Shares forge ahead2007-04-30 16:53:25

888 added 1.25 to 120.75 - the online gaming group reporting a 34% increase in full year profit. Q1 revenues meanwhile saw a 26% uplift.

The firm, which recently called off talks with Ladbrokes, says it intends launching its new bingo site overseas. And CEO, Gigi Levy, says that far from being a bid target the firm now intends focusing on acquisitions.

HSBC hardened 2.50 to 928 - Europe's biggest bank confirming the sale and leaseback of its London HQ in a £1.1 billion deal.

Under the deal the bank will pay annual rent of £43.5 million p.a. for 20 years with an option to extend for a further 5 years. The building in Canary Wharf will remain HSBC's headquarters.

iSOFT Group put on 2.75 to 41.25 - the healthcare software supplier reporting that talks over refinancing and a possible takeover were taking longer than expected - in part due to the firm's ongoing involvement in the multi-billion pound overhaul of the NHS's computer systems.

Currently under investigation by City watchdog, the FSA, over possible accounting irregularities, the company reported that revenues are likely to be at the upper end of expectations and that its cash position continues to exceed expectations - largely due to a £21 million rebate in H2.

J. Sainsbury gained 4.50 to 573 - CEO, Justin King, telling the BBC that he feels under no pressure at all to split the firm into separate operating and property companies.

King's argument is that most investors have been driving the firm's share price up because of 9 consecutive quarters of growth, coupled with the business continuing to trade very strongly. In other words, not because of any particular desire to have the firm broken up.

Wyatt Group surged 8.50 to 15 - the AIM listed investment company saying it expects to report a significant improvement in trading for the year ended March 31st, compared to the loss making position of previous years.

The principal contribution to this improvement has come from an employment related product marketed by PES Consulting, its tax, legal services and human resource employment services subsidiary.

Meanwhile, Risksmart, which provides on-line fire risk assessment solutions, is expected to show a near break-even result for the period.

The Group says it is now trading profitably and generating cash on a month by month basis.

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2007-04-30 16:53:25 © Moneyextra.com