Veterinary services consolidator CVS (CVSG:AIM) clips ahead 2.5% to 307.4p as strong half-year figures to December and a positive outlook statement triggers further earnings upgrades. As foreshadowed by Shares, the company has sales momentum at its heels with like-for-like sales up 4.6% in the first half, improving further in the third quarter with the help of mild weather in January and February.
West African gold producer Amara Mining (AMA:AIM) announces plans to raiseup to £22.3 million in a placing and open offer at 17p. The cash will be used to advance exploration on its Yaoure project, further optimise the mine plan for its Baomahun project and for general working capital. Stockbroker Numis reckons the miner could report a loss of up to $54 million at the full-year results due imminently mainly because of asset impairments. The shares dip 2.1% to 16.88p.
XLMedia (XLM:AIM) makes an impressive stockmarket debut, rising 20% to 59p. The company drives traffic to online gambling operators including 888 (888) and William Hill (WMH). It raised $69.5 million to fund acquisitions and IT platform upgrades. We've written about the investment case in the latest issue of Shares - here's the article.
Fire alarm specialist Sprue Aegis (SPRP:ISDX) has renewed its distribution agreement with Jarden, the company behind last year's hostile takeover attempt. Sprue, which is a running Shares Play of the Week, is set to join Aim in May. Westhouse Securities increases its 2015 pre-tax profit forecast by 6.9% to £10.9 million and ups its price target from 175p to 250p. The shares are flat at 194p.
Polish shale gas play 3Legs Resources (3LEG:AIM) firms 4.2% to 25p on a narrowed pre-tax loss of £4.2 million (2012: £6 million) and confirmation it will be sitting on a £17 million cash pile after completing its drill programme in Poland's Baltic basin. The company is partnered by US giant ConoccoPhillips (COP:NYSE).
Schroder Real Estate IT (SREI) falls 3.5% to 51.1p on a £40.2 million placing at 50.2p a share. The proceeds will fund a portfolio-enhancing acquisition spree.
Cancer therapy developer Scancell (SCLP:AIM) improves 3.2% on positive resultsfrom the first human study of its malignant melanoma treatment. An immune response and no adverse effects were recorded from the five metastatic tumour suffers who were tested.
Mobile coupons microcap 2ergo (RGO:AIM) finally gives up and sellsthe business in a £4.5 million deal. That sparks a 41% share price crash to 1.25p. Aim IPO digital consumer hopeful Eagle Eye is the buyer, it plans to join London's junior market next month and is looking for £6 million from investors. Shares told readers to exit 2ergo at 22.9p 18-months ago.
Cloud calls microcap Synety (SNTY:AIM) remains surprisingly stable, down just 5p to 307.5p, after raising £4.5 million via a share placingat 250p, a 20% discount to last night's 312.5p close. That news comes alongside full-year resultsshowing revenues and losses up.
