Core Points - Sampo plc has conducted a share buyback on 5 December 2025, acquiring a total of 269,012 A shares at an average price of EUR 9.95 per share [1][2] - The share buyback program, announced on 5 November 2025, has a maximum limit of EUR 150 million and is in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation [1] - Following the transactions, Sampo plc now holds a total of 5,348,622 A shares, which represents 0.20% of the total shares outstanding [2] Summary by Sections Share Buyback Details - On 5 December 2025, Sampo plc acquired 269,012 A shares across various markets, with the following breakdown: - 3,400 shares at EUR 9.94 on AQEU - 102,542 shares at EUR 9.95 on CEUX - 29,636 shares at EUR 9.95 on TQEX - 133,434 shares at EUR 9.95 on XHEL [1] Program Announcement - The share buyback program was initiated on 6 November 2025, following the authorization from Sampo's Annual General Meeting held on 23 April 2025 [1] Ownership Post-Transaction - After the buyback, Sampo plc's total ownership of A shares stands at 5,348,622, equating to 0.20% of the total shares [2]

Core Insights - L'Oréal has announced the acquisition of an additional 10% stake in Galderma, increasing its total ownership to 20% [1][2] - The transaction is part of L'Oréal's strategy to strengthen its position in the fast-growing aesthetics market [3][4] - Galderma's board will consider nominating two non-independent board candidates from L'Oréal following the 2026 Annual General Meeting [2] Company Strategy - L'Oréal's increased investment in Galderma reflects its commitment to the aesthetics sector, which is seen as a key adjacency to its core beauty business [3][4] - The partnership aims to enhance scientific collaboration between L'Oréal and Galderma, leveraging their complementary expertise [4] Transaction Details - The acquisition will be executed through an off-market block trade with a consortium led by EQT [5] - The transaction will be funded using L'Oréal's available cash and credit lines, with closing expected by Q1-2026, pending regulatory approvals [6] Company Background - L'Oréal is a leading player in the beauty industry, generating sales of €43.48 billion in 2024 and employing over 90,000 people globally [8] - Galderma is a leader in dermatology, operating in approximately 90 countries and focusing on innovative, science-based products [10]

Core Viewpoint - BNP Paribas Group has sold its 25% stake in AG Insurance to Ageas for EUR 1.9 billion, formalizing a long-term partnership focused on bancassurance operations in Belgium, particularly in digital development and investment management [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership and Stake Sale - The partnership between BNP Paribas and Ageas aims to enhance the bancassurance operations of AG Insurance and BNP Paribas Fortis, focusing on savings, protection, and property & casualty insurance [1]. - Ageas is consolidating its position in the Belgian market by acquiring BNP Paribas Fortis' stake in AG Insurance, which is valued at EUR 1.9 billion [2]. - BNP Paribas Cardif will increase its stake in Ageas from 14.9% to 22.5% through a EUR 1.1 billion capital contribution, strengthening Ageas' growth capacity while maintaining its independence [3]. Group 2: Financial Impact - The transaction is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals, and will result in a net capital gain after tax of EUR 820 million in 2026 [4]. - BNP Paribas Group's net income is projected to increase by EUR 40 million annually following the completion of the transaction [4]. Group 3: Strategic Statements - The CEO of BNP Paribas highlighted the growth potential in the bancassurance business through the partnership with AG Insurance and the new asset management platform [5]. - The CEO of Ageas emphasized that this transaction is a significant milestone in implementing their Elevate27 strategy, allowing for further advancement in Belgian operations [5].

Core Insights - IBA has signed a contract with YAS Healthcare to install a ProteusONE compact proton therapy solution in Dubai, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment in the UAE [1][2][4] - This installation will establish the first operational proton therapy center in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, with patient treatments expected to commence in 2029 [2][4] - The contract includes the latest generation of proton therapy systems and a multi-year operation and maintenance agreement, with the typical price for such a system ranging between €35 million and €45 million [3][4] Company Overview - IBA is recognized as the world leader in particle accelerator technology and the leading provider of proton therapy solutions for cancer treatment [1][6] - The company is based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, and employs approximately 2,100 people globally, holding a B Corporation certification for social and environmental performance [6] - YAS Healthcare, a subsidiary of DAS Holding, is a prominent healthcare provider in Abu Dhabi, established in 2014, focusing on high-quality medical services [7]

Core Insights - Ageas has announced the acquisition of the remaining 25% stake in AG Insurance from BNP Paribas Fortis for EUR 1.9 billion, resulting in Ageas becoming the 100% owner of Belgium's leading insurer [2][4] - This acquisition aligns with Ageas's Elevate27 strategic goals, enhancing its focus on cash-generative activities and raising financial targets, including an increase in holding free cash flow from EUR 2.3 billion to EUR 2.6 billion [3][10] - A long-term relationship agreement has been established with BNP Paribas, allowing them to maintain a significant shareholding while respecting Ageas's autonomy [6][11] Financial Implications - The acquisition is expected to generate a levered return on invested capital (ROIC) of 15 to 16% and strengthen Ageas's capital position [4] - The transaction will be financed through a combination of cash reserves, existing financing facilities, and flexibility in the debt capital market [5] Strategic Partnerships - Ageas and BNP Paribas have reaffirmed their long-standing bancassurance partnership, which will continue for 15 years starting in 2027, enhancing distribution and asset management collaboration [8][9] - BNP Paribas will have the right to nominate a representative to the Ageas Board of Directors, reinforcing their strategic partnership [7]

Core Insights - China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has launched a new route connecting Shanghai, Auckland, and Buenos Aires, marking the first direct flight from Shanghai to a major South American city [1][6] - The inaugural flight carried 282 passengers and set a record as the world's longest one-way commercial flight, reducing travel time from approximately 30 hours to 25 hours [1][6] - The route enhances international service offerings and facilitates trade between China, New Zealand, and Argentina through fifth freedom rights [6] Group 1 - The new route operates with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with flights departing from Shanghai on Mondays and Thursdays, and returning on Tuesdays and Fridays [3] - The aircraft features a "National Museum of China" themed livery, designed in collaboration with the National Museum of China, showcasing motifs inspired by the museum's artifacts [3] - An inaugural ceremony at Shanghai Pudong International Airport included Argentine-themed decor and special beverages and dishes for passengers [5] Group 2 - The route allows for passenger and cargo transfers in Auckland without changing aircraft, enhancing trade opportunities [6] - On the return flight, the aircraft transported 2.1 tonnes of Argentine cherries and 10.5 tonnes of fresh Chilean salmon to China [6] - The route is expected to promote cultural exchanges between the Asia-Pacific and Latin America, creating an "air bridge" across the Pacific Ocean [6]

Core Insights - CLINUVEL PHARMACEUTICALS LTD is significantly expanding its VALLAURIX Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) Centre in Singapore, marking a strategic five-year investment to establish the site as a global hub for advanced peptide formulations [1][11][21] Company Expansion and Strategy - The expansion is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and aims to enhance formulation and analytical sciences, focusing on liquid controlled-release drug products to optimize therapeutic outcomes for patients [2][5] - The VALLAURIX RD&I Centre is dedicated to developing novel pharmaceutical formulations, particularly for CLINUVEL's melanocortins and other therapeutic peptides, with an emphasis on advanced stage programs [3][4] - Since its inception in 2014, the VALLAURIX site has evolved, with the current ISO9001-certified centre opening in 2020 and receiving upgrades in 2022; the new expansion will broaden its capabilities, with full commissioning targeted for FY2028 [4][13] Workforce and Economic Partnership - CLINUVEL plans to gradually increase its specialist headcount in Singapore over the next five years, facilitated by a strengthened partnership with the EDB, which will enhance technical expertise and capabilities [5][6] - The company has made a long-term investment in the VALLAURIX team and facility, leading to advancements in drug delivery systems and optimizing therapeutic dosing [6][9] Future Developments - The expansion will ensure ongoing projects in novel pharmaceutical and PhotoCosmetic formulation continue without disruption, preparing CLINUVEL to translate research into advanced therapies [7][8] - The strategic expansion highlights CLINUVEL's commitment to leveraging Singapore's biotech ecosystem to tackle complex therapeutic challenges and deliver next-generation peptide-based medicines [9][10]

Core Insights - Faraday Future announced the roll-off ceremony for the FX Super One first pre-production vehicles scheduled for December 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its production journey [2][9][16] Group 1: Production Milestones - The company has achieved readiness for the first several pre-production vehicles, with nearly 3,000 parts per vehicle now on site, allowing for the formal launch of production [2][11] - The completion of the Bridge strategy is near, validating the feasibility and strategic value of the closed-loop model across various operational aspects [3][4] - The Hanford factory has entered the FX pre-production phase, creating a synergy among production, industrialization, supply chain, and Bridge systems [4] Group 2: Strategic Plans - The Board has conditionally approved a five-year volume production plan targeting cumulative production and sales of 400,000-500,000 units, contingent on securing necessary financing and partnerships [6][11] - The production framework aims to facilitate scalable deployment of future FX models, enhancing the company's capital position and market expectations [4][6] Group 3: Market Expansion and Impact - The initiative could empower the global expansion of China's automotive supply chain and unlock its value in the U.S. market, which is the highest-value market globally [5] - The project is expected to create jobs and contribute to manufacturing reshoring in the U.S., tapping into a blue-ocean segment [5] Group 4: Investor Engagement - Faraday Future participated in UBS's Global Industrials and Transportation Conference, engaging with institutional investors to provide an overview of its strategy and business progress [7] - The company aims to improve internal synergy and operational efficiency to better communicate its milestones and business vision to stakeholders [12]

Core Insights - Digital Realty has announced new connectivity to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) FastConnect in Singapore, enhancing its offerings in the region [1][2] - The introduction of the Oracle Solution Center in Singapore aims to support customers in designing and validating hybrid and AI architectures [1][5] - This initiative reinforces Singapore's position as a strategic hub for digital infrastructure and AI transformation [1] Connectivity and Performance - The new connectivity will provide low-latency access and improved redundancy for customers in Southeast Asia, facilitating better support for hybrid and AI-enabled workloads [2][3] - OCI offers best-in-class security, consistent high performance, and predictable pricing, enabling enterprises to transition workloads to the cloud efficiently [2] Strategic Partnership - The partnership between Digital Realty and Oracle is focused on enabling enterprises to connect seamlessly to the cloud and scale AI innovations [3] - Digital Realty's global footprint allows customers to easily provision dedicated high-throughput private connections to meet evolving business demands [3][4] Ecosystem Development - Digital Realty participated in the launch of the Oracle AI Centre of Excellence in Singapore, aimed at helping organizations train teams and experiment in secure cloud environments [5] - OCI's network includes over 110 FastConnect global and regional partners, providing customers with dedicated connectivity options to Oracle Cloud Regions [4] Company Overview - Digital Realty operates a global data center platform, PlatformDIGITAL®, which supports a wide range of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions [6] - The company has a footprint of over 300 facilities across more than 25 countries, facilitating access to connected data communities [6]

Core Insights - Ascentage Pharma presented promising results from a Phase Ib/II study of Lisaftoclax in combination with azacitidine for treating myeloid malignancies at the 67th ASH Annual Meeting, highlighting its potential to address unmet medical needs in this area [1][2][5] Company Overview - Ascentage Pharma Group International is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for cancer, with a strong pipeline that includes Lisaftoclax, Olverembatinib, and APG-5918 [12][14] Clinical Study Highlights - The study demonstrated a 31.8% overall response rate (ORR) in patients with venetoclax-resistant myeloid malignancies and an 80% ORR in newly diagnosed high-risk MDS/CMML [6][15] - The safety profile of Lisaftoclax was favorable, with no dose-limiting toxicities reported across all patient cohorts in the study [10][11] Drug Mechanism and Approval Status - Lisaftoclax is an orally administered Bcl-2 selective inhibitor that restores apoptosis in cancer cells and is already approved in China for CLL/SLL patients who have received prior systemic therapy [4][14] - The company is conducting four global registrational Phase III studies for Lisaftoclax in various indications, including CLL/SLL, AML, and MDS [4][16] Future Directions - Ascentage Pharma aims to accelerate clinical programs for Lisaftoclax to provide effective therapies for patients with myeloid malignancies, fulfilling its mission to address unmet clinical needs globally [5][11]