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Quoted Micro 23 December 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Surgical procedures provider One Health Group (OHGR) increased revenues 22% to £13.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from £560,000 to £845,000. The interim dividend was raised 2% to 2.07p/share. Cash in the bank was £4.89m at the end of September 2024. There have been record referrals by the NHS since the end of the period and it wants the company to increase its capacity. A retrospective increase in the NHS tariff should boost profit by £250,000 this year. A planning application will be submitted for a surgical hub.
Business assurance provider Adsure Services (ADS) increased revenues 19% to £5.06m and it moved from a loss of £30,000 to a pre-tax profit of £330,000. The latest dividend is 0.786p/share.
Marula Mining (MARU) is planning a strategic partnership with the Mining Engineers Society of Kenya, which will provide expertise to the company. Marula Mining will provide annual financial support. Gathoni Muchai Investments bought 250,000 shares at 4.65p each and 500,000 shares at 4.56p each, taking the stake to 8.85%.
Skincare technology developer Incanthera (INC) reported a flat interim loss of £620,000. There was cash of £1.06m at the end of September 2024. There is no additional news on the litigation that prevented the launch of the Skin + CELL skincare product range. There is £1.24m of inventory and work in progress in the balance sheet that was built up for the launch.
Valereum (VLRM) has signed non-binding heads of terms for raising £13m at 10p/share with DMC Markets Inc. Valereum has also signed a binding option with an investor for raising £2m at 10p/share. This investor is building its own digital asset ecosystem, which could fit with Valereum’s interests. The additional cash will help to accelerate growth.
Healthcare IT provider DXS International (DXSP) wants to expand into a new territory in the EU or elsewhere in 2025. There are 22% of NHS Integrated Care Boards using the new Aios SMART Referrals software and more will be converted. The first commercial sale of ExpertCare therapeutic management software was in October.
Broking and wealth management business Oberon Investments (OBE) grew revenues by 74% to £4.8m in the six months to September 2024. The loss was reduced from £1.59m to £1.24m. There was £2.26m in the bank at the end of September 2024. Corporate broking increased revenues by 124% to £1.54m. There are 21 retained clients and there are private capital fundraisings expected in 2025. The launch of the Oberon AIM VCT is expected in the summer of 2025.There are also plans to take on more experience staff.
In the year to June 2024, fintech company Tap Global Group (TAP) grew revenues 31% to £2.65m, although the core business was not part of the group for the whole of the previous year. Those revenues were 6% ahead. In the first five months of the new financial year revenues were 24% with the latest month 77% ahead. The company introduced its XTP token locking feature for UK customers. Tokens can be locked for 12 months.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) is appointing John van Kuffeler, who founded Non-Standard Finance, as executive chairman. Marc Howells will be appointed chief executive. Dr Richard Leaver is becoming a non-exec, and he will provide AI expertise. Investment Evolution Credit is assessing potential acquisitions that could provide it with a UK lending licence, as well as loan book purchases. There are plans to expand in the US and internationally. The 15% IEC bond is no longer being offered to investors and the focus will be institutional debt funding.
BWA Group (BWAP) recently completed exploration drilling at the Dehane 2 rutile sands permit in Cameroon. Total heavy minerals raw sample grades are up to 20.4% over two metres thickness. This has increased the confidence of management that there could be a commercial project. Geological modelling is planned.
Oscillate (MUSH) has started fieldwork on its Minnesota hydrogen interests, while land access permitting ongoing. There will be a detailed review of regional surface geology.
Igraine (KING) investee company Fixit Medical, where it owns 20%, has confirmed that it plans to pursue FDA approval and CE marking for its Cingo product, which prevents catheters from twisting. It is also launching three new medical device products. Two IP grants have been received.
EDX Medical (EDX) has launched a range of test for determining hereditary risk of cancer and heart disease. Revenues remain minimal and the interim loss rose from £1.34m to £1.7m. There was cash of £2.31m at the end of September 2024.
Crypto investor Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) realised £220,000 profit in the year to July 2024. NAV increased from £2.31m to £3.42m. There are investments in a range of Crypto currencies and tokens, including Bitcoin.
A person associated with IntelliAM AI (INT) chief executive Tom Clayton bought 8,660 shares at 80.763p each and 2,280 shares at 87.5p each. He owns 24.8% of the AI company. Chris Wragg, divisional head of lubrication and applied sciences, bought 1,668 shares at 87.5p and he owns 4.38% of the company.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) has appointed Marion Sears and Meg Lustman as non-executive directors.
WeCap (WCAP) has raised £172,000 at 0.85p/share. Global Prime Partners increased it stake from 9.69% to 11.3%. Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) raised £60,000 at 0.4p/share. A stake has been built up in Oscillate and there is a potential digital payments investment.
Ananda Developments has changed its name to Ananda Pharma (LON: ANA).
AIM
AIM newcomer Amcomri Group (AMCO) ended the week at 57.5p, having raised £12m at 55p/share. That valued the engineering business at £39.5m. Amcomri was set up to undertake a buy, improve, build strategy in the engineering and industrial sectors.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) says the recent National Insurance increase have increased costs, and it is closing stores are not considered viable. Consumer confidence is weak. The focus is bigger, more profitable stores. The company has halved its 2024-25 pre-tax profit guidance to net less than £5m. Although profit estimates for the year to September 2024 are unchanged at £9.5m there will be no final dividend.
Cavendish is raising its forecasts for Filtronic (FTC) following its latest trading update. Space and defence demand are propelling growth. Filtronic is providing E-band power amplifiers for ground stations to SpaceX and first half demand was particularly strong. The UK defence review could generate opportunities later in 2025. The 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast has been raised from £7.7m to £9.6m.
Active Energy Group (AEG) shares returned from suspension following publication of interims and the potential for a resurrection of the business. Shareholders previously voted against liquidating the company and Zen Ventures provided a loan of £200,000 to enable the publication of 2023 accounts earlier in December and the subsequent interims have been released. Zen Ventures will appoint two directors. The plan is to commercialise the CoalSwitch technology.
Energy optimisation and assurance services provider Inspired (INSE) is improving its balance sheet via a placing raising £21.25m at 40p/share and a retail offer raised £410,000. There is also an issue of £5m of 12% convertible loan notes, which are convertible at 80p/share. The shares come with warrants exercisable at 80p each.
Surgical Science Sweden is bidding 13p/share to Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG), which values the ultrasound simulation company at £45.2m. The bid is recommended by the board. Intelligent Ultrasound will benefit from becoming part of a larger group and it enables the bidder to obtain a UK operation. Intelligent Ultrasound was going to return cash to shareholders following the sale of its clinical AI business. There was cash of £39.6m in November, which covers most of the bid value.
Tribe Technology (LTRYB) revealed that its accounts will be delayed, and it plans to leave AIM. The autonomous mining equipment developer is in talks with potential provider of finance, and it believes that leaving AIM will make it easier to raise money. Trading in the shares will be suspended on 2 January. Neometals (NMT) is cancelling its AIM quotation and concentrating on the ASX listing. It joined AIM in 2022, but it has been difficult to raise funds. Trading volumes on AIM have been low. The cancellation will be on 3 February. Retailer Quiz (QUIZ) is also planning to leave AIM. Shareholders approved plans for Webis (WEB) to lave AIM and this will happen on 3 January.
Synairgen (SNG) wants to raise up to £19m at 2p/share to fund a phase II study for respiratory drug treatment SNG001. The largest shareholder TFG Asset Management has conditionally underwritten £18m of this. However, there is a placing and open offer to raise £6m and the TFG subscription will be reduced by the amount raised over £1m. However, if the placing and open offer does not raise at least £2.9m the AIM quotation will be cancelled.
Tiger Royalties and Investments (TIR) is changing strategy to become a technology incubator. It is acquiring Bixby Technology Inc, which is run by Jonathan Bixby, for £325,000. A fundraising at 0.1p/share will raise £3m. New shareholders include Premier Miton, Zeus and Jupiter. Toro is subscribing £325,000 worth of shares. The company is retaining its core resources investments, and it will consider other natural resources investments.
There was a reassuring update from Feedback (FDBK) concerning first half trading, but more was generated by the Bleepa medical imaging communications product. There are talks with Integrated Care Boards about further contracts. Net cash was £7.3m at the end of November 2024 and there were £500,000 of retail offer proceeds to be received. That compares with a market capitalisation of £7.3m.
Duke Capital (DUKE) increased recurring interim revenues by 4% to £12.7m. Fewer exit premia meant that total revenues dipped to £13.5m, from £14.1m. There have been £15m of follow-on investments in the period. Despite the £3.5m fundraising at 27.5p/share, the debt level is still significant with £69.1m forecast for the end of March 2024. Duke Capital provides important financial backing for small businesses through a combination of debt and equity and generates a steady income stream from those investments with longer-term upside.
Electronic and electro-mechanical components supplier LPA Group (LPA) has won three major contracts worth £4m. They are with French rail operator SNCF Voyageurs for interior LED lighting, Siemens Mobility, also for LED lighting, and seating manufacturer Grammer for eat electronics and lighting for trains in France. The SNCF contract last five years while the others are deliverable in 2025 and 2026.
Provexis (PXS) is purchasing a further batch of Fruitflow heart-health functional food ingredient inventory from dsm-firmnech to satisfy increasing demand for Fruitflow. The royalty based on gross profit will be paid to dsm-firmnech in shares. The total payment for inventory and royalty is 82.95 million shares at 0.68p each. DSM Venturing owns 10.9%.
Scholium Group (SCHO) managed to gain enough shareholder support for the plan to leave AIM. It required 75% of votes and it got 79.3%.
Digital media publisher Digitalbox (DBOX) has bought EastEnders for £50,000. It has 475,000 followers on the associated Walford East Facebook page. This adds to the recently launched Emmerdale Insider.
Nioko Resources is making a recommended offer of 2.68p/share for Hummingbird Resources (HUM). This is the same as the price of the debt-to-equity swap previously announced.
MAIN MARKET
Rockpool Acquisitions (ROC) revealed the potential acquisition of European Lingerie. The exclusivity period lasts until the end of June 2025.
Media Concierge has launched a recommended bid for National World (LON: NWOR). The 23p/share offer values the company at £65.1m.
London Finance and Investment Group (LFI) plans to wind itself up and return cash to shareholders. This could be 70p/share.
Acceler8 Ventures (AC8) is planning to acquire Verifyyed Inc, which has developed a royalty platform providing rights holders with greater transparency to drive revenues. California-based Verifyyed Inc has operations in Europe, and it will cost £96.8m in shares. A placing to raise up to £20m is anticipated.
The 79th GRP plans to invest £2.18m in First Class Metals (FCM) in two stages. It will end up with 51.2% of the enlarged share capital. The cash will be invested in projects in Ontario and there are potential synergies for project acquisitions.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 26 August 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Voyager Life (VOY) says M3 Helium, which it has an option to acquire, has commenced production at the Smith and Nilson wells and they will begin to generate revenues after being attached to the Scout Energy Partners gathering system. Once production is stabilised the helium content should be around 0.635%. The Rost well is the next to be brought into production.
Time to ACT (TTA) has separated Diffusion Alloys into a coating technology business, including the low-cost modular coating equipment being developed, and the plant-led coatings business in Middlesborough.
Kondor AI (KNDR) is considering a bid for Ora Technology (ORA) based on 0.9988 of a Kondor AI share for each Ora Technology share with the latter’s shareholders owning 53.4% of the combined group. The group would be worth £38.5m at the current suspended share prices. There is no certainty that the bid will be made.
EDX Medical (EDX) has entered an agreement with Oxford University to in-licence intellectual property developed in Oxford and Birmingham Universities in research funded by Cancer Research UK. The IP can be used to improve the test for safety and dose management for patients receiving 5-fluorouracil and other chemotherapy medications that carry serious side effects.
Equipmake (EQIP) says that an electric bus has started operation in Argentina, and it uses the company’s zero emission drivetrain. The bus operator DOTA plans to add to the electric bus fleet.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has started a new Bitcoin cluster in Texas and once the initial miners are up and running consistently more will be installed. This follows 100 Bitmain Antminer S19J Pro ASIC Bitcoin miners in Labrador, Canada.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) has bought three million more shares at 4.15p each. There are 3.5 million shares held in treasury. Toro Consulting’s stake has moved above 21%.
AIM
Oil and gas producer i3 Energy (I3E) is recommending a 13.92p/share bid from Gran Tierra Energy. The offer is one Gran Tierra Energy share for every 207 i3 Energy shares and 10.43p in cash for each i3 Energy shares. Shareholders will also receive a dividend of 0.2565p/share. The bid, based on a Gran Tierra Energy share price of $8.66, values i3 Energy at £174.1m. Gran Tierra wants to diversify its current Canadian resources.
TV and film services provider Facilities by ADF (ADF) has made the significantly earnings enhancing acquisition of Autotrak Portable Roadways, which hires portable roadways. This also diversifies the client base into outdoor events. The initial payment is £13.1m in cash and shares. Up to £8.2m of additional consideration is payable depending on EBITDA up until 2027. Cavendish has increased its earnings forecast for 2025 by 12% to 9.7p. The company raised £10m at 50p/share to fund the acquisition and could raise up to £500,000 from a retail offer, which closes on 29 August.
Maritime AI technology services provider Windward (WNWD) generated organic growth of more than 30% with a reduction in churn. Annualised recurring revenues reached $37.2m at the end of June 2024. Reported interim revenues were $17.6m and the ARR covers the rest of the expected revenues for this year. Maritime Invest Scandinavia has sold its 5.73% stake and West Elk Capital bought 4.99%.
Pawnbroker H&T (HAT) reported continued growth in pawnbroking, although higher than expected redemptions hit revenues, as well as improved performances in retail and foreign exchange. Gold purchasing and scrap is benefiting from the high gold price. Pre-tax profit was 13% higher at £9.9m. From now on, pawnbroking scrap will be reported with the pawnbroking division. The year-end will be changed to September from 2025 onwards.
Education software provider Tribal Group (TRB) can focus on the business now that a settlement has been reached with NYU. The latest figures were held back by the failed bid, which led to delays in client orders. Annualised recurring revenues improved 2% to £52.1m. The educational market is tough, but Tribal’s admissions software is still likely to be attractive to colleges and universities.
Recruitment company Empresaria (EMR) had a tough first half with like-for-like net fee income 15% lower, partly due to currency movements. It does not appear that trading will improve much in the second half. Even the outsourcing business, which has been the star recently, reported a decline because of less UK healthcare business. Cost savings will offset the decline in income in the second half and pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £3.5m to £4m.
Digital cognitive assessment technology developer Cambridge Cognition (COG) maintained interim revenues at £5.6m and the loss was sharply lower. A full year pre-tax profit of £100,000 is forecast for 2024. Expectations are underpinned by an order book of £14.6m.
Data analytics software company Rosslyn Data Technologies (RDT) has secured a three-year contract with a major technology company. This has a minimum value of £2m. Management says that the 2023-24 loss will be lower than previously forecast, but at £3m it will still be higher than in 2022-23. Before the latest deal annualised recurring revenues were £2.3m. William Black and Armstrong Investments reduced their shareholding from 10.4% to 9.51%.
A weak advertising market meant that first half revenues of media analysis company Ebiquity (EBQ) fell 7%. That hit operating margins, which slumped to 6%. Net debt is £15.3m. The second half should be much better, although just how good it will be will depend on trading in September and October and high operational gearing means that additional revenues will lead to a much bigger jump in profit.
Neometals (NMT) is lowering annualised overheads by two-fifths and the $3m at 4.5 cents/share raised from William Robert Richmond should last until the end of 2025. The focus will be the Primobius recycling operations. Net cash will be $9.3m and this will finance the company’s lithium-ion battery recycling business to the industrial validation stage. The Previous Metals Recovery option will not be taken up. Third-party funding is being sought for new lithium and vanadium technologies.
Touchstone Exploration (TXP) has declared the terms of its bid for fellow Trinidad-focused oil and gas producer Trinity Exploration and Production (TRIN) are final and says that it has irrevocable acceptances of 38.9% of the share capital. These irrevocable acceptances are obliged to vote against the rival, higher bid from Lease Operators.
Empire Metals (EEE) has identified a new deposit at the Pitfield project in Western Australia that adds to the value of the project. It is enriched with high-purity anatase formed from the weathering of the original titanite-rich, bedded sediments. The discovery also confirms high grades of titanium dioxide with very low impurities. Anatase is a feedstock for titanium chloride and titanium metal markets. Empire Metals continues to progress towards a maiden mineral resource estimate.
Nigeria-focused gold producer Thor Explorations (THX) sold 23,600 ounces of gold at an average price of $2,309/ounce in the second quarter. AISC was $802/ounce because of higher grade ore and guidance for the full year has been reduced to $900-$1,000/ounce. Quarterly revenues were $54m and EBITDA $38m. Net debt has fallen to $2.7m.
Electric hybrid systems developer Proton Motor Power Systems (PPS) says that its principal lender and major shareholder Falih Nahab will stop providing working capital at the end of 2024. At the end of July 2024, Proton Motor Power Systems has drawn down €110.4m out of debt facilities of €121.5m, plus it owes €37.8m in accrued interest. The facilities are repayable by the end of 2025, but the business is unlikely to be cash generative by then. There are talks with other potential providers of finance. Net liabilities were €111.7m at the end of 2023.
Recruitment software developer Dillistone Group (DSG) has raised £300,000 from a loan note issue from directors and £60,000 from a placing at 8p/share. Interim figures will show an improvement in profitability and cash generation. Markets continue to be weak, and the cash will provide a buffer for the business. The loan notes last 48 months and offer an annual interest rate of 9.85%. The conversion price is 14p/share.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) reported an 8% decline in interim revenues to £129.6m. Pre-tax profit was 3% lower at £11.6m. There was price deflation in the distribution business. Acquisitions increased manufacturing revenues but there was small decrease in profit contribution.
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) reported flat interim revenues due to lower revenues from networking technology, but the outlook is more positive. In the six months to June 2024, revenues dipped from $60.2m to $60m, while pre-tax profit improved from $726,000 to $788,000. This was helped by the revaluation of a liability that reduced the total costs of the business in the period. Net cash was $27.2m at the end of June 2024, even though there was an increase in working capital. Cyber and diagnostics revenues grew, while networking revenues fell from $11.6m to $6m. New orders are being won in the networking division and there should be an improved second half.
MOH Nippon (MOH) was readmitted to the Main Market following the acquisition of its business by cash shell Bowen Fintech. The business provides crowdfunding services for real estate investment in Japan.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 19 February 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Vehicle electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) has raised £4m at 6p/share and a further £110,000 from a retail offer. This will fund research and development for the international market and finding opportunities in the US. There is also grant funding of up to £4.57m. The order book is valued at £13.1m and mainly relates to the bus market. The cash will last at least 12 months.
Coinsilium (COIN) says that the SalitaFinance AI-driven platform, where it has a 6.7% stake, has received investment from a top ten global infrastructure bank. Another investee company, crypto friendly payments company Greengage Global has secured an agreement with a new regulated partner and this will enable the earlier launch of Greengage’s US dollar currency accounts along with forex and SWIFT payments services for clients.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) has appointed Axis Capital Markets as corporate broker to help to raise up to £100m via the previously announced bond offering. The share price rose by 50% on the week to 60p. The December 2023 admission price was 4.5p.
RentGuarantor (RGG) has entered a three-year marketing deal with student letting company University Living. The rent guarantee service will be promoted to residential tenants. This will broaden access to the market.
Mortgage Chat (MCAI) has raised £105,000 at 0.05p each. The strategy is moving towards the development of an artificial intelligence platform called Mortgage Chat connecting borrowers and lenders.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) has asked advisers to explore options for funding growth plans.
Marula Mining (MARU) has published a shareholder circular to gain approval for a subscription by AUO Commercial Brokerage. The first subscription will raise £3.75m at 3.75p/share with further subscriptions potentially raising £4.78m at 10p/share. The general meeting is on 8 March.
BWA Group (BWAP) has come to a settlement with St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp, which will convert some loan notes into 146.2 million shares and cancel £1.42m of convertible notes. Connected parties will also be encouraged to rerun up to £1.8m of convertible notes.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has entered into a £50,000 loan note agreement with Martin Armstrong, a former chairman. This can be converted into shares at 2.5p each.
Lord Nicholas Monson has increased his stake in Lift Global Ventures (LFT) from 4.96% to 5.33%.
AIM
Katoro Gold (KAT) has raised £750,000 at 0.1p/share, along with warrants exercisable at 0.2p/share that could raise up to £1.5m, and it is planning board changes. Executive chairman Louis Coetzee is stepping down. Outstanding board fees of £91,000 have been reduced to £63,600. A new strategy will involve maximising value from existing interests and seeking new opportunities in critical metals, including uranium. Paul Johnson, who has previously run Power Metal Resources and Metal Tiger has been appointed strategic consultant. The company plans to change its name to Katoro Global Resources.
Good Energy (GOOD) is building on its energy efficiency services business through the acquisition of Maidstone-based JPS Renewable Energy, which is a solar and storage installation business. The initial consideration is £7m in cash and shares with deferred consideration of up to £6.75m over two years. The vendors placed 842,000 of the 1.32 million shares issued at 250p each. JPS generated revenues of £12.4m and pre-tax profit of £600,000 in the year to April 2023 and pre-tax profit could increase to £1.3m this year.
Neometals (NMT) says a review of the Spargos project in Western Australia indicates low potential for lithium-bearing pegmatites. Sampling did not produce any significant results. There will be field mapping to investigate two potassium anomalies and a strategic review of the project.
Gattaca (GATC) is still finding the permanent staffing market difficult, and first half net fee income is expected to decline 16% to £18.9m. This has led to downgrades for full year net fee income, but cost cutting has meant that the full year pre-tax profit forecast is maintained at £3m. The figures will be second half weighted.
Harvest Minerals (HMI) received fertiliser orders for 34,880 tonnes, of which 28,707 tonnes were invoiced in 2023. There have been 1,250 tonnes invoiced so far in 2024. Sales guidance is 70,000 tonnes for 2024. Cash was $630,000 at the end of 2023. Cost are being reduced.
Trading in Artemis Resources (ARV) shares has resumed on ASX. Trading was halted on 8 February although it continued on AIM. Artemis Resources published an update on the West Pilbara project exploration. This shows potential sub vertical orientation of pegmatites at Kobe and Osborne. The first drill hole potentially stopped short of the Osborne target. A drilling programme to test Osborne is planned for March to test near surface lithium rich zones.
M&A activity remains weak at professional services network operator DSW Capital (DSW) and that will hit this year’s profit. There appeared to be an improving trend, but January was poor and that hit network revenues. February is also set to be disappointing. The other activities are trading well. The 2023-24 pre-tax profit will be between £600,000 and £700,000. There was cash of £2.7m at the end of January 2024.
Baron Oil (BOIL) has raised £3m at 0.05p/share, while the retail offer generated £260,000. This will fund drilling preparations for the Chuditch-2 appraisal well south of Timor-Leste, which is planned for the fourth quarter. Shell discovered the Chuditch-1 gas field in the Chuditch production sharing contract in 1998. Timor-Leste authorities recently approved the farm-up agreement with TIMOR GAP Chuditch Unipessoal relating to the production sharing contract. Baron Oil’s subsidiary will retain 60% of the production sharing contract and the partner, which has increased its interest from 25% to 40%, will be responsible for 20% of all costs, including the Chuditch-2 appraisal well.
Beowulf Mining (BEM) is raising cash to invest in Kallak iron ore project in northern Sweden and the graphite anode materials plant in Finland. There will be a rights issue and a PrimaryBid retail offer in the UK raising up to £7.5m in total. A formal decision on the fundraising and pricing will be made on 7 March. A capital reorganisation will reduce the par value of the shares from 1p to 0.1p. The cash will be spent on the Kallak pre-feasibility study and environmental studies, which will enable the application for an environmental permit.
Bushveld Minerals (BMN) has received a $4m payment from Southern Point Resources, which will be repaid when the $12.5m subscription is finally received. This takes the interest free loans to $6m, which have been paid to a South African subsidiary. Southern Point Resources says that the subscription will be paid by 28 February. The financial position of the company is being managed so that vanadium production, which has restarted, can continue until the rest of the cash is received.
Coal miner MC Mining (MCM) advises shareholders not to accept the A$0.16/ share bid from a company controlled by the majority shareholders. One condition is the acceptance by 50.1% of the shares not owned by the bidder.
Crossword Cybersecurity (CCS) has entered a partnership agreement with IT distributor TD SYNNEX, which will sell Crossword’s Trillion threat intelligence platform.
MAIN MARKET
Pendragon has completed the sale of its motor distributor business and will focus on its motor dealer software. The name has changed to Pinewood Technologies (PINE).
Better contract news from data integrity and banking integration software provider Gresham Technologies (GHT), which has secured a $1.5m contract for its Claretti software. The customer is described as a cash management and retail digital services provider. The deal covers the US and is for five years.
HeiQ (HEIQ) is acquiring a manufacturing facility in Portugal to commercialise the AeoniQ synthetic filament yarns technology. Commercial production could start by 2026. Capacity will be 3,000 tons.
HeiQ wants to raise £2.44m. A placing raised £685,000 at 8.7p/share and there is a retail offer of up to £75,000 closing on 22 February. The rest of the cash will come from an issue of non-interest bearing convertible loan notes with a conversion price of 8.7p/share. Revenues were $41m in 2023, but EBITDA will be lower than expected. Net debt is $2m. The year end is being changed from December to June 2024.
XP Power (XPP) says that weak demand meant that 2023 figures will be well below expectations. The 2024 results will be second half weighted. Net debt was £112.7m at the end of 2023.
Carclo (CAR) is closing its Tucson facility and manufacturing will be moved to Pennsylvania.
BSF Enterprise (BSFA) is setting up a separate subsidiary to develop a cultivated leather business.
Dispensa (DISP), originally known as Zamaz, is calling a general meeting on 14 March to gain shareholder approval for the delisting from the standard list.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 27 November 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Guanajuato Silver (GSVR) produced 787,086 ounces of silver equivalent and the loss fell by one-fifth to $7m when compared with the second quarter. The all-in sustaining cost increased to $26.22/ounce due to changes in mining and temporary closures.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) generated 78% IRR combined from two exits. There were £220,000 of realised gains in the nine months to September 2023. There is £430,000 of cash on the balance sheet. NAV is 112p/share.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has teamed up with Luxor Technology Corp to improve its bitcoin mining operating efficiency. Luxor’s firmware improves mining margins when profitability is low and can increase a machine’s hashrate when profitability is higher.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has secured an option to acquire 100% of the Crescent East lithium and gold project in the Mosquito Creek area of Western Australia. Shares were issued at 1.25p each to pay the £25,000 option fee.
Fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of drop-in fuel conditioner SulNOxEco in the shipping sector. Monaco-based dry-bulk ship management company Marfin Management trialled the additive onboard a 60,000 MT DWT bulk carrier over a three-month period. This showed improvements in fuel consumption.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says investee company Hastings Technology Metals has agreed a $50m equity funding facility for the Yangibana rare earths project. Hastings Technology Metals can draw down up to $50m from Alpha Investment Partners to provide working capital for the development of the mine. Project financing talks are progressing and there have been offers from potential partners and debt providers. Cadence Minerals has a 1.4% stake in the investee company.
Steve Xerri, who owns 4.81%, has been appointed as an executive director of Oscillate (MUSH) and he intends to focus on special situations either through individual investments or via a reverse takeover.
One Health Group (OHG) has gained two new contracts with NHS Trusts. One is to supply orthopaedic services and the other is for orthopaedic and gynaecology services. They will help to reduce waiting lists.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) says Sproutly Canada has completed due diligence on the acquisition of the company’s global cannabis-related assets in return for 49% of the enlarged share capital of Sproutly Canada. The effective valuation is likely to be around £4.2m. Regulatory approvals are required.
Kasei Holdings (KASH) has a digital asset portfolio worth $2.07m at the end of October 2023.
EDX Medical (EDX) has entered into a collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific. They will jointly develop and commercialise cancer diagnostics.
Looking Glass Labs (NFTX) has raised $1m at $0.10/unit – one share and one warrant exercisable at $0.10/share. A further ten million units have been swapped for $1m of debt. Further sources of finance are being sought.
Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) has appointed VSA Capital as corporate adviser, while Pharma C (PCIL) has appointed First Sentinel as its corporate adviser.
Res Privata NV has increased its stake in NFT Investments (NFT) from 3.33% to 4.09%.
AIM
Telecoms enterprise software provider Cerillion (LON:CER) grew strongly last year, while the rate of growth might slow this year it is still likely to make good progress given the recent €12.4m contract win. In the year to September 2023, revenues were one-fifth higher at £39.2m, while underlying pre-tax profit was two-fifths ahead at £16.8m, helped by a reduction in impairment charges from £1.77m to £256,000. The growth has come from software with a dip in services revenues. Net cash reached £24.7m at the end of September 2023. The dividend has been raised from 9.1p/share to 11.3p/share.
Light Science Technologies (LST) is acquiring the Injecta Fire Barrier trade and assets from Fire Barrier International. The Injectaclad product expands when heated and prevents the spread of fire and smoke. There is no initial payment with consideration in the form of a deferred profit share agreement. The deal should be earnings enhancing and generate cash. There are maintenance and installation synergies with the contract electronics subsidiary. The cash generated will help to finance the growth of the group.
Video games developer Team17 Group (TM17) says 2023 trading is slightly better than expected, although some titles are not performing as well as anticipated and that has hit margins. There has also been overspending and delays on some development projects. That means that underlying EBITDA will be around one-sixth lower than forecast at around £40m. Some titles are being reassessed and that is likely to lead to impairment charges of up to £11.5m.
Parity (PTY) announced the sale of its remaining business yesterday afternoon. It will become a cash shell. Parity will receive up to £3m depending on working capital adjustments for recruitment business Parity Professionals. The deal costs will be £240,000. There will be £639,000 including costs spent to settle the pension liability and finance the search for an alternative business. The company will change its name to Partway.
Velocys (VLS) is the worst performer on the day after the sustainable fuels company said that there is a potential bid at 0.25p/share from a consortium including Lightrock and Carbon Direct Capital Management. This would ensure long-term funding of the business. The low share price makes it difficult to finance the sustainable fuels operations. The share price dived 63.7% to 0.25p, which values Velocys at £4.5m. A large multiple of that value needs to be raised to fund development and production. Interim funding will be required.
musicMagpie (MMAG) is in bid talks with BT Group (BT.A) and asset manager Aurelius. The talks are at an early stage.
Cyber software and services provider Shearwater Group (SWG) appears set to return to profit this year. The core software businesses have been integrated, as have two of the three consultancy businesses. In the six months to September 2023, revenues dipped from £10.8m to £10.5m. That was due to much lower software revenues. Even so, gross profit improved and, stripping out amortisation and exceptionals, the underlying loss reduced £493,000 to £93,000. That is before restructuring costs. The cost savings will show through in the second half.
Telecoms testing instrumentation supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) has been hit by a reduction in spending by telecoms companies. In the six months to September 2023, revenues slumped from £12.7m to £7.8m and the company moved from a pre-tax profit of £3.1m to a loss of £600,000. Trading did not pick up in September as is normally the case. Non-telecoms revenues make up one-quarter of total revenues. The cost base is being kept steady in expectation of a recovery, even though that may not be until the next financial year. There is £13.5m in the bank.
There were no revenues from systems in the first half at SRT Marine Systems (SRT), but that will change in the second half when transceivers revenues will be well below the systems contribution as work on contracts reaches points where revenues can be invoiced and recognised. Interim revenues fell from £18.8m to £5.5m, although transceivers revenues were higher. Last year’s loss could be turned into a £7.2m profit this year.
Battery technology developer Ilika (IKA) has achieved its D4 development point for the Goliath battery. This is the start of turning the development into a battery product. Ilika will be able to create P1 samples for testing by customers. At the end of the week, Ilika confirmed that its interims will be in line with expectations with revenues of £1.3m and there is £13.2m in cash left.
Neometals (NMT) has completed the A$9m from a placing at 10p/share and wants to raise a further £6.8m from a one-for-eight entitlement offer. The cash will fund the development of the nickel, cobalt, lithium recycling business Primobius, including the delivery of a facility to Mercedes Benz, and potentially to purchase a stake in Canadian licensee Stelco.
Empire Metals (EEE) has released initial results for the first diamond drillhole at the Pitfield project in Western Australia. This shows significant grades of titanium oxide. There will be results from two more diamond drilling holes in the coming weeks. A further 6,000 metres of drilling is planned with more likely early next year. Copper is still potentially in the area as well.
Interim figures from diagnostics company Cambridge Nutritional Sciences (CNSL) showed the benefits of concentrating on its core personalised health and nutrition business. Revenues rose 44% to £4.9m and the loss was reduced. Production problems have been sorted out. There was strong growth in North America as management puts more resources into the region. A small full year loss is expected.
Lifestyle concierge services provider Ten Lifestyle (TENG) has moved into profit for the first time. It swung from a loss of £2.7m to a pre-tax profit of £3.2m thanks to economies of scale. There was also a tax credit recognised due to past tax losses. Investment in its digital platform and the international spread of business is helping Ten Lifestyle. New contract wins will help to increase this year’s pre-tax profit to £3.9m, according to Singer.
Gold explorer Oriole Resources (ORR) has announced heads of terms with contractor BCM International for the development of the Bibemi and Mbe gold projects in Ghana. BCM can earn up to 50% of the Bibemi project by making a cash payment of $500,000 and commit to spend $4m on the project. BCM will pay $1m in cash and spend a further $4m to earn a 50% stake in Mbe project.
Mercia Asset Management (MERC) has exited one of its older investments, raising £30.2m – a 2.7 times return on invested capital. Virtual reality games developer nDreams has been acquired by Aonic for £90.3m. This was Merica Asset Management’s largest investment and £3.8m of the proceeds are being reinvested in Aonic. The consideration was 17.5% ahead of the March 2023 valuation.
Duke Royalty (DUKE) generated a 17% increase in recurring cash revenues to £12.2m with a 35% increase in all cash revenues to £14.1m. During the period, Duke Royalty made one of its biggest initial investments in glass architectural products supplier Glasshouse Products. The $11.5m investment is backing a member of the original founding family buying back the business.
Maritime AI provider Windward (WNWD) has signed a five-year contract with a European national coastguard that is valued at €3.2m. The cash is expected to be paid upfront, while annual contract value will be increased by $700,000/year.
MAIN MARKET
Structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) reported lower interim revenues, but a higher profit. In the six months to September 2023, revenues were 8% lower at £215.3m, but underlying pre-tax profit improved 17% to £14.2m. This includes an unchanged contribution of £600,000 from the India joint venture, while the modular products business made a maiden profit. The interim dividend was raised 8% to 1.4p/share. The UK and Europe order book is worth £482m, even though the £50m contract for Hertfordshire-based film studio Sunset Studios has been delayed.
Standard list shell Tertre Rouge Assets (TRE) is attempting to raise up to £50m to buy rare cars and acquire cash generative businesses involved in supercar events. Around £30m is set to be invested in a range of cars that have already been identified. They are worth between £1m and £10m. The plan is to generate gains on these investments -15% annual returns are targeted – while hiring them out to photoshoots and other income generating activities to cover overheads. The Run To Group Ltd, which organises supercar adventures to the Monaco Grand Prix, will also be acquired and management will remain with the business. The group’s board of directors includes racing drivers and business men and they can expand this business and others. There will be cash left over to buy other companies.
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) says lower volumes and prices meant that revenues fell 2% in the nine months to September 2023. New customers are being attracted and this will help future volumes. Margins are increasing.
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) improved its NAV to 96.5p/share at the end of September 2023. That was helped by positive currency movements and a small uplift in valuations, predominantly due to a fundraising by an investee company.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 6 November 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that the 36.2%-owned joint venture that owns the Amapa iron ore project in Brazil has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sinoma Tianjin Cement Industry Design, which will provide a final proposal to complete a definitive feasibility study for the project and then submit a fixed price contract to construct the project. It will also attempt to obtain the financing required. Chief executive Kiran Morzaria bought 100,806 shares at 7.4p each.
Adsure Services (LON: ADS) joined the Access segment on 30 October. It did not raise any additional money and was valued at £4.76m at the introduction price of 45p. Fareham-based Adsure Services acquired TIAA in September. It is a specialist business assurance provider that has been operating for two decades. In the year to March 2023, TIAA revenues improved from £8.82m to £9m, while pre-tax profit dipped from £580,000 to £274,000. That is due to higher overheads. TIAA had £1.86m in the bank and net cash of £1.15m. Dividends have been paid by TIAA and the equivalent last year was 1.35p/share.
Substrate Artificial Intelligence (SAI.B) has agreed the acquisition of 70% of BINIT and DELTANOVA for €5.4m and €600,000 respectively, which is payable in shares. They are software development consultancy businesses, and the share issue has to be approved by shareholders.
CBD products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) expects interim revenues to be more than £165,000 and a gross margin of 43%. The manufacturing division is receiving more enquiries. The government has accepted recommendations for standardised cannabinoid testing and there could be a relaxation of the maximum cannabinoid content of products.
Helium Ventures (HEV) had nearly £65,000 in cash at the end of April 2023, plus interests in Blue Star Helium and Trackimo.
Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP) had cash of £160,000 at the end of July 2023. Management is still assessing a potential reverse takeover of GL Membership.
ChallengerX (CXS) generated cash from operations in the quarter to September 2023, although there was an overall outflow of £47,000, leaving £1,000 in the bank. More cash will be required to develop the FlashBet Wheel App.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has confirmed the mineralised base metal system at Cottesloe in the Paterson Range, Western Australia. There is copper, zinc, silver, lead and cobalt. This is before the drilling has hit the target mineralisation zone.
KR1 (KR1) holds an allocation of 7.5 million TIA – the digital asset of Celestia – KR1 plans to start staking activities on the Celestia network. At the end of September 2023, NAV was 45.11p/share.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) says that the FDA 510(k) application for Cervi-LOK has oved to the substantive review stage.
Fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) generated second quarter revenues of nearly £54,000, which was lower than the previous year. There was £562,000 in the bank and a further £700,000 has been raised since then.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has signed a MOU with Nottingham Trent University to pursue grant funding for the medicinal cannabis breeding programme. The intention is to develop a formal strategic partnership.
IamFire (FIRE) had cash of £149,000 at the end of April 2023, following a £768,000 cash outflow from operations. Investee company WeShop is making good progress. However, there is material uncertainty as a going concern and more cash is required or bond terms will need to be renegotiated.
NFT technology company Looking Glass Labs (LON: NFTX) had net assets of C$837,000 at the end of July 2023.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) non-exec directors Jayne Almond bought 3,000 shares at an average price of 912.5p each. Shepherd Neame (SHEP) director George Barnes bought 1,000 shares at 735p each. Marula Mining (MARU) chief executive Jason Brewer has exercised 400,000 warrants at 4p each.
BWA Group (BWAP) is raising up to £900,000 at 0.5p/share with one warrant for every two shares exercisable at 0.6p each up until October 2024 and 0.75p after that up until October 2026. The cash will be used for exploration at two heavy mineral sands claim areas.
Mental health treatments developer Mydecine Innovations Group (MYIG) says that it is filing a prospectus supplement so that it can issue 7.36 million shares at 15 cents/share to raise $1.1m.
AIM
Product management software supplier Sopheon (SPE) has received a bid approach from IOps Buyer Inc, which is a subsidiary of Wellspring Worldwide Inc. The two companies have agreed in principle to a 1000p/share bid. Due diligence has been completed and discussions are advanced. Chicago-based Wellspring Worldwide provides software and data systems for managing technology transfer and intellectual property.
Velocys (VLS) is the worst performer today because the conditions for the $15m strategic investment from Carbon Direct have not been met. To receive this cash the sustainable fuel developer needs to raise $40m, including $8m already raised, and management is still trying to secure investors. The $15m cash injection is no longer binding. Velocys needs more cash before the end of the year. There is a significant market opportunity in sustainable aircraft fuel, but Velocys is in a weak position when discussing additional funding.
Carbon ceramic disc brakes developer Surface Transforms (SCE) has reduced revenue guidance for 2023 to £8.6m, having generated £6.3m up until October. The previous forecast for 2023 revenues was £13m. There have been problems ramping up production in the second half and it will not be completed until early next year. A new debt facility is being negotiated to enable an increase in annual capacity to £150m.
MC Mining (MCM) has received a bid approach. Two companies that own a 64.5% stake in the South African coal miner say they intend to acquire the shares they do not own, and the indicative offer is A$0.2 to A$0.23 for each share. Independent directors are assessing the indicative offer.
Cerillion (CER) has secured a five-year software deal with a European telecoms company. The deal is worth €12.4m and there is potential for selling other software modules. This deal helps to underpin forecasts.
OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) says that restructuring the management has improved account management and the focus of commercial discussions. The microbiome company has improved its online operation. There are ongoing discussions over potential large contracts.
Roebuck Food Group (RFG) is acquiring Motherwell-based food ingredients supplier Moorhead & McGavin for £2.225m in cash and shares. A placing will raise up to £2.5m at 13.5p/share. Moorhead & McGavin supplies cereals, pasta and rise to the catering sector and generated revenues of £7.26m and EBITDA of £377,000 in 2022. Roebuck Food Group sold its cold storage division, and it has been seeking an acquisition to scale up the business.
In October, podcast company Audioboom (BOOM) generated more than one billion advertising impressions in a month for the first time. The removal of old adverts after 90 days and replacing them with a new focused advert is helping advertising impressions to continue to grow. Fourth quarter revenues are still expected to be at least $19m.
Thor Energy (THR) has completed the stage 2 earn-in spending required to acquire a further 29% of the Alford East copper-gold-real earths project in South Australia. This takes the stake to 80%. Thor Energy has issued 9.26 million shares at A$0.027 each, plus 18.5 million warrants exercisable at A$0.03 each, to Spencer Metals as consideration for the stake.
Seaweed-based animal feed producer Ocean Harvest Technology (OHT) has conducted a successful trial in Georgia for its poultry feed. Mortality rates for the poultry with necrotic enteritis with the company’s feed in their diet fell from 49% to 33%. It also enhances weight gain. Necrotic enteritis costs the poultry sector up to $6bn/year.
Technology businesses developer Frontier IP (FIPP) moved into loss last year because of realised and unrealised losses on its portfolio against a large gain in the previous year. The value of the portfolio fell 17% to £33m, although there were net disposals of nearly £5m. There was a £3.25m cash outflow from operations offset by disposals, leaving £4.6m in cash at the end of June 2023.
Neometals (NMT) has decided not to progress with vanadium tailings retreatment project in Finland because of difficulty in financing. The price of vanadium has been falling in recent months. Neometals will concentrate on licensing its vanadium recovery process. There was cash of A$14.2m at the end of the first quarter.
Real Good Food (RGD) says first half revenues were 2% ahead at £16.1m, although volumes fell by 10%. October revenues appear set to be 6% higher. The cake decorations supplier has significantly reduced its loss due to higher margins. A shortage of cash has held back growth, but the company could be profitable for the full year. Talks continue concerning the extension of the loan agreement with Hilco Private Capital. Interim results will be published in December.
Reconstruction Capital II Ltd (RC2) plans to ask shareholder approval for leaving AIM so that costs can be reduced. It is taking longer than expected to sell investments, so the investment company also intends to extend its life. A matched bargain facility will be arranged.
MAIN MARKET
Esken (ESKN) is selling Esken Renewables to Pioneer Balmoral for £77.6m, plus loan reimbursement of £6.9m. The portfolio of renewable assets has been built up by investing small amounts in equity in businesses. The deal requires shareholder approval. Net proceeds will be £78.5m and £70.6m will be used to repay the committed funding. There are plans to sell Southend Airport. Esken will move from the premium list to the standard list.
Mike Whitlow has requisitioned a general meeting at standard list cash shell More Acquisitions (LON: TMOR) to get Nicholas Tulloch and Jeremy Woodgate to the board and remove the existing directors Charles Goodfellow and Roderick McIllree. The board believes it has enough backing to defeat the resolutions.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 28 August 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Pharma C Investments (PCIL) has received a general meeting requisition from one of its shareholders. The directors are reviewing the request.
Technology marketing start-up Inteliqo (IQO) generated income of more than $400,000 and pre-tax profit of $250,000 from the distribution rights of the Langaroo app, which has still to be launched on Google Play and the Apple app store.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) has realised one of the five investments it took on from Chelverton Asset Management. Qualification Check B shares were bought by a trade buyer, and this will generate fees that will be shared by Macaulay Capital and Chelverton Asset Management. The net amount receivable by Macaulay Capital is £212,000.
Guanajuato Silver Company (GSVR) generated record production of 941,338 silver equivalent ounces in the second quarter and all-in sustaining cost was $22.47/ounce. Realised prices improved on the previous quarter. There was a small dip in net loss of $8.5m. Drill results from the Topia mine in Durango, Mexico have been promising.
Capital for Colleagues (LON: CFCP) investee company Bright Ascension provides software for the space sector, and it has been selected to lead onboard and ground software development for the three-year OS2-VOLT mission. This OS2-VOLT mission is being led by another investee company, Craft Prospect.
Marula Mining (MARU) has moved to the Apex section of the market. The construction of the initial modular processing plant for the Kinusi copper mine has been completed and is ready for transportation and commissioning.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) raised £50,000 at 0.75p/share.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) chief executive Eddy Travia bought 1.5 million shares at 1.25p each.
Andrew Offit has taken a 4.77% stake in AQRU (AQRU).
AIM
Education software and services provider Tribal (TRB) reported a 2% increase in interim revenues even though the NTU project has been cancelled. Annualised recurring revenues are 3% ahead at £51.9m. The NTU project is still the subject of dispute, but there will be no more non-legal costs. The second half is expected to be better and pre-tax profit is forecast to recover from £3.7m to £9.1m.
Loyalty technology provider Eagle Eye (EYE) has revealed that a previously announced three-year contract is with department stores operator Hudson Bay Company, which was formed in the seventeenth century and who’s backers included Prince Rupert. Hudson Bay Company will relaunch its digital loyalty programme using Eagle Eye technology.
Fulcrum Utility Services (FCRM) intends to seek shareholder approval to leave AIM. This announcement followed the release of full year figures showing an increased loss. The utility infrastructure business reported a £25.7m loss on a 18% decrease in revenues to £50.6m. Even excluding write-downs and restructuring charges there was a loss.
Compliance and maintenance services provider Kinovo (KINO) revealed a non-binding bid approach from Rx3 Holdings, which the bid target said was at 56p/share. Management says that the offer is at the lower end of board expectations. Rx3 has confirmed that the offer price will be at least 40p/share, because 29.9% shareholder Tipacs2 Ltd recently bought shares at that price from Western Selection (WESP).
Wellhead equipment supplier Plexus Holdings (POS) says a £5m rental contract for POS-GROP HG wellhead equipment and sealing technology announced in March has been increased in value to £8m. These revenues will be recognised in the year to June 2024, which should enable Plexus to move into profit. The 2021-22 revenues were £2.31m and they are expected to decline in 2022-23.
Bivictrix Therapeutics (BVX) has been granted a US patent for lead asset BVX001 and it expects to gain a Japanese patent in a few weeks. BVX001 is an antibody drug conjugate than targets leukaemia.
Cake Box (CBOX) reported like-for-like sales growth of 6.8% in the first 17 weeks of the financial year. That represents an acceleration of growth in recent weeks as marketing is stepped up. There are 212 outlets with scope for more. After paying the final dividend there is £6m in the bank.
Redx Pharma (REDX) says zelasudil (RXC007), an oral, selective Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 2 (ROCK2) inhibitor, has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for the potential treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The treatment is being used in a phase 2a clinical study for IPF and data is expected in the first quarter of next year. IPF is a disease of the lungs which progressively causes scarring and a reduction in lung function.
Neometals (NMT) says battery recycling joint venture Primobius has received an order for 10 tonne/day of lithium-ion battery recycling spoke with Mercedes. The facility will recover lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and other materials and feed them back into production of 50,000 batteries for new Mercedes vehicles. This is important because it will help the joint venture to gain credibility and win more business.
Cybersecurity firm Shearwater Group (SWG) has delayed publication of its full year results due to audit delays. They are set to be published on 5 September. On a brighter note, delayed contracts have been received in the first quarter of the new financial year. Market conditions are becoming more favourable.
Coro Energy (CORO) has sold its 18.76% stake in ion Ventures for £1.25m in cash, of which £250,000 is deferred until March 2024. The book value was $259,000.
MAIN MARKET
Graft Polymer (UK) (GPL) signed a manufacturing services agreement for production of haemostatic wound care products. The partner is in the Israel pharma market and the Graft Bio facility will provide manufacturing services for the partner’s patented haemostatic powder. This changes from a self-emulsifying powder to a gel when coming into contact with blood, thereby helping to clot the blood effectively.
Ferro-Alloy Resources (FAR) warns that problems with the delivery of concentrate material to its secondary processing facility will hit third quarter results. This follows record second quarter vanadium, molybdenum and nickel production.
Zamaz (ZAMZ) is changing its name to Dispensa, although the strategy remains the same. It will acquire growing, speciality food brands.
Ashington Innovation (ASHI) has signed heads of terms for the acquisition of Calon Cardio-Technology. Calon is developing a left ventricular asset device, an implantable heart pump for patients with severe heart failure.
Mode Group Holdings (MODE) is changing its name to R8 Capital.
Andrew Hore