iSOFT Group Limited (ASX:ISF) Australia's largest listed health information technology company today announced that Klinikum Saarbrucken will become the fifth early adopter site in Germany for its Lorenzo next-generation solution, as part of a EUR1.08 million (A$1.9 million) deal for a hospital information system.
Sydney, June 19, 2009 AEST (ABN Newswire) - US market closed higher overnight, supported by a series of relatively encouraging economic data. Total US jobless claims dropped for the first time since January. The index of US leading economic indicators rose 1.2 per cent in May and a regional factory gauge climbed more than forecast in June, raising hopes that the worst recession in five decades may soon end.
The Australian shares were lower for a fourth consecutive day as traders continued to sell-off mining stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 0.3 per cent, or 12 points lower, to 3892.1, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 0.4 per cent, or 16.8 points, at 3887.4.
Key Economic Facts and Figures
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) data showed that Australians' credit card balances fell for the first time since records began 14 years ago. Consumers collectively spent A$17.376 billion, or 7.5 per cent less, on their credit cards in April than in the previous month.
RBA's monthly bulletin says the major banks' average net interest margin (NIM) for their Australian operations was nine basis points higher than in the previous half in the half year to March 2009. The NIM currently averages 2.27 per cent, which is a little above the level before the onset of the financial market turbulence in mid 2007.
M&A News
Legend International Holdings said it will increase its cash offer for each North Australian Diamonds (ASX:NAD) share from 1.2 cents to 1.5 cents, lifting the value of the offer from A$23.8 million to nearly A$30 million. North Australian directors have recommended its shareholders take no action on the offer, saying it will review the increased offer and make a recommendation in due course.
YTC Resources (ASX:YTC), 25.75% owned by China's Yunnan Tin Group (SHE:000960), will buy CBH Resources (ASX:CBH) interests in Hera and Nymagee mineral tenements in western New South Wales for A$12 million. CBH said the sale of Hera provided CBH with an immediate financial return. The two companies have formed a strategic partnership to explore new Australian resource opportunities for China.
Important Corporate News
Chinese Government-backed Minmetals launched its new Australian-based company Minerals and Metals Group (MMG) after acquiring most of OZ Minerals' (ASX:OZL) assets for $US1.35 billion. The company said MMG had not decided whether to list on the Australian Securities Exchange.
BC Iron (ASX:BCI), an Australian-based iron ore exploration and mine development company, has agreed to place 8.5 million new shares to institutional and sophisticated investors at A$1.10 per share to raise A$9.4 million. BC Iron will also undertake a non renounceable entitlements issue to eligible shareholders of 11.46 million new shares. The Hong Kong listed Regent Pacific Group (HKG:0575) will be a cornerstone investor to the placement and entitlement issue.
iSOFT Group Limited (ASX:ISF) Australia's largest listed health information technology company today announced that Klinikum Saarbrucken will become the fifth early adopter site in Germany for its Lorenzo next-generation solution, as part of a EUR1.08 million (A$1.9 million) deal for a hospital information system.
Polaris Metals (ASX:POL) has just confirmed the presence of channel iron deposit ("CID") at Caliwinga visually estimated to be up to 25m thick, with assays up to 58.8% Fe, and low in silica, alumina and phosphorus. At Weelumurra, iron deposits were identified with assays up to 64% Fe. An independent specialist interpretation of Landsat imagery in 2008 suggested significant channel iron deposit target potential of 200-250Mt.
Contact
Michelle Liang
Asia Business News Asia Bureau
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
Email: michelle.liang@abnnewswire.net
| ||
|
