Did anyone spot this one?

OneSource Services received a takeover bid from a US company (ABM Industries). The majority shareholder in OSS is Lord Ashcroft, deputy chariman of the Conservative Party. OSS is based in Belize.

Something fishy here?

One day, Island Oil and Gas will be taken over like this! Perhaps??!

Share price movement of the Mission Marketing Group

Taking a punt on Mission Marketing Group

Stock of the month: BHP Billiton

BHP Billiton is one of the world's largest mining companies, focussing on precious metals which is helping to drive the emerging economy of China.

The blue line, rising dramatically recently, shows BHP Billiton's share price compared with the FTSE100. We bought these shares at 363 pence in September 2003: they are now worth 1390 pence, a gain of 214%.

Island Oil & Gas: one of our more speculative investments

We bought these shares at 104 pence. The share price rose to 135 pence but then fell dramatically over the past year (blue line). The FTSE100 has risen fairly steadily by comparison (purple line).

However, the latest report by the company's financial adviser values the company at twice its current share price of 64 pence!

Download the report (PDF) here

How about investing in De Beers? The Cullinan diamond mine is for sale

(a) We toured the Cullinan diamond mine last week; (b) the workings of the shaft are powered by British motors (Metropolitan Vickers); (c,d) their biggest diamonds are now part of the Crown Jewels.