LONDON: OXB (LSE: OXB), a leading global cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has acquired the remaining 10% stake in its U.S. subsidiary, OXB US LLC, from Q32 Bio, Inc., securing full ownership of the facility. The move, finalized after OXB’s U.S. subsidiary exercised a prearranged call option in March, solidifies…
New deal aims to boost U.S. supply of rare earth materials
LONDON: A British mining company and a U.S.-based refiner are teaming up to help the United States secure a more reliable supply of rare earth elements—critical materials used in electric vehicles, defense tech, and smartphones. Pensana Plc has signed a new partnership agreement with ReElement Technologies and American Resources Corporation. The goal? Build a cleaner,…
Stonewater Funding appoints Jonathan Layzell as new CEO
LONDON: Stonewater Funding Plc has confirmed the appointment of Jonathan Layzell as its new Chief Executive Officer, following Nicholas Harris’s announcement (in April) of his intention to stand down. Mr Layzell has played a key role in shaping Stonewater since its creation, joining its Chief Officer Group in 2016, having previously held various roles with…
Hot Rocks Investments acquires stake in Mendell Helium
LONDON: Hot Rocks Investments Plc announced Tuesday it has subscribed for 7.5 million new ordinary shares in Mendell Helium Plc at 2 pence per share, investing £150,000 ($190,000) as part of Mendell’s £515,000 ($650,000) fundraising round. In addition to the equity stake, Hot Rocks received 7.5 million warrants in Mendell, half exercisable at 4 pence…
Shift4 to acquire Smartpay for NZ $296 million
SYDNEY: Smartpay Holdings Ltd. said Monday it has entered into a scheme implementation agreement to be acquired by U.S.-based Shift4 Payments, LLC for NZ$1.20 per share in cash, valuing the New Zealand payment provider at approximately NZ$296.4 million. The deal, to be executed via a court-approved scheme of arrangement under Part 15 of New Zealand’s…
Jayride launches SaaS platform for ground transportation industry
SYDNEY: Jayride Group Limited (ASX: JAY), a global ground transportation technology company, announced the launch of a new B2B Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed to streamline operations for transport providers. The platform aims to address key industry challenges, including delayed payments, manual processes and fragmented systems. The SaaS offering, branded as “Powered by Jayride,” integrates payment…
Norcros to close Johnson Tiles South Africa
WILMSLOW: Norcros, the U.K. and Ireland’s leading bathroom products company, announced Tuesday that it will cease manufacturing at Johnson Tiles South Africa (JTSA) by the end of the month, following a strategic review of the business. JTSA, part of Norcros’ South African subsidiary Norcros South Africa (Pty) Ltd, will wind down operations after production stops,…
Plus500 secures a new regulatory licence in Canada
LONDON: Plus500, a global multi‐asset fintech group operating proprietary technology-based trading platforms, has obtained a licence from the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (“CIRO”) in the significant and high-growth Canadian market. This achievement marks an important milestone in Plus500’s ongoing strategic efforts to further expand into North America, with the extension of its services into the…
Panther Metals launches bitcoin treasury to finance Pick Lake acquisition in Canada
LONDON: Panther Metals Plc (LSE: PALM) has unveiled a novel financing strategy that blends digital assets with traditional hard commodities, following the successful establishment of a Bitcoin Treasury account and its intention to fund the acquisition of the Pick Lake deposit in Ontario, Canada. The exploration company, focused on critical mineral projects in Canada, confirmed…
European Assets Trust and European Smaller Companies Trust agree to combine
LONDON: European Assets Trust PLC (“EAT”) and The European Smaller Companies Trust PLC (“ESCT”) have agreed to combine in a deal expected to create one of Europe’s largest small-cap investment trusts, with net assets of approximately £780 million. The transaction, structured as a scheme of reconstruction under the U.K. Insolvency Act 1986, will allow EAT…
PHP outbids KKR-led consortium with £1.79 billion deal for healthcare rival Assura
LONDON: Primary Health Properties PLC (“PHP”) and Assura plc (“Assura”) announced Monday a recommended increased takeover offer for Assura, proposing a combination of cash and shares. The deal, structured under Part 28 of the U.K.’s Companies Act 2006, values Assura at approximately £1.79 billion ($2.27 billion). Under the revised terms, Assura shareholders would receive 0.3865 new…
Advent International to acquire Spectris Plc in £3.8 billion deal
LONDON: Spectris plc, a leading precision measurement company, has agreed to a recommended cash acquisition by MI Metron UK Bidco Ltd, an indirect subsidiary of funds managed by Advent International, the firms announced Monday. The deal, valued at approximately £3.8 billion ($4.8 billion), will see Spectris shareholders receive £37.63 per share, comprising £37.35 in cash…