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  • OCS agrees £3.1 billion acquisition of Mitie as facilities services leader reports strong FY27 start

    OCS agrees £3.1 billion acquisition of Mitie as facilities services leader reports strong FY27 start

    Mitie Group (LSE:MTO) has agreed to a recommended cash acquisition by OCS Group International in a deal valuing the company at up to 221.6 pence per share, including its proposed final dividend. The offer values Mitie’s equity at approximately £3.1 billion and represents a premium of more than 40% to recent trading levels. Mitie’s board has unanimously recommended the transaction, while directors and a major shareholder have provided irrevocable undertakings to vote in favour of the deal.

    The acquisition will be completed through a Scottish court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement, subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearances. Once completed, the combined business is expected to generate approximately £8.5 billion in annual revenue, creating one of the UK’s largest facilities services providers. Management believes the enlarged group will be better positioned to compete with global rivals, broaden its sector expertise and geographic reach, increase investment in technology and operations, and expand career opportunities for employees.

    Alongside the acquisition announcement, Mitie reported a strong start to FY27, with first-quarter revenue increasing 10% to £1.41 billion. Organic revenue grew 4%, supported by contributions from the Marlowe acquisition, while total contract wins and renewals reached £1.6 billion. The company’s bidding pipeline also expanded to a record £32.5 billion, with customer retention improving to 91%, providing greater visibility over future revenue.

    Business Services delivered particularly strong growth, with revenue rising 23% following major contract wins in security and hygiene services, as well as a strong performance in Spain. Technical Services revenue declined 5%, although management said sales momentum had improved under new leadership. Integration of Marlowe continues to progress ahead of plan, delivering cost synergies, office consolidation and a significant expansion of cross-selling opportunities to approximately £700 million in annual contract value.

    Mitie is also investing in artificial intelligence through its Process Reimagination and Optimisation programme, which applies agentic AI across areas including workforce management, recruitment, cleaning and security services to improve efficiency and support future margin growth. The company maintained its BBB investment-grade credit rating, continued its £100 million share buyback programme and ended the quarter with net debt of £477 million, reflecting seasonal working capital movements and acquisition-related borrowing. Management said improving free cash flow supports confidence in delivering its FY25–FY27 strategic objectives.

    While Mitie’s outlook remains supported by steady revenue growth, strong cash generation and a healthy pipeline of new business, investors continue to monitor higher leverage and pressure on profitability. Technical indicators remain relatively weak, although the company’s valuation continues to be supported by a moderate earnings multiple and dividend yield.

    About Mitie Group plc

    Mitie Group plc is a UK-based facilities management company providing services across government, defence, healthcare, critical infrastructure and commercial sectors. The group specialises in managing complex built environments through a combination of facilities management, engineering expertise, digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

    OCS Group International is also a UK-headquartered facilities services provider with experience integrating acquisitions and expanding across multiple sectors and international markets. The proposed combination of OCS and Mitie is expected to create one of the UK’s largest private-sector employers, offering services across a broad range of industries while investing in technology, workforce development and operational excellence.

  • Wickes delivers second-quarter sales growth and maintains full-year expectations

    Wickes delivers second-quarter sales growth and maintains full-year expectations

    Wickes (LSE:WIX) reported revenue growth of 2.3% during the second quarter of 2026, with like-for-like sales increasing across both its Retail and Design & Installation businesses. The home improvement retailer said trading remains in line with expectations and management continues to expect full-year adjusted profit before tax to meet current market forecasts.

    Retail sales returned to growth during the quarter, rising 1.8% year on year as higher customer numbers and increased sales volumes drove performance. TradePro sales climbed 6%, supported by continued engagement from professional trade customers and growing use of the company’s digital platforms. Meanwhile, the Design & Installation division recorded its fifth consecutive quarter of delivered sales growth, although demand for bespoke kitchens remained relatively subdued.

    Wickes continued to outperform the wider home improvement market during the first half, increasing market share through its value-focused proposition and ongoing investment in customer experience, digital capabilities and store improvements. The company is also progressing its property strategy through store refurbishments, refresh programmes and planned new openings. Its balance sheet remains strong, with net cash of £152 million following share buybacks and employee share purchases. Management expects further productivity improvements and lower business rates to provide additional support for profitability during the second half of the year.

    The company’s outlook reflects a combination of improving cash generation and a healthy financial position, balanced against relatively modest profitability and leverage considerations. While technical indicators remain cautious in the near term, Wickes continues to benefit from a reasonable valuation and an attractive dividend yield.

    About Wickes Group

    Wickes Group plc is a digitally focused home improvement retailer serving both trade professionals and DIY customers across the UK. The company operates 229 stores alongside a growing digital platform, offering building materials, home improvement products and project-based installation services.

    Its business is built around three core areas: TradePro services for professional customers, DIY retail and Design & Installation, which includes kitchens, bathrooms and solar energy solutions. Through its value-led strategy and continued investment in digital services and customer experience, Wickes aims to strengthen its market position in the UK home improvement sector.

  • Revolution Beauty returns to positive EBITDA as turnaround gains momentum

    Revolution Beauty returns to positive EBITDA as turnaround gains momentum

    Revolution Beauty Group (LSE:REVB) has reported audited results for the year ended 28 February 2026, highlighting significant progress in its turnaround strategy despite lower annual revenue. Sales declined to £102.1 million during the year, while the company recorded an adjusted EBITDA loss of £8.2 million. However, performance improved markedly in the second half, with adjusted EBITDA returning to a positive £4.3 million as gross margins strengthened. Under the leadership of returning founders Tom Allsworth and Adam Minto, the business has implemented more than £9 million of annualised cost savings, improved inventory management, reduced net debt and stabilised trading, positioning the company for a renewed focus on sustainable profitability.

    Management said the positive momentum has continued into FY27, with trading running ahead of internal expectations. First-quarter sales were broadly flat compared with the prior year, while the company generated positive EBITDA despite the period traditionally being its weakest seasonally. Direct-to-consumer revenue increased 26% year on year, supported by strong performance through TikTok Shop. Revolution Beauty also continues to streamline its product portfolio, invest in new product launches and marketing initiatives, and renegotiate pricing with major US retailers to help offset the impact of tariffs.

    Chairman Iain McDonald said the market has yet to fully recognise the progress made in the company’s transformation programme and its long-term growth potential within the global beauty industry. Management believes the return of the founders has strengthened relationships with employees and retail partners, with the business now prioritising consistent profitability, cash generation and disciplined growth rather than relying solely on cost reductions.

    The company’s outlook remains constrained by weaker financial fundamentals, including lower annual revenue, recent losses, reduced free cash flow and negative equity. Although the share price has shown signs of improving momentum in the short term, longer-term technical indicators remain less supportive. In addition, the company’s negative earnings mean traditional valuation metrics continue to offer limited support.

    About Revolution Beauty Group plc

    Revolution Beauty Group plc is a global beauty company specialising in affordable cosmetics, skincare and personal care products. The business operates a portfolio of brands that are sold through direct-to-consumer e-commerce channels as well as major retail partners, with products available in approximately 17,500 stores across the UK, the US and international markets.

    The company manufactures part of its product range at its own UK facility while also using third-party logistics and warehousing operations in the UK and the US to support its international distribution network. With a focus on innovation, accessible pricing and digital engagement, Revolution Beauty aims to strengthen its position in the expanding global mass-market beauty sector.

  • Gateley reports record revenue, revises dividend policy and announces CEO transition

    Gateley reports record revenue, revises dividend policy and announces CEO transition

    Gateley (LSE:GTLY) delivered a record financial performance for FY26, marking its eleventh consecutive year of revenue growth. Total revenue increased 8.2% to £194.3 million, including organic growth of 6.2%, while contribution margin improved despite a slight decline in adjusted operating margin. Statutory operating profit almost doubled during the year and profit before tax rose 20.4%. However, higher working capital requirements, acquisition-related spending and increased net debt contributed to a 44.2% reduction in the total dividend per share as the company rebased its shareholder distribution policy.

    During the year, Gateley completed the integration of Groom Wilkes & Wright ahead of schedule, expanded investment in Austen Hays and its Dubai office, and strengthened its team through 13 senior lateral hires while reducing overall fee-earner numbers. Looking ahead, the group is targeting an adjusted operating margin of at least 13.5% through tighter pricing, cost management and improved returns from recent growth investments. Management said trading in FY27 has started in line with expectations.

    The company also announced that Chief Executive Officer Rod Waldie will step down from his role and leave the board on 1 August 2026 for personal health reasons. He will remain available during a transition period to support the business. Independent non-executive director Martin Pike has been appointed Interim CEO while the board begins the search for a permanent chief executive and an additional independent non-executive director to chair the audit committee.

    Chair Edward Knapp said the board remains focused on improving margins, strengthening the balance sheet and working capital management, delivering profitable growth and generating attractive returns for shareholders. Martin Pike said he intends to work closely with the existing leadership team to continue executing Gateley’s long-term growth strategy during the transition.

    Gateley’s outlook is tempered by pressure on profitability, cash flow and weak technical market indicators. However, the company’s relatively low valuation and attractive dividend yield continue to provide support for the investment case.

    About Gateley (Holdings) Plc

    Gateley (Holdings) Plc is a UK-listed professional services group providing legal, property, corporate finance and consultancy services. The company has built a diversified business model that combines legal expertise with complementary advisory services, serving clients across a broad range of sectors.

    The group continues to expand through strategic acquisitions and investment in specialist businesses, including Austen Hays and its international operations in Dubai. By broadening its service offering and strengthening its professional advisory capabilities, Gateley aims to deliver sustainable long-term growth while adapting to changing client needs and market conditions.

  • Jadestone Energy to publish first-half 2026 trading update on 29 July

    Jadestone Energy to publish first-half 2026 trading update on 29 July

    Jadestone Energy plc (LSE:JSE) has confirmed it will release its trading update for the first half of 2026 on 29 July. The announcement will provide investors with an overview of the company’s operational and financial performance as it continues to expand its upstream oil and gas portfolio across the Asia-Pacific region.

    The upcoming update is expected to offer further insight into Jadestone’s production performance, development projects and strategic initiatives across Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Investors will also be looking for progress on the company’s growth strategy, which combines acquisitions with organic development while improving operating efficiency and advancing its commitment to achieving Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040.

    Jadestone’s outlook continues to be weighed down by a relatively weak financial position, including elevated leverage and negative equity, although improving operating cash flow provides some support. Market sentiment has also been helped by positive technical momentum, while the company’s low price-to-earnings ratio offers an attractive valuation for investors.

    About Jadestone Energy plc

    Jadestone Energy plc is an independent upstream oil and gas producer focused on the Asia-Pacific region, with producing and development assets across Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Headquartered in Singapore and listed on AIM in London, the company seeks to grow production through a combination of acquisitions and organic developments, concentrating on mature oil and gas fields where it can apply its operational expertise.

    Alongside production growth, Jadestone is pursuing a strategy centred on operational efficiency, increasing natural gas output and maximising value from existing assets. The company has committed to achieving Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its operated assets by 2040, aligning its long-term strategy with the energy transition while supporting regional energy security.

  • Compass Group raises earnings outlook as contract wins drive continued growth

    Compass Group raises earnings outlook as contract wins drive continued growth

    Compass Group (LSE:CPG) delivered another strong third-quarter performance, with organic revenue increasing 7.1% as net new business growth accelerated into the company’s target range of 4% to 5%. The group’s client retention rate remained high at 96%, while North America benefited from additional demand linked to the Football World Cup. Although growth across International markets moderated, Compass reaffirmed its expectation that underlying operating profit will increase by more than 11% in constant currency during 2026, supported by organic expansion, acquisitions and ongoing margin improvement.

    The company continues to strengthen its position in the highly fragmented $360 billion outsourced food services market, securing $4.3 billion of new business over the past year, with around half of those contracts coming from organisations outsourcing food services for the first time. Demand remained particularly strong across business and industry, sports and leisure, education, healthcare and senior living. Compass also continued to invest for long-term growth through higher capital expenditure and approximately $2.4 billion of mergers and acquisitions completed year to date, supporting expansion into fast-growing markets such as data centres, defence, energy infrastructure, healthcare and integrated campus services.

    Compass Group’s outlook remains underpinned by strong cash generation, a resilient balance sheet and continued momentum in new business wins. Positive technical indicators and a relatively attractive valuation also support the investment case. However, investors continue to monitor revenue trends, leverage levels, client retention, inflationary pressures and broader economic conditions, which could affect near-term performance.

    About Compass Group PLC

    Compass Group PLC is one of the world’s largest providers of outsourced food services and support services, operating in more than 25 countries and employing over 590,000 people. The company serves clients across sectors including business and industry, healthcare, senior living, education, sports and leisure, and defence, offshore and remote operations.

    Through a portfolio of specialist business-to-business brands, Compass delivers tailored catering and support solutions to organisations around the world. The group generated underlying revenue of more than $46 billion in fiscal 2025 and continues to expand its market share through a combination of organic growth, strategic acquisitions and long-term outsourcing opportunities.

  • Kier Group upgrades FY26 expectations on stronger trading and record order book

    Kier Group upgrades FY26 expectations on stronger trading and record order book

    Kier Group (LSE:KIE) expects to deliver full-year revenue and profit at the top end of market forecasts for the year ended 30 June 2026, supported by a strong second-half performance across its infrastructure, construction and property businesses. Increased activity in water, highways and rail projects, together with progress on major developments such as HMP Glasgow and stronger property operations, helped drive growth despite a challenging economic backdrop.

    The company’s order book expanded 8% to approximately £11.9 billion, providing visibility over more than 90% of anticipated revenue for 2027. The increase reflects a series of significant contract awards that align with the UK Government’s long-term infrastructure investment plans. Kier also expects to report a substantially stronger balance sheet, moving from an average net debt position in the previous financial year to an average month-end cash position during FY26, with period-end net cash expected to reach around £232 million.

    During the year, Kier secured major contracts across sectors including nuclear, water and environmental infrastructure, with projects such as Sizewell C and the STEP fusion programme joining education, justice and healthcare developments, including HMP Wandsworth and NHS hospital schemes. The company also strengthened its long-term pipeline through appointments to major frameworks, including the £37 billion Hospital 2.0 Alliance and the £15 billion Education Construction Framework 2025, reinforcing its position as a key delivery partner for UK infrastructure projects.

    Kier’s outlook continues to benefit from strong operational performance, robust cash generation and excellent visibility provided by its growing order book. While leverage, remediation costs and seasonal cash flow fluctuations remain considerations, management believes the group’s improving financial position provides a solid platform for future growth and shareholder returns.

    About Kier Group plc

    Kier Group plc is a leading UK infrastructure services, construction and property company delivering projects for both public and private sector clients. The group offers integrated design, construction and project management services across sectors including water, highways, rail, education, healthcare, justice and defence.

    Its expertise includes civil engineering, building construction, mechanical and electrical services, and property development. Through long-term framework agreements and strategic infrastructure contracts, Kier plays a significant role in delivering major UK public infrastructure while supporting sustainable growth across its core markets.

  • RentGuarantor returns to profit as first-half revenue jumps

    RentGuarantor returns to profit as first-half revenue jumps

    RentGuarantor (LSE:RGG) delivered a strong first-half performance in 2026, reporting revenue growth of 250% year on year to £3.39 million as demand for its rent guarantee services accelerated across the UK private rental market. The company also recorded a 179% increase in the number of contracts written, benefiting from higher application volumes and rising average contract values. This growth enabled RentGuarantor to return to profitability, generating adjusted EBITDA of approximately £110,000 and adjusted net profit of around £250,000.

    The company also strengthened its financial position during the period by repaying all outstanding directors’ loans and convertible loan notes, while raising £1.0 million through an equity placing. As a result, cash balances increased to approximately £2.4 million at the end of June 2026. Looking ahead, management expects performance to improve further in the second half of the year, supported by a growing pipeline of applications, the launch of a new AI-focused technology lab in Bristol and continued demand driven by the UK’s Renters’ Rights Act. The company now expects full-year revenue and adjusted profit before tax to come in materially ahead of market expectations.

    About RentGuarantor Holdings PLC

    RentGuarantor Holdings PLC is a specialist provider of rent guarantee and property protection services for the UK private rental market. The company offers digital solutions designed to simplify the rental application process, enabling tenants to secure professional guarantor services while providing landlords and letting agents with greater financial security.

    Its customer base includes letting agents, landlords, local authorities and tenants, with the business positioned to benefit from evolving rental market regulations, including the Renters’ Rights Act. Through continued investment in technology, artificial intelligence and automation, RentGuarantor aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience and support the growing demand for professional rent guarantee services.

  • Galliford Try appointed to £9.5 billion public sector construction framework

    Galliford Try appointed to £9.5 billion public sector construction framework

    Galliford Try (LSE:GFRD) has been appointed to the new £9.5 billion Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC) Construction and Capital Works framework, securing positions across all five regional lots covering England, Wales and Scotland. The framework, which can run for up to eight years, will support the delivery of education and wider public sector construction projects, including new-build developments and refurbishment work for schools, colleges, universities, healthcare facilities and civic buildings.

    The appointment strengthens Galliford Try’s presence in the public sector construction market and reinforces its long-standing position in the education sector. The company believes the framework will create opportunities to deliver major community infrastructure projects across the UK while enhancing the visibility of future revenues through a steady pipeline of public sector work.

    Galliford Try’s outlook continues to benefit from stable financial performance, strong cash generation and positive technical momentum in its share price. The company also trades on a relatively moderate valuation, supported by a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.44 and a dividend yield of 3.32%. However, slower revenue growth and relatively narrow operating margins remain areas for investors to monitor.

    About Galliford Try

    Galliford Try Holdings plc is a leading UK construction company listed on the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. Operating through the Galliford Try and Morrison Construction brands, the group delivers building and infrastructure projects for public, private and regulated sector clients throughout the UK.

    Its expertise spans education, healthcare, defence, water, highways and environmental infrastructure, with a strong focus on delivering complex construction projects and long-term public sector partnerships. The company continues to build its order book through strategic framework appointments and major infrastructure opportunities across the UK.

  • Sintana Energy advances offshore exploration projects in Uruguay and Argentina

    Sintana Energy advances offshore exploration projects in Uruguay and Argentina

    Sintana Energy (LSE:SEI) has reached two important milestones in its Latin American offshore exploration portfolio, securing additional time for seismic work in Uruguay while progressing a new exploration opportunity in Argentina. The developments strengthen the company’s presence across emerging offshore basins and support its long-term exploration strategy in the South Atlantic region.

    In Uruguay, authorities have approved a one-year suspension of the initial exploration sub-period for the AREA OFF-1 offshore licence, extending the deadline to 23 August 2027. The extension follows delays in obtaining environmental approvals for a planned 3D seismic survey and provides operator Chevron with additional time to complete a two-season programme of seismic acquisition, processing and interpretation. The work is expected to improve the understanding of the block’s resource potential and help optimise future drilling decisions while reducing exploration risk.

    Meanwhile, in Argentina, Sintana’s affiliate Challenger Energy Group has advanced its plans in the North Argentine Basin after initiating an International Public Tender for the CAN-200 offshore exploration permit. The process follows the publication of Decree 590/2026 and Challenger’s earlier expression of interest submitted in 2025. If successful, the tender would expand Sintana’s offshore exploration portfolio in Latin America and further strengthen its exposure to frontier hydrocarbon basins with long-term development potential.

    About Sintana Energy

    Sintana Energy Inc. is an Atlantic Margin-focused oil and gas exploration company with interests in several frontier offshore basins, including Namibia, Uruguay and Angola, alongside legacy assets in Colombia and The Bahamas. The company is listed in Canada, the UK and the United States.

    Sintana’s exploration strategy centres on partnering with major international energy companies and benefiting from carried interests on key licences, allowing it to pursue high-impact exploration opportunities while limiting capital exposure. Its portfolio is focused on the Southern Atlantic conjugate margin, where the company believes significant long-term hydrocarbon potential remains to be unlocked.