Here are three things you need to know in the financial markets this morning from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. Spire Healthcare signs another NHS support deal
Spire Healthcare LON:SPI has this morning announced that along with other private healthcare providers, it has reached an agreement in principal to support NHS England through the current COVID pandemic. The arrangement runs to the end of March and will be similar to a deal agreed in December 2020. This is likely to prove useful for the company, both when it comes to short term capital support and also in the longer term as it will have the potential to lead to higher demand once the impact of this wave of the pandemic is behind us.
#2. Nightcap investors will be raising a glass
Bar operator Nightcap LON:NGHT published a trading update this morning covering the 26 weeks to 26th December. Like for like sales were up by almost a quarter from the same period pre-pandemic, whilst once new bar openings are accounted for, that figure jumped to more than 46%. Stripping out the last two weeks of the reporting period – when “Plan B” Covid measures were in effect – offered an even more upbeat assessment of sales. The company is approaching one year since its IPO, has £9.4m cash at the bank and expects to see further estate expansion in the coming months.
#3. Immupharma notifies over stake
Pioneering drug developer Immupharma LON:IMM has published a TR-1 this morning advising that Alora Pharmaceuticals of Georgia, USA, has seen its stake in the company exceed 3%. The threshold was crossed just before Christmas so was likely triggered by the participation of Alora – a longstanding partner of the business – in December’s placing, which was undertaken at an 80% premium to the share price at the time.
