News

ATM supplier Cashbox says the installation of machines during the six months ended 30 June remained steady throughout the period, taking the installed base of transacting machines up 12% to 2,045.

Since the end of the period, the firm has also bought around 140 ATMs that operate within a major UK public house group.

A 50%-owned unit of UK based explorer Alba Minerals has been awarded two more uranium exploration permits in northern Mauritania and has identified uranium mineralisation.

Initial findings from cancer drug developer Antisoma's phase II trial of AS1411 in relapsed and refractory AML (acute myeloid leukaemia) have been well received today.

Patients are now being enrolled into a higher dose stage of the trial in patients with renal cancer, expected to start before the end of this year.

Exploration firm Kryso said further "exceptional" assay results have been received from diamond core drilling at its 100% owned Pakrut gold project.

The group said results from the drill hole demonstrate the grade and width of the resource is increasing with depth.

First Artist has rejected two offers for its agency arm Dewynters, with discussions terminated. "There is significant potential to build on its reputation and success," the statement added.

First Artist added that events management business The Finishing Touch has achieved a 95% like for like increase in operating profit for the twelve months ended 30 April 2008. As a result, the vendors of the company have achieved maximum earn-out payments.

Biotech Henderson Morley is in discussions with a number of animal health companies regarding the further development of a fish vaccine adjuvant. Henderson has started trials which are examining the role of a proprietary vaccine adjuvant, designed for use in the KHV vaccine program, but also with potential utility in other commercially important fish vaccines. The cost of this programme is funded within the current cash burn.

Europa Oil & Gas reports a record monthly wellhead revenue stream in June of $1m net to Europa. Paul Barrett, Managing Director of Europa, said "The increased revenue will support Europa's eagerly anticipated four-well exploration programme over the next 9-12 months."

Galleon Holdings has secured a contract with Hunan Television to develop and facilitate interactivity for a range of programmes to be broadcast on its Entertainment Channel. Under the terms of the agreement, Galleon's Chinese operation, Phoenix will work with HNTV to develop interactive game play for seven shows to be broadcast on the Entertainment Channel over the coming year.HNTV is provincial broadcaster in China with an audience reach of 67m.

Chinese cement manufacturer Prosperity Minerals reported a 29% rise in full-year pre-tax profits and said it is looking forward to a year of further progress in line with market expectations.

Pre-tax profit rose to $59.3m in the year ended 31 March compared with $45.9m last time. Revenue is 53% higher at $507.5m.

The company proposed a final dividend of 12 cents per share, making a total for the year of 18 cents per share.