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News of a contract win at Image Scan Holdings (IGE), worth approximately 1.46 million pounds sent shares in the company 0.25p higher to 2p. Image Scan will supply x-ray security screening systems, deliverable in the financial year commencing 1st October 2011. The group added that due to highly competitive tendering process, the projected margin of the deal is likely to be lower than historical company levels.

Commenting on the audited results, the Chairman Paul Selway-Swift said: "Our FY 2011 results were impacted by the tough but correct decisions we have taken to reduce inventories. But we end FY 2011 with a sound business and with encouraging prospects. "Our sales will benefit from the growing retail consumption of stevia, the expected opening of the EU market, our increased customer base and our enhanced product portfolio. "We remain confident about the long term future for stevia."

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201109190700294442O

Natural sweetener manufacturer Purecircle (PURE) released its results for the year ended June, in which sales were seen to fall 12.3% to 53.2 million dollars. Revenue for the period was lower than expected following the delay of EU approval of its Stevia products, as well as the delay in the launch of a major carbonated soft drink. The group was a long way from achieving the pre-tax profit of 1.23 million dollars reported in 2010, announcing an 18.5 million dollar pre-tax loss for the period. The board added that it remained confident of the long term future of Stevia, but admitted sales and profit volatility can continue to be expected along the way. Purecircle shares slipped 2.5p to 78.5p.

Probability (PBTY) shares surged 16p to 65p as the mobile gambling operator confirmed recent press speculation that it is in discussions with William Hill (WMH), which may or may not lead to an offer for Probability's share capital. William Hill has until the 17th October to announce whether it will be making an offer for the company. William Hill shares slipped 0.3p to 227.8p.

Probability (PBTY) shares surged 16p to 65p as the mobile gambling operator confirmed recent press speculation that it is in discussions with William Hill (WMH), which may or may not lead to an offer for Probability's share capital. William Hill has until the 17th October to announce whether it will be making an offer for the company. William Hill shares slipped 0.3p to 227.8p.

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201109190700104135O

Dairy Crest (DCG) expects first half profits to be slightly ahead of last year, with improved operating efficiency and increased sales prices offsetting higher input costs. Despite an increase in sales of its five main brands, which include Cathedral City and Clover, volumes are lower than during the same period last year. Additionally, net borrowings will be higher, due to increased capital investment and the purchase of MH Foods. The news cheesed off investors, with shares falling 0.8p to 337p.

Asian Plantations (PALM) kept its "buy" rating from Panmure Gordon, with an increased target price of 355p, from 300p. The broker says that the palm oil group's proposed acquisition of Dulit Estate for 34.4 million dollars (21.9 million pounds) will complete its objective of having over 20,000 hectares within two years of its floatation, and adds that Asian Plantations has set a new target of 45,000 hectares by the end of 2012. The shares rose 3.5p to 253.5p.

Singer Capital maintained its "buy" recommendation for Cello (CLL), but with a significantly reduced target price of 45p, from 71p. The broker has lowered its 2012 forecasts following the loss of a large retail research contract in July and a poor economic environment, which Singer expects will reduce acquisition activity. However, the broker believes that the marketing group has good revenue visibility for the second half of 2011 and expects it to meet market expectations for the full year. The shares edged up 0.25p to 33.5p.

James Lambert, Chairman of Animalcare said: "During the past financial year and now in the current one, there has been little or no growth in the veterinary medicines market in the UK. However, with the launch of several new veterinary drugs in the first quarter building on those introduced during the last financial year, and with the reintroduction of Buprecare, your Board believes that we will continue to grow the business markedly faster than the market overall and increase our market share . Trading in the year to date has started in line with your Board's expectations."

Animalcare Group plc ("the Group" or "Animalcare"), a leading supplier of veterinary medicines, announces results for the year ended 30 June 2011. Following the disposal of Animalcare's livestock businesses during the year the comparatives below are restated to show discontinued operations separately and so give more accurate understanding of the underlying business performance. Financial Highlights · Revenue from continuing operations up 5.4% to £11.8m (2010: £11.2m) · Underlying operating profit from continuing operations* up 17.3% to £3.05m (2010: £2.60m) · Underlying profit before tax from continuing operations* up 21.0% to £3.00m (2010: £2.48m) · Underlying basic earnings per share* up 5.4% to 11.8p (2010: 11.2p) · Final dividend of 3p bringing total dividend for the year of 4p (2010: 3p) · Debt free with cash balances of c £1.2m (2010: net debt of c. £2.9m) * Underlying measures exclude, where applicable, amortisation of acquired intangibles, impairment of goodwill, fair value movements on interest hedging, impairments to current and non-current assets and other charges relating to Group reorganisation. Operational Highlights · Divestment of the Livestock Division with focus now fully on the Companion Animal Division · Launch of four new generic veterinary products during the year · Good pipeline of new products for launch later in the year · Reorganisation of the structure of the UK sales force

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201109190700374467O

Animalcare (ANCR) retained its "buy" rating from Brewin Dolphin, with a target price of 200p. The veterinary group performed in line with the broker's expectations, with revenues for the year ended 30th June up 5.4% at 11.8 million pounds. Brewin notes that the company has launched two new products in June, and a further four are expected in the next few months, and that a temporary supply issue with Bupercare is expected to be fixed by early 2012.

Merchant Securities reiterated its "buy" recommendation for Parseq (PSQ), with a target price of 10.5p. The broker believes the software specialist should reject the 7.5p takeover offer from its CEO Rammi Cassis and his backer, which Merchant believes does not sufficiently value the progress made by Parseq's subsidiary Intelligent Environments Mobinetic. The broker adds that the the group's short term price outlook has been damaged by the underperformance of its acquisition Documetric, which Rammi himself pushed through.

DS Smith Plc - disposal of Higher Kings Mill paper mill DS Smith Plc (DS Smith) announces that its DS Smith paper business has entered into a binding legal agreement for the sale of its Higher Kings Mill paper mill in the United Kingdom to Asia File Corporation Berhad, for an enterprise value of £4.6 million payable in cash on completion. As at 30 April 2011, the net assets of the Higher Kings Mill business (on a cash and debt free basis) were £3.8 million and gross assets were £8.0 million. Higher Kings Mill is a leading European producer of filing and educational papers, producing 34 thousand tonnes of paper per annum. The sale is expected to be completed on 30 September 2011. This transaction marks a further development in the execution of DS Smith's strategy to focus on recycled packaging for consumer goods and to reduce paper manufacture that does not directly support the packaging business. This transaction follows the announcement on 23 June 2011 of the intention to close the Hollins paper mill, which produces 95 thousand tonnes per annum. This reduction in DS Smith's exposure to paper manufacturing will help DS Smith achieve its goal of delivering higher returns on capital with reduced cyclicality.

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201109190700144319O

French Connection on firm footing Date: Monday 19 Sep 2011 LONDON (ShareCast) - Fashion group French Connection said trading was back on track as it revealed an increase in half year profit and lifted its dividend payout.

Panmure Gordon upgrades AVEVA Group from hold to buy, target price cut from 1697p to 1640p At 2:15pm:

Commenting on this announcement, Stephen Marks, Chairman and Chief Executive of French Connection said: "I am happy to report that, in tough retail trading conditions, we achieved growth in like-for-like retail sales and a substantial increase in both wholesale and licensing income. We are reporting a profit after tax in the first half of the financial year for the first time since 2008 and we are firmly back on a growth path. "With the business on a stronger footing, we are in a good position to expand operations internationally. We see great opportunities to grow revenues from both franchising and licensing. "The global appeal of our brand is evident in our continued growth overseas, and over the next three years we are looking forward to opening as many as 25 more stores in China under our Joint Venture as well as additional store openings by our franchisees in Russia, India and Turkey. "The balance sheet remains very strong with £30.9 million of cash and no debt. The 20% increase in interim dividend reflects the Group's profitability and cash generation and the Board's confidence in the future. "We do not anticipate any easing in the retail environment during the second half of the year. However we have a proven ability to produce high quality and desirable ranges and with good increases in wholesale forward orders to support this, we remain confident in achieving our expectations for the full year."