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Inmarsat (ISAT) announced that it performed in-line with expectations during its third quarter ended 30th September, installing 2,100 net Fleet Broadband terminals, bringing the total to 32,000. The mobile satellite company also noted that it secured a number of new contracts for its XpressLink product and that trading momentum across its other product ranges had continued on from the second quarter. Inmarsat shares declined by 9.5p to 572p.

Peter Rigby, Chief Executive of Informa said: "The acquisition of Zephyr is perfectly aligned with Informa's strategy to focus on high quality, digital subscription revenues attracting strong renewal rates and attractive cash dynamics. It is a great fit with our existing business in this area and will enhance our leading market position, ensuring a healthy return on investment."

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=20121009070000T8628

In order to enhance its presence in the digital market, Informa (INF) has agreed to buy Zephyr Associates for a cash consideration of 62 million dollars (38.7 million pounds) in cash. The publishing and exhibition company noted that the target serves over 800 customers in the investment management sector and expects the acquisition to be earnings enhancing from 2013. The shares crept down by 2.8p to 401.9p.

Commenting on the Group's performance in the first quarter, Alistair Cox, Chief Executive, said: "Conditions through the quarter were stable overall, but remained multi-speed across various geographies and sectors. Several parts of the Group continued to deliver good growth with 15 countries delivering net fee growth of 10%(1) or more. Amongst these were Germany, which is operating at record levels, Brazil, Canada and Japan. In contrast certain markets, notably the UK, parts of Asia and Southern Europe were very difficult. Looking ahead, we expect this multi-speed environment to continue and whilst overall conditions remain challenging, and some markets are very tough, opportunities for growth exist in many key parts of our business. We continue to invest selectively to fully capitalise on these growth opportunities, whilst focussing on controlling costs and driving productivity around the Group to maximise the bottom line."

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=20121009070000PC85B

Recruitment agency Hays (HAS) reported a 4% decline in net fees, year-on-year, for the quarter ended 30th September as continued contraction in the UK, Ireland and Asia Pacific overshadowing growth in Continental Europe and the rest of the world. Like many of its peers, the firm suffered from significantly reduced demand for permanent placements, with fees falling by 11%. Broker Seymour Pierce moved its stance from "hold" to "buy" on the announcement, believing the business "has a more resilient business model compared to Michael Page given its more balanced temp/perm exposure". Hays shares jumped by 4.3p to 79.5p

Pennon Group (PNN) will buy paper processing company Pulp Friction for a consideration of 9 million pounds, in a move which is expected to enhance its presence in waste management activities. The target processes around 100,000 tonnes of paper per year and the acquisition is forecast to be earnings enhancing in the first full year of operations. The shares leaked by 9p to 724.5p.

Diane Clarke, a director of Avarae, commented: "As we've previously stated, our investing and divesting activities are largely dependent on our consignments in the major auctions throughout the world. Whilst the Company did not benefit this year from the strong performance of our coins in the Hong Kong auction of August last year, a 15% gross profit margin still represents a significant uplift from the carrying value of coins as of 31 March 2012. The highest quality coins continue to attract strong prices around the world, as evidenced by the recent £780,000 (including buyer's premium) paid for one of Australia's rarest coins, a George V 1920 Sydney mint gold sovereign, which was sold for more than three times the price paid the last time such a coin was available for sale in 2006. The Company continues to purchase only the highest quality coins to add to its significant portfolio, such as a Charles II Two Guinea acquired during the period. The Directors look forward to updating shareholders with the half-year results in due course."

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201210050700039814N

Avarae Global Coins (AVR) expects to report revenues of around 0.45 million pounds for the year ended 30th September, down from 1.58 million pounds in 2011, with gross profit margins falling to 15%, from 44%. The group attributed the weaker performance to a strong comparable, which included sales at a Hong Kong auction in August 2011. However, it noted quality products continued to attract attention, such as the recent sale of a George V 1920 Sydney mint gold sovereign for 0.78 million pounds, three times the price of a similar coin sold in 2006. Avarae shares were unchanged at 10.625p.

I might just have a risky punt here

ATH Resources (ATH) sold around 1.6 million tonnes of coal in the year ended 30th September 2012, flat on 2011's performance, but average sales prices increased by 14% to 57 pounds per tonne. The miner also created cost savings of around 3 million pounds and lowered its net debt position by 9.5 million pounds to 22 million pounds. However, with coal prices down 30% since the start of the year, the group warned that it will incur significant non-cash write offs. The shares crashed by 0.625p to 2.875p.

Jupiter Energy (JPRL) announced that its J-55 well in Kazakhstan discovered 60 metres of net oil pay, having drilled to a total depth of 3,400 metres. The hydrocarbons explorer noted that the results were similar to those achieved at its already proven Akkar East oilfield, but pointed out that it is part of a separate structure. It is estimated that the deposit may contain up to 10 million barrels of resources. The shares swelled by 4p to 40.75p.

Shore Capital upgraded its stance on Matchtech (MTEC) from "sell" to "buy" after the recruitment agency reported a 21.4% surge in net fee income for the year ended 31st July 2012, to 36.1 million pounds. The broker added that the firm's conversion rate improved to 24% for the year, and reached 27.7% in the second half, nearly equal to the group's medium-term target of 30%. On Shore's forecasts, the shares trade on a prospective earnings multiple of 7.7 times for 2013, while offering an attractive dividend yield of 7.1%. Matchtech shares rose by 2.5p to 221p.

The Chief Executive of BHP Billiton, the dual-listed mining titan, has paid off a significant tax obligation resulting from an earlier long-term incentive bonus with the sale of both UK- and Australia-listed shares. Marius Kloppers, who has held the role of CEO since October 2007, has settled the bill by this week selling 59,913 London-listed shares at 1,913p each for a total of around £1.15m, alongside $3.37m-worth of ASX-listed shares. The sales enable Kloppers to satisfy the UK tax requirement for the vesting of 245,000 shares under a 2007 long-term incentive scheme earlier this week. The CEO also acquired 54,831 ordinary shares following the exercise of deferred shares under the 2010 Group Incentive Scheme.

KNIGELK - Likewise I contemplated a risky punt here last month - only a slight niggle stopped me - it turned out to be very fortuitous !

http://www.growthcompany.co.uk/news/2126463/promethean-world-feels-the-pressure.thtml

Jefferies has reiterated its 'hold' rating and 930p target price for engineering group IMI, saying that while it is a good business, there's still work to be done to satisfy 'near-term concerns'. The broker explained: "Management are targeting 75% of sales in their sweetspot (currently 55%) by 2017, and £20m of incremental year-on-year investment maybe required over that period. "Whether or not the group will be spending £100m on this investment by 2017 clearly depends on the progress they are making with the top line. We believe they will have to manage this carefully in the near-term, especially given the possibility of markets remaining challenging in the near-term."

Tony Gusmao, CEO, AFCA, said, "We are focused on ensuring that our customers continue to benefit from high quality service and financial solutions. JLT Employee Benefits is a market leader in the provision of pension and wider employee benefits and we are working together to ensure that all of our existing customers will benefit seamlessly from our combined expertise." Dominic Burke, Chief Executive, JLT Group said, "The acquisition fits squarely with our stated strategy of accretive acquisitions to deepen our capabilities in our specialist areas. It underlines JLT's commitment to its Employee Benefits business, which will represent some 25% of the Group's revenues following this transaction, consolidating our position as a leading full service employee benefits consultancy. On behalf of everyone at JLT, I welcome Tony Gusmao and his team."