The Morning news update with Tullow Oil, Marston’s and Gulfsands Petroleum

FTSE 100

Tullow Oil (TLW) – has entered into an agreement to sell its operated and non-operated L12/L15 block interests and non-operated Q4 and Q5 block interests to AU Energy B.V., a subsidiary of Mercuria Energy Group Limited for a consideration of €62.7 million (US$81.1 million). 

WPP (WPP) – holly-owned operating company JWT, has acquired a majority stake of Mídia 123 Serviços de Publicidade Via Internet Ltda., a search engine marketing agency in Brazil.

FTSE 250

International PPL (INPP) – notes the announcement by Angel Trains Limited, of its successful bid to provide 150 new, high quality passenger carriages to Stagecoach South West Trains with a value of approximately £240 million. INPP owns a 4.8% investment in Angel Trains.

Marston’s (MARS) – Carolyn Bradley and Catherine Glickman will join the Board as independent Non-executive Directors with effect from 1 October 2014 and 1 December 2014 respectively. 

Small caps

Gulfsands Petroleum (GPX) – the Tunisian Authorities have now approved the transfer of all of ADX Energy Limited’s remaining interests in the Chorbane permit, onshore Tunisia to a wholly owned subsidiary of Gulfsands. Gulfsands is Operator of the Chorbane permit and legal owner of a 100% interest in the permit.

Iofina (IOF) – announces the appointment of Dr. Thomas M. Becker as President & CEO of the Company effective immediately. Company co-founder Mr. Jeffery Ploen, will return to his role as Non-Executive Director.

Nakama Group (NAK) – since 30th July the trading performance of the group has moved ahead strongly and has seen an encouraging increase in demand for contract and permanent services, both in the UK and internationally.

Applied Graphene (AGM) – overall trading performance of the Group for the year has been broadly in line with the Directors’ expectations with net cash of approximately £8.5 million at the year end date.

EMIS Group (EMIS) – pre-tax profits up by £0.6 million at £12.6 million in the six months to June, dividend up by 15% at 9.2p per share.