Author: Fiona Craig

  • Hargreaves Services proposes £20m premium tender offer for around 7% of shares

    Hargreaves Services proposes £20m premium tender offer for around 7% of shares

    Hargreaves Services (LSE:HSP) has announced plans to return up to £20 million to shareholders through a tender offer to repurchase as many as 2,352,941 ordinary shares, equivalent to roughly 7.12% of its anticipated issued share capital. The company is offering 850 pence per share, representing a premium of about 16.4% to the most recent closing price and approximately 26.9% above the share price prior to the initial announcement of the buyback proposal.

    Under the terms of the offer, shareholders will be able to tender up to around 7.12% of their holdings as a basic entitlement. Participants may also apply to sell additional shares if other investors choose not to take up their full allocation. Several major stakeholders, including company directors and the largest shareholder, Harwood Capital, have indicated they will tender at least their basic entitlements. The transaction will be carried out through broker Singer Capital Markets and remains subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting scheduled for 29 April.

    If completed, the tender is expected to modestly reduce the company’s free float while providing support to the share price. Most of the shares repurchased are expected to be cancelled, which could slightly increase the proportional holdings of directors and other shareholders who do not participate in the offer.

    From an outlook perspective, Hargreaves benefits from solid financial performance, supported by strong revenue growth, healthy cash generation and low leverage. Technical indicators also point to positive momentum, with the share price trading above key moving averages and a favourable MACD trend. Valuation metrics remain attractive, highlighted by a relatively low price-to-earnings ratio and a strong dividend yield. However, execution risks remain around certain projects, including developments in land and renewable energy and progress on the group’s zinc project.

    More about Hargreaves Services PLC

    Hargreaves Services PLC is a diversified UK-based group operating across environmental, infrastructure and property sectors. The company provides industrial and land development services and focuses on disciplined capital allocation while delivering returns to shareholders within its chosen markets.

  • Conduit Holdings adds three experienced insurance executives to board

    Conduit Holdings adds three experienced insurance executives to board

    Conduit Holdings Limited (LSE:CRE), the London-listed parent company of Bermuda-based reinsurer Conduit Re, has appointed Richard Lightowler, Peter Mullen and Penny Shaw as non-executive directors, with the appointments taking effect on 26 March 2026. The new board members will also serve on the company’s audit and remuneration committees. Their combined expertise across insurance, risk management, capital markets and corporate governance is expected to strengthen oversight as the group continues to expand its global reinsurance operations.

    Chair Nicholas Shott said the appointments bring significant industry experience and strategic insight to the board at an important stage in the company’s development. As Conduit continues to build on recent progress, the enhanced board structure is intended to support sound governance and reinforce the company’s focus on delivering sustainable long-term value to shareholders. The additions also better align the board with the growing complexity of global reinsurance and alternative risk markets, which could further strengthen investor confidence in the business.

    Conduit operates a diversified reinsurance platform with global reach through its Bermuda-based subsidiary, supported by a Class 4 insurance licence from the Bermuda Monetary Authority and A- (Excellent) ratings from A.M. Best. The group leverages its Bermuda base and London listing to maintain capital strength while pursuing international growth opportunities.

    From an outlook perspective, Conduit’s investment profile benefits from strong financial quality, including low leverage and expanding equity, as well as solid earnings and cash generation. Technical indicators also suggest positive momentum. However, valuation remains a potential constraint, with a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio despite an attractive dividend yield, alongside a step-down in profitability following 2023.

    More about Conduit Holdings Limited

    Conduit Holdings Limited is the ultimate parent company of Conduit Re, a Bermuda-based multi-line reinsurance business with a global underwriting footprint. Listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker CRE, the group provides reinsurance across a range of lines through Conduit Reinsurance Limited, which is licensed as a Class 4 insurer by the Bermuda Monetary Authority and holds an A- (Excellent) financial strength rating and a- (Excellent) long-term issuer credit rating from A.M. Best, both with a stable outlook.

  • GSK’s hepatitis B therapy bepirovirsen accepted for EMA review following positive Phase III results

    GSK’s hepatitis B therapy bepirovirsen accepted for EMA review following positive Phase III results

    GSK (LSE:GSK) has received acceptance from the European Medicines Agency to review its marketing authorisation application for bepirovirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide therapy being developed as a potential first-in-class treatment for adults with chronic hepatitis B. The regulatory submission is supported by encouraging Phase III results from the B-Well trial, where bepirovirsen used alongside standard nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy delivered significantly higher functional cure rates compared with standard treatment alone, while maintaining an acceptable safety profile.

    Chronic hepatitis B affects roughly 3.2 million people across Europe, many of whom require lifelong antiviral treatment. A finite therapy capable of achieving a functional cure could transform current treatment approaches and reduce long-term complications such as liver cancer. If approved, bepirovirsen would further strengthen GSK’s position in the infectious disease market and could serve as a core component in future combination regimens aimed at expanding functional cure rates among broader patient populations.

    The company’s outlook is supported by strong profitability and improving fundamentals, alongside positive pipeline progress and constructive guidance for 2026. Valuation appears reasonable with a modest dividend yield, although near-term technical indicators suggest potential overbought conditions and there remain ongoing considerations around balance sheet dynamics and earnings consistency.

    More about GSK

    GSK is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercialising medicines and vaccines to prevent and treat disease. The company applies advanced science and technology across therapeutic areas including infectious diseases, aiming to deliver innovative therapies that can prevent illness or transform the management of chronic conditions for patients worldwide.

  • Jadestone secures US$200m Nordic bond to support Asia-Pacific expansion

    Jadestone secures US$200m Nordic bond to support Asia-Pacific expansion

    Jadestone Energy UK plc (LSE:JSE), a subsidiary of Jadestone Energy plc, has completed a US$200 million senior secured bond issuance with a 12% coupon and maturity in 2031, drawing strong demand from Nordic and international investors and resulting in an oversubscribed offering. The company’s largest shareholder, Tyrus Capital, participated in the transaction with a US$25 million subscription, which independent directors confirmed was fair and reasonable for shareholders under related-party transaction rules.

    The proceeds from the bond will be used primarily to refinance Jadestone’s existing reserve-based lending facility while also supporting broader corporate activities. Management said the financing strengthens the company’s balance sheet and provides additional flexibility to pursue growth opportunities across its Asia-Pacific portfolio. The bond is expected to settle around 14 April 2026 and will be listed on the Nordic ABM market. The funding also supports continued development efforts, including progress on the Vietnam project following recent approval of its field development plan.

    From an outlook perspective, the company faces pressure from weak financial performance, including declining revenue, negative profitability, elevated leverage and negative cash flow trends. Technical indicators remain mixed but slightly subdued, with the relative strength index near 40 and the share price trading below short-term averages. However, valuation metrics such as a relatively low price-to-earnings ratio offer some offset to these challenges.

    More about Jadestone Energy plc

    Jadestone Energy plc is an independent upstream oil and gas company focused on the Asia-Pacific region. Listed on AIM in London, the group operates a diversified portfolio of producing and development assets across Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Its strategy combines organic project development—such as Vietnam’s Nam Du/U Minh and Malaysia’s Puteri Cluster—with acquisitions that leverage its expertise in managing mature oil and gas fields while aligning its operations with the broader energy transition.

  • Switch Metals moves closer to maiden resource estimate at Issia tantalum project

    Switch Metals moves closer to maiden resource estimate at Issia tantalum project

    Switch Metals (LSE:SWT) has completed the resource washing phase for the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate at its Issia tantalum project, finishing the fieldwork portion of the programme on schedule and within budget. Laboratory analysis and geological modelling are now underway, with the first resource estimate, MRE-1, expected to be delivered in the coming weeks by independent consultant Arethuse Geology.

    The company intends to follow a staged approach to resource development. The initial MRE-1 will focus on eluvial and colluvial mineralisation, with subsequent updates—MRE-2 and MRE-3—planned to expand the estimate by incorporating additional tantalum-rich zones and alluvial drainage targets. Management considers the first resource estimate a significant step toward advancing technical and economic evaluations, progressing toward a future mining licence, and potentially establishing early-stage production. The project is also positioned to benefit from strong tantalum prices and growing demand for responsibly sourced, conflict-free supply.

    More about Switch Metals plc

    Switch Metals plc is a critical minerals exploration company focused on tantalum and lithium projects in Côte d’Ivoire. Its flagship Issia Project covers a district-scale land package of around 1,015 km² in the country’s southwest and targets a prospective pegmatite corridor believed to host both near-surface deposits and deeper hard-rock mineralisation.

  • Major MTI Wireless Edge shareholder increases stake to nearly 12%

    Major MTI Wireless Edge shareholder increases stake to nearly 12%

    MTI Wireless Edge (LSE:MWE) reported that a significant shareholder group, the Beer Family, has acquired an additional 600,000 ordinary shares at a price of 53.5 pence each. Following the purchase, the family’s total holding has risen to 10,247,042 shares, representing approximately 11.89% of the company’s voting rights and further consolidating its ownership position.

    The increased investment may be viewed by the market as a sign of confidence in MTI’s strategic direction across its antenna technology, water management and RF consulting operations. A larger commitment from a major shareholder could help bolster investor sentiment, support share liquidity and highlight confidence in the company’s role as a provider of specialised communications and control technologies.

    From an outlook perspective, MTI’s investment case is supported by strong financial quality, including very low leverage and consistent profitability, as well as an attractive valuation reflected in a relatively low price-to-earnings ratio and solid dividend yield. These strengths are balanced by mixed technical indicators, which point to some short-term share price weakness despite a supportive longer-term trend.

    More about MTI Wireless Edge

    MTI Wireless Edge is an Israel-based technology company focused on communication and radio-frequency solutions across a range of industries. Through its antenna, water control and management, and distribution and consulting divisions, the group develops advanced antenna systems, irrigation monitoring and control technologies, and RF and microwave engineering services for commercial, defence, government and utility clients worldwide.

    The company’s antenna division designs and produces smart, MIMO and dual-polarity antenna systems covering frequencies from 100 KHz to 174 GHz, supporting applications such as 5G backhaul, broadband connectivity, public safety networks, RFID and defence communications. Its Mottech subsidiary provides Motorola-based remote monitoring and control systems for irrigation and water infrastructure, while MTI Summit Electronics delivers RF and microwave consulting, technical representation and integrated communication solutions for defence and government markets.

  • PPHC reports record 2025 adjusted EBITDA as IPO and acquisitions support expansion

    PPHC reports record 2025 adjusted EBITDA as IPO and acquisitions support expansion

    Public Policy Holding Company, Inc. (LSE:PPHC), a Washington, D.C.-based government relations and strategic communications firm, reported record adjusted EBITDA of $45.4 million for 2025 on revenue of $186.5 million. Growth was supported by 6.2% organic expansion and strong demand across its corporate communications and compliance advisory services. The company also continued to broaden its client base, now serving around 1,400 organisations, including roughly half of the Fortune 100, with an increasing number of large-spending clients highlighting the scale and diversification of its platform.

    Although the group recorded a wider GAAP net loss of $39 million for the year, it delivered solid cash generation and improved adjusted earnings while raising its full-year dividend. During 2026, the company also strengthened its balance sheet, moving from a net debt position to net cash following deleveraging. Strategically, PPHC completed two acquisitions to expand its capabilities and international footprint and carried out a $45.8 million U.S. IPO alongside a dual listing on Nasdaq. Management has signalled ambitions to act as a consolidator in the fragmented strategic communications industry, targeting mid-single-digit organic revenue growth and EBITDA margins of around 25%, supported by further acquisitions.

    The company’s outlook reflects strong share price momentum and positive strategic developments, though valuation concerns remain given the reported net loss and previously elevated leverage levels. While revenue growth suggests expanding demand for its services, profitability metrics continue to present a mixed financial picture.

    More about Public Policy Holding Company, Inc.

    Public Policy Holding Company, Inc. is a global provider of government relations, public affairs and strategic communications services, established in 2014 and dual-listed on Nasdaq and AIM. The group supports around 1,400 clients across sectors including healthcare, financial services, energy, technology, telecommunications and transportation, offering services such as policy advisory, research, digital advocacy and corporate communications to help organisations navigate regulatory and reputational challenges.

  • Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust appoints new portfolio manager in push to enhance performance

    Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust appoints new portfolio manager in push to enhance performance

    Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust plc (LSE:BGEU) has named Joe Faraday as its new portfolio manager, effective 1 April 2026, replacing Stephen Paice and Chris Davies. The appointment forms part of the board’s efforts to strengthen performance while maintaining the trust’s established growth-focused approach and exposure to private companies. Faraday, a long-serving member of Baillie Gifford’s European equities team with close to two decades of experience on a major global ex-U.S. strategy, will oversee the portfolio with an emphasis on building a more diversified growth allocation across a wider range of sectors.

    Alongside the management change, the board has kept in place a performance-linked tender offer that would be triggered if the trust fails to outperform its benchmark by 30 September 2028. This mechanism, which could allow shareholders to exit if performance targets are not met, underscores the board’s focus on accountability and improving returns. It also signalled that further measures could be considered if relative performance does not strengthen.

    The board confirmed that Faraday’s appointment does not involve any material changes to the trust’s investment objective or policy, highlighting continuity in the overall strategy. Chairman David Barron thanked the outgoing managers for their contributions and said the board believes Faraday’s investment approach is well suited to improving the trust’s relative performance while remaining aligned with shareholder interests.

    The trust’s outlook presents a mixed picture. While profitability remains solid, concerns persist around declining revenue and uneven cash flow trends. Technical indicators suggest modest positive momentum, and valuation metrics imply the shares are reasonably priced. However, the absence of recent earnings call commentary or major corporate events limits additional insight into near-term performance drivers.

    More about Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust plc

    Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust plc is a UK-listed investment trust focused on delivering long-term capital appreciation through a diversified portfolio of European equities. The trust follows a growth-oriented investment style and includes exposure to private companies, aiming to differentiate itself among European equity peers while targeting sustained outperformance of its benchmark over time.

  • Amcomri broadens electrical infrastructure capabilities with Enerveo compliance unit acquisition

    Amcomri broadens electrical infrastructure capabilities with Enerveo compliance unit acquisition

    Amcomri Group plc (LSE:AMCO), a UK-focused engineering services and industrial manufacturing group, has strengthened its Embedded Engineering segment through the formation of GridCore Electrical Services Limited. The move aligns with the company’s “Buy, Improve, Build” strategy, which focuses on acquiring businesses linked to critical infrastructure and those capable of generating reliable recurring revenue streams.

    GridCore has agreed to purchase the business and assets of the National Compliance and Testing division of Enerveo Limited, a subsidiary of SSE plc, for a nominal consideration of £1. The acquired operation provides specialised electrical testing and compliance services across the UK and reported revenue of roughly £5 million for the year ended 31 March 2025. The transaction also brings around £1.5 million in net assets, giving Amcomri access to an established recurring customer base and potential operational synergies in the private electrical network infrastructure market.

    Completion of the acquisition is expected by around 31 May 2026, subject to customary conditions including the novation of contracts and the completion of the TUPE transfer process. Enerveo will also provide transitional support services to GridCore following completion. The deal represents Amcomri’s third acquisition since joining AIM in December 2024 and is intended to expand the group’s capabilities in specialist electrical infrastructure while supporting its growth ambitions within the UK energy and infrastructure sectors.

    The company’s solid financial performance and positive technical momentum provide supportive fundamentals, although its elevated valuation could indicate that the shares are trading at a premium. With no recent earnings calls or major corporate events affecting sentiment, these factors remain neutral in shaping the overall outlook.

    More about Amcomri Group plc

    Amcomri Group plc is a UK-based specialist engineering services and industrial manufacturing company operating under a “Buy, Improve, Build” model. The group focuses on acquiring and developing businesses that deliver technical services to major infrastructure, transportation and energy clients, while also producing specialised B2B products for industrial and mass transportation markets.

  • River Global calls shareholder vote on Liontrust transaction that would halt core operations

    River Global calls shareholder vote on Liontrust transaction that would halt core operations

    River Global PLC (LSE:RVRG) has issued a circular announcing a general meeting scheduled for 14 April 2026, where shareholders will be asked to approve the proposed sale of its wholly owned asset management arm, River Global Holdings, to Liontrust Asset Management. The transaction would see River Global receive an initial £7.6 million in Liontrust shares, with the possibility of up to £2.1 million more in deferred share-based consideration. The disposal represents a fundamental change of business under AIM regulations and remains subject to approval from both the Financial Conduct Authority and shareholders. If completed, the deal—expected by 31 August 2026—would leave the company without active trading operations, although its A and B shares would continue to trade on AIM.

    Under the proposed structure, the board intends to distribute the Liontrust shares received as consideration to A shareholders, potentially through a capital reconstruction due to the company’s limited distributable reserves. The company is also reviewing the treatment of outstanding share options, which could involve issuing and transferring additional A shares equal to roughly 11.4% of the current share base. After the transaction, A shareholders would receive the Liontrust shares along with any deferred consideration. Meanwhile, B shareholders would maintain exposure to the company’s Parmenion investment but would be required to contribute cash from any future Parmenion sale proceeds to cover historical and ongoing corporate expenses, which stood at £732,000 as of 28 February 2026.

    More about River Global PLC

    River Global PLC is a London-listed investment group whose primary activities are conducted through its asset management subsidiary, River Global Holdings Limited. Its securities trade on AIM and consist of A Ordinary Shares and B Shares. The A shares reflect exposure to the group’s core asset management business and related corporate developments, while the B shares are linked to the company’s investment in Parmenion.