STOCKS NEWS EUROPE-Earthport up on franchise deal

Shares in Earthport (EPO.L) rise 19.5 percent after the company signs a contract that will get the money-transfer firm a 3.25 million pounds franchise fee from Zink Financial SA for the territories of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Panmure Gordon analyst Mike Allen says the contract is a step in the right direction for Earthport and that it should allow the company to become close to being cash-generative.

"The significant upfront fee clearly shows a strong sign of commitment from Zink for Earthport's exclusivity in its region," says Allen, who has a 'buy' rating on the stock.

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Reuters messaging rm://purwa.naveen.reuters.com@reuters.net