RAMSDENS

Ramsdens shareholders voted in favour of the takeover plan by Chess Bidco, a subsidiary of FirstCash, with around 95.6% at the Court Meeting and 95.55% at the general meeting. The Financial Conduct Authority has already approved the change of control; the transaction remains subject to conditions, including approval by the Competition and Markets Authority and court confirmation, expected in the second half of 2026. The parties aim to complete the deal by the end of H2 2026; the long-stop date is 31 December 2026. » More on de.investing.com

Ramsdens has raised its profit forecast for the 2026 financial year to a pre-tax profit of £30–33m after pre-tax profit more than doubled in the first half to £16.7m (+173%). Revenue rose 62% over the six-month period, driven by strong demand for gold purchases and higher jewellery sales; the precious metals division’s gross profit grew 130%. The board increased the regular interim dividend by 33% and approved an extraordinary interim dividend, but warned that geopolitical uncertainties could affect travel and foreign-exchange business. » More on de.investing.com