Category: Market News

Upland Resources (LSE:UPL) has applied to have its ordinary shares quoted on the OTCQB Venture Market in the United States while maintaining its primary listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker UPL. The proposed move is designed to raise the company’s visibility among North American investors and allow U.S.-based shareholders to trade the stock in U.S. dollars during local market hours.

The OTCQB quotation would operate as a cross-trading arrangement and will not involve the issuance of new shares. Subject to regulatory approval, the listing is expected to become effective in roughly six weeks. Management believes the additional trading venue will complement the company’s London listing, strengthen engagement with U.S. capital markets, and attract energy-focused investors as it continues building a diversified portfolio of projects in stable jurisdictions, including the Wild Mustang gas project in Wyoming.

Despite these strategic steps, the company’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance. Upland currently generates no revenue and continues to report losses alongside increasing cash outflows recorded in 2024, which raises potential funding risks. Technical indicators provide limited support, with the share price trading above longer-term averages but showing softer momentum in the near term. Valuation metrics also remain challenging due to negative earnings and the absence of dividend yield data.

More about Upland Resources

Upland Resources Limited is an energy company engaged in the exploration and development of oil and gas assets across Southeast Asia and the United States. The company has been expanding its presence in the U.S. energy sector through a strategic partnership with Lost Soldier Oil and Gas, which provides exposure to the Wild Mustang Federal Unit in Wyoming, a significant natural gas discovery.

Aferian plc (LSE:AFRN) has obtained support from its senior lender for the proposed sale of its operating subsidiaries, 24i and Amino, to a single buyer as going concerns. The move is intended to safeguard ongoing operations, maintain service for customers, and protect employee roles. However, the expected proceeds from the transaction are anticipated to be well below the group’s $16.5 million in secured debt, meaning shareholders are unlikely to receive any return. The sale is expected to take place through a pre-packaged transaction immediately after the company enters administration.

The board is currently working with advisers and key stakeholders regarding the appointment of administrators. As part of this process, the company has requested the suspension of trading in its AIM-listed shares starting 6 March 2026 while its financial situation and the potential insolvency proceedings are clarified. At the same time, Aferian has formally ended the sale process previously launched under the Takeover Code after failing to secure any firm takeover offers. As a result, the company is no longer considered to be in an offer period under the Code, removing related disclosure requirements for market participants.

Aferian’s overall outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance, including declining revenue, ongoing losses, and significant leverage. Technical indicators currently point to a neutral trend, while valuation metrics remain unattractive due to negative earnings. With no recent earnings call updates or additional corporate developments, these factors continue to dominate the near-term assessment of the business.

More about Aferian plc

Aferian plc is a Cambridge-based B2B technology company that provides video streaming solutions to service providers and media businesses worldwide. Through its two divisions, 24i and Amino, the company delivers software platforms and technology that enable live and on-demand television and video services. Its solutions are used by more than 500 service provider customers globally to support subscriber engagement and revenue growth in the digital media sector.

Rosebank Industries (LSE:ROSE) has released its Admission Document detailing the proposed reverse takeover of MW Components and CPM and has scheduled a general meeting for 23 March 2026 for shareholders to vote on the transaction. Investors will be asked to approve the acquisitions, related resolutions linked to the deal, and the renewal of certain share authorities. Following the publication of the document, trading in the company’s existing ordinary shares on AIM has been reinstated.

The company has also outlined a timetable covering key milestones, including proxy voting deadlines, a planned capital raise, the admission of newly issued shares, and the completion of the enlarged group’s readmission to trading. Depending on the outcome of the process, the company has indicated that the combined business could either return to AIM trading or potentially transition to the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market during the second quarter of 2026.

More about Rosebank Industries Plc

Rosebank Industries plc is a UK-listed industrial company whose shares are traded on the AIM market in London. The group is pursuing a growth strategy that includes acquiring MW Components and CPM through a transaction that qualifies as a reverse takeover under AIM regulations. If completed, the deal will significantly expand the company’s share capital and reshape its corporate structure as part of its broader expansion plans.

Various Eateries PLC (LSE:VARE) has agreed to purchase a portfolio of up to five premium pubs with rooms from Grosvenor Pubs and Inns, marking a strategic expansion of its hospitality offering. Four of the properties are expected to complete around 23 March 2026, while the fifth site, The Queen’s Head in Surrey, remains subject to the outcome of an asset of community value process. The venues—most of which are freehold and well-established within their local markets—will form the foundation of a new brand called The Linwood Collection. This addition will sit alongside the group’s existing Coppa Club and Noci brands, with the acquired pubs retaining their current names and individual character.

The board sees the premium pub-with-rooms model as a durable hospitality format that combines dining, drinks and accommodation. Various Eateries plans to strengthen performance at the sites by integrating them into the group’s central purchasing, operational and support infrastructure while making targeted investments to enhance the guest experience and improve commercial returns. The initial four acquisitions will be funded through £11.25 million in cash, supported by a new £15 million debt facility arranged with HSBC alongside existing resources, and the company confirmed that no equity raise is planned. Reflecting its broader strategy as a multi-brand operator, the group also intends to change its name to Coppa Collective plc, with an investor presentation scheduled later in March.

Despite solid revenue growth and improving cash generation, the company’s outlook remains affected by weak profitability and higher leverage levels. Short-term technical indicators provide some support, with the share price trading above key shorter-term moving averages, but valuation remains constrained by negative earnings and the absence of dividend payments.

More about Various Eateries PLC ADR

Various Eateries PLC is a UK-based hospitality operator that develops and manages restaurants, clubhouses and hotel-style venues. Its portfolio currently includes 20 sites under two core brands: Coppa Club, an all-day concept combining restaurant, bar, café and workspace elements, and Noci, a modern pasta-focused dining brand offering high-quality dishes at accessible prices.

The group positions itself within the UK’s casual premium and destination-led hospitality segment, aiming to deliver distinctive social, dining and stay experiences. Its strategy centres on innovation and scalable growth supported by a centralised operating platform and shared support functions.

Helix Exploration (LSE:HEX) has expanded its leasehold position at the Rudyard Helium Project in northern Montana to approximately 7,927 acres after securing an additional 360 acres of State of Montana mineral leases through a recent auction. The expanded acreage strengthens the company’s control over the crest and key flanks of the Rudyard Anticline, which hosts all three of Helix’s producing wells as well as its confirmed helium-bearing reservoir interval.

Since the original farmout, the company has grown its footprint at Rudyard by around 43%, consolidating ownership over the most prospective portion of the roughly 10,600-acre geological structure. The expansion comes at a time when global helium supply is under pressure following QatarEnergy’s declaration of force majeure on its LNG operations, a disruption estimated to remove about 30% of global helium production capacity. In this environment, domestically sourced U.S. helium is gaining strategic importance, positioning Helix among a small group of dedicated producers operating with their own processing facilities and a fully domestic supply chain.

More about Helix Exploration Plc

Helix Exploration PLC is a helium exploration and production company focused on the Montana Helium Fairway in northern Montana. The company became the first helium producer in the state and has been listed on AIM since April 2024. At its Rudyard Project, Helix utilizes existing infrastructure and low-cost processing to support production, while also evaluating the potential for hydrogen resources in the field as part of its longer-term growth strategy.

Anemoi International Ltd (LSE:AMOI) has drawn attention to developments at Trasna, which has agreed to acquire 100% of the Trasna Group through a reverse takeover valued at $150 million. The transaction positions the company to gain greater exposure to the rapidly expanding eSIM secure provisioning market for Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. Trasna provides chip-to-cloud mobile connectivity solutions and currently supports more than 250 brands across over 80 countries, offering services that include SIM, eSIM, iSIM and device management platforms.

The company also pointed to an expanded joint venture between Trasna and Kigen aimed at delivering a geo-redundant managed eSIM service. The platform will operate from secure infrastructure in Dublin and Dubai and is designed to support large-scale enterprise IoT deployments. According to Anemoi’s chairman, Trasna is targeting a 10% to 15% share of the global eSIM market, which is projected to reach approximately $5.8 billion by 2030, suggesting a significant medium- to long-term revenue opportunity.

Despite the strategic developments, the company’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance. Revenues remain modest and declining, while the business continues to report losses and ongoing cash burn. Technical indicators provide some offset, with the share price trading above key moving averages and a positive MACD signal. However, valuation support is limited due to negative earnings and the absence of dividend data.

More about Anemoi International Limited

Anemoi International Ltd is an investment company targeting opportunities in high-growth technology segments, with a particular focus on IoT connectivity and digital infrastructure. Through strategic interests such as its exposure to Trasna, the company seeks to benefit from the expanding global market for eSIM technology and secure mobile connectivity solutions.

ZCCM Investments Holdings (LSE:ZCC) has confirmed a change in its senior finance leadership after mutually agreeing to the departure of Chief Financial Officer Chilandu Sakala, effective 3 March 2026. The board expressed appreciation for Sakala’s contribution to the company and indicated that the transition is being managed in an orderly manner to ensure continued confidence in the group’s financial oversight.

As the company searches for a permanent successor, Finance Manager – Reporting Chitalu Kabwe has been appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer with immediate effect. Kabwe will oversee the finance function on an interim basis until a new CFO is selected. The temporary appointment is intended to ensure stability in financial management and reporting, which remains particularly important given ZCCM-IH’s prominent role in Zambia’s mining investment sector and its obligations to both investors and regulators.

More about ZCCM Investments Holdings

ZCCM Investments Holdings is a Zambia-based investment holding company listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange. Its portfolio is largely concentrated in the mining and extractive industries, where it manages strategic assets on behalf of the Zambian government alongside minority shareholders. Through these investments, the company plays a significant role in the country’s mining sector and broader capital markets landscape.

DCC plc (LSE:DCC), the Dublin-based FTSE 100 energy marketing and distribution group, has named experienced energy industry executive John Abbott as a non-executive director. His appointment will take effect following the company’s annual general meeting scheduled for 16 July 2026. Abbott will also serve on DCC’s Nomination and Governance Committee. He previously held senior roles at Shell, including membership of the executive committee and serving as Downstream Director, and is currently vice chair of Neste, bringing nearly 40 years of international experience across refining, chemicals, trading, and retail energy markets.

Chair Mark Breuer said Abbott’s extensive strategic and operational background will strengthen the board as DCC continues executing its plan to develop a leading multi-energy business. The appointment reflects the company’s focus on navigating the evolving energy landscape while supporting future growth. DCC confirmed that the board change does not trigger any additional regulatory disclosure requirements.

DCC plc’s broader outlook is supported by its solid financial base and consistent cash generation, alongside strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing long-term shareholder value. However, pressure on profitability and revenue growth, together with a negative price-to-earnings ratio, present challenges. At the same time, favourable technical indicators and ongoing corporate actions provide some support for potential future performance.

More about DCC plc

DCC plc is an international group specialising in energy sales, marketing, and support services, delivering secure, cleaner, and competitively priced energy solutions to commercial, industrial, residential, and transport customers. Headquartered in Dublin and listed on the London Stock Exchange as a FTSE 100 constituent, the company reported revenue of £16.1 billion and adjusted operating profit of £609.7 million for the year ended 31 March 2025, continuing a 31-year track record of compound growth in profits and dividends.

ProService Building Services Marketplace plc (LSE:PRO) has appointed Chief Financial Officer Greig Thomas to its board as Group CFO, replacing Richard Jones, who stepped down from the board in January and will remain with the company as a part-time consultant through the end of March. Thomas has been part of the group since 2018 and currently holds more than 437,000 shares in the business. The board described his promotion as a natural progression, reinforcing leadership continuity as the company moves forward under its new identity after rebranding from HSS Hire Group plc.

The appointment comes as ProService advances its strategy to develop a digital marketplace focused on the building services sector. The company aims to expand a technology-led platform that supports equipment hire, resale, materials supply, and training services. By promoting a senior executive with deep experience across the group’s finance operations and several internal directorships, ProService is emphasizing operational stability while pursuing growth through its scalable marketplace model.

Despite the strategic shift, the company’s near-term outlook remains affected by financial challenges. High leverage, declining profitability, and weak technical indicators continue to weigh on sentiment. Bearish trading momentum and a negative price-to-earnings ratio highlight valuation pressures, while the absence of recent earnings call updates or major corporate announcements means these factors remain the primary influences on the current outlook.

More about ProService Building Services Marketplace plc

ProService Building Services Marketplace plc, formerly known as HSS Hire Group plc, operates a technology-enabled digital marketplace that connects buyers and suppliers across the building services industry. The platform supports services including equipment hire, resale, materials procurement, and training, positioning the company as a scalable marketplace designed to modernise and streamline access to building services solutions.

Marwyn Acquisition Company III Ltd. (LSE:MAC3) has confirmed that negotiations with Palmer Street Limited regarding a potential transaction have been discontinued. The proposed deal would have resulted in Palmer Street becoming publicly listed, but both parties concluded that such a move is not currently necessary given Palmer’s strong organic expansion and limited requirement for external funding. Marwyn Investment Management will remain Palmer’s institutional supporter as the firm continues to pursue new mandates and expand revenues across Jersey, Luxembourg, Spain, and the UK.

After the termination of the discussions, Marwyn Acquisition Company III has submitted an application to the UK regulator requesting the suspension of trading in its ordinary shares be lifted so that the company can return to the Official List. The board emphasized that the acquisition vehicle retains significant cash resources and is continuing to review potential targets that fit its strategy of backing businesses benefiting from digital transformation, positioning itself as a platform for consolidation within technology-driven sectors.

More about Marwyn Acquisition Company III Ltd.

Marwyn Acquisition Company III Ltd. is a London-listed acquisition vehicle that focuses on identifying and acquiring companies positioned to benefit from structural shifts driven by accelerating digitalisation across a range of industries. The company maintains a strong capital base and targets businesses with long-term growth potential as technology reshapes traditional sectors.