Daily Roundup

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Austco Healthcare Bolsters South Australian Operations

Austco Healthcare is making a strategic move to strengthen its footprint in South Australia through the acquisition of Medical Communications Systems (MCS) for approximately $2.88 million. The deal, expected to close in August 2026, involves an upfront payment of $2.24 million plus a performance-based earnout of $0.64 million. MCS, a certified nurse call reseller, should contribute around $1.88 million in revenue and $0.82 million in EBITDA on a full-year basis, with the acquisition expected to be earnings accretive immediately after completion. The move is designed to strengthen direct sales capability and deepen customer relationships in the region.

CAR Group Delivers Strong Growth and Raises FY27 Guidance

CAR Group wrapped up a solid year with revenue from continuing operations climbing 6% to $1,253 million and profit after tax jumping 14% to $332 million for the year ended 30 June 2026. The company's adjusted net profit rose 8% to $407 million, reflecting resilience across its diverse global marketplace operations. Looking ahead, CAR Group is confident in its trajectory, guiding for FY27 revenue growth of 11-14% in constant currency, with adjusted EBITDA growth of 10-13% and adjusted net profit growth of 9-12%. The company attributes its optimism to strong execution, portfolio diversification, and ongoing investment in AI-led product development and connected vehicle ecosystems.

Kip McGrath Education Centres Navigates Challenging Year

Kip McGrath Education Centres reported mixed results for FY26, with revenue declining 4.3% to $30.1 million, though profit after tax managed a modest 2.1% increase to $2.3 million. The revenue dip stemmed from fewer lessons and unfavourable exchange rate movements, partially offset by a 2.9% increase in average lesson prices. The company has been strategic about its footprint, reducing its centre count by 20 to focus on higher-value operations. Net tangible assets per share climbed to 4.81 cents, and the company paid a final dividend of 0.5 cents per share. During the year, Kip McGrath exited its US operations as part of a broader refocus on core markets and exploring new growth opportunities.

Corporate Travel Management Secures Major UK Defence Contract

Corporate Travel Management has been awarded a new contract by the UK Ministry of Defence to support the Afghan Resettlement Programme, expected to continue until the programme concludes. CTM has served as the exclusive provider since February 2025 and anticipates generating approximately £28 million in total transaction value during the first six months of the contract. It's worth noting that revenue under the deal is volume-dependent rather than fixed, so actual figures could fluctuate based on programme activity.

Lindian Resources Completes SARECO Acquisition and Addresses Media Concerns

Lindian Resources has completed its acquisition of the remaining 49% stake in the SARECO Mixed Rare Earths Carbonate processing facility in Kazakhstan, bringing its ownership to 100%. SARECO stands out as the only constructed and operational MREC facility outside China. The deal, valued at up to US$20 million, is fully funded by Lindian's recent A$100 million capital raise and includes additional land and two commercial facilities totalling approximately 15,500 square metres for future expansion. The company is targeting first processing at SARECO in Q4 2026, aligning with first production at its Kangankunde project.

In a separate announcement, Lindian clarified recent inaccurate media reports about its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi. The company confirmed that its mining licence remains valid and in good standing, with operations within statutory thresholds. Government inspections found no evidence of unauthorised mining, and the project maintains an approved Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. Lindian continues to engage positively with government and stakeholders as it works toward first production in Q4 2026. Trading in Lindian's shares resumed on 10 August 2026 following the clarifications.