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Morning news wrap: Centrica, Man Group, Xstrata, Thomas Cook, Daily Mail, ITV

28th Sep 2010, 7:32 am Morning news wrap: Centrica, Man Group, Xstrata, Thomas Cook, Daily Mail, ITV

In the FTSE 100, energy company Centrica (LON:CNA) announced that its British Gas Business division has acquired the assets of the gas and electricity services businesses of Connaught Compliance, the trading division of Connaught Group plc, for £11.2 million.

Hedge fund manager Man Group (LON:EMG) said funds under management are projected to increase from US$39.4 billion at 31 March to US$39.5 billion by 30 September. The company had US$44 billion under management a year ago.

Anglo-Swiss miner Xstrata (LON:XTA) has received Sphere Minerals a written confirmation from the Mauritanian government that the El Aouj Mining Company SA's Exploitation Licence No. C609 is current and valid. that Back in August, Xstrata made an all cash offer for Sphere.

In the FTSE 250, the only pure iron ore producer listed in London, Ferrexpo (LON:FXPO), has secured a new pre-export financing facility for US$350 million. The loan matures at the end of March 2014.

Tour operator Thomas Cook (LON:TCG) said that UK bookings and prices have been relatively stable and trading in its other markets has been in line with or above expectations.

ITV (LON:ITV) has reached agreement with Shamrock Capital Growth Fund II to sell its 50% stake in Screenvision for a cash consideration of US$80 million.

Daily Mail and General Trust (LON:DMGT) said that underlying revenues in the 11 months to the end of August 2010 rose 2% on last year and declined 7% on a reported basis.

Barr A.G. (LON:BAG) released its interim results today, reporting that total turnover versus the comparable period was up 13.9% at £119.2 million.

On AIM, Xcite (LON:XEL) has secured a £20 million equity line from YA Global Master SPV, an investment fund managed by Yorkville Advisors LLC.

KEFI Minerals (LON:KEFI) released its interims, highlighting the exploration progress at its projects in Turkey and Saudi Arabia made during the period.

African Aura Mining (LON:AAAM) provided an update on the drilling campaign at its wholly owned New Liberty gold deposit in western Liberia. The reported intersections included 4.32 g/t (grammes per tonne) gold over 22 metres and 5.17 g/t gold over 8 metres.

Ariana Resources (LON:AAU) released its interims, highlighting the positive economic and environmental scoping studies completed for its  Kiziltepe project in Turkey and the post-period completion of the Red Rabbit JV (joint venture) agreement.

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