Playtech (PTEC) shares ticked up 3.57% to 487.8p as it signs new major agreement
The technology group has signed an expanded long-term strategic software and services agreement with Holland Casino in what it describes as “a significant strategic step” for the business in that it builds on its track record of developing newly regulated online markets.
Holland Casino is the stated-owned, land-based casino operator in the Netherlands. The online gambling market in the Netherlands is currently expected to launch in October 2021.
Under the agreement Playtech will become Holland Casino's strategic technology supplier delivering its full turnkey multichannel technology as well as certain ancillary services.
"This agreement demonstrates the execution of our strategy to continue to work with the leading brands in the most attractive regulated markets globally,” said CEO, Mor Weizer.
Location Sciences Group (LSAI) shares soar 29.31% to 0.675p as it seeks further funding
The Group, which operates as a location data insight and verification company, announced on Tuesday that it had conditionally raised up to £3.85 million at 0.2p to provide funding for the continued development and commercialisation of the Company's products and services.
Yesterday’s raise follows numerous discussions as well as a recent business review in which the Board concluded that it would be essential for Location Sciences to secure additional financial resources given the market outlook for each of the Company's business units.
Mark Slade, Chief Executive Officer of Location Sciences said, "Following a lengthy strategic review of the business, the Board is pleased to announce this fundraising, which has been secured despite the challenging trading environment being experienced by the Company.
We are extremely cognisant of the discount to the current share price. However, the Board believes the fundraise is in the long-term interests of the business and its Shareholders.”
Botswana Diamonds (BOD) shares jump 24.39% to 1.25p as it uncovers new kimberlite blow
The diamond exploration and project development firm published a positive update from its Thorny River in which it reported the discovery of a new, second kimberlite blow.
It said “very good results” had uncovered a new blow (swell in the kimberlite dyke) which is about the same size as the River Blow discovered at Thorny River back in November 2020.
“What was originally a six-hole Reverse Circulation drilling programme going eastwards from the River Blow was led westwards by good ongoing drilling indications, including one hole with an 18-metre intersection of kimberlite,” said Chairman of Botswana, John Teeling.
He added that, “An additional six holes brought the drilling close to the River Blow. We fully expect the next phase of drilling to join the two discoveries into one continuous blow.
This would double the volume of ore. It is worth noting that the kimberlite dyke system at Thorny River contains an average 60 diamond carats per one hundred tons of ore.”
GETECH Group (GTC) shares rose 18.64% to 28p as H2 Green enters new agreement
Getech Group announced today that its subsidiary in the green hydrogen production sector, H2 Green, has entered into a strategic agreement for the company to supply hydrogen.
Getech, which utilises earth science and geospatial skills aimed at accelerating the path to global net-zero, said H2 Green has entered into the non-binding agreement with Element Two, a UK-based developer of Hydrogen Refuelling Stations and a retailer of hydrogen fuel.
Getech said the strategic agreement provides a path by which Element Two and H2 Green can align their production and distribution strategies across their respective land portfolios - the objective being to accelerate the creation of the UK's first hydrogen network.
Under the agreement, Element Two and H2 Green have agreed mutual options to co-locate their respective hydrogen refuelling stations and hydrogen production and storage assets.
Virgin Money UK (VMUK) shares fall 3.84% to 193.05p as year-on-year income falls by 9%
Despite underlying profit more than doubling year-on-year to £245m in 1H21 (1H20: £120m), shares in the bank fell as year-on-year income came in 9% lower for 1H21.
In light of the current uncertainty as to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Directors have not recommended paying a dividend for the period ended 31 March 2021.
Virgin reported statutory pre-tax profit of £72m after deducting £173m of exceptional items including; £49m of integration & transformation costs, £47m of acquisition accounting unwind, £71m of conduct charges and £59m in relation to finalising the PPI programme.
Looking ahead, the Group said it remains ‘cautiously optimistic’ as the impact of the vaccination programme in the UK delivers positive revisions to economic expectations.
VMUK