Kingston Communications is an established UK communications company. The Group's national business-to-business capabilities encompass the provision of fully integrated and managed network solutions, complemented by the delivery of voice, data and call handling services in the towns and cities served by the Kingston Communications network. This infrastructure comprises twenty-five metropolitan fibre networks and a long distance broadband network, which was initiated for service in May 2001. Kingston's new media activities include the DSL-based interactive television service, KIT, and satellite broadband content, storage and distribution arm, Kingston inmedia. The Group's East Yorkshire network operation has served business and residential customers since 1904.

it is PROBABLY what I would do, or more precisely, what I actually did about a year ago when HCC were in intransigent mood .... It MAY be that there is a predator in the wings, but it is a dangerous if not foolish to invest on such probability

cynic, I invested in KCOM as an investment, a takeover would be as is always a bonus.

in that case, i would prob be inclined to stay put for an arbitrary 4 weeks just to see if anything pops up out of the woodwork ..... if not, i do not see huge upside and reckon i could do better elsewhere

Well know we know who one of the buyers were from the placement.
No doubt the next few days will tell us more.

Cheery note from Bridgewell:

STOCKWATCH Kingston Communications initiated 'overweight' at Bridgewell
AFXU


LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Shares in Kingston Communications PLC were higher in early morning deals after being initiated as 'overweight' at Bridgewell Securities, as the broker highlighted potential takeover interest, dealers said.

At 8.17 am shares in Kingston Communications were 1/2 pence higher at 74-3/4.

In reaction, Bridgewell said it expects strong cash generation in East Yorkshire to continue, and that reasonable execution in Affiniti should also deliver growth and margin expansion.

Bridgewell noted Kingston offers a 9 pct cash flow yield, adding that its prospects do not seem fully factored into the current price.

The broker said the yield, together with the recent disposal of Hull City Councils 30 pct stake, could also re-ignite private equity interest.

A break-up could justify a bid price significantly higher than current levels, said Bridgewell.

tf.TFN-Europe_newsdesk@thomson.com

sounds interesting and makes me a little bit more optomistic

Two more of the buyers have surfaced.
I strongly expect some takeover news soon, even if it is just noise from the press.

The sale of Hull City Councils stake in Kingston Commons is to be bought to the attention of the House of Commons, on a question of lack of clarity.
Don't think it will effect the SP, but interesting all the same.

greekman, where did you find that out, if you don't mind me asking?

Edit: Found the article on BBC news website, thanks for highlighting greekman.

Hope he is going to have a little time left for KCOM!!

Kingston Communications(Hull)PLC
20 June 2007


KINGSTON COMMUNICATIONS (HULL) PLC (KCOM.L)

DISCLOSURE DETAILS FOR CHAIRMAN


Kingston Communications (HULL) PLC ('the Company') today confirms that,
pursuant to paragraphs 9.6.14 and 9.6.13 (1) of the Listing Rules, its Chairman,
Mr Michael Abrahams CBE DL, has been appointed as the Non-Executive Chairman of
the Board of Directors of Ferrexpo PLC.

Mr Abrahams is also Chairman of both the London Clinic and Amteus PLC.


ENDS

Iron Ore mining...converged networks, so much in common. Hi opto, I think I'll avoid the other place for a while, too.

Hi RCT, much better order over here :-) Didn't realise it was iron ore. His experience gained at KCOM should be immesurably useful to them.....err, I think.

A company has just won a contract for a 361m hospitals project in North Staffordshire. The 37 year concession also includes a Managed Equipment Service for the provision of medical equipment, including PACS, provided by Siemens Medical Solutions and voice and data services, to be provided by Affiniti, a Kingston Communications business.

On its own will not make much difference to the company (Kingston) but always nice when a gained contract attracts news.

A decent 1,000,000 plus buy after hours.

CSR was a much better buy, though granted not the same sector!

Kingston Communications Plc jumped 1.75 pence, or 2.4 percent, to 76 after Cazenove raised its recommendation on the U.K. telephone company to outperform, from in-line.'

The implied operating free cashflow yield of 8.4 percent would still look attractive in the context of growing private equity and infrastructure focused investments,'' the brokerage wrote in a research note.

Looks like the market does not like the warning from KC re the statement, "The recent turbulence in financial services has created some uncertainty going forward, and its focus in the second half will be on maintaining tight operational control across the business". And who can blame them, although I think the sp drop is well over done.

glad (interested would be less provocative) to see my warnings back in the spring that KCOM was a poor choice of investment have been proven right

So nice to hear that cynic, I am sure many will be pleased to read your comment.

i don't post to please