Inspecs, a UK designer, manufacturer and distributor of eyewear frames to global retail chains announces its intention to IPO onto AIM raising £94m with a market cap of £138m. Admission expected 27th February. FY Dec 2018 numbers show revenue of $57m and underlying EBITDA of $11m
Companies: IHC TRCS IMMO PHD STAF DMTR TOU OSI IPEL BBB
MJ Hudson Group PLC, the financial services support provider to Alternatives fund managers and asset owners, is planning an AIM IPO. Deal details TBC but expected admission date mid-December. Octopus Renewables - Raising £350m. Will seek to provide investors with an attractive and sustainable level of income returns, with an element of capital growth by investing in a geographically and technologically diversified spread of renewable energy assets—Due 10 Dec. SulNOx Group - The Group has developed a methodology and process capable of emulsifying hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel and heavy fuel oil . By January 2014, following preliminary laboratory testing, SulNOx was in a position to suggest that its products resulted in up to a 50% reduction of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and a 90% reduction in particulate matter Due 17 Dec, mkt cap £42.3m.
Companies: CRU ANG ORPH FEN CNIC DCTA IRR TERN DMTR
Freyherr International Group PLC the Medicinal Cannabis holding company established in 2016, is planning to list on the NEX exchange on the 13 August.
Companies: VAST GDP ACP DMTR SHRE RAD SAV PAT XSG DXRX
Techniplas –global producer and support services company providing highly engineered and technically complex components, making the supply chain to original equipment manufacturers more efficient. FYDec17 rev $515m. Loungers plc—the operator of 146 café/bar/restaurants across England and Wales under the Lounge and Cosy Club brands, announces its intention to seek admission on AIM, offer TBC, expected late April. SDX Energy plc—a North Africa focused oil and gas company, announces its intention to complete a Canadian plan of arrangement under section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act and will have shares de-listed from the TSX-V and admitted to trading on AIM. Expected 28 May 2019, anticipated market cap of £76m Renold plc—a leading international supplier of industrial chains and related power transmission products, announced that it will cancel the listing of the Company from the premium segment and apply for admission on AIM. Expected 06 June 2019.
Companies: UFO PLUS DELT ARCM PXS ARBB TAST MOS DMTR
Parliamentary and Brexit developments continue to hold centre stage, although the precise path forward remains as unclear as ever. The uncertainty over Brexit, worries over a possible slowdown in the US and the outlook for global economic growth generally have all contributed to the recent falls in markets. While the rally seen since the start of the year has petered out, most indices have still made progress. In Share News & Views we comment on Bloomsbury Publishing, Bonhill Group*, Braemar Shipping Services*, Burford, Clarkson, LightwaveRF*, Marshall Motor Holdings and Synectics*.
Companies: RUA APC BONH BMS CTG CRPR DMTR ESC EUSP FDM FA/ LWRF LSAI NKTN PCF SNX TCN VRE W7L
We have seen a continuation of the rally evident so far this year. The factors are familiar with greater optimism regarding US-China trade talks. At home, the path to Brexit remains unclear as D-day looms. The possibility of a delay has increased. The company reporting season continues to highlight winners and losers with the majority of results in line. We have also seen an uptick in corporate M&A. Results set the morning agenda and Brexit votes the evening one. In Share News & Views we comment on AorTech International*, APC Technology*, DeepMatter*, Golden Ocean Group and P&O Ferries/DP World.
Companies: RUA APC BONH BMS CTG CRPR DMTR ESC EUSP FDM FA/ LSAI NKTN PCF SNX TCN VRE W7L
United Oil & Gas (UOG.L) an oil and gas exploration and development company brought to the Official List (Standard Segment) in July 2017 by way of a reverse takeover of Senterra Energy plc. No capital to be raised, expected market cap of £17m and expected 1 March Techniplas –global producer and support services company providing highly engineered and technically complex components, making the supply chain to original equipment manufacturers more efficient. FYDec17 rev $515m. Polemos, to be renamed Digitalbox plc, has agreed to acquire Digitalbox Publishing Holdings Limited for c.£10m through a share for share exchange. The acquisition constitutes a RTO. Polemos has also agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital of Mashed Productions Limited, a digital media business which owns the online satirical news website "The Daily Mash", for a maximum total consideration of up to £1.2m. Market cap on admission £12.4m, expected 28 February
Companies: TLY PXC DMTR TM17 SRSP FIF ZNWD GIF TEK TSTL
Roses are red – markets are blue! The rally since the start of the year resumed this week, after a pull-back last week. The FTSE 100 has risen due to the weakness of sterling and the impact on its dollar-earning constituents. More domestically-oriented indices have also risen but lagged more recently. The latest Brexit twist is due later with a statement to Parliament on the negotiations. Company news continue to dominate the morning headlines and amendment votes the evening ones. In Share News & Views we comment on DCC, EU Supply* FireAngel*, Location Sciences*, Northbridge* and NWF.
We have seen a continuation of the rally seen since the start of the year, although some earlier momentum has been lost. The factors that influenced the market previously continue to dominate – US-China trade talks and the outlook for the global economy. The latest hurdles in the Brexit Withdrawal Bill are due later. Company updates dominate the morning headlines, late night votes dominate the evening ones. In Share News & Views we comment APC Technology*, Bonhill Group*, Braemar Shipping*, Escape Hunt*, FDM*, Haynes Publishing, Nucleus Financial, Porvair, VR*, Warpaint* and Wynnstay.
Companies: RUA APC BONH BMS CTG CRPR DMTR ESC EUSP FDM FA/ LSAI NKTN SNX TCN VRE W7L PCF
It may only be a fortnight into the new year but many of the factors that unnerved the market last month have continued to impact sentiment. The outcome of trade talks between the US and China, concerns about global economic growth and some poor trading statements, especially in the retail sector, have all featured. Above all, Brexit and the progress of the Withdrawal Bill have dominated with the latest “high noon” due later. Despite this, we have seen a good rally in the junior markets year to date. In Share News & Views we comment on Bloomsbury, DeepMatter*, James Fisher and Helios*.
Companies: RUA APC BONH BMS CTG CRPR DMTR ESC EUSP FDM FA/ LSAI NKTN PCF SNX TCN W7L
The instruction to “Deck the halls with boughs of holly” may represent a grateful relief, given the prickly time we have seen in markets over the last month or so. An unhelpful combination of the deadlock surrounding the Brexit process, concerns over the outlook for the global economy and some poor company results have resulted in all markets falling further. The impact on our universe is clear from the table below with AIM taking the significant pain. In Share News & Views we comment on APC*, Clipper, Cohort, Goodwin*, Helios*, PCF Group*and Tricorn*. Merry Christmas to our readers!
Companies: RUA APC BONH BMS CTG CRPR DMTR ESC EUSP FDM FA/ NKTN PCF SNX TCN W7L LSAI
Research Tree provides access to ongoing research coverage, media content and regulatory news on DeepMatter Group Plc. We currently have 31 research reports from 2 professional analysts.
AMTE Power, a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery cells for specialist markets, announced its intention to seek admission to trading on AIM. Admission is expected to take place during March 2021. The Company intends to raise approximately £7m by way of a placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. Timing TBC. Samarkand Group Limited, the cross-border eCommerce technology and retail group opening up the world's largest market for brands and retailers, intends to IPO on the Apex Segment Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market. Admission is targeted for March 2021. Cellular Goods a UK-based provider of premium consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids announced its intention to join the main market (standard) this Spring. Target valuation £20m raising c. £8m “to finalise the development and launch of a range of the Company's premium-quality consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids, which is fully compliant under UK law.” NextEnergy Renewables to launch an IPO on the Main Market. NREN is a differentiated renewables investment Company that aims to capture the most attractive private renewables and energy transition infrastructure investment opportunities globally. Targeting a £300m raise. NREN is targeting total returns of 9-11 per cent. per annum (net of all fees and expenses but including the Target Dividend and capital appreciation) . The Company's target dividend yield for the first full financial year to 31 December 2022 is 5.5 pence. Due Early March 2021. Auction Technology Group is considering an IPO on the Main Market. The Group operates six world-leading online Marketplaces and proprietary global auction platform technology for curated online auctions. In FY20 the Group delivered pro forma revenue of £52.3m, supported by notable underlying year-on-year growth from both Standalone ATG Group and Standalone Proxibid Group (12.4 per cent. and 40.4 per cent., respectively). For the same period, the Group delivered a strong profitability performance of £22.3m pro forma Adjusted EBITDA representing a pro forma Adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.6 per cent. Expected March 2021. Digital 9 Infrastructure launch an initial public offering on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, by way of an initial placing and offer for subscription for a target issue £400m. Digital 9 Infrastructure plc is a newly established, externally managed investment trust. The Company will invest in a range of digital infrastructure assets which deliver a reliable, functioning internet. The IPO Prospectus is expected to be published in March 2021. Team PLC announced their plans for an AIM IPO. Team owns Theta Enhanced Asset Management Ltd, trading as Team Asset Management. This is a Jersey-based active fund manager providing discretionary and advisory portfolio management services to private clients, trusts and charities. Assets under management were GBP291m in November, up from GBP140m in December 2019 . The Company is seeking to raise no less than £5 million. The Placing will be priced on a pre-money valuation for the Company of £7 million. Targeting March Admission. Virgin Wines UK Plc recently set out their plans for an AIM IPO. Virgin Wines is a direct-to-consumer online wine retailer that sells products to retail customers in the UK through two subscription schemes and a pay-as-you-go offering. The Group also sells a range of beers and spirits and operates a B2B sales channel for corporates. Deal details TBC but media reports suggest a £100m valuation. Targeting 2nd March Admission Fix Price announces its intention to float on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Fix Price is one of the leading variety value retailers globally and the largest in Russia, with more than 4,200 stores. Fix Price has revenues of RUB 190.1bn, RUB 142.9bn and RUB 108.7bn for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA for the same years was RUB 36.8bn, RUB 27.2bn and RUB 14.2bn, respectively. The Offer would consist of an offering of GDRs by certain existing shareholders of the Company. Great Point Entertainment Income Trust PLC announced its prospectus has been approved by the FCA. Great Point Entertainment Income Trust PLC is a newly established, externally managed closed-ended investment company. The Company will provide project finance to content makers and commissioners in the global television and film production industry via senior loans secured against pre-sold intellectual property (IP) rights. GPEIT's investment objective is to provide Shareholders with dividend income and modest capital growth through exposure to media content finance. According to media reports, Deliveroo, are expecting to release their IPO plans on 8th March. The company raised more than $180m in January with a valuation of more than $7bn.
Companies: SBI OCI IDOX ROL JAN BSE PXS SHED TSG KDNC
AFC Energy has this morning announced (RNS Reach) that it has launched its Anion Exchange Membrane (“AEM”) Fuel Cell test facility at the Company's Surrey headquarters. This facility will test and optimise AFC Energy's high energy-density fuel cell technology, HydroX-Cell(S)™, that is currently in development. The design of the new dedicated AEM fuel cell facility was completed in the second half of 2020 with full fit out now complete in advance of full operation.
Companies: AFC Energy plc
tinyBuild— a leading video games publisher and developer with global operations. tinyBuild's strategic focus is in creating longlasting IP by partnering with video games developers, establishing a stable platform on which to build multi-game and multimedia franchises is to join AIM. Offer details TBC. Due mid-March. AMTE Power, a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery cells for specialist markets, announced its intention to seek admission to trading on AIM. Admission is expected to take place during March 2021. The Company intends to raise approximately £7m by way of a placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. Timing TBC. Samarkand Group Limited, the cross-border eCommerce technology and retail group opening up the world's largest market for brands and retailers, intends to IPO on the Apex Segment Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market. Admission is targeted for March 2021. Cellular Goods a UK-based provider of premium consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids announced its intention to join the main market (standard). Has raised £13M in an oversubscribed placing. £25m mkt cap. Due 26 Feb. NextEnergy Renewables to launch an IPO on the Main Market. NREN is a differentiated renewables investment Company that aims to capture the most attractive private renewables and energy transition infrastructure investment opportunities globally. Targeting a £300m raise. NREN is targeting total returns of 9-11 per cent. per annum (net of all fees and expenses but including the Target Dividend and capital appreciation) . The Company's target dividend yield for the first full financial year to 31 December 2022 is 5.5 pence. Due Early March 2021. Digital 9 Infrastructure launch an initial public offering on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, by way of an initial placing and offer for subscription for a target issue £400m. Digital 9 Infrastructure plc is a newly established, externally managed investment trust. The Company will invest in a range of digital infrastructure assets which deliver a reliable, functioning internet. The IPO Prospectus is expected to be published in March 2021. Team PLC announced their plans for an AIM IPO. Team owns Theta Enhanced Asset Management Ltd, trading as Team Asset Management. This is a Jersey-based active fund manager providing discretionary and advisory portfolio management services to private clients, trusts and charities. Assets under management were GBP291m in November, up from GBP140m in December 2019 . The Company is seeking to raise no less than £5m. The Placing will be priced on a pre-money valuation for the Company of £7m. Targeting March Admission. Virgin Wines UK Plc has out their plans for an AIM IPO. Virgin Wines is a direct-to-consumer online wine retailer that sells products to retail customers in the UK through two subscription schemes and a pay-as-you-go offering. The Group also sells a range of beers and spirits and operates a B2B sales channel for corporates. Anticipated mkt cap £110m. Raising £13m in new money and vendor sale of £34.9m . Due 2nd March. Fix Price announces its intention to float on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Fix Price is one of the leading variety value retailers globally and the largest in Russia, with more than 4,200 stores. Fix Price has revenues of RUB 190.1bn, RUB 142.9bn and RUB 108.7bn for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA for the same years was RUB 36.8bn, RUB 27.2bn and RUB 14.2bn, respectively. The Offer would consist of an offering of GDRs by certain existing shareholders of the Company. Great Point Entertainment Income Trust PLC announced its prospectus has been approved by the FCA. Great Point Entertainment Income Trust PLC is a newly established, externally managed closed-ended investment company. The Company will provide project finance to content makers and commissioners in the global television and film production industry via senior loans secured against pre-sold intellectual property (IP) rights. GPEIT's investment objective is to provide Shareholders with dividend income and modest capital growth through exposure to media content finance. According to media reports, Deliveroo, are expecting to release their IPO plans on 8th March. The company raised more than $180m in January with a valuation of more than $7bn.
Companies: YEW IKA UPR WYN ENW BWNG TRAK DBOX HZM G4M
BAE released a sound set of figures for FY20, beating the consensus and shining with its strong cash generation. The company remains poised for groth in FY21 thanks to its defensive backlog and high exposure to strategic contracts.
Companies: BAE Systems plc
Directa Plus has announced that it has signed a supply agreement and a Strategic R&D Agreement with NexTech Batteries Inc, a leading company in the field of Lithium Sulphur batteries based in Nevada, US. These agreements follow on from the Memorandum of Understanding entered into between the two companies and announced on 26 October 2020. The Supply Agreement has an initial duration of three years, with an option to extend for an additional two years and under the Supply Agreement, Directa Plus will supply NexTech with 300kg of nanoplatelets in 2021, with quantities for delivery in each subsequent year to be agreed between the parties. Directa Plus and NexTech have also agreed a worldwide bilateral exclusivity between the parties in the lithium battery field for the duration of the Supply Agreement. The three year R&D Agreement provides for Joint Lab activities with the intention of developing new specific grades of G+® graphene nanoplatelets for a next generation of Li-S batteries. Both parties will dedicate selected scientists from their R&D teams and part of their respective facilities to the enterprise. As announced in November 2020, NexTech, using Directa Plus's G+ materials, achieved 410Wh/kg of specific energy in a practical demonstration system at a weight only slightly below 30g. For comparison, standard lithium-ion batteries have a specific energy density of 100-265 Wh/kg.
Companies: Directa Plus Plc
We update our valuation following our initiation note in September. Since then there has been multiple positive developments in terms of new strategic collaborations with world leading organisations as well as investment to ensure capacity can be built up to satisfy demand. Our revised target valuation of 191p reflects elements of the ABB relationship in a number of major markets, albeit the longer-term opportunity could be much bigger than this. Indeed, we have not included all AFC’s growth opportunities in this valuation. Recent profit taking gives an opportunity to re-visit the long-term investment thesis. The next scheduled news flow is FY results in early March.
In the past two years, since Hardman & Co first started to target the IC sector, we have heard many managers of ICs and boards talk of the growth of the retail investor on their registers. Many have approached Hardman & Co for help in addressing this market, since we have a unique strength in this field relative to other providers.
Companies: AVO ARBB BBGI CLIG DNL FLTA ICGT OCI PCA PIN PHP RECI STX TRX VTA YEW
Report on Techcrunch that IROKO, a Nigerian-based media company, could file to go public in the next 12 months on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) Alternative Investment Market. Founded by Jason Njoku and Bastian Gotter in 2011, IROKO boasts the largest online catalogue of Nollywood film content globally. According to this report, the media company will raise between $20 million and $30 million valuing the company at $80 million to $100 million. AMTE Power, a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery cells for specialist markets, announced its intention to seek admission to trading on AIM. Admission is expected to take place during March 2021. The Company intends to raise approximately £7 million by way of a placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. Timing TBC. Samarkand Group Limited, the cross-border eCommerce technology and retail group opening up the world's largest market for brands and retailers, intends to IPO on the Apex Segment Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market. Admission is targeted for March 2021. Cellular Goods a UK-based provider of premium consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids announced its intention to join the main market (standard) this spring. Target valuation £20m raising c. £8m “to finalise the development and launch of a range of the Company's premium-quality consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids, which is fully compliant under UK law.” Kanabo Group (RTO by Spinnaker Opportunities SOP.L) on the main market (standard). Raising £6m, enlarged mkt cap £23.4m. Kanabo focuses on the distribution of Cannabis-derived products for medical patients, and non-THC products for CBD consumers . Due 16 Feb. NextEnergy Renewables to launch an IPO on the Main Market. NREN is a differentiated renewables investment company that aims to capture the most attractive private renewables and energy transition infrastructure investment opportunities globally. Targeting a £300m raise. NREN is targeting total returns of 9-11 per cent. per annum (net of all fees and expenses but including the Target Dividend and capital appreciation) . The Company's target dividend yield for the first full financial year to 31 December 2022 is 5.5 pence. Due Early March Auction Technology Group is considering an IPO on the Main Market. The Group operates six world-leading online Marketplaces and proprietary global auction platform technology for curated online auctions . In FY20 the Group delivered pro forma revenue of £52.3 million, supported by notable underlying year-on-year growth from both Standalone ATG Group and Standalone Proxibid Group (12.4 per cent. and 40.4 per cent., respectively). For the same period, the Group delivered a strong profitability performance of £22.3 million pro forma Adjusted EBITDA representing a pro forma Adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.6 per cent. Digital 9 Infrastructure launch an initial public offering on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, by way of an initial placing and offer for subscription for a target issue £400m. Digital 9 Infrastructure plc is a newly established, externally managed investment trust. The Company will invest in a range of digital infrastructure assets which deliver a reliable, functioning internet. The IPO Prospectus is expected to be published in March 2021. Cordiant Digital Infrastructure to admit its shares on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange . Targeting a £300m raise. Cordiant invests in global infrastructure and real assets, running infrastructure private equity and infrastructure private credit strategies through limited partnership funds and managed accounts. Due 16 Feb 4basebio UK Societas is a specialist life sciences group focused on therapeutic DNA for gene therapies and DNA vaccines and providing solutions for effective and safe delivery of these DNA based products to patients. The Company has been divested from 4basebio AG , a German company listed on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange . No capital to be raised on Admission. Anticipated market capitalisation on AIM Admission: £14.53m. Due 17 Feb Cornish Metals (TSX-V: CUSN) intends to list on AIM. The Company is proposing to raise £5m by way of private placement of new Common Shares to advance the United Downs copper-tin project. The Company expects that Admission will become effective 16 February 2021. The Company's Common Shares will continue to be listed and trade on the TSX-V in Canada. Raising £8.2m. £18.7m mkt cap.
Companies: CCS UKOG PTD SFE STAR ATYM AVG PHD CGNR SNX
AMTE Power, a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery cells for specialist markets, announced its intention to seek admission to trading on AIM. Admission is expected to take place during March 2021. The Company intends to raise approximately £7 million by way of a placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. Timing TBC. Samarkand Group Limited, the cross-border eCommerce technology and retail group opening up the world's largest market for brands and retailers, intends to IPO on the Apex Segment Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market. Admission is targeted for March 2021. Cellular Goods a UK-based provider of premium consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids announced its intention to join the main market (standard) this Spring. Target valuation £20m raising c. £8m “to finalise the development and launch of a range of the Company's premium-quality consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids, which is fully compliant under UK law.” Kanabo Group (RTO by Spinnaker Opportunities SOP.L) on the main market (standard). Raising £6m, enlarged mkt cap £23.4m. Kanabo focuses on the distribution of Cannabis-derived products for medical patients, and non-THC products for CBD consumers . Due 16 Feb. NextEnergy Renewables to launch an IPO on the Main Market. NREN is a differentiated renewables investment company that aims to capture the most attractive private renewables and energy transition infrastructure investment opportunities globally. Targeting a £300m raise. NREN is targeting total returns of 9-11 per cent. per annum (net of all fees and expenses but including the Target Dividend and capital appreciation) . The Company's target dividend yield for the first full financial year to 31 December 2022 is 5.5 pence. Due Early March 2021. Auction Technology Group is considering an IPO on the Main Market. The Group operates six world-leading online Marketplaces and proprietary global auction platform technology for curated online auctions . In FY20 the Group delivered pro forma revenue of £52.3 million, supported by notable underlying year-on-year growth from both Standalone ATG Group and Standalone Proxibid Group (12.4 per cent. and 40.4 per cent., respectively). For the same period, the Group delivered a strong profitability performance of £22.3 million pro forma Adjusted EBITDA representing a pro forma Adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.6 per cent. Expected March 2021. Digital 9 Infrastructure launch an initial public offering on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, by way of an initial placing and offer for subscription for a target issue £400m. Digital 9 Infrastructure plc is a newly established, externally managed investment trust. The Company will invest in a range of digital infrastructure assets which deliver a reliable, functioning internet. The IPO Prospectus is expected to be published in March 2021. Cordiant Digital Infrastructure to admit its shares on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange . Targeting a £300m raise. Cordiant invests in global infrastructure and real assets, running infrastructure private equity and infrastructure private credit strategies through limited partnership funds and managed accounts. Due 16 Feb. 4basebio UK Societas is a specialist life sciences group focused on therapeutic DNA for gene therapies and DNA vaccines and providing solutions for effective and safe delivery of these DNA based products to patients. The Company has been divested from 4basebio AG , a German company listed on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange . No capital to be raised on Admission. Anticipated market capitalisation on AIM Admission: £14.53m. Due 17 Feb Cornish Metals (TSX-V: CUSN) intends to list on AIM. The Company is proposing to raise £5m by way of private placement of new Common Shares to advance the United Downs copper-tin project. The Company expects that Admission will become effective 16 February 2021. The Company's Common Shares will continue to be listed and trade on the TSX-V in Canada. Raising £8.2m. £18.7m mkt cap.
Companies: OHG MDZ PEG IQE RBN WHR HMI ANIC KOD GMR
Directa Plus has announced that its existing relationship with NexTech Batteries Inc has progressed to a formal supply and strategic R&D agreement. We consider this a very positive development, given the potential for Lithium-Sulphur (Li-S) to disrupt the dominance of Lithium-Ion batteries. Directa will supply NexTech with 300kg of G+® graphene platelets this year, with potentially far higher quantities for delivery in subsequent years linked to NexTech’s anticipated growth.
The Drax prelims show continued progress in generation and pellet production with the impacts of COVID 19 on the customers business within expectations. The company is delivering cost reductions in its pellet supply business and this business will be significantly expanded with the proposed acquisition of Pinnacle Renewable Energy, turning the company into a major vertically integrated biomass business.
Companies: Drax Group plc
Affected by volumes which were lower than their long-term average and weak commodity prices for the upstream division, the group published a disappointing set of FY20 figures. Although the group’s efforts on its cost structure are notable, we maintain a cautious view on inventory due to the economic uncertainty that could erode cash generation (due to an increase in working capital requirements, among other things).
Companies: Centrica plc
Volex has reported interim results that are in-line with expectations following a strong trading update in mid-October. Of far greater significance is today’s announcement of the proposed acquisition of DEKA for a consideration of up to €61.8m on a debt free basis. DEKA is a leading and highly profitable power cord manufacturer, strategically located in Turkey, that serves leading European white goods manufacturers. The acquisition should close in early CY2021, subject to expected Turkish Competition Authority approval. We foresee 15% earnings enhancement in FY2022E with further opportunities for revenue synergies with Volex in the Far East as its operations also vertically integrate, production efficiencies increase and the cost of production falls. The statement highlights that pro forma net debt/EBITDA remains under 0.4x and this provides scope for further bolt-on acquisitions alongside a new $70m RCF and $30m accordion, also announced with the interims.
Companies: Volex plc
NBB is an established and well-recognised 40-year brand in the field of senior executive-level talent acquisition, which has been substantially upgraded since appointing Mike Brennan as Group CEO in 2016, and has become a totally transformed company. Notably NBB has lifted its game dramatically, growing into a broad human capital solutions business delivered via professional embedded processes, where before what we had was the familiar well-respected but single-strand executive search operation. As a result, growing and more relevant new service lines now form the largest part of the company, and aligned with this, NBB's financial prospects have improved significantly. While Covid has been challenging, the company has managed the crisis well by considered and strategic headcount additions, while at the same time taking out over £500,000 in costs. Positive H1 and FY EBITDA reports stand out as important milestones. Net debt cut from c.£1m to near-zero in H1 reflected a return to cash-generation. We are now able to include forecasts for FY-2020E and in addition '21 and '22 scenarios, illustrating the potential upside.
Companies: Norman Broadbent plc
Cornish Metals (TSX-V: CUSN) intends to list on AIM. The Company is proposing to raise £5 million by way of private placement of new Common Shares (the "Fundraising") to advance the United Downs copper-tin project. The Company expects that Admission will become effective in February 2021. The Company's Common Shares will continue to be listed and trade on the TSX-V in Canada. Further media reports that Dr Martens, the British Boot brand is planning an IPO on the LSE. It is currently owned by PE group, Permira who is expected to sell down its stake at the IPO. March 2020 YE the group had revenues of £672m and EBITDA of £184m. Deal size TBC. VH Global Sustainable Energy Opportunities plc, a closed-ended investment Company focused on making sustainable energy infrastructure investments, today announces intends to launch an initial public offering of shares on the Official List (Premium) of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Due by Early Feb. Moonpig, the digital greeting card company, is planning an IPO with a potential valuation of £1bln, according to multiple media reports. Further details expected to be announced over the next two weeks.
Companies: ZPHR PANR PRSM SENS CYAN G4M ITX CRCL FEN ZIN
