3D conversion technology minnow DDD Group (DDD:AIM) rockets 43% to 5.75p despite no new news. The company last week won new licences for its TriDef technology for use in mobile devices but today's rally will have investors wondering if some bigger news will emerge.
Smart Metering Systems (SMS:AIM) makes it first acquisition with the £14 million cash and shares purchase of Cardiff-based Utility Partnership. The shares remain flat at 410p although they have risen more than 580% since its 60p July 2011 IPO.
Fashion retailer French Connection (FCCN) firms 12.9% to 75.63p on a short but sweet trading statement. The FCUK brand-owner, whose turnaround attractions we highlighted here, says like-for-like sales rose an impressive 11% in the 11 weeks to 12 April, reflecting self-help initiatives and product range improvements.
An agreement to use automatic identification system technology trackable from space for small commercial ships gives Software Radio Technology (SRT:AIM) a lift. The shares rally 6.3% to 23.25p.
Speciality pharma product and services play Clinigen (CLIN:AIM) improves 1.6% to 516.5p on hopes of an end to declining revenues. An agreement to supply drugs that treat brittle bone disorder in the European Union (EU) on behalf of Italian outfit Abiogen fuels the optimism. We updated on our Play of the Week last month.
Thermal management play and Shares Play for 2014 Versarien (VRS:AIM) gains 1.8% to 28.5p as it announces a £5.5 million placing and the £440,000 acquisition of graphene specialist 2D-Tech. The new shares are placed at 26p and will be used to fund the deal and investment in its core strategy to commercialise patented metallic foils used to cool processing systems in electronic devices.
Poland and North Africa focused San Leon Energy (SLE:AIM) falls 2.6% to 3.39p as it pulls the plug on a deal to acquire producing assets in Turkey. Westhouse Securities reiterates its buy recommendation but cuts its price target from 9p to 7.6p, commenting: 'While some may consider the decision not to proceed with the Alpay acquisition as disappointing, we are encouraged that management has the discipline not to proceed with a transaction where the economic potential has been called into question.'
Agriculture, food and engineering combine Carr's Milling Industries (CRM) clips ahead 2.9% to £17.28 on robust half-year figures. The running Shares Play of the Week cultivated a 2% taxable profits gain to £10.1 million thanks to its geographical spread and operational diversity. News of a positive start to the new year and that Carr's new Kirkcaldy flour mill is boosting the food division's performance sit well with investors.
Indonesian palm oil-to-Aussie beef cattle producer M.P. Evans (MPE) is marked up 2.38p to 447.6p as annual results reveal 6% profit improvement to $22.87 million (2012: 21.55 million). An upbeat outlook statement flags expectation of a strong rise in fresh fruit bunch crop production in the years ahead as well as recent improvements in both cattle and palm oil prices.
Lettings and estate agency franchiser MartinCo (MCO:AIM) jumps 15.8% to 149.5p on positive coverage in the weekend papers.
Real Estate Investors (RLE:AIM) rises 1% to 50.5p as it expands its portfolio of regional properties through buying a listed building in central Birmingham for £1.6 million cash.
Life sciences research tool supplier Avacta (AVCT:AIM) gains 2.1% to 1.1p on the launch of a test for dogs suffering from inflammatory disorder Pancreatitis.
