Today's corporate news revealed a strong emphasis on shareholder returns and strategic growth. BioPharma Credit declared a substantial interim and special dividend, while ME Group International seeks approval for a new share buyback authority. Funding efforts saw Cora Gold launch a retail offer for its West African gold projects, Andrada Mining partner with the EIB for its lithium expansion feasibility study, and Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals clarify details of its recent £2.5 million capital raise for clinical trials. Additionally, board adjustments were prominent, with Schroders appointing a new independent non-executive director and Amigo Holdings announcing a director's departure following a period of stabilization, further bolstered by One Health Group's CEO increasing his stake.
BioPharma Credit BPCR, the specialist life sciences debt investor, has declared an interim dividend of 3.196044 cents per share for the quarter ending 31 December 2025. This payout includes an ordinary dividend of 1.75 cents and a special dividend of 1.446044 cents. The company, which aims to generate long-term shareholder returns through income distributions, typically supplements its 7-cent base annual dividend with special distributions from excess income when appropriate. This declaration reinforces its robust financial position and commitment to rewarding shareholders.
Schroders SDR, a leading global asset management firm, announced that William Lin will join its Board as an independent non-executive Director in May 2026. Lin currently serves as Executive Vice President, Gas and Low Carbon Energy at BP and is a member of BP's Executive Committee. His appointment is expected to bring significant international operating experience, particularly from Asia, and leadership in major transformation programmes to the Schroders board. The company also confirmed the extension of Ian King's non-executive Director tenure until the end of 2026, pending shareholder approval.
West African-focused gold explorer Cora Gold CORA announced a retail offer aiming to raise up to £2 million. This initiative follows recent placements and is intended to provide further capital to advance the company's gold projects. For smaller mining companies, securing funding is critical for ongoing exploration, feasibility studies, and development. This capital raise signals the company's continued efforts to progress its strategic objectives in the region.
Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals HEMO clarified details of its recent fundraising, correcting the number of new ordinary shares issued to 333,333, from the previously stated 313,333 shares, and adjusting the enlarged issued share capital to 6,374,588 shares. The core announcement, which detailed the company securing £2.5 million from private investors, remains unchanged. This significant capital infusion is earmarked to continue its Phase 1 clinical trials, underscoring the ongoing development of its therapeutic pipeline and its financial backing.
Amigo Holdings AMGO announced the immediate departure of Jim McColl from his role as non-executive director. McColl, who also stepped down as Co-Chair of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, stated he joined to help stabilise the business and leaves it in a significantly improved position. His two-year tenure saw the company overcome substantial hurdles, including attracting new equity crucial for its solvency. This board change marks another development for the subprime lender following a period of extensive restructuring and regulatory scrutiny.
One Health Group OHGR, an independent provider of NHS-funded surgical procedures, announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Adam Binns, made a further purchase of 1,113 ordinary shares. The shares were acquired at a price of 224 pence each, bringing Binns' total beneficial interest in the company to approximately 0.1% of the issued share capital. This repeated insider buying is often interpreted by investors as a vote of confidence from management in the company's future prospects and valuation.
Andrada Mining ATM, a tin producer with critical minerals assets in Namibia, announced a Cooperation Agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). This partnership is designed to accelerate the feasibility study for the Uis Lithium Expansion Project, with technical and project development assistance funded by the European Union. The goal is to bring the project to a bankable feasibility level, helping Andrada become a key supplier of lithium for global green-energy supply chains. This collaboration represents a major strategic step for the company in developing its critical minerals portfolio.
ME Group International MEGP has issued a Circular to Shareholders, announcing a General Meeting to seek approval for a proposed share buyback authority and a Rule 9 waiver. The company has been unable to utilise previous buyback authorisations because of the concert party's interest exceeding 30% but remaining below 50% of voting rights. Any increase in the concert party's percentage interest from a buyback would trigger a mandatory offer. This resolution aims to resolve these regulatory constraints, allowing the company more flexibility in capital management.