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Giles Insurance, the acquisitive Glasgow-based broker, is close to confirming its £5.1m bid for Aim-quoted CBG, in a move which will provide a springboard for expansion in the north-west of England, reports Scotland on Sunday. The newspaper´s digital edition adds that, “a deal with CBG would give Giles a significant presence in the region, with major bases in Manchester and Blackpool to add to its existing offices in Wigan and Chester. The move would also consolidate Giles’ top ten position in the UK independent brokers’ market and take staff numbers to more than 1,100. While both Giles and CBG have stressed there is no certainty an offer will be made, it is understood that discussions are at an advanced stage.”

Mr. Xiaohong Yang, Executive Chairman of HaiKe, commented: "We have made another significant step forward to further develop the specialty chemical business. The acquisition of Hi-Tech Spring is immediately earnings enhancing and will improve synergies in our petrochemical business. This strategic move increases our exposure in certain specialty chemicals commonly used in vital industries such as agriculture and food. Importantly, Hi-Tech Spring will enhance the Group's profitability and ultimately add value to our shareholders."

Buyout of minority interests in another key specialty chemical subsidiary HaiKe Chemical Group Limited ("HaiKe" or the "Company"), the AIM quoted (AIM: HAIK) petrochemical, specialty chemical and biochemical business based in China, today announces that in line with the strategy to continue to diversify the group business from low margin refining to the downstream chemical area it now owns over 90% of the shares in another key subsidiary. HaiKe acquired a further 9,455,600 shares in Dongying Hi-Tech Spring Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. ("Hi-Tech Spring") on 22 July 2011. A total cash consideration of RMB30.3m (circa GBP2.9m) was paid for all accumulated beneficial interest of these shares. The acquisition was made via its 88.85%-owned subsidiary Shandong Hi-Tech Chemical Group Ltd. ("Hi-Tech Chemical"). This acquisition, which was made at a 10% discount to Hi-Tech Spring's net assets at end of June 2011, takes HaiKe's ultimate shareholding in Hi-Tech Spring from 53.83% to 91.52%. By increasing its stake in Hi-Tech Spring, HaiKe's net profit would have increased by circa RMB8.0m (circa GBP0.8m) for the first 6 months in 2011.

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201107250700119613K

FINANCIAL UPDATE There have been no material changes to the financial position of the company. National Grid has a strong balance sheet which is key to our ability to secure the long-term funding underpinning our regulated capital structures in both the UK and the US. Interest cover, gearing and other credit metrics remain within comfortable ranges to sustain appropriate credit ratings in the medium term.

Steve Holiday, Chief Executive, said: "The year has started well with our businesses making good initial progress toward their priorities and delivering solid operational and financial performance. In the US, our focus remains on working towards improved returns through enhanced customer service and operating efficiencies. In the UK, our investment in regulated capital projects and the implementation of our Gas Distribution Front Office systems are proceeding well. We reconfirm our positive outlook for 2011/12 - we expect to deliver another year of good operating performance, although, as previously highlighted, comparative financial results will show some impact from the timing differences that benefited 2010/11."

HIGHLIGHTS Good start to 2011/12 · Solid operational and financial performance · US restructuring programme on track to deliver targeted annualised cost savings of $200m by March 2012 · Capital expenditure projects in line with plan to invest around £3.6bn in 2011/12

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201107250700109430K

Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen, commented: "Aberdeen continues to make good progress in what have been volatile market conditions. Flows into higher margin products have more than offset redemptions in terms of revenue ensuring profit, cashflow and margins remain strong. "The investment environment is likely to be turbulent for at least the next few months. However, market volatility also creates opportunities particularly for long-term investors with a fundamental approach like Aberdeen."

INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT - NINE MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 2011 Highlights · Assets under management £185.8 billion · £10.9 billion of new business won in the quarter; £33.9 billion for the nine months to 30 June 11 · Net new business for the quarter to 30 June 2011: +£0.7 billion · Net new business for the nine months to 30 June 2011 has been neutral but revenue enhancing · $125 million 7.2% Subordinated Notes repaid from cash resources

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201107250700089270K

Reckitt Benckiser is a perennial bid target, with the usual suspects – Unilever and Procter & Gamble – often touted as the companies keen to get their hands on Reckitt’s well-known brands, which include Cillit Bang, Durex and Nurofen. The rumours seem to discount the size of Reckitt, a £25bn company, and the competition concerns that are likely to arise. Speculators are always looking to make a quick buck but the current management seems to be making a decent fist of exploiting the group’s enviable portfolio of brands. Credit Suisse thinks the group’s second quarter results will see a slowdown in year-on-year (yoy) organic growth to 3% from 4% in the first quarter. The Swiss bank reckons the operating margins will be up by one-fifth of a percentage point. “The group will also likely take the opportunity to shed some more light on its Pharma business,” Credit Suisse reckons. Panmure Gordon is expecting growth outside of the Reckitt pharmaceuticals business to remain weak. “We expect LFL [like-for-like] sales growth of 4.9% to drive 13.3% total sales growth to £2.335bn, with net acquisitions (mainly SSL) adding c10% to sales, and currency 1% negative," Panmure Gordon said.

CSF building ahead 18/07/2011 Ben Jaglom Malaysian data centre play CSF Group (CSFG) has unveild a solid set of full year results as it continues to grow the number of centres in the country. The AIM-quoted outfit reported a 12 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to RM (Malaysian Ringgits) 49.8 million (£10.3 million) on turnover of RM 11.3 million (2010: RM 70.9 million.) The development of its CX5 data centre, planned for completion in 2013, was described as being 'on schedule', with the company adding that it has obtained full occupancy for its CX2 data centre. CSF also noted that it had 'developed' its presence in Singapore due to the 'anticipation of future demand in the region' and had entered into an agreement with an Indonesian company for the development of a 120,000 sq ft centre in the capital of Jakarta. Revenue from its data centre rental and maintenace division grew by 42.4 per cent to RM 47.3 million. CSF joined AIM in March last year in an IPO that raised £28 million at 55p a share. Looking forward, the group declared that it wanted to grow further in Indonesia, which it insisted is a country with a 'huge domestic market', 'lower real estate and labour costs' and 'relatively fewer high-quality data centres' compared with Malaysia. Thailand was also described as a 'good opportunity for business expansion', although it acknowledged that 'challenges' include 'political uncertainty' and 'less developed infrastructure outside of Bangkok'. Analysts at Altium Securities are forecasting adjusted pre-tax profits of £12.9 million (EPS: 6.7p) on turnover of £37.7 million for the year to March 2012. In 2013 it is forecasting profits of £16 million (EPS: 8.3p) on sales of £42.1 million. A dividend of 2.2p and 2.7p a share is pencilled in for 2012 and 2013 respectively. Recommended by Growth Company Investor this January at 77p the shares have since slumped to 70.5p. The latest results are in line with forecasts and the company remains an appropriate investment for those who see strong growth prospects in South-East Asia with CSF holding some ambitious plans for Indonesia and Thailand. We retain our buy rating.

HSBC retains underweight on Scottish and Southern Energy, target price cut from 1420p to 1380p.

Arden retains add on Vertu Motors, target price cut from 40p to 32p

200,000 at an average of £1.195 per share - CEO purchase

Colt boss buys on weakness Colt chief executive Rakesh Bhasin took advantage of a sharp drop in the communications company’s share price to buy a big stake. The firm, which used to be called City of London Communications, yesterday announced a revenue decline of 3.5% in the first half of the year, mainly driven by a decline in mobile termination rates. “While economic conditions remain challenging, we continue to see signs of improved pipeline,” Bhasin said.

Numis retains add on Close Brothers, reduces target price from 906p to 864p

Investec upgrades De La Rue from hold to buy, target price raised from 700p to 935p.

That 15p could unfortunately, be on the cards again. I missed the last one - if it hits it again I wont miss that one.