News

Healthcare Enterprise plunged after trading in its shares recommenced. The group said it plans to raise up to £1.75m in a refinancing package to repay part of a bank loan and inject additional working capital.

The group's shares were suspended at the end of September pending clarification of its financial position.

"We have given careful consideration to a number of potential alternatives for the group's future," said chairman Mark Tompkins.

"In the light of the current severe financial circumstances, but given our belief in the value of the underlying businesses, the directors are of the view that the refinancing package is the best alternative available," he added.

Wear resistant coating technology provider Hardide has negotiated a global supply agreement with gases group BOC, for the supply of tungsten hexafluoride at a reduced price.

The agreement will last to 1 December 2010, with an option to extend the agreement by a further two years.

Hardide said it estimates the contract will save the group a minimum of £600,000 over the first three years.

Goldplat gained on news of a gold find at Kilimapesa Hill, part of its 50% owned Lolgorien project in south western Kenya.

The group said it has identified a stretch of 42m at 10.13 g/t gold. Goldplat's joint venture partner is Oslo and Swedish-NGM listed International Gold Exploration.

Decontamination specialist Bioquell said that its 'superbug' eradication technology has been upgraded by the Department of Health's Rapid Review Panel ('RRP') to Category One status.

RRP was setup by the government in 2004 to help review products and technologies that could reduce hospital acquired infections.

Felix Group saw pre-tax losses widen to £5.37m for the year to 31 May compared to a loss of £4.98m last year, but the ATM machine provider said it believes its kiosk business will break-even at machine contribution level.