A landmark MENA consolidation deal headlined Thursday's pre-open news flow, as Genel Energy moved to acquire Capricorn Energy in a recommended all-cash transaction. Elsewhere, Currys delivered a record profit year and doubled its dividend, Braemar signalled full-year earnings growth as a new chief executive takes the helm, and Ryanair set a new all-time monthly passenger record in June.
Genel Energy acquires Capricorn in MENA consolidation deal
Genel Energy (GENL) has agreed to acquire Capricorn Energy in a recommended cash transaction at $3.75 per share, with an additional $0.99 special dividend payable to Capricorn shareholders. The combination creates a MENA-focused oil and gas producer with pro-forma production of 41,003 barrels per day, establishing a materially larger platform in the region.
Braemar backs full-year profit growth amid CEO handover
Braemar (BMS) said momentum from a strong second half of its last financial year has carried into the new year, with the shipping and energy advisory group backing continued profit growth. The update coincides with the formal start of its incoming chief executive's tenure, marking a leadership transition the board has described as orderly.
Currys posts record profit and doubles annual dividend
Currys (CURY) reported adjusted profit of £191m for the full year, an 18% increase on the prior period and a record for the electronics retailer. The board doubled the annual dividend in recognition of the result, and management described early trading in the new financial year as "very solid," pointing to continued trading momentum heading into the new year.
Ryanair sets all-time monthly passenger record in June
Ryanair carried 21.2m passengers in June, surpassing its previous all-time monthly record set just ten months earlier. The milestone underscores the continued strength of demand across the carrier's European network and extends a run of record-breaking traffic figures for the low-cost operator.
