Shares digital

The outlook for listed recruitment companies has worsened after Michael Page (MPI), the UK market leader, confirmed a bleaker outlook for banking jobs. The shares across the sector fell sharply on Monday (7 April), despite Page saying that overseas business continues to perform well. Upbeat... READ MORE >>

It is just three months since video games maker SCI Entertainment (SEG) issued its latest profits alert, admitted a bid approach had failed and warned it needs extra funding. Yet a fresh run in the shares back to the 60p level, well above their year’s 32p low, suggests a further takeover... READ MORE >>

After a 2007/08 that management would rather forget the tide finally seems to be turning at wrapping paper and novelty specialist International Greetings (IGR:AIM). The closure of a factory in Latvia and substantial redundancies in south Wales have helped to dramatically improve costs... READ MORE >>

With many property companies now trading at a significant discount to their net asset value, it was only a matter of time before cash rich companies swooped in to take advantage of cheap... READ MORE >>

Interdealer broker ICAP (IAP) has strengthened its equity derivatives offering with the acquisition of The Link Asset and Securities Company (Link). ICAP will pay up to £250 million for Link, including an initial consideration of £135 million, in a move welcomed by analysts. Roger... READ MORE >>

Aim-listed Sterling Energy (SEY:AIM) has decided to sell off its business in the US following a strategic review. Sterling will use the proceeds, which analysts expect to be £150 million, to reduce debt and fund exploration in Africa and the Middle East – with particular focus on... READ MORE >>

Mobile computing expert Psion (PON) has named John Conoley as its new CEO, six weeks after Jacky Lecuivre announced he was to return to the post of global head of sales, following an 18-month stint at the helm. Conoley has no direct experience of Psion’s handheld devices market, but his... READ MORE >>

The provider of back office solutions to stockbrokers, Jarvis Securities (JIM:AIM) is expected to beat analyst expectations – again. Jarvis, which unveiled three new client wins with last week’s Q1 trading update, said profits were ‘currently running ahead of market... READ MORE >>

Doom and gloom has been circling the retail sector recently but baby store Mothercare (MTC) has managed to buck the trend with a positive trading update, with full-year sales tipped to be up by more than... READ MORE >>

Last week’s announcement of a management buyout at Civica (CIV:AIM) was just one of a string of M&As in the IT software and services sector, and now the downtrodden hardware sector has got in on the act. The shares of silicon chip firm Zetex (ZTX) jumped 89% to 82p late last week after... READ MORE >>

The shares of transport company FirstGroup (FGP) were up 2% at 601.5p after it unveiled that the Scottish government has extended the First ScotRail franchise for three years to November 2014. The agreement creates an investment fund of more than £70 million, for control by Transport... READ MORE >>

It has been a busy six months for turnaround specialist Andrew Richardson, who took charge of ailing steel products company Metalrax (MRX) last October. He discovered a company that had hardly changed for 25 years. There was no proper information technology and a top-heavy management... READ MORE >>

Leading marine safety equipment company Cosalt (CSLT) is expected to sell its schoolwear and holiday homes operations, which are no longer seen as core businesses. Following three major acquisitions, the bulk of earnings come from the marine safety arena, while another acquisition this... READ MORE >>

Ireland’s Providence Resources (PVR:AIM) has made a gas discovery in the US Gulf of Mexico. The explorer has a 10.8% stake in Galveston Island Block A-155 and says the field will now undergo a fast-track development using existing infrastructure nearby. Initial results from the... READ MORE >>