LONDON (ShareCast) - First Derivatives, provider of software and consulting services to the financial market, said normalised pre-tax profits will be materially ahead of market expectations.

"The strong trading momentum that has characterised the beginning of the year has continued into the second half of the year. The company expects normalised profit before tax to be materially ahead of market expectations," said the group.

The group said enhanced profitability has been due to securing new customers and an increase take-up of KX Technology.

Optimistic Media said its TV Radio production division, together with production company Somethin' Else, has been commissioned by UTV Radio to produce a new radio quiz show called Cash Time.

Vane Minerals said following an approach for additional shares by Geiger Counter, a specialist uranium investment vehicle, it has raised £145,500 net of expenses through a private placing of 1m new ordinary shares at a price of 5p.

Intellectual property support services group RWS Holdings said 2006 trading was strong and is expected to be in line with expectations.

Manufacturers of carbon fibre Surface Transforms have narrowed losses in the six months to November as turnover jumped 70%.

Pre-tax losses in the period came in at £428,000 compared with £496,000 last time on turnover that rose to £116,000 versus £68,000 in the same period last year.

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