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WINNERS & LOSERS: Animalcare agrees to bid; Alumasc lowers forecast

16th Apr 2026 12:02

(Alliance News) - The following are the leading risers and fallers among London Main Market small-cap and AIM stocks on Thursday.

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Main Market small-cap winners

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DeFi Development Corp UK PLC, up 42% at 42.50 pence

Georgina Energy PLC, up 16% at 4.10p

Evoke PLC, up 14% at 38.07p

Neo Energy Metals PLC, up 11% at 0.77p

Cab Payments Holdings PLC, up 11% at 96.80p, board backs StoneX's increased proposal

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Main Market small-cap losers

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Bluebird Mining Ventures Ltd, down 22% at 0.10p

Red Capital PLC, down 16% at 23.00p

Zenith Energy Ltd, down 12% at 8.25p, submits environmental impact assessment for Novazza

Mila Resources PLC, down 9.1% at 1.00p, raises GBP600,000; reports Yarrol drilling results

Gem Resources PLC, down 8.3% at 0.27p

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AIM winners

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Animalcare Group PLC, up 35% at 332.50 pence, agrees GBP235 million bid from Charterhouse

Strip Tinning Holdings PLC, up 23% at 24.50p, wins serial order for cell contacting system parts

Mothercare PLC, up 18% at 1.27p

Verici Dx PLC, up 16% at 0.55p, Tutivia testing volumes rise 32% in the first-quarter

Distil PLC, up 14% at 0.04p

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AIM losers

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Quantum Blockchain Technologies PLC, down 24% at 0.36p, set to raise GBP500,000 in placing

Wellnex Life Ltd, down 21% at 5.50p

Mercantile Ports & Logistics Ltd, down 15% at 2.20p

Alumasc Group PLC, down 14% at 222.50p, profit forecasts lowered amid subdued trading

Blue Star Capital PLC, down 11% at 11.75p

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Small-cap and AIM movers in focus:

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Cab Payments Holdings PLC, up 11% at 96.80 pence, 12-month range 39.46p-100.00p. Says it is minded to recommend an increased takeover offer from StoneX Group worth around GBP287 million. The revised proposal is at 110p per share, up from a prior 95p approach, and represents a premium to both the undisturbed share price and the 115 US cents per share offer from Helios, its largest shareholder. Says its independent board would be inclined to recommend the bid if a firm offer is made, while urging Helios to engage constructively with StoneX. Notes there is no certainty a formal offer will materialise, with the proposal subject to due diligence and shareholder support.

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Zenith Energy Ltd, down 12% at 8.25 pence, 12-month range 2.20p-17.50p. The oil company with interests in Italy, Tunisia and the US submits an environmental impact assessment for its Novazza project. Says the approval process is expected to take around six months.

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Alumasc Group PLC, down 14% at 222.50 pence, 12-month range 205.00p-395.00p. Takes a more cautious outlook for 2026, citing subdued construction markets and uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict. Expects underlying pretax profit of around GBP11 million, down from GBP14.2 million in financial 2025, as slower decision-making and delays to large projects weigh on performance. Says third-quarter revenue is 2% ahead of the prior year and the order book at the end of March is 28% higher year-on-year, though overall trading is slightly below expectations. Adds conditions remain challenging across key commercial markets, but highlights continued momentum in order intake and opportunities to drive growth through internal initiatives.

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Animalcare Group PLC, up 35% at 332.50 pence, 12-month range 216.00p-335.00p. Agrees to a GBP235.2 million takeover by Charterhouse Capital Partners. Shareholders will receive 336p per share in cash, with the offer backed by 42% of investors, including major shareholder Harwood Capital. The board says the bid represents an attractive premium and fairly reflects the company’s growth prospects. Adds shareholders may alternatively reinvest proceeds into a new holding vehicle, though the company makes no recommendation on this option.

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Strip Tinning Holdings PLC, up 23% at 24.50 pence, 12-month range 16.00p-30.00p. The Birmingham, England-based provider of connection systems to automotive sector says it is supplying components for a battery pack used in Zoox's US-based robotaxi programme. Highlights the development as a step forward in its electrification strategy, supporting growth in EV and autonomous vehicle markets.

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By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to [email protected]

Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.


Related Shares:

Defi Dev CorpGeorgina EnergyEvoke PlcNeo Energy MetalsCab PaymentsBluebird Mining VenturesZenith EnergyGem Resources PLCMila ResourcesQuantum BlockWellnex LifeMercantile Ports & LogisticsAlumasc GroupAnimalcare GrpBlue StarMothercareStrip TinningDistilVerici Dx
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