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.

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

Aviva PLC have increased their holdings by 18,317,520 to 34,282,876 almost doubling amount previously held. They now hold 6.65% of the company.
Even at a price of 71p (date of purchase) 18 million shares is big money, even allowing for a decent discount.
Not going to mention a possible takeover round the corner, but can't see any other reason as KC appeared to be well out of favor with the market.
Aviva could obviously have just bought at what they consider a bargain price and for no other reason.

From The Hull Daily Mail 26/10.07.

Kingston Communications customers are set to see national call charges double at weekends under a new pricing structure.

From November 1, people will be charged the same for making daytime UK calls on a Saturday and Sunday as they would on a weekday.

The new prices are most likely to hit families catching up with relatives who live in other parts of the country.

From looking at many on line comments, customers are not happy re the changes.

Not wishing to get the rumor mill going again, but I cant help reading between the lines, wondering if KC are attempting to level conditions re possible takeovers.

The KC price structuring has always been at odds to most fixed line providers. Perhaps they feel that if their price structuring becomes more in line with the larger providers, it might make takeovers easier.
I will be watching out for further leveling of charges.
The above is just a personal view.
Comments welcome

Legal and General upping their holdings by 3,562,821. Always nice to see.