PRESS DIGEST - Financial Times - Feb 21 =7

Shares in Arc International (ARK.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) gained 0.25 pence on Wednesday to 27.25 pence as the microchip designer expressed confidence for 2008, despite an increase in losses for 2007. Losses rose from 1.1 million pounds to 2.5 million pounds, at 1.69 pence of losses per a share. Revenues, however, improved by one million pounds to 14.4 million pounds, with revenues from royalties rising by 44 percent to 4.9 million pounds. In 2007, Arc spent 6.6 million pounds on acquisitions as part of the endeavour to get closer to makers of consumer equipment, which pay more royalties.

ALPHAMERIC IN RED AND OMITS PAY-OUT

Leisure and retail software group Alphameric (ALQQ.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) recorded a decline of nearly a third in revenues to 45.2 million pounds in the year to November 30, with pre-tax profits of 1.6 million pounds turning into a loss of 4.2 million pounds. The company hoped "marked improvement" in its relations with customers would have a positive effect on the numbers for the second half of the current financial year. Turf TV, which Alphameric owns in partnership with 31 of the UK's 59 licensed racecourses, initially faced resistance from bookmakers, but Gala Coral and Ladbrokes (LAD.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) have since signed deals with Turf. Shares lost 1.25 pence to 22 pence.

Prepared for Reuters by Durrants.