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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Financial risks to EU taxpayers following Northvolt’s bankruptcy filing – E-002656/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The implementation framework of budgetary guarantees, for instance under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), requires that partner institutions implementing them (for EFSI, the European Investment Bank) manage and share concomitant risk exposures as part of their own.

    Hence, the Commission is in close contact with the banks to ensure that the guarantees concerned are managed as such and in accordance with established terms and risk management frameworks, as well as market practice.

    However, it is recognised that the principal expenditure for programmes deploying budgetary guarantees is meant to cover potential losses on some of the supported investments, which without such support would not be financed by the market at reasonable terms while they make an important contribution to EU policy priorities.

    That is why budgetary guarantees are provisioned from the outset so that occasional losses do not impinge on the relevant programmes and their capacity to provide substantial leverage in supporting EU policy priorities.

    For instance, the InvestEU Programme[1] is on track to mobilise more than EUR 370 billion of investments, comparing with ex ante provisioning of EUR 10.46 billion.

    Moreover, the Commission notes, that in the specific case of interest to the Honourable Members, insolvency proceedings have not yet concluded.

    • [1] https://investeu.europa.eu/index_en
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of EU funds for lobbying by environmental organisations – E-000417/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000417/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Borchia (PfE), Susanna Ceccardi (PfE), Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Aldo Patriciello (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Raffaele Stancanelli (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE), Roberto Vannacci (PfE)

    According to a report by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the Commission may have funded environmental organisations to promote certain Green Deal policies, giving them specific targets for lobbying MEPs and Member States. The funding, allegedly channelled through a multi-billion fund for climate and environment subsidies, may also have covered activities aimed at influencing the debate on agriculture and environmental legislation.

    Examples in the report include a campaign coordinated by a network of more than 185 associations to promote the Nature Restoration Law. The article also suggests that some organisations may have been required to provide detailed reporting on the results they achieved. Commissioner Piotr Serafin acknowledged that some agreements with NGOs actually used to include provisions that encouraged lobbying.

    In light of the above, can the Commission say whether it intends to review and/or withdraw the legislation concerned with the points mentioned?

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU must act as United States signals retreat from green investments – E-002672/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Clean Industrial Deal, announced in the Political Guidelines for 2024-2029, will restate the business case for the decarbonisation of industry in Europe.

    Building on the Green Deal Industrial Plan, the Net Zero Industrial and Critical Raw Materials Acts, it will have a particular focus on energy-intensive industries and the net-zero sector.

    Some of the measures it will include will aim to lower energy prices, developing lead markets for EU-made decarbonised products, and leveraging circularity for the availability of raw materials.

    It will also develop Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships to increase the coordination of EU international engagement to support EU industry.

    It should also be noted that the EU already has several funding tools that can attract innovative and low carbon businesses. These include among others the Recovery and Resilience Facility, InvestEU and the Innovation Fund. The Commission will also put forward a new European Competitiveness Fund.

    Furthermore, the Commission will engage constructively with the United States (US) Administration as well as with other relevant actors — researchers, the business community, US States and Cities to support the transition to net-zero and present the EU as an attractive and stable place for investments regarding technologies and industries that will underpin the transition.

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Adapting the automotive sector to emissions targets – E-002757/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The revised CO2 emission standards for new cars and vans[1] provide a clear framework for the transition to zero-emission vehicles, which is essential to deliver on our objective of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

    The agreed 2035 targets create certainty for manufacturers and investors on the road ahead, with sufficient lead time to plan for a fair transition.

    They support the EU industry’s competitiveness and bring along new job opportunities , in view of the trends towards electrification observed in global markets .

    The President of the Commission has announced a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry to be launched on 30 January 2025 under her leadership with a view to swiftly proposing and implementing measures the sector urgently needs. The Commission will develop an action plan for the sector, which will benefit from these discussions.

    By end 2025, the Commission will prepare a report[2] on the progress towards zero-emission road mobility, which will notably assess the impact on employment in the automotive sector and the effectiveness of measures to support retraining and upskilling of the workforce.

    In 2026, the Commission will review the effectiveness and impact of the regulation[3]. As mentioned in the President of the Commission’s Political Guidelines, getting to the 2035 climate neutrality targets will require a technology-neutral approach, in which e-fuels have a role to play through a targeted amendment of the regulation as part of the foreseen review.

    • [1] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/851/oj
    • [2] Article 14a of Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
    • [3] Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Commission’s vision and action on e-fuels – E-002820/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Several initiatives that promote the use of e-fuels have already been adopted over recent years. The revised Renewable Energy Directive[1] notably sets targets for the uptake of renewable fuels of non-biological origin in transport and industry.

    The RefuelEU Aviation Regulation[2] sets targets for the increased use of sustainable aviation fuels and includes specific targets for e-fuels.

    The FuelEU Maritime Regulation[3] sets targets for the use of renewable, low-carbon fuels and clean energy technologies for ships.

    ‘Zero rating’ these fuels in the Emissions Trading System (ETS) provides them with a significant financial incentive. 20 million ETS allowances have been set aside for covering part or all of the price gap between sustainable aviation fuels and fossil fuels in the aviation sector.

    The Innovation Fund already provides support, including around EUR 1 billion for 16 sustainable fuel projects (including e-fuels and biofuels) and EUR 2 billion to 30 projects producing hydrogen as principal product. The transport industry will benefit as potential fuel user of these projects.

    The Commission plans to propose an initiative to boost renewable energy, including a 2040 renewable energy target. Getting to the 2035 climate neutrality target for cars will require a technology-neutral approach, in which e-fuels have a role to play, through a targeted amendment of the regulation on CO2 standards[4] as part of the foreseen review in 2026.

    The Commission is aware of the projected scarcity of these fuels and the need for their availability in other sectors without technical alternatives.

    To support sustainable transport fuels in the hard-to-abate sectors (aviation and maritime), the Commission will put forward a ‘Sustainable Transport Investment Plan’.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023L2413
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023R2405
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32023R1805
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02019R0631-20240101
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Poland: EIB supports sustainable development of medium-sized cities

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB loaned over PLN 1 bln (ca. €274 mln) to Kielce, Radom, Rybnik and Chorzów in 2024.
    • Talks with other medium-sized Polish cities are under way.
    • In Kielce, EIB financing will underpin investment in urban infrastructure, transport and environmental projects.
    • EU bank backed sustainable development of Polish cities and regions with €7.89 bln since 2022.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) approved PLN 224 million in financing to support sustainable urban development of Poland’s south-eastern city of Kielce. The first agreement signed with the city under the framework loan covers PLN 112 million and will underpin investment in urban infrastructure and transport, as well as environmental and climate policies.

    “Promoting dynamic development of medium-sized cities is one of the EIB’s key lines of action. As the EU’s climate bank, the EIB finances upgrades to and expansion of top-notch urban infrastructure, as well as climate and environmental projects, especially in cohesion regions. Last year, the EIB allocated almost €2.4 billion to sustainable development of regions and cities in Poland,” EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska said during a visit to Kielce. “Thanks to the EIB loan, Kielce will be able to enhance city greeneries, transport network and sports facilities, carrying out investments that bring tangible benefits to inhabitants. Through this partnership with Kielce, and similar ones with Rybnik, Chorzów and Radom, the EIB contributes to improving the quality of life for people in Poland, including those living outside the largest centres.”

    Long-term, beneficial financing from the EIB will allow Kielce to co-finance projects that also receive direct grants from the European Union budget, helping with their effective absorption in Poland. An agreement for the second tranche of financing for the city is expected next.

    “Kielce will use this funding as the required own contribution to projects co-financed externally. We envisage the modernisation of a central city square, the establishment of a business incubator and major investment in public transport, including a new bus fleet. The city’s total investment plan amounts to PLN 761 mln,” said Kielce Mayor Agata Wojda.

    Multibillion-euro support for Polish cities, including medium-sized ones

    The EIB has signed 24 financing agreements with cities and municipal companies totalling over €1.7 billion since 2022. Including infrastructure financing and intermediated loans, the bank’s support to sustainable investment of cities and regions has reached €7.89 bln in the last three years. Alongside big cities, beneficiaries have also included the medium-sized ones with between 100,000 and 250,000 inhabitants. Last year, the EIB granted framework loans totalling over PLN 1 billion to Kielce, Radom, Rybnik and Chorzów.

    “Working together with the EIB is a real step forward in the continued sustainable development of Chorzów. This EIB loan will help the city make strategic investments in key areas such as urban infrastructure and environmental protection. Used effectively, the funding will help improve quality of life for our city’s inhabitants and make Chorzów more competitive on the regional map,” said Chorzów Mayor Szymon Michałek.

    In Radom, EIB funds are being put to use to build nurseries and social housing, create green spaces, promote sustainable urban mobility and improve energy efficiency of public buildings.

    Radom Mayor Radosław Witkowski, said: “Partnering with the EIB will provide economic benefits and help our city to keep on developing, which is what our residents expect.”

    According to Piotr Kuczera, the mayor of Rybnik, EIB financing is making the city “greener and a nicer place to live.”

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the EU, and the Capital Markets Union.   

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024. Nearly two-thirds of which was allocated to tackle the climate crisis and protect the environment. Almost half of the invested funds were allocated in cohesion regions, while €17.2 billion was earmarked specifically for the sustainable development of cities and regions. In Poland, EIB support for economic and territorial cohesion last year amounted to €5 billion, while investments in the development of cities and regions reached almost €2.4 billion. The EIB Group will soon share the full results of its activities in Poland.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – 10-14 February: Plenary week

    Source: European Parliament

    In the week of 10 February, Members’ work is centred on Parliament’s plenary sitting, and Committees meet only in exceptional cases. Follow the link below to discover this week’s highlight.

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The capture and utilisation of biogenic carbon dioxide – E-000437/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000437/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Eero Heinäluoma (S&D)

    On the path towards progress in the capture, storage and utilisation of biogenic carbon dioxide there are still many bottlenecks, in the shape, for example, of technology, energy sufficiency and profitability.

    Its capture, however, is still vital if we want such ‘negative’ emissions, i.e. to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Its utilisation, meanwhile, is an essential component of the hydrogen economy, for example, which can help with the production from biogenic carbon dioxide of fossil-free chemicals, plastics and fuels, and so on, replacing fossil-based raw materials. It is essential for both capture and utilisation that biomass retains its carbon-neutral status in the production of bioenergy.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that there are sufficient incentives in place for the capture, storage and utilisation of biogenic carbon dioxide and that there is a market benefit for fossil-free products?
    • 2.What is the timeline for the actions that the Commission might propose?

    Submitted: 31.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lack of transparency in how the COVID-19 pandemic was managed – E-000421/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000421/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jorge Martín Frías (PfE)

    The US House of Representatives recently published an investigation offering an in-depth assessment of the United States’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its causes and the vaccination campaigns.

    The investigation concludes that the measures adopted, such as quarantining and requiring masks to be worn, were arbitrary and not based on any scientific evidence, and, what is more, that they were ineffective and detrimental.

    Regarding the vaccines, the investigation indicates that they did not prevent the spread of the virus as hoped for and that the decisions taken in respect of the vaccines were partly politically motivated.

    In light of these conclusions:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to launch an investigation – one that includes the full declassification of documents between pharmaceutical companies and Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen – into what took place in the European Union?
    • 2.Will there be an assessment of the way in which the COVID-19 passport was used to restrict the freedoms of European citizens in some Member States, despite this being contrary to the intent of the legislator?
    • 3.Does any data exist on the cost of these measures, both economically and to mental health, in the EU?

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serial burglars sentenced to twenty months in prison for thefts throughout Redbridge

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two thieves arrested a mere 150 metres away from a house they burgled have been sentenced to 20 months in prison, following an investigation which linked them to multiple offences in Redbridge.

    On the evening of Sunday, 15 December officers responded to a break-in on Mansted Gardens, Chadwell Heath. In just half an hour, the responding officers blocked off escape routes, forcing the offenders to flee onto the High Road. This resulted in a chase on foot which ended with the pair in handcuffs.

    Upon searching the suspects, officers found two gold rings, two gold bangles and three gold necklaces, which were missing from the property.

    Further enquiries then enabled officers to place the two men at the scene of other break-ins, including an incident at a different address on Mansted Gardens, where a safe containing £25,000 worth of gold and £3,000 cash was stolen.

    Geani Bogonos, aged 42 (18.05.1982) of Freshwell Avenue, Chadwell Health and Vasile Filip, aged 26 (31.08.1998) of Southend Road, East Ham were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 3 February after pleading guilty at their first appearance hearing.

    PC David Izard, who was the officer in charge of the investigation, said:

    “Burglaries are a huge intrusion of privacy and have a lasting impact on communities. As highlighted here, our officers responded at speed and showed real bravery to track, chase and detain the suspects.

    “The team then conducted a thorough investigation which showed Bogonos and Filip to be serial offenders – and ultimately led to them being taken off our streets.

    “This is all part of the Met’s ongoing response to burglary. Our local community policing teams continue to conduct patrols in hot spot areas to provide a high visibility presence as well as crime prevention advice. If you do have any concerns please speak to officers or contact your local team, details of which are available via our website.”

    Bogonos was convicted of two burglaries, with a further three offences taken into consideration. Filip was convicted of one burglary with three further offences taken into consideration. All offences taken into account occurred throughout Redbridge between October and November 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Man Group PLC : Form 8.3 – American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Man Group PLC
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 06/02/2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 YES
    Offeree: Dowlais Group plc

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: USD 0.01 common
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 93,090.00 0.08    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives: 155,905.00 0.13 96,508.00 0.08
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 248,995.00 0.21 96,508.00 0.08

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    USD 0.01 common Purchase 956 5.118 USD

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    USD 0.01 common Equity Swap Increasing a long position 796 5.118 USD
    USD 0.01 common Equity Swap Increasing a long position 41,545 5.118 USD

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 07/02/2025
    Contact name: Mackenzie Terry
    Telephone number: +442071441555

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Consumer Products Leader Selects Kneat to Digitize Validation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LIMERICK, Ireland, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — kneat.com, inc. (TSX: KSI) (OTCQX: KSIOF), a leader in digitizing and automating validation and quality processes, is pleased to announce that a multinational consumer food and drink producer (“the Company”) has signed a three-year Master Services Agreement (“MSA”) with Kneat to digitize its validation processes.

    Headquartered in Europe and operating manufacturing facilities globally, the Company will initially use Kneat for Equipment and Computer System Validation within a specialized health sciences division with over 5,000 employees.  The MSA allows the company to scale Kneat to all its affiliate companies and business divisions.

    “Today’s announcement highlights that life science applications for Kneat can be found outside traditional life sciences companies, as we bring another consumer products leader into the Kneat community. We are proud to be a part of this Company’s world-class quality effort supporting their pursuit of health, wellness, and nutrition for people around the world.”

    – Eddie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Kneat

    The number of consumer goods companies relying on Kneat has grown over the past several years, as certain products in their portfolios are subject to validation regulatory requirements. Digitizing these processes helps these companies mitigate risk and protect the brands they have been building for years, and positions Kneat to continue adding value to their efforts over the years ahead.

    About Kneat

    Kneat Solutions provides leading companies in highly regulated industries with unparalleled efficiency in validation and compliance through its digital validation platform Kneat Gx. As an industry leader in customer satisfaction, Kneat boasts an excellent record for implementation, powered by our user-friendly design, expert support, and on-demand training academy. Kneat Gx is an industry-leading digital validation platform that enables highly regulated companies to manage any validation discipline from end-to-end. Kneat Gx is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified, fully validated, and 21 CFR Part 11/Annex 11 compliant. Multiple independent customer studies show up to 40% reduction in documentation cycle times, up to 20% faster speed to market, and a higher compliance standard.

    Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

    Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, certain information presented constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the relationship between Kneat and the customer, Kneat’s business development activities, the use and implementation timelines of Kneat’s software within the customer’s validation processes, the ability and intent of the customer to scale the use of Kneat’s software within the customer’s organization, and the compliance of Kneat’s platform under regulatory audit and inspection. While such forward-looking statements are expressed by Kneat, as stated in this release, in good faith and believed by Kneat to have a reasonable basis, they are subject to important risks and uncertainties. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, given that they involve risks and uncertainties.

    Kneat does not undertake any obligation to release publicly revisions to any forward-looking statement, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Investors should not assume that any lack of update to a previously issued forward-looking statement constitutes a reaffirmation of that statement. Continued reliance on forward-looking statements is at an investor’s own risk.

    For further information:

    Katie Keita, Kneat Investor Relations
    P: + 1 902-450-2660
    E: investors@kneat.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Levels Protocol Launches Solana’s First-Ever Changing Token

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — By introducing the first token that changes in real-time as its market capitalisation increases, Levels Protocol is revolutionising cryptocurrency in the Solana Ecosystem. In contrast to conventional digital assets, level tokens automatically update their names, symbols, and metadata on-chain to reflect significant events and promote an engaging, dynamic trading environment.

    A Token That Grows Alongside Its Community

    Levels Protocol, based on Solana’s fast blockchain, allows tokens to change without requiring manual modification. With each price milestone being a collective accomplishment for token holders, this innovation produces an exciting investment experience.

    Users can create changing tokens with the Levels Launchpad dApp, transforming market momentum into a gamified experience where progress is rewarded at every round.

    How It Works:

    * $0.0001: Token name = “levels”
    * $0.001: Token name = “levelsss”
    * $0.01: Token name = “levelssssss”
    * $0.1: Token name = “levelssssssssss”
    * $1: Token name = “levelssssssssssssssss”

    An Ecosystem Driven by the Community

    The foundation of Levels Protocol is an incentive-driven framework intended to encourage participation and long-term viability.

    Promoting Intense Engagement

    Every $500 invested earns traders points, which they can use to obtain $LEVELS airdrops and guarantee leaderboard rankings.

    Developers vie for rewards ranging from $30,000 to $50,000+, which spurs ongoing innovation.

    Platform fees are distributed to stakers, guaranteeing long-term value and usefulness.

    A Well-Timed Launch for Long-Term Effects

    In order to sustain community participation and enthusiasm, Levels Protocol uses a staggered release strategy, providing new utilities gradually rather than launching with all features at once.

    Transforming the Cryptocurrency Trading Industry

    Levels Protocol provides a distinctive take on tokenomics by fusing gamification, decentralised technology, and community cooperation. With each milestone reflecting collective progress, its dynamic structure turns static digital assets into community-driven, dynamic entities.

    MEDIA DETAILS:
    Website: https://levelsprotocol.dev
    Person Name: Azul Yager
    Webmail: Azulyager@levelsprotocol.dev
    Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, PO Box 111969, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Levels Protocol. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cd15edb4-2a68-4b03-9cb1-e0d1525cc748

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The GraniteShares YieldBoost TSLA ETF (TSYY) Yielded an Annualized Distribution of Approximately 35% Generating a 7.9% Total Return. TSYY Went Ex-Dividend on January 24, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldBOOST is an innovative strategy that aims to combine high income potential by selling options on leveraged ETFs which generally command a higher premium than options on stocks, while focusing on NAV preservation by writing options which have a lower chance of being exercised (“out of the money” options). GraniteShares believes that this holistic approach is an improvement over existing option income strategies mainly known as “covered call” strategies.

    The fact that TSYY was able to generate a positive total return over the same period the TSLA stock price was significantly down, illustrates the robustness of the YieldBOOST approach developed by GraniteShares.

    The main problem with covered call strategies is that they prioritize income or yield over total return. With a covered call, the options seller typically sells “at the money” which enables the seller to generate the maximum amount of premium at the point of sale. An option is considered at-the-money when the strike price is very close to the current market price of the underlying asset.

    This approach encompasses the problem that the option has a much higher chance of being exercised if the value of the underlying asset goes up, hence capping the upside. If the underlying asset falls in value, the strategy is fully exposed to the downside. The main design flaw with covered call strategies can be a nice yield but poor total return and therefore a poor investment long term.

    TSYY is the first ETF in GraniteShares’ YieldBOOST lineup, and additional YieldBOOST products are expected to come to market over the coming months. The fund’s primary investment objective is to seek current income. The fund’s secondary investment objective is to seek exposure to the performance of one or more exchange-traded funds whose shares trade on a U.S.-regulated securities exchange and that seek daily leverage investment results of 2 times (200%) the daily percentage of the common stock of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) (the “Underlying Stock”) subject to a limit on potential investment gains.

    About GraniteShares:

    GraniteShares is an award-winning global investment firm dedicated to creating and managing ETFs. Headquartered in New York City, GraniteShares provides products on U.S., U.K, German, French & Italian stock exchanges. The firm is a market leader in leveraged single-stock ETFs and provides innovative, cutting-edge investment solutions for the high conviction investor.

    Founded in 2016, GraniteShares is an ETF provider focused on providing innovative, cutting-edge alternative investment solutions. Its U.S. ETF offerings include a broad-based commodity index fund, physically backed gold and platinum funds and a high-income pass-through securities index fund.

    GraniteShares also offers a suite of leveraged single stock ETFs, including those targeting NVIDIA, Coinbase and Tesla. The company has $8.9 billion in assets under management as of January 24, 2025.

    For complete information about the GraniteShares YieldBOOST TSLA ETF (TSYY), please visit:
    https://graniteshares.com/institutional/us/en-us/

    Link to Prospectus: https://graniteshares.com/institutional/us/en-us/etfs/tsyy/

    Media Contact:

    GraniteShares Inc.
    William Rhind
    222 Broadway, 21 Floor,
    New York, NY, 10038
    844-476-8747
    info@graniteshares.com

    Disclaimer 

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus. Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. Please read the prospectus before investing.

    Shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the ETF. There can be no guarantee that an active trading market for ETF shares will develop or be maintained, or that their listing will continue or remain unchanged. Buying or selling ETF shares on an exchange may require the payment of brokerage commissions and frequent trading may incur brokerage costs that detract significantly from investment returns. 

    An investment in the Fund involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Fund is non-diversified and includes risks associated with the Fund concentrating its investments in a particular industry, sector, or geographic region which can result in increased volatility. The use of derivatives such as option contracts and swaps are subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. Risks of the Fund include Risk of the Underlying ETF, Derivatives Risk, Affiliate Fund Risk, Counterparty Risk, Price Participation Risk, Distribution Risk, NAV Erosion Risk, Put Writing Strategy Risk, Option Market Liquidity Risk. These and other risks can be found in the prospectus.

    This information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any Funds to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Please consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in Fund shares, including the possible application of foreign, state, and local tax laws. You could lose money by investing in the ETFs. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Funds will be achieved. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9c2ffd3-df2f-498d-847a-56a103777b2d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb08dd54-2840-4d31-8d6a-762d522d31b3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Choi Chang-sau mourned

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today expressed sorrow over the passing of Choi Chang-sau, a master of the “Arts of the Guqin”, and extended condolences to Mr Choi’s family.

    She explained that inheriting the craftsmanship of guqin making, Mr Choi took up the operation of his family business, the Choi Fook Kee musical instrument shop. He also founded the Choi Chang Sau Qin Making Society in 2011.

    Miss Law said: “Dedicated to the arts for many years, he shared his knowledge generously with local guqin lovers, making remarkable contributions to nurturing talent and passing on precious intangible cultural heritage. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Choi.”

    With a history dating back more than 3,000 years, guqin is one of the oldest plucked musical instruments in China. Guqin making is a traditional art that involves woodwork, lacquering, calligraphy and the actual making of music.

    The “Arts of the Guqin” was inscribed onto the fourth National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Europol hosts its second Industry and Research Days

    Source: Europol

    Featuring keynote speeches from Europol experts and live demonstrations of the latest technology by companies, this event brought Europol staff and national law enforcement practitioners up to speed with the latest technological advancements in the security market. As a response to the needs expressed by the law enforcement community, and matching criteria such as the innovative nature and relevancy to…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Net Lease Announces Release Date for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Net Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GNL) (“GNL” or the “Company”) announced today that it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024 on Thursday, February 27, 2025 after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

    The Company will host a conference call and audio webcast on Friday, February 28, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET, to discuss the fourth quarter and full year results and provide commentary on business performance. The results will be released before the call which will be conducted by GNL’s management team. A question-and-answer session will follow the prepared remarks.

    Dial-in instructions for the conference call and the replay are outlined below. This conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties through the GNL website, www.globalnetlease.com, in the “Investor Relations” section. To listen to the live call, please go to the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register and download any necessary audio software. For those who are not able to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call on the GNL website.

    Conference Call Details

    Live Call
    Dial-In (Toll Free): 1-877-407-0792
    International Dial-In: 1-201-689-8263

    Conference Replay*
    Domestic Dial-In (Toll Free): 1-844-512-2921
    International Dial-In: 1-412-317-6671
    Conference Replay Number: 13750621

    *Available from 2:00 p.m. ET on February 28, 2025 through May 28, 2025.

    About Global Net Lease, Inc.

    Global Net Lease, Inc. is a publicly traded real estate investment trust listed on the NYSE, which focuses on acquiring and managing a global portfolio of income producing net lease assets across the United States, and Western and Northern Europe. Additional information about GNL can be found on its website at www.globalnetlease.com.

    Important Notice

    The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially different. The words such as “may,” “will,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “predicts,” “plans,” “intends,” “would,” “could,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks associated with realization of the anticipated benefits of the merger with The Necessity Retail REIT, Inc. and the internalization of the Company’s property management and advisory functions; that any potential future acquisition or disposition by the Company is subject to market conditions and capital availability and may not be identified or completed on favorable terms, or at all. Some of the risks and uncertainties, although not all risks and uncertainties, that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those presented in its forward-looking statements are set forth in the “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” sections in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and all of its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as such risks, uncertainties and other important factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s subsequent reports. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time, unless required by law.

    Contacts:
    Investor Relations
    Email: investorrelations@globalnetlease.com
    Phone: (332) 265-2020

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Defiance Launches ORCX, The First 2X Leveraged Single-Stock ETF on Oracle Corporation.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Defiance ETFs is proud to unveil ORCX, the first 2X long ETF for Oracle Corporation. ORCX seeks to provide 200% long daily targeted exposure to Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) (the “Underlying Security” or “ORCL”). Defiance’s single-stock ETFs provide leveraged exposure to disruptive companies without the need for a margin account.

    “Defiance is excited to launch ORCX, which seeks to provide amplified exposure to Oracle. Oracle’s Stargate initiative is a game-changer, enhancing multi-cloud connectivity and driving seamless data integration across platforms. This innovation enhances Oracle’s position in enterprise AI and cloud infrastructure, presenting a potential growth avenue for investors interested in the evolving tech landscape,” said Sylvia Jablonski, CEO of Defiance ETFs.

    The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund pursues a daily leveraged investment objective, which means that the Fund is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Fund magnifies the performance of its Underlying Security. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged (2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. For periods longer than a single day, the Fund will lose money if the Underlying Security’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the Underlying Security’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day.

    An investment in the ETF is not an investment in Oracle Corporation.

    About Defiance ETFs

    Founded in 2018, Defiance is at the forefront of ETF innovation. Defiance is a leading ETF issuer specializing in thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs.

    Our first-mover leveraged single-stock ETFs empower investors to take amplified positions in high-growth companies, providing precise leverage exposure without the need to open a margin account.

    Important Disclosures

    The fund attempts to provide daily investment results that correspond to two times (200%) the share price performance of an underlying exchange-traded fund (an “Underlying Security”). The Fund is not intended to be used by, and are not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund is very different from most mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. The Fund may not achieve investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to two times (2x) the daily performance of the Underlying Security, and may return substantially less during such periods. During such periods, the Fund’s actual leverage levels may differ substantially from its intended target, both intraday and at the close of trading, potentially resulting in significantly lower returns.

    The Fund’s investment adviser will not attempt to position a Fund’s portfolio to ensure that the Fund does not gain or lose more than a maximum percentage of its net asset value on a given trading day. As a consequence, if an Underlying Security’s share price referenced by a Fund decreases by more than 50% on a given trading day, the corresponding Fund’s investors could lose all of their money.

    Defiance ETFs LLC is the ETF sponsor. The Fund’s investment adviser is Tidal Investments, LLC (“Tidal” or the “Adviser”).

    The Funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please read carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectuses can be requested by calling 833.333.9383.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the funds may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country, may be subject to a higher degree of risk.

    Underlying Security Risk. The Fund invests in swap contracts and options that are based on the share price of ORCL. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of ORCL, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment in ORCL Risk. ORCL is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares.

    ORCL Trading Risk. The trading price of ORCL may be subject to volatility and could experience wide fluctuations due to various factors. Short sellers may also play a significant role in trading ORCL, potentially affecting the supply and demand dynamics and contributing to market price volatility. Public perception and external factors beyond the company’s control may influence ORCL’s stock price disproportionately.

    ORCL Performance Risk. ORCL may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of ORCL to decline. ORCL provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance ORCL provides may not ultimately be accurate.

    Software Industry Risk. The software industry can be significantly affected by intense competition, aggressive pricing, technological innovations, and product obsolescence. Companies in the software industry are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins.

    Operations and Business Risks. ORCL may be unsuccessful in developing and selling new products and services, integrating acquired products and services and enhancing its existing products and services.

    Data Security Risks. If ORCL’s security measures for its products and services are compromised and as a result, its data, its customers’ data or its IT systems are accessed improperly, made unavailable, or improperly modified, ORCL’s products and services may be perceived as vulnerable, its brand and reputation could be damaged, the IT services ORCL provides to its customers could be disrupted, and customers may stop using ORCL’s products and services, any of which could reduce ORCL’s revenue and earnings, increase its expenses and expose it to legal claims and regulatory actions.

    Intellectual Property Risks. ORCL relies on copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures, controls and contractual commitments to protect its intellectual property. Despite ORCL’s efforts, these protections may be limited.

    Leverage Risk. The Fund obtains investment exposure in excess of its net assets by utilizing leverage and may lose more money in market conditions that are adverse to its investment objective than a fund that does not utilize leverage. An investment in the Fund is exposed to the risk that a decline in the daily performance of the Underlying Security will be magnified.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Daily rebalancing of the Fund’s holdings pursuant to its daily investment objective causes a much greater number of portfolio transactions when compared to most ETFs.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the United States.

    Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, leverage, imperfect daily correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Compounding and Market Volatility Risk. The Fund has a daily leveraged investment objective and the Fund’s performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which is very likely to differ from two times (200%) the Underlying Security’s performance, before the Fund’s management fee and other expenses.

    Fixed Income Securities Risk. When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned by the Fund.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security, may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Diversification does not ensure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market.

    Brokerage Commissions may be charged on trades.

    Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC

    Contact Information:

    David Hanono

    833.333.9383
    info@defianceetfs.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9a2f6854-1043-4edc-8250-60065d17e319

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PhenixFIN Corporation Announces Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NAV per share $80.59

    NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PhenixFIN Corporation (NASDAQ: PFX, PFXNZ) (the “Company”), a publicly traded business development company, today announced its financial results for the fiscal first quarter for its year ending September 30, 2025.

    Highlights

    • First quarter total investment income of $6.2 million; net investment income of $1.6 million
    • Net asset value (NAV) of $162.8 million, or $80.59 per share as of December 31, 2024
    • Weighted average yield was 13.3% on debt and other income producing investments
    • On October 1, 2024, the Company completed the merger and reorganization of The National Security Group, Inc. (“NSG”) an Alabama based insurance holding company
    • On February 6, 2025, the Board declared a special dividend of $1.43 per share to be paid on February 18, 2025, to stockholders of record as of February 17, 2025.

    David Lorber, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated:

    “We have had a great start to fiscal year 2025 as we continue to remain focused on executing our strategic priorities which include growing our platforms, pursuing compelling investment opportunities and increasing NAV per share.”

    Selected First Quarter 2025 Financial Results for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024:

    Total investment income was $6.2 million of which $5.9 million was attributable to portfolio interest and dividend income, and $0.3 million was attributable to fee and other income.

    Total net expenses were $4.6 million and total net investment income was $1.6 million.

    The Company recorded a net realized gain of $1.2 million and a net unrealized loss of $0.3 million.  

    Portfolio and Investment Activities for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024:

    The fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio totaled $300.1 million and consisted of 43 portfolio companies.

    The Company had certain investments in 3 portfolio companies on non-accrual status with a fair market value of $1.5 million.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $7.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, $59.2 million in aggregate principal amount of its 5.25% unsecured notes due 2028 and $84.0 million outstanding under the Credit Facility.

    ABOUT PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

    PhenixFIN Corporation is a non-diversified, internally managed closed-end management investment company incorporated in Delaware that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. We completed our initial public offering and commenced operations on January 20, 2011. The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, to be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Effective January 1, 2021, the Company operates under an internalized management structure.

     SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT AND OTHER DISCLOSURES

    This press release contains “forward-looking” statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect current views with respect to future events and financial performance, and the Company may make related oral forward-looking statements on or following the date hereof. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements, including among other things, PhenixFIN’s ability to execute on its strategic initiatives, deliver value to shareholders, increase investment activity, increase net investment income, implement its investment strategy and achieve its investment objective, source and capitalize on investment opportunities, grow its net asset value per share and perform well in the prevailing market environment, the ability of our portfolio companies, including National Security Group, Inc. to perform well and generate income and other factors that are enumerated in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. PhenixFIN Corporation disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release.

    Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The press release contains unaudited financial results. For ease of review, we have excluded the word “approximately” when rounding the results. This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of PhenixFIN Corporation’s common stock. There can be no assurance that PhenixFIN Corporation will achieve its investment objective. 

    For PhenixFIN investor relations, please call 212-859-0390. For media inquiries, please contact info@phenixfc.com.

    PHENIXFIN CORPORATION
    Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities
     
        December 31,
    2024
    (Unaudited)    		     September
    30,
    2024    		  
    Assets:            
    Investments at fair value                
    Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments (amortized cost of $160,480,488 and $143,179,354 respectively)   $ 160,343,098     $ 142,233,426  
    Affiliated investments (amortized cost of $20,564,242 and $20,564,242, respectively)     13,861,599       14,750,785  
    Controlled investments (amortized cost of $152,223,817 and $97,016,429, respectively)     125,889,697       70,931,647  
    Total Investments at fair value     300,094,394       227,915,858  
    Cash and cash equivalents     7,187,110       67,571,559  
    Receivables:                
    Interest receivable     1,313,520       1,313,598  
    Other receivable     16,640       65,838  
    Dividends receivable     105,804       23,468  
    Due from Affiliate     1,040,512       90,500  
    Deferred tax asset     887,099       887,099  
    Deferred financing costs     625,323       760,680  
    Other assets     514,630       1,066,323  
    Prepaid share repurchase     101,115       101,115  
    Receivable for investments sold     41,897       2,955,775  
    Total Assets   $ 311,928,044     $ 302,751,813  
                     
    Liabilities:                
    Credit facility and notes payable (net of debt issuance costs of $1,417,816 and $1,510,815, respectively)   $ 141,743,682     $ 135,723,636  
    Payable for investments purchased     3,688,247       –  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     2,391,430       5,570,150  
    Interest and fees payable     1,029,334       768,043  
    Other liabilities     256,426       294,063  
    Due to Affiliate     46,995       88,148  
    Total Liabilities     149,156,114       142,444,040  
                     
    Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 8)                
                     
    Net Assets:                
    Common Shares, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,723,709 shares issued; 2,019,778 and 2,019,778 common shares outstanding, respectively     2,020       2,020  
    Capital in excess of par value     704,909,588       704,909,588  
    Total distributable earnings (loss)     (542,139,678 )     (544,603,835 )
    Total Net Assets     162,771,930       160,307,773  
    Total Liabilities and Net Assets   $ 311,928,044     $ 302,751,813  
                     
    Net Asset Value Per Common Share   $ 80.59     $ 79.37  
    PHENIXFIN CORPORATION
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited)
     
        For the Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		  
        2024     2023  
    Interest Income:            
    Interest from investments            
    Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments:                
    Cash   $ 2,824,594     $ 2,682,143  
    Payment in-kind     354,681       90,674  
    Affiliated investments:                
    Cash     –       455,692  
    Payment in-kind     –       –  
    Controlled investments:                
    Cash     588,195       286,238  
    Payment in-kind     –       149,967  
    Total interest income     3,767,470       3,664,714  
    Dividend income                
    Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments     596,298       665,526  
    Affiliated investments     142,495       –  
    Controlled investments     1,399,350       1,348,200  
    Total dividend income     2,138,143       2,013,726  
    Interest from cash and cash equivalents     227,032       41,108  
    Fee income (see Note 9)     11,064       2,108  
    Other income     72,774       22  
    Total Investment Income     6,216,483       5,721,678  
                     
    Expenses:                
    Interest and financing expenses     2,545,811       1,542,061  
    Salaries and benefits     1,028,617       1,424,992  
    Professional fees, net     418,013       357,554  
    Directors fees     204,000       187,500  
    Insurance expenses     88,421       97,756  
    Administrator expenses (see Note 6)     84,355       77,852  
    General and administrative expenses     221,793       325,061  
    Total expenses     4,591,010       4,012,776  
    Net Investment Income     1,625,473       1,708,902  
                     
    Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments                
    Net realized gains (losses):                
    Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments     1,168,670       229,804  
    Affiliated investments     –       –  
    Controlled investments     –       –  
    Total net realized gains (losses)     1,168,670       229,804  
    Net change in unrealized gains (losses):                
    Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments     808,538       1,364,243  
    Affiliated investments     (889,186 )     2,431,263  
    Controlled investments     (249,338 )     (1,200,373 )
    Total net change in unrealized gains (losses)     (329,986 )     2,595,133  
    Deferred tax benefit (expense)     –       –  
    Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)     838,684       2,824,937  
                     
    Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   $ 2,464,157     $ 4,533,839  
                     
    Weighted average basic and diluted earnings per common share   $ 1.22     $ 2.19  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted (see Note 11)     2,019,778       2,072,694  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Prairie Operating Co. Announces Acquisition of DJ Basin Assets from Bayswater Exploration and Production for Approximately $600 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Adds ~24,000 net acres in Weld County and ~26 mboepd of oil-weighted (69% liquids) net production
    • Adds 77.9 MMboe and ~$1.1 Billion in Proved PV-10 value(1)(2)
    • Attractive valuation, highly accretive across key cash flow metrics
    • Significantly increases 2025 production, revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance

    HOUSTON, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prairie Operating Co. (Nasdaq: PROP) (the “Company,” “Prairie,” “we,” “our” or “us”), today announced it has entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement to acquire (the “Bayswater Acquisition”) certain assets (the “Bayswater Assets”) from Bayswater Exploration and Production and certain of its affiliated entities (collectively “Bayswater”), a premier operator in the Denver-Julesburg Basin (the “DJ Basin”).   The transaction will significantly increase the Company’s operational scale and footprint in the DJ Basin and add highly economic drilling locations.

    The purchase price of the acquisition is $602.75 million. The transaction consideration will consist of cash and up to ~5.2 million shares of Prairie common stock. Prairie anticipates funding the cash portion of the consideration, net of expected purchase price adjustments, through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s credit facility, pursuant to which the Company has received commitments to expand its borrowing base to $475 million as of the closing of the Bayswater Acquisition, and proceeds from one or more capital markets transactions, subject to market conditions and other factors. The Company expects to complete the Bayswater Acquisition in February 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, with an economic effective date of December 1, 2024.

    “This acquisition delivers compelling strategic and financial advantages and reflects our disciplined, but opportunistic approach to rapidly expand our footprint in the DJ Basin,” said Edward Kovalik, Chairman and CEO of Prairie Operating Co. “Not only will the addition of these high-quality assets be immediately accretive, but they will also accelerate our development plans, enhance operational efficiencies, and drive sustainable, long-term value creation for our shareholders.”

    Gary Hanna, President of the Company, added, “This acquisition represents a transformative milestone for Prairie Operating Co. by significantly expanding our footprint and production of oil rich assets in the DJ Basin. Upon closing, we will be well-positioned to deliver significant organic production growth in 2025 and beyond.”

    Key Prairie Highlights, Pro Forma for the Transaction:

    • Transformational Increase in Oil-Weighted Production: ~27,500 net BOEPD (69% liquids)
    • Expanded Footprint / Inventory Life: ~54,000 net acres, including ~600 highly economic drilling locations, providing ~10 years of drilling inventory
    • Significantly Increases Free Cash Flow: Expected to be immediately accretive to per-share cash flow metrics
    • Maintains Strong Balance Sheet: Expected leverage ratio of ~1.0x at closing with upsized committed credit facility and ample liquidity
    • Meaningful Infrastructure Synergies: Leverages existing infrastructure to drive operational efficiencies and reduce development costs
    • Attractive Valuation Metrics(1): PV-20 of Proved Developed Producing (“PDP”) reserves and $23,500 per net flowing BOE

    2025 Updated Guidance

    Upon the closing of this acquisition, the combined Company’s 2025 pro forma outlook includes:

    • Average Daily Production: 29,000 – 31,000 BOEPD
    • Capital Expenditures (Capex): $300 million – $320 million
    • Adjusted EBITDA(3): Expected to range between $350 million and $370 million

    *Based on an active hedging program and an average working interest (“WI”) of 75% or greater.

    Estimated Reserve Data

    A summary of the estimated reserves and values of our properties (as adjusted to give effect to the Bayswater Acquisition), as of November 30, 2024, and as determined by Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, the Company’s independent Petroleum Reserve Evaluation Firm, using SEC pricing as of November 30, 2024 is set forth below.

      Our Pro Forma Net Reserves  
    Reserve Category Oil
    (MBbl)    		 NGL
    (MBbl)    		 Gas
    (MMcf)    		 Total
    (MBoe)    		 Liquids
    (%)    		 PV-10
    ($MM)(4)
    Proved Developed Producing (PDP) 23,581 14,810 113,611 57,326 67 % $860
    Proved Developed Not Producing (PDNP) 173 26 216 235 85 % $5
    Proved Undeveloped (PUD) 25,547 8,970 72,088 46,531 74 % $495
    Total Proved 49,301 23,806 185,914 104,093 70 % $1,360

    (3) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

    (4) PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

    Webcast Access

    Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
    Time: 10:00am Eastern Time (9:00am Central Time)
    Participant Listening: 877-407-9219 / +1 201-689-8852

    The webcast may be accessed from the “Press & Media” page of Prairie’s website at: https://www.prairieopco.com/media

    To participate via telephone, please register in advance here: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=DUzJKsjj

    Participants can use Guest dial-in numbers above and be answered by an operator OR click the Call meTM link for instant telephone access to the event: https://hd.choruscall.com/InComm/?callme=true&passcode=13751732&h=true&info=company&r=true&B=6

    The Call me™ link will be made active 15 minutes prior to scheduled start time. Upon registration, all telephone participants will be joined to the conference call in listen only. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company’s website for two (2) weeks following the call.

    Advisors

    Citi is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP is serving as legal advisor to Prairie. Citibank N.A. is also leading the committed financing under the Company’s anticipated expanded credit facility, with Latham & Watkins LLP as legal advisor to Citibank N.A.

    About Prairie Operating Co.

    Prairie Operating Co. is a Houston-based publicly traded independent energy company engaged in the development and acquisition of oil and natural gas resources in the United States. The Company’s assets and operations are concentrated in the oil and liquids-rich regions of the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin, with a primary focus on the Niobrara and Codell formations. The Company is committed to the responsible development of its oil and natural gas resources and is focused on maximizing returns through consistent growth, capital discipline, and sustainable cash flow generation. More information about the Company can be found at www.prairieopco.com.

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

    Adjusted EBITDA

    This press release also contains Adjusted EBITDA, which is a financial measure not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to evaluate the performance of our business, make operational decisions, and assess our ability to generate cashflows.  Management believes Adjusted EBITDA provides investors with helpful information to better understand the underlying performance trends of our business, facilitate period-to-period comparisons, and assess the company’s operating results.

    Adjusted EBITDA is derived from Net income and is adjusted for income tax expense, depreciation, depletion, and amortization (DD&A), accretion of asset retirement obligations, non-cash stock-based compensation, and loss on unrealized commodity derivatives. We adjust net income for the items listed above to arrive at Adjusted EBITDA because these amounts can vary substantially between periods and companies within our industry depending upon accounting methods, book values of assets, capital structures, and the method by which assets were acquired. Additionally, the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA does not imply that our operating results will not be affected by unusual or non-recurring items. 

    Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, including that it excludes certain items that affect our reported financial results. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, GAAP Net income or as an indicator of our operating performance or liquidity. Additionally, our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

    The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income, which is the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (in Millions)

    PV-10

    This press release contains PV-10, which is a financial measure not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. PV-10 is derived from the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows (“Standardized Measure”), which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for proved reserves. PV-10 is a computation of the Standardized Measure on a pre-tax basis. PV-10 is equal to the Standardized Measure at the applicable date, before deducting future income taxes discounted at 10%. Neither PV-10 nor standardized measure represents an estimate of the fair market value of the applicable crude oil, natural gas and NGLs properties. We believe that the presentation of PV-10 is relevant and useful to our investors as supplemental disclosure to the Standardized Measure, or after-tax amount, because it presents the discounted future net cash flows attributable to our reserves before considering future corporate income taxes and our current tax structure. While the standardized measure is dependent on the unique tax situation of each company, PV-10 is based on prices and discount factors that are consistent for all companies.

    The following table reconciles PV-10 to the standard measure of discounted future net cash flows, which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure:

    Reconciliation of PV-10 to the Standard Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information included herein and in any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, are forward-looking statements, including statements about our ability to complete and successfully finance the Bayswater Acquisition, our financial performance following the Bayswater Acquisition, estimates of oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves, estimates of future oil, natural gas and NGLs production, and the Company’s updated guidance set forth in this press release. When used herein, including any oral statements made in connection herewith, the words “could,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. The Company cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including our ability to satisfy the conditions to closing the Bayswater Acquisition in a timely manner or at all, our ability to successfully finance the Bayswater Acquisition, our ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Bayswater Acquisition, the possibility that we may be unable to achieve expected free cash flow accretion, production levels, drilling, operational efficiencies and other anticipated benefits of the Bayswater Assets within the expected time-frames or at all, and our ability to successfully integrate the Bayswater Assets . There may be additional risks not currently known by the Company or that the Company currently believes are immaterial that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact the Company’s expectations can be found in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on March 20, 2024, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Current Report on Form 8-K. The Company’s SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Wobbe Ploegsma
    info@prairieopco.com
    832.274.3449

    Tables accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2887d588-6948-4d53-b85e-af27741c6839
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a82a869-eea3-4d69-b087-417457b9dc27

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden and the Republic of Moldova deepen defence cooperation

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Sweden and the Republic of Moldova deepen defence cooperation – Government.se

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    Article from Ministry of Defence, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    On 4 February Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin received the Republic of Moldova’s Minister of Defence Anatolie Nosatîi at Karlberg Palace.

    • Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Moldova Anatolie Nosatîi and Minister for Defence Pål Jonson at Karlberg Palace.

      Photo: Niklas Forsström/Government Offices

    • The flag of the Republic of Moldava and the flag of Sweden.

      Photo: Niklas Forsström/Government Offices

    • Minister of Defense of the Republic of Moldova Anatolie Nosatîi and Minister for Defence Pål Jonson at Karlberg Castle.

      Photo: Niklas Forsström/Government Offices

    The aim of the visit was to intensify and expand defence cooperation between Sweden and the Republic of Moldova and signal robust support for the Republic of Moldova’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

    In addition to bilateral defence cooperation, issues regarding the security situation in the region, the war in Ukraine and related EU and NATO matters were discussed.

    Representatives of the Swedish Armed Forces, the Defence Materiel Administration and the Psychological Defence Agency also attended the meeting. 

    During his visit to Stockholm Mr Nosatîi also met Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Diana Janse, State Secretary to Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa, and representatives of the Riksdag.

    The visit followed the Government’s 30 January proposal to donate m/86 AT4 anti-tank weapons to the Republic of Moldova within the framework of the additional amending budget that includes the 18th support package to Ukraine.

    Related

    The meeting on 4 February was held after Sweden and the Republic of Moldova signed a Letter of Intent on 20 August 2024 on deepened defence cooperation during a visit to the Republic of Moldova by Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin. The Letter of Intent enables both countries’ armed forces and other defence agencies to expand existing cooperation and promote new initiatives. The Letter of Intent enables both countries’ armed forces and other defence agencies to expand existing cooperation and promote new initiatives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Meet The Buyer event – connecting local suppliers with key buyers

    Source: City of Oxford

    Friday, 7 February 2025

    Oxford Town Hall – 12 February 2025.

    Local businesses and suppliers are invited to attend the highly anticipated the Meet The Buyer event, set to take place at Oxford Town Hall on 12 February, from 9:30am to 4pm.

    This exclusive event provides an invaluable opportunity for suppliers of goods and services within the county to engage directly with buyers from Oxford City Council. Attendees will gain first-hand insights into the procurement processes, learn about upcoming contract opportunities, and build valuable connections with both public sector buyers and fellow suppliers.

    Additionally, the event will offer a key session on the New Procurement Act, coming into force on 24 February, ensuring businesses are well-prepared for upcoming legislative changes.

    This event is free to attend and is a must for any local business looking to expand its opportunities in the public sector.

    Event details

    • Date: 12 February 2025
    • Location: Oxford Town Hall
    • Time: 9:30am to 4pm
    • Admission: free (registration required).

    For more information and to register, visit Meet the Buyer 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 10 February

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Monday 10 February

    Major sporting events in London

    Economy, Culture and Skills Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm

    Analysis from 2021 by London & Partners found that the total economic value generated by the 305 major sporting events held in London between 2017 and 2020 was £1.03 billion.

    The Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will meet to discuss the economic impact of major sporting events in London, looking at the role of the Mayor in bringing more sporting events to the city.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1: 2:00pm-3:30pm:

    • Nick Bitel, Chief Executive Officer, London Marathon Group
    • Mark Camley, Executive Director of Park and Venues, London Legacy Development Corporation
    • Esther Britten MBE, Head of Events and External Affairs, UK Sport
    • Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader, London Borough of Brent

    Panel 2: 3:35pm-5:00pm:

    • Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth
    • Katie Morrison, Interim Assistant Director, External Relations, Greater London Authority (GLA)
    • James Fitzgerald, Host City Programmes Director, GLA
    • Rose Wangen-Jones, Managing Director, Marketing, Destination & Commercial, London & Partners

    MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Smyth on 07763 251727 / [email protected]

    Tuesday 11 February

    Planning and tall buildings

    Planning and Regeneration Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    A lot of work looking at the experiences of residents in tall buildings originated in the 1960s and 1970s and focused on social housing. In recent decades, there has been a shift in the types of homes being delivered by tall buildings towards private accommodation.

    The Planning and Regeneration Committee will ask the Deputy Mayor for Planning, and guests from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Boroughs about how they set policies and take decisions around the delivery of tall buildings in London.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1: 10am – 11.15am:

    • Michael Ritchie, Place Shaping Manager, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
    • Michael Forrester, Head of Development Management, London Borough of Lewisham

    Panel 2: 11.30am – 12.30pm:

    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
    • Alan Smithies, Principal Strategic Planner, GLA

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252310 / [email protected]

    Wednesday 12 February

    Q&A with the Met Commissioner

    Police and Crime Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    In the Met Police Commissioner’s December report for the London Policing Board, it was highlighted that a series of “tough choices” may have to be implemented to meet the expected budget gap of £450m in the Met’s 2025-26 budget.

    The Police and Crime Committee will question the Met Police Commissioner on these “tough choices”, whether they will save the amount of money required, and how the Met will secure further funding to minimise these cuts. The Committee will also explore grooming gangs and stop and search. 

    The guests are:

    • Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police
    • Kaya Comer-Shwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime

    MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Smyth on 07763 251727 / [email protected]

    Thursday 13 February

    London Fire Brigade Plenary

    All Assembly meeting – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    What are the key priorities for the London Fire Brigade this year?

    Assembly Members will ask questions about building safety, Lithium-ion battery powered E-bikes and E-scooters, EV buses fire risk, home fire safety visits and more.

    The guests are:

    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
    • Andy Roe KFSM, London Fire Brigade Commissioner

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected] 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev and Lipetsk Region Governor Igor Artamonov discussed the development of the agro-industrial complex in the region

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with Lipetsk Region Governor Igor Artamonov. The meeting discussed issues of developing the agro-industrial complex, ecology and nature management.

    Working meeting of Dmitry Patrushev with the Governor of Lipetsk region Igor Artamonov

    February 7, 2025

    Working meeting of Dmitry Patrushev with the Governor of Lipetsk region Igor Artamonov

    February 7, 2025

    Working meeting of Dmitry Patrushev with the Governor of Lipetsk region Igor Artamonov

    February 7, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Working meeting of Dmitry Patrushev with the Governor of Lipetsk region Igor Artamonov

    Dmitry Patrushev noted that Lipetsk Region invariably remains among the leaders in the development of the agro-industrial complex. The region ranks first in Russia in the production of greenhouse vegetables in agricultural organizations and processed potatoes.

    Igor Artamonov emphasized that the Lipetsk region is attractive to investors. The volume of invested funds from 2019 to 2024 amounted to more than 200 billion rubles, more than 4 thousand jobs were created. The volume of agricultural exports of the region has increased by 2.5 times since 2019, which allowed the region to enter the top ten subjects of the Russian Federation in terms of export volume of agricultural products.

    The meeting raised issues of education. There are 18 agricultural classes in the Lipetsk Region. 80% of their graduates become students of universities and colleges specializing in agricultural fields. The region has opened the first “Agrokvantorium” in Russia, where children get acquainted with agricultural machinery.

    The meeting also discussed issues of environmental management. Lipetsk Region has successfully completed the implementation of the national project “Ecology” and shows good results in the field of solid municipal waste management – 53% of MSW is processed at disposal facilities.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “The situation in Russian science looks stable and positive”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    On the eve of Russian Science Day, TASS held a press conference dedicated to the results of the third round of the comprehensive study “We do science in Russia” He was conducted Institute for Statistical Research and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEZ) HSE. The authors of the study and experts representing higher education, research institutes and industry spoke about the state of domestic science, the drivers of its development, the dynamics of change and the barriers that need to be overcome.

    The first “Making Science in Russia” study was conducted in 2017, the second round took place in 2022, and the third from October to November 2024.

    Present and future

    As explained by the first vice-rector, director of the HSE ISSEK Leonid Gokhberg, the basis of the study was the results of a survey of the heads of 719 universities and leading scientific organizations, which make up almost the entire core of Russian science. These are “the key players who make the weather in this area and determine its development with their daily practices.”

    The assessment was carried out on 87 factors grouped into 8 large blocks, which made it possible to determine the sentiment index in Russian science. In the second step, the researchers identified 47 measures of state scientific and technical policy, assessed their effectiveness on a number of parameters and rated them.

    “The situation in Russian science looks stable and positive, there is progress compared to previous rounds of the study,” Leonid Gokhberg noted. For example, assessments related to the institutional conditions of functioning of universities and scientific organizations have improved – first of all, we are talking about increasing awareness of policy measures and regulation of important aspects of their daily life (regulation of state assignments and state purchases, tender procedures, etc.).

    Representatives of the scientific sphere assess the prospects for the coming years even more optimistically. Expectations are connected with further increase in the efficiency of scientific research, cooperation with business and stimulation of investment inflow from commercial structures, development of the information base of science.

    At the same time, the situation looks different in different sectors. “Universities are feeling the best, and this correlates with the measures of their support that have been launched in recent years and have had a rather positive impact on the development of university science,” Leonid Gokhberg stated.

    Financing

    The director continued the topic Center for Statistics and Monitoring of Science and Innovation ISSEK Ekaterina Streltsova, touching upon “the most sensitive issue” – funding of science.

    This block received the most restrained assessment from the scientific community, but this does not mean that everything is bad. Science is financed from many sources, and the study showed that the situations with different sources differ for different organizations. Key sources of budgetary financing are assessed more restrainedly in general, since they may not be very relevant for non-profit organizations that participated in the survey (for example, grants from Russian scientific foundations).

    “We see a significant improvement in the situation for all types of organizations compared to 2022, as budget expenditures on science are steadily increasing. This year, almost 3% of federal budget funds are planned to be allocated to support science, this is the highest figure in the last ten years, and we hope that funding for science will continue to increase,” Ekaterina Streltsova emphasized.

    Organizations of all types were skeptical about the provision of funding from state companies and especially from business, and, in her opinion, this is a predictable result given the current structure of funding for Russian science. In recent years, the business sector has provided about 30% of the costs of science, and although this figure has increased compared to 2010, measures are needed to stimulate investment.

    Of all the sources of funds, foreign organizations received the lowest ratings. “It was these ratings that influenced the overall score for the entire area and pulled it down, and this is understandable,” says Ekaterina Streltsova. “Foreign resources have never been significant for the development of Russian science; in the last five to six years, the share of these sources in the total volume of expenses has not exceeded 2.5%.”

    Personnel and equipment

    Ekaterina Streltsova noted that the human resources potential received a positive assessment for most factors: the managers are satisfied with both the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the scientific personnel they work with. Compared to 2022, some values have improved due to the implementation of a whole range of measures. Difficulties are associated with attracting foreign researchers and participation in international projects.

    The assessment of material and technical conditions is also quite stable: organizations are generally optimistic about the availability of scientific equipment and consumables, but many note the complication of supplies from abroad. The availability of access to specialized domestic software and Russian AI-based systems is assessed cautiously, but it is in this area that expectations are high and positive.

    The weak point remains the commercialization of results – their promotion and implementation in the economy. For example, universities and research organizations are actively involved in patent activities, but their contribution to the development of licensing activities in the domestic market is still limited. Obviously, this is due, among other things, to insufficient dialogue between science and business. “Although the situation has improved somewhat compared to 2022, we see that the intensity of interaction with business in the form of joint laboratories, basic departments, and so on is still assessed rather restrainedly, which, of course, requires further implementation, including of the measures already in force,” concluded Ekaterina Streltsova.

    “A most interesting analysis”

    The results of the study “Making Science in Russia” were commented on by representatives of science, higher education and industry.

    Director of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Grigory Trubnikov noted that HSE scientists conducted “a most interesting analysis.” In his opinion, over three rounds of research, “analytics has taken off,” it has a large audience, and the data can be trusted.

    Commenting on the conclusions about science funding, he put forward the hypothesis that the problem is not that it should be increased, say, twofold, but that “science should be done faster” — this is the main request of the scientific community. If we remove the obstacles associated with control, procurement procedures, academic mobility, and foreign restrictions, then the competitiveness of Russian science will increase.

    Grigory Trubnikov also noted that in terms of international cooperation, everything depends on the specific organization, and things are going well at his institute in Dubna – cooperation with China, Mexico, Brazil is developing, and this is a noticeable trend in general.

    Stanislav Terekhov, head of the laboratory of antibiotic resistance at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, highly praised the existing measures to support science, including the creation of youth laboratories (his laboratory is one of them). In his opinion, this allows the best personnel to be retained in the country and students and postgraduates to be integrated into laboratory practice, but state support should be supplemented by private initiatives.

    Science and Business

    Director of the Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology at Sechenov University Vadim Tarasov emphasized the links between science and business in his speech. In his opinion, the Priority 2030 program “gave universities a huge opportunity to be flexible in their interactions with industry,” and now it is necessary to set goals for 10-15 years ahead, understanding what technologies the country needs to ensure sovereignty, and which ones are worth entering foreign markets with.

    First Vice President for MTS Technologies, Head of the MTS Basic Department at HSE Pavel Voronin also highly praised the study, calling it very complete and high-quality.

    In his opinion, science is the foundation for technology, and “the geopolitical situation requires us to invest more in this fundamental part,” but the economic situation forces many companies in the market to approach finances prudently. When it is necessary to monitor expenses more closely, the first thing that is cut is unpredictable, long-term investments. “From a business point of view, it is important not to get caught in these scissors, to correctly determine priorities and leave a certain share of investments for long-term research,” concluded Pavel Voronin.

    Head of the scientific and technical cooperation department of the State Corporation Rosatom Ekaterina Chaban stated that in her corporation “every scientific project is also a business project” and confirmed the researchers’ findings on the successful attraction of young people to science. In the scientific division of Rosatom, out of 2 thousand scientists, 38% are under 35 years old, 48% are under 39 years old, and among the directors of institutes there are scientists and designers under 40 years old. “The corporation does a lot to maintain the influx of young people and retain young personnel,” she explained.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: BFCM – 2024 Full year results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Results for the year ended December 31, 2024 Press Release
      Strasbourg, February 6, 2025
    Results for the year ended December 31, 2024 2024 2023 Change 2024/2023
    RECORD NET REVENUE €12.370bn €11.808bn         +4.8%
    of which retail banking €8.413bn €8.410bn         0.0%
    of which specialized business lines €2.916bn €2.563bn         +13.8%
    GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES UNDER CONTROL
    POSITIVE SCISSOR EFFECT    		 -€6.268bn -€6.057bn         +3.5%
    HIGHER COST OF RISK DUE TO THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE AND INCREASED PROVISIONS -€1.807bn -€1.279bn         +41.3%
    NET INCOME AT RECORD LEVEL €3.412bn €3.345bn         +2.0%
    GROWTH IN LENDING1
    Home loans Equipment loans and leasing Consumer credit
    €120.7bn €117.2bn €48.2bn
    0.0% +3.0% +5.7%
    SOLID FINANCIAL STRUCTURE
    CET1 Ratio2 Shareholders’ equity
    18.8% €45.20bn

    Download the press releas: Press Releases | Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel

    Press contact :

    Aziz Ridouan: +33(0)6 01 10 31 69 – aziz.ridouan@creditmutuel.fr

    Press contact: +33 (0)3 88 14 84 00 – com-alliancefederale@creditmutuel.fr

    Investor contact :

    Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel – bfcm-web@creditmutuel.fr

    1 Changes in outstandings calculated over 12 months. 2 Ratio estimated at December 31, 2024 for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale which includes BFCM in its scope of consolidation. The integration of earnings into shareholders’ equity is subject to approval by the ECB.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the 56-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on February 07, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 56-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 50,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 1,08,702
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 50,010
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.31
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.35
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) 89.08

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2102

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Palestine: WHO Warns of Severe Health Crisis in Gaza – Press Conference | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    World Health Organization (WHO) senior official in Gaza Rik Peeperkorn said that the health needs in the Strip are “immense” as functional health facilities and services are scarce.

    Peeperkorn today (06 Feb) spoke to reporters from Gaza via video link.

    On mental health, the WHO senior official said that that everyone in Gaza is affected by the conflict, with stress, anxiety, depression and feel of loneliness. He said that only two psychiatrists are in the north and a few mental health professionals.

    Peeperkorn also said that WHO started a training program. “As of now, 44 mental health humanitarian workers were trained on psychological first aid to provide immediate emotional and psychological support early and also ensure early detection and enable safe referrals.”

    On a positive note, the WHO official said that Shifa Hospital “bounced back in the middle of the severe destruction, some departments are working, and it’s working again as a referral hospital.”

    He said that WHO is supporting an emergency medical team. “There’s general surgery going on, trauma surgery going on, and more in child health. A lot is going on. And also some substantial renovations to expand the impatience department and the ICU,” Peeperkorn added.
    On medical evacuation, the WHO official said, “There should be more patients going through Rafah into Egypt. But we also want other medical corridors, and the first medical corridors we really want to see restored is the traditional referral pathway to West Bank and East Jerusalem. The hospitals are ready in East Jerusalem and West Bank to receive the patients.”

    Asked about the recent announcement on US withdrawing from his Organization, Peeperkorn said, “We need a strong World Health Organization which plays a crucial role in protecting the health security of the world people, including Americans, and addressing the root causes of disease, but also building stronger health systems, detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where we of us cannot go.”

    “And therefore, we really hope for this reconsideration and look forward to engaging in this constructive dialog, at all levels,” he concluded.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ypbD2e8ZuA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Palestine & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:

    – Secretary-General
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Sudan
    – Central African Republic
    – Air Pollution
    – Female Genital Mutilation
    – Financial Contribution

    SECRETARY-GENERAL
    This morning, in a press encounter, the Secretary-General made a special appeal for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ahead of a summit tomorrow with the leaders from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community in Tanzania. He added that next week in Addis Ababa, he will take part in a Summit-level meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council where the crisis will be front and centre.
    The Secretary-General said his message is clear: Silence the guns. Stop the escalation. Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uphold international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, accompanied a UN aid convoy into the Gaza Strip today, where the UN and its partners continue responding to immense needs as part of a prepared scaling up of our operations.
    In northern Gaza, Mr. Fletcher toured two hospitals – Al Shifa in Gaza City and Al Awda in Jabalya – where he met with patients, staff and management. Leaving the Al Awda hospital, Mr. Fletcher spoke with survivors and returnees in Jabalya who are trying to rebuild their lives amid the rubble.
    The Under-Secretary-General also visited the only operational water well in North Gaza governorate. This well, which is run by theUnite d Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) serves as a crucial lifeline for clean water, given the extensive destruction of Gaza’s water infrastructure. From the north of the Strip, the Under-Secretary-General crossed the Netzarim area into Deir al Balah in central Gaza.
    Throughout his visit, Mr. Fletcher held discussions with humanitarian workers from local and international non-governmental organizations, as well as UN agencies, stressing the need to seize the opportunities presented by the ceasefire to sustain and expand relief efforts.
    Partners of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) supporting water, sanitation and hygiene services report that they are distributing 2,500 cubic metres of safe drinking water daily across Gaza and North Gaza governorates, serving 411,000 people. One of our partners is also providing cleaning services at 17 displacement sites in northern Gaza, benefiting nearly 12,000 people.
    Water, sanitation and hygiene partners are carrying out assessments in locations across the Strip to repair water wells, install dosing pumps, and set up water filling points.
    While some repairs are already underway, further progress hinges on teams being able to clear debris and carry out assessments of explosive hazards.
    Meanwhile in the West Bank, OCHA reports that Israeli forces’ operations are intensifying in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas, severely restricting Palestinians’ access to essential assistance, including water, food, medicine and supplies for infants.
    In Tubas governorate, Israeli forces have been operating in the El Far’a refugee camp for five consecutive days. They have imposed a curfew, reportedly prohibiting residents from leaving their homes. They also bulldozed roads and damaged water networks, forcing residents to rely on collecting rainwater.

    SUDAN
    The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, today warned that South Kordofan and Blue Nile States are on the brink of catastrophe, as the violence there continues to escalate at an alarming rate.
    As of yesterday, the civilian death toll following recent shelling in South Kordofan’s capital Kadugli had increased to 80, with some three dozen others injured.
    In a statement, Ms. Nkweta-Salami condemned the reported use of women and children as human shields in Kadugli, as well as the obstruction of humanitarian aid and the detention of civilians, including children.
    The western Nuba Mountains, which extend into South Kordofan and West Kordofan States, are among the areas in which famine has been identified by the Famine Review Committee of the International Food Security Phase Classification system, or IPC.
    Ms. Nkweta-Salami stressed that humanitarian needs also remain critical in Blue Nile State, amid reports of mass mobilization for conflict. She also called on all sides to the conflict in Sudan to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and allow humanitarian organizations safe and unrestricted access to those in desperate need.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=06+February+2025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MYbKGAp7Y0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force 3 operation in LA wildfires

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force 3 explains about the search and rescue operation to support the wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3EavU8T_Vg

    MIL OSI Video –