Market Pulse
Allianz on lookout for takeovers in US and Europe
German insurer Allianz has said it is in the market for "big takeovers" around Europe and in the US.
Management buyout fails at Agriterra cocoa plantation
Agriterra advised the market on Monday that, further to its announcements of 5 October 2016 and 6 January 2017, the proposed management buyout transaction of the company's Sierra Leone cocoa assets - held through equity interests in Baranca Tide Limited and West Africa Cocoa Services Limited - will not be completed as anticipated.
Small cap round up
Goals Soccer Centres said on Monday that trading in the year to the end of December was broadly in line with market expectations as it posted a rise in sales. The company, which operates small-sided soccer centres, said group sales for the year were up 1. 3% to £33. 4m, with like-for-like sales 0. 6% higher, reflecting a “significant” improvement in the second half of the year.
Orosur Mining reports on transitional quarter
South America-focused gold producer, developer and explorer Orosur Mining posted its first half and second quarter results through November 2016 on Monday, updating the market at the same time of its exploration and development activities in Uruguay.
FTSE 100 movers: Miners gain while Vodafone loses out
The FTSE 100 index was down 0. 18% at 7,324. 70 at 1622 GMT in the late afternoon.
Genedrive supplies field test units to US DoD
Manchester-based diagnostics company genedrive announced on Monday that it has supplied Genedrive units and assays to the United States Department of Defense for field trials, as part its $7. 8m development programme for a handheld device to allow for the detection of biohazards such as biological warfare agents.
Instem faces setback at year end
Instem, an AIM-listed provider of IT solutions to the global early development healthcare market, reported a “strong” performance for the year ended 31 December 2016 but faced challenges with one of its divisions and contract delays.
IMF leaves global GDP forecasts for 2017, 2018 unchanged after US elections
The global economy was set to accelerate over the next two years but there were uncertainties around exactly what policies the US would put in place and several emerging market economies were now seen growing more slowly, the International Monetary Fund said.
Castleton Technology wins two new contracts worth £1.8m
Castleton Technology, an AIM listed software and managed services provider to the public and not-for-profit sectors, has secured two new contracts for a combined value of £1. 8m.
Panmure Gordon CFO Philip Tansey to step down
AIM-listed institutional stockbroker and investment bank Panmure Gordon said Philip Tansey has served notice of his intention to step down from the board and is leaving the company as chief financial officer at the end of March.
Purplebricks plots further expansion in Australia
AIM-traded online estate agency Purplebricks has launched its service in Australia and plans to expand further in the country.
FTSE 250 movers: Ashmore gains after update; Mitie slumps
London’s FTSE 250 was down 0. 4% to 18,301. 66 in afternoon trade.
Acacia Mining confirms talks with Endeavour
Acacia Mining confirmed on Monday that it is in preliminary discussions regarding a possible combination with Canadian gold miner Endeavour.
IMF upgrades 2017 UK growth forecast, lowers 2018 view
The world's financial watchdog revised its forecast for economic growth in Britain higher for 2017.
SIG appoints Nick Maddock as new finance director
SIG has confirmed that Doug Robertson will retire as group finance director at the end of the month and leave the company on 28 February following a handover period.
Director dealings: Diurnal trio dip in after EMA submission in December
A trio of Diurnal Group directors bought shares in the hormone disease specialist, which remain little higher than the low reached late last year.
Sector movers: Miners higher on HSBC upgrades
Miners paced gains in the market following multiple upwards target price revisions from analysts at HSBC on LSE-listed copper miners and diversified miners.
Stranger Holdings raises £0.11m in placing
Stranger Holdings announced on Monday that it has raised a further £0. 11m through a placing of 11 million new ordinary shares of £0. 001 each in the Company at a price of 1p per placing share.
Global Energy buys 11 vessels as it transitions to subsea services
Global Energy Development announced on Monday that it has conditionally agreed to purchase 11 offshore subsea service vessels and a barge vessel as it seeks to adopt a new business strategy focusing on the subsea oilfield services sector.
Trump promises 'very quick' trade deal with Brexit Britain
Donald Trump has pledged to agree a quick trade deal between the US with Britain once it has exited from the European Union.