Nicholas Financial up 9.5% after saying it will explore strategic alternatives

Shares of Nicholas Financial (NICK) are higher in after hours trading after the company said it retained an independent financial advisor to explore strategic alternatives. The company also announced the receipt of an unsolicited indication of interest from a third-party acquirer, adding that the consideration of the proposal, as well as the exploration of alternatives, is in its beginning stages. Nicholas Financial shares, which had been halted ahead of the news, are trading up $1.26, or 9.52%, to $14.50.