The Morning News Update with easyJet, Serco and Avanti Communications

FTSE 100

easyJet (EZJ) – passenger numbers up 10.1% at 6,098,364 in June, load factor up 2.1 percentage points at 92%.

William Hill (WMH) – announces the appointment of James Henderson as Chief Executive Officer, effective from 1 August 2014. He is appointed to the Board as CEO Designate with immediate effect.

Rolls Royce (RR.) – Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza (Safran) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an exclusive long term joint venture for the development of accessory drive train transmission systems.

FTSE 250

Serco (SRP)/Stagecoach (SGC) – have both been unsuccessful in their bid for the franchise to manage, operate and maintain the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).  The current franchise, which was due to end on 14 September, has been extended to Serco until 7 December 2014, at which point the service will transfer to the new franchisee, French firm Keolis.

Small caps

Avanti Communications (AVN) – has announced a significant contract win with European telco, StarDSL AG. The multi-million dollar, multi-year contract will bring StarDSL AG’s service to over twenty countries across Europe and the Middle East. 

Staffline (STAF) – reconfirms that current trading remains positive and earnings for the six months ended 30 June 2014 are in line with market expectations.

Randall & Quilter (RQIH) – announces the signing of the merger agreement between a subsidiary of Randall & Quilter America Holdings Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary and Accredited Holding Corporation.

Synairgen (SNG) – plans to raise £5.3 million at 50p per share.

North River Resources (NRRP) – signs a Binding Investment Agreement signed with Greenstone Resources LP, a long term strategic investor, for $12.0 million of equity funding.