Tangent Communications – Online Printing Division Expands
London-based Tangent Communications, a digital printing and marketing company, has raised £10m to acquire rival Goodprint. The deal was funded through an equity placing, with management taking 30%. The acquisition follows strong business growth at its printing.com digital printing brand and doubles the size of the printed.com online division. Turnover £21.7m, 250 employees.
Energetix – Product Development Strategy
Energetix, a Chester-based alternative energy group, has raised £1.7m through an open offer to shareholders as part of a new shares placing. It will use the funding to further the commercial development of its energy-saving products.
Fx Capital Group – Business Growth Strategy
Fx Capital Group, a London-based provider of a cloud-based currency conversion and international payments service, is accelerating its expansion plans after securing a £1.2m equity investment from XAnge. Fx Capital plans to expand into international markets and further develop its core service. Turnover £161.48m.
Ainscough – Expanding Green Division
Ainscough, a Wigan-based construction services group, has acquired Newquay-based Windcon Energy Services, which will rebrand as Ainscough Wind Energy Services following the takeover. Ainscough is expanding its green division in response to growing demand for wind power.
Penguin and Random House are to merge
Penguin and Random House are to merge in a 2.4bn deal creating the biggest book publisher in the world. The joint venture will be named Penguin Random House, and Pearson, Penguin's parent company will own 47% while Bertelsmann, which owns Random House, will own 53%. Markus Dohle, current chief executive of Random House, will be the CEO of the new company, while John Makinson, Penguin's current chief executive, will become chairman
William Hill to terminate on-line partnership
London headquartered Bookmaker William Hill is to terminate its online partnership with software group Playtech after four years and is looking to acquire Playtechs 29 per cent in its digital arm. William Hill recorded a 42 per cent rise in profit to 34.8m in the 13 weeks to end of September 2012.
Lamba Welding – Expected Sales Growth, Potential New Roles
North Yorkshire-based Lamba Welding, which manufactures welding machines, has acquired the Microwelder trademark business from Rymer Engineering, to complement its existing product range, open up new business streams, and increase sales.
Ainscough – Positive Outlook
Cornwall-based wind turbine company, Windcon Energy Services, has been acquired by construction business Ainscough. Windcon will be renamed as Ainscough Wind Energy Services following the takeover and will continue to be based in Newquay. The support of Ainscough Crane Hire will allow the merged company to provide a complete package to the wind energy market.
Penny Winter – The UK Knack Groupwww.theukknackgroup.co.uk
