Gulf starts at Sheikh Adi-2 25/05/2012
Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.
Canadian investment bank Canaccord Financial (CF.) has confirmed it is talking to broker Evolution (EV), already a target for South Africa's Investec. Based in Vancouver and quoted on AIM, Canaccord says its potential interest in making an offer for fully-listed Evolution is subject to several pre-conditions, including unanimous support from Evolution's chief executive Alex Snow and his fellow directors, though it reserves the right to waive these pre-conditions.
Investec's bid approach provoked speculation the South African group would split Evolution's wealth management side, seen as its principal attraction, from other parts of the business. Yesterday, Evolution's finance director, Andrew Westenberger, resigned in a move that raised City eyebrows and appeared to confirm rumours of internal dissent.
Canaccord, an entrepreneurial group which has strengths in natural resources and other fields and is valued at £700.6 million after a 30 per cent share price fall from its year's high to £7, has issued the usual reminder that there is no certainty the present talks will lead to a bid. But that has not stopped Evolution's shares bouncing 8.5p this morning to 91p, where they value the broker at £212 million, and retain some speculative appeal after rising 47 per cent from their 12-month low.
Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arenaClick here
Advertisement
Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena. Sign up NOW!
This unique study analyses the shareholdings of companies listed on AIM, extracting trends including rankings of the value and number of their investments.
Please click here to order your copy of the report or call 0207 250 7056.
Informative features and research on fast-growing companies, small-cap and growth stocks, penny shares, stock market tips and share recommendations, directors' dealings, company news and analysis, new issues and upcoming IPOs.
If you're interested in business tax updates visit our specialist tax guide website.
Daily coverage of small-cap company stocks on London's junior markets AIM and PLUS, breaking news, stock research and latest share price information for investors. Full sector coverage with all the latest news on smaller listed companies, updated several times a day with financial reports, trading statements and links to further web resources.
Advertisement
Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.
Oil giant Shell is extending its offer period for Mozambique-focused Cove Energy (COV) after having its bid trumped by Thai government-owned PTT Exploration & Production.
Kazakhstan-focused Roxi Petroleum (RXP) has declared that its NK7 well in the Galaz aea has drilled to a depth of 1,360 metres.
Steered by sector veteran Algy Cluff, North-Sea focused cash shell Cluff Natural Resources (CNR) has joined AIM.
Somalia-focused oil explorer Red Emperor Resources (RMP) has exercised its option to take part in the drilling of the Shabeel North well.
Oil concern Heritage Oil (HOIL) has reported its Miran West-3 well in Iraq could deliver 1,000 barrels per day of condensate.