TAICHUNG CITY, Taiwan, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: YMAT) (“J-Star” or the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative carbon fiber and composite solutions across a wide range of applications including personal sports equipment, healthcare products, automobile parts, resin systems, and research and development services, today announced that its first company owned brand pickleball paddle, Horizon, has received official approval from the USA Pickleball Association (USA ...

Core Insights - Decántalo has acquired Bodeboca from Pernod Ricard, forming the largest online wine retail group in Europe [1][2] - The merger is projected to generate a combined turnover of €50 million ($58.9 million) by the end of 2025, with a target of €80 million by 2028 [1] - Both brands will operate under the Melchior Wine & More group, which includes Le Petit Ballon [1] Company Strategy - Decántalo aims to combine scale with specialization while maintaining each brand's identity [2] - The company plans to strengthen its leadership in Spain and expand into the European market [2] - Bodeboca will continue to focus on private sales, catering to a community of over 2 million users in Spain [2] Market Position - Decántalo's international logistics expertise, which accounts for 75% of its turnover outside Spain, will be leveraged post-acquisition [2] - The acquisition enhances Decántalo's competitive position across Europe while preserving the essence of each brand [3] - Bodeboca is recognized as a strong Spanish brand that adds value to the portfolio of Melchior Wine & More [3] Industry Context - Pernod Ricard is actively reshaping its portfolio, having sold various assets including Bodeboca [3] - The sale aligns with Pernod's direct-to-consumer strategy, which includes The Whisky Exchange acquired in 2021 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Newton Golf Company has appointed Jeff Clayborne as Chief Financial Officer to lead its financial strategy and support growth initiatives [1][2][3] Company Overview - Newton Golf is a leading developer of performance-driven golf equipment, previously known as Sacks Parente, and focuses on innovation inspired by physics [7] Leadership Appointment - Jeff Clayborne brings over 30 years of financial leadership experience in consumer products, technology, and entertainment sectors [2] - His previous role as CFO at Perfect Moment involved leading a successful IPO and restructuring the balance sheet [2][3] - Clayborne's experience includes significant roles at Verb Technology, SONDORS, Universal Music Group, and The Walt Disney Company, where he managed large-scale financial operations and M&A transactions [3] Strategic Focus - The company aims to expand its direct-to-consumer (DTC) footprint and accelerate international growth under Clayborne's leadership [2][3] - Clayborne emphasizes the importance of innovation, product excellence, and U.S.-based manufacturing in differentiating Newton Golf in the market [4] Financial Management - Clayborne is expected to strengthen Newton's financial foundation and optimize financial performance as the company scales [3][4]

Core Insights - Investors closely monitor the trades of billionaire hedge fund managers, as hedge funds provide quarterly updates and file 13F reports detailing their trades [1] Group 1: Pershing Square Capital and Nike - Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital sold its position in Nike, which previously accounted for about 11% of its total portfolio, making it the sixth-largest position [4] - Ackman cited three main reasons for selling Nike: a shift to direct-to-consumer strategy harming wholesale partnerships, a merchandising structure that neglected sports, and overproduction of popular franchises instead of focusing on innovation [5] - Despite selling, Ackman converted Nike investments into call options, allowing for potential gains while minimizing losses, believing that a successful turnaround could yield returns more than double that of owning common stock [6] Group 2: Nike's Current Performance - Nike's sales were down 9% year-over-year in the fiscal 2025 third quarter, with a 12% drop in direct-to-consumer channels contributing to a 3.3 percentage-point decrease in gross margin [7][8] - Ackman's strategy indicates a belief that Nike's stock may decline further before a rebound, allowing for significant profits when the turnaround occurs [8] Group 3: Pershing Square Capital and Uber - Ackman initiated a position in Uber in the first quarter of 2025, which has become the top position in the portfolio, accounting for nearly 18% [10] - He noted a decline in Uber's valuation at the end of 2024 as an opportunity, and believes the stock remains undervalued despite its 53% increase this year [10] - Ackman praised Uber's management, low costs, and growth potential, citing a 20% compounded annual growth in bookings since 2019, currently at $160 billion, and projecting earnings growth of at least 30% in the medium term [12] Group 4: Uber's Market Position and Future - Ackman addressed concerns regarding autonomous vehicles (AVs) potentially threatening Uber's business model, arguing that AVs are still in development and unlikely to dominate ridesharing soon [13] - He emphasized Uber's dynamic supply model as a competitive advantage, suggesting that when AVs become safer, they can be integrated into Uber's existing framework [13] - Ackman views Uber as a long-term investment opportunity, particularly for those willing to accept some risk [14]