A sign of the times?...a drop in the FTSE 100 last week of 130 points, together with a 30 point drop in the AIM All Share, was a sound reflection of the news releases for last week- there was news that UK retail sales fell some 1.4 per cent in May (compared to a 1.1 per cent rise in April) and the Greek debt crisis has taken centre stage once again. Early this week, the UK Government announced that public sector net borrowing fell during May, but borrowing for the year to date is still slightly ahead and there looks to be uncertainty around when spending cuts are likely to impact. Looking ahead, the focus on Greece looks set to continue with further bail-out money being sought from the EU and IMF and private investors are falling under pressure to extend their loans.  

Atlantic Coal (LON:ATC) (ATC 35.5p / £125.98m)                   

Atlantic Coal, an open cast coal production and processing company with its primary asset at the Stockton Colliery, Pennsylvania, USA announces the appointment of Barney Corrigan to its management team as Project Development Officer. Mr Corrigan has 30 years experience in the resource industry, specialising in all aspects of minerals and waste planning. He will assist in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and development of coal sites both in the USA and potentially the UK, to increase the Company’s project portfolio, resource base and production profile. He has experience of planning feasibility studies for surface mine sites, the preparation and submission of planning applications and environmental assessments and project management of the whole planning application process.

Blue Star Capital (LON:BLU) (BLU 3.52p / £5.30m)  

The AIM listed investment Company focused on the Homeland Security sector this week announced the acquisition of one of its investee companies, Zimiti Limited, by AIM listed Digital Barriers. The Company’s fully diluted holding in Zimiti of 26 per cent. is valued at £721,000 in its interim accounts to 31 March 2011 and this value will continue to be carried until the various earn out criteria are achieved and recognised. The initial cash consideration to the Company will be approximately £250,000 and this will be used to progress the Company’s investment strategy.   

Corero (LON:CORO) (CORO 36.75p / £17.53m)     

Corero, the provider of…

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