As the FTSE 100 edges another 2.68 points higher to 6,900.81, embattled soft drinks colossus Coca-Cola HBC (CCH), the second biggest bottler for Coca-Cola (KO:NYSE), cheapens 3.9% to £11.33 on full-year and fourth quarter results lacking fizz. The disappointing results reflect volatile market conditions and currency headwinds, though the Switzerland-headquartered beverages group does at least highlight market share gains and solid free cash flow.
Online betting exchange Betfair (BET) edges up 0.2% to £15.97 on news its subsidiary TVG has acquired the US-based horseracing network HRTV for an initial $25 million. It could pay a further $47.8 million over the seven year term it has broadcast rights for.
The market appears unconvinced on US oil and gas play Nighthawk Energy's (HAWK:AIM) plans for 2015. The shares fall 7.3% to 6.35p as it cuts capex by 35% and says it will grow production but at a slower rate than the 96% build seen in 2014.
Small cap oil explorer Tangiers Petroleum (TPET:AIM) advances 12.2% to 0.53p on news it raised A$7 million in an oversubscribed placing to fund the development of its Icewine project in Alaska. The company is pursuing the Alaskan venture after drilling offshore Morocco proved unsuccessful in 2014.
Loss-making copper producer Frontier Mining (FML:AIM) wants to end its troubled history as a listed company by delisting from AIM. The miner slumps 52% to 0.06p after saying that London's capital market hasn't been conducive to raising funds to advance the business now - nor in the past.
Alecto Minerals (ALO:AIM) has been left in a pickle with its Ethiopian gold exploration after mid cap miner Centamin (CEY) terminated a joint venture. Given that Centamin was funding the work, Alecto will now have to find a new source of cash - or rethink its project priorities. The shares tumble 33% to 0.16p.
New Britain Palm Oil (NBPO) cultivates a 2.5p gain to 710p as Malaysia's plantations giant Sime Darby (SIME:MK) declares its £7.15 cash offer for the sustainable palm oil producer unconditional.
The mini-revival at temporary power provider APR Energy (APR) continues as it adds a contract extension in Iraq to recent wins in Indonesia and Australia. Shares trade 3.5% higher at 290p and are up 56% year-to-date.
Functional food ingredient developer OptiBiotix (OPTI:AIM) jumps 5.6% 22.5p on the appointment of a commercial director to take its pipeline of products to market. Former Unilever (ULVR) and Pepsico (PEP:NYSE) man Jim Laird gets the job.
Personal injury marketing specialist NAHL (NAH:AIM) gains 5.4% to 249.75p as it announces the £4.3 million capture of Fitzalan partners which does a similar job to it in the conveyancing space. House broker Investec describes the move as 'an excellent transaction, providing technology and access to a complementary market at a sensible price that should be immediately EPS enhancing'.
Suspended Chinese sportswear supplier Naibu Global (NBU:AIM) slips out an alarming update, saying it is unable to provide any picture of its financial position in the absence of information from the executive directors.
