ING Bank Śląski takes full control of Goldman Sachs TFI by acquiring remaining 55% stake
Globenewswire· 2025-11-18 06:15
Core Insights - ING Bank Śląski has acquired the remaining 55% stake in Goldman Sachs TFI, bringing its total ownership to 100% [1][4] - The acquisition is part of ING's strategy to enhance its offerings in the investment and retirement markets, responding to the growing affluence and changing needs of Polish customers [2][3] Company Overview - Goldman Sachs TFI serves over 736,000 clients and manages assets worth PLN 48 billion, holding a market share of approximately 12% in Poland's capital market mutual funds [3] - ING Bank Śląski is one of Poland's largest banks, with over five million retail and corporate clients, and reported customer deposits of PLN 230 billion and loans of PLN 177 billion as of September 2025 [5] Transaction Details - The acquisition of the 55% stake was agreed upon for PLN 396 million (approximately €93 million) and is expected to complete in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals [4] - The transaction is anticipated to have a minimal impact on ING Group's CET1 ratio, while reducing ING Bank Śląski's consolidated total capital ratio and Tier 1 ratio by approximately 34 basis points [4]
Amundi and ICG announce long-term strategic and equity partnership
Globenewswire· 2025-11-18 06:00
Core Insights - Amundi and ICG have formed a long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing access to private market strategies for wealth investors, leveraging each other's strengths in investment expertise and distribution capabilities [2][3][8] Company Overview - Amundi is a leading European asset manager with over €2.3 trillion in assets under management, serving 200 million clients globally [16][18] - ICG is a global alternative asset manager with approximately $125 billion in assets under management, focusing on structured capital, private equity secondaries, private debt, credit, and real assets [4][18] Partnership Details - The partnership includes a 10-year agreement where Amundi will be the exclusive global distributor for ICG's evergreen and certain other products in the wealth channel [10] - Amundi plans to acquire a non-dilutive economic interest of up to 9.9% in ICG, reinforcing the strategic nature of the partnership [9][10] - Initial focus will be on developing two European evergreen funds: a private equity secondaries fund and a private debt fund, expected to launch in the first half of 2026 [7][10] Market Opportunities - The collaboration aims to provide over 200 million individual investors access to ICG's high-performing private market strategies, specifically tailored for wealth management and retirement planning [5][8] - Amundi's expertise in structuring investment vehicles will enhance the offerings available to wealth clients, including evergreen funds and blended strategies [6][12] Strategic Goals - The partnership is designed to create significant value for both companies and strengthen their positions in the growing private markets segment [8][12] - Both CEOs emphasized the importance of delivering superior investment performance and the potential for profitable growth through this collaboration [12]
AkzoNobel and Axalta to Combine in All-Stock Merger of Equals, Creating a Premier Global Coatings Company
Globenewswire· 2025-11-18 06:00
Core Insights - Akzo Nobel N.V. and Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. have announced a definitive agreement for an all-stock merger of equals, creating a global coatings company with an enterprise value of approximately $25 billion [1][5] Company Overview - The merger combines two industry leaders with complementary portfolios, enhancing customer service across key markets and increasing value for shareholders and stakeholders [2][10] - The combined company will have a diversified portfolio of leading brands, including approximately 100 well-known brands across various coatings solutions [10] Financial Profile - The combined entity is projected to generate approximately $17 billion in revenues and $1.5 billion in pro forma Adjusted Free Cash Flow, with strong EBITDA margins approaching 20% [3][10] - The merger is expected to yield identified run-rate synergies of approximately $600 million, with 90% of these synergies anticipated to be realized within the first three years post-transaction [3][10] Leadership and Governance - The combined company will have a one-tier Board led by Rakesh Sachdev from Axalta, with Greg Poux-Guillaume from AkzoNobel serving as CEO [7][8] - The Board will consist of 11 directors, including four from each company and three independent members [7] Geographic and Operational Reach - The merger will expand the geographic footprint to over 160 countries, with 173 manufacturing sites and 91 R&D facilities worldwide [10] - The combined company aims to enhance customer-centric innovation by leveraging existing technological capabilities across end markets [10] Transaction Details - Under the agreement, Axalta shareholders will receive 0.6539 shares of AkzoNobel stock for each share of Axalta common stock owned [11] - AkzoNobel will pay a special cash dividend of €2.5 billion minus any regular dividends paid in 2026 prior to completion [12] Timeline and Approvals - The transaction is expected to close in late 2026 to early 2027, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals [13]
NORBIT - Shares of NORBIT ASA trading ex-dividend of NOK 3.00 today
Globenewswire· 2025-11-18 06:00
Core Points - NORBIT ASA will trade ex-dividend of NOK 3.00 per share starting from 18 November 2025, with a record date of 19 November 2025 and expected payment on or about 26 November 2025 [1] Company Overview - NORBIT ASA is a global provider of tailored technology aimed at solving challenges and promoting sustainability through innovative solutions, aligning with its mission to "Explore More" [1] - The company operates in three business segments: Oceans, Connectivity, and Product Innovation & Realization [1] - The Oceans segment focuses on delivering tailored technology solutions to global maritime markets [1] - The Connectivity segment provides wireless solutions for identification, monitoring, and tracking [1] - The Product Innovation & Realization segment offers R&D services, proprietary products, and contract manufacturing to key customers [1] - NORBIT is headquartered in Trondheim, with manufacturing facilities in Europe and North America, employing around 650 people and maintaining a worldwide sales and distribution platform [1]
DNO Continues to Highgrade North Sea Portfolio
Globenewswire· 2025-11-18 06:00
Core Insights - DNO ASA has divested its 7.604 percent stake in the Ekofisk Previously Produced Fields (PPF) project to Orlen Upstream Norway AS while acquiring a 20 percent interest in license PL1135 and a 0.8272 percent interest in the Verdande field [1][2] Group 1: Divestment and Acquisition - The divestment of the Ekofisk PPF project aligns with DNO's strategy to optimize its North Sea portfolio and focus on increasing near-term cash flow with less expenditure [2] - DNO retains its 7.604 percent stake in PL018, which includes producing fields such as Ekofisk, Eldfisk, and Embla, as well as a share in the Tor Unit [3] - The acquisition of additional interests in the Verdande field increases DNO's total interest in the Verdande Unit to 14.8251 percent, which includes a 3.5 percent interest from a recent asset swap with Aker BP [3] Group 2: Future Developments - The Cassio prospect, located north of DNO-operated PL1086, is expected to have an exploration well drilled in late 2026 [4] - The Verdande field is in advanced development and is scheduled to start production later this year [3]
CREDIT AGRICOLE SA: CréditAgricoleS.A. unveils its strategic plan ACT 2028 - A conquering bank, leader in Europe, leader in transitions and leader in new technologies
Globenewswire· 2025-11-18 06:00
Core Viewpoint - Crédit Agricole S.A. has launched its medium-term strategic plan, ACT 2028, aiming to become a leading bank in Europe, focusing on transitions and new technologies while enhancing growth and transformation [2][4]. Financial Targets - The plan targets an average annual revenue growth of over 3.5% from 2024 to 2028, with a net income group share exceeding €8.5 billion by 2028 [6][50]. - The cost/income ratio is aimed to be below 55% by 2028, and a Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE) above 14% is also targeted [6][50]. Customer Growth - Crédit Agricole S.A. aims to reach 60 million customers by the end of 2028, with nearly 60% of revenues generated outside France [4][6]. - The group plans to capture over 8 million new customers in France and expand its customer base in Italy to 6.5 million by 2028 [11][4]. Strategic Objectives - The strategic plan emphasizes five key levers for growth: consolidating retail banking leadership in France, scaling development in Europe, strengthening presence in Asia, seizing opportunities in private markets, and asserting as a key driver of transitions [7][20]. - The group aims to develop a digital savings platform in Europe targeting over €40 billion in assets outside France by 2028 [13]. Transformation Initiatives - Transformation is central to the plan, focusing on operational efficiency, innovation, and risk management [23][31]. - The group plans to invest in AI and data to enhance customer capture and efficiency, aiming to reduce administrative task time by 20% and double the speed of market offers [24][27]. Cohesion and Team Engagement - The plan highlights the importance of team cohesion and engagement, with initiatives to empower employees and promote a culture of trust [33][36]. - By 2028, the group aims for 100% of target skills to be mapped and to have 50% women and 30% international profiles in strategic talent pools [34].
TGS Awarded Reservoir Monitoring and Source Contract Offshore Norway
Globenewswire· 2025-11-18 06:00
Core Insights - TGS has secured a five-year extension of contracts for Permanent Reservoir Monitoring (PRM) and 4D Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) surveys with a major international energy company, lasting until 2030 with options for an additional five years [1][2] Company Overview - TGS is a leading provider of energy data and intelligence, offering advanced technology and solutions across the entire energy value chain, which supports exploration and production of energy resources globally [3] CEO Commentary - The CEO of TGS expressed satisfaction with the contract renewal, highlighting that it ensures continuity in PRM and source business, and emphasizes the high quality and cost-effectiveness of their seismic services [2]
LHV Group results for October 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-11-18 06:00
Core Insights - LHV Group experienced continued growth in business volumes in October, with significant increases in loan portfolios, deposits, and managed funds [1][2][3][4] Group Performance - The consolidated loan portfolio increased by EUR 49 million to EUR 5.28 billion, while deposits rose by EUR 47 million to EUR 7.50 billion [1] - The total volume of funds managed by LHV increased by EUR 38 million to EUR 1.66 billion [1] - LHV Group earned a consolidated net profit of EUR 8.9 million in October, with LHV Pank contributing EUR 9.5 million [2] Customer and Loan Metrics - The number of LHV Pank customers grew by 3,400 to a total of 486,000, with loan volumes increasing by EUR 37 million to EUR 4.61 billion [3] - The loan portfolio for private individuals rose by EUR 26 million, while the corporate loan portfolio increased by EUR 11 million [3] - The quality of the total loan portfolio remains strong despite a drop in deposit volume by EUR 39 million to EUR 6.60 billion [3] UK Operations - LHV Bank in the UK saw loan volumes increase by EUR 13 million, reaching a total loan portfolio of EUR 673 million [4] - Deposits in the UK increased by EUR 76 million to EUR 1.08 billion, with over 400 new clients opening accounts [4] Insurance and Asset Management - LHV Kindlustus concluded new insurance contracts worth EUR 4.1 million, with approximately 293,000 insurance contracts in force [5] - The profitability of insurance remains at a good level, with loss events reimbursed amounting to EUR 2.4 million [5] - LHV Varahaldus saw positive performance in its asset management funds, with returns ranging from 0.7% to 4.6% in October [6] Financial Overview - LHV Group's net income for the year to date is EUR 4.7 million below the financial plan, while the loan portfolio exceeds the plan by EUR 95 million [7] - As of the end of October, the volume of deposits is EUR 98 million above the financial plan [7] Company Profile - LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia, with key subsidiaries including LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited [8] - The group employs over 1,100 people and serves a significant number of clients across its banking and insurance services [8]
[Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR] Roche’s giredestrant becomes the first oral SERD to show superior invasive disease-free survival in early breast cancer
Globenewswire· 2025-11-18 06:00
Core Insights - Roche announced positive phase III results from the lidERA Breast Cancer study, demonstrating that giredestrant significantly improves invasive disease-free survival compared to standard endocrine therapy for early-stage ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer [1][2][8] - Giredestrant is positioned as a potential new standard of care in the adjuvant setting, particularly as ER-positive breast cancer accounts for approximately 70% of cases diagnosed [2][3][4] Study Details - The lidERA study is a phase III, randomized, open-label trial involving over 4,100 patients with medium- or high-risk stage I-III ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer [6][8] - The primary endpoint was invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), with key secondary endpoints including overall survival and safety [7][8] Clinical Implications - Giredestrant was well tolerated, with adverse events aligning with its known safety profile, indicating a favorable treatment option for patients who often face recurrence or treatment interruptions [2][3][4] - The results from lidERA, along with previous studies like evERA, support the efficacy of giredestrant across various treatment settings for ER-positive breast cancer [4][8] Market Context - The need for more effective and better-tolerated treatment options is underscored by the fact that up to a third of patients experience recurrence after adjuvant endocrine therapy [3][12] - Roche's commitment to advancing breast cancer research is evident through its extensive clinical development program for giredestrant, which spans multiple treatment settings [5][10][13]
Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-11-18 06:00
Core Insights - The company has demonstrated strong client demand and investment performance, leading to significant growth in assets under management (AUM) and fee income [3][4][9] Financial Performance - AUM increased to $124.3 billion, representing a 14% year-on-year growth, while fee-earning AUM rose to $83.8 billion, up 12% [8][9] - Management fee income reached £333.6 million, a 16% increase compared to the previous period, with performance fee income rising to £97.6 million [10][41] - Group profit before tax was £351.6 million, a 77% increase year-on-year, with earnings per share rising to 102.8p, up 78% [10][27] Fundraising and Deployment - The company raised $9 billion in the half-year, driven by European IX and European Infrastructure II funds [9][11] - Deployment of funds totaled $6.1 billion, with realisations amounting to $3.9 billion [11] Strategic Partnerships - A long-term strategic partnership with Amundi was announced to enhance the development and distribution of private market products targeted at wealth investors [6][9] Medium-term Guidance - The company aims to raise at least $55 billion in aggregate fundraising between April 2024 and March 2028, with an operating margin target exceeding 54% [12] Business Activity Overview - Structured Capital and Secondaries raised $4.0 billion, while Real Assets raised $3.3 billion, indicating strong fundraising activity across various strategies [11][31] - The effective management fee rate on fee-earning AUM was 0.98%, reflecting a stable fee structure [41] Investment Company Overview - The Investment Company focuses on seeding new strategies and investing alongside established strategies to align interests among shareholders, clients, and employees [47]