Company News In Brief

Cantab Pharmaceuticals, the therapeutic immunology company, reported a half-time net loss of pounds 1.8m against pounds 1.2m losses. Revenues slipped from pounds 618,000 to pounds 424,000 while operating expenses increased by 35 per cent to pounds 2.7m on higher research and development spending.

Irish Life, Ireland's largest insurance company, suffered a 37 per cent fall in new UK business in the first half. Recurring premium sales in Ireland grew by 11 per cent to IR pounds 28.8m and single premium sales by 6 per cent to IR pounds 64.5m.

Kalon Group, the paints, building chemicals and materials company, lifted pre-tax profits 15 per cent from pounds 8.7m to pounds 10m in the half-year to 2 July. The dividend rose from 1.3p to 1.5p.

TT Group, the electronics, packaging and building products company, said it now spoke for 32.76 per cent of the power generator manufacturer Dale Electric International, representing 7.48 million Dale shares. TT is offering 70.25p a share cash for Dale in an agreed bid worth pounds 16m.

Robert H Lowe, the printing, packaging, sports and leisurewear manufacturer, which raised pounds 3m in July through a placing and open offer, reported first half pre- tax profits of pounds 305,000 against a pounds 1.28m loss last time. Turnover rose 37 per cent to pounds 5.6m.

Angerstein Underwriting Trust, one of Lloyd's of London's 12 corporate capital vehicles, reported net revenue after tax of pounds 819,000 in its accounting period, from 17 September 1993 to 31 May. Earnings per share were 1.21p, the dividend 1.20p and net asset value per share 90.28p.