NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bishop Street Underwriters (“Bishop Street”), a RedBird Capital Partners portfolio company, today announced that it has completed a strategic structured capital investment of $125 million by White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (“White Mountains”) (NYSE: WTM). "We are thrilled to welcome White Mountains as a strategic growth partner during a period of unprecedented momentum,” said Chad Levine, Chief Executive Officer of Bishop Street Underwriters. “Bishop Street’ ...

Core Viewpoint - Firan Technology Group Corporation (FTG) reported strong financial results for the full year and fourth quarter of 2025, highlighting significant growth in revenue, bookings, and adjusted net earnings, while also emphasizing strategic investments and operational progress in its defense and aerospace segments [1][4][13]. Full Year Financial Highlights - Bookings reached $209.9 million in 2025, a 14% increase from 2024 [6]. - Revenue for the year was $191.0 million, representing an 18% increase over 2024 [6]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $32.7 million, up 27% from $25.8 million in 2024 [6]. - Adjusted net earnings increased by 31% to $13.5 million in 2025 [6]. - Operating cash flow less lease payments was $13.7 million [6]. - Net debt stood at $8.3 million, or 0.3 times trailing 12 months EBITDA [6]. Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $51.7 million, a 14.2% increase compared to Q4 2024 [6]. - Gross margin improved to 30.5%, up 220 basis points from 28.3% in Q4 2024 [6]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $7.9 million, slightly up from $7.6 million in Q4 2024 [6]. - Adjusted net earnings decreased by $0.2 million to $3.7 million due to increased intangible amortization and unfavorable foreign exchange losses [6]. Business Highlights - FTG continued organic growth while integrating the FLYHT acquisition, focusing on capital investments to enhance shareholder returns [4]. - The defense business saw growth with FTG Circuits qualifying for two significant classified defense programs, with deliveries expected to start in 2026 [7]. - FTG ramped up deliveries for the C919, China's first domestic single-aisle passenger jet, and completed initial deliveries for the De Havilland Canadair 515 aerial firefighting aircraft [7]. - The FLYHT acquisition led to obtaining Supplemental Type Certificates for AFIRS Edge+™ for various aircraft models, with the transition to in-house production underway [7]. - The leadership team was strengthened with new appointments, including a CFO and EVPs for Circuits and Aerospace segments [7].

Core Viewpoint - Genuine Parts Company plans to separate its Automotive Parts Group and Industrial Parts Group into two independent, publicly traded companies to enhance shareholder value and operational focus, with the separation expected to be completed in Q1 2027 [1][2]. Group 1: Separation Details - The separation is anticipated to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal tax purposes for shareholders [1]. - The decision follows a comprehensive strategic and operational review aimed at capitalizing on market opportunities and improving business structures [1][2]. - Each new entity will have tailored management teams and capital structures aligned with their specific business objectives [1][2]. Group 2: Global Automotive Overview - Global Automotive is the largest global network of automotive parts and repair centers, generating over $15 billion in sales and $1.2 billion in EBITDA in 2025 [1][2]. - The business operates under the NAPA brand and has over 10,000 locations, targeting a fragmented $200 billion market driven by non-discretionary demand [1][2]. - Global Automotive is focused on technology and supply chain transformations to enhance growth and margin expansion [1][2]. Group 3: Global Industrial Overview - Global Industrial, operating under the Motion brand, generated approximately $9 billion in sales and over $1.1 billion in EBITDA in 2025 [2]. - The business serves over 180,000 global customers and is positioned to capitalize on a $150 billion market through a differentiated value proposition [2]. - Motion aims to maintain strong financial performance with double-digit EBITDA margins and attractive returns on invested capital [2]. Group 4: Transaction and Future Plans - The transaction is expected to be completed in Q1 2027, pending customary conditions and does not require shareholder approval [2]. - Upcoming investor days are planned for the second half of 2026 to discuss operational initiatives and strategic goals for both businesses [2].

Core Insights - SoftBank Group is a leading Japanese technology investment company known for its Vision Fund, which invests in global technology firms [1] - The company reported earnings per share of $0.27, exceeding estimates of $0.20, primarily due to strategic investments in OpenAI [2][6] - SoftBank's Vision Fund achieved a quarterly gain of $2.4 billion, significantly influenced by its investment in OpenAI, which helped mitigate losses from other investments [2][6] Financial Performance - SoftBank generated revenue of approximately $12.62 billion, slightly below the estimated $12.65 billion, but returned to profitability with a net profit of 248.59 billion yen (approximately $1.62 billion) for the quarter [3] - The company's financial metrics show a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 2.28, indicating a low valuation relative to earnings, while the enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is negative at -108.13, suggesting operational cash flow challenges [4] - The debt-to-equity ratio stands at approximately 1.41, indicating a higher level of debt compared to equity, and the current ratio is around 0.93, which may signal difficulties in meeting short-term liabilities [5] Investment Strategy - Despite the challenges indicated by financial metrics, SoftBank's earnings yield is approximately 43.92%, suggesting a high return on investment [5]

Group 1 - AIG has completed acquisitions of minority stakes in Convex Group and Onex Corporation, acquiring approximately 35% equity interest in Convex valued at about $2.1 billion and a 9.9% stake in Onex worth approximately $642 million [1][2] - Following AIG's investment, Onex has become the majority shareholder in Convex with a 63% ownership interest, marking a significant milestone for Convex [2]

Group 1 - American International Group, Inc. (AIG) has completed acquisitions of minority ownership stakes in Convex Group Limited and Onex Corporation, enhancing its strategic positioning for future growth [1][2] - AIG acquired approximately 35% equity interest in Convex for about $2.1 billion and a 9.9% ownership stake in Onex for approximately $642 million, with Onex becoming the majority shareholder in Convex with a 63% ownership interest [2] - AIG's CEO, Peter Zaffino, expressed confidence that these long-term investments will be accretive to AIG's earnings and return on equity in 2026 and beyond, with AIG beginning participation in Convex's business starting January 1, 2026 [3]

Core Viewpoint - Cannara Biotech Inc. has completed a strategic non-brokered private placement with Phoenician Capital LLC, raising C$6,300,000 through the issuance of 3,000,000 common shares at a price of C$2.10 per share, which is a 16% premium over the closing price prior to the announcement [1][2]. Group 1: Private Placement Details - The proceeds from the private placement will be utilized for working capital and strategic investments, including capital investments in the Valleyfield Facility and operational expansion [2]. - The common shares issued are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, in accordance with Canadian securities laws [3]. Group 2: Management Commentary - The CEO of Cannara, Zohar Krivorot, stated that the investment aligns with the company's expansion strategy and reflects confidence in its operational model [3]. - John Khabbaz, from Phoenician, expressed support for Cannara's focus on operational discipline and long-term value creation [3]. Group 3: Secondary Share Sale - Zohar Krivorot has agreed to sell 333,333 common shares to Phoenician at the same price of C$2.10 per share, which is intended to offset personal tax losses [5]. - Following the secondary share sale, Krivorot's ownership will decrease from approximately 26.99% to 25.83% of the issued and outstanding common shares [6]. Group 4: Company Overview - Cannara Biotech Inc. is a vertically integrated producer of premium-grade cannabis products, operating two facilities in Québec with a total area of over 1,600,000 sq. ft. and a potential annual cultivation output of 100,000 kg [16].

Core Insights - Fintech firm Brex's plan to sell itself for over $5 billion may indicate a trend in the upcoming year, reflecting a broader sentiment among U.S. CEOs regarding mergers and acquisitions [1] Group 1: Mergers and Acquisitions Sentiment - A recent EY survey indicates that 62% of 320 U.S. CEOs plan to actively pursue M&A deals in the next 12 months, a significant increase from 35% in a similar survey conducted in September 2025 [2][3] - The overall global sentiment shows that 53% of all surveyed CEOs intend to pursue M&A this year, with American CEOs being more optimistic [3] Group 2: Strategic Investment Adjustments - 85% of U.S. CEOs have modified their strategic investment plans due to geopolitical and trade policy developments, with 46% accelerating planned investments and 39% delaying them [6] - 11% of respondents have completely halted investments due to global tensions, indicating a cautious approach to capital allocation [6] Group 3: Preparation for Growth - CFOs are advised to assess capital effectiveness and improve capital efficiency, focusing resources on high-return opportunities while addressing underperforming areas [5] - The need for a tailored approach in capital distribution is emphasized, suggesting a strategic shift in how companies prepare for growth [5][4]

Core Viewpoint - Naughty Ventures Corp. has made a strategic investment of $250,000 in Freeport Recovery Group Inc. by acquiring 2,500,000 non-voting preferred shares at a price of $0.10 per share, reflecting a focus on disciplined capital allocation and investments outside traditional mineral exploration [1][2]. Company Overview - Freeport Recovery Group Inc. is a privately held company that specializes in the acquisition, development, and operation of recovery-based businesses, emphasizing asset recovery, specialty services, and scalable cash-flow-generating operations [2]. - The management team of Freeport Recovery Group has extensive experience in operations, restructuring, and value creation across various industries [2]. Investment Rationale - The investment aligns with the company's strategy of disciplined capital allocation and reflects a commitment to supporting businesses that address addiction and mental health challenges, which have personal significance to the CEO of Naughty Ventures [2][3]. - The CEO of Naughty Ventures expressed strong confidence in Freeport's operational strengths and the professionalism of its team after visiting their facilities [2]. Personal Investment - In addition to the corporate investment, the CEO has personally invested $250,000 in Freeport through a private corporation, Canal Front Investments, to match the company's subscription [4]. - The company intends to continue supporting Freeport Recovery Group as further investment opportunities arise, despite current capital allocation considerations limiting the investment amount [4]. Company Profile - Naughty Ventures Corp. is a Canadian exploration and investment company focused on acquiring and developing mineral assets with strong value potential, as well as investing in select private and public companies with exceptional management and high-growth opportunities [5].

Core Viewpoint - Nicola Mining Inc. is strengthening its balance sheet through a strategic non-brokered private investment of $1,000,000 from Ocean Partners UK Limited as it prepares to uplist onto NASDAQ in Q1 of 2026 [1]. Investment Offering - The Company will issue 1,111,112 units at a price of $0.90 per unit, aiming for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 [2]. - Each unit consists of one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant, with each warrant allowing the purchase of an additional share at $1.10 for three years post-closing [3]. Warrant Details - The expiry of the warrants may be accelerated if the closing price of the Company's shares on the TSX Venture Exchange reaches $1.70 or greater for ten consecutive trading days [3]. Use of Proceeds - The gross proceeds from the offering will be allocated for general working capital [5]. Regulatory Compliance - All securities issued will be subject to a statutory holding period of four months and one day post-closing, and the offering is subject to Exchange approval [4]. Strategic Advisory Appointment - Rahim Kassim-Lakha has been appointed as Strategic Advisor, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in capital markets and M&A, and will guide the Company on capital markets strategy and corporate development [7]. Company Overview - Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company with a 100% owned mill and tailings facility located near Merritt, British Columbia, and has signed profit share agreements with high-grade gold projects [8]. - The Company owns the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property covering over 10,800 hectares, and the Treasure Mountain Property, a fully-permitted high-grade silver mine spanning over 2,200 hectares [9].