I have started a new thread with a more formal thread title for ease so that everyone gets a chance to get in on this one.

I have copied the last few day's postings from the 'no hobby mags' thread.

If Kelvin MacKenzie is going to make a killing so am I! It's about time I did.


FONTY - 28 Aug 2005 22:33 - 22 of 35
We don't want McKenzie going in through the back door - we want him to make a take over please!
lizard - 29 Aug 2005 09:13 - 23 of 35
only a matter of time imo!- i am sure he has the necessary people around him to make this happen.
FONTY - 30 Aug 2005 08:27 - 24 of 35
I think this is going to be my 2005 Iomart and I am going to enjoy Christmas - fingers crossed anyway. I am surprised this thread is so quiet. But then Kelvin McK has been clever acquiring stock at the most quiet time of year - the week before August Bank Holiday when every man and their dog Spot and kids are in the South of France. Clever stuff.

I spent the weekend with a publisher friend and we went through the mags that HHO have - they have a few which can be really built up and sold for a fortune and the rest are dogs which need to be binned.

We can see what Kelvin is going to do and it is not difficult. HHO's websites are terrible and their subscriptions website is a disgrace - you have to work really hard to part with your money.

Look forward to this and wonder when others will join us Lizard and John50.
belisce6 - 30 Aug 2005 17:00 - 25 of 35
Fonty......i have been trying to work out their market cap, but can't find much on their website.......any idea what it is ?? (post restructure).

I assume that the final part of the current restructuring is the Board changes which are supposed to take effect at end of next month....
WOODIE - 30 Aug 2005 18:05 - 26 of 35
fonty what will you think he will do ,a full take over or a place on the board?
NielsJensen - 30 Aug 2005 18:11 - 27 of 35
Belisce6: I calculate they have around 317,330,979 shares so you can work it out from that.
FONTY - 31 Aug 2005 00:53 - 28 of 35
Woodie - I think he will really develop the lad mag Front and develop some of the prosperous titles - anything to do with boats etc and dump non lucrative titles like Old Steam Engines!

If I was him and I had the opportunity I would take the whole sad affair over completely and make a killing. Get a brilliant team together, marketing team, attractive leggy blonds with brains on board to develop the 'sexy and powerful' mags and hand it over to my friend. He would turn it around in a couple of years and make a few million.

Alternatively, he could try and get a place on the board but let's face it - a man like Kelvin McKenzie - would he really settle for that? If I was him I would want to get rid of the existing board and be the Chairman and create my own Board. I can't see him playing 2nd fiddle - he's not the sort.


FONTY - 31 Aug 2005 09:11 - 29 of 35
B6 - Market Cap is 9 mil - all the best
WOODIE - 31 Aug 2005 10:48 - 30 of 35
fonty what do you think the take out price would be as the last rns has not moved the s/price much.
FONTY - 31 Aug 2005 13:11 - 31 of 35
I wouldn't like to say but I bought in yesterday and I would like to see myself doubling my money at least but wouldn't we all.
FONTY - 31 Aug 2005 16:23 - 32 of 35
17% up from this morning - just made 1K so hope this is just the beginning.
Snip - 31 Aug 2005 16:28 - 33 of 35
I bought this morning on the basis of this chart. The p+f target is so high that it is off my screen


lizard - 31 Aug 2005 19:10 - 34 of 35
didn't they recently reject a 10pps offer?- the company is now better positioned with game win.
ateeq180 - 31 Aug 2005 20:48 - 35 of 35
If thats the case we might hit 5p tomorrow,or not.
Thread List Earlier Posts All Posts

FWIW I think the Large Money you are going to make depends on the sp rising in line with potential BID situation. To turn the mags around will need a lot of effort - and some of the dogs have value - a poor circulation doesn't necessarily mean no profit.
I agree the HHO website is poor and they seem not to want to sell the mags, no "sizzle". But that's really were I came in before. My most recent purchase was at 1.4 pence so keep buying. This one could yet reach 33p when I last sold at a profit. I think this business is ripe for being on-line ie zero distribution/printing costs you read co. news here (don't you?). So why not "How to build a corner cabinet, or "Dye your hair ? With more and more people being on-line, IMHO this is the way forward and HHO can give it a try with little to lose. They had a software package to convert mags to HTML, but I think software technology has overtaken them, like so much else.

Away all day yesterday mist the fun hope today will be the same.

john no rns write up in todays telegraph should see rise at open

The Telegraph
Market report
By Yvette Essen (Filed: 01/09/2005)




Kelvin books more space at ailing publisher Highbury House

Troubled publishing group Highbury House Communications jumped 13pc yesterday as dealers speculated that former Sun newspaper editor Kelvin MacKenzie is looking to increase his holding further.

Mr MacKenzie is currently Highbury's largest shareholder, having amassed a 19.82pc stake in less than a month.

Traders reckon he is keen to return to the media industry, having left radio operator the Wireless Group after losing out to Ulster TV in a bidding war.

Volumes were heavy yesterday with 23m Highbury shares traded, compared with the daily average of nearer 4.5m. There was one large transaction of 2.95m shares at 2.9p, worth just shy of 1pc of the company. The shares rose 0.38p to 3.4p.
all ready up pre-market

let the chart speak

Snip - great we have the chart back.
Hangon - agree - profit depends upon sp rising! The mags that are real 'dogs' may have some value but as far as any publisher or Kelvin is concerned dumping them is the sensible thing to do as they will not make money. Expanding on the ones which will make serious money will be the way to go.

Cheers Woodie bought another 100k at 3.60p

hi lads/dream ON// this company has still got crap management they are useless AND THEY LOST ME ALOT OF MONEY/////

bristlelad

follow the market. You need to get your timing right

I just wrapped up a profit but will buy again later

Bristlelad
Absolutely terrible that's why Kelvin wants to buy it and take it over! Don't be bitter just because you lost money on it - we all lose money on shares.

Up 19% buyers cant get in fast enough

hi FONTY/ WHO SAYS KELVIN WANTS TO BUY//// HE IS ALREADY IN PROFIT all he needs to do now is to SELL IN SMALL LOTS before you lot find OUT////

Gingermagician over on advfn has it on good authority that the 4 million T trade is KM, and there is another large trade to come

The bid has just overtaken the offer!

That was some day

Article in the London Evening Standard, HHO put on 1p or 30% with rummers KM was increasing his stake

increase stake and buy them out- goodnight!

Bristlelad - I pointed that one out to my publisher super guru and he said that Kelvin wouldn't settle for making 400K - he is able to make far more and also he is in the right place and the timing is right for him to get on with a new project. Also geographically Highbury House is very convenient for him.

Anyway I don't particularly care - I am going to put a trailing stop order on it and make money. I am up 43% so will help with all my other losses! Hopefully by the end of the year I will be up enough to buy a Christmas tree.

hi fonty// I WISH YOU WELL BUT BEWARE/

Thank you - This is a very short term one with a trailing stop order!

strange RNS just went out......haha

followed by a T-trade 4.6million shares buy @ 4.63p........hmmmmmm

Thankyou very much HHO, can't see any need for that RNS, has kicked the arse out of the SP. Fortunately, stop loss has meant getting out even. All that seems to have achieved is for Mckenzie to stake build at much lower prices. Must be laughing himself to bits.

Nothing has changed, but look at them all falling over themselves to sell. Totally amazing.

i had the same with alk and now hho- alk has bounced i would expect this to do the same v frustrating as have been watching like a hawk. a total over reaction why the panic?.

Becuase small investors didn't appreciate that nothing had changed Lizard and had completely forgotten why they bought in the first place. It certainly wasn't based on the fundamentals and only on the take over play. From a personal standpoint, I am hugely frustrated as I probably would have taken profits this morning had I been at home. Walked in, just in time to watch my stop barely hit and have had to start again. I think you are right that it will bounce and indeed is in the process of doing so.

pth

the 4.6million share T-trade buy was soon followed by a 1million share T-trade buy (i think) - that's almost 1.7% of market cap.

may close at 4p?- if i had more available funds would have bought more when 3.5 3.6 spread.

Well, if HHO wanted to help Mckenzie snap up the company on the cheap, that RNS has done him a huge favour. What a farce!

pth

was looking at previous news when future plc 10pps share fell through.

Highbury House Communications PLC
02 September 2005


Highbury House Communications PLC
("Highbury" or the "Company")

Re. Share Price Movement

The Board notes the recent press coverage concerning the Company and the
continued upward movement in the Company's share price together with the
continued significant share trading volumes. As a result, the Board feels it is
appropriate to remind existing and potential new shareholders of the financial
position of the Company as documented in the Circular to shareholders dated 31
May 2005 and updated in the announcement released by the Company on 8 August
2005.

a great way to p**s us off for the weekend!

2nd Sept 2005

LONDON (AFX) - Shares in Highbury House Communications PLC lost 15 pct of
their value this afternoon after the troubled consumer magazine publisher
punctured hopes that ex-Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie will launch a takeover bid
for the company, dealers said.
The group, which was forced to sell the majority of its titles earlier this
year after it ran into financial trouble, has enjoyed a meteoric rise on the
stock exchange in recent weeks after it emerged that MacKenzie had built a near
20 pct stake in the company.
From a low of 0.42 pence in early August, shares in the owner of the lads'
magazine Front rallied to 4.40 pence by yesterday evening, fuelled by hopes that
MacKenzie would launch a formal bid for the company.
However, the stock dropped to 0.65 pence to 3.75 pence by 4.10 pm after
Highbury House this afternoon "reminded" investors that its financial position
was exactly the same as it was in early August, when it told the stock exchange
that a painful restructuring programme was still underway.
"What Highbury House is trying to do is introduce a dose of reality and
caution into this story," an insider told AFX News.
"The shares have risen over 60 pct in the last two sessions to over 15 mln
stg, which is in no way justified for a publisher that will probably only book
revenues of 10 mln this year

That was fun sold at 4.30 bought back at 3.60

Panic!!!! and then 8.6m buy after the bell - hmmmm.
Will there be an RNS on Monday? and if it is Mr Mackenzie those who did panic will be very pissed off IF they took a loss on the chin. IF it was KM then the board of HHO did him a big favour. Fun and games with this one for a while?
Question I have, say if KM does launch a takeover, I understand there are large debts, how much are they and could he cope?

Don't know about any fun Andy, picked the wrong day to go and play golf! Doh!!

Pete, would you expect sp to recover on Monday after those large late buys?
Do you think it could be KM and the speculation will return next week?
If so, John50 played a blinder.

dont expect 10p a share bid as what as been put around on other b/b over the last few days.

Andy

Clearly many 'investors' jumped on this particular bandwagon (as did I) in the expectation of a take over at a greater SP than is currently the case. The RNS from HHO was a complete distraction that totally panicked the smaller investors and many would have lost money and will perhaps not risk their hard earned twice. Therefore I think the buying pressure will be somewhat reduced next week and I will be surprised if we see similiar volumes from the small punter. However, the 8.6mil trade was not delayed or protected and indeed does look like a Buy, so it would appear that the game is still on. Generally any completion of a takeover from the initial rumours to the actual completion takes an age and often the SP goes through the mangle in the process. I did not expect this to be a straightforward investment and certainly today lived up to expectations, although I would have preferred it had not happened.

Thankfully, I was able to set my stop just above my purchase price and not lose out. I was expecting some volatility today and the stop was set more as protection rather than any thought it might actually be hit. In the end I lost just two transaction fees. It has certainly taught me to set a limit to lock in profits in future!!

I suppose the plus is that I have bought back in at a lower SP than yesterday, but really should have done what john managed to do. (4 figure profit down the drain in a matter of minutes, funny old game this!).

In summary, the KM business isn't going to go away in a hurry and I still expect to see substantial upside. Will probably be a rocky old ride though. Hope to see a RNS on Monday stating that KM has increased his holding.

DYOR etc

pete

Can't see a 10p bid whilst accumulation at sub 5p is possible BUT and IF (two big words) KM is attempting a take-over at what point would he be able to do so?
If he isn't interested in the business, why buy such a large stake UNLESS he's taking the piss, buy 20m shares for 3p and sell for 4-5p once speculators take it up? If he launches an attempt to buy the company, what will realistic likely take-out price be?
These are the questions that new and potential investors should ask, the RNS today had to happen becuase as far as the board are aware there has been no approach and they are going through a difficult time BUT either someone else got carried away with 8.6m buy or it played right into KM's hands IF it was him.
I know sod all about this, just taking a look as much activity. It looked like some burnt fingers in process or on the way at 4.30pm but that large buy at the end could set things running again with a new benchmark? BUT what do I know?

I think we were both typing at the same time Pete and agreed, either a deep-pocketed PI getting carried away or KM has another 8.6m.

Or perhaps someone else who knows that an offer will be made and is making sure they are on the same bandwagon as everyone else, albeit with a bigger stake? I don't think KM is messing around, but then that is just my opinion. If that buy was KM's, then there will have to be a RNS on Monday, assuming that particular order is filled and off we go again.

pth

What a nightmare day - I had to take my friend to the hospital this afternoon as some bastxrd mugged her and broke her leg and she is six months pregnant for God's sake! The joys of living in Chelsea. Missed all the action! Managed to get out with profit but not as much as this morning - but friends come first of course. But all rather exciting - looks like it will plummet and then spring back but now the difficult bit is to know when to jump back in UGH - I can't bear the suspense!

Well if it plummets I guess the person who just bought 8.6m @4.15p will look pretty stupid? and if it wasn't KM and he does want more shares he won't beleive his luck. PTH, you sure point me towards some volatile stocks to watch.

Secrets making some money out of them Andy. :-)

I shall be making my exit first thing on Monday morning after the announcement as the directors feel the price is too high.


Highbury House Communications PLC
02 September 2005
Highbury House Communications PLC
('Highbury' or the 'Company')

Re. Share Price Movement

The Board notes the recent press coverage concerning the Company and the
continued upward movement in the Company's share price together with the
continued significant share trading volumes. As a result, the Board feels it is
appropriate to remind existing and potential new shareholders of the financial
position of the Company as documented in the Circular to shareholders dated 31
May 2005 and updated in the announcement released by the Company on 8 August
2005.

For further information please contact:

College Hill 020 7457 2020
Tom Baldock/Adrian Duffield

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

Very interesting reading this thread.
Charles, unless you have a clear profit already, don't you think its worth seeing who bought that 8.6m, if it was KM and he thinks its worth 4.15p won't the sp head back there?
Fonty, whats changed for you, a few days ago at a price around 3.3p you advised people that this was a chance for big profits due to a possible take-over, nothings changed other than the current board of directors reminding people of the companies situation and isn't it just that situation and low sp that might bring in KM fresh with 7m from a recent sale?
When you say plummet and bounce, did that happen yesterday and are thinking again on Monday, I suggest depends on that 8.6m buy at the end of day.

Charles, whilst respecting your decision to sell, why did you buy in the first place? Of course the SP is too high, it's a crap company and if you bought on fundamnentals then you should seek medical advice. This is all about what KM is prepared to pay for the company and whilst it won't be 10pps, it will be higher than the current level I think. The RNS has changed nothing except to shake out the easily panicked, no disrespect intended. Hopefully you will have made a profit and good luck to you. This isn't over by a long chalk yet!

pth

charles1952 is on the SEO thread making similar comments......i'm not taking much notice; as he/she seems rather too negative......perhaps with a short lined up on both SEO and HHO

I think HHO is definitely a traders share at the moment, all I know about HHO is that it has been a disaster zone but that someone respected within the media industry and with dosh aplenty seems to either want to place on the board to turn it around OR to take it over and overhaul the company into a profitable one.
If it wasn't for that last decent buy it may well have been further panic on Monday, apart from the fact that KM paid 3p a few weeks ago but with that big buy I expect that even if the panic merchants take it lower at open it will rebound, and if that buy plus others was KM the hare should be running again.
I read he might try to get 30% for a place on the board but others think he would prefer a take-over, I don't know enough to comment but its very interesting.
For what its worth, I reckon this should touch 5-6p during next week IF KM took advantage of the drop to fill his boots again on Friday.

andy if it was km buying on friday you will know by tuesday at the latest as it has to be declered in 2 trading days if no rns then expect downside.

Next week should be very interesting.

jjohn50, are you comfortable with your getting back in at 3.60p?

andy,yes i did not sell all my holding on Friday to buy back in i held on to 100k at 2.80 i will be watching very closely first thing on Monday to see how it goes

been watching other bbs looks no mention in todays papers

Woodie, as you said if KM is buying it will be Monday afternoon or Tuesday before we get RNS, maybe some one else has similar plans to KM

live in hope john would be interesting if another party comes in there might be a white knight or the big buy friday could be directors dealing.

tomorrow 's open is a tough call may see small sell off then bounce?- but us holders will hope for a bounce back to fridays levels- tipped as good value in inv chronicle.

It will be very interesting, funny how an RNS saying nothing new spooked people though and then follows another big buy, 2.5-3.0% of company?
Recent RNS had the same affect on ALK, are companies forced to comment on sp's that rise without news? An RNS on MDW recently caused nervous folk to bale, that was just about retired directors taking options and guess what, MDW recovered and it was a brilliant buying opportunity, the interesting thing with HHO was that there was even more buying when the sp dropped. HMMM. what to do?

lizard it was tipped at a lot lower then now in ic

Yes indeed ho hum oh what to do - just jump in again I think - wait for the dust to settle for the first half hour and go for it. Mind you the late trade of 8 million seems to have brought it all back up!

Good luck everyone. I am setting my alarm.

Probably not the RNS expected, but just added to the cash value of the company.

Highbury House Communications PLC
05 September 2005

Highbury House Communications PLC
('Highbury' or 'the Company')


Disposal of South African contract publishing operations



Further to the Circular to shareholders dated 31 May 2005, Highbury House
Communications PLC today announces the disposal of its South African business,
Highbury Monarch Communications Pty Limited, to Corvest 4 Pty Limited, a
subsidiary of RMB Corvest, for a total cash consideration of Rand 24 million
(approximately 2.06 million).



The business generated a divisional profit before group overhead allocation of
0.8 million in the financial year ended 31 December 2004 and had a net book
value of 1.4 million at 31 July 2005. Although profitable, the South African
contract publishing operation faced very difficult commercial challenges that
the board believes would have begun to erode shareholder value and distract
management from Highbury's core operations.



The transaction is in line with the Board's stated strategy of disposing of
non-core assets and focusing Highbury's operations on its core entertainment
titles. The proceeds will be used in the normal course of business and to reduce
group net indebtedness.

2.06 million not a lot to put in the bank for KM.

however small it is, it still does chip away at their massive debts....

Couldn't resist a nibble at 4.00p this morning as I am intrigued by that massive deal at 4.15 after hours on friday.

;o)

Rumour on advfn, someone elce is building a stake and there in good terms with existing management, so come on KM make your move.

supermono13 - yes i have had another chew too.

John50 - very interesting if it is someone else who bought the 8.5 mil on Friday evening - look forward to finding out who it was.

HHO and Thor Mining - it's going to be an exciting month.

Hold onto your seats.

Toped up with 50k yoo at 9.38 just before the it moved up, what luck

with the 8.5 mill you might never know if it is not declered by tues it was not km,with the regard to the advfn rumeors take it with a pinch of salt ie someone on there last week was saying there would be a bid of 10p he had contacts with top city broker!

I'll leave this one to those brave enough for what could be a very profitable ride.
I have too many doubts about what KM would be prepared to pay for a company riddled with debt, there you go, up 50% tomorrow as KM or two bidders build up stakes!! I am too busy with my job to keep a close eye on this and today was distracted by the performance of JLP which I've patiently held for a while.
Good Luck to folk braver than me, from <3p, nice one, from here ??

andy unless rns tues it wont be up 50%

Insiderboy on advfn, has it on good authority that tomorrow is d-day, he or she is the same person that quoted bid of 10p.

john we will see might be a ramp.

It's always tomorrow - never today! All interesting as it is dropping today - let's see how it goes and good luck to all us brave soldiers on this one.

one thing is clear if no rns today re large buy it was not km

HHO management have had their day and a good thing ill be when they get kicked out. (although some of the new management has not had much of a chance to create any recovery). Without KM and the "bid" situation this tiddler would be belly-up (or pretty close).
However, if they took an on-line view of publishing, their low-circulation mags would benefit greatly IMHO. WHSmith is trying to cut costs and has culled many mag titles - a new CEO at Highbury is unlikely to reverse the economics of this, although he might be tempted to put all effort into a few titles and dump the rest (as suggested here) but I think that is dangerous. HHO has many fewer titles than of late (thanks to Future) but there were titles remaining that are too close to Future's - so they were left out of the deal. HHO does have some good titles I believe, but trying to get any sense out of the current management is difficult. KM may yet create a wirlwind , to the benefit of shareholders.
They have an annual exhibition of world-renoun organised by their Model Engineer title - a respected fortnightly mag devoted to precision engineers who devote too much time to recreating (typically) steam engines of yesteryear. The workmanship is usually breathtaking and sometimes includes miniature models of industrial lathes.
The point is that they CAN do things well, but then wreck the show by having little of interest for the wives and therefore missing a subscription trick. If hubby has just spent 500 on a set of rusty castings, he's unlikely to object in his other half having a Weekly at 35pa and maybe a multi-part workcosting a further 50. Multiply this by the few thousand visitors and the titles fortune would be assured.
It would be easy enough to have a separate Hall where manufacturers of specialist sewing machines, food processors and other things I can't describe would vie for the female Pound.
If I was in charge I'd be looking for synergy, so it would be possible to have maybe four exhibitions each year with cross-selling between them covering a wide geographical area of the UK.
I suspect we may see this as a ground-floor opportunity if KM is willing to give this business a chance at addressing new technology. The sp might visit earlier highs in a couple of years - once income is seen to be positive and rising. All IMHO of course; but recently we've seen Hope alone making a big improvement (from the abys).

Finances need addressing.
Debt- yes I understand it is still quite substantial, even after the cash from the sale is accounted - but DYOR.
- Unfortunately Banks only look at cash and they wanted "theirs" back.
What next? ......If I was KM I'd have an EGM, let folk see new ideas and appointments, along with severe targets for bonuses, based on debt reduction and sp (relative to the non-oil FTSE100, so about 95)........ I would see how investors reacted and tap them for cash.......at maybe half the bouyed-up sp......maybe 1 for every 2......this would get rid of the Bank Distraction and provide enough cash to keep the business going in the short term. From then on, new marketing would be crucial and everyone present at the EGM would become a salesman (woman) with the promise that they get an on-line sub for every five subs they achieve.
Being an electronic publishing (maybe for a few titles at the start), it is easy to create special editions (rather like Director's cut DVD's - the material is just lying about!) - and cross-reference CD ROMS as a bonus if you take more than one publication. Who knows they might do a finance (can I say that?) primer, so folk can get up-to-date insights into World events and technologies.
.........It could be so different to what we see now...........
This was my vision when I bought in 2000, but those hopes were dashed by management "buying turnover" with costly purchases. Rarely does this technique result in shareholder value. Time will tell if KM really is the savior - it would be a significant challenge for him and would earn him a significant position in the Cityhall of fame (etc)...................................obvious I am taking for granted that KM is positioning himself to be the next CEO, (if he is tempted to asset-strip then he'll leave nothing of value and I suspect will find very little that others would want.).
- However, a small voice tells me HHO has a Radio-station interest and KM wants to be back in Radio - let's hope he can enjoy his hobby and allow current subscribers to continue and grow with theirs.

I dont think the vision is get a few thousand to subscribe to housewife mags - we are looking at the multimillion advertising market in specialist magazines - potential huge revenue - not a few classified in Sewing Machine Monthly.
Whoever, if they do, takes this over it will be a major overhaul and a big change.

And the big growth area will be electronic publishing when Kelvin & Chums take over.....

....if that 8.5million buy was KM, a few days ago, it is possible that it was done thru someone else isn't it ?? in which case no RNS would come up as that one buy alone makes up less than 3%........i doubt that KM would be lifting his stake by completing his own private trades.....he'd have someone sorting it out for him......

perhaps he is building a consortium?.

Belisce6 and Lizard - Like the concept of a Consortium - that's more like it than Sewing Machine Monthly!

Highbury House Communications PLC
07 September 2005

Highbury House Communications PLC

('Highbury' or the 'Company')

Board Changes

The Board is pleased to announce that Kelvin MacKenzie has accepted its offer to
join the Board in the role of Executive Chairman. The appointment will commence
immediately.

Simon Neathercoat, the non-executive Chairman of the Company will step down from
the Board with immediate effect and the Board would like to thank him for his
efforts. Simon has been Chairman since August 2004 during which time the
Company has been significantly restructured and its debt burden reduced.

Mark Simpson, currently Chief Executive Officer, will also step down from the
Board in due course but will, in the meantime, assist Kelvin as appropriate in a
handover capacity.

The Board changes announced on 11 August 2005 will not be affected by the
changes announced today, save in respect of Mark Simpson.

Simon Neathercoat commented: 'Whilst I am, on the one hand, disappointed to be
departing before the job is completed, I am nonetheless delighted that Kelvin
has joined the Board to see this through. Kelvin has a terrific track record in
the media industry with broad experience and contacts. I am confident that under
his leadership, Highbury will re-establish a sensible capital structure and
thrive thereafter.'

Kelvin MacKenzie commented: 'The company remains in a fragile state but at its
heart are good titles and core profitability. I am hopeful we can build on this
foundation.'


7 September 2005

Enquiries:

College Hill:

Tom Baldock/Adrian Duffield 020 7457 2020

no consortium....but to get on as Executive Chairman means that he's in there to fix it and make a shit-load of cash !!!!!!!

so its out in the open, no bid for the co lets hope not many got sucked in from the ramping on other boards 10p a share my own opion i can not see this going over 5p for a while.

Your right WOODIE but its now turned into a very good money making share over the next 6 months to a year

john agree over the long term buying now will see good returns

Just back from the magazine rack of W H Smith at Victoria Train Station with my publisher friend looking at Front Magazine and comparing it to Maxim, and all the good male glossies - we can see where it's going to go - loads of advertising revenue to grab and improve quality. Front is crap at the moment but there is a fab market out there to grab.

KM will dumb the rubbish management and he has the people to bring in - Just watch this chap get this up and running - he has the time, enthusiasm and cash to do it.

My target is to really multi bag my money - now a long term 12 month investment for me and sit back and enjoy. Now I know he is Chairman I can relax.

All the best

Quiet on here today. It strikes me that the only reason that the SP rose was due to the possibility that KM would mount a takeover for the company. Now that would not appear to be the case, is there any reason why the SP will maintain its current level. My guess is no, particularly when bearing in mind that the Co is in crap order, they have substantial debts and even if KM can walk on water it will take some time for him to turn things around. I will be very surprised if investors see any return over the next year, never mind six months, particularly those who have bought recently at the higher levels. I don't generally short, but this would appear to be begging for it, unless of course anyone can persuade me otherwise.

In the meantime, good luck to the longer term guys (john, woodie, fonty et al) I think you are gonna need it.

pth

i think the mkt could act positively to a statement confirming km intentions and future direction.

Thanks ptholden thing ill hold and see what develops.

Lizard

You may well be right. However, one thing that has stuck in my mind is exactly how HHO intend to repay their debt. I don't believe that the company is generating sufficient profit to keep the banks happy and apart from selling off more titles the only other option would be to call a rights issue. While this may suit the prospects of the company in the longer term it will destroy shareholder value in the short term, both by the negativity such a course of action creates and the obvious dilution. From a read of the Final Results I am not sure that their bank would be willing to extend additional loan facilities, especially as they have just recovered a chunk of debt following the Future deal.

As I say I am willing to listen to the other side of the arguement and of course KM has a real vested interest in turning the company around. Question is, can he do it and how long will it take?

pth

hi ptholden SPOT ON /Iwould say/

ALL PURCHASERS OF THESE SHARES ARE PAYING AT LEAST 2 FOR A 1 NOTE

MY GUESS IS THAT OPTIONS WILL BE GRANTED WHICH WILL , IN DUE COURSE . SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF SHARE HOLDINGS

Let's mark our diaries guys for this time next year - all the day traders have been selling so sp plummets and will stablise and then over time KM will bring it around. Then let's see if he does it and who will be spitting nails out of us - hope it's not me. What more can we say until then. Happy Investing - I am looking forward to this one - my publisher friend sees no downside on it so topping up when it has steady growth.

i agree with you Fonty,

i spent about 4 hours last night trying to see what the financials would be with all of the disposals stuff taken out......i was coming up with an overall loss of anything up to about 7mill. (versus the end-2004 95mill)......and the debt should be down to about 23mill........with these sort of figures, the debt/equity ratio would also be in a 'normal' region, and it would simply be "game on" in regards to their Game magazine getting in margins that are better than 10%.....
but as a few others have mentioned, it all depends on whether issues are further diluted.....although i would have thought that with the disposals some of the proceeds have been marked for working capital, and they have reconstructed their loans.........so i am not expecting any further share issues for now.
I do remember seeing somewhere thru the multitude of 2005 RNSs a mention that Interim results would be out in September (some time soon ???).

So i am very interested to see what the financials come up looking like; this is what i had; with a 10% margin (although should be closer to 15%) on about 47mill turnover (ie; with the disposals taken out of the 2004 figures)...which gives about 4.7mill. But then there is the remaining intangible asset impairment and amortisation of about 4mill.......any further restructuring costs (1mill).
Then must take away tax ?? (1mill - nominal figure as couldn't really see the basis of the previous years one), Loss on diposals of at least 2.2mill which has already been stated as such, and then the finance charges/interest of anything up to about 3.5mill. So overall I get a figure of -7mill. but if the margin is actually 15%, then the overall loss would be -4.65mill............bearing in mind that the restructuring costs/tax and finance charges could be lower, but the loss on disposals could be higher.

all is pure speculation; but i am hopeful that they will be very close to breakeven for end 2005, and then back into profit by the end-June06 period. DYOR.
(and based on current issued shares - someone mentioned 333mil; for every 1mill of retained profit is 0.3p eps which at 10pe is sp of 3p......so for 2mill profit - sp of 6p and so on.....)

At the end of the day; it all comes down to whether they are able to extract about a 15% profit margin, and keep those finance charges/interest to a low amount.....then we will be seeing profit !!!!!

Fonty

My opinion is one of the short term view. I expect the spike caused by the takeover talk to be reversed as the current fundamentals do not support the current mkt cap, hence a downward turn in the SP. Personally, I would prefer to put my money into something that is showing an increasing value rather than waiting six months / 1 year / 2 years for a possible turnaround. I would imagine that there are a sugnificant number of punters caught by the recent activity who are now hanging on waiting for the best. If there is not a quick turnaround then eventually some will inevitably sell. I may be wrong, but what quick turnaround could there be?

pth

Looks like the selling has started in earnest today, although the MMs seem to have been trying to hold the price steady for some reason??

pth

i have the same view the reason for buoyancy in sp was potential for a takeover- bit worried about these short term but am still holding will follow closely and bail out if selling continues.

Lizard

The hardest lesson I have had to learn with investing in stocks is to accept a loss and either move on or reverse the position. As far as HHO is concerned I was quite happy to ride the SP wirh the takeover talk and try to make a few bob. Initially I called it right (as far as I was concerned) and if I hadn't chosen to play golf on a particular day would have made a very nice profit. That part of the game now seems to be done and dusted with KM installed on the board rather than a complete takeover. I can now see no reason at all to remain bullish and have turned bearish and my short is already in profit. I have had far too many shares in my portfolio which have failed to perform and have had money tied up for no good purpose except to prevent me investing in something else. I can honestly say that the dogs I have got rid of in the last four months have not recovered to the levels at whcih I originally bought, but the cash has performed elsewhere. If you are willing to leave your money in HHO for six months plus (conservative estimate) great (just to get back to where you were) if you are not, then bite the bullet and move on. It's a tough lesson, because we all believe that it will come good, if it's a dog it probably won't!

If you do stay in, I wish you and the rest of the guys good luck.

pth

Don't forget guys you have been allowd to trade this share daily and then go back in on it as a long term trade like I am. Made a quick profit and just ploughed that profit into buying back in and willing to sit on shares that haven't cost me anything. Then you don't have to wait for the share to go back up to get your money back as you have nothing to lose. Of course KM is going to turn this around - he's not going to invest his time, pride and money in a non-starter.

See you guys in a year.

not sure why a complete takeover was necessary.....KM is in as exec-chairman, and he can sort them out from there......

In the Independent today it suggests that KM is already facing some opposition/disagreements, not sure what the details are though !! Could he go for a complete takeover if he gets too much opposition to his ideas ???

i think i may get out of these tomorrow depending on open - may be one for the long term recovery but short term i am not that optimistic- these levels are due to takeover speculation not km joining the board.

Fonty

Pleased you made a good profit and your recent purchase hasn't cost you anything. My arguement would be that you have now possibly locked funds away into a company with poor potential in at least the short term when you could have used that money to generate more profit in another stock. Main thing though is that you are happy with your investment strategy.

Lizard

Hope you made the right call today. Out of interest, barring an unexpected surge, my short is now running a trailing stop loss and am in a no lose situation.

As always good luck to those holding the faith

pth

It may touch 3p today! imho

Why?

All the buys are small investors. Catch a falling knife?

pth

Highbury House Communications PLC
13 September 2005



Highbury House Communications PLC

('Highbury' or the 'Company')



Board Changes



This notice follows the announcement on 7 September 2005 of the appointment of
Kelvin MacKenzie as Executive Chairman to the board of Highbury and contains
certain information required to be disclosed in accordance with Schedule Two
paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules:


Full Name: Kelvin Calder MacKenzie

Age: 58

Current Shareholding in the Company: 62,895,000

Percentage of issued share capital: 19.89

Current Directorships: TalkCo Limited

Past Directorships (in the previous 5 The Wireless Group plc
years):

The Wireless Group Holdings Limited

talkSPORT Limited


Talk Radio UK Limited


TWG Impact Limited


TWG Payments Limited


The Wireless Group (ILRS) Limited


The Wireless Radio Company Limited

Newstalk 105.2 FM Limited

Signal Radio Limited


Radiowave (Blackpool) Limited


Imagine FM Limited


Swansea Sound Limited


Pulse FM Limited


Valley Radio Limited


Independent Radio Group Limited


96.3 QFM Limited


Allied Radio Limited


102.4 Wish FM Limited


Switch Digital (London) Limited


Switchdigital (Scotland) Limited


TWG-EMAP Digital Limited

TWG-EMAP Digital (B&H) Limited

The Digital Radio Group (London) Limited

Soccerbet Limited

Wyke FM Limited

New City Radio Limited

Forever Broadcasting Limited

Grand Central Broadcasting Limited

Wolverhampton Area Radio Limited

Tower 107.4 FM Limited

Forever Broadcasting Digital Radio Limited

Newport FM Limited

Torbay 106.8 FM Limited

Alltalk FM Edinburgh Limited

Alltalk FM Limited

Armada FM Limited

Ashford FM Limited

Norwich 99.9 FM Limited

Alltalk FM Solent Limited

Town & Country Broadcasting Limited

Radio Advertising Bureau Limited

Off The Telly Productions Limited

Wave 105 FM Limited

MLR 87.7 FM Limited


TWG Digital Limited


Flame Radio Limited


City SportsRadio Limited


Radiostore Limited


The Sports Station Limited


Big FM Radio (West Midlands) Limited

White Rose Regional Radio Limited

Therapy Street Limited


Therapy Street.com Limited


Psychic TV Limited


World Interactive Television Limited


Kellypops TV Limited




Save as disclosed in this announcement, Kelvin MacKenzie has confirmed that
there are no further disclosures required pursuant to Schedule Two paragraph (g)
of the AIM Rules.


Contact:
Mark Simpson, CEO 020 7608 6600




This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange



Crikey !!!!

Kelvin's had more directorships that I've had hot dinners !!!

Mono

ptholden
I know where you are coming from but I am relieved that I have locked away my dosh for a 12 month return. As you know you lose on more than you win on and I am relieved to just buy at a very low price and sit back and not be so obsessive on the computer! I know from experience such as Iomart and Atkins that if I had just sat on stocks for the longer term I would have made a ton so trying to do half long term strategy lock in and carry on with the short term excitement. I know KM will do it but patience is not my best virtue however this is too good an opportunity and I have knowledge in the subject this time.

Fonty

Best of luck to you. Quite a good day today for the Bulls, although the majority of the buys looked like smaller investors.This is still being ramped all over the place and inevitably many will be sucked in, for better or worse remains to be seen. From my perspective, I was quite happy to see the 2M sells, although slightly tempered by the 1M late on. When all said and done, it will either go up or down, if it goes up my stop will kick in and I am no worse off and will use the dosh elsewhere. Not a company I would chose to invest in at the moment though, all too volatile after the last month or so.

pth

have not got a postion now closed out last week this could go either way a lot depends on how long positive news takes to come out from the co

I will hold for the moment and see how things go

ptholden

My short term trade at the moment for fireworks is Thor Mining (THR)

thanks fonty, will take a look

With the last of the T traders bailing out today, the price has bounced off the 2p support and looking like a very good play by Friday, when the results should be published. What is really anticipated is the chairmans statement which will accompany the results and reveal Kelvin Mackenzie's strategy.
Looking promising as both a short term and long term investment.

Buyers are back and volume is picking up today.

This is going great guns now, I for one can't wait to see what Kelvin Mackanzie's future plans are.
Exciting times ahead for HHO!

Sorry guys, think ur all barking mad. Good chance the MMs will walk this up between now and Friday, shift some stock at a premium and then come the Results, bang, 20% mark down. It won't matter what KM says, the market will look at the numbers, (which everyone knows are going to be rubbish), and down the SP will go. if it even holds todays SP I will be amazed. If I'm wrong, there will still be plenty of opportunities to buy later, but wouldn't touch this with a barge pole at the moment. Take a look at those other disasters, EVS, YOO, etc etc.
Good luck
pth

pt i agree its only good for a trading play if you can get the timing right pt have you still got your open position on if so you are doing well.what a lot of people forget is this is still down 50 % from the high a month ago if you brought there and still hold, it is not good sitting on a paper loss, some of you that are bullish how long do you think it will take to get back to this price and stay there my guess is it wont be this year.

woodie, closed my short a little premature, so watching from the sidelines now. But, I can't get out of my mind that the only reason this went up in the first place was based on a possible takeover. That seems to have gone now and the market will react to the figures. Just take a look at YOO and MOI as two examples where peeps have got all excited and the SP has been hammered. Talk about potential all you want, but its the numbers that count. Anyway good luck to the current holders, I think you might need some strong nerves. Hope I'm wrong though.

pth

after the results this morning only a brave man will stick with this
Interim Results

RNS Number:0105S
Highbury House Communications PLC
30 September 2005

Highbury House Communications PLC

Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2005


Highbury House, the UK publishing group, today publishes interim results for the
six months to 30 June 2005.


Summary:


* Revenues down 28.6% to #39.6m (2004: #55.5m)

* Revenues on continuing operations down 8.2% to #14.5m (2004: #15.8m)

* Group operating loss (before exceptional items, goodwill amortisation
and impairment) of #2.0 m (2004: profit #4.5 m)

* Operating loss on continuing operations (before exceptional items,
goodwill amortisation and impairment) of #0.8m (2004: profit #0.6m)

* Group loss before tax of #11.8 m (2004: loss #25.7 m)

* Disposal of consumer businesses and titles and US business to Future
plc for net proceeds of #28.7m; Highbury Business, Highbury Local and
certain other assets also divested for net proceeds of #13.7m

* Further rationalisation since the half-year end with disposal of South
African operations for #2.0m, disposal of Real Homes magazine for
#0.5m and closure of certain other titles

* Net debt reduced from #62.6m to #27.3m at 30 June 2005. Total bank
borrowings at 27 September 2005 are #29.5m.

* Kelvin MacKenzie appointed Chairman and Chief Executive; Mike Frey
appointed Chief Operating Officer

* Discussions with Highbury's lenders commenced to reduce bank debt and
restructure balance sheet



Kelvin MacKenzie, Chairman and Chief Executive commented:



"Our number one priority is to reduce bank borrowings and refinance this
Company. To this end, we are involved in detailed constructive talks with the
banks. It has been a very disruptive and testing time for everyone at Highbury,
but this business will now get the strong focus it needs."
they are to long to put all the details on here

should have had the courage of my own convictions and kept that short open :-(

pt it is always wiser after the event, always take a profit and smile do you smile after a loss ?

true woodie, just annoyed with myself, predicted this one spot on and didnt stick to the plan

old adage of not letting profits run

pt theres always another day

hho chief neil mckenzie on bbc 4 at 11.30 pm on 10th oct according to some one on iii thread,lets hope something good about hho is mentioned,what a bad two weeks for this share,lets hope this is the end of the decline.

this has been posted on a diff web site, quite interesting to see the "real worth " of this share. as i am stuck in this share at 2.4p loosing 6kit wasnt ggood reading however mr mckenzie has a bit more of an interest so must have somthing tucked up his sleave(hopfully not just time)................
Based on the interim report it would not be unreasonable to assume HHC is now a business with turnover of approx 30m. Based on the good times a margin on turnover, post tax of about 7% would mean profits of 2.1m. Equity at the moment is worth about 4m with debt of about 28m (ie a ratio of 1:7).

The banks will want a premium to convert and if all the debt were to convert then I wouldn't be surprised if that ratio becomes 1:14. Hence the 315m shares in issue would become 4725m (ignoring the obvious need to swap shares into a higher nominal value).

So, 2.1m each year is going to be shared amongst 4725m shares, making EPS 0.044p per share. On a 12 times multiplier (and I'm being slighty generous) the share is worth 0.5p.

Say shareholders aren't screwed quite so badly and the banks accept 1:10, then the number of shares in issue become 3465m and an EPS of 0.06p and on a 12 times multiplier a share price of 0.7p (which is roughly where we were before McKenzie jumped in).

In order to support a share price of 1.5p per share on a conversion ratio of 1:10 then profits after tax need to rise 4.33m. Not likely in the short term I suspect.

The outcome from this is that I wouldn't be surprised to see Mr McKenzie buying the debt off of the bank (at a discount probably) and converting it into equity at these kind of rates for himself. He was quite happy to drive the price of a worthless share up 5-fold and then having secured enough of a slug of equity to stop the debt being converted without him having a say suddenly stopped buying. There is something happening in the background here that will leave all personal investors nursing wounds on this one. McKenzie has not bought in to see his 20% (ie lots of influence) become 2 or 3% (and possibly an early retirement). And he hasn't paid up to 5 times the going price if he doesn't expect to average down.

This is one to sit out until the details become clear.

All IMHO etc

ateeq180,

so did anything come of it - re; the bbc issue.

No, it was probable recorded before KM became chief of HHO.

hi shares are on the up, does anyone have any news
thanks
Lindos

yes I have some news... I am 30% up... thanks

Katcenka lucky you
im still nursing a loss but hopefully not for long

Lindos

Katcenka lucky you
im still nursing a loss but hopefully not for long

Lindos

monday we will be up another 70% mate... some friends of mine reckon this will hit 10p rather sharpish

bad news its got no chance of 10p this has all been said before by the pump and pump mob did it reach 10p when km was going to bid the answer NO. if anyone is thinking of jumping on the bandwagon make sure you get out at the right time

Katcenka,

Y would this suddenly jump on no positive news. Nothing in the papers t osuggest that it should. As Woodie has warned, anyone ready to jump in on Monday, be very careful, I got my fingers burnt last time, loss of 3K !!

Hit 10p? What a load of bollocks, get back to ramping TFC katcenka.

TFC is def worth a ramp

This is my selection for the "UPS" next week HHO After doing the same last Friday Fri 14 HHO 1.225p Master RSI It seems is moving up with volume after a large drop from 4 .50p. Indicators at oversold

Share	Volume	Chart	News	Various
HHO price 1.625p	Very large volume last Friday about 5 times the usual	Bouncing after droping from 4.50p indicators RSI and Stochastic rising from oversold and MACD just turning	Kelvin MacKenzie after amazing 20% stake got the Chair of the company and now there is hope that will sort out the high debt.	Management is working to refinance existing facilities by Nov 30 and most likely will include debt to equity conversion

That is the chart position at the moment

You hardly ever post here Master RSI. You are getting nervous about this dog you bought on Friday, I take it.

its going to go up 60% today, serious good news coming out

DarthVader

are you a piss taker, well try not to do it on the street

I got some I can not say the same for you

I do not post here very often true, I do have a page for myself somewhere else were posting is frecuent, but I was trying to do you a favour by telling my selection, that is doing proud of myself.

Bean power to you today

master RSI... you post here too mate, why are you not posting on the afdvn board

                Lunch time fun

    Ever Have This Happen To You?

Bluedolphin

With the shares now at 2.15p +0.525p, we can laugh all the way to the bank, not like others

do not give too many clues

DID YOU SEE WHAT WAS IN THE WEEKEND PRESS..

Express
MARKET REPORT: DAT GROUP (rumours it is close to winning a significant
contract), HIGHBURY HOUSE (suggestions new boss Kelvin MacKenzie may be adding
to his 19.9 pct stake)
http://www.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&cb=1129558500&article=12836259

good news out, should see more rises today

whats the good news?
Lindos

Bubble burst with HHO....they have announced today that their new CCO Michael Frey who had been only been there for three weeks has left by mutual consent.

Level 2 looks very dire.

HOT money will start to go in DMR.....the next big PLAY.

sucker's rally, by the looks of it

well be preapred for another suckers rally then

a good recovery, news out tomorrow re why the large stake building over past few days

if he is adding to his stake (for arguments sake), could it simply be in anticipation of a share dilution due to some of the debt being swapped for equity etcetc.....
or would it have no difference if his almost 20% stake was reduced to say about 15% ??

Rumours are Emap are making a bid for HHO check out the adfvn BB's on HHO

it would make sense, tomorrow may reveal all

(a) please re-read posting no 94

(b) suggest the heading for this thread be corrected to:
" a share not for investment - not even for the fool hardy"

looks like we are going to break 2p.. making fanstastic recovery

Hope not - I have just shorted it

Baza

better close your short baza, its about to tick up according to lvl2

Eerrmm you cannot short this stock ????

Mkt Cap too low !!!

sh you can spreadex and ig do a market

Aaah interesting thanks for that Woodie...was not aware at all.

SueH etal - my apologies - misleading post - I did not short it for real - only in the competition - but thanks for the lead on IG Woodie

Baza

Expiry +/- Day
Highbury House Communications, Dec 1.95 2.08 20/12/2005 0.33

copy from spreadex a couple of mints from the time of this post

going to go towards 3p soon

one buy of 1.75 million shares at 2.05, and another for about 1.65 million shares at same price.....late in the afternoon - interesting.....

buying is over awaiting the rns

the reason the buying is over is the newspaper article this morning

where, what, why, when ??

there was nothing in the paper..

Cable & Wireless lifted by Microsoft bid buzz - Rumours of corporate restructuring at Highbury House Communications - Acquisition talk supports Croma Group
taken from todays d express if i write something it is fact.

katcenka when do think this will get to 3p ?as per your early post

in about 6 months woodie... or earlier ;-) suggest you read my posts on the adfvn board

Long Termers out there get excited about this one - I am planning my retirement or rather my next business in the next 3 years. Surprised this thread is so quiet

between GGG, COIL & HHO im planning my long and very friutfull retirement along the same lines as fonty (lets hope we are correct and not another ASR)

HTNRALPH - also bought THR in the hope to treble to then by more HHO to then do Voluntary work Overseas to fund time off work!

HTNRALPH - PS: I like the look of COIL.

its all quite on this thread today thought all the rampers would be saying the share price will go to 5p before xmas?

As a bottom fisher, couldn't resist the double bottom that appeared this morning so have come aboard with a small stake.
sd.

Not quite an all time low after the sell off but now very much bargain basement stuff. I hope Kelvin McK is up to the challenge with the prospect of heavy dilution to secure new funds.
sd.

So what is everyone's thoughts on the Debt for Equity dilution of shares here. At the current price of 0.7p is the dilution already factored in at this price? Should we worry if we buy in now?

Highbury House Communications PLC
12 December 2005


Highbury House Communications plc ('Highbury House' or the 'Group')

Temporary suspension of shares

Highbury House announces that discussions with its lenders concerning a
refinancing of its indebtedness and a related issue of equity have now been
terminated. As a consequence, the Group has requested that dealings in its
shares be temporarily suspended pending clarification of its financial position.

Discussions continue between the Group and its lenders, which continue to be
supportive of the Group, and the future viability of the Group is dependent on
the successful conclusion of these discussions.

A further announcement will be made as soon as practicable.


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

highburywatcher the answer is in the above re your post of 10th dec

i feel the title to this thread should be altered 'an alert to a large loss' it amazes me why people tangle with entities like this.