STOCK WATCH

■ SHARES in Africa-focused oil and gas company Bowleven soared after it joined forces with a major European operator at its project off the coast of Cameroon.

The firm, listed on AIM in London, has been in partnership with New Age at the Etinde site. But New Age has agreed to sell its share to Perenco.

Bowleven boss Eli Chahin said it is ‘very positive news’ given Perenco already produces around 100,000 barrels of oil a day in Cameroon. Shares rose 90pc, or 2.25p, to 4.75p.