NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: Vimeo to Report Q4 2024 Earnings and Host Earnings Video Event on February 19, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vimeo, Inc. (NASDAQ: VMEO) today announced the date for its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 earnings report and earnings video event. After the close of market trading on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Vimeo will post its results on the Investor Relations section of its website at https://www.vimeo.com/investors. On the same day, at 5:00 p.m. ET, Vimeo will livestream a video conference to answer questions. The live stream and replay of the video will be accessible to the public at https://www.vimeo.com/investors.

    About Vimeo

    Vimeo (NASDAQ: VMEO) is the world’s most innovative video experience platform. We enable anyone to create high-quality video experiences to better connect and bring ideas to life. We proudly serve our community of millions of users – from creative storytellers to globally distributed teams at the world’s largest companies – whose videos receive billions of views each month. Learn more at www.vimeo.com.

    Contact Us

    Vimeo Investor Relations
    ir@vimeo.com

    Vimeo Communications
    Ronda Morra
    press@vimeo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Concrete Pumping Holdings Announces Closing of Senior Secured Second Lien Notes Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BBCP) (the “Company” or “CPH”), a leading provider of concrete pumping and concrete waste management services in the U.S. and U.K., announced that Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. (the “Issuer”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, has successfully closed its private offering of $425.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior secured second lien notes due 2032 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued at par and bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.500% per annum. The Issuer’s obligations under the Notes will be guaranteed by the Company, Concrete Pumping Intermediate Acquisition Corp. and each of the Issuer’s domestic, wholly-owned subsidiaries that is a borrower under or guarantees the ABL Facility.

    The proceeds of the Notes were used to pay the redemption price for all of the Company’s outstanding 6.000% senior secured second lien notes due 2026 and to pay related fees and expenses thereto. In addition, the remainder of the net proceeds of the Notes, together with cash on hand, will be used to pay a special one-time dividend of $1.00 per share of the common stock of the Company (approximately $53 million in the aggregate) on or about February 3, 2025.

    “The closing of our senior notes refinancing strengthens our balance sheet and represents a significant milestone in our evolution, underscoring our consistent operating performance and healthy free cash flow generation,” said Bruce Young, CEO of CPH. “In the past, we have executed a range of capital allocation priorities, including organic growth investments in our concrete pumping fleet and Eco-Pan, opportunistic M&A, debt reduction and share buybacks. Now, returning excess capital to our shareholders in the form of a special dividend augments our capital allocation strategy and highlights our commitment to driving superior shareholder value. The special dividend also reflects our confidence in the Company’s strong and consistent free cash flow generation, all while maintaining prudent leverage and ample liquidity to invest in our long-term growth strategy.”    

    The Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to any U.S. persons absent registration under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Notes were offered and sold only to “qualified institutional buyers” in the United States pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act or, outside the United States, to persons other than “U.S. persons” in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

    About Concrete Pumping Holdings

    Concrete Pumping Holdings is a leading provider of concrete pumping services and concrete waste management services in the U.S. and U.K. markets based on fleet size, primarily operating under what we believe are the only established, national brands in both geographies – Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping, Inc. for concrete pumping in the U.S., Camfaud Group Limited in the U.K., and Eco-Pan, Inc. for waste management services in both the U.S. and U.K. The Company’s large fleet of specialized pumping equipment and trained operators position it to deliver concrete placement solutions that facilitate substantial labor cost savings to customers, shorten concrete placement times, enhance worksite safety and improve construction quality. Highly complementary to its core concrete pumping service, Eco-Pan provides a full-service, cost-effective, regulatory-compliant solution to manage environmental issues caused by concrete washout. As of October 31, 2024, the Company provided concrete pumping services in the U.S. from a footprint of approximately 90 locations across 22 states, concrete pumping services in the U.K. from 35 locations, and route-based concrete waste management services from 20 locations in the U.S. and one shared location in the U.K.

    Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable current assumptions, expectations and plans regarding the Company’s and the Issuer’s current or future results and future business and economic conditions more generally. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the Company’s ability to execute on its strategic growth plan and other factors disclosed in the risk factor sections of the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, any of which may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievement of the Company or the Issuer to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, and there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from management’s expectations. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements as predictors of future events.

    All forward-looking statements contained in this release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are or were made, and the Company does not intend to update or otherwise revise the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. 

    Contact:

    Company:
    Iain Humphries
    Chief Financial Officer
    1-303-289-7497    		 Investor Relations:
    Gateway Investor Relations
    Cody Slach
    1-949-574-3860
    BBCP@gatewayir.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Banzai Completes Acquisition of Vidello, Growing TTM Revenue 59% and Adding $2M in EBITDA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Expands Portfolio with Next-Generation Video Creation, Editing, and Marketing Suite

    SEATTLE, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banzai International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNZI) (“Banzai” or the “Company”), a leading marketing technology company that provides essential marketing and sales solutions, today announced that it has successfully closed its previously announced acquisition of Vidello, a technology provider of video hosting and marketing suite solutions for businesses.

    The acquisition is expected to increase Banzai’s revenue by $6.5 million and increase EBITDA by $2 million for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2024, on a pro-forma basis. Vidello financials are preliminary and unaudited and subject to adjustment.

    Based in London, Vidello offers a comprehensive video hosting and marketing suite that provides entrepreneurs, startups, agencies, and online businesses with tools to grow their businesses.

    Vidello’s key offerings include:

    • CreateStudio: An award-winning video creation app that allows users to easily produce eye-catching 3D character video content for social media and websites.
    • PhotoVibrance: A tool that transforms static images into moving motion pictures to capture attention.
    • Twinkle: An all-in-one audio platform for creators and agencies, featuring premium royalty-free music tailored for video projects.
    • Vidello: A 3-in-1 video hosting, player, and collaboration tool that allows users to showcase videos with a customizable, lightning-fast player. Features include a collaboration portal and in-play marketing calls-to-action for lead generation and sales optimization.

    Vidello has over 90,000 customers, and their flagship CreateStudio product has been named a Top 3 Best Rated product in the video maker category by Capterra1, and a High Performer by G22.

    Banzai’s vision is to build a comprehensive suite of AI-powered marketing tools that make marketers’ lives faster and easier. The Vidello acquisition is pivotal in accelerating revenue growth by delivering innovative solutions to our customers.

    Transaction Details

    Under the terms of the agreement, Banzai will issue approximately $2.7M in cash ($2.5M is held back for varying time periods and for indemnification, transition and revenue earnout purposes) and 868,204 shares of Banzai Class A Common Stock. Additional details regarding the acquisition are included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2024, and January 31, 2025.

    About Vidello

    Vidello is a video hosting and marketing suite which provides online businesses with the essential marketing and hosting tools to assist in growing business through video. To learn more about the company visit www.vidello.com.

    About Banzai

    Banzai is a marketing technology company that provides AI-enabled marketing and sales solutions for businesses of all sizes. On a mission to help their customers grow, Banzai enables companies of all sizes to target, engage, and measure both new and existing customers more effectively. Banzai customers include Cisco, New York Life, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thinkific, Doodle and ActiveCampaign, among thousands of others. Learn more at www.banzai.io. For investors, please visit https://ir.banzai.io.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “propose,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar variations and expressions. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Banzai International, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”): future financial, business and operating performance and goals; annualized recurring revenue and customer retention; ongoing, future or ability to maintain or improve its financial position, cash flows, and liquidity and its expected financial needs; potential financing and ability to obtain financing; acquisition strategy and proposed acquisitions and, if completed, their potential success and financial contributions; strategy and strategic goals, including being able to capitalize on opportunities; expectations relating to the Company’s industry, outlook and market trends; total addressable market and serviceable addressable market and related projections; plans, strategies and expectations for retaining existing or acquiring new customers, increasing revenue and executing growth initiatives; and product areas of focus and additional products that may be sold in the future. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the markets in which the Company operates, customer demand, the financial markets, economic, business and regulatory and other factors, such as the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy. More detailed information about risk factors can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in other reports filed by the Company, including reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations
    Chris Tyson
    Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    BNZI@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    Media
    Rachel Meyrowitz
    Director, Demand Generation, Banzai
    media@banzai.io

    1 Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/203897/Create-Studio/
    2 Source: https://www.g2.com/products/create-studio/reviews

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Izotropic to Present at Investor Conference February 6th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – CEO to present overview of Company value proposition, unique catalysts, and near-term objectives –

    – Event includes live Q and A, attendance is complimentary –

    – Individual and institutional investors, advisors, and analysts welcome –

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia and SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Izotropic Corporation (CSE: IZO) (OTCQB: IZOZF) (FSE: 1R3) (“Izotropic” or the “Company“), a medical device company commercializing imaging-based products utilizing innovative and emerging technologies for the more accurate screening, diagnoses, and treatment of breast cancers, is pleased to announce that CEO Robert Thast will be presenting at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference this week and will be covering key aspects of the Company’s recent achievements, U.S. and EU regulatory approvals, near-term-objectives, and funding options.

    Date: February 6, 2025
    Time: 3:00 – 3:30 pm EST / 12:00 – 12:30 pm PST
    1 x 1 Meetings: See availability here: https://calendly.com/izotropic/meeting-with-ceo

    This will be the first public presentation by Izotropic since unveiling its new regulatory strategy for U.S. FDA approval and timelines to market launch of its first medical imaging device, IzoView- a dedicated breast CT imaging system, with contrast-enhancement for breast cancer screening adjunctive to digital breast tomosynthesis, commonly referred to as 3D mammography, for patients with dense breast tissue.

    After the formal presentation, attendees will have the opportunity and are encouraged to ask relevant questions through an interactive portal. For anyone registered who cannot attend the live event, an archived webcast will be made available.

    Please pre-register at the following link:
    https://bit.ly/4hi9H8A

    About Izotropic:
    More information about Izotropic Corporation can be found on its website at izocorp.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at sedarplus.ca.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    Forward-Looking Statements:
    This document may contain statements that are “Forward-Looking Statements,” which are based upon the current estimates, assumptions, projections, and expectations of the Company’s management, business, and its knowledge of the relevant market and economic environment in which it operates. The Company has tried, where possible, to identify such information and statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “contemplate” and other similar expressions and derivations thereof in connection with any discussion of future events, trends or prospects or future operating or financial performance, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

    These statements are not guarantees of performance and involve risks, including those related to capital requirements and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict, and as such, they may cause future results of the Company’s activity to differ significantly from the content and implications of such statements. Forward-Looking Statements are pertinent only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances unless otherwise required to do so by law. Neither the Company nor its shareholders, officers, and consultants shall be liable for any action and the results of any action taken by any person based on the information contained herein, including, without limitation, the purchase or sale of Company securities. Nothing in this document should be deemed to be medical or other advice of any kind. All images are for illustrative purposes only. IzoView has not yet been approved or cleared for sale.

    Contacts:

    Izotropic Corporation
    Robert Thast
    Interim Chief Executive Officer
    Telephone: 1-604-220-5031 or 1-800-IZOCORP ext. 3
    Email: bthast@izocorp.com

    General Inquiries
    Telephone: 1-604-825-4778 or 1-800-IZOCORP ext. 1
    Email: info@izocorp.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Invesco Ltd: Form 8.3 – American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc; Public dealing disclosure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC 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: Invesco Ltd.  
    (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    		 31.01.2025  
    (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, 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 US0240611030  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,892,987* 1.60      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 1,892,987* 1.60      
    *The change in the holding of 2,955 shares since the last disclosure on 30.01.2025 is due to the transfer in of a discretionary holding at 5.23 USD.  
       
    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 US0240611030 Purchase 110 5.23 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  
               
       
    (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  
       
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 03.02.2025  
    Contact name Philippa Holmes  
    Telephone number +441491417447  
       

    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 Russia: School of Synthetic Biology and Industrial Pharmacy Opens at NSU

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    From February 3 to February 7, 2025, the Novosibirsk State University is hosting the February School of Synthetic Biology and Industrial Pharmacy, organized by NSU Advanced Engineering School, Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU with the support of JSC Generium and SUNC NSU.

    More than 200 students from more than 40 universities across the country applied to participate in the school. 42 participants from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Altai Krais, as well as other regions of the Ural, Volga, Southern, Central and Northwestern Federal Districts were selected to participate in the School. The leading universities by the number of participants were: NSU — 15 people, SFU — 7 people, SSMU — 4 people, Altai State University — 3 people.

    The school participants will master competencies in the field of technologies for managing the properties of biological objects, bioinformatics, and will become familiar with modern approaches to the development of drugs. The work will take place in the laboratories of the new educational building of the NSU SUNC, which is one of the first-stage facilities. modern campus of NSU, being built within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    At the opening of the intensive course, Dmitry Kudlai, Director of Innovative Development Programs at NSU and Vice President of Generium JSC, gave a welcoming speech.

    — Biotechnology is a trend worldwide, as well as a fundamental component of the life of Novosibirsk State University. NSU is actively developing the construction of a world-class campus. The educational building of the NSU SUNC, where the participants will work, is the first stage of this campus, the second is the building of the flow classrooms, the research center and the educational and scientific center of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU. Perhaps, some of the participants of the School will be able to study in the premises of the flow classrooms building as early as September. To conduct the School, we attracted specialists from the Engineering School of Moscow State University, a team from the Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics will come. The Deputy Director of the State Institute of Medicines and Good Practices will also take part. I can say for sure that it will not be boring. It is wonderful that students participate in such events, laying the foundation for a confident future, — noted Dmitry Kudlai.

    Director of the Advanced Engineering School Sergey Golovin also welcomed the participants and spoke about the career and educational opportunities that participation in the intensive course opens up:

    — One of the areas that was initially developed at the Advanced Engineering School of NSU is biotechnology. Novosibirsk really has the widest range for development. Our task is to make you as competitive as possible and provide you with subject tools, as well as a set of personal qualities. I hope that your stay at the school for a week will be useful. So that you can not only decide on further education in master’s programs, but also take the first serious big step into the world of biotechnology.

    On the first day of the event, the participants got acquainted with the program of the event and also listened to a lecture on “Development of laboratory diagnostic systems” by Eduard Agletdinov, Deputy General Director for Scientific Work at Vector-Best JSC.

    During the week of intensive work, leading specialists from pharmaceutical companies, experts from universities and scientific organizations will give plenary lectures. An important element of the event will be the educational program, where talented students will be able to get acquainted with the best modern practices in the field of drug development and current technological and regulatory trends.

    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 China: Policy bank lends 20.4 bln yuan to support China’s dual-use public infrastructure in 2024

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Policy bank lends 20.4 bln yuan to support China’s dual-use public infrastructure in 2024

    BEIJING, Feb. 3 — China Development Bank issued loans of 20.4 billion yuan (about 2.85 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 to support 136 “dual-use public infrastructure” projects in cities including Beijing, Shenzhen and Fuzhou, said the policy bank.

    Dual-use public infrastructure refers to public facilities such as stadiums, convention centers and parking facilities that can be easily converted for emergency use.

    In recent years, China has proposed strengthening the construction of affordable housing, renewing urban villages, and developing dual-use public infrastructure.

    Guan Hongyan, general manager of the bank’s transportation department, said the bank will increase medium- and long-term financing support for relevant projects.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Verde Resources to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference February 6th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verde Resources Inc. (OTCQB: VRDR), a leader in sustainable, next-generation infrastructure materials, today announced that Jack Wong, CEO and Eric Bava, COO, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on February 6th, 2025

    DATE: February 6th
    TIME: 2:30 – 3:00 pm ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/40GBUPa
    Available for 1×1 meetings: February 6th

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    “We are excited to bring our story to an audience of engaged, self-directed investors and discuss the progress Verde has made in 2024 and the exciting year ahead of us,” said Jack Wong, Verde’s CEO.

    “Over the past year, we have forged strategic industry partnerships and integrated groundbreaking low-carbon building materials into the Verde portfolio. Our Blueprint lowers costs, enhances durability, and reduces emissions compared to conventional methods, all while enabling large-scale carbon sequestration and repurposing millions of tons of waste. This pragmatic approach drives economic value, modernizes infrastructure, and promotes environmental sustainability. At Verde, we believe that the road to Net Zero is paved with innovation, strategic partnerships and common-sense economics.”

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    About Verde Resources Inc.

    Verde Resources Inc. (OTCQB: VRDR) is leading the development of the world’s first Net Zero road construction blueprint, validated at the highest standards. Through the integration of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, Verde offers a scalable and licensable solution for the infrastructure industry across the U.S. and globally.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    Media and Investors

    Crocker Coulson, AUM Media
    Crocker.coulson@aummedia.org
    (646) 652-7185

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ACNB Corporation Announces Completion of Traditions Bancorp, Inc. Acquisition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GETTYSBURG, Pa., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ACNB Corporation (NASDAQ: ACNB), the parent financial holding company of ACNB Bank, a Pennsylvania state-chartered, FDIC-insured community bank, headquartered in Gettysburg, PA, announced the completion of the acquisition of Traditions Bancorp, Inc. (“Traditions”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Traditions Bank, headquartered in York, PA, effective February 1, 2025. Traditions was merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACNB Corporation immediately followed by the merger of Traditions Bank with and into ACNB Bank. ACNB Bank will operate the former Traditions Bank branches as “Traditions Bank, A Division of ACNB Bank”. In connection with the close of the acquisition, Traditions stockholders received 0.7300 shares of ACNB Corporation common stock for each share of Traditions common stock that they owned as of the closing date, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.

    In addition, at the close of the acquisition, three former Traditions directors, Eugene J. Draganosky, Elizabeth F. Carson, and John M. Polli, joined the Boards of Directors of ACNB Corporation and ACNB Bank. Mr. Draganosky has nearly 40 years of banking experience, and is the former CEO and Chair of the Board of Traditions and Traditions Bank, having held those roles since 2017 and 2023, respectively. Ms. Carson, Lead Independent Director of Traditions, joined the Traditions Bank Board in 2015, after over 30 years of banking experience in a variety of leadership roles with community and regional banks. Mr. Polli was a member of the Traditions Bank board of directors since its founding in 2002, and has nearly 40 years of diverse business expertise, from serving as a public accountant to owning, managing, and advising businesses in the transportation, real estate, and insurance industries.

    With the combination of the two organizations, and based on financial information for each organization as of December 31, 2024, ACNB Corporation will have approximately $3.26 billion in assets, $2.04 billion in deposits, and $2.36 billion in loans, and will serve its customers throughout 35 community banking offices in south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland.

    “We are pleased to announce the completion of our strategic acquisition of Traditions Bancorp, and excited to unite our teams of dedicated local bankers who are committed to their customers and communities,” stated ACNB Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer James P. Helt. “This combination brings together organizations that are unified by a shared vision, values, and a customer-centric approach to banking, to create an even stronger community bank. Importantly, our customers will benefit from expanded products and services delivered by the familiar faces they have come to know and trust. This merger positions us well to continue to grow in the attractive York and Lancaster County markets, and enhances ACNB Bank’s mortgage operations, which will now serve customers throughout our footprint as ‘Traditions Mortgage, A Division of ACNB Bank.’ Together, we look forward to continuing to deliver on our vision of being the financial services provider of choice in the communities we serve.”

    Alan J. Stock, Chair of the Board of ACNB, stated “We welcome Mr. Draganosky, Ms. Carson, and Mr. Polli to the ACNB Boards of Directors, and are confident that their expertise, skills, and strong connections to the York and Lancaster market areas will enhance and complement ACNB’s current Boards of Directors. We are committed to enhancing value for our shareholders and are poised to deliver on that commitment with an experienced and knowledgeable board, a seasoned management group, and a team of bankers and professionals dedicated to a successful integration and customer experience.”

    Bybel Rutledge LLP served as legal counsel and Piper Sandler served as financial advisor to ACNB Corporation for the transaction. Pillar + Aught served as legal counsel and Stephens Inc. served as financial advisor to Traditions Bancorp, Inc.

    About ACNB Corporation
    ACNB Corporation, headquartered in Gettysburg, PA, is the $3.26 billion financial holding company for the wholly-owned subsidiaries of ACNB Bank, Gettysburg, PA, and ACNB Insurance Services, Inc., Westminster, MD. Originally founded in 1857, ACNB Bank serves its marketplace with banking and wealth management services, including trust and retail brokerage, via a network of 35 community banking offices and two loan offices located in the Pennsylvania counties of Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Lancaster and York and the Maryland counties of Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick. ACNB Insurance Services, Inc. is a full-service insurance agency with licenses in 46 states. The agency offers a broad range of property, casualty, health, life and disability insurance serving personal and commercial clients through office locations in Westminster and Jarrettsville, MD, and Gettysburg, PA. For more information regarding ACNB Corporation and its subsidiaries, please visit investor.acnb.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS – In addition to historical information, this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (a) projections or statements regarding future earnings, expenses, net interest income, other income, earnings or loss per share, asset mix and quality, growth prospects, capital structure, and other financial terms, (b) statements of plans and objectives of Management or the Board of Directors, and (c) statements of assumptions, such as economic conditions in the Corporation’s market areas. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “intends”, “will”, “should”, “anticipates”, or the negative of any of the foregoing or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussion of strategy. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties such as national, regional and local economic conditions, competitive factors, and regulatory limitations. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following: short-term and long-term effects of inflation and rising costs on the Corporation, customers and economy; banking instability caused by bank failures and financial uncertainty of various banks which may adversely impact the Corporation and its securities and loan values, deposit stability, capital adequacy, financial condition, operations, liquidity, and results of operations; effects of governmental and fiscal policies, as well as legislative and regulatory changes; effects of new laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) and their application with which the Corporation and its subsidiaries must comply; impacts of the capital and liquidity requirements of the Basel III standards; effects of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters; ineffectiveness of the business strategy due to changes in current or future market conditions; future actions or inactions of the United States government, including the effects of short-term and long-term federal budget and tax negotiations and a failure to increase the government debt limit or a prolonged shutdown of the federal government; effects of economic conditions particularly with regard to the negative impact of any pandemic, epidemic or health-related crisis and the responses thereto on the operations of the Corporation and current customers, specifically the effect of the economy on loan customers’ ability to repay loans; effects of competition, and of changes in laws and regulations on competition, including industry consolidation and development of competing financial products and services; inflation, securities market and monetary fluctuations; risks of changes in interest rates on the level and composition of deposits, loan demand, and the values of loan collateral, securities, and interest rate protection agreements, as well as interest rate risks; difficulties in acquisitions and integrating and operating acquired business operations, including information technology difficulties; challenges in establishing and maintaining operations in new markets; effects of technology changes; effects of general economic conditions and more specifically in the Corporation’s market areas; failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for credit losses and estimations of values of collateral and various financial assets and liabilities; acts of war or terrorism or geopolitical instability; disruption of credit and equity markets; ability to manage current levels of impaired assets; loss of certain key officers; ability to maintain the value and image of the Corporation’s brand and protect the Corporation’s intellectual property rights; continued relationships with major customers; and, potential impacts to the Corporation from continually evolving cybersecurity and other technological risks and attacks, including additional costs, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses; and, the other factors detailed in ACNB’s publicly-filed documents, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024, and its other filings with the SEC. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements only speak as of the date hereof, and ACNB does assume any obligation to revise, update or clarify forward-looking statements to reflect events or conditions after the date of this press release.

    ACNB #2025-5
    February 3, 2025

    Contact:    Kevin Hayes
    SVP/ General Counsel,
    Secretary, and Chief
    Governance Officer
    717.339.5161
    khayes@acnb.com
         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NEWTON GOLF Announces $1 Million Share Repurchase Authorization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMARILLO, CA, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NEWTON GOLF Company (Nasdaq: SPGC) (“NEWTON GOLF” or the “Company”), a technology-forward golf company with a growing portfolio of golf products, including putters, golf shafts, golf grips, and other golf-related accessories, announces that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase authorization of up to $1 million of its common stock, effective January 31, 2025 and expiring January 31, 2026. The Company may repurchase the shares in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, or a combination thereof. Share repurchases are subject to the Company’s discretion based on market conditions, business considerations, legal requirements, and other factors. There is no guarantee as to the number of shares that will be repurchased, and the repurchase program may be extended, suspended, or discontinued without prior notice at the Company’s discretion.

    “Our share repurchase authorization reflects the confidence we have in our business, our outlook for continued growth, and a path to breakeven. Growing adoption of our Newton Motion replacement shafts is a significant factor that provides us the flexibility and discretion to repurchase our common stock,” commented NEWTON GOLF Executive Chairman Greg Campbell.

    About NEWTON GOLF: A Sacks Parente Company

    NEWTON GOLF: A Sacks Parente Company, is a technology-forward golf company that help golfers elevate their game. With a growing portfolio of golf products, including putters, golf shafts, golf grips, and other golf-related accessories, the Company’s innovative accomplishments include: the First Vernier Acuity putter, patented Ultra-Low Balance Point (ULBP) putter technology, weight-forward Center-of-Gravity (CG) design, and pioneering ultra-light carbon fiber putter shafts.

    In consideration of its growth opportunities in golf shaft technologies, the Company expanded its manufacturing business in April of 2022 to develop the advanced Newton brand of premium golf shafts by opening a new shaft manufacturing facility in St. Joseph, MO. It is the Company’s intent to manufacture and assemble substantially all products in the United States, while also expanding into golf apparel and other golf-related product lines to enhance its growth.

    The Company’s future expansions may include broadening its offerings through mergers, acquisitions or internal developments of product lines that are complementary to its premium brand. The Company currently sells its products through resellers, the Company’s websites, Club Champion retail stores, and distributors in the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

    For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.newtongolfco.com or on social media at @newtongolfco.com, @newtonshafts, or @gravityputters.

    Investor Contact for NEWTON GOLF
    CORE IR
    516-222-2560
    investors@sacksparente.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: While plastic dominates human consumption, the global economy will remain hooked on fossil fuels

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Hanieh, Professor of Political Economy and Global Development, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter

    Plastic waste in the Maldives. MOHAMED ABDULRAHEEM/Shutterstock

    In early December 2024, hopes for a landmark global treaty to curb plastic pollution were dashed as negotiations in South Korea stalled. Leading the campaign against the deal were major oil-producing nations, especially Saudi Arabia and Russia, who argued for a more flexible approach to any legally binding limits on plastic manufacturing.

    The collapse of any agreement came despite scientific research delivering ever more alarming warnings about the dangers of plastic pollution. Over the last two years, an avalanche of studies have revealed the pervasive presence of tiny plastic particles in human blood, brains, and even placental tissue.

    These particles, which stem from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, have been linked to everything from inflammation to hormonal disruption, and potential long-term health risks such as cancer. Aside from their effects on human health, plastics are wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems, with microplastics now found in Arctic ice and in the bodies of fish and birds.

    Behind these alarming studies stands a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut of plastic production. The annual global production of plastics reportedly grew nearly two hundredfold between 1950 (two million tonnes) and 2015 (381 million tonnes), and the pace of growth is accelerating.

    Over half of all plastics ever made were produced in the past 25 years, and production levels are estimated to double or triple again by 2050. And more production brings more waste.

    Less than 10% of all plastics ever produced have been recycled. And the volume of “mismanaged plastics” – those which are not recycled, incinerated, or sealed in landfills – is also estimated to double by 2050.

    It seems as if humans have become the organic detritus within a plastic world of our own creation.

    Plastic elephants

    But despite growing awareness around the problems associated with plastic, there is a fundamental flaw in how we tend to think about it as a product.

    For there is a tendency to frame plastic as a problem of pollution and recycling, rather than as an integral part of our fossil fuel-driven world. This narrative is also promoted by major oil companies, such as the American giant, ExxonMobil, which stated in the lead up to the South Korean summit: “The issue is pollution. The issue is not plastic.”

    The problem with this perspective is that it obscures the fact that plastics are petrochemical products: substances which are ultimately derived from oil and gas.

    Indeed, the future of fossil fuels is increasingly tied to the future of plastics. It has been estimated that by 2040, plastics will account for as much as 95% of net growth in oil demand.

    This is perhaps why 220 fossil fuel lobbyists attended those recent treaty discussions, outnumbering all other delegations. It could also explain why Saudi Arabia, home to one of the world’s largest petrochemical companies, led the opposition to any global limits on plastic production.

    At the core of capitalism

    The problem we confront is not simply the presence of an oil lobby, it is the systemic role that plastics play within capitalism.

    Plastics, and the wider petrochemical industry, played a crucial part in the transformation of global capitalism from the mid-20th century onwards.

    As I explore in my book, Crude Capitalism, the things we used to need to build and make things previously relied on sourcing naturally occurring, labour-intensive goods like timber, cotton or metals. But the invention of plastics and other synthetic materials separated commodity production from nature.

    More plastic in the pipeline.
    Kodda/Shutterstock

    Oil became more than a fuel – it was the substance that came to dominate our lives. A petrochemical shift to the rise of an oil-dominated world. With capitalism untethered from natural cycles, there was a radical reduction in the time taken to produce commodities and an end to any limits on the quantity and diversity of goods produced.

    Along with this, consumption habits became centred around notions of disposability and obsolescence. Plastics made the essential features of contemporary capitalism possible: a drive to limitless growth, continual acceleration of production and consumption, and the frenzied expansion of markets.

    The emergence of fast fashion is just one example. Alongside poorly paid garment workers in countries such as Bangladesh, really cheap clothing was only made possible through the massive expansion of polyester production (a kind of plastic), which freed the industry from its dependence on supplies of wool and cotton.

    The consumption of plastics looms large in today’s ecological crisis. And having become so accustomed to thinking about oil and gas as primarily an issue of energy and fuel choice, perhaps we have lost sight of how much of our lives depend upon the products of petroleum.

    These synthetic materials drove a post-war revolution in productivity, bringing labour-saving technology and mass consumption. It is now almost impossible to identify an area of life that has not been radically transformed by the presence of plastics and other petrochemicals.

    Plastic products have become normalised as natural parts of our daily existence. And it is this paradox which must be fully confronted if we are to move beyond fossil fuels.

    Adam Hanieh’s research into petrochemicals has been supported by a Political Economy Fellowship from the Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF).

    – ref. While plastic dominates human consumption, the global economy will remain hooked on fossil fuels – https://theconversation.com/while-plastic-dominates-human-consumption-the-global-economy-will-remain-hooked-on-fossil-fuels-247393

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Presidential smiles: the untold story of teeth in the White House

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rae Gillibrand, Lecturer, Premodern History, University of Leeds

    When Donald Trump joined Elon Musk for a live interview on X (formerly Twitter) late last year, the conversation covered a range of significant topics: his near-assassination, Biden’s withdrawal from the race, and the future of the presidency. However, for many viewers, an unexpected detail stole the spotlight: Trump’s slurred speech and lisp.

    Was Trump wearing dentures? The public certainly seemed to think so. Throughout the interview, the word “dentures” was mentioned over 15,000 times on X and the interview sparked the resurgence of the hashtag #DenturedDonald.

    Why does this matter? Trump is, after all, 78 years old, and a 2017 survey showed that nearly one in four Americans aged 75 and older have no teeth left at all. However, presidential dental health has long had an impact on public perception and leadership itself. From George Washington’s infamous dentures to Teddy Roosevelt’s toothy grin, a president’s teeth (or lack thereof) have often shaped the way they are seen by the American public.

    Since the appointment of George Washington as the first US president, it has been tradition for each new president to commission a portrait of themselves during their time in office. However, it was not until Ronald Reagan’s portrait, completed in 1991, that we saw a president depicted with a smile.

    This is partly to do with practicality – many early portraits were painted from life, and sitting with a smile for hours was almost impossible – and partly to do with etiquette. In the 18th century, a wide smile was considered a sign of lewdness and drunkenness and associated largely with the lower classes.

    Indeed, a 1703 text on “decorum and civility” said that some people part their lips so that “their teeth are almost entirely visible. This is entirely contradictory to decorum, which forbids you to allow your teeth to be uncovered, since nature gave us lips to conceal them.”

    It is often suggested that historical portraits avoided smiles because of poor dental hygiene, but in reality, social conventions played a much larger role. For earlier presidents, maintaining an image of sobriety, morality and respectability was important, and a serious expression was seen as a reflection of these values.

    This all changed with Teddy Roosevelt. When Roosevelt became the 25th US president in 1901, photography was becoming much more accessible. Technological advancements and the introduction of handheld cameras meant that photography could be practised by a much broader range of people.

    Because of this, Roosevelt was often candidly photographed while laughing or smiling, leading to his reputation as “the first president who smiled”.

    He even capitalised on his grin in his 1904 campaign by releasing the Teddy’s Teeth Whistle. Retailing at five cents (US$1.77 or £1.44 in today’s money), supporters were encouraged to buy a set and “blow the horn for Teddy”.

    Roosevelt’s embrace of his smile and the promotion of his teeth marked a shift in how a president’s image could be used to influence public perception, showing that good dental health could be a powerful political tool.

    Worse than wood

    Not all presidents were as diligent as Roosevelt when it came to dental hygiene. George Washington, for example, was infamous for his poor dental health.

    His letters, diaries and financial accounts reveal a long history of dental troubles, ultimately leading to his use of dentures. However, contrary to popular belief, Washington’s dentures were not made of wood. Instead, they were made from materials including ivory, animal teeth and human teeth.

    One of Washington’s account books reveals that he bought nine teeth from enslaved people on his Mount Vernon plantation. This detail adds a sinister layer to the history of Washington’s dental care because, while these people were paid for their teeth, their enslaved status probably left them with little choice in the matter.

    Washington’s poor dental hygiene also extended to his care of his dentures. They became notoriously stained, largely due to his fondness for rich red wine. One letter from his dentist chastised him for the condition of his dentures, stating: “The set [of dentures] you sent me from Philadelphia … was very black, occasioned either by your soaking them in port wine, or by your drinking it. I advise you to either take them out after dinner and put them in clean water … or clean them with a brush.”

    These insights into Washington’s dental struggles underscore the lasting effect of oral health on the presidential image.

    Presidential dental health has played, and continues to play, an important role in shaping public perception, with teeth often serving as symbols of both personal care and political power. Whether influencing how a president is seen or reflecting broader social attitudes, the state of a leader’s teeth has clearly left its mark on the history of the office.

    Rae Gillibrand does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Presidential smiles: the untold story of teeth in the White House – https://theconversation.com/presidential-smiles-the-untold-story-of-teeth-in-the-white-house-248391

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to argue without falling out – an expert guide

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jessica Robles, Lecturer in Social Psychology, Loughborough University

    Pormezz / Shutterstock

    To disagree is an inescapable part of being human. We simply are not all the same. But whereas a small disagreement may remain amiable, particularly over text or online where we can edit our responses, a face-to-face row over a sensitive topic can develop into a more antagonistic form of argument.

    You may have experienced this over the recent festive season, when many of us spend more time in close contact with our relatives than usual. This can sometimes bring simmering tensions to the surface.

    An argument can start over a lot of things, from politics to each other’s behaviour – something anyone who spends much time on social media will be familiar with. But the stronger the view, the more intense and complex an argument can become.

    So, what can you do to avoid a minor argument becoming a major row – whether online or face-to-face? As an expert in social interactions, I think paying attention to what someone says – and how they say it – is crucial, along with learning how to avoid responding in ways that might blow up in your face.

    Remember, disagreements are a normal part of life and relationships. But here are three key tips for how to avoid them escalating into something more serious.

    Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions.

    Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    1. Manage escalation

    If you disagree with someone, stay in the conversation in a productive way by avoiding using direct insults. Also, take care to avoid actions that may put the other person on the back foot, such as accusing, complaining or mocking them.

    We tend to put a lot of emphasis on the content of an argument, and also on our assumptions about what the other person “really thinks”. What is the argument about? Is it just a misunderstanding – or is it a matter of personality, where one party is biased or has some ulterior motive?

    The rise of social media has created an age of endless conflict.
    pathdoc / Shutterstock

    We care very much whether the person actually believes what they are saying. Research suggests we often resent people playing “devil’s advocate” outside of certain settings.

    But you cannot truly know someone’s intentions, so it’s a good idea to avoid thinking the worst about the person you are arguing with. Otherwise, you might unfairly talk to them as if they’re being manipulative, unfair, damaging or thoughtless.

    2. Be open-minded

    Sometimes, what someone has said may sound (and feel) pretty awful. When this happens, keep two things in mind.

    First, nothing we say has just one meaning. There are often multiple interpretations, and you cannot always trust the first one that leaps to mind when you’re in the heat of the moment.

    During an argument, it’s worth slowing down and thinking through all possible interpretations. Consider asking for a moment to think, or getting a cup of tea to distract both of you from an escalation.

    Second, if what the person is saying still sounds negative no matter how charitable you try to be, ask them to explain more. This may not be easy to do, but people will often reveal what they meant if they have to elaborate. And helping them feel as if they are being carefully listened to might defuse a possible escalation.

    3. Stay on track

    There is another side to this coin: choosing carefully what you say, and keeping in mind how you will come across. Anyone can get caught up in an argument and say something they regret, including you.

    Something to balance carefully is “going meta” – pausing to talk about the argument you’re having and the way you’re having it. This can be productive if, for instance, you ask to keep the conversation focused on something specific. However, it can easily come across as an implicit criticism of the other person.

    If you do choose to discuss the quarrel you’re having, you may have to include an apology or speak in a quieter tone to keep the other person from thinking you are going to accuse them of arguing “wrongly” in some way. It’s challenging, so don’t feel bad if you don’t get it right the first time you try this technique.

    Anyone can get caught up in an argument, including you.
    fizkes / Shutterstock

    Do we have the same values?

    People don’t just argue for the sake of arguing. One of the main reasons for engaging in an argument is to position ourselves in relation to other people. Are we on the same side, and do we have the same values?

    Arguments are also tied to identity. The most contentious arguments generate strong feelings. We’re aware that we might be judged for our opinions, and others will assume that we might judge them in return.

    Mutual judgment can easily escalate not just during a disagreement but in the relationship as a whole, causing a temporary falling-out or even loss of friendship. People who want to avoid this often assume the answer is to simply put their feelings aside and “focus on facts”.

    But denying an emotional response might feel like denying one’s commitment to a valued cause. Recognising that someone feels this way is an important step to knowing what you might be able to change their mind about – and what is best left alone, at least for now.

    Jessica Robles does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How to argue without falling out – an expert guide – https://theconversation.com/how-to-argue-without-falling-out-an-expert-guide-236812

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Sims: from Hot Date to Get Famous, why expansion packs have been key to the game’s longevity

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Aditya Deshbandhu, Lecturer of Communications, Digital Media Sociology, University of Exeter

    SimCity 3000, the predecessor to The Sims, played a pivotal part in my childhood, growing up in Hyderabad, India. Its recreation of the western, urban world helped me understand how cities were planned, designed and financed – and how they provided people with key services like transportation, health and education while preparing for accidents and other hazards.

    As an eight-year-old trying to figure out my place in the world, that game offered me a way to make meaning of the chaos that can be life. So, when The Sims launched in 2000 – enabling me to live inside a virtual city, rather than simply build one – I had to get my hands on a copy.

    Twenty-five years later, I write this piece in a drastically different gaming landscape, where games offer high visual fidelity and ever-increasing frame rates for ultra-smooth game play. But despite all these technological innovations and the pursuit of photo-realism, the popularity of The Sims’ game designer Will Wright’s satire on American consumer culture endures.

    Sul Sul! This article is part of a mini series from The Conversation marking 25 years of The Sims franchise.

    The franchise’s four Sims games had sold over 200 million copies before the latest instalment, The Sims 4, became free to play in 2022. Players now spend their money on extras within the game. Over 85 million people played The Sims worldwide in 2024.

    At a time when the success of a modern video game is measured in metrics like “cumulative engagement time” (number of players playing at the same time), acquisition of new players and “intensity of engagement” (number of hours spent by a player), now-over-a-decade-old The Sims 4 continues to excel with its mastery of the live-service format.

    The trailer for the first Sims game.

    Live-service describes the form modern digital games embrace when they transition from conventional products into “services” – a shift made possible because games today can be regularly updated, fixed and expanded upon by their makers remotely. They can acquire new levels and in-game features in a similar way to how streaming platforms like Netflix drop new episodes of your favourite show.

    Players don’t buy a live-service game, they sign up for the journey.

    Expanding player horizons

    In each incarnation of The Sims, players have been able to access new ways to perform roles and tasks that mimic everyday life, in the form of expansions and content packs.

    The original title, The Sims (2000), had seven expansion packs and two content packs. I distinctly remember brewing potions in the chemistry lab and rubbing a magic lamp to conjure a genie in the first expansion, Livin’ Large; the new holiday island that was built for The Sims: Vacation; and leaving my Sim’s home to visit downtown areas as part of Hot Date.

    The trailer for The Sims Hot Date expansion pack.

    But for The Sims 4 (2014), the developers went all in. This game – and its subsequent expansions – represents a digital supermarket of lifestyles, sub-cultures, activities and stardom. For example, 2018’s Get Famous pack not only introduced Del Sol Valley – a region that resembled Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills – but also introduced the “reputation” mechanism for players.

    The Discover University expansion (2019) allowed players to take their Sims to school in a new region called Britechester – after this update, the game integrated Sims’ careers and education, and in many ways changed the rules of the game. And the Eco Lifestyle expansion pack (2020) is memorable because the game engaged with ideas of sustainable living for the first time.

    Genre, fantasy and reality

    From content packs featuring a digital recreation of singer Katy Perry in The Sims 3 to collaborations with streamers, content creators and fashion houses, The Sims has remained relevant by consistently blurring the lines between genre, reality and fantasy.

    Hot Date was a popular early Sims expansion pack.

    Today, video game makers the world over try to master formats like free-to-play games where players pay for cosmetic items, customisations and added content, or expansions offering downloadable content. The Sims set the standard for most of them.

    Over the past 25 years, this franchise has had several life simulation competitors in the form of Second Life, Facebook’s once popular Farmville, virtual reality experiences like Half-Life: Alyx and, during the pandemic when we worked, learnt and played online, initiatives like the Metaverse.

    However, today only The Sims endures. The game’s developers continue to give its players what they want, while also getting them to engage with difficult ideas like sustainability, the question of life and death, and even gentrification (For Rent expansion pack, anyone?).

    Few games let players critique life so closely. For game researchers like me, this begs the question: do people play life simulation games like The Sims in order to build alternative lives, relive their own – or create something entirely new?

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Aditya Deshbandhu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The Sims: from Hot Date to Get Famous, why expansion packs have been key to the game’s longevity – https://theconversation.com/the-sims-from-hot-date-to-get-famous-why-expansion-packs-have-been-key-to-the-games-longevity-248604

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Will multinational companies flock to Syria? Maybe, if foreign aid arrives first

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ana Carolina Garriga, Professor of Political Science, University of Essex

    hanohiki / Shutterstock

    Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, recently appeared at the World Economic Forum’s annual conference in the Swiss resort of Davos. He announced that his country is open for business and seeking foreign investment.

    After more than 13 years of civil war and decades of dictatorship that saw Syria become a pariah state, the country needs all the financial support it can get. But will foreign firms set up shop in Syria?

    Countries like Syria, emerging from conflict, face the challenge of convincing investors they are a safe environment for investment. Our research suggests companies look at what governments are doing in terms of aid when considering whether to invest. In general, post-war countries that receive more foreign aid subsequently receive more foreign investment.

    Foreign direct investment (FDI) typically involves multinational companies building factories, opening stores or investing capital in businesses abroad. It can be highly beneficial for developing countries.

    FDI is the most stable source of international financing, and generally has positive long-term effects on economic growth and poverty reduction. More importantly for incumbent governments, FDI has positive short-term effects on domestic employment, government financing and spending, and foreign exchange reserves.

    It also has a potential positive effect on government approval ratings, as attracting inward FDI signifies political competence to voters. These reasons are why almost all governments compete to receive these financial flows.

    FDI is especially important in post-conflict countries. Civil wars typically destroy or seriously harm the productive capacity of countries. In Syria, the conflict destroyed tens of billions of US dollars worth of infrastructure, and incapacitated more than half its electrical grid.

    After 13 years of civil war, Syria needs all the financial support it can get.
    Vagabjorn / Shutterstock

    War often disrupts a country’s access to the international economic exchanges that help economic growth. Since the beginning of its conflict in March 2011, Syria’s annual exports have dropped from US$8.8 billion (£7.1 billion) to US$1 billion, due to the war and war-related sanctions. Its economy has shrunk by 54%.

    Foreign investment can contribute substantially to rebuilding the economy. But post-conflict countries might seem risky to investors.

    Foreign firms sometimes avoid countries plagued by violence, political instability, or political risk. Conflict could reemerge in Syria, and multinational corporations probably do not want their business in a place where factories could be bombed or customers killed.

    Post-conflict situations are also relatively information-poor environments. Conflict often hampers data collection efforts, and governments, in desperate need of capital, may be incentivised to misrepresent the actual state of the economy or strength of the political system.

    In the case of Syria, foreign observers do not know what to make of the new ruling coalition, which is led by a designated terrorist organisation in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. While the international community seems to want to support Syria – the UK, for example, has been clear about its intention to help the country – observers are unsure about the environment and how it might change in the coming years.

    In these kinds of situation, international investors look at a variety of signals. In our research, we show that one key signal is whether other governments have sent official development aid to post-conflict countries.

    Following the aid

    We argue that the decision to send aid to a country signals the donors’ trust of local authorities. What matters is this presence of aid, whether or not the aid achieves its intended purpose.

    Examining decades of global data, we have found a robust relationship between foreign aid and subsequent investment in post-conflict countries – with one striking exception.

    There does not seem to be a relationship between aid from the US and foreign investment. Because so much of US foreign aid is geostrategic – to shore up alliances or secure access to particular areas – investors do not seem to view it as a valuable signal about the recipient country.

    So, Syria should perhaps not worry too much about the new US president Donald Trump’s plan to cut American foreign aid. If aid from other government donors can still flow in, this could encourage investment to follow.

    Fortunately for Syria, some countries and international organisations have already pledged aid – including the UK, which has announced £50 million in humanitarian aid for the country and its refugees. This seems like a good sign for Syria’s future – even more so because of the signal it sends to foreign investors.

    Specific domestic policies that encourage FDI and build stronger institutions will be necessary to secure investment in the longer term. Syria will need to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and property rights, while creating a stable environment for investment.

    However, if the pledged aid materialises – and if more countries chip in – this could lead to substantial economic benefits for Syria.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Will multinational companies flock to Syria? Maybe, if foreign aid arrives first – https://theconversation.com/will-multinational-companies-flock-to-syria-maybe-if-foreign-aid-arrives-first-248406

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How The Sims accidentally invented the cosy game genre

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Jerrett, Lecturer, Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries, University of Portsmouth

    Ooboo Vroose Baa Dooo! That’s “happy birthday” in Simlish, the delightfully nonsensical language of The Sims. The life simulation video game franchise turns 25 this year, making me feel officially old.

    Like many others, I grew up playing The Sims, oscillating between designing dream homes and orchestrating ideal careers, and trapping my Sim characters in a tiny block room, removing all the doors and watching the chaos ensue. For the more benevolent among us, The Sims was an endlessly rewarding digital dollhouse.

    Game designer Sid Meier (creator of the Civilisation series) defines a video game as “a series of interesting decisions”. In most games, interesting decisions are about which gun to use or which party member to heal. The Sims’ interesting decisions, however, were far more mundane. “What clothes should I make my simulated human (typically a digital avatar of myself or my friends) wear?”; “Who should they date?”; and, most importantly: “Should I use the ‘rosebud’ cheat to give myself infinite money?”

    The Sims went on to become one of the bestselling franchises of all time, with myriad sequels, expansions and an obsessed player base. While similar titles at the time, such as Black and White, had you playing as an omnipotent god, they were primarily strategy games based around controlling territory. What made The Sims special was its focus on emergent narratives – player-driven experiences where players could create their own stories.

    Sul Sul! This article is part of a mini series from The Conversation marking 25 years of The Sims franchise.

    Much of this focus is also present in what is now called the “cosy game” genre. These are games that focus not on conflict or challenges, but rather on creativity, exploration and personal expression.

    Before Stardew Valley let us befriend a moody fisherman, Animal Crossing allowed us to be financially terrorised by a raccoon, and Unpacking made us cry over a box of kitchen utensils, The Sims showed us a new way to play. One where the biggest challenge was forgetting to pay your bills, and the most rewarding accomplishment was finally affording a pool (whose exit ladder may or may not just have mysteriously disappeared).

    This normalised the idea that games didn’t need to be won to be fun. It was a shift in design philosophy that paved the way for later games that let players tend a farm, manage a café, or befriend ghosts without a game-defined goal.

    A trailer for one of the more recent expansion packs, Cottage Living.

    The Sims was less about victory than it was about making your own fun – whether that meant imagining your future family life with your crush, or seeing how well you could build your Sim’s career from the ground up before succumbing to late-stage capitalism.

    Copying The Sims’ homework

    Many features that define the cosy game genre today trace directly back to The Sims. It popularised meticulous environment building and customisation tools, for example, from house layouts to outfit choices and suspiciously elaborate hedge mazes. This DNA is the bedrock of many modern cosy games, like Tiny Glade’s whimsical castle-building or pandemic hit Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ island growing.

    The Sims was free from combat or major stressors (unless you count fire hazards and rogue Grim Reapers). No timers, no pressure – just vibes (unless you forgot to build a toilet, in which case the vibes would be bad). You could play at your own pace, which came to define other self-paced games like A Short Hike.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Much of The Sims was about the relationships between the Sims themselves. They could get married, have children, make friends and even enemies. Instead of fighting for survival, Sims were fighting for their relationships.

    This was augmented by a growing “machinima” fan culture, where players made short films and movies using in-game footage. These forms of emergent, social storytelling are a mainstay of modern gaming and meme culture, made even more prevalent by social media and the “share” buttons now on many game controllers.

    In this work of machinima, a Sims player has made a sitcom trailer using footage from their gameplay.

    Over the years, The Sims franchise has become a bastion for diversity, equity and inclusion. Most recently, that’s meant allowing players to create disabled and transgender Sims.

    This provides more representation to players, and showcases the importance of cosy games for exploring an array of identities, values and stories. The move has even inspired copycats like the upcoming Inzoi, which provides even more realistic graphics and complex life simulation, building on the formula introduced by Sims creator Will Wright all those years ago.

    For 25 years, The Sims has proven that games can be different. They don’t need conflict, challenge or even victory to be engaging. Sometimes, the real joy comes from designing an entire town, crafting a chaotic soap opera – or simply watching a Sim pace around a door-less room, gradually descending into madness.

    Adam Jerrett does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How The Sims accidentally invented the cosy game genre – https://theconversation.com/how-the-sims-accidentally-invented-the-cosy-game-genre-248702

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to set healthy boundaries

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gio Dolcecore, Assistant Professor, Social Work, Mount Royal University

    Boundaries are about what you do when something triggers an emotional response from you, and how you communicate to others what you are feeling. (Shutterstock)

    Setting our boundaries can sometimes be tough. Maybe you’re living with someone who’s always in your space. Or you’ve got that friend who feels a little too comfortable trauma-dumping on you. Maybe you feel your spouse isn’t respecting your choices.

    Whatever the reason, telling others how you feel isn’t always easy. And it can be difficult to figure out where to draw your lines and how to communicate them to others.

    There’s also a lot of misunderstanding about what boundaries are and what they aren’t. The prevalence of “therapy-speak” can make figuring that out even harder.

    Setting boundaries can often seem complicated and feel uncomfortable. That’s because it can take a lot of courage to stick up for yourself. It also takes a lot of emotional regulation and self-awareness.

    However, setting boundaries doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect. Taking time to figure out how to communicate them effectively can lead to healthier relationships with the people in your life.

    Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions.

    Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    Setting healthy boundaries

    Think of boundaries as promises you make to yourself about how you will respond to others when their actions or words conflict with your self-worth, communication style and relationship expectations. Things that influence our beliefs towards boundaries can include our cultural, religious and political identities.

    Boundaries are about what you do when something triggers an emotional response from you, and how you communicate to others what you are feeling. Boundaries are not about telling others what to do or how to feel.

    People in different places approach them in different ways. American authors like Brené Brown see boundaries as a way of loving ourselves by saying no, even if that means we let someone else down.

    Looking at cultures around the world can also help us learn more about the intricate relationship between boundaries, communication style and relationship expectations. For example, in Iran the term gheirat refers to a moral-emotional experience. It is a concept referring to an experience when there is a violation involving people, such as romantic partners, family dynamics and politics.

    A healthy boundary can be invitational, meaning you are inviting others to participate in the problem-solving process. In relationships we have to balance our feelings, their feelings and what is needed for the relationship to blossom. This tricky balance means inviting others in, while indicating what is needed for you to safely participate.

    For example saying “let’s finish this conversation when neither of us is raising our voices” is a healthy way of setting a boundary compared to “leave me alone right now” or “don’t speak to me like that.”

    Telling someone not to speak to you during a hard conversation can sound dismissive of their feelings, especially if they’re feeling unheard. The boundary is not about the conversation ending, it’s about what is needed for the conversation to continue in a respectful way.

    You don’t always owe others your time to communicate and explain what you need. Sometimes, it’s about walking away from a situation that you know isn’t serving you.
    (Shutterstock)

    Communication is key

    Healthy boundaries can be a way to mutually emotionally regulate. For example, saying “it makes me uncomfortable when you tell your friends personal details about our relationship” is offering others two opportunities. The first, awareness of how their actions are making you feel. And second, the opportunity to problem-solve with you.

    Most people will respond by explaining why they are doing what they are doing. With that information, you can decide how you want to respond. Maybe they’re choosing to disclose information to their friends because they rely on external processing to help make decisions. Or maybe they’re looking for external validation. You get to choose how to respond now that you have their rationale.

    As a therapist, I often tell clients you have options when it comes to setting and maintaining boundaries. The next time you have to set a boundary, think of the following tips.

    Do:

    • Express how you’re feeling in response to someone’s actions or inaction.

    • Identify your priorities and know your limits. Provide an opportunity for repair.

    • If someone tells you why they did what they did, remind them it’s important for you they recognize how you’re feeling versus rationalizing their behaviour.

    Don’t:

    • Tell someone how to act or feel.

    • Expect others to know what you need or what you’re thinking.

    • Rely on others to uphold your boundaries.

    You don’t always owe others your time to communicate and explain what you need. Sometimes, it’s about walking away from a situation that you know isn’t serving you. Based on how you observe people living their life, how they talk about social or political issues, conduct themselves when you express your feelings, you can choose not to give people access to your life.

    Sometimes walking away is about preserving your self-worth, especially after you’ve tried communicating and problem solving. This is where boundaries become hard to maintain, because we have to determine whether someone’s actions are enough to protect ourselves and uphold our self worth.

    However you choose to set your boundaries, communicating them honestly and calmly is key to getting others to understand and respect them.

    Gio Dolcecore does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How to set healthy boundaries – https://theconversation.com/how-to-set-healthy-boundaries-237745

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Rosreestr is implementing a pilot project to involve unused real estate objects into circulation and fill the Unified State Register of Real Estate

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The government is strengthening its comprehensive work to identify, record and involve unused real estate objects into circulation. This will ensure the completeness and quality of information in the Unified State Register of Real Estate (USRRE) by the end of 2030 and involve unused land plots and territories into economic circulation.

    “Since 2021, these issues have been addressed, among other things, within the framework of the state program “National Spatial Data System”. During this time, Rosreestr and the Roscadastre sub-company have entered 191 boundaries between subjects and 1.85 thousand boundaries of municipalities into the Unified State Register. Three times more than in the previous 10 years, the boundaries of territorial zones were entered – 298.6 thousand. 1.9 million registry errors were corrected. The number of objects with copyright holders increased by 18.1 million. At the same time, despite the significant dynamics, there is still a lot of work left. In order to complete it within the deadline set by the state program, by the end of 2030, this activity will be intensified. Rosreestr has launched a pilot project that will intensify the creation of a complete and accurate real estate register in the regions and identify new sites and territories for inclusion in economic circulation,” said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    Currently, the pilot project is being implemented in individual municipalities of 16 regions – in the Kostroma, Lipetsk, Novgorod, Omsk, Penza, Pskov, Smolensk, Tambov, Ulyanovsk regions, Primorsky and Khabarovsk territories, the republics of Mari El, Mordovia, the Chuvash Republic, the Jewish Autonomous Region and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.

    “In fact, a complete inventory of lands and property is being carried out, which will allow us to collect and summarize information about all real estate objects. At present, the work has been completed in 71 settlements, and is ongoing in 38 more. As a result, information about the title holders has been identified for 8.3 thousand real estate objects, information about the boundaries of 18.7 thousand land plots and capital construction projects has been clarified, and 3.2 thousand hectares of territory suitable for inclusion in circulation have been identified,” noted Oleg Skufinsky, head of Rosreestr.

    The project is being implemented within the framework of an agreement concluded between Rosreestr, the head of the region and the public-law company Roskadastr (which is the contractor). After the creation of an operational headquarters in the subject and the approval of the “road map”, work begins on the analysis of archival documents, including cartographic materials, and a survey of the territories.

    The results of the work are entered into the Unified State Register of Real Estate and the National Spatial Data System. Rosreestr provides organizational, coordination and methodological support for the pilot project on an ongoing basis.

    Today, in the land and real estate sector, there are still historically accumulated problems of missing information in the Unified State Register of Real Estate and other registries. There is no information about the owners of 29.9 million objects, and the boundaries of 17.4 million land plots have not been established. There is still a shortage of available land for provision to citizens, legal entities and investors.

    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: Wearable Devices Unveils the LLM of Gesture Control: Large MUAP Models (LMM) Set to Revolutionize Human-Computer Interaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Pioneering AI-powered neural gesture technology enables personalized, intuitive interactions for the AI and XR era

    Yokneam Illit, Israel, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), an award-winning pioneer in artificial intelligence (“AI”)-based wearable gesture control technology, announced a groundbreaking advancement in human-computer interaction: Large MUAP Models (“LMM”). Building on the success of LLMs in natural language processing, Wearable Devices is actively developing LMMs with the goal to revolutionize how we interact with digital devices, aiming to offer personalized, intuitive gesture control powered by neural data. While still in development, this innovative technology holds immense potential to redefine human-device interaction.

    The LMM Revolution: Decoding the Neural Alphabet

    Just as LLMs unlocked the power of language for AI, LMMs aim to unlock the power of neural gestures for seamless, natural interactions. By decoding Motor Unit Action Potentials (MUAPs)—the body’s language for communicating with muscles—Wearable Devices has created a new paradigm for gesture control. LMMs are harnessing the potential of big data to enable devices to understand and predict user intentions with unprecedented speed and precision, making interactions faster and more intuitive than ever before. Personalized Gestures for a Natural User Experience

    At the heart of LMMs is personalization. The technology learns from individual users, creating a unique neural profile that will enable gestures tailored to each person’s natural movements. Whether it’s a subtle thumb swipe to select an option or a pinch-to-zoom gesture in augmented reality, LMMs will make interactions feel effortless and intuitive. “With LMMs, we are decoding the neural alphabet, potentially unlocking a strategically vital technology that fuses human neurology with AI. This breakthrough has the potential to create sci-fi-like superhuman abilities, giving a fundamental edge to whoever masters it first,” said Guy Wagner, Chief Scientific Officer of Wearable Devices.

    Wearable Devices’ flagship products, such as the Mudra Band for Apple Watch and the Mudra Link for universal device control, are already demonstrating the power of neural interfaces. These devices allow users to control their digital environments with simple, natural gestures. LMMs have the potential to make our current technology user-personalized, paving the way for a future where wearable technology is seamlessly integrated into our daily lives.

    The Future of AI and XR: Powered by Neural Gestures

    As spatial computing becomes the next computing platform, LMMs will provide the intuitive, natural interactions needed to unlock its full potential. Wearable Devices is focused on developing this technology and plans to seek collaboration with leading companies to integrate LMMs into next-generation extended reality (XR) platforms, ensuring that users can interact with their digital environments in ways that feel as natural as moving their hands.

    “The future of XR and AI interactions is here, and it starts with your wrist,” added Mr. Wagner. “With LMMs, we are not just imagining the future—we are building it.”

    About Wearable Devices Ltd.

    Wearable Devices Ltd. is a pioneering growth company revolutionizing human-computer interaction through its AI-powered neural input technology for both consumer and business markets. Leveraging proprietary sensors, software, and advanced AI algorithms, the Company’s innovative products, including the Mudra Band for iOS and Mudra Link for Android, enable seamless, touch-free interaction by transforming subtle finger and wrist movements into intuitive controls. These groundbreaking solutions enhance gaming, and the rapidly expanding AR/VR/XR landscapes. The Company offers a dual-channel business model: direct-to-consumer sales and enterprise licensing. Its flagship Mudra Band integrates functional and stylish design with cutting-edge AI to empower consumers, while its enterprise solutions provide businesses with the tools to deliver immersive and interactive experiences. By setting the input standard for the XR market, Wearable Devices is redefining user experiences and driving innovation in one of the fastest-growing tech sectors. Wearable Devices’ ordinary shares and warrants trade on the Nasdaq under the symbols “WLDS” and “WLDSW,” respectively.

    Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

    This press release contains “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, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss the benefits and advantages of our devices and technology, including the potential of LMMs, and that we are focused on developing this technology and plan to seek collaboration with leading companies to integrate LMMs into next-generation XR platforms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the trading of our ordinary shares or warrants and the development of a liquid trading market; our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 15, 2024 and our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Michal Efraty
    IR@wearabledevices.co.il

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – Renewi Plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    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: Rathbones 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    		 Renewi Plc
    (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    		 31/01/2025
    (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”    		 No

    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: £1 Ordinary Shares
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,374,666 1.70%    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 1,374,666 1.70%    

    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
    £1 Ordinary Shares Sale 3,333 802.2835p

    (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
             

    (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: 03/02/2025
    Contact name: Chinwe Enyi – Compliance Department
    Telephone number: 0151 243 7053

    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.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – Warpaint London Plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    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: Rathbones 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    		 Warpaint London Plc
    (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    		 31/01/2025
    (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”    		 No

    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: 25p Ordinary Shares
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 3,078,793 3.81%    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 3,078,793 3.81%    

    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
    25p Ordinary Shares Sale 215 511.5001p
    25p Ordinary Shares Sale 90 515p
    25p Ordinary Shares Purchase 505 517p
    25p Ordinary Shares Purchase 800 516.065p
    25p Ordinary Shares Purchase 7,500 515p

    (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
             

    (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: 03/02/2025
    Contact name: Chinwe Enyi – Compliance Department
    Telephone number: 0151 243 7053

    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.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NowVertical Announces Agreement to Defer Payment of Amounts to Affinio Sellers, Demonstrating Continued Support

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NowVertical Group Inc. (TSX-V: NOW) (“NowVertical” or the “Company”), a leading data and AI solutions provider, is pleased to announce that the sellers of Affinio Inc. (the “Sellers”) led by Whitecap Venture Partners have agreed to defer payment of USD $998,000 of outstanding liabilities previously due during the first half of 2025, which will now become payable in late Q4 2025. This deferral demonstrates the ongoing confidence and support the Sellers have in NowVertical’s “One Brand, One Business” strategy.

    “We appreciate the Affinio Sellers’ willingness to work with us in extending these liabilities,” said Sandeep Mendiratta, Chief Executive Officer of NowVertical. “This agreement allows us to maintain our focus on executing our organic growth initiatives as we move towards our objective to achieve a US$50 million revenue run rate and 20% best-in-class EBITDA margin.”

    This development reflects the strong relationship between NowVertical and the Sellers, reaffirming the trust and alignment both parties share in the Company’s strategic vision. NowVertical appreciates this collaboration, which underscores a positive outlook for the Company’s continued success and growth.

    About NowVertical Group Inc.

    The Company is a global data and analytics company which helps clients transform data into tangible business value with AI, fast. Offering a comprehensive suite of solutions and services the Company enables clients to quickly harness the full potential of their data, driving measurable outcomes and accelerating potential return on investment. Enterprises optimize decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and unlock long-term value from their data using the Company’s AI-Infused first party and third-party technologies. NowVertical is growing organically and through strategic acquisitions. For further details about NowVertical, please visit www.nowvertical.com.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    For further information, please contact:

    Andre Garber, CDO
    IR@nowvertical.com
    T: +1(647)947-0223

    Cautionary note regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (together “forward-looking statements“). Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies, certain of which are unknown. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations and include statements regarding the ability of the Company to achieve its financial objectives. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including: adverse market conditions; risks that the Company will be unable to pay amounts owing when due; risks inherent in the data analytics and artificial intelligence sectors in general; regulatory and legislative changes; that future results may vary from historical results; inability to obtain any requisite future financing on suitable terms; any inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies of acquisitions or dispositions; that market competition may affect the business, results and financial condition of the Company and other risk factors identified in documents filed by the Company under its profile at www.sedarplus.com, including the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Announces Distribution of $0.08 Per Share for February 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) announced today a monthly distribution of $0.08 per share for February 2025. This distribution is payable to common stockholders on February 28, 2025 (as outlined in the table below).

    As previously announced, the Company plans to declare distributions on a monthly basis, with the next distribution expected to be declared in early March. Payment of future distributions is subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, as well as meeting the covenants on the Company’s debt agreements and the terms of its preferred stock.

    Record Date /
    Ex-Date
    		 Payment Date Distribution Amount Return of Capital
    Estimate
    2/14/25 2/28/25 $0.08 75%(1)

    (1) This estimate is based on the Company’s anticipated earnings and profits. The final determination of the tax character of distributions will not be determinable until after the end of fiscal 2025 and may differ substantially from this preliminary information.

    Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The Company’s investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Company’s most recent quarterly report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms.

    The Company pays cash distributions to common stockholders at a rate that may be adjusted from time to time. Distribution amounts are not guaranteed and may vary depending on a number of factors, including changes in portfolio holdings and market conditions. 

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or consider any investor’s specific objectives or circumstances. Before investing, please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Company’s filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Company’s investment objectives will be attained.

    Contact investor relations at 877-657-3863 or cef@kayneanderson.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: illumin to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference on February 6th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and NEW YORK, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — illumin Holdings Inc. (TSX: ILLM) (OTCQB: ILLMF) (“illumin” or “Company”), a leader in digital marketing technology, today announced that Simon Cairns, Chief Executive Officer, and Elliot Muchnik, Chief Financial Officer, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on February 6th, 2025.

    DATE: February 6th
    TIME: 10:00 am ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/40Wa3fj
    Available for 1:1 meetings

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the Company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • Partnership with Adsquare to Deliver Advanced Footfall Attribution
    • Record Third Quarter 2024 Revenue of $36.3 Million, up 23% YoY
    • Self-Service Revenue Rose 64% YoY in Q3 2024 to $8.4 Million

    About illumin
    illumin is evolving the digital advertising landscape by empowering marketers to achieve transformative results through its customer-centric approach. Featuring a unified canvas built around the open web, illumin lets brands and agencies seamlessly plan, build, and execute campaigns across the entire marketing funnel—connecting programmatic channels, email, and social media within a single platform. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, illumin serves clients across North America, Latin America, and Europe. For more information, visit illumin.com.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    Steve Hosein
    Investor Relations
    illumin Holdings Inc.
    416-218-9888 x5313
    investors@illumin.com

    David Hanover
    Investor Relations – U.S.
    KCSA Strategic Communications
    212-896-1220
    dhanover@kcsa.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LeddarTech Announces First OEM Design Win for LeddarVision ADAS Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech® Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology, LeddarVision™, today announced a major milestone: one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) has selected LeddarTech as the fusion and perception software supplier for their advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) program for 2028 model year vehicles.

    LeddarVision was selected for this mainstream commercial vehicle platform after a comprehensive evaluation by the customer of the leading solutions available in the market today. LeddarVision stood out for its superior performance and efficiency in a multi-modal sensor system with both cameras and radars, and the ability to scale to various models and sensor configurations. LeddarTech revenue from this design win is expected to begin in 2025 for engineering services, with per-vehicle royalty revenue anticipated in late 2027. While project work is to commence immediately, the arrangement remains subject to the parties entering into definitive agreements.

    “This award comes on the heels of the recently announced Texas Instruments collaboration and license agreement with close to US$ 10 million in pre-paid royalties. These developments evidence the industry’s pivot towards low-level fusion―an approach pioneered by LeddarTech―that enables cost-effective deployment of L2/L2+ ADAS for commercial and passenger vehicles and our leadership position in multi-modal, low-level fusion and perception software,” said Frantz Saintellemy, president and CEO of LeddarTech. “These wins also reflect the momentum that is building with our business.”

    LeddarTech’s LeddarVision platform delivers an environmental model that enhances driver safety and enables greater autonomy. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and sensor fusion technology, LeddarTech enables automotive OEMs to meet increasingly challenging industry safety standards while addressing consumer demands for more advanced ADAS features.

    About LeddarTech

    A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

    LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 170 patent applications (87 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

    Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this Press Release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which forward-looking statements also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements relating to LeddarTech’s selection by the OEM referred to above, anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the risk that LeddarTech and the OEM referred to above are unable to agree to final terms in definitive agreements; (ii) the volume of future orders (if any) from this OEM, actual revenue derived from expected orders, and timing of revenue, if any; (iii) the possibility that anticipated benefits of LeddarTech’s recent business combination will not be realized; (iv) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the business combination or other settlements or investigations may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (v) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (vi) possible disruptions from the business combination that could harm LeddarTech’s business; (vii) the ability of LeddarTech to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (viii) potential adverse reactions or changes to relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or other parties; (ix) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships following the business combination that could affect LeddarTech’s financial performance; (x) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xi) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak or escalation of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak (including COVID‑19), as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (xii) access to capital and financing and LeddarTech’s ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants; (xiii) LeddarTech’s ability to execute its business model, achieve design wins and generate meaningful revenue; and (xiv) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in LeddarTech’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the risk factors contained in LeddarTech’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Except as required by applicable law, LeddarTech does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Chris Stewart, Chief Financial Officer, LeddarTech Holdings Inc.
    Tel.: + 1-514-427-0858, chris.stewart@leddartech.com

    Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

    LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Australian Oilseeds Accelerates Growth with Expanded Distribution Across 1,000+ Woolworths Stores

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COOTAMUNDRA, Australia, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT) today announced expanded distribution of its premium cold pressed oils at Woolworths, a major retailer in Australia with over 1,000 locations across the country. Four SKUs of the Company’s cold pressed GEO Extra Virgin Non-GMO Canola oil and its cold pressed GEO Non-GMO Extra Virgin Vegetable oil are now available at Woolworths locations in pack sizes ranging from 750ml to 4L.

    “We are very pleased to partner with Woolworths to provide consumers greater access to our high-quality, sustainable and locally sourced oils,” said Gary Seaton, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited. “Our GEO brand exemplifies our mission by offering a unique range of products that significantly reduce the use of chemicals in farming and food production systems, creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. This agreement, coupled with our recently announced expansion in China, demonstrates significant progress on our key strategic initiatives along with helping to accelerate our growth trajectory. We look forward to increasing our range of healthier GEO oils in Woolworths supermarkets throughout 2025.”

    Australian oilseed investments is also in discussions with other retail chains in both Australia and the United States for supply of its unique range of non-GMO cold pressed extra virgin vegetable oils.

    About Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd. Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd. is an Australian proprietary company that, directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries, is focused on the manufacture and sale of sustainable oilseeds (e.g., seeds grown primarily for the production of edible oils) and is committed to working with all suppliers in the food supply chain to eliminate chemicals from the production and manufacturing systems to supply quality products to customers globally. The Company engages in the business of processing, manufacture and sale of non-GMO oilseeds and organic and non-organic food-grade oils, for the rapidly growing oilseeds market, through sourcing materials from suppliers focused on reducing the use of chemicals in consumables in order to supply healthier food ingredients, vegetable oils, proteins and other products to customers globally. Over the past 20 years, the Company’s cold pressing oil plant has grown to become the largest in Australia, pressing strictly GMO-free conventional and organic oilseeds.

    Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, business strategy and plans, market trends and market size, opportunities and positioning. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” “hope,” “target,” “project,” “goals,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “could,” “intend,” “shall” and variations of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. For example, global economic conditions could in the future reduce demand for our products; we could in the future experience cybersecurity incidents; we may be unable to manage or sustain the level of growth that our business has experienced in prior periods; our financial resources may not be sufficient to maintain or improve our competitive position; we may be unable to attract new customers, or retain or sell additional products to existing customers; we may experience challenges successfully expanding our marketing and sales capabilities, including further specializing our sales force; customer growth could decelerate in the future; we may not achieve expected synergies and efficiencies of operations from recent acquisitions or business combinations, and we may not be able to pay off our convertible notes when due. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views only as of the date of this press release and we assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

    Contact
    Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited
    126-142 Cowcumbla Street
    Cootamundra New South Wales 2590
    Attn: Bob Wu, CFO
    Email: bob@energreennutrition.com.au

    Investor Relations Contact
    Reed Anderson
    (646) 277-1260
    reed.anderson@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FLYR Welcomes Thomas Fuss as Chief Technology Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO and AMSTERDAM, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FLYR, the technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the travel industry, today announced the arrival of Thomas Fuss as its new Chief Technology Officer. Thomas joins FLYR with a wealth of experience in leading technology teams at hypergrowth companies across several industries.

    Thomas comes to FLYR from Backbase, where he played a pivotal role as Backbase’s CTO in driving the company’s transformation to 10x the company’s revenue during his tenure. At Backbase, Thomas led initiatives that modernized the financial technology landscape, building platform-as-a-service solutions and overseeing global scaling efforts. His work not only disrupted incumbents in the financial sector but also ensured the wellbeing of millions of end-users.

    “We are very excited to have Thomas join the FLYR crew,” said Alex Mans, Founder and CEO of FLYR. “As a lifelong technologist and engineer at heart, Thomas understands how to lead a team in times of rapid growth — critical capabilities for us as we continue to scale up and unlock freedom to innovate for the travel industry. His leadership and vision will help drive the next chapter of growth for FLYR and our customers.”

    “FLYR’s mission to disrupt the airline industry and lead clients into a digital future resonates deeply with me,” said Thomas Fuss, CTO, FLYR. “Having spent my career bridging the gap between complex systems and customer-centric solutions, I see tremendous opportunities to make a difference. The travel industry is ripe for transformation, and FLYR’s work is not only reshaping airlines but also enhancing experiences for travelers worldwide. I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned from the financial sector to help FLYR scale globally and achieve its ambitious vision.”

    Thomas’s career began with roles at SAP and ING Bank, where he led innovation initiatives for five years. He has also founded two companies, including Payconiq, a mobile payments innovation initiative, further underscoring his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to driving technological advancements.

    Thomas will be based in FLYR’s Amsterdam office. For more information on FLYR, please visit FLYR.com.

    About FLYR
    FLYR is a technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the travel industry – eliminating legacy constraints to enable real-time decision making and create the experiences travelers seek. Cloud native, FLYR leverages technologies including deep learning, an advanced form of AI. FLYR is helping airlines and hospitality businesses around the globe improve revenue performance, reduce cost, and modernize their e-commerce experience. Learn more at flyr.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed16b6d6-cdbc-494b-841f-c33cad89613f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft held a series of ski races dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft organized a corporate ski race in Nefteyugansk. More than 450 athletes from the Company’s subsidiaries and family members of oil workers working in several regions of Russia took part in the corporate winter race “Rosneft Ski Track”. Representatives of the “Movement of the First” joined the mass race.

    Earlier this winter season, mass races “Rosneft Ski Track” were held in Angarsk, Ufa and Krasnoyarsk. The total number of participants reached almost 1,500 athletes. The Company dedicated mass amateur competitions to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, which the entire country is preparing to celebrate this year.

    In Nefteyugansk, five distances were prepared for skiers of various age categories – from 500 m to 10 km. Schoolchildren from the “First Movement” went out in whole classes for some distances.

    Despite the fact that the races have an amateur status, the level of their organization is not inferior to professional competitions. All conditions were created for oil industry athletes and guests of the event. A field kitchen with hot dishes and hot tea was operating at the races, sports equipment rental was organized, places for preparing skis, heated changing rooms and rest areas were equipped. A cultural and entertainment program was prepared for young athletes, a children’s corner and an animator worked.

    The winners of the competition in 13 age groups were determined by professional judges.

    Support for mass sports is one of the key areas of social work for Rosneft and its subsidiaries. The company carries out large-scale work to promote sports and a healthy lifestyle among both its own employees and the population in the regions where the Company operates.

    Ice arenas, sports complexes and multifunctional sports grounds are built in the regions with the funds of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company also provides support to amateur and mass sports.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 3, 2025

    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: Northfield Capital Announces Changes to the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northfield Capital Corporation (TSX-V: NFD.A) (“Northfield” or the “Company”) today announced that Mr. Thomas Pladsen has resigned from the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”), effective January 31, 2025, for personal reasons. Mr. Pladsen has served as a director of the Company for over 30 years, during which time he provided invaluable insight and guidance to the Company. The Company would like to express its sincere thanks to Mr. Pladsen for his long-standing service.

    The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Klein as a member of the Board, effective January 31, 2025, to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Plasden’s resignation. Mr. Klein has also been appointed as the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board, in place of Mr. Plasden, effective January 31, 2025.

    Eric R. Klein, ICD.D, CBV, CPA, is an experienced Executive with over 35 years of experience in Investment Banking, Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Strategy and Corporate Management. As the President of Klein Advisory Services Inc. since 2018, Eric has guided both healthy and distressed entities, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic advisory across various sectors including manufacturing, technology, and financial services. His strategic insights are further underscored by his past advisory role as a Senior Advisor for a Canadian asset based lender, where he was instrumental in portfolio management and spearheading new business initiatives. Previously Eric was an Executive Vice President at Dundee Corp. and a senior Partner at Farber Financial group. Eric has significant board-level experience, serving as Director and Chair of the Audit Committee for several Canadian public companies. Eric holds two degrees from McGill University. He is certified as a CPA, a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV), and holds an Independent Corporate Director designation (ICD.D), demonstrating his commitment to rigorous corporate governance and financial integrity.

    We take this opportunity to welcome Eric to the Board and look forward to his governance and contributions to Northfield.

    The Company has granted an aggregate of 10,000 stock options (“Stock Options”) to purchase class A restricted voting share of the Company (each, a “Class A Share”) to Mr. Klein, at an exercise price of $21.50 per Class A Share. The Stock Options have been granted pursuant to the Company’s Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, and expire on January 31, 2030.

    About Northfield Capital Corporation

    Northfield is a leading Canadian investment firm with deep roots in resources, mining, aviation, and alcoholic beverages. Founded in 1981, Northfield combines decades of experience with a forward-thinking ethos to unlock opportunities.

    For further information, please contact:

    Michael G. Leskovec, CPA, CA
    Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone: (416) 628-5940

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Filming Generates £4.6m for Local Economy

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    FifeScreen+TayScreen is pleased to announce the release of its annual report for 2023/24, showcasing a successful year for the screen industry in the Fife Tay region with figures showing the media industry’s multi-million pound contribution to the economy of the Fife and Tay region. The office also supported ground-breaking work that was a finalist in the Screen International Global Production Awards at the Cannes Film Festival for a UK first – virtual production over 5G between Dundee and Manchester. 

    The figures show continuing resilience for film and TV production in 2023-24 despite challenges such as writer and actor strikes in the USA that have directly affected production in the UK and employment of freelance crew. Production spend reached £2.3 million, generating economic impact of approximately £4.6 million. This highlights the significant contribution that the screen industry makes to the local economy and the wider region.  

    Key Achievements in 2024 

    • Production Activity: the office facilitated over 100 productions, contributing an estimated £2.4 million to the local economy. The office recorded a total of over 400 filming days at locations across the region. Projects ranged from feature films and television dramas to commercials and independent productions. 
    • Diverse Locations Utilised: The region’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and urban settings attracted high-profile projects. These productions not only boosted the local economy but also showcased the region’s unique character on the global stage. 
    • Support for Regional Business: the office connected regional businesses with opportunities in the screen industry. 
    • Sustainability: the office implemented eco-friendly production guidelines towards support Scottish and UK initiatives to ensure the industry’s growth aligns with environmental goals. 
    • The sector supports jobs and livelihoods including freelance crew and services that are integral to production such as hospitality and accommodation. It plays a major part in promoting the region for economic and social development and attracting tourism.   

    Some production highlights 

    The report features several exciting highlights. Time-travel romantic drama series ‘Outlander’, returned for Season 8 and Prequel, Blood of My Blood that filmed across the region. There was filming for the final series of Netflix show, The Crown. The region’s attraction for crime on screen continued with production of Val McDermid’s Karen Pirie Season 2. James McAvoy, star of productions such as X-Men and Atonement, made his directorial debut in Dundee with California Schemin’. Iconic, global fashion brand, Christian Dior brought an A-list event and fashion shoots to Perthshire. This further solidifies the Fife Tayside region’s position as a preferred destination for high-profile productions, drawing attention and visitors from around the world.  

    Studios/Virtual Production and Remote Broadcasting 

    FifeScreen+TayScreen has continue to collaborate with the Tay Cities Deal project, Tay5G Virtual Production and Julie Craik has been appointed to the national board of the £76m CoSTAR programme supported by the UK Government. Virtual Production is an exciting evolution of greenscreen. Real environments or digitally created experiences are projected in specialist studios so that cast and crew can see and interact with them in real time. The office also supported the Tay5G project that saw Neutral Wireless and QTV advancing 5G enabled, live production technology in the region.  

    Dundee’s Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure Convener, Steven Rome says: “As a city renowned for its creativity and innovation, Dundee is proud to support the ongoing success of Tayscreen in showcasing our region as a vibrant hub for film, television, and creative production. This year’s Tayscreen annual report highlights the collaborative spirit that make our area such an attractive destination for production. Dundee continues to play a vital role in this industry, bringing economic opportunities and raising our profile on the global stage.” 

    Cllr Altany Craik, Spokesperson for Fife Council Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning says: “The film industry continues to play a vital role in Fife’s economy. The support that FifeScreen provides makes it easy for production companies to choose Fife as a location to film audience favourites such as Outlander and The Crown. The effects of having Fife showcased in this way must not be underestimated in terms of the visitor economy and inward investment. Embracing new technology will ensure that FifeScreen+TayScreen continues to be relevant and attractive to this vibrant industry.” 

    Councillor Eric Drysdale, Convener of Perth & Kinross Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, says: “Perth & Kinross is proud to be a part of the TayScreen network, which continues to shine a spotlight on our region’s stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and thriving creative industries. This year’s Tayscreen annual report underscores the significant contribution our area has made to the screen sector, attracting high-profile productions and delivering economic benefits to local communities. From our picturesque countryside to our vibrant towns, Perth & Kinross offers a wealth of opportunities for filmmakers and content creators. We remain committed to supporting the creative industries, recognising their vital role in driving cultural and economic growth in our region.” 

    The report also emphasises the positive impact of screen tourism on the local economy. While tourism services faced challenges due to increased operating costs and the cost-of-living crisis, screen tourism continued to play a crucial role in raising awareness and influencing destination and economic development decisions. The allure of seeing Scotland on screen remains a significant factor for up to 40% of visitors to the region with the impact reported to last for at least four years. 

    FifeScreen+TayScreen is committed to supporting and promoting the region as a premier filming location, as well as leveraging the power of screen tourism to boost the local economy. As part of its mission, the office continues to collaborate with industry partners, local businesses, and stakeholders to create a ‘film-crew friendly’ environment for filmmaking. The success of the past year reflects the continued collective effort and dedication of all engaging with the screen industry in the Fife Tay region. 

    Looking forward, TayScreen remains determined to build on this success and further solidify the region’s reputation as a vibrant hub for screen production. By attracting more high-profile productions, nurturing local talent, and fostering collaborations, TayScreen aims to continue driving economic growth and showcasing the unique charm and beauty of the region to audiences worldwide. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –