Equity markets have broadly paused for breath today despite another down leg for the key US treasury yield data. That said, the AIM Index has comparatively outperformed the main board, dropping back just over two points to reach the close at 713.10.
- Hotel Chocolat +161%
- Amte Power +141%
- City Pub Group +37%
- Craven House -18%
- Byotrol -15%
Hotel Chocolat LON:HOTC saw its shares surge on the back of news that a wholly owned subsidiary of Mars had proposed a cash offer of 375p per share for the company. That’s a 170% premium to the closing price yesterday and the company’s directors have endorsed the move.
Amte Power LON:AMTE was in second place We noted earlier in the week that the stock was struggling owing to the fact cash was about to run out but an interim financing solution has now been proposed that keeps the company away from bankruptcy for now. Long term investors remain significantly offside.
City Pub Group LON:CPC was also finding favour today and gets the notable mention off the back of news that PubCo Young’s had tabled an offer for the stock. The cash and equity bid values each share at 145p so today’s gains of 37% to 136p still leaves a bit of room in the tank, but Young’s share price has held up well.
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Craven House LON:CRV was the biggest faller although losses were limited to just 18% and trading was very thin. There’s no news here and the move was well within the spread.
Byotol LON:BYOT slipped 15% by 4.30pm. A trading update released on Tuesday did little to spark interest in the stock with a tight cashflow position being noted. There’s no fresh news out, but selling pressure has been sustained. The move is however within the closing spread.