Member Info for Aphrodite

Succinct little article, thanks. I too think it's too early for a takeover, both at the growth stage at which the company is and certainly not at this price, but I think with regard to management history that that could well be a convenient conclusion for all concerned, as we discussed before. Incidentally I see Kestrel Opportunities ( did very well last year) had a 15% holding in KBC Advanced Tech when it was taken over earlier this year. But Oliver Scott of Kestrel, was also a director there. Not researched that side in any depth, no point in relation to my investment, just in passing. But MXCP and Kestrel, been round the block a few times.

Hi Chris.We've been patient for a while, because of our views on the company. As long as it takes for seller(s) to finish, who must be under 3% holders. Give SST a chance to go as well. Every little helps!

There's been buying all the way down. Kestrel made their position clear. I think there may be another buyer also. The more shares can be taken out the system now the better off we'll be. So as you all say, no rush.

And it's coming from the 'loose ends'.

Added 658,300 since their last holdings RNS on 26th.September.

Thanks for that - It is as I have on a proper copy I see now. Cheers.

No way of knowing beyond the nominee companies mentioned. That's in their nature. But I do not see specific reason to be particularly intrigued by that, though I appreciate they currently hold a lot but on previous reading they trade some also. As I said before, as it appears to me Kestrel Partners are the 'responsible notifiers' at the end of the chain of undertakings in relation to the 20 plus listed and private companies across which the Opportunities Fund is spread, on which they act on a discretionary basis. Whether the nominee investors have ever heard of Castleton, or the other companies in which they are invested, could be debated. Had conspiracy theories here before on little old Castleton. People can try and float that if they want to. Where did you get your increased MXCP holding from, as mentioned yesterday?

There's also this re. MXC/directors share options, as the topic raised its head. All of the Options are evergreen, meaning that the percentage of the fully diluted issued share capital held under option will remain constant, notwithstanding any further issues of ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. The options are being awarded under a variety of schemes, both approved and unapproved. All of the options are subject to vesting criteria whereby the average price of an ordinary share must exceed 60 pence (post share consolidation), and in some cases 80 pence (post share consolidation), for a 10 day period between the second and third anniversaries of 1 April 2015. If these targets are not met, extended targets compounding at 12% per annum are in place between the third and sixth anniversaries.  If the average price of an ordinary share does not reach or exceed the targets above then the Option shall lapse.

I agree Chris, the warrants, though open ended, come with conditions as mentioned.

It was a statement of fact. But we wait on update, and we shall see if his optimism as CEO was reasonable. I'm anticipating positive progress, you are not. There you go.

Why? Do you impugn his integrity?

Yes.

Kooler mentions metrics, and investing on them. Smith said this last time he mentioned Castleton's metrics:- "The underlying metrics of the business were particularly pleasing. The Managed Services division's adjusted EBITDA* grew 25% year on year as we look to transition to more profitable deals. Organic growth across the Software Solutions division was 20% and recurring revenue across the Group now stands at 58%."

Yes. Well said, and Regardless of who's buying or selling what/when/why, house broker FinnCap are currently giving Castleton Group 90p.,and say for the current and next financial year:- "The picture is now expected to see significant improvement as the bedding in process has largely been completed resulting in a cash flow yield of 4.5% and 6.9% respectively over the next two years, which should also see improved adjusted pre-tax profits of £3.6m and £4.4m."

He gets very worked up on the negative side about Ctp only.

is a fund. The fund is buying. At their report for last financial year 4% of the fund was within Ctp., and the rest in 20 or so others and some cash.

Thanks Misjodems. But you haven't exactly covered yourself in glory on the other shares you recently posted on, whichever view you took. But there you go.

Just mopping up a bit of retail, so far anyway today, like you mentioned before Chris. Content now to wait on news from company. Cheers.

There's been seller(s) - but in the end price been controlled by Kestrel, and maybe others. When seller done, they can do what they want with it.

I believe there is a disconnect between the sells and company status, but the facts will be evident soon from trading update followed by interim results, if last year's pattern is followed. I think having regard to their model and their upbeat final results RNS, that the update will at least show steady progress, and improvement on the position at final results when the share price was 74p ( and I bear in mind the finance provided by MXCP and BGF in February at Kypera deal price at premium of 85.6 ) Truth will out soon, perhaps this week.