ANT toasts successful debut on AIM

ANT, the software provider for television set-top boxes, made a successful start to its life on AIM yesterday, its shares rising sharply to close at 187.5p - well above the 126p level at which it placed 8.9 million shares to raise £11.2m.

ANT, the software provider for television set-top boxes, made a successful start to its life on AIM yesterday, its shares rising sharply to close at 187.5p - well above the 126p level at which it placed 8.9 million shares to raise £11.2m.

At the placing price, the company's market value was £30.6m but by the close of trading that had risen to £46m.

The market's excitement was generated by the company's position in so-called internet protocol television, which will supply television programmes over the internet. ANT's software helps to translate internet broadcasts into data suitable for use with television sets and PCs.

Simon Woodward, the company's chief executive, said: "The funds raised and the enhanced profile following the listing will assist us in further developing ANT's leading position in the value chain and means we are well placed to take advantage of the significant growth opportunities in this exciting market."