped 16% and interim revenues were 17% higher at £15.5m, which is 10% ahead of forecast. EBITDA is expected to be higher than the previous year. Cash is £10.8m. There have been delays in building the surgical hub, but it should still be open by the end of 2026.
Specialist cleaning services provider React Group (REAT) says full year revenues were 21% ahead at around £25m, which includes an initial contribution from 24hr Aquaflow, which was acquired last October. Dowgate edged up its 2024-25 pre-tax profit from £2.1m to £2.2m. Strong fourth quarter trading meant that net debt was higher than expected at £5.2m.
Cancer treatments developer ValiRx (VAL) is raising £750,000 at 0.25p/share and a WRAP offer could raise up to £300,000 more. The offer closes on 3 November. All subscribers get one warrant exercisable at 0.5p each with every new share. The cash will fund R&D, including the preclinical development of potential breast cancer treatment Cytolytix.
Construction disputes and professional services provider Diales (DIAL) expects a 2024-25 operating profit of at least £1.3m on slightly lower revenues of £42.6m, due to weaker Asia Pacific business. Pre-tax profit should also be £1.3m. Net cash was £3m at the end of September 2025. There is a strong pipeline of disputes business.
ABCrescent Cooperatief U.A. has sold 8.22 million shares in Pulsar Helium Inc (PLSR) at 38p/share. ABCrescent, which is associated with Pulsar Helium director Brice Laurent, still has a 4.81% stake plus 15.5 million warrants. Brie Laurent owns 17,570 shares. This follows the proposed acquisition of Hybrid Hydrogen, which owns mineral rights to 6,742 acres in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, for $80,000 in shares.
Great Western Mining Corporation (GWMO) says soil sampling at the Huntoon copper project in Nevada shows elevated levels of tungsten, copper and zinc. The soil geochemical anomaly has been extended to more than 2.8km. The consistency of anomalies suggests a larger than anticipated mineralised system. Further analysis will help to design a new drilling campaign.
Resources explorer 80 Mile (80M) says its US joint venture partner has announced that an independent report confirms the world-class potential of the Jameson Land Basin in eastern Greenland. This estimates more than 13 billion barrels (P10) of gross unrisked recoverable prospective oil resources. 80 Mile has a 30% post earn-in share. It has a free carry on the initial drilling planned for the second half of 2026. March GL is earning up to 70%. This followd an announcement that 80 Mile has revised the terms of its acquisition of Hydrogen Valley, which operates a biofuel site in Italy.
Versarien (VRS) has signed heads of terms with a UK quoted company for the sale of Total Carbide and the other remaining assets for £100,000 in cash and £100,000 in shares. The buyer will also take responsibility for £5.7m of loans plus interest. Versarien can operate with the support of creditors until the end of November. If the transaction goes ahead Versarien will become a shell.
MAIN MARKET
Cindrigo (CINH) has completed the acquisition of an 85% stake in a company that is developing three geothermal projects in the Upper Rhine Vally in Germany, and this enabled it to return to the Main Market. Cindrigo raised £2.06m at 12p/share and £9.3m of convertible loans have been converted into shares at an average price of 17p/share. At the placing price, the market capitalisation was £40.1m.
Georgina Energy (GEX) has gained drilling approvals for the Hussar prospect in EP513 in Western Australia. There was cash of £112,000 at the end of July 2025 and since then £1m has been raised.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) had cash and liquid resources of $1.8m at the end of September 2025. There have been good results from the Harts Range rare earths project. The NWQ copper project is also progressing.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 September 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
HRC World (HRC) joined Aquis on 26 August. The data centre facilities provider is already traded on Nasdaq First Copenhagen. The plan is to expand the network of sites outside of Malaysia. It is also assessing sustainable electricity generation potential.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised a further £3.66m at 193p/share and there are 2.59 million shares still available for subscription. The company has bought 2,440 Bitcoin and the total cost was £201.1m. Net cash available to invest in Bitcoin has fallen to £600,000. PKF Littlejohn has replaced Adler Shine as auditor.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has agreed terms for the acquisition of 74.75% in the Paguanta copper gold project in Chile. If the deal is completed thee is an initial payment of $50,000 in cash and $100,000 in cash. Progress with the project will trigger further payments.
Vault Ventures (VULT) has sold its Bitcoin assets, and it retains its other digital assets. A subsidiary has entered a strategic partnership with Quaint Insight, and this will provide access to data to help assess digital assets.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 49.38p/share at the end of July 2025, up from 40.69p/share at the end of June. Aggregate income during the month was £419,630.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has raised £1.5m at 1.25p/share and this will provide working capital for drilling at the Red Setter Dome gold target.
Lord Bethell has been appointed as a non-executive director of biotech Cardiogeni (CGNI). He is a former health minister. Another director, Ajan Reginald, bought 10,001 shares at 20p each and 2,000 shares at 10p each. He owns 22.1% of Cardiogeni.
Amazing AI (AAI) raised £72,000 at 1p each.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) director Jonathan Hives has sold 350,000 shares at 5.085p each. EDX Medical (EDX) chief executive Dr Michael Hudson bought 65,000 shares at 10.65p each.
ASSET MATCH
Zytronic (ZYT) expects to sell all its assets by the end of September, and shareholders should receive between 48p and 58p for each share they own in October.
AIM
In the year to February 2025, continuing revenues of online retailer boohoo (DEBS) fell 12% to £790.3m, but Debenhams brand gross sales were one-third higher. The adjusted loss was barely changed at £43.4m. Management says that the brands are trading at a positive EBITDA. There were a raft of exceptional costs, including an impairment provision of £47.9m. The carrying value of the investment in Revolution Beauty (REVB) has been reduced by £16m and boohoo is backing the refinancing and the return of the founders. Total exceptionals increased from £98.1m to £198.7m. Founder and executive director Carol Kane bough 6.86 million shares at 14.5p each
Fiinu (BANK) has been readmitted to AIM following the acquisition of Poland-based foreign exchange brokerage Everfex. The initial payment of £8m was satisfied by the issue of 80 million shares at 10p each and the rest will depend on performance and be payable via up to 20 million shares at 20p each. The share price rose 49% to 19p.
Fire safety products supplier LifeSafe Holdings (LIFS) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM. It has raised £700,000 at 3p/share and a retail offer, which closes on 5 September, can raise up to £500,000. Disappointing sales mean that LifeSafe requires more working capital. Overoptimistic expectations from the company have led to the share price slumping from the 75p placing share price in July 2022. It costs £300,000 each year to be quoted and management says that it has prospective investors that can only invest in private companies and are willing to invest at higher valuations than the current valuation. Executive chairman Dominic Berger acquired 1.37 million shares at 1p each, taking his stake to 5.85%.
Empire Metals (EEE) has made a breakthrough in process development at the Pitfield project in Western Australia. Recoveries are 77% at the rougher stage and 90% at the cleaning stage. Leach results achieved 98% titanium dissolution. Overall titanium recovery is 67% and this is expected to improve. This is a high purity product.
Transport software and services provider Tracsis (TRCS) says full year revenues edged up from £81m to £82m, while EBITDA was slightly lower at around £12.6m. Trading improved in the second half. Cash was £23.4m at the end of July 2025.
Brain health software developer Cambridge Cognition (COG) is raising £1.12m at 27.25p/share from key shareholders and management following the interim figures. Changes to the board mean that Rob Baker becomes senior executive director, Alex Livingstone-Learmonth is chief commercial officer, and Ronald Openshaw becomes head of finance and corporate development. Interim revenues fell from £5.6m to £4.3m and the loss increased. Cash fell to £400,000. The order book was £16.4m at the end of June 2025.
Thor Explorations (THX) announced further drilling results from the Guitry Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire. There have been 3,000 metres of drilling and the latest assays include thee with significant gold showings, including one showing 8 metres at 14.54g/t gold. The drilling shows mineralisation is open at depth. There are soil anomalies that have not been tested.
Advanced engineering materials developer Versarien (VRS) says that the sale of its remaining subsidiaries is near completion. The Chinese strategic investor has withdrawn from the investment process because of the UK national security review process only approving a restricted joint venture.
Logistics Development Group (LDG) had net assets of 26.7p/share at the end of June 2025, up 8.67% over the quarter. Since then, £15m has been invested in a company that has taken a 78.3% stake in Alternative Parcels Company.
Synthetic binders developer Aptamer Group (APTA) has launched a biomarker discovery service. Biomarkers are molecular indicators of physiological states, including disease presence and enable targeted drug development. The service will use the company’s own Optimer technology in combination with proteomic analysis and it can generate the binding molecules. This is a fee for service model.
Oriole Resources (ORR) says the number of gold bearing intersections at the Mbe gold project in Cameroon to 285, equivalent to one intersection for every 21 metres. A mineral resource estimate is expected before the end of the year.
MTI Wireless Edge (MWE) improved revenues by 8% to $24.1m, but pre-tax profit was flat at $2.3m. Share buybacks helped earnings to increase, but net cash fell to $5.1m at the end of June 2025. Antennas revenues grew strongly and there was a doubled profit contribution. This offset lower profit from other parts of the business.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) has already flagged up weaker trading. Interim revenues were 13% ahead at £146.6m, which was an organic decline of 1%. Pre-tax profit was one-third higher at £7.9m. The interim dividend is unchanged at 0.96p/share. Manufacturing operations performed better than distribution, which should improve its performance in the second half.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 18 August 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Adsure Services (ADS) increased its final dividend by 15% to 1.14p/share. The business assurance provider increased full year pre-tax profit by 74% to £818,000 on revenues 8% higher at £10m. Other operating expenses were lower. Net cash was £1.1m at the end of March 2025. Investment in technology should help Adsure Services continue to grow revenues and margins.
Visum Technologies (VIS) is moving into the property technology market. This involves the development of a workspace app for tech-focused workplaces. This will help to manage bookings, access support and provide information. There will property partners involved in the development. The first prototype should be available in early 2026. Visum has signed a licence agreement with Eyecon Imaging for the use of Visum’s Ride Video technology within the attractions and leisure sector.
Essentially Group (ESSN) shareholders voted in favour of leaving Aquis. The last day of trading will be 10 September.
Marula Mining (MARU) has secured an agreement with Kenya-based Bamba Mining Company to acquire 60% of the Bamba manganese mining project in Kenya. The deal is structured as a joint venture. Bamba’s 40% is non-dilutable and non-contributing. The payment is 500,000 shares at 5p each. Once 100,000 tonnes of manganese ore has been produced there will be a £250,000 payment.
Amazing AI (AAI) says new subsidiary AAI Mauritius will be used to purchase Bitcoin when it completes the legalities of acquiring cryptocurrencies. This should happen by the end of August. The subsidiary will also provide AI finance-related services to Sub-Saharan Africa and south east Asia. It will also take on business in the UK and that subsidiary will be wound up.
Vault Ventures (VULT) has paid the remaining consideration of £1m for System7 via the issue of shares.
Former Odey Asset Management boss Peter Martin has joined Oberon Investments (OBE) and he will be involved in launching a new global equities fund.
Vaultz Capital (V3TC) has purchased more Bitcoin and holds 135 Bitcoin at an average purchase price of £85,622.47 each. Aleks Nowak has been appointed as the non-board chief operating officer. Aura Digital has taken a 15.5% stake.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says drilling at the Red Setter gold dome project in Western Australia has intersected mineralisation in the first hole. It appears that the hole is peripheral to the main target, and another hole will be drilled to the south west.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised a further £7.6m from a placing at 221p/share. There are still another 4.49 million shares available to be placed and once that happens another subscription agreement will be signed.
Valereum (VLRM) raised £65,000 vi an offer at 3.1p each and this meant that the fundraising totalled £465,000. This will help fund a £600,000 investment in Metrikus Software, which is developing real-time building and smart infrastructure software. The two companies will work on tokenisation opportunities. This could involve fractional ownership or yield-sharing.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has issued a warrant over two million shares exercisable at 20p each to Proffitt Brothers Investments.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company Peak Nickel, where it holds 18.9%, has entered into an agreement for Winshear Gold to earn 100% of the Portsoy project in Scotland. This requires 1,000 metres of drilling and other exploration work and the spending of £3m within five years. Winshear Gold also has to issue 6.5 million shares to Peak Nickel over five years. Peak Nickel will retain a 1% net smelter returns royalty. If the project is sold by Winshear Gold, Peak Nickel will receive 10% of the proceeds up to a maximum of £10m.
Emissions reduction additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) has been granted a patent for fuel oil reclamation in Eurasia. This can be used for oily wastewater from ships.
Global Connectivity (GCON) has been given permission by the courts to petition for the bankruptcy of Barry Hersh, who agreed to subscribe for 37.5 million shares at a cost of £375,000 and failed to come up with the cash.
Amirose London Holdings (ALH) has raised £30,000 at 5p/share from a long-standing manufacturing client.
Daniel Thwaites (THW) has bought back 1.18 million shares at 90.04p each from Rulegale Nominees. The shares have been cancelled. Director RAJ Bailey bought 44,500 shares at 90p each.
AIM
Rent guarantee services provider RentGuarantor Group (RGG) moved from Aquis to AIM on Friday. The switch has been made ahead of law changes that will provide additional growth potential for the business. The share price rose from the Aquis close on Thursday of 27.5p to 35p.
Mobile Tornado (MBT) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM. There is limited liquidity and one major shareholder in the mobile communications technology company, so the quotation is not worth the cost. The board intends to seek a buyer in the next two years and believe it would be easier as a private company. The plan is to leave on 9 September.
Light Science Technologies (LST) reported slightly lower interim revenues of £5.06m, but there was a change in product mix. That enabled gross margins to improve, and the company achieved a small operating profit. Contract electronics manufacturing revenues slipped as a major pest control product came to the end of its life. Fire protection revenues grew strongly and could do even better in the second half if the new government regulator starts to approve more work. The Agtech business is also growing revenues and has launched an off-the-shelf version of its sensorGROW product.
Outsourced video gaming services provider Winking Studios (WKS) reported a rise in interim revenues from S$15.2m to S$19.4m, although most of the improvement came from the acquisition of Mineloader. The Asian gaming market is recovering. Profit was held back by the costs of the AIM quotation, but gross margin improved. There is S$25.6m in cash and this will help finance acquisitions in the UK to provide a base for growth outside of Asia.
Zoo Digital (ZOO) has restructured its operations supplying digital media services for the TV and film sector so that it can return to profit this year. In the year to March 2025, revenues recovered 22% to $49.6m and the loss was cut from $20.5m to $8.3m. Net debt was $1.9m. Annualised cost savings were $8.4m with a further $2.5m to come. Dubbing revenues have fallen 18% in the first quarter of the new financial year, but the rest of the business is growing. There was an EBITDA profit in the first quarter. Demand from streaming service is important to Zoo Digital. A new Fast Track service has been launched.
Autonomous vehicles developer Aurrigo International (AURR) says weaker activity has hit revenues this year. Disruption from tariffs and delayed tenders have pushed revenues into next year. The tariffs are hampering demand for its supply of equipment to the automotive sector. Aurrigo has been awarded more than £1m of grant funding. Canaccord Genuity has slashed its 2025 forecast revenues from £12m to £7.5m and that means the expected loss is £3.9m. Net cash should be around £1m at the end of the year. A £900,000 contract has been won with Teeside International Airport fo an autonomous baggage and passenger moving vehicle.
Pulsar Helium (PLSR) has secured a facility to provide up to $12.5m for construction of a helium processing plant at the Topaz project in Minnesota. University Bancorp has also extended the maturity date of the existing $4m to November 2026.
Metals One (MET1) has invested £1m in the latest placing by Chile-focused lithium project developer CleanTech Lithium (CTL). The placing raised a total of £4.3m at 5p/share. The cash was raised to finance the acquisition of an additional 30 licences in the Laguna Verde project for $600,000 and finance the development of the enlarged project. The additional licences should help to seek streamlined approval for the project.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) says trading conditions are still tough. Full year pre-tax profit expectations have been slashed to £2.5m, compared with £5m previously. Consumer confidence is low and spending power after essentials is reducing for many people. Net cash could be £6m at the end of September 2025 because of lower inventory and capital investment.
Bars and escape rooms operator XP Factory (XPF) increased owned and operated revenues by 12% in the 19 weeks to 10 August. Boom Battle Bars like-for-like sales were 5.6% lower but have started to recover. The new Reading site is trading more strongly than expected. Escape Hunt like-for-likes were slightly higher. The hot weather hit sales, although not as badly as the overall market.
Investment company Seed Innovations (SEED) has launched a tender offer at 2.2p/share. The maximum amount to be paid will be £1.91m. The latest time for acceptance is 5 September.
Midlands-based property investor Real Estate Investors (RLE) has made a further £11.3m of disposals this year. There is continued demand from private investors, although marketing of some larger properties has been delayed until the turn of the year. Debt has been reduced to £34.9m. Portfolio occupancy has increased to 85.8%. Contracted rental income is maintained at £9m despite the disposals. Overall income has reduced and that is why the quarterly dividend is one-fifth down at 0.4p/share. Harwood Capital, which seeks underlying value, has increased its stake from 10% to 11.1%.
Wellnex Life (WNX) joint chief executive George Karafotias has resigned. He will be repaid his A$705,000 loan to the company. Zack Bozinovski will become sole chief executive of the Australian consumer healthcare business.
Skin health company SkinBioTherapeutics (SBTX) says revenues should increase to £4.5m-£4.8m in the year to June 2025, which is slightly lower than expectations. The loss will be much lower than last year. Cash was £4.8m at the end of June 2025. The figures are subject to audit. July was a strong month and psoriasis treatment AxisBiotix will be launched in Superdrug later this year.
Versarien (VRS) intends to accelerate the sales process of the remaining parts of the group, while it tries to secure additional finance for the group. If the disposals happen the proceeds are unlikely to cover liabilities and Versarien would be placed in administration.
The UK authorities have decided not to provide a gas storage licence to EnergyPathways (EPP) for the natural gas and hydrogen storage elements of its MESH project. A S35 planning application for the major elements of the MESH project will be submitted as a step in the process to obtain consents from the UK government. If it is granted, then the parts of the project in the submission will be assessed under the 2008 Planning Act.
Canada-based antimicrobial treatments developer Ondine Biomedical Inc (OBI) says the American British Cowdray Medical Center in Mexico City will pilot Steriwave nasal photodisinfection from September. This will help to reduce surgical infections.
Active Energy Group (AEG) has executed heads of terms to develop a 150MW battery energy storage system in the Vale of Glamorgan in partnership with Fonmon Castle, which will provide ten acres on a 30-year lease. Active Energy Group will invest £40,000 and will get that back once planning consent is received. It will also receive 5% of the first year’s rent of £300,000.
MAIN MARKET
Bulk sampling by New Frontier Minerals (NFM) has identified additional high-priority targets for drill-testing at its Harts Range rare earths project in Northern Territory. The company is waiting for regulatory approval for drilling, which could commence in the third quarter. The Headingley prospect is the main drill target. In Australia, there are proposals for a floor price and national offtake agreements for rare earths. SP Angel has been appointed broker. Aspen Bridging advanced £106.4m in the first half.
North east England focused property finance provider Develop North (DVNO) reported a slight dip in NAV to 79.79p/share at the end of May 2025, although that was after paying dividends. The total return is 2.5%. The annual dividend is 4p/share. Further news of the change in investing strategy to include direct investments and the potential fundraising should be published in the next few weeks.
S and U (SUS) says favourable trading trends are continuing and the recent court decision on motor finance commissions is helping confidence. Profit improvement is gaining momentum. The Advantage Finance business increased motor loan volumes by 6% year-on-year in June. Repayment rates have recovered. Advantage Finance is not involved in any of the most contentious type of motor loans and will be involved in the consultation for the potential FCA redress scheme.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 7 October 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Prize draw operator Good Life Plus (GDLF) has increased the number of paying subscribers by 90% to more than 40,000 in less than a year. Management says that it might exceed expectations for the current financial year. Good Life Plus is raising £2m at 2.5p/share. Earlier this year, £2m was raised at 2.25p/share. The cash will finance customer acquisition and signing up new partners.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) grew full year revenues by 4% to £172.3m and underlying pre-tax profit improved from £7.6m to £7.9m. NAV is 1217p/share, while net debt is £80m. Like-for-like retail sales were 4.9% ahead with the growth dominated by drinks offsetting a fall in accommodation income. Beer volumes declined 12% with own-brewed volume 17% lower. Brand refreshes are planned. Beer volumes continue to decline, while like-for-like retail sales for the initial 13 weeks of the new year are 3.8% higher.
Consumer brands company Silverwood Brands (SLWD) increased interim revenues from £5.85m to £7.08m and it moved into profit, but that was mainly due to exceptional gains.
CRUSHMETRIC Group (CUSH) increased interim revenues from HK$1.04m to HK$2.94m, although the loss was similar at HK$3.7m.
Talks with potential investors in Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) have been terminated. The documentation has not been signed and the potential investor did not pay the £200,000 towards costs that it promised. Trading in the shares will end on 30 October.
Voyager Life (VOY), which has an option to acquire M3 Helium, has changed its name to Mendell Helium. The admission document is being prepared and the option should be exercised by the end of January. The company had £163,000 in the bank at the end of March.
Aquaculture technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) reported a 16% decline in interim revenues to £1.5m because of a delay to a £350,000 order. The company continues to lose money. A forecast full year loss of £1.3m is similar to 2023, including a £150,000 benefit from cost reductions, and it could be halved in 2025 as the full benefit of cost savings show through.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 57.27p/share at the end of August 2024. The income in the month was £590,000.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC), which provides loans under the Mr Amazing Loans brand, is holding a general meeting to gain approval to raise up to £2.5m from share issues. Paul Mathieson is being replaced as chief executive by Marc Howells. Former director Sam Prasad is loaning £200,000 to the company, which replaces a previous £100,000 loan.
Recycling services provider Majestic Corporation (MCJ) narly doubled interim revenues from $13m to $25m and pre-tax profit was one-third higher at $900,000. The company has received Enterprise Investment Scheme status.
RentGuarantor (RGG) has increased third quarter revenues by 62% and average revenues per tenant by 8% to £606.
Gains on investments enabled Hot Rock Investments (HRIP) to move into profit in the year to March 2024. Net assets increased to £512,000.
An undertaking of EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) has provided additional funding of £2m to the Rayware Group. There is also a £1m contingent guarantee provided to third party lenders. EPE Special Opportunities still has £16m in cash.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has a commercial partnership with Deutsch-Pharm. It will use two of the company’s products (for cholesterol lowering and vascular health) under its own brand in the Ukraine. Commercialisation is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025.
One Health Group (OHGR) has appointed Panmure Liberum as corporate adviser and broker.
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) has declared an interim dividend of 13p/share.
AIM
AO World (AO.) is acquiring musicMagpie (MMAG) for 9.07p/share, which values the pre-owned products supplier at just under £10m. There are irrevocable undertakings and letters of intent totalling 54% to accept the offer. AO World believes that the two companies have complementary online models, and a technology trade-in service will enhance its product offering. AO World says that the musicMagpie disc media and books business should not require significant investment.
EMV Capital (EMVC) director Jonathan Robinson bought 25,000 shares at 52p each following the interim results announcement of the company that was previously known as NetScientific. Total assets under management reached £106.7m following the addition of the Martlet Capital portfolio. Net assets edged up from £17.1m to £18.5m. Nasdaq-listed investee company PDS Biotech announced a 36-month survival rate of 84.4% in locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with the company’s lead target drug Versamune HPV and Chemoradiation.
Tavistock Investments (TAVI) is raising up to £37.75m from disposals, which is more than treble the market capitalisation before the sale, with nearly £11m payable on completion and a further £11m from discharge of intragroup debt. The rest is payable based on performance. The two businesses made a pre-tax profit of £1.5m in the year to March 2023. The cash will be used for working capital and acquisitions. There could also be share buy backs. Chief executive Brian Raven bought 830,000 shares at 3.55p each.
Good Energy (GOOD) has acquired Lincolnshire-based solar installer Amelio Solar for an initial £5.5m. The focus of the business is the education and public sector. In 2023, revenues were £7m and pre-tax profit is £1.4m. However, there have been lower levels of activity in Good Energy’s existing installation business.
Packaging equipment and automation provider Mpac Group (MPAC) is making its second acquisition in recent weeks and this is by far the larger. Mpac is acquiring CSi Palletising for £47m, including £4.16m in shares, and the deal should be completed by the end of the year. CSi Palletising designs, manufactures and installs end-of-line packaging automation and robotics equipment and will enhance the geographic coverage. In 2023, CSi Palletising generated revenues of €71.5m and EBITDA of €7.3m. The latest interims show revenues of €44.4m and EBITDA of €6.8m. There is an order book worth €64.3m. A placing raised £29m at 400p/share and a retail offer to existing shareholders could add up to £1m to the figure.
Digital media publisher Digitalbox (DBOX) has commenced a strategic review, which could involve a sale of the company. This follows representations from a major shareholder disappointed about the level of the share price. Progress should be reported in November. Interim revenues were better than expected, but July and August were weak. Net cash is £2.2m, which is more than 50% of market capitalisation. A capital restructuring is underway to create positive distributable reserves.
Agricultural products supplier Wynnstay Group (WYN) says the second half has been hit by wet weather and weaker farmgate prices in part due to government policy uncertainty. Shore has reduced its 2023-24 pre-tax profit forecast by 35% to £7.5m and this will have a knock-on effect in the year to October 2025 where the profit forecast has been cut by 29% to £8.5m. Wynnstay should still have net cash, and the NAV is estimated at around 600p/share.
Payments technology company Bango (BGO) is making some progress towards regaining investor confidence and it is on course to make a full year profit. Interim revenues grew 19% to $24.1m. Annualised recurring revenues are 130% ahead at $12.9m. Net revenue retention is 159%.
Ceramic disc brake technology developer Surface Transforms (SCE) increased interim revenues by 58%, but growth is still not meeting expectations even though there is further growth in third quarter revenues. There are delays to installing additional capacity. Full year revenues are expected to be £11m, compared with previous expectations of £17.5m. There was £5m in cash at the end of June 2024. Odd Asset Management reduced its stake from 5.13% to 2.58%.
Graphene technology developer Versarien (VRS) has signed an agreement with Balfour Beatty to develop 3D-printable mortars for civil construction. It will formulate three types of mortar. This follows the disposal of AAC Cryoma for £550,000 payable in 15 instalments.
Oil and gas company Prospex Energy (PXEN) is applying for exploration licences in Poland. The licence awards should happen in the first quarter of 2025. Initial results from the Vlura-1B development well in Northern Spain are positive. Drilling intercepted significant gas shows and that confirmed the high quality reservoir. This well will be connected up and first production should be by November.
Battery and electronic components supplier Solid State (SOLI) is acquiring Gateway Electronic Components, which manufactures ferrite and magnetic components for £1.4m. These are used by electromechanical and Industrial Internet of Things businesses. The run rate pre-tax profit is £200,000, so the multiple is less than ten.
Surplus consumer products retailer Huddled (HUD) generated interim revenues of £5.3m and they continue to grow organically and via acquisition. Third quarter revenues will be around £3.5m. Management is investing in inventory and marketing. Warehouse functions are being centralised.
MAIN MARKET
Motor dealer software provider Pinewood Technologies (PINE) published its first results following the sale of the motor dealer business. In the six months to July 2024, revenues were 11% ahead at £16.1m. Major shareholder Lithia is taking up new licences in the UK. The US roll out is being planned.
The two board representatives of Kelso Group (KLSO) on AIM-quoted The Works.co.uk (WRKS) have stepped down. This will make it easier to sell its 6.3% stake if it wishes to. The average cost was 32p/share and the current price is 25.2p.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 December 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Life Plus (GDLF) completed its reversal into Semper Fortis Esports. There was £1.4m raised at 2p/share. The share price improved 11.1% to 2.5p. The business has been trading for just over two years and it offers members daily prize draws. There are more than 21,000 active members and monthly recurring revenues are £210,000. The company is currently loss-making, partly due to investment in marketing, although the increasing scale means gross profit is improving. The cash will fund further investment in marketing. Sportingbet founder Mark Blandford is one of the new investors.
Kondor AI (KNDR) joined the Access segment of Aquis on 21 September having raised £1.5m at 3p/share and by the end of the week the share price was 8.25p. There was £400,500 raised in November. Kondor AI intends to develop artificial intelligence products in areas such as health diagnostics, search and text recognition. A beta demonstration product is being tested.
Secured Property Developments (SPD) has appointed Paul Ryan as executive director and Noel Lyons as non-exec and they have acquired £150,000 worth of shares at 26.11p each. The existing directors resigned. It appears likely that the focus may change to technology and cleantech. Peterhouse has become corporate adviser. The changes sparked a 60% rise in the share price to 20p.
Incanthera (INC) has secured a commercial deal with a subsidiary of health and beauty company AS Watson for the launch of the Skin + CELL skincare range. This should generate significant revenues in 2024. The plan is to roll out the brand to 1,000 stores in Europe, followed by Asia. Manufacturing has been subcontracted. To fund this, £800,000 was raised at 7p/share and £200,000 of debt owed to the University of Bradford was converted into shares. There was net debt of £199,0090 at the end of September 2023.
Vanadium flow batteries developer Invintiy Energy Systems (IES) says full year revenues will be at least £21.6m, which is below forecast, and the EBIDA loss will be higher than expected at £22m. That means net cash will be around £1m. Forecast revenues for 2024 have been downgraded and the loss raised. This is based on exiting projects. Canaccord Genuity believes that there will be a cash injection from a strategic partner, which will offset the cash outflow in 2024.
Valereum (VLRM) has renegotiated the acquisition of the GSX Group, which is dependent on the approval of shareholders. It is paying five million shares and 10 million warrants exercisable at 1p each. The deal includes GATENet DFMI intellectual property, which puts the group in a strong position in tokenisation. The GATE token will the sole token used. As part of the deal former AIM boss Simon Brickles will become a non-executive director. GSX chief executive Nick Cowan will take up that role in the group.
Coinsilium Group (COIN) says a recovery in cryptocurrency markets is having a positive effect on the company. The expected approval of the first spot Bitcoin ETF should create more opportunities.
Aquaculture technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) had a strong second half and full year revenues will be £4.4m, which is higher than expected. Oil and gas demand has improved. There was positive EBITDA in the second half. There are opportunities in Geotracking for next year.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is exercising the option over the Crescent East lithium and gold project in Western Australia. In return, 18.6 million shares worth around £400,000. Gold mineralisation has been confirmed and there is potential for lithium in the southern area.
Personalised medicine company EDX Medical (EDX) had £1.1m in the bank at the end of September 2023. There was £1.5m outflow from operating activities in the six months to September 2023.
Mydecine Innovations Group Inc (MYIG) is the largest faller on the week with a 70.6% decline to 2.5p, even though it has received notice of allowance from the US patent office for the MYCO-005 compound. It mimics psilocin but without some of the side effects.
ChallengerX (CXS) has moved from net assets of £282,000 to net liabilities of £33,000 at the end of June 2023.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has raised £50,000 at 0.35p/share. The spirits company is still performing due diligence on the acquisition of a vodka brand.
Marula Mining (MARU) says dual listings on the Nairobi Stock Exchange and JSE should happen in the first quarter of 2024. Indicative terms have been received indicative terms for an offtake agreement with a European commodity trader for the lithium output of Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine. Transportation of the modular processing plant for the Kinusi copper mine will not happen until early 2024.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) investee company European Metals Holdings (EMH) says that the definitive feasibility study for the Cinovec lithium project in the Czech Republic has been delayed until the first quarter of 2024. This will allow time to complete capital and operating cost estimation and project implementation scheduling.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) says that its Ghana-based distributor has purchased 3,700 litres of SulNOxEco fuel additive and committed to a minimum of 15,000 litres each year, which is valued at £250,000. SulNOx has raised £1.8m at 23p/share. The share price is down 1.92% to 25.5p.
Walls and Futures REIT (WAFR) had an NAV of 87p/share at the end of September 2023. Property values increased by £60,000.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) is involved in a £1.5m fundraising for Rapid Retail, which supplies portable shops and kiosks, and it is investing £100,000 in existing shares and providing a 9% secured convertible loan of £400,000. The rest of the cash is coming from Harrock Investments, which is controlled by Capital for Colleagues non-executive Bill Ainscough.
Trading in Pharma C Investments (PCIL) will resume on 27 December This follows the recent publication of annual results and interim figures. There has been £281,000 raised at 0.01p/share. These shares are 91% of the enlarged share capital. Peter Wall will be executive chairman. The investment strategy has been changed to technology.
Gunsynd (GUN) NAV fell from £3.85m to £2.15m in the year to July 2023, including cash of £164,000.
Oberon Investments (OBE) has received FCA approval for the acquisition of Nexus Investment Management and the Nexus Investments Evergreen EIS Scale-Up Fund. Harry Hyman has increased his stake from 3.82% to 4.98%.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) is making a £125,000 loan to a subsidiary of investee company Vale Foods. This loan earns 10%/year and provides cash to finance an increase in capacity. Macaulay Capital director David Horner is personally lending £100,000.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) is buying back shareholdings of less than 1,125 shares.
Adnams (ADB) director Sacha Berendji acquired 300 A shares at £19 each.
Jared Gurfein has been appointed as chief executive of Looking Glass Labs (NFTX), replacing Dorian Banks.
AIM
Trading has not gone to plan at Hargreaves Services (LON: HSP) but it is able to offer an enhanced dividend pay out. Reduced commodity prices and a slowdown in the German economy have hit the performance of German associate company HRMS, which is expected to make a first half loss. The flipside of the HRMS underperformance is that working capital is unwinding and cash generation has strengthened. Hargreaves Servies has received £8m from HRMS and the two sides have agreed that an annual distribution of £7m can be sustained. This enables Hargreaves Services to pay an annual dividend of 36p/share, compared with previous expectations of 21.9p/share. This will be paid in two equal instalments. The 2024-25 dividend is expected to be maintained.
Filtronic (FTC) has gained two new contracts. There is a £4.8m contract for LEO satellite communications equipment. This is a follow-on contract for second generation Cerus32 solid state power amplifier modules for ground stations. This shows the increasing importance of the satellite market. Filtronic also won a £4.5m defence contract starting in January. Revenues will be recognised in 2024-25 and 2025-26. Interim results will be published on 6 February.
Video games publisher tinyBuild (TBLD) has secured the cash it requires for working capital. The fundraising includes a one-for-six open offer and should raise $14.2m at 5p/share, which is above the current share price. Interactive entertainment company Atari is investing $2m. Chief executive Alex Nichiporchik will underwrite up to $10m of the fundraising. The video games market continues to deteriorate. Full year revenues are likely to be between $40m and $50m with a greater than expected proportion of lower margin games. Cost cutting should reduce cash outflow by up to $10m/year.
Microsaic Systems (MSYS) is negotiating the acquisition of some of the assets of Modern Warter from DeepVerge (DVRG), which is running out of cash, for £100,000. The assets include water testing equipment plus IP and rights to related equipment. It does not include the Australian business. Intercompany debt will be discharged as part of the deal. The exclusivity period lasts until 16 January. Trading in DeepVerge shares will be cancelled on 27 December.
Bidstack (BIDS) has sorted out its problem with Azerion. The in-game advertising technology provider has reached a settlement that means that Azerion will pay €3m to Bidstack. The two parties will form a new non-exclusive commercial partnership in 2024.
Helium One (HE1) announced a placing raising £6.1m at 0.25p/share. This will fund the drilling of the Itumbula West-A well starting in early January. There will also be 25.1 million shares issued in lieu of fees.
SRT Marine Systems (SRT) is raising £10m at 35p/share with up to £500,000 more to come from a retail offer. This includes a £7m investment by Ocean Infinity. There were no revenues from systems in the first half, but they should make a significant contribution as work on contracts reaches points where it can be invoiced. Earlier this year, SRT raised £5.36m from a placing and Primary Bid offer at 50p/share.
Graphene technology developer Versarien (VRS) has found it difficult to complete the disposal of non-core assets. In the year to September 2023, revenues were £5.45m and cash fell to £600,000. There was £450,000 raised since then, but cash has fallen to £420,000. A general meeting will be held to gain shareholder approval for a reduction in share capital and nominal value to make it easier to raise money from share issues.
Bluejay Mining (JAY) has appointed Roderick McIllree, Harry Ansell and Troy Whitaker to the board with the latter becoming chief operating officer. Robert Edwards, Bo Stensgaard and Peter Waugh have stepped down from the board. Roderick McIllree was previously chief executive between 2015 and 2022. The strategy is to focus on the Disko magmatic massive sulphide project in Greenland.
Thor Energy (THR) investee company EnviroCopper has reached agreement with Andromeda Metals to acquire the Alford West property and combine it with Alford East in return for a 5% stake in EnviroCopper and A$50,000 in cash with deferred consideration of a 10% share of any successful mining operations. There will also be a A$150,000 cash payment when a mining lease is granted. Alligator Energy is making a A$900,000 strategic investment in EnviroCopper to help fund its copper projects. That will give it a 7.8% interest and further investments could take the stake to 50.1%. Thor Energy’s stake has been diluted to 26.5%.
MAIN MARKET
A dual listing on the New York Stock Exchange was supposed to give Diversified Energy Company (DEC) a boost, but the share price slumped after Democrats in the US opened an inquiry into the company and questioned its business model. They are concerned about The US oil and gas producer’s methane emissions and abandonment risk.
Bowen Fintech (BWN) plans to acquire 93.49% of the share capital of MINNADEOOYASAN-HANBAI Co (MOH) and the enlarged business is expected to be valued at £42.7m. Japan-based MOH is a crowdfunding platform focused on property. It has been operating since 2007 and raised Y62bn (£378m) during the year to March 2023. Bowen Financial is issuing shares at 15p each and that will value MOH at £34.5m. The share price was suspended at 12p until a prospectus is issued. In October 2022, £2m was raised at 4p/share. At the end of April 2023, there was £1.7m in the bank.
IT services provider Triad (TRD) reported a dip in interim revenues and a more than doubled loss of £990,000. This was worse than expected. Cash has fallen to £2.62m. The interim dividend is maintained at 2p/share. Four new contracts have been won. This should improve the second half figures and next year’s results. Deputy executive chairman Charlotte Rigg has bought 4,444 shares at 135p each.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 8 May 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Four shareholders owning a 19.4% stake have requisitioned a general meeting at TruSpine Technologies (TSP) on 31 May. They want four directors to be removed: Norman Lott, Nikunj Patel, Annabel Schild and Laurence Strauss. The only director they are not seeking to remove is Timothy Evans. They also want three nominees to be voted onto the board, which includes two of the requisitioners Peter Houghton and Todd Michael Cramer, as well as Anthony Swoboda. The board recommends voting against the resolutions. There are also disputes with the inventor of the company’s main technologies and the requisitioners talk about negotiating a new licence.
Music artist management and services provider All Things Considered Group (ATC) reported better than expected 2022 figures and managed to make a £10,000 pre-tax profit. A £300,000 loss had been expected. Stripping the deconsolidated Driift out of the figures, continuing revenues more than doubled from £4.5m to £9.45m. The share of the Driift loss will continue to hold back profit, but Canaccord Genuity forecasts a 2023 pre-tax profit of £200,00. That is on reduced revenues of £7.7m because of the deconsolidation of Driift and the one-off commission for facilitating the Napster reversal deal in 2022.
One Health Group (OHGR), which provides funded medical procedures, says results will be ahead of expectations. There was a 16% increase in patient referrals from the NHS and additional capacity is being brought on stream for weekend operations. New surgical hubs are being planned. Net cash was £3.3m at the end of March 2023.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has diversified into the demulsification market through developing a product with Cleaner Fuel Solutions in South Africa. The new product reduces the time taken to separate water and oil from toxic waste oil.
Ananda Developments (ANA) says that the highlight of last month was the quality of the cannabis plants grown from second-generation seed genetics. They are better than the plants developed from clones. MRX1 unlicensed medicinal cannabis oil is set to be listed in three medicinal cannabis clinics.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says investee company Hastings Technology Metals has hired GR Engineering Services as engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the Yangibana rare earth project. The overall cost is $210m, which is lower than previously estimated. First concentrate delivery should be in the first quarter of 2025.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 61.29p a share at the end of March 2023. The income from digital assets was £583,000 during March.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) generated first quarter revenues of £197,000 and the loss was £383,000. The original businesses have been sold and a battery project acquired during March.
Fenikso Ltd (FNK) has received the latest payment of $614,000, which leaves the remaining loan at $49.9m. The next payment is at the beginning of June.
Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP) has changed its corporate adviser and broker to Novum Securities.
AIM
Japan Petroleum Exploration is acquiring a 49.9% stake in the Norway-based subsidiary of Longboat Energy (LBE) in return for a cash injection of $16m, plus a finance facility of $100m. There is a further contingent cash payment of $4m linked to an acquisition. If there is a discovery at Velocette then up to $30m more cash could be injected by the new partner.
Retailer Mothercare (MTC) beat the finnCap EBITDA forecast with an outcome of £6.5m-£7m in the year to March 2023. Excluding Russia, sales improved during the year. There is still destocking going on. The pension deficit has fallen to £39m and there is a full review in the autumn.
Cambridge Cognition (COG) made a small loss in 2022, but the recently acquired Winterlight Labs, which develops machine-learning based voice assessment using free-speech inputs, will significantly increase the loss this year. However, the deal enhances the company’s voice-based technology and provides cross-selling opportunities. Organic revenues are expected to grow by 10% in 2023.
Building and plumbing products distributor Lords Group Trading (LORD) reported better than forecast figures even though they were upgraded in January. The merchanting division grew like-for-like sales by 17%, more than offsetting a like-for-like dip in plumbing and heating revenues due to boiler component shortages. On top of this acquisitions helped revenues grow by 24% to £450m, while pre-tax profit improved from £12.3m to £17.4m. Profit growth is likely to be more modest this year.
Life sciences company Aptamer Group (APTA) says that potential deals are slow in converting into commercial projects and it will require more cash. In the ten months to April 2023, revenues were £1.4m and Liberum has slashed its full year forecast from £5m to £1.8m, down from £4m last year. The monthly cash outflow is £500,000 and costs are being cut. That could cut the cost base to £4.5m. Net debt is expected to be £1m at the end of June 2023 and £2.5m is estimated to be required to be raised to get the company to June 2024.
Supercapacitors designer CAP-XX (CPX) has raised £2.5m at 1.3p a share. Anthony Kongats is stepping down as chief executive, although he has subscribed for new shares. A retail offer that could have raised up to £500,000 generated £180,000. The cash will fund product development and marketing.
Graphite technology developer Versarien (VRS) is raising £532,000 at 1.25p. The cash will pay for commercialisation of products and fund working capital. More cash will be required and the fall in the share price will not help. A new strategic plan will be published in a few weeks and the mature cutting tools business may be sold.
Solgenics (SGN), formerly known as Ncondezi Energy, intends to leave AIM. Management does not feel that the quotation is effective for such a small company with a lack of liquidity, and it wants to focus on the Tete solar project. A working capital loan has been agreed in principle with directors. This represents a recovery on the initial share price decline after non-exec director Scott Fletcher acquired 31.4 million shares, taking his stake to 27.3%.
Argos Resources (ARG) also plans to leave AIM. JHI Associates will acquire the PL001 production licences in the North Falkland Basin in return for 8.47 million shares and £303,500 in cash. This would turn Argos Resources into a cash shell and requires shareholder approval. After settling with creditors, there should be eight million JHI shares to distribute to Argos Resources shareholders. Westmount Energy (WTE) owns 7.2% of JHI and it also owns one million shares in Argos Resources.
The NHS is funding the accelerated implementation of Lipid inCode, which has been developed by GENinCode (GENI). This follows a pilot programme. The funding is part of a strategy to identify one-quarter of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia. Lipid in Code is faster than existing tests and provides additional data.
MAIN MARKET
Engineer Goodwin (GWIN) is making a tender offer for up to 180,000 shares at £48 each, which is a 25% premium to the previous market price. Qualified shareholders have a guaranteed entitlement to tender 2.34% of their shareholding if they wish to accept the tender.
Lookers (LOOK) is acquiring Chelmsford-based motor dealer Waterhouse Cars. This adds a Volvo dealership in Chelmsford and £2m will be invested in this site. Lookers also plans to invest £2.3m in its existing Colchester Volvo dealership.
National World (NWOR) has bought business information provider Insider Media. It has also acquired the Rotherham Advertiser.
Andrew Hore
Alan Green covers Caracal Gold #GCAT & Versarien #VRS on this week’s Stockbox Research Talks
Alan Green covers Caracal Gold #GCAT & Versarien #VRS on this week’s Stockbox Research Talks
Markets and Stocks March 2023 – Doc Holliday talks to Alan Green
Markets and Stocks March 2023 – Doc Holliday talks to Alan Green. Doc and Alan discuss the Bloomberg article on former rogue trader Nick Leeson’s new role with the Red Mist Market Enforcement Unit to investigate financial misconduct. On the stocks front we discuss Versarien #VRS and how innovative companies need to raise money. We discuss ECR Minerals #ECR and Longboat Energy #LBE and briefly look at First Class Metals #FCM and Power Metal Resources #POW
Vox Markets Podcast – Alan Green talks Versarien #VRS, Airtel Africa #AAF & China NonFerrous Gold #CNG
Vox Markets Podcast – Alan Green discusses Versarien #VRS, Airtel Africa #AAF & China NonFerrous Gold #CNG with Justin Waite on the Vox Markets podcast. Link on the image above