Latest News
Two Shields takes Cobalt Blue holding to 49pc
Investment company Two Shields Investments announced on Wednesday that, following the acquisition on 7 August of an additional 24% share capital interest to add to its 25% share capital holding acquired in November last year, it now owns 49% of the share capital of Cobalt Blue Holdings.
PageGroup brushes off Brexit woes and lavishes shareholders
Recruitment firm PageGroup swatted aside Brexit worries and lavished the cash on shareholders on Wednesday, lifting its interim dividend by 5% and coughing up its fourth consecutive special payout.
Asia report: Markets mixed as US confirms next round of China tariffs
Markets in Asia finished in a mixed state on Wednesday, as Chinese markets fell after a solid rebound on Tuesday amid ongoing reactions to global trade tensions, largely instigated by Washington.
Michael Kors ups EPS outlook as Jimmy Choo boosts first-quarter revenue
Michael Kors looked set to rack up solid gains at the open on Wednesday after the luxury fashion brand posted a jump in first-quarter revenue and upped its full-year earnings per share outlook.
Ofgem reduces and rejects raft of network funding applications
Ofgem responded to a number of funding requests on Wednesday, saying it will allow network companies to recover an additional £90m, including funding, to tackle cyber and physical security threats, but was set to refuse National Grid’s requests to recover around £263m from consumers for replacing a pipeline and maintaining gas compressors.
Crafty Fox fine-tunes offer for Sky, but leaves clues
Overnight, 21st Century Fox published an offer for Sky priced at £14 per share overnight, short of a rival bid from Comcast at £14. 75 per share.
Europe midday: Stocks little changed, trade war headlines in focus
Stocks are trading slightly lower following news that a new set of US sanctions will kick-in in just over a fortnight.
Prudential's M&G plans 'progressing' as growth driven by Asia
Prudential said the planned split of its UK from its Asian and US businesses was "progressing well" in a half-year that saw profits hit by currency swings but still beat expectations thanks to one-offs.
US pre-open: Stocks seen muted as Trump presses ahead with China tariffs
US stocks looked set for a muted open on Wednesday as investors weighed up the latest trade developments between the US and China.
London midday: Stocks extend gains as sterling slides on Brexit woes
London stocks had pushed further into the green by midday on Wednesday as Brexit worries sent the pound tumbling to its lowest level versus the dollar in nearly a year.
EU Supply first-half revenue and costs rise as expected
E-procurement software provider EU Supply said on Wednesday revenue and costs for the first half of this year increased in line with its expectations.
Credit Suisse slashes Countrywide target after heavily discounted placing
Analysts at Credit Suisse upgraded Countrywide to 'neutral' on Wednesday, but slashed its target price on the London-listed firm from 77p all the way down to 17. 2p.
African Battery picks up 2 'highly prospective' assets
Africa-focused exploration company African Battery Metals has agreed to acquire Cobalt Blue and Regent Resources, both of which hold "highly prospective" cobalt-nickel exploration assets in Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire, respectively.
Verseon losses widen as VE-1902 trials continue
Pharmaceutical company Verseon said interim losses widened 15. 9% to $10. 2m as the US-based firm's operating expenses increased 7. 37%.
Gooch and Housego acquires British manufacturer VITL for £22m
Gooch and Housego said it had bought UK-based medical manufacturer VITL for up to £22m as part of its efforts to expand the group's presence in the life sciences sector.
Secure Trust Bank sees profits rise as millionth customer signs up
Retail and commercial bank Secure Trust Bank (STB) on Wednesday reported increases to first half profits amid an expanding customer base and the repositioning of the firm’s business model.
Premier Technical sees 'continued strong performance' in first half of trading year
Specialist services provider Premier Technical Services Group provided shareholders with an update ahead of its interim results on Wednesday.
Centrica hikes tariffs for British Gas variable tariff customers again
Centrica was the source of more misery for British Gas customers not on a fixed tariff on Wednesday, confirming that its Standard Variable Tariff was to increase yet again due to what it described as rising wholesale costs.
Faroe Petroleum set for strong H2 after maintenance slows production
Independent oil and gas company Faroe Petroleum on Wednesday narrowed its annual production expectations after bringing all wells back online following a busy maintenance schedule in the first half of the year.
Pantheon International's first set of FTSE 250 results turn out decent
Private equity investor Pantheon International issued its financial report for the year ended 31 May on Wednesday, reporting that its had a “very active year”, during which its underlying portfolio generated “strong” investment returns.