BNP PARIBAS: BUILDING THE EUROPEAN CO-LEADER IN FULL-SERVICE VEHICLE LEASING EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN ARVAL AND MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP FOR THE ACQUISITION OF ATHLON
Globenewswire· 2025-12-18 07:01
Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Athlon by Arval is set to create a leading entity in full-service vehicle leasing in Europe, enhancing Arval's market position and operational efficiency [1][2]. Group 1: Market Position and Growth - Arval currently manages a fleet of 1.9 million vehicles under full-service leasing, with an average annual growth of over 100,000 units in the past three years [1]. - The combined fleet with Athlon would reach approximately 2.3 million vehicles, positioning Arval as the European co-leader, closely following the current leader with 2.6 million vehicles [1][2]. Group 2: Financial Impact - The integration is expected to generate significant cost synergies and improve overall efficiency [2]. - The anticipated return on invested capital (ROIC) from the transaction is projected to be 18%, contributing nearly 200 million euros to the Group's net income per share by year three [2]. Group 3: Strategic Alignment - This acquisition aligns with BNP Paribas' strategy to enhance profitability through targeted growth in profitable platforms within growth markets [3]. - The CET1 impact of the transaction is estimated at close to -13 basis points, which is already factored into the Group's capital trajectory aiming for a CET1 ratio of 13% by the end of 2027 [3]. Group 4: Transaction Process - The acquisition of 100% of Athlon is expected to be completed in 2026, pending necessary approvals and consultations with employee representative bodies [4].
EssilorLuxottica and Burberry announce licensing partnership renewal
Globenewswire· 2025-12-18 07:00
Core Viewpoint - EssilorLuxottica and Burberry have renewed their licensing agreement for eyewear, extending the partnership until December 31, 2035, which highlights the strength and longevity of their collaboration since 2006 [2][3]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The existing licensing agreement, which was set to expire on December 31, 2025, has been extended for an additional ten years [2]. - This renewal emphasizes a shared legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation between EssilorLuxottica and Burberry [3]. Group 2: Leadership Comments - Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica, expressed excitement about deepening the collaboration with Burberry, focusing on crafting eyewear that embodies Burberry's sophistication and British allure [4]. - Joshua Schulman, CEO of Burberry, highlighted the importance of craftsmanship, design, and innovation in their partnership, aiming to deliver more iconic Burberry eyewear collections globally [5].
PureTech Appoints Robert Lyne as Chief Executive Officer
Businesswire· 2025-12-18 07:00
Core Viewpoint - PureTech Health plc has appointed Robert Lyne as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately, marking a significant leadership transition for the company [1][2]. Company Leadership - Robert Lyne expressed his honor in leading PureTech at a pivotal moment, emphasizing the strength of the company's programs and the talent of its team [2]. - The Board of Directors supports Lyne's leadership, highlighting his strategic clarity and understanding of the business [4]. Strategic Focus - The immediate focus for the company is to secure funding for Celea Therapeutics, following a successful End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the U.S. FDA, with expectations to close funding within the first half of 2026 [3]. - PureTech plans to operate with a streamlined structure and reduced overhead, pursuing capital-efficient innovation initiatives to enhance shareholder returns [4]. Financial Strategy - Once Celea is fully financed, the company will evaluate methods to deliver value to shareholders, including potential capital returns [4]. - The company aims to maintain capital preservation and flexibility while positioning itself for value creation [4]. Company Background - PureTech Health is a biotherapeutics company focused on transforming innovation into value through a capital-efficient R&D model, having produced multiple therapeutic candidates, including three that received U.S. FDA approval [6].
EPSO-G Announces Selection of Energy Cells Board Members
Globenewswire· 2025-12-18 07:00
Core Points - EPSO-G has announced the selection process for board members of its subsidiary, Energy Cells, with applications due by January 30, 2026 [1] - The board will consist of three members, including an independent member with financial management and M&A expertise, a member nominated by EPSO-G for strategic planning, and a civil servant responsible for state aid and national security [2] - The current board's term will end on April 13, 2026, and the selection of the independent member is facilitated by AIMS International Lietuva, while the other selections are managed by EPSO-G's Nomination and Remuneration Committee [3] Company Structure - EPSO-G is a holding company with six direct subsidiaries: Amber Grid, Baltpool, Energy Cells, EPSO-G Invest, Litgrid, and Tetas, and it holds shares in Rheinmetall Defence Lietuva, Baltic RCC OÜ, and TSO Holding AS [4] - The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania exercises the rights and obligations of the sole shareholder of EPSO-G [4]
DXS International plc (AQSE:DXSP) Notice of Cyber Security Incident
Globenewswire· 2025-12-18 07:00
Core Viewpoint - DXS International plc has reported a cyber security incident affecting its office servers, which was discovered on December 14. The company is actively managing the situation with minimal impact on its services and does not expect a material adverse effect on its financial position or forecasts for FY 30 April 2026 [2][4][5]. Group 1: Incident Details - The security incident was contained quickly through collaboration between DXS's internal IT security teams and NHS England [3]. - An external cyber security specialist agency has been appointed to investigate the nature and extent of the incident [3]. - The company has notified relevant regulators, authorities, and law enforcement agencies, including the Information Commissioner's Office and various NHS bodies, and is cooperating with their investigations [4]. Group 2: Impact on Operations - There was minimal impact on the company's services, and its front-line clinical services remain operational [4]. - The company does not anticipate that the incident will have a material adverse impact on its financial position or market forecasts for FY 30 April 2026 [5]. Group 3: Company Overview - DXS International provides healthcare information and digital clinical decision support systems, delivering up-to-date treatment guidelines and recommendations to healthcare professionals [7]. - The company's services aim to improve healthcare outcomes cost-effectively, contributing to NHS efficiency savings [7].
EXEL Industries: Full-year 2024–2025 results
Globenewswire· 2025-12-18 06:58
Core Insights - EXEL Industries reported a revenue of €983 million for the fiscal year 2024-2025, a decrease of 10.6% compared to the previous year, with a 9.6% reduction at constant scope and foreign exchange rates [3][4] - The Group's recurring EBITDA fell to €67.6 million, representing a margin of 6.9%, primarily due to significant volume reductions in Agricultural Spraying and Sugar Beet Harvesting activities [3][5] - Net income decreased to €16.3 million, impacted by lower current operating income resulting from reduced agricultural activity volumes [3][6] Financial Performance - Revenue breakdown showed a decline in Agricultural Spraying by 19.9% to €403.3 million and Sugar Beet Harvesting by 12.9% to €148.1 million, while Leisure and Industry segments saw slight increases [4][5] - Recurring EBITDA decreased from €87.4 million (7.9% of revenue) in 2023-2024 to €67.6 million (6.9% of revenue) in 2024-2025 [5] - Net financial debt was reduced by approximately €30 million, from €127.8 million in 2024 to €98.3 million in 2025, due to improved cash generation [7] Investment and Future Outlook - The Group maintained a dynamic investment policy, with total CAPEX of €32.6 million, including €20 million for modernizing industrial sites [8] - A dividend of €0.60 per share, representing 25% of consolidated net income, is proposed for approval at the General Meeting on February 4, 2026 [10] - The business climate remains challenging, particularly in Agricultural Spraying and Sugar Beet Harvesting, with expectations of continued slowdown in the early part of the 2025-2026 fiscal year [13][14] Management Commentary - The CEO highlighted the resilience of EXEL Industries' model, emphasizing the ability to adapt to a less buoyant market while maintaining financial discipline and reducing net debt [15]
Rocket Lab Executes Successful Launch of STP-S30 Mission for the Department of War
Globenewswire· 2025-12-18 06:35
Core Insights - Rocket Lab successfully launched the STP-S30 mission for the U.S. Space Force five months ahead of schedule, enhancing U.S. space superiority technologies [1][3][4] Launch Details - The launch, named 'Don't Be Such A Square', took place on December 18, 2025, deploying four DiskSat spacecraft to a 550km low Earth orbit for the Department of War's Space Test Program [2][4] - The mission was managed by the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command and funded by NASA's Small Spacecraft & Distributed Systems program [2][4] Company Performance - This launch marked Rocket Lab's 20th Electron launch of the year and 78th overall, setting a new annual launch record for the company [5] - Rocket Lab has conducted four launches in the past three months, all serving national security and defense technology advancement objectives [4][5] Strategic Importance - The collaboration between Rocket Lab, NASA, and other partners is crucial for proving advanced technologies in space, which will be integrated into future operational Space Force systems [5] - The launch underscores Rocket Lab's commitment to providing affordable and reliable launch solutions to the U.S. Space Force and its partners [4][5]
TomTom’s net-zero emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
Globenewswire· 2025-12-18 06:30
Core Points - TomTom's near-term and long-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), confirming alignment with climate science and net-zero emissions goals [1][5] - The company aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, which is ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement's 2050 deadline [2] - TomTom's Decarbonization Plan includes actions such as office space rationalization, increased energy efficiency, fleet electrification, and renewable electricity purchases [3] Sustainability Strategy - The validation represents a significant milestone in TomTom's commitment to environmental stewardship and reflects its broader sustainability strategy [2][4] - The company emphasizes that long-term value creation must coincide with reducing environmental impact, fostering a culture of environmental awareness, and engaging stakeholders [4] Emission Reduction Targets - By 2030, TomTom targets a 67% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions and a 25% reduction in scope 3 emissions [10] - By 2040, the company aims for a 90% reduction across all scopes [10] Industry Context - With SBTi validation, TomTom joins a global network of companies committed to climate action, enhancing its credibility in corporate decarbonization efforts [5][8]
CHAGEE Drives Growth in Asia Pacific with Innovation and Health
Globenewswire· 2025-12-18 06:30
Core Insights - Chagee Holdings Limited has made significant strides in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on expansion, product innovation, and health certifications to solidify its position as a leading modern tea culture brand [1][2]. Expansion and Market Presence - The company expanded its footprint in 2025, launching in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, alongside established markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, now operating over 7,338 tea houses globally [2][3]. - In Q3 2025, Chagee added 300 net new locations, with overseas gross merchandise value (GMV) increasing by 75.3% year-over-year to RMB 300.3 million [2]. Product Innovation and Cultural Integration - Chagee's localization strategy led to successful culturally-inspired product launches, such as the Orchid Biluochun Milk Tea for Singapore's SG60 celebrations [5]. - A collaboration with POP MART introduced the Green Grape Milk Tea, achieving high sales in Malaysia, with Singapore stores averaging over 500 cups daily during the campaign [6]. - The award-winning BO·YA Jasmine Green Milk Tea was recognized at the 2025 World Beverage Innovation Awards, showcasing the company's commitment to authentic cultural connections [7]. Health Certifications and Inclusivity - Chagee became the first freshly prepared beverage tea chain in Malaysia to earn the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP) logo, ensuring beverages meet strict nutrient criteria [8]. - The company received official Halal certification in Indonesia, reinforcing its commitment to serving diverse communities [9]. - The Signing Store in Singapore, operated by Deaf and hard-of-hearing baristas, represents Southeast Asia's first inclusive tea experience, with a second store opening in Vietnam [10]. Community Engagement and Heritage - The launch of CHAGEE Pagoda House in Singapore's Chinatown blends heritage design with community spaces, featuring exclusive merchandise and cultural workshops [12]. - The company's registered membership reached 222 million globally, reflecting a 36.7% year-over-year growth, with a low store closure rate of 0.3% for three consecutive quarters [13]. Recognition and Awards - Chagee received accolades such as Malaysia's HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2025 award and Singapore's NS Mark Gold status, highlighting its commitment to being an exceptional employer [14].
Sampo plc’s share buybacks 17 December 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-12-18 06:30
Core Viewpoint - Sampo plc has been actively engaged in a share buyback program, acquiring a total of 248,762 A shares on 17 December 2025, as part of a broader initiative to repurchase up to EUR 150 million worth of shares, which commenced on 6 November 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Share Buyback Details - On 17 December 2025, Sampo plc acquired 248,762 A shares at an average price of EUR 10.10 per share across various markets [1]. - The buyback volume included 10,809 shares on AQEU, 101,465 shares on CEUX, 27,471 shares on TQEX, and 109,017 shares on XHEL [1]. - The share buyback program is in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 and was authorized by Sampo's Annual General Meeting on 23 April 2025 [1]. Group 2: Current Shareholding - Following the recent transactions, Sampo plc now holds a total of 7,422,251 A shares, which represents 0.28% of the total number of shares in the company [2].