Fireone a "mini NLR" floated today on AIM looks interesting with plenty of growth possibility..



Embargoed until 0800 2 June 2005

FireOne Group plc
('FireOne' or the 'Company')

First day of dealings on the AIM Market

FireOne, the provider of payment processing services for the online gaming
industry, announces that its entire issued ordinary share capital has today been
admitted to trading on the AIM market of London Stock Exchange plc
('Admission'), under the ticker symbol 'FPA'.

As part of the flotation, Numis Securities Limited placed 10,000,000 ordinary
shares at 241 pence per share (the 'Placing'), raising 24.1 million (before
expenses) in cash for Optimal Group Inc., the parent company, as a selling
shareholder. As at Admission, there are a total of 50,000,000 ordinary shares in
issue with a market capitalisation (at the 241 pence per ordinary share placing
price) of 120.5 million.

Mitch Garber, Executive Chairman of FireOne commented:
'We are very positive about the continued opportunities available to FireOne
within the growing online gaming industry and our admission to AIM, amongst
other respected leisure and gaming companies, is the next logical step in
FireOne's development.'

- Ends -

Enquiries:

FireOne +44 (0) 78 7023 4746
Ben Dalfen, Chief Operating Officer
David Schwartz, Chief Financial Officer

Numis Securities Ltd +44 (0) 20 7776 1500
Jag Mundi / Amer Khan / Andrew Burnett

Weber Shandwick Square Mile +44 (0) 20 7067 0700
Kirsty Raper / Nick Oborne / Susanne Walker

Notes to editors:

FireOne is a provider of payment processing services for the online
gaming industry, providing the operators of online casinos, poker rooms and
sports books (including Sportingbet/Paradise Poker, Casino on Net (
www.888.com
)
and PartyPoker.com) and their customers with a secure, convenient and
cost-effective system to collect, deposit and withdraw funds.

As at 31 March 2005, the business was providing its services to over 300
online gaming operators, representing approximately 1,500 websites.

For the 12 months ended 31 December 2004, the business delivered profit
before tax of US$14.8 million on turnover of US$43.0 million. Unaudited results
for the three months ended 31 March 2005, show profit before tax of US$6.0
million and turnover of US$14.9 million.

Since the mid-1990s, revenues in the online gaming industry have grown
at approximately 35 per cent. per year to exceed US $7 billion in 2004. This
figure represents only 3 per cent. of the total worldwide land-based and
internet gaming market and these revenues are expected to show significant
growth in the next few years.

The Placing shares represent 20 per cent. of the issued share capital of
the Company, with the balance being retained by Optimal Group Inc. ('OGI') and
one of its subsidiaries. OGI is a leading payments and services company, based
in Montreal, Canada; its shares are quoted on NASDAQ (OPMR:NAS). Prior to the
Placing, FireOne was a wholly owned subsidiary of OGI. The Company has not
raised any new funds as the Directors believe that the FireOne is able to
finance its operations from its existing cashflow.

The Directors believe that the Placing and Admission will give FireOne
focus and increased autonomy from OGI; greater profile and status; and greater
prominence in Europe for future growth.

Excellent news from Optimal after hours on NASDAQ.
Fireone appears to be doing very very well.
Mono
;o)

Optimal Group Announces Second Quarter 2005 Results; $8.7 million in Underlying Earnings for the Quarter



MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 8, 2005--Optimal Group Inc. (NASDAQ:OPMR), today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005. All references are to U.S. dollars.

Revenues for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005 were $40.6 million compared to $21.0 million in the second quarter ended June 30, 2004. Underlying earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest were $8.7 million or $0.35 per diluted share for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005 compared to $0.7 million or $0.03 per share for the corresponding period of the prior year. Compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2005, underlying earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest increased by $3.3 million or 61% from $5.4 million to $8.7 million.

Net earnings for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005 were $20.7 million or $0.83 per diluted share, which includes stock-based compensation expense of $2.8 million or $0.11 per diluted share, as well as a gain of $30.6 million or $1.22 per diluted shares on the sale of a 20% interest in FireOne Group plc. The net loss for the comparable year-earlier period was $6.6 million or $0.31 per share, which included stock-based compensation expense of $1.9 million or $0.09 per share.

In furtherance of Optimal's strategy with respect to its hardware maintenance and repair services segment, during the quarter, Optimal disposed of its U.S. field maintenance service operations, the results of which are presented as a loss from discontinued operations of $5.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005. Proceeds from the disposition were not material. This disposition did not have an effect on Optimal's Canadian field maintenance service operations. As well during the quarter, Optimal incurred $0.3 million of restructuring costs pertaining to the hardware repair and maintenance business segment.

Underlying earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest is a non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measure that excludes amortization of intangibles, amortization of property and equipment, inventory write-downs, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring costs, foreign exchange, goodwill impairment, gain on sale of investments, income taxes, non-controlling interest and discontinued operations.

Optimal believes that underlying earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest is useful to investors as a measure of Optimal's earnings because it is an important measure of the Company's growth and performance, and provides a meaningful reflection of underlying trends of its business. A reconciliation of Optimal's underlying earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest is included in Annex A to the Company's interim consolidated financial statements attached below.

Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2005 were $74.7 million compared to $30.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. Underlying earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest were $14.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to a loss of $2.1 million for the corresponding period of the prior year.

Net earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2005 were $20.8 million or $0.84 per diluted share, which includes stock-based compensation expense of $4.7 million or $0.19 per diluted share. The net loss for the comparable period of the prior year was $9.8 million or $0.53 per diluted share, which included stock-based compensation expense of $1.9 million or $0.11 per share.

Optimal's financial results reflect the following significant transactions, which were completed during the second quarter ended June 30, 2005:

-- Optimal acquired a portfolio of merchant processing from
United Bank Card, Inc.; and

-- Through a flotation on the AIM Market of the London Stock
Exchange plc, Optimal sold a 20% interest in FireOne Group.

The sale of the interest in FireOne Group resulted in the recognition during the quarter of a gain of $30.6 million. The non-controlling interest of $0.2 million represents 20% of FireOne Group`s net earnings from June 2, 2005.

Commenting on the announcement, Holden L. Ostrin, Co-Chairman of Optimal, said, "We are very pleased with our second quarter results, the state of our business and our current outlook for the immediate future. Strategically, we successfully executed the acquisition of the merchant processing portfolio from United Bank Card, as well as the flotation of FireOne Group." Mr. Ostrin continued, "We also experienced strong organic growth both within FireOne Group, as well as within the rest of our payments business. We continue to be focused upon executing our strategy of investing in our payments infrastructure while utilizing our superior balance sheet to complete strategic acquisitions."

As at June 30, 2005 cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and settlement assets net of bank indebtedness, customer reserves and security deposits were $107.2 million. Working capital, excluding cash and short-term investments held as reserves and cash held in escrow, as at June 30, 2005 was $65.7 million. Shareholders' equity at quarter end was $206.6 million.

Financial Outlook for the Third Quarter of 2005

The following statements are based on current expectations. These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. These statements do not include the potential impact of any future mergers, acquisitions, divestitures or other business combinations.

For the third quarter of 2005, Optimal anticipates that underlying earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest will be approximately $9.8 million.

HERE ARE THE INTERIMS:

FireOne Group plc
09 August 2005



Embargoed until 0700 9 August 2005

FireOne Group plc
('FireOne' or the 'Company')

FireOne Announces Maiden Interim Results For The Period Ended 30 June 2005

FireOne, the provider of payment processing services for the online gaming
industry, today announces its maiden interim results for the period from its
incorporation on 12 April 2005 to 30 June 2005. On 11 May 2005, FireOne and its
subsidiaries acquired the online gaming processing business from a subsidiary of
Optimal Group Inc. (NASDAQ: OPMR) and therefore the results represent 51 days of
operations from 11 May to 30 June 2005.

To help illustrate the Company's trading performance since the start of the
calendar year, pro forma results have also been provided. These cover the
trading period of the online gaming processing business from 1 January 2005 to
30 June 2005.

On 2 June 2005, FireOne commenced trading on the AIM market of the London Stock
Exchange following the placing by Optimal Group Inc. of 10 million ordinary
shares representing 20% of the issued share capital of the Company. Optimal
Group Inc. holds 40 million ordinary shares in the Company representing 80% of
the issued share capital.

All financial references are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Operational and Financial Highlights

Successful admission to AIM on 2 June 2005 at 241 pence per ordinary
share.

Successful introduction of FirePay wallet guaranteed offering.

License agreement signed with Phantom Fiber to allow consumers to fund
their FirePay wallet from their mobile device.

Payment volume increased (on a pro forma basis):
43% to $543 million in the first half of 2005 (H1 2004: $380 million)
54% to $284 million in the second quarter of 2005 (Q2 2004: $185
million)

Revenue increased (on a pro forma basis):
63% to $32.5 million in the first half of 2005 (H1 2004: $19.9 million)
81% to $17.5 million in the second quarter of 2005 (Q2 2004: $9.7
million)

Transaction processing costs decreased as a percentage of revenues (on a
pro forma basis) to:
42% in the first half of 2005 (H1 2004: 44%)
41% in the second quarter of 2005 (Q2 2004: 43%)

Profit before income taxes, depreciation and stock-based compensation
increased (on a pro forma basis):
111% to $13.3 million in the first half of 2005 (H1 2004: $6.3 million)
119% to $7.2 million in the second quarter of 2005 (Q2 2004: $3.3
million)

Net profit increased (on a pro forma basis):

130% to $8.1 million in the first half of 2005 (H1 2004: $3.5 million)
127% to $4.4 million in the second quarter of 2005 (Q2 2004: $1.9
million)

Commenting on the results, Mitch Garber, Executive Chairman, said:

'FireOne has delivered a strong first half performance and we anticipate further
opportunities resulting from future expansion into new geographical markets and
from the ongoing additions to features and functions of our FirePay wallet
offering.

With the online gaming sector showing rapid growth, and as we enter what is
traditionally a busy part of the year, the Board is confident that we will
continue to make good progress in the second half of the year.'

EXCELLENT PROGRESS.

STILL A STRONG BUY METHINKS (AND SOME OF THE GLOW SHOULD RUB OFF ON NETELLER TOO !!)

Super , supermono , lets hope it does give NLR a lift too..

very good result - just got some.

Nice write up in today's independent.
Onwards and upwards
Mono

Time is right to step on the internet gambling bandwagon with FireOne

Enough already? A company only has to mention internet gambling to send its shares soaring, the equivalent of appending ".com" to their name five years ago. But, while investors must be wary, this is not a market mania in the same vein.
Because companies are making money out of internet gambling. Lots of it.

FireOne's shares have doubled since it floated at 241p nine weeks ago. It shuffles money from gamblers to gaming sites, getting a tenth of its profit from traditional credit card processing, and the rest from its "e-wallet", where gamblers put in cash and online sites take it out. Since online gambling is, technically, illegal in the US, this is a vital service, and FireOne is No 2 to NETeller.

It was carved out of a bigger Canadian payments group, Optimal. Sceptical investors ask: if Optimal thinks this is a business with enormous potential, why sell 20 per cent of it? FireOne says: if they don't, why sell only 20 per cent? The large margins FireOne can command will come down - eventually. The growth in online poker will slow down - eventually. Not yet.

Maiden interim results showed pre-tax profits more than doubled, and FireOne's broker, Numis, thinks it will double again next year. The difference between now and nine weeks ago is that Numis must be right to justify the 486p share price. With growth from the roll-out of broadband and from mobile gaming, we think it will. Speculative buy.

Friday afternoon. Seems to have been very little profit taking in the last couple of days which bodes well for the future.
Hopefully we'll break through 500p next week and then it's onwards to 600p !!!
Have a good weekend all.
Mono

;o)

dude,
nice mention of fireone in the http://www.momentuminvestor.co.uk newsletter
any targets anyone??

Dude

Can you paste the article onto here ?

;o)

I think you will find that it is a couple of months old , they metioned it in june just before the float, and again in july , it's not in this months .

Have you seen the result of NLR? Profit doubled. FPA is in the same business. Although it had a good run since it came to the market, at its present sp it is undervalued. Very soon institutional investors will realize this.

looking at the comparisons-NLR looks better on takings and profits but Fpa might well catch up and sentiment will push it up too. doubt it will go much above 525 though yet maybe next year.

Here's someone who doesn't think it will make 525p any time soon!


RNS Number:8420Q
FireOne Group plc
05 September 2005


5 September 2005
FireOne Group plc
("FireOne" or the "Company")

Directors Dealings

The Company was informed on 1 September 2005 that Shaun Lavelle, a director of
the Company, exercised his right to receive 8,333 ordinary shares of 0.02 each
in the Company ("the Shares") under the Company's Restricted Stock Unit Plan.

The Company was informed on 2 September 2005 that Mr. Lavelle sold 8,333 of the
Shares on 2 September 2005 at 4.78 per share.

Mr. Lavelle holds no shares in the Company following this transaction.

-ENDS-

Huge drop to 430p (11%)...why is that?

Nlr down as well--seems PRTY figures disappointed the market so any excuse to hammer gaming companies!!

Extraordinary treatment of FireOne by the MM's today. At one point it was 398-403p !!!
Now 425-432p

K******

Seems like gaming companies are not all that promising...maybe downtrend from here especially when Partygaming has issue poor profits

Don't agree hlyeo,, PRTY said that growth had slowed ,and then the whole gaming sector gets hammered , i'm surprised it dragged NLR and FPA as far down as it did ...

Slower growth means poorer profit rise...PRTY down by 33% today to 105p

PartyGaming lost some of its recent sparkle after releasing interim results today as it said the rate of growth in the poker market is moderating.

House broker Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein cut its price target to 150p from 210p, noting that its growth outlook now appears to be lower than we initially forecast.

Read my post above ,,i'm more refering to NLR and FPA ..