STOCKS NEWS UK-Sirius up 14 pct on Dakota deal

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09:30GMT 25Jun2009-Sirius Exploration up 14 pct on Dakota deal

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Shares in Sirius Exploration (SXX.L) rise 14 percent as investors digest an announcement late Wednesday that the mining and exploration firm has been granted two options to acquire the remaining 49 percent of Dakota Salts, in which it already holds a 51 percent stake.

Dakota Salts holds mineral leases in excess of 5,000 acres in North Dakota and Sirius says the Dakota project is a key long term asset for its business.

"The announcement, which had been anticipated, has been viewed positively," says one trader. "The retail punters have got wind of it and chased them up although we're starting to see a bit of profit taking as well."

To see Sirius' statement please click on [ID:nCu539085a]

Reuters messaging rm://matthew.scuffham.reuters.com@reuters.net

08:57GMT 25Jun2009-Lavendon up on trading update

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Shares in Lavendon (LVD.L) climb nearly 9 percent, the third biggest riser on the FTSE small cap index .FTSC, after the equipment rental firm's trading update, prompting Panmure Gordon to upgrade to "buy" from "hold", saying the results are better than it anticipated.

Panmure says: "The share price has suggested profits under significant pressure in recent weeks, though that does not look the case on this update."