Strategic collaboration would highlight a cost-competitive, domestic alternative to overseas battery materials processingTUCSON, Ariz. and RENO, Nev. , Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aqua Metals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AQMS), a pioneer in clean metals recycling and refining, and American Battery Factory (ABF), a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell manufacturer, today announced a proposed strategic collaboration focused on advancing a more competitive, domestic battery materials supply chain through recyclin ...

NEW YORK, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GPGI, Inc. (NYSE: GPGI) (the “Company” or “GPGI”), a diversified multi-industry compounder comprising companies with great positions in good industries, today announced its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0025 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock. The dividend represents an annual distribution of approximately $2.9 million. GPGI’s capital allocation priorities remain focused on debt paydown and pursuing additional accreti ...

Core Viewpoint - Cipher Mining Inc. plans to offer $2.00 billion in senior secured notes due 2031 to finance its Black Pearl Facility and reimburse prior equity contributions [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering will be made to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons under Regulation S [1][5]. - The notes will be fully guaranteed by Cipher Black Pearl and 11786 Wink LLC, with first-priority liens on substantially all assets of the Issuer and the Guarantors [3]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds will be used to finance the remaining costs of the Black Pearl Facility, reimburse Cipher for $232.5 million in prior equity contributions, fund debt service reserves, and cover related fees and expenses [2]. Group 3: Completion Guarantee - Cipher will provide a completion guarantee to ensure the timely completion of the Black Pearl Facility if the proceeds from the notes are insufficient [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Cipher focuses on developing and operating industrial-scale data centers for bitcoin mining and high-performance computing (HPC) hosting, aiming to lead in innovation within the industry [7].

Core Insights - AGM Group Holdings Inc. has successfully completed strategic financing initiatives, including an up-to $25 million equity line of credit and multiple convertible note issuances, marking its entry into a high-growth phase driven by AI and core hardware [1][2] - The company aims to utilize the newly acquired funds for deep R&D into next-generation AI ASIC chips to address the growing demand for AI computing power [2][3] R&D Focus - The funding will support the optimization of ASIC chips specifically designed to enhance AI training and storage efficiency, addressing I/O bottlenecks in large-scale AI model training [3] - The company is committed to developing high-performance AI chips and servers to build a robust global AI supply chain [1][4] Supply Chain Strategy - AGM's supply chain strategy is based on "vertical integration + global collaboration," which is seen as a critical factor for survival in the increasingly complex global trade environment [4] - The company is strengthening its control over core components and reducing reliance on third-party generic parts through self-reliant manufacturing capabilities [7] Market Positioning - The company expresses confidence that its financing moves are strategic choices aimed at securing its position in the AI sector, transforming capital into tangible R&D outcomes and market share [5] - AGM is working closely with global technology partners to co-develop decentralized computing networks, ensuring the global allocation of AI computing resources [7]

Core Insights - 3 E Network Technology Group Limited has officially initiated the procurement process for critical equipment for its AI Data Center Project in Finland, marking a transition from planning to construction preparation [1][2] Group 1: Project Overview - The AI data center is a strategic cornerstone for the company to connect digital ecosystems and deploy AI infrastructure, with a focus on high-performance computing and large language model training [2] - The procurement process aims to secure top-tier hardware resources early, aligning with the company's construction philosophy of "Green and Low-Carbon, Modular Assembly, and Extreme Energy Efficiency" [2][3] Group 2: Supply Chain and Compliance - The company has begun supply chain selection and technical validation procedures, developing a vendor qualification system focused on engineering adaptability and regulatory compliance [3] - All candidate technical solutions will undergo comprehensive compliance reviews according to Finnish national building standards and environmental permitting requirements [3] Group 3: Infrastructure Focus Areas - The company plans to procure prefabricated structural components that comply with Finnish fire and structural standards to improve construction efficiency [4] - Prioritization of prefabricated power skids and modular UPS systems is intended to support a decoupled power system design for scalable deployment [4] - Evaluation of liquid-cooling-ready coolant distribution units and air-cooling solutions aims to address thermal requirements of next-generation AI chips [4] - High-capacity optical cable systems will be evaluated to support low-latency data transmission for GPU-based computing workloads [4] - The company will prioritize the evaluation and procurement of sensor arrays and edge computing gateways to support the 3 E Intellisight™ Smart Operations Platform [4]

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has increased its equity interest in Novacium SAS from 28.4% to 36.8%, reflecting a strategic move to enhance value participation as Novacium's technologies progress towards commercialization [1][5][11]. Transaction Details - The transaction involves HPQ acquiring an additional 8.4% interest in Novacium for a total consideration of C$4,033,425 (€2,500,000) through the issuance of common shares at a deemed price of C$0.18 per share [2][3]. - HPQ will issue a total of 22,407,916 common shares to three shareholders as part of this transaction [3]. Strategic Implications - The increased ownership is seen as a way to enhance HPQ's economic exposure to future upside while maintaining a disciplined investment approach [6][9]. - This move strengthens HPQ's participation in international revenues and royalty flows, particularly important given Novacium's portfolio of interdependent process technologies [7][8]. - The transaction is expected to improve alignment around intellectual property stewardship and commercialization strategy, reducing exposure to fragmented licensing and competing regional priorities [8][9]. Corporate Development Perspective - The increased stake enhances HPQ's flexibility regarding future strategic partnerships and value-realization paths while maintaining a disciplined capital deployment strategy [9]. - Management believes this transaction reduces execution risk by aligning HPQ more closely with Novacium's founders and technical leadership [9]. Technology Portfolio Expansion - Novacium represents a strategically important extension of HPQ's technology portfolio, focusing on multiple high-value platforms including battery materials, hydrogen systems, and circular-economy solutions [10][14]. - The company is developing silicon-based high-performance battery materials and hydrogen generation systems, which align with HPQ's broader energy-transition focus [15][16]. Execution Capabilities - Novacium's technical leadership and execution capabilities are considered key differentiators, allowing HPQ to extend its technical reach without duplicating infrastructure [18][19]. - The collaboration is expected to support execution across battery and hydrogen initiatives, reinforcing a partnership built around shared objectives and long-term value creation [20].

Core Insights - FTI Consulting has appointed Shelly Irvine as a Senior Managing Director in the Dispute Advisory Services practice, focusing on intellectual property matters [1][4] Company Overview - FTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm specializing in crisis and transformation, with over 8,100 employees in 32 countries as of September 30, 2025 [5] - The company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during the fiscal year 2024 [5] Appointment Details - Shelly Irvine has nearly three decades of experience in intellectual property, having worked with clients in the US, Asia, UK, and Europe [2] - Her expertise includes litigation support, testifying roles, and consulting on strategic IP issues, particularly in life sciences, telecom, software, cloud computing, clean energy, and manufacturing [2][3] - Irvine has provided testimony in various legal settings regarding patent, copyright, trademark infringement, and trade secrets misappropriation [3] Strategic Focus - The appointment is expected to enhance FTI Consulting's ability to navigate complex international standards for IP litigation and protection [4] - Irvine's previous experience includes a role as Managing Director at Ocean Tomo, specializing in IP disputes, and nearly two decades at FTI Consulting [4]

Core Insights - PMGC Holdings Inc. has completed the acquisition of SVM Machining, Inc., marking its third CNC machine shop acquisition in California, which aligns with its strategy to build a multi-site machining platform for various industries [1][3]. Company Overview - PMGC Holdings Inc. is a diversified holding company focused on managing and growing its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and investments across multiple sectors [7]. - SVM Machining, Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015 certified precision CNC machining company that serves critical industries such as medical, aerospace, biotech, semiconductor, and transportation [2][6]. Financial Details - The acquisition was completed on a cash-free, debt-free basis, with a base purchase price of $2,250,000, which includes $2,000,000 paid at closing and a $250,000 indemnification holdback [5][9]. - For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, SVM reported revenue of $3,042,701 [4]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition enhances PMGC's footprint in precision manufacturing and supports its growth strategy in sectors like aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial [3][6]. - SVM's expertise in delivering high-quality, engineered solutions positions PMGC to better serve original equipment manufacturers and advanced technology customers [6].

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bread Financial® Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BFH), a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending, and saving solutions, today announced the company’s participation in the Bank of America 2026 Financial Services Conference on Tuesday, February 10. Bread Financial President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Andretta, along with EVP and Chief Financial Officer Perry Beberman will participate in a fireside chat. The fire ...

Core Viewpoint - Abundia Global Impact Group, Inc. is advancing towards a 2026 final investment decision (FID) for its first commercial waste plastics-to-fuels facility in Baytown, Texas, having appointed Burns & McDonnell as the lead engineer for the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) package [1][2][3] Company Developments - The appointment of Burns & McDonnell marks significant progress as Abundia enters Phase 2 of its development at the Baytown site, which will serve as its US operating headquarters and core technology development hub [2][3] - The FEED package is expected to facilitate the orderly completion of the project phases leading to the FID by the end of 2026 [2][3] Strategic Importance - The collaboration with Burns & McDonnell is seen as a critical step in converting plastics waste into high-value low-carbon fuels, establishing a predictable foundation for the project's detailed design and construction phases [3] - Abundia's strategy focuses on developing a vertically integrated renewable fuels and chemicals producer, emphasizing risk mitigation through collaboration with experienced partners like Burns & McDonnell [3] Company Background - Abundia Global Impact Group, Inc. is a low-carbon energy company that transforms waste plastics and biomass into drop-in fuels and low-carbon chemical feedstocks, with its flagship project located at Cedar Port in the Gulf Coast [4]