Today's corporate news highlighted significant strategic maneuvers and M&A activity, with Earnz proposing an acquisition backed by a £3.50 million placing, and Capricorn Energy evaluating multiple unsolicited takeover offers. PensionBee reported robust full-year 2025 results driven by strong AUA and revenue growth, alongside CleanTech Lithium announcing a "transformational milestone" with its Special Lithium Operating Contract. Director and institutional shareholding activity was also prominent, as Rathbones saw a substantial executive share purchase, Microlise's CEO transferred a majority stake for long-term planning, and Morgan Stanley disclosed a major holding in Central Asia Metals.
Online retirement savings provider PensionBee Group PBEE reported robust full-year results for 2025, with Assets under Administration increasing by 27% year-on-year to £7.4 billion. Group revenue also saw a significant rise of 28% to £42.6 million, supported by a stable revenue margin. The company attributed its strong performance to resilient gross inflows and supportive market conditions, leading to adjusted EBITDA profitability and furthering its global strategic objectives.
Transport management software provider Microlise Group SAAS announced a significant change in its ownership structure. CEO Nadeem Raza transferred his entire 50.05% stake, comprising over 58 million ordinary shares, to The Raza Hamilton Trust for family wealth planning purposes. Although the beneficial ownership has shifted, Raza will retain voting rights as the sole trustee, maintaining his influence over the company's largest shareholding.
Earnz EARN announced its intention to undertake a proposed acquisition, a move poised to expand its strategic footprint. To finance this acquisition, the company simultaneously revealed plans for a placing to raise £3.50 million. Such a combination of strategic expansion and capital fundraising is a material event for investors, indicating significant business development and potential changes to shareholder structure.
Oil and gas exploration company Capricorn Energy CNE confirmed it is in discussions regarding a possible all-cash offer for its entire share capital. The Board has received multiple unsolicited, non-binding proposals from Alamadiyaf al-Masiyyah, a member of the Cafani Group. With the Board evaluating these offers and due diligence access provided, investors will be keenly watching for further developments in this potential takeover bid.
Elementis CFO Kath Kearney-Croft demonstrated significant confidence in the specialty chemicals company by acquiring 32,856 ordinary shares. The transaction, valued at approximately £50,000, was executed at a price of £1.5218 per share. This direct investment by a senior executive often provides a positive signal to the market regarding the company's prospects and underlying value.
Central Asia Metals CAML received a TR-1 notification indicating that Morgan Stanley has acquired a significant stake in the company. Morgan Stanley now holds 5.051606% of the voting rights attached to shares. Crossing the 5% threshold is a material event for investors, as it signifies a substantial institutional investment and could influence market sentiment and share liquidity.
Conduit Holdings CRE announced the passing of Stephen Redmond, a Non-Executive Director, on March 7, 2026. The company's Chairman and Group CEO expressed deep sadness, highlighting Redmond's significant contributions, judgment, and experience to the Board. This unexpected change in directorship is a notable event for the company's governance and leadership.
CleanTech Lithium CTL announced it will host a live webinar to detail a "transformational milestone" concerning its Laguna Verde project. The event will focus on the agreement of terms for the Special Lithium Operating Contract (CEOL). This development signals a significant step forward for the exploration and development company, potentially solidifying its position in the sustainable lithium market in Chile.