Member Info for mulledwine

Operations Highlights · Production up 98% to 2,208,862 carats (FY 2011: 1,117,795) · Capex of US$138.8 million (FY 2011: US$110.9 million) (including interest capitalised), within the Company's expectations and in accordance with the roll-out of the Group's expansion programmes · Large Diameter Drilling on kimberlite KX36 in Botswana completed; treatment and analysis underway Corporate Highlights · Completion of the acquisition of world-class Finsch mine for R1.425 billion (ca. US$192 million) on 14 September 2011 · Step-up from AIM to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2011 and subsequent inclusion in the FTSE 250 Index in March 2012 · Appointment of Dr Patrick Bartlett and Mr Gordon Hamilton as independent Non-Executive Directors and, post Year end, appointment of Mr Tony Lowrie as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director · Additional debt facilities totalling ca. US$46.5 million put in place, comprising ZAR200 million (ca. US$24.5 million) from RMB and, post Year end, US$25 million from IFC; additional working capital facilities of ZAR100 million (ca. USS12.2 million) put in place through RMB · Commencement, post Year end, of a public disposal process to sell the Fissure Mines which are no longer core to Petra's portfolio

Preliminary Results Announcement for the Year ended 30 June 2012 (unaudited) Petra Diamonds Limited announces its preliminary results (unaudited) for the year ended 30 June 2012 ("the Year" or "FY 2012"). Financial Highlights · Revenue1 up 44% to US$316.9 million (FY 2011: US$220.6 million) · Profit from mining activity1&2 up 35% to US$103.3 million (FY 2011: US$76.4 million) · Operating cashflow up 57% to US$79.9 million (FY 2011: US$50.9 million) · Adjusted EBITDA3 up 35% to US$90.3 million (FY 2011: US$67.1 million) · Adjusted EPS6: 7.82 cents per share profit (FY 2011: 8.41 cents per share profit) · Basic EPS: 0.48 cents per share loss (FY 2011: 12.83 cents per share profit) · Loss after tax: US$2.1 million (FY 2011: US$59.2 million profit), affected by unrealised foreign exchange losses of US$38.6 million and non-recurring transaction costs of US$3.1 million · Cash at bank8 (30 June 2012): US$47.3 million (FY 2011: US$324.9 million) · Bank debt: US$65.4 million (FY 2011: US$69.6 million); available but undrawn bank facilities (30 June 2012): US$66.3 million (FY 2011: US$19.9 million) · Diamond inventory (30 June 2012): US$24.5 million (FY 2011: US$13.3 million)

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201209240700099401M

On Friday, the Home Affairs Committee released its report on G4S’s Olympics security fiasco. It concluded that the group should forego its £57m management fee after the Army was called in to meet London 2012’s staffing requirements. This was in line with expectations, after G4S guided to a £50m loss. However, the most surprising news on Friday was positive. G4S has won a government contract to manage electronic tagging of offenders in Scotland. The contract will last five years and its shares edged higher on the first piece of upbeat news for some time. G4S also unveiled a new acquisition last week – Brazilian security provider Vanguarda. The focus on developing markets is key to the company’s future – and is likely to be the main driver of the group’s long-term recovery from recent events. By 2019, 50% of the global security market is expected to be in developing nations. Globally, G4S remains the market leader in terms of security services, having 8% of the market compared with closest rival Securitas, with 6%. The shares are trading on a December 2012 earnings multiple of 11.7 times, falling to 10.2 and they look fairly valued, given the increased risk profile. However, even if the worst happens with UK government business, its moves into countries such as Brazil should boost medium-term growth. Hold, says Questor.

The shares of Lookers, the car dealership, were weak last week, as the 17.3 per cent stake owned by Trefick was sold off in an orderly manner. The sale came after two failed takeover attempts last year. Indeed, with the share hitting a high of 73½p early last week, it looks like the board was correct to knock back both offers. The stake sale is a positive thing, as it will increase liquidity in the shares of the UK-focused car group. The shares are trading on a current-year earnings multiple of 10.1 times, falling to 9.7. Management have said they will raise this year’s dividend by 8 per cent, after leaving the interim payment flat. This means the prospective yield is 3.4 per cent, rising to 3.6 per cent next year, which is attractive – particularly as the lion’s share will be made in the final payment. The Sunday Telegraph´s Questor team said the shares were a hold last month, but with the extra liquidity and after last week’s falls they are once again a buy, despite solid gains this year, Questor now believes.

The housing market may be subdued but builder Galliford Try has had an excellent year. Annual results released last week were better than expected and brokers believe the shares, up 49% to 710 1⁄2p since Midas tipped them in January, should rise even further in the next year. The company focuses on the South-East of England, where house prices are more stable, and it embarked on a land buying spree in 2009 when prices were at rock bottom. The strategy is bearing fruit. Profits rose 80% to £63.1m and the dividend 88% to 30p for the year to June. Chief executive Greg Fitzgerald is optimistic about the year ahead as the firm has a big land bank and now builds about 80% of its houses in the South East. Fitzgerald hopes to improve margins over the next three years. Brokers expect profits of £72m next year, rising to £100m by 2015. The firm has also declared a progressive dividend policy, so 36p a share is anticipated for 2013 rising to 56p by 2015. Investors who bought in January could sell 25% of their stock after the recent strong run. Selling completely would be unwise as prospects are good and dividend payments are generous, says The Financial Mail on Sunday´s Midas column.

Shore Capital reiterated its "buy" recommendation on Prudential (PRU), noting that the financial services company may be looking to buy the insurance assets of Thanachart Bank in Thailand. The broker noted that this purchase would help the firm catch up with its competitors in one of its weaker markets in South East Asia. On the broker's forecasts, the shares trade at a 7% discount to embedded value for the 2013 financial year and offer a prospective dividend yield of 3.2%.

Panmure Gordon maintained its "buy" rating for Lookers (LOOK) with an increased target price of 79p, from 72p. Trefick recently sold its 17% stake in the the car retailer, following a failed takeover attempt, and the broker believes that the disposal will help increase the stock's liquidity. Panmure said that the group has a defensive revenue stream and that it is well positioned to outperform the sector despite the difficult economic conditions. The broker's forecasts put the shares on a prospective earnings multiple of 10 times for 2012, falling to 9.4 times in 2013

Singer Capital kept its "buy" rating for Centaur Media (CAU) with an increased target price of 52p, from 50p. The broker said that the publisher's first half was in-line with forecasts, while the firm has started the 2013 financial year slightly ahead of expectations. Singer added that the group is making good progress towards its goal of having 50% of its business come from digital markets. The stock trades on a prospective earnings multiple of just 7.5 times for 2013 and offers a dividend yield of 6%

Panmure Gordon retained its "buy" stance on Escher Group Holdings (ESCH) with a target price of 359p. The postal software developer noted high demand for its products, with the broker noting that the firm secured a number of new contract wins in its first half. Panmure forecasts revenues of 8.7 million dollars (5.4 million pounds) for the period, up from 6.5 million dollars (4.0 million pounds) in the first half of 2011. On the broker's forecasts, the shares trade on a prospective earnings multiple of 12.2 times for the 2012 financial year, falling to just 6.6 times in 2013

I work along side a lot of G4S who were previously reliance staff - things are not going well with numerous G4S managers in the Scottish prisoner escort business been given the sack for huge losses in just several months. There are currently meetings on going with the Scottish Exec and Reliance have been asked to resubmit a tender....I fear this mismanagement may be the tip of the iceberg. When I am convinced that management is capable then I will be back here as I see big worldwide potential but only when the running of the Company is sorted out. GL all

Outlook Against a difficult economic backdrop, our outlook continues to be cautious but optimistic. July was a particularly challenging trading month for the Group with the UK experiencing further dreadful weather which, when combined with the cumulative impact of the 3 previous months of poor weather, left retailers holding excessive stocks. The feel-good factor from the fantastic results achieved by Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games has had a positive impact on cycling, particularly the road cycling sector. Consequently, Group performance in August was in line with the prior year and September 2012 is likely to exceed September 2011. With the positive momentum in cycling following the Olympic Games and Tour de France we believe our Claud Butler and Dawes ranges provide an excellent choice for people wishing to take up cycling as a leisure pursuit. Turnover continues to increase in both our Claud Butler and Dawes accessories businesses. We are encouraged by our new licences including Peppa Pig and Skylanders. We have also signed further licences for 2013 including Bin Weevils, Mike the Kinight, Monsuno, Tree Fu Tom and a number of others. Our generic range of extreme stunt scooters is selling well and there are plans to expand this range next year. We expect profit for the year to 31 December 2012 to be behind the prior year but all of our employees continue to work hard to deliver a satisfactory level of profitability in a challenging trading environment.

Trading update Group revenue for the 37 week period to 14 September 2012 was approximately £22.0 million compared to £23.4 million in the comparative period last year. Revenue in the bicycles and accessories businesses to 14 September 2012 was approximately £13.0 million against £14.6 million in the same period last year. In the sports, leisure and toys businesses revenue for the 37 weeks to 14 September 2012 was approximately £9.0 million compared to £8.8 million last year.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Introduction I am pleased to present the unaudited financial statements for the 6 months ended 30 June 2012. Following the change in the accounting reference date, a comparative proforma statement to 30 June 2011 has also been prepared. We continued to face a number of challenges during the period, most notably the exceptionally poor weather and a difficult economic and retail environment. As a result turnover reduced but, with sustained margin and cost control, profit before tax increased compared to the same period last year. Results Revenue for the 6 month period to 30 June 2012 was £14,372,000 compared to £15,785,000 in the same period last year. Operating expenses were reduced by 5.4% to £4,033,000 (2011 - £4,262,000). Operating profit was £267,000 compared to £253,000 in the comparative period, an increase of 5.5%. Profit before taxation increased to £193,000 compared to £137,000 in the prior period, partly attributable to a larger pension scheme finance charge last year.

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201209210700097945M

Whilst we have turned around the performance of the Company, the economic conditions have continued to place a heavy burden, reinforcing the need for us to have taken bold actions in our time. It is imperative to continue to reduce our fixed cost base. I do not expect the trading environment to improve in the coming months. However, the first six months of this year have given us momentum that has continued into the next quarter (the impact of the Olympics on customer demand has been in line with our expectations). Tenpin bowling and other products are still universal in appeal and we believe have a healthy future as part of today's consumers' leisure spend. The Board continues to support the strategy of re-building the business and remains solely focused on enhancing shareholder value.

Nick Basing, Chief Executive, said: "I am pleased to report a set of results that show a marked improvement across our dashboard of measures. In the period, the business has been firing on all cylinders. I am positive about the direction and speed of travel. We remain on our guard for the hazards that may lay ahead. This is now a fit and healthy Company with a strong following of customers and a highly skilled set of colleagues."

Essenden plc, the second largest UK operator of bowling and family entertainment centres, today announces interim results for the 26 week period ended 1st July 2012 Highlights Strategy has delivered progress in all areas of financial and operational performance o Like for Like sales up 4.3% on core continuing estate o Sixfold increase in pre tax profits to £0.78m (2011 : £0.12m) o EBITDA up 76% to £2.3m (2011: £1.3m) o 4.3% increase in customer traffic o Average unit EBITDA up 37% for H1 to £165k (2011: £120k) o Tenpin ranked No.2 out of 172 retail companies in the UK for exemplary service * o Close to debt free; 68% reduction since year end to £1.1m (Dec 2011: £3.5m)

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201209210700077481M

Nigel Newton, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc'sFounder and Chief Executive: "I am thrilled that Bloomsbury's long-term values of publishing books of excellence and originality will find expression from our office in Delhi. India represents an enticing place for an international publisher with its huge and highly educated population of English readers - probably more of the book buying demographic than that of the UK, USA and Canada combined. Publishing books from India to the whole world and from our offices in London, New York and Sydney into India is fundamental to our global publishing strategy. Bloomsbury's worldwide Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Pringle will work closely with Diya KarHazra for the synergy which is at the heart of our two-way global publishing." Rajiv Beri, Bloomsbury India'sManaging Director: "We are delighted to launch Bloomsbury India and look forward to continuing the Bloomsbury tradition of meaningful and quality publishing. It's going to be an exciting journey." Diya KarHazra, Bloomsbury India's Publisher - Trade: "Bloomsbury has always been about good writing. It's been about entertaining and informing. Diana, whom you see in our logo, is a hunter, constantly looking for new talent. We will publish a range of voices and genres, both fiction and non-fiction. We will be attentive to our authors and nurture our list with the utmost care." Amit Bhatia, Bloomsbury India's Publisher - Academic & Professional: "There are significant publishing opportunities in academic publishing particularly in business, economics and management, which will be our focus areas."