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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Business No.7 [2024]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Business No.7 [2024]

    (Open Market Operations Office, October 28, 2024)

    To keep liquidity in the banking system adequate at a reasonable level and to further enrich the monetary policy toolkit of the central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) decided to use the instrument of outright reverse repo operations on the open market as of today. Open to primary dealers of open market operations, it is to be conducted on a monthly basis in principle with a tenor of not more than one year. The operations adopt variable-rate tender with a fixed quantity and multi-price auction, trading central government bonds, local government bonds, financial bonds and unsecured corporate bonds. The result of operations will be released under relevant columns on the PBOC official website.

    The notice is hereby released. 

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月28日

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.213 [2024]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.213 [2024]

    (Open Market Operations Office, October 29, 2024)

    In order to keep liquidity adequate at a reasonable level in the banking system at month-end, the People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB382.8 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on October 29, 2024.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Volume

    Rate

    7 days

    RMB382.8 billion

    1.50%

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月29日

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New UK-EU Competition Cooperation Agreement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Government and the European Union have formally concluded technical negotiations on the UK-EU Competition Cooperation Agreement. 

    • Negotiations conclude to support international cooperation on competition 

    • Will allow for closer cooperation between CMA and EU’s competition authorities 

    • New agreement will supplement UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) 

    The UK Government and the European Union have formally concluded technical negotiations on the UK-EU Competition Cooperation Agreement. 

    This agreement is aimed at improving cooperation between the UK’s and EU’s competition authorities, allowing for greater dialogue between the Competition and Markets Authority in the UK and

    European Commission and the National Competition Authorities of the EU Member States. The agreement will ensure more effective enforcement of global competition laws, helping to support businesses both in the UK and EU as well as protecting consumers.

    This is expected to help when it comes to work on similar or parallel cases going forwards – for example cooperating and sharing information on investigations into companies for unfair competition practices which cross borders between the UK and EU Members States. This agreement is one example of where we can strengthen UK- EU cooperation for mutual benefit.

    Announcement complements the Prime Minister’s call at the International Investment Summit for UK regulators to support the Government’s growth mission.

    The UK and EU have negotiated the agreement with a view to signature in the coming year. Parliament will have the opportunity to consider the agreement in detail once the text is published for scrutiny.

    Business & Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    This forthcoming agreement recognises the importance of our continued cooperation between UK and EU competition authorities. This milestone underscores our shared recognition of the importance of international cooperation in an increasingly globalised economy.

    When competition law is enforced well across global markets, it helps to ensure businesses and consumers are protected while supporting economic growth, which is why this agreement is so important.

    Sarah Cardell, CEO of the Competition and Markets Authority, said: 

    We welcome this cooperation agreement, which will allow us to work even more closely with EU competition authorities on shared cases and common competition issues – without unnecessary barriers. 

    Effective competition has a key role to play in driving economic growth so, with many companies now operating globally, it’s important that competition authorities can cooperate more freely with each other to get the best outcomes for fair-playing businesses and consumers.

    The UK Government is committed to promoting open and fair competition globally to ensure the best opportunities for UK businesses and consumers, which is why the agreement will help support those global aims via close international cooperation. 

    These types of agreements help to establish how competition authorities work with their overseas counterparts by providing a framework on how to work together.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 29 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ed Whiting OBE set to be appointed new permanent Leeds City Council chief executive

    Source: City of Leeds

    Full council to formally approve appointment in November

    Leeds City Council has today announced Ed Whiting OBE is set to be appointed as its new permanent chief executive.

    Following an extensive recruitment process which ended last week, full council will be asked to formally approve the recommendation of its employment committee to appoint Ed into the role when it meets at Civic Hall on Wednesday 13 November.

    Ed is currently Director of Cities and Local Growth in the Department for Business and Trade and Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, based in Leeds, and is leading place-based economic growth partnerships with UK Mayors and other leaders.

    He has also held senior civil service roles in HM Treasury and 10 Downing Street. Previously he was Director of Strategy for Wellcome, where he led the development of their new organisational strategy and global partnerships, and was the executive sponsor for equality, diversity and inclusion.

    Ed is very familiar with Leeds having grown up in the city. He now lives in West Yorkshire with his partner, David, and they are foster carers to a young baby.

    Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis said:

     “Throughout the extensive recruitment and selection process, Ed’s understanding of Leeds, our collective city ambitions, our values, our challenges and ideas for the future made him the best candidate for the role. I am looking forward to working with Ed as we move forward with our positive vision for the future, one which recognises the amazing strengths and opportunities we have and focuses on tackling poverty and inequality, whilst delivering high-quality public services for everyone who lives and works in our city.”

    On his recommendation for the post Ed Whiting OBE said:

    “I’m over the moon to be recommended to full council as our next chief executive. I love Leeds and am excited to be part of the next chapter of our city’s story. Through the recruitment process I’ve enjoyed getting to know Team Leeds better, and have been impressed with the dedication across our council team and partners, and the strong shared commitment to do their best for all Leeds residents.

    “I’m looking forward to joining the team as we work together on both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our brilliant city.”

    Ed is expected to join the council early next year, with Mariana Pexton remaining in post as interim chief executive until then. The new permanent chief executive succeeds Tom Riordan CBE, who left the council last month after 14 years in the role.

     

    ENDS

     

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

     

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Virgin Media O2 and Jangala help Coventry people connect

    Source: City of Coventry

    Virgin Media O2 has helped thousands of people affected by data poverty get online with free WiFi through its partnership with technology charity, Jangala.

    Virgin Media O2 and Jangala have reached a milestone of providing more than 1,000 internet-enabling ‘Get Boxes’ to charities and local authorities across the UK. The organisations are committed to rolling out 5,000 Get Boxes by April 2025.

    A Get Box is a book size device which can be plugged in to provide an instant and secure WiFi network, powered by free O2 mobile data, ensuring that those in need can stay connected.

    The O2 mobile data is provided by the National Databank, founded by Virgin Media O2 and charity, Good Things Foundation, which is like a foodbank but provides free O2 data, texts and calls to those who need it.

    It forms part of Virgin Media O2’s sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, and the company’s goal to connect one million digitally excluded people through free and affordable connectivity and services.

    Free, fast and secure WiFi

    Get Boxes are helping low-income families and people who would otherwise be disconnected get online via free fast and reliable WiFi.  Those already benefiting include people who are unemployed, the elderly, those who are living in temporary accommodation and refuges.

    It means they can access essential services, such as applying for work, booking medical appointments, or building their skills via online training courses, and is helping them stay connected to loved ones.

    The devices, which can connect up to 20 people at time, have been distributed by local authorities, including Coventry City Council, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, as well as charities such as digital inclusion charity, AbilityNet, and Roundabout, a youth housing charity providing shelter, support and life skills to young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

    Coventry City Council has received hundreds of Get Boxes to help vulnerable residents living in temporary accommodation get online.

    The council has partnered with organisations such as Valley House and the Salvation Army, and distributed the devices to places such as hostels and houses across the city.

    Cllr Richard Brown, Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance and Resources at Coventry City Council, said:

    “All aspects of our lives are increasingly heading online. Employment opportunities, public services and everyday tasks rely on the Internet more than ever.  That’s why we are working so hard to reduce the digital divide in our city.

    “Having such supportive, committed partners like Virgin Media O2 and Jangala has been essential to the continued success of that work.

    “These Get Boxes are really fantastic pieces of kit and the feedback we’re getting from residents is excellent.”

    Grace*, who has been using a Get Box to get online, said:

    “I was very happy. Like this, I can speak more with my family. I have not seen them for one year. I cried with happiness when I got the box.”

    Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

    “Virgin Media O2 is proud to be leading the way in helping those in need to get online.

    “Our partnership with Jangala is providing a lifeline to thousands of people who otherwise would be disconnected, giving them access to the online world so they can do everything from booking medical appointments to accessing digital skills training, or simply staying in touch with loved ones.

    “It builds on the measures Virgin Media O2 is taking to tackle data poverty. Whether it’s free O2 data from the National Databank, rehoming devices and data with people who need them via Community Calling, or offering reduced broadband and mobile plans for people receiving benefits, we’re committed to helping people in need stay connected.”

    Rich Thanki, Managing Director at Jangala, said:

    “Jangala is very proud to be partnering with Virgin Media O2 to help connect thousands of people across the UK who have faced digital exclusion, helping people access important services, communication with family and friends and all that Internet access brings.

    “Our low-cost and open source Get Box, designed at the outset of the Covid lockdown, and our work with Virgin Media O2, the National Databank, local councils and groups across the UK, is a great demonstration of the power of collaborative tech for good”

    Organisations can apply for Get Boxes by visiting Jangala’s website.

    Virgin Media O2 also supports Jangala’s global Emergency Response programme, where the company provides funding and O2 data for Jangala’s award-winning Big Boxes. Big Boxes are deployed during global humanitarian crises, enabling disaster response teams and communities to access WiFi.

    On top of this, Virgin Media O2 has also rehomed 20,000 smartphones with people who need them as part of its Community Calling initiative with environmental charity, Hubbub.

    *Name has been changed.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova greeted the finalists and winners of TEFI-Kids – 2024

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova greeted the finalists and winners of the Russian National Television Award in the field of children’s, youth, family cinema and television “TEFI-Kids – 2024”. The award ceremony took place at the Et Cetera Theatre.

    Tatyana Golikova with the President of the Russian Television Academy, Special Representative of the President of Russia for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy, the President of the TEFI-KIDS Award Alexander Mitroshenkov, and the General Director of the Russian Television Academy Foundation Eteri Levieva

    October 29, 2024

    Tatyana Golikova at “TEFI-KIDS – 2024”

    October 29, 2024

    Tatyana Golikova with the finalists and winners of the Russian National Television Award in the field of children’s, youth, family cinema and television “TEFI-KIDS – 2024”

    October 29, 2024

    Tatyana Golikova greeted the finalists and winners of the Russian National Television Award in the field of children’s, youth, family cinema and television “TEFI-KIDS – 2024”

    October 29, 2024

    Tatyana Golikova greeted the finalists and winners of the Russian National Television Award in the field of children’s, youth, family cinema and television “TEFI-KIDS – 2024”

    October 29, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Tatyana Golikova with the President of the Russian Television Academy, Special Representative of the President of Russia for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy, the President of the TEFI-KIDS Award Alexander Mitroshenkov, and the General Director of the Russian Television Academy Foundation Eteri Levieva

    “The TEFI-Kids award is being presented for the sixth time, and it is very symbolic that this year it is being held in the Year of the Family declared by the President of our country. It is in the family that the main values for a small person begin to form, and it is important that these values are formed correctly. We love cinema and television. It is of great importance that cinema and television form the right attitude to life, the right attitude to our country, to the values that are an absolute priority for us. In our fairy tales – love, loyalty, mutual understanding, a sense of shoulder. And it is very good that this is now being revived. Our children are raised on fairy tale heroes, and it is very important what they will take from these heroes and what values they will go with into adulthood, “said Tatyana Golikova.

    The Deputy Prime Minister particularly emphasized the importance of active participation of Russian regions in the award, expressing hope that the geography of the competition will only expand. Works from 27 regions have been submitted for the 2024 award.

    Tatyana Golikova thanked the Academy of Russian Television, headed by its president, special representative of the President of Russia for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy, president of the TEFI-Kids award Alexander Mitroshenkov, and general director of the Foundation of the Academy of Russian Television Eteri Levieva for the implementation of this unique project.

    The TEFI-Kids award was created to encourage the most significant works in the field of children’s, youth, family cinema and television in Russia. Development trends, new formats, and leaders are determined. The award is presented in 12 nominations.

    The winners of the TEFI-Kids – 2024 award are:

    1. Daily information and entertainment program for children “Shustroe Utro” Producer: State Unitary Enterprise of Krasnodar “New Television of Kuban” Broadcaster: “Kuban 24”, Krasnodar

    2. Best full-length film for children and family viewing “By the Pike’s Command” Producer: STV Film Company LLC, St. Petersburg Kinopoisk Online Cinema, Moscow

    3. Best TV series for children and family viewing “Youth” Producer: Goose Goose Films commissioned by JSC “STS” Broadcaster: STS, Moscow

    4. Director of the film/series for children and family viewing Ilya Uchitel. Film “The Flying Ship” Producer: OOO “TPO “ROK” Film distribution company “Nashe Kino”, Moscow

    5. Director of a television program for children and family viewing Anton Mikhalev. Studio “Kalyaki-malyaki” Producer: OOO “Magnetik” Broadcaster: “Karusel”, Moscow

    6. Host of the children’s program Islam Khabibullin. “Shayan match” Producer: JSC “TRK Novy Vek”, Kazan Broadcaster: “Shayan TV”

    7. Design of the TV channel/program/Internet project for children “Smarter than everyone” Producer: OOO “TV Company “Friday” Broadcaster: “Friday!”, Moscow

    8. Best animated film for children “Three heroes and the Navel of the Earth” Producer: Melnitsa Animation Film Studio LLC, St. Petersburg Film distribution company – Volga LLC

    9. Best animated series for children “Mini-bears”. Episode “The Best Tail” Producer: JSC “Digital Television” / Animation studio “Parovoz” Broadcaster: “Mult”, Moscow

    10. The best TV channel for children “Lyova” Producer: OOO “Kanal” Broadcaster: “Lyova”, Moscow

    11. The best program for children “Shudon crust. Decent and indecent” Manufacturer: State Unitary Enterprise UR “TRK “Udmurtia”” Broadcasting channel: “TRK “Udmurtia””, Izhevsk

    12. Best music for a children’s program / film / series / animated film “Spirit of Baikal” Producer: OOO “RVV Film”, Moscow Online cinema “Okko”

    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 –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: There will be no problems with payments – banks of China and Vietnam will open branches in Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    Why do Chinese banks want to work in Russia?

    The desire of foreign banks from countries conducting trade and economic activities with Russian partners to open structural divisions in the Russian Federation is explained by a number of reasons:

    the risk of secondary sanctions for working with individuals subject to restrictions in China and other countries; blocking sanctions imposed on most domestic financial institutions; difficulties with international payments – Chinese banks are increasingly refusing to make payments to Russians.

    In fact, the volume of trade between Russia and China continues to increase, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for the parties to conduct settlement operations. Opening offices of Chinese banks in the Russian Federation would solve the problem that has arisen due to the pressure of sanctions.

    What operations are available to foreign banks in Russia?

    Pursuit banks from China and Vietnam to open offices on Russian territory is also connected with the approval in 2024 of a bill allowing foreign credit institutions to operate in the Russian Federation. Thus, the document allows foreign banks after opening a branch:

    provide banking services to businesses; make payments and transfers between legal entities; collect cash and other payment documents; open accounts for entrepreneurs.

    “Small banks from China and Vietnam are ready to come to Russia and start working – the signals are coming against the backdrop of the development of economic relations: companies want to ensure settlements in international trade,” the State Duma stated.

    Uninterrupted payments are one of the development areas agreed upon by Beijing and Moscow: the parties previously agreed to develop the settlement infrastructure, including by opening offices and divisions of credit institutions.

    13:10 10/29/2024

    Source:

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://mainfin.ru/news/problems-with-payments-there will be-no-banks-of-China-and-Vietnam-will-open-branches-in-Russia

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE to attend Shanghai expo

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation to visit Shanghai on November 4 and attend the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE).
       
    Apart from attending the opening ceremony of the CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, Mr Lee plans to tour the booths of Hong Kong enterprises at the Hong Kong exhibition area on November 5.
     
    The Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council will hold the 2024 Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Shanghai Forum during the CIIE.
     
    Mr Lee and Financial Secretary Paul Chan, who is scheduled to join the delegation for the trip, will deliver speeches at the conference to promote Hong Kong’s advantages and its role as a connecting platform under the national dual circulation strategy to Mainland and overseas enterprises.
     
    “The CIIE is an important economic diplomatic event held after the victorious conclusion of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, providing vast business opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises to tap into the domestic market,” Mr Lee said.
     
    “Hong Kong has always actively participated in and supported the CIIE. In addition to senior government officials attending, over 300 Hong Kong enterprises are taking part in the exposition this year, jointly promoting Hong Kong’s advantages and development opportunities in different areas and telling Hong Kong’s good stories,” he added.
     
    The Chief Executive will also meet leaders of Shanghai during the visit and exchange views with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises there.
          
    Mr Lee plans to return to Hong Kong on November 6. During his absence, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will be Acting Chief Executive.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Expo seeks to boost SMEs’ growth

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    A fair aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to undertake digital transformation is being held today and tomorrow.

    Held annually, “SME ReachOut: FUND Fair plus Tech Sourcing 2024” is organised by the Productivity Council’s SME ReachOut and supported by the Trade & Industry Department. It provides information on government funding schemes and assists SMEs in their digital transformation efforts with a view to bolstering their sustainable development.

    The event includes five thematic zones, covering government funding schemes, digital transformation, e-commerce, business expansion and ESG (environmental, social and governance). It also involves 10 thematic seminars, at which experts will discuss government funding schemes, digital transformation and e-commerce, helping SMEs to understand market trends and find opportunities for co-operation and technology adoption.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau urged the trade to make good use of the Government’s support measures to expand their operations and embrace change.

    The 2024 Policy Address unveiled a number of initiatives, such as an injection of $1 billion into the BUD Fund (Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading & Domestic Sales), the expansion of E-commerce Easy to cover Association of Southeast Asian Nations markets, and the provision of more targeted funding support for enterprises to implement green transformation projects.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local entrepreneur sets up shop in city centre Pop Up

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Local entrepreneur and e-tailer JAQUARD&Co are the second business to open in the city centre Portsmouth Pop Up shop. This business started online last year and has already achieved a six figure turnover selling quality home furnishings and décor. They will open for business on Saturday 2 November in the Portsmouth Pop Up shop located in Cascades.

    Paula Haq, entrepreneur and owner of JAQUARD&Co said:

    “I am thrilled to take on the Portsmouth Pop Up shop as a new experience for one of my brands. Not only will it give me exposure and new insights, but it is also a development for my business that I am grateful to explore.

    With the success of JAQUARD&CO online, I would love to see my small business expanding here in Portsmouth alongside the other upcoming brands I’m working on.

    The Portsmouth Pop Up scheme is a great opportunity for me to test run a physical store alongside my online business and grow my business”

    The Portsmouth Pop-Up shop, a joint venture between Portsmouth City Council, Cascades, and Flude, opened in February to address the increasing demand for business space in the city. The first tenant, Goly Natural, a local natural skincare business, has been so successful that they plan to establish a permanent shop next year.

    The Portsmouth Pop Up enables local entrepreneurs and small businesses to trade in a high street location without the commitment or cost of a longer-term lease.

    Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of the council with responsibility for Economic Development said:

    “Despite changing behaviour on the high street, the retail property market remains promising. Pop Up shop schemes can help to bring life back into towns and city centres, whilst giving independent businesses a great opportunity to have a shop front in a prime retail location.

    It is fantastic to see the Portsmouth Pop Up initiative thriving and supporting local businesses like JAQUARD&Co to grow. This is a fantastic example of how we’re working together to regenerate the city centre. “

    Paula added:

    “I’ve been buying and selling products and services since I was 21 alongside my everyday job. When I bought my first house , decorating was my favourite thing to do. The homeware market was short on the things I wanted and instantly that became a business idea.

    I’m very excited to be opening my first ever store and I’m ready for the challenge”

    JAQUARD&Co move into Cascades ready for Christmas offering a range of simple, quality and affordable home furnishings and décor including, cushions, throws, candles, ornaments, dinnerware and kitchenware.

    Businesses can apply to rent the pop-up shop in Cascades, in Portsmouth’s city centre for a minimum of 13 weeks giving them a chance to engage with customers and launch products and services.

    For more information about Portsmouth Pop Up 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: The capital has provided four sites for the construction of public and business complexes in the Kommunarka district

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Since the beginning of 2024, the city has allocated four land plots for the implementation of large-scale investment projects (MaIP) in the Kommunarka district of the Novomoskovsky administrative district. It is planned to build public and business complexes on them. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “Large-scale investment projects allow us to attract developers to develop urban infrastructure and create jobs. Since the beginning of 2024, the city has provided 5.4 hectares of land in the Kommunarka district of the Novomoskovsky administrative district for the construction of four multifunctional complexes. The total area of the facilities will exceed 340 thousand square meters,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The complexes may include office real estate, bank branches, cafes, restaurants, shops and other facilities. They will be built within five years – this is the term for which the land lease agreements have been concluded.

    “An administrative and business center is being formed on the territory of Kommunarka. For the construction of multifunctional complexes with a total area of about 300 thousand square meters, the city has provided investors with three plots of land with an area of 3.7 hectares. Another 1.7 hectares of land have been allocated near the Kornilovskaya metro station under construction, where a business center with an area of almost 44 thousand square meters will appear,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property

    Maxim Gaman.

    The plots are provided for the implementation of large-scale investment projects. Investors and developers receive land for the construction of facilities without holding tenders. MAIP are significant projects for the city, aimed at the infrastructural development of the capital’s territories and an increase in the number of jobs.

    Previously on the implementation of large-scale investment projects told Sergei Sobyanin. According to him, since the beginning of the year, the largest number of land plots have been allocated in the territory of TiNAO – 18.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145888073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow’s electrical equipment manufacturers increased production by 11 percent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow manufacturers of electrical equipment continue to demonstrate high rates of growth in production volumes. From January to August 2024, enterprises in the industry increased production by 11 percent. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    “Today, Moscow’s electrical engineering industry is represented by more than 130 enterprises – these are both large players with a long history and young companies. The industry employs 17 thousand people. On behalf of Sergei Sobyanin, the city offers manufacturers more than 20 support tools that allow them to expand their production base, create high-tech products and increase production volumes. In the first eight months of 2024, Moscow saw an 11 percent increase in electrical equipment production compared to the same period in 2023. Companies shipped goods worth almost 124 billion rubles to customers,” said Maxim Liksutov.

    From January to August 2024, the production of electric motors, generators, transformers and distribution devices, as well as control and measuring equipment, increased by 14 percent, and household appliances by 10 percent. In particular, Moscow industrialists manufactured over 513 thousand chandeliers, about 103 thousand signaling devices and equipment for ensuring the safety of transport infrastructure, and over 67 thousand DC electric motors.

    “The positive growth trend indicates that Moscow manufacturers are actively developing new markets and confidently meeting the needs of citizens and businesses for quality products. From January to August 2024, industrialists shipped cable products worth 28.7 billion rubles, generators, transformers, switchgear and control and measuring equipment – almost 67 billion rubles,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy

    Anatoly Garbuzov.

    Today, industrialists have all the tools to find a site for production with the support of the city, open it in a short time, attract additional investment, purchase the necessary equipment and enter export markets.

    For example, the company “SAGA Technologies” is actively developing the electric vehicle industry. Today, the plant produces 11 models of charging stations, which are supplied to 11 regions of the country. In the first eight months of this year, the company has produced more than 300 pieces of such high-tech products, which are used for both personal and commercial use.

    This year, the company received the status of a resident of the special economic zone (SEZ) “Technopolis Moscow”, which will allow it to enjoy tax preferences. Thus, companies with a special status are exempt from paying property, land and transport taxes for 10 years, and the profit tax rate for them is only two percent instead of 20.

    The capital manufacturer of lighting equipment “Varton” daily produces up to 10 thousand products of any type of lighting: indoor, outdoor, landscape, architectural, street and highway. Products are developed in the company’s own design bureau, including for individual customer needs.

    Moscow is the largest industrial and scientific-engineering center of Russia. There are more than 4.5 thousand industrial enterprises in the capital, employing over 750 thousand people. Every year, 150 new technology companies open in the city and dozens of investment projects are implemented, which provide it with additional jobs.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145853073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: From university excursions to working with neural networks: how initiatives of users of the City of Ideas platform help schoolchildren

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In August 2023, city residents took part in the project “Moscow is a city of discoveries”. It was held on the “City of Ideas” platform and was dedicated to the development of educational tourism for schoolchildren. Muscovites proposed ideas for holding events for students, improving innovative platforms, choosing a corporate character, a project slogan, and many others. After expert selection and user voting, 61 initiatives were selected, 17 of which have already been implemented.

    Educational trips, master classes and educational quests

    Thanks to one of the ideas, schoolchildren from different regions have already visited famous educational institutions. Among them are the National Research University Higher School of Economics, the Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov and the Russian State Social University. The children saw how the educational process is organized, talked to teachers and students, learned about modern teaching methods and research.

    In addition, in the spring and summer, schoolchildren took part in interactive quests about the secrets of the capital “Play Moscow”. They completed exciting tasks, traveling along seven educational routes dedicated to history, architecture, science and other topics. The children solved puzzles and collected information, and at the end they received a reward – a sticker with the symbols of the capital or a toy figurine.

    Master classes on the topic are held for schoolchildren “Creative Industries”together with Moscow technology parks and the Soyuzmultfilm film studio. Among them are classes on the basics of graphic design, an introduction to Python programming, and training in the basics of working with artificial intelligence. This allows students to develop creative abilities and master new skills.

    Visiting technology parks and creating a corporate character

    The city will continue to implement Muscovites’ initiatives. Thus, schoolchildren who dream of connecting their destiny with medicine will be able to visit the ambulance station. Children who are keen on modern trends will be offered to go to the museum of technology of a famous IT corporation. There they will see how the model range of computers, accessories and peripherals has changed over several decades, and will track all stages of innovation and development of digital technologies.

    The participants of the project on the City of Ideas platform came up with a name for a branded virtual character that will appear at the end of this year. In addition, the slogans they created are already heard at industry exhibitions and forums. For example, at the All-Russian Forum of Class Teachers held in October, representatives of the Moscow City Tourism Committee used the slogan “City of Discoveries — Your Compass in the World of Knowledge” in their speeches. And “Travel, Learn, Get Inspired!” was the slogan of the Moscow International Education Fair held in April.

    Platform “City of Ideas” has been operating since 2014. More than 540 thousand users have joined it. They share suggestions on how to make life in the capital even more comfortable. More than seven thousand ideas have already been implemented. City residents participated in projects dedicated to electronic services, culture, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, transport and other topics.

    The project is being developed Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow and the State Institution “New Management Technologies”. The use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life of city residents corresponds to the objectives of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” and the regional project of the capital “Digital Public Administration”.

    The educational and tourist project “City of Discoveries” is Moscow’s flagship in the field of children’s tourism, which appeared in 2020. Over the past four years, more than 10 thousand schoolchildren from all over Russia have become its participants. They visited the offices of Moscow IT companies, leading universities, technology parks, and explored Moscow’s attractions. More than 100 sites have already become partners of the project. The “City of Discoveries” project operates within the framework of the national project “Education”. More information about this and other national projects implemented in Moscow, You can find out here.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145881073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: EPA Awards $400,000 to Greenlife Tech Corporation in North Carolina for Developing Environmental Technologies

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    Greenlife Tech Corporation is one of only seven small businesses selected nationwide for this award

    October 25, 2024

    RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, October 25, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $2.8 million in funding to seven small businesses to further develop and commercialize their environmental technologies. With these awards from EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, businesses will be tackling complex challenges including destroying PFAS, cleaning indoor air during wildfires, enhancing recycling systems, reducing food waste, and improving disaster response. 

    Greenlife Tech Corporation of Banner Elk, North Carolina was selected for its development of an autonomous system that controls oxygen levels in refrigerators to preserve produce for a longer time. The company will receive about $400,000 to continue development of this technology.

    “Congratulations to these small businesses for continuing to pursue innovative solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges,” said Maureen Gwinn, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “EPA is proud to invest in these small businesses as they work to help protect human health and the environment across many sectors and help grow the American economy.”

    “We congratulate Greenlife Tech Corporation for developing this promising new technology to prevent and reduce food waste, which is a significant problem in our country and the world,” said acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle of EPA’s Southeast Region. “In 2015, EPA and our sister agency USDA announced a goal to reduce food waste in the U.S. by 50 percent by 2030. New technologies, like this refrigeration technique developed by Greenlife Tech, will help us achieve this important goal.”

    For over 40 years, EPA’s SBIR program has funded small businesses as they create environmental technologies and bring them to the marketplace. SBIR projects are funded in a phased approach. For Phase I, EPA awards contracts of up to $100,000 for six months for “proof of concept” of the proposed technology. Small businesses that have received a Phase I award can compete for a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize the technology. 

    Six other businesses selected nationwide for this award are receiving about $400,000 each in SBIR Phase II awards for the following projects:

    • DiPole Materials, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, to design a biodegradable filter made of electro-spun nanofibers to clean indoor air during wildfires. 
    • Fourth State LLC, Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a plasma treatment technology to destroy PFAS in complex water matrices.
    • Holochip Corporation, Torrance, California, to build an artificial intelligence application to map sites to improve the safety and efficacy of disaster response. 
    • KLAW Industries LLC, Binghamton, New York, to produce a rapidly deployable, autonomous robotic sorting system to improve recycling facilities in disadvantaged communities.
    • Valis Insights, Inc., Worcester, Massachusetts, to develop an automated and AI-driven technology that helps optimize the sorting process for metals recycling. 
    • Water Illumination, Inc., Riverside, California, to create a novel chemical-free UV based PFAS destruction technology for saline wastewater treatment. 

    Learn more about the winning projects.

    Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program.

    Learn more about SBIR. 

    Learn more about food waste and efforts to prevent it.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: EPA prevents chemical accident Consent Agreement and Final Order issued to protect Dudley, MA

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    October 25, 2024

    BOSTON (Oct. 25, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) announced a settlement of its administrative penalty and compliance case against Shield Packaging Company in Dudley, Mass. for alleged violations of the chemical accident prevention and preparedness provisions of Clean Air Act.

    The company, an aerosol products manufacturing operation, was issued an EPA compliance order in November of 2023 to correct alleged violations of the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program and General Duty Clause, which were identified after EPA’s August 2021 inspection. The company has been complying with the compliance order, and under the recent settlement, will pay a penalty of $219,500.

    “Workers and those living near businesses have a right to be free of worry about chemical accidents. Facilities storing and handling extremely hazardous substances must remain compliant with the laws and requirements to keep workers and neighbors safe,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “EPA will continue to enforce regulations that protect communities and prevent harmful accidents.”

    Background

    On August 4, 2021, representatives from EPA Region 1 conducted an announced inspection at the facility to assess compliance with the requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112(r), including the Risk Management Regulations (RMP) and other federal environmental laws and regulations.

    Shield Packaging Co. provided various information and documents to EPA both during and after the inspection. EPA issued an administrative notice of violation and compliance order to the company in November of 2023 for many, but not all, of the following violations that EPA subsequently included in the penalty: 

    CAA 112(r) Risk Management Regulations and Process Hazard Analysis Violation (40 C.F.R. § 68.67): Shield Packaging Co. violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to timely update its Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) for the facility’s processes that involve flammable chemical propellants. PHAs are important to help a facility analyze potential causes and effects of a chemical release and help prevent them. RMP regulations require PHAs to be updated at least every five years.  

    CAA 112(r) RMP Compliance Audit Violation (40 C.F.R. § 68.79): Shield Packaging Company violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to timely audit the company’s compliance with the RMP requirements. The company is required to evaluate its compliance with these requirements at least every three years and produce an audit report to verify that procedures and practices developed under RMP regulations are adequate and are being followed at the Facility. The report must also respond to the identified deficiencies at the Facility and document that they have been corrected.  

    CAA 112(r) RMP Mechanical Integrity Procedures Violation (40 C.F.R. § 68.73): Shield Packaging Company violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to establish mechanical integrity procedures for its tanks that store chemical propellants. The company is required to establish and implement written procedures to maintain the ongoing integrity of its process equipment. The company’s 2018 Compliance Audit Checklist revealed that the Facility had no written plan to maintain the mechanical integrity of its process equipment.

    CAA Section 112(r) RMP Training Procedures Violation (40 C.F.R. § 68.71): Shield Packaging Company violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to train the employees involved in certain operating processes and document the training.

    CAA Section 112(r) RMP Emergency Planning and Response Action Plan Violation (40 C.F.R. §§ 68.90 and 68.95): Shield Packaging Company violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to establish an adequate emergency planning and response action program which is important for a facility to have in case of an accidental release of any flammable gases.

    CAA Section 112(r) RMP Operating Procedures Violation (40 C.F.R. § 68.69): Shield Packaging Company violated CAA Section 112(r) RMP requirements by failing to annually recertify its written operating procedures. The operating procedures also lacked essential precautions to prevent exposure to chemicals, such as a requirement to use personal protective equipment or including gas detection.

    A copy of the Final Consent Agreement and Final order is available upon request.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: EPA Announces Over $132M for Water Infrastructure in Pennsylvania

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    October 24, 2024

    PHILADELPHIA – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3.6 billion in new funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to upgrade water infrastructure and keep communities safe. Combined with $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, this $6.2 billion in investments for Fiscal Year 2025 will help communities across the country upgrade water infrastructure that is essential to safely managing wastewater, protecting local freshwater resources, and delivering safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses.

    The BIL funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure.

    Today’s announcement includes allotments to Pennsylvania of more than $98.5 million for Clean Water General Supplemental funds, over $8.5 million for Clean Water Emerging Contaminant funds, and over $25.2 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.

    This funding is part of a five-year, $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the BIL – the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the BIL mandates that a majority of the funding announced today must be provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or loans that do not have to be repaid.  

    “Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.” 

    “The Mid-Atlantic Region is home to some of the oldest water infrastructure in the country, which is why these once-in-a-generation investments are especially significant here,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Biden-Harris Administration continues to put public health and the environment at the center of its agenda and the American people continue to benefit from leaders making safe water a priority.” 

    “Every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to clean air and pure water, and my Administration is driving out hundreds of millions of state and federal dollars to our local communities to support that goal and ensure families have safe, clean water when they turn on the faucet,” said Governor Josh Shapiro (PA). “Thanks to key investments from the Biden-Harris Administration, we’ve already helped replace over 30,000 lead service lines and created hundreds of good-paying union jobs across the Commonwealth – and this new investment will supercharge that work. Working together, across party lines and all levels of government, we’re continuing to get stuff done and deliver results for the good people of Pennsylvania.” 

    “I’m pleased to see another $132 million in federal funding coming to Pennsylvania through the Biden-Harris administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that I was proud to vote for!” said U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-03). 

    “Access to clean, safe drinking water is fundamental to the health and well-being of our community. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pennsylvania is receiving over $132 million, ensuring that our homes, businesses, and schools will have access to reliable, safe water for many years to come,” said U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). “Specifically, this investment will help modernize wastewater treatment facilities, improve stormwater management, and improve access to clean drinking water for the people of PA-06 and our Commonwealth.” 

    “All Americans deserve access to safe and clean drinking water. I was proud to help pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law last Congress, and I am grateful for the impact this landmark legislation has already made in our community,” said U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (PA-07). “I’ll continue working to secure federal investments to keep the Greater Lehigh Valley healthy and improve our aging infrastructure.” 

    “This $132 million in federal funding coming to PA to upgrade our water infrastructure is a huge win for the people of PA-12, ensuring that families, schools, and businesses have access to safe, clean drinking water,” said U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). “It’s about protecting our communities and our local environment by addressing the aging systems that so many of our neighbors rely on every single day. Safe and clean water is a fundamental right, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that every family—no matter their zip code or income level—has access to it.” 

    Background  

    The EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. 

    The SRF programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than thirty years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. The programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs. 

    To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the BIL are transforming communities across the country, visit the EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see the EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects. 

    For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding and a breakdown of the EPA SRF funding available under the BIL, please visit the Clean Water SRF website and Drinking Water SRF website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Deputy Administrator Michele Sumilas During the World Bank Annual Meetings

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:‎

    From October 23 through 25, Acting Deputy Administrator Michele Sumilas participated in various engagements during the World Bank Annual Meetings. Throughout the week, she engaged USAID’s partners on shared priorities, including boosting food security and climate action, as well as collaborating on humanitarian assistance.

    On Wednesday, Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas represented USAID at a signing ceremony, where Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and Ukrainian Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko marked the intention of the United States to join G7 efforts to make lending available to Ukraine, and provide a $20 billion U.S. loan to Ukraine that will be repaid by proceeds derived from Russia’s frozen assets. 

    Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas then participated in a roundtable hosted by the Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which featured Ministers from Angola, Bhutan, Chad, Comoros, India, Nigeria, and Madagascar. The roundtable provided an opportunity for participants to discuss how the Coalition can be responsive to infrastructure needs in Africa. 

    On Thursday, Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas met with Denmark’s State Secretary for Development Policy Lotte Machon to discuss cooperation on food security, climate action, advancing democracy, and joint efforts on humanitarian assistance in Gaza and Ukraine. 

    The Acting Deputy Administrator also participated in a fireside chat, along with Norway’s Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim and Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P’s) Jean-Michel Severino, Chair of the Supervisory Board, at the Financing for Agricultural Small-and-Medium Enterprises in Africa (FASA) Fund Launch, hosted by the Embassy of Norway. USAID and Norway announced that the United Kingdom and Republic of Korea have joined USAID as partners in the FASA Fund, which will help unlock additional commercial capital. In addition, Norway and USAID announced that Investisseurs and Partenaires (I&P) – a pioneering impact investment group dedicated to financing and supporting African entrepreneurs while strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems across the African continent – was competitively selected as the FASA fund manager. 

    On Friday, Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas met with the United Kingdom’s Second Permanent Under-Secretary Nick Dyer to discuss U.S.-UK shared priorities. She also met Brazil’s Ambassador to the United States Maria Luiza Viotti to discuss key development priorities of Brazil’s G20 presidency, including the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty to include recognition of Brazil’s support for their role in Multi-National Security Support Missions in Haiti, and continued efforts to aid Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Brazil. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Šiaulių Bankas invitation to Q3 2024 Financial Results webinar

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Šiaulių Bankas (SAB1L) invites shareholders, investors, analysts and other stakeholders to join its Investors Webinar for Q3 2024 Financial Results and highlights scheduled on 31 October, 2024 at 8:30 am (EET). The presentation will be held online in English.

    The webinar will be hosted by Vytautas Sinius, CEO, Tomas Varenbergas, Head of Investment Management Division and Tautvydas Mėdžius, Strategy Partner, who will discuss the bank’s financial results for the third quarter of 2024, recent developments, and will take questions from participants.

    Please send your questions in advance to investors@sb.lt   

    How to join the webinar?

    To join the webinar, please register via following link https://sb.zoomtv.lt. After successful registration You will be provided with the webinar link. The webinar will be recorded and available online for everyone at Šiaulių Bankas website www.sb.lt/en/investors 

    Additional information:
    Tomas Varenbergas
    Head of Investment Management Division
    tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Anchor Peabody Signals Growth, Expansion with Slate of New Hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anchor Peabody, a leading investment banking firm for the building products and services industry, has expanded its team of senior executives and banking professionals as part of its ongoing strategy to build the leading M&A advisory team in the building, construction and home services industries.

    Chobun Hieblinger has joined Anchor Peabody as Managing Director. Mr. Hieblinger has over 17 years of financial advisory and investment banking experience, the bulk of which is in building products, including roles with the Lehman Brothers (now Barclays Investment Bank) and RBC Capital Markets. Most recently, Mr. Hieblinger was Managing Director and Head of Building Products at B. Riley Securities in Los Angeles.

    “After two years of slower demand due to higher interest rate and post-COVID dynamics, the building industry is poised for strong growth, driven by favorable demographic trends, aging housing stock, and years of under-building,” said Hieblinger. “With deep relationships, particularly in the tile and stone space, I look forward to helping owners and operators capitalize on this very positive M&A dynamic.”

    Greg Hicks has joined Anchor Peabody as Business Development Director. Mr. Hicks has nearly 20 years of investment banking, principal investing, and corporate development experience, having focused primarily on building products and general industrials. He began his professional career with Lincoln International in Chicago, with stints in Frankfurt and London.  Following Lincoln, he helped found Desco Capital, a private equity / family office. Mr. Hicks then ran Alesco Holdings, an outsourced business development firm, and most recently led M&A for W.W. Williams, one of the nation’s largest industrial distribution, repair and service companies.

    “I’m excited to align myself with Anchor Peabody, where secular tailwinds are expected to produce a robust M&A environment in the home services space for the foreseeable future. I look forward to providing thought-leadership and advice tailored to the HVAC, plumbing and electrical market and its participants,” said Hicks. “The HVAC, plumbing, and electrical M&A market is normalizing after a surge in 2021-2022, with deal volumes returning to more sustainable levels.  Private equity and strategic buyers remain active, with a focus on service-based businesses with recurring revenue streams.”

    About Anchor Peabody
    Anchor Peabody is an investment banking firm comprised of former owners, operators and investors in the building products and services industry. The firm combines over 100 years of capital and mergers & acquisition experience with a modern approach to banking to align with client objectives and eliminate banker burnout from the industry model. For more information, visit www.anchorpeabody.com.

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Solar Alliance signs contract for $3.7 million solar project in Kentucky

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (‘Solar Alliance’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: SOLR, OTC: SAENF), a leading solar energy solutions provider focused on the commercial and utility solar sectors, is pleased to announce it has signed a contract for the design, engineering and installation of a $3.7 million solar project for a customer in Kentucky. The project consists of two sites, both scheduled to begin construction in November 2024: a 553-kilowatt (“kW”) project targeted for completion by the end of 2024 and a 943-kilowatt (“kW”) project targeted for completion by the end of March 2025.

    “This project is a pertinent illustration of the growth we are encountering as a company, and the trust and reputation we are building with regional customers,” said U.S. General Manager Jon Hamilton. “Our in-depth, local expertise combined with practical, efficient execution results in an attractive solar solution for our customer. We are enabling our clients to reduce their energy costs; to secure their long-term energy requirements and to meet their sustainability and energy efficiency objectives – and this is resulting in increased sales for the Company.”

    Solar Alliance assesses the daily demands and energy use profiles of manufacturers, warehousers, retailers and data centers and provides cost-effective solar solutions that include design, engineering, installation and project management services. The Company offers a turnkey approach and simplifies the transition to solar energy.

    “Our strategy of targeting larger revenue projects is generating positive results for Solar Alliance, while lowering operating costs and delivering substantial environmental benefits to our customers,” said CEO Brian Timmons. “We have passed an inflection point and are now delivering larger commercial solar projects on a consistent basis. This project is an outstanding example of the type of project we are now targeting in the U.S. Southeast and reflects the consistent progress we continue to make.”

    Brian Timmons, CEO


    About Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (
    www.solaralliance.com)

    Solar Alliance is an energy solutions provider focused on the commercial, utility and community solar sectors. Our experienced team of solar professionals reduces or eliminates customers’ vulnerability to rising energy costs, offers an environmentally friendly source of electricity generation, and provides affordable, turnkey clean energy solutions. Solar Alliance’s strategy is to build, own and operate our own solar assets while also generating stable revenue through the sale and installation of solar projects to commercial and utility customers. The technical and operational synergies from this combined business model supports sustained growth across the solar project value chain from design, engineering, installation, ownership and operations/maintenance.

    Statements in this news release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company’s future plans and objectives or expected results, constitute Forward-looking statements. The words “would”, “will”, “expected” and “estimated” or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this press release include, but is not limited to the targeted completion dates of both sites of the Kentucky solar project and the types of solar projects that the Company is now targeting. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different than those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the ability to raise sufficient capital, changes in economic conditions or financial markets, litigation, legislative or other judicial, regulatory, legislative and political competitive developments, technological or operational difficulties, the ability to maintain revenue growth, the ability to execute on the Company’s strategies, the ability to complete the Company’s current and backlog of solar projects, the ability to grow the Company’s market share, the high growth US solar industry, the ability to convert the backlog of projects into revenue, the expected timing of the construction and completion of the Company’s solar projects, the targeting of larger customers, potential corporate growth opportunities and the ability to execute on the key objectives in 2024. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

    “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 release.”

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Appoints Rachel Silverstein as U.S. General Counsel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s prospectus supplement dated March 8, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, Ontario and BROSSARD, Québec, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF), a global leader in vertically integrated Bitcoin data center operations, today announced that it has appointed Rachel Silverstein as U.S. General Counsel, a newly created role, effective November 1, 2024.

    Ms. Silverstein has been a practicing attorney for over 16 years and is one of the most experienced Bitcoin mining-focused attorneys in the U.S., having served as lead counsel on well over a gigawatt worth of Bitcoin mining transactions across multiple states and countries. She is the co-founder of Firm 21m, a law firm dedicated to representing primarily Bitcoin miners, energy companies, investors and data center builders in all manner of commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, strategic financings, energy supply agreements and hosting agreements. Prior to founding the firm, Ms. Silverstein held the positions of General Counsel at CleanSpark, Inc. from 2020 to 2023, and Corporate Counsel at Zappos, among others. She earned a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University and a juris doctorate degree from William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

    “We continue to strengthen the Bitfarms team and are thrilled to have a thought leader like Rachel join our team,” stated Ben Gagnon, Chief Executive Officer. “Internalizing this function will drive improved operating efficiencies, further enhance our corporate governance and reduce legal expenses. Rachel’s extensive expertise and proven track record with Bitcoin miners and data center builders will be invaluable as we continue to scale in the U.S. We look forward to her contributions as we continue to execute on our strategic initiatives and create further shareholder value.”

    Ms. Silverstein stated, “Ben and the management team at Bitfarms are passionate, thoughtful and innovative leaders, and I am honored and excited to join the Company during such a pivotal time of growth. The Company has a compelling strategic vision, and I intend to leverage my industry acumen, deal-closing experience and operations-centric focus to execute on that vision with clarity, diligence and efficiency.”

    About Bitfarms Ltd.

    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company that contributes its computational power to one or more mining pools from which it receives payment in Bitcoin. Bitfarms develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated data centers with in-house management and company-owned electrical engineering, installation service, and multiple onsite technical repair centers. The Company’s proprietary data analytics system delivers best-in-class operational performance and uptime.

    Bitfarms currently has 12 operating Bitcoin data centers and two under development situated in four countries: Canada, the United States, Paraguay, and Argentina. Powered predominantly by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    https://twitter.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding projected growth and expansion, and other statements regarding future plans and objectives of Bitfarms, improved operating efficiencies, financial performance and cost savings in general, and other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information.

    Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of Bitfarms at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Bitfarms to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to: the construction and operation of new facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion of existing facilities may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; new miners may not perform up to expectations; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; the ongoing ability to successfully mine Bitcoin is not assured; failure of the equipment upgrades to be installed and operated as planned; the availability of additional power may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the power purchase agreements and economics thereof may not be as advantageous as expected; For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to Bitfarms’ filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at www.sec.gov), including the MD&A for the year-ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 7, 2024 and the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 filed on August 8, 2024. Although Bitfarms has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by Bitfarms. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Bitfarms undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Bitfarms
    Tracy Krumme
    SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms.
    +1 786-671-5638
    tkrumme@bitfarms.com

    Media Contact:

    Québec: Tact
    Louis-Martin Leclerc
    +1 418-693-2425
    lmleclerc@tactconseil.ca

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Gilat Received Over $4 Million Order from the US Department of Defense

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, announced today that the US Department of Defense awarded another contract for more than $4 million to Gilat’s US-based subsidiary, DataPath, for DKET 3421 terminals, portable satcom hubs that provide the flexibility, capacity, connectivity, and control needed to ensure mission success anywhere in the world. The orders are expected to be delivered during the first half of 2025.

    The DKET 3421 is an innovative solution to customers’ needs for a high-quality, reliable terminal for mission-critical communications. The field-proven DKET 3421 terminal supports multi-carrier operations with a scalable modem architecture (up to 32 modems). Weighing under 5000 lbs. with a reduced footprint, the DKET 3421 can be easily moved by a forklift. Deploying in less than three hours, the DKET 3421 provides a satellite network hub in the form of a single-skid with the flexibility to leverage available satellite assets.

    “We’re excited to receive another order for our innovative DKET 3421 from our valued military customer. This order highlights the strong trust in our company and our proven ability to deliver mission-critical solutions that meet demanding requirements,” said Nicole Robinson, President of DataPath. “It also demonstrates once again our ability to provide reliable, highly portable, and high-performance network hubs to address our customers’ evolving needs.”

    About Gilat

    Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we create and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity and provide comprehensive, secure end-to-end solutions and services for mission-critical operations, powered by our innovative technology. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

    Our portfolio includes a diverse offering to deliver high-value solutions for multiple orbit constellations with very high throughput satellites (VHTS) and software-defined satellites (SDS). Our offering is comprised of a cloud-based platform and high-performance satellite terminals; high-performance Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas; highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

    Gilat’s comprehensive offering supports multiple applications with a full portfolio of products and tailored solutions to address key applications including broadband access, mobility, cellular backhaul, enterprise, defense, aerospace, broadcast, government, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: www.gilat.com

    Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to the current terrorist attacks by Hamas, and the war and hostilities between Israel and Hamas and Israel and Hezbollah. For additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties associated with Gilat’s business, reference is made to Gilat’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

    Contact:

    Gilat Satellite Networks
    Hagay Katz, Chief Products and Marketing Officer
    hagayk@gilat.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Pipe Launches Embedded Business Card for Software and Payment Companies, Expanding Their Suite of Embedded Financial Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pipe, a fintech company partnering with software platforms to deliver embedded financial solutions for SMBs, today announced it has expanded its suite of products with the launch of Pipe Business Card1. With the Pipe Business Card, software and payments companies can now launch a new business card program for their customers without managing underwriting, capital markets, fraud, or credit risk on their own.

    77% of SMBs are concerned about capital access2 and 55% of them have reported putting business-related expenses on a personal credit card just to get by3. SMBs need spend management solutions just like mid-market and enterprise businesses have access to today.

    The Pipe Business Card is designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses and is available as an embedded offering for Pipe’s software partners. It’s an SMB-friendly business card with up to 1.5% unlimited cash back4, up to 45 days to pay for day-to-day business expenses, and no annual fees. No personal guarantees or credit checks are required to apply for the card.

    A growing number of small businesses are obtaining capital in minutes through Pipe and its partners, based on their business performance, without the traditional lengthy and arduous application process. The launch of the Pipe Business Card is part of Pipe’s commitment to making capital and financial tools more accessible to SMBs that need them. The Pipe Business Card utilizes the same underwriting model as Pipe Capital, which is based on a customer’s revenue. It integrates directly into the software and payment applications SMBs use day-to-day. Pipe intends to roll out additional services through its partners over the next 12 to 18 months, such as spend management solutions for SMBs.

    Pipe offers software companies numerous advantages when launching the Pipe Business Card to their customers, including:

    • Speed to market – Pipe can help partners rapidly launch an embedded card program in days, not months.
    • Tailored underwriting models – Pipe’s customized underwriting models can be calibrated for partners based on revenue data from their customer base to provide optimal access to capital.
    • Comprehensive support – Pipe’s US-based customer success team handles all dispute management and resolution for partners.

    “In the six months since we launched our embedded Capital, Pipe, and its partners, have helped to finance the dreams of tens of thousands of small businesses. We will continue to develop innovative products that remove the friction from their business,” said Luke Voiles, Chief Executive Officer, Pipe. “The Pipe Business Card is the logical expansion of our suite of capital services, and we expect it to have a meaningful impact on our customers, partners, and the overall SMB market.”

    _______________
    1 Pipe Business Cards are issued by First Internet Bank of Indiana, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa ® Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. The Pipe Business Card will be a pay-in-full charge card. Your Statement Balance must be paid in full 15 days after the close of your statement period. Any outstanding statement balance will be automatically debited from your designated payment due date. If a payment fails, your card will be locked and a percentage of your daily sales will be collected until your balance has been repaid in full.
    2Goldman Sachs 10,000 Voices Survey, January 2024.
    3WalletHub, Small Business Survey, April 2024.
    4 Cash Back refers to rewards earned as a percentage discount on eligible purchases.

    About Pipe
    Pipe makes customer-friendly capital and smart financial tools accessible to growing businesses inside the software they use every day. Our embedded solutions are built to scale and give business builders across industries the power to grow on their own terms. To learn more, visit www.pipe.com or follow us on X @pipe.

    Media Contact
    For Pipe
    Merrill Freund
    merrill@freundpr.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Legible Releases FrankensteinAI with Spellbinding AI Chat Feature Just in Time for Halloween

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Legible (CSE: READ) (OTCQB: LEBGF) (FSE: D0T) (“Legible or “the Company”), a pioneer in mobile-centric eBook and audiobook entertainment, is thrilled to announce the release of FrankensteinAI, the third in its groundbreaking AI Classics series. This innovative “Living Book” seamlessly blends Mary Shelley’s iconic novel with state-of-the-art technology, offering readers an unparalleled interactive experience. The classic horror tale releases in three volumes beginning October 28th.

    FrankensteinAI breathes new life into Shelley’s masterpiece through stunning interactive artwork by renowned digital artist Mr. Remo Camerota. Each animated illustration is a dynamic fusion of Camerota’s vivid imagination and advanced AI technology, capturing the eerie atmosphere of Victor Frankenstein’s creation and enhancing the storytelling in a visually captivating manner. Mr. Camerota’s collaboration with AI technology results in visuals that not only complement but also elevate the storytelling, making every image an integral part of the narrative journey.

    FrankensteinAI also introduces a revolutionary AI chat feature that allows readers to engage in real-time conversations with the novel’s characters. Victor Frankenstein and his Creature serve as AI-driven guides, enabling readers to delve deeper into their fears, desires, and motivations as they explore the narrative. This unique interactive feature allows readers to ask questions, unravel plot intricacies, and explore themes in a way that traditional reading cannot, blending classic literature with modern technology for a uniquely immersive experience.

    “Legible has meticulously preserved the essence of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, ensuring that the original text remains intact and true to Shelley’s intentions. Our goal with FrankensteinAI is to honor the original narrative while enhancing the reader’s experience through technology,” stated Kaleeg Hainsworth, CEO of Legible. “By integrating interactive AI features and Remo Camerota’s mesmeric artwork, we’ve created a Living Book that remains true to Shelley’s vision while offering a fresh, immersive way to engage with this classic tale.”

    Remo Camerota commented, “My vision for FrankensteinAI was to complement Mary Shelley’s original narrative with artwork that feels alive, echoing the Creature’s journey of discovery and isolation. Through the power of AI, these illustrations become part of the reader’s journey, evolving alongside their experience with the text.” Camerota further commented, “I am looking forward to further collaborations with Legible on bringing literature to life with my art.”

    In addition to FrankensteinAI, Legible’s other AI Classics and groundbreaking original publications, such as the My Model Kitchen Living Cookbooks by former supermodel and NYT-bestselling author Ms. Cristina Ferrare, with their embedded Sous Chef AI, are exclusively available to Legible Unbound members. Join now and gain access to these innovations plus millions of eBooks and audiobooks for only US$9.99 per month, unlocking a new world of enriched reading experiences.

    About Legible
    Legible is a trailblazing, mobile-centric global company specializing in eBook and audiobook entertainment. Through extensive partnerships with four of the Big 5 Publishers, the world’s largest eBook distributors, and outstanding publishers of all sizes, Legible delivers millions of eBooks and audiobooks, transforming any smart device into a source of cutting-edge infotainment.

    Recent releases include My Model Kitchen – Vol. 2: Vegetables – The Garden of Earthly Delights, the second of 15 video-enriched Living Cookbooks by former supermodel, bestselling author, TV host, and celebrity chef Cristina Ferrare, featuring an AI Sous Chef for each recipe. The Living Cookbooks and Ms. Ferrare have been featured in various major media outlets including twice on the very popular Drew Barrymore Show, where she dazzles viewers with her culinary expertise while utilizing the AI Sous Chef interactive component.

    As a first mover in the rapidly expanding automotive infotainment market, Legible has partnered with media providers Faurecia Aptoide, Harman Ignite, LiveOne, and Visteon. Legible boasts the only Android Automotive app that can deliver both audiobooks and eBooks to drivers and passengers in tens of millions of vehicles worldwide, positioning the Company at the forefront of in-car infotainment experiences.

    Legible won the 2024 EdTech Breakthrough Award for eLearning Innovation of the Year. Committed to reshaping the digital publishing landscape, Legible is poised to gain significant market share through its innovative 21st-century publishing solutions and enriched reading experiences. Visit www.legible.com to explore how eBooks come to life.

    About Remo Camerota
    Remo Camerota is a world-renowned multidisciplinary artist blending art, pop culture, and technology through a unique visual style. Recognized as one of the top 200 digital artists globally by Lürzer’s Archive Magazine (2020-2023) and with works exhibited alongside icons like Banksy, he’s earned acclaim as a leading NFT artist, generating over $6 million in revenue in 2021-2022. Over 30 years, he’s worked across various media, winning hundreds of awards for campaigns with brands like MTV, Nikon, and Toyota and collaborating with notable figures, including Val Kilmer and Scott Page. His company, Npact, has also supported charitable projects, such as raising funds for 2,000 computers for children in need. With exhibitions in renowned venues like the Louvre and Tate, his passion for boundless creativity and storytelling continues to impact global audiences.

    Contacts

    Legible Inc.
    Ms. Deborah Harford, EVP, Global Strategic Partnerships
    Tel.: +1-604-283-2028
    Email: invest@legible.com
    Website: https://invest.legible.com

    Krupp Kommunications, Inc.
    Ms. Kathy Giaconia, VP Media Relations
    Tel.: +1-213-324-5665
    Email: kgiaconia@kruppagency.com
    Website: www.KruppAgency.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

    This Press Release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information (“forward-looking statements”), including statements regarding Legible’s business. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Legible’s control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, currency fluctuations, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although Legible believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward- looking information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward- looking information, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, Legible does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98d32341-a97e-4b8c-b43a-c970ae023d46

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Mastering Document Verification with Reference Data: Key Insights from Regula’s Talk at INTERDOCPOL Congress

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the 3rd International Congress of INTERDOCPOL, Regula’s identity verification expert Inga Voronko spotlighted a breakthrough for document verification: the power of precise and comprehensive reference data. This often-overlooked resource, she explained, is key to enhancing verification accuracy and combating fraud in today’s digital-first world.

    The congress, organized by INTERDOCPOL, a non-profit association working to improve security protocols and practices, provides a platform for law-enforcement professionals and forensic experts from all over the world to collaborate on fighting document fraud. This year’s event, held on October 23 and 24, 2024 in Les Franqueses del Vallès, Spain and themed “Document Fraud: New Points of View,” brought together all-women experts from state and private organizations to share knowledge of the most effective methods of detecting forged and tampered IDs.

    Inga Voronko showcased how using a comprehensive and detailed reference system can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of document verification.

    Image: At the INTERDOCPOL International Congress, Regula’s expert highlighted the importance of using comprehensive reference data in document verification.

    While skilled professionals and advanced technology are essential, reference data also contributes a lot to the quality of identity verification. Accurate verification requires understanding exactly which security features a genuine document should have, where those features are located, how they should look, and what unique properties they possess. With thousands of different identity documents in circulation across the globe, no expert can memorize all the features of every document. This is where reference data becomes crucial.

    With over 30 years of experience in identity verification and forensic research, Regula has created one of the most advanced Information Reference Systems. It contains over 337,000 images of more than 12,000 unique identity documents from 225 states and international organizations, providing vital data for detecting fraudulent documents. In fact, it is the first reference system that covers IDs from every country and territory in the world.

    The images in Regula’s Information Reference System are captured in laboratory conditions, using forensic devices that ensure high optical resolution. This highlights the smallest nuances in security features, such as holograms, watermarks, and specific printing techniques, all of which are essential for verifying document authenticity.

    Moreover, images are captured under various light sources—such as white, infrared, and different wavelengths of ultraviolet lighting—so that verifiers can inspect documents across different spectrums and detect hidden or altered features that may not be visible to the naked eye.

    Today, it’s not enough to simply rely on what you see. Document forgery has become so sophisticated that to be able to detect it, experts need more than technologies: they need a reliable source of reference data, which is constantly updated to be as comprehensive as possible. That is what Regula has been working at for more than 30 years, accumulating deep knowledge and creating the largest digital collection in the world, containing all sorts of documents.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the largest library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies in document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security or speed. Regula was repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eda18c0c-ced9-45de-a8e9-e901db370477

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: International Petroleum Corporation Announces Results of Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    International Petroleum Corporation (IPC or the Corporation) (TSX, Nasdaq Stockholm: IPCO) is pleased to announce that IPC repurchased a total of 111,400 IPC common shares (ISIN: CA46016U1084) during the period of October 21 to 25, 2024 under IPC’s normal course issuer bid / share repurchase program (NCIB).

    IPC’s NCIB, announced on December 1, 2023, is being implemented in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2016/1052 (Safe Harbour Regulation) and the applicable rules and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and Nasdaq Stockholm and applicable Canadian and Swedish securities laws.

    During the period of October 21 to 25, 2024, IPC repurchased a total of 87,500 IPC common shares on Nasdaq Stockholm. All of these share repurchases were carried out by Pareto Securities AB on behalf of IPC.

    For more information regarding transactions under the NCIB in Sweden, including aggregated volume, weighted average price per share and total transaction value for each trading day during the period of October 21 to 25, 2024, see the following link to Nasdaq Stockholm’s website:

    www.nasdaqomx.com/transactions/markets/nordic/corporate-actions/stockholm/repurchases-of-own-shares

    A detailed breakdown of the transactions conducted on Nasdaq Stockholm during the period of October 21 to 25, 2024 according to article 5.3 of MAR and article 2.3 of the Safe Harbour Regulation is available with this press release on IPC’s website: www.international-petroleum.com/news-and-media/press-releases.

    During the same period, IPC purchased a total of 23,900 IPC common shares on the TSX. All of these share repurchases were carried out by ATB Capital Markets Inc. on behalf of IPC.

    All common shares repurchased by IPC under the NCIB will be cancelled. As at October 25, 2024, the total number of issued and outstanding IPC common shares is 120,751,038 with voting rights and IPC holds 484,000 common shares in treasury.

    Since December 5, 2023 up to and including October 25, 2024, a total of 7,957,782 IPC common shares have been repurchased under the NCIB through the facilities of the TSX and Nasdaq Stockholm. A maximum of 8,342,119 IPC common shares may be repurchased over the period of twelve months commencing December 5, 2023 and ending December 4, 2024, or until such earlier date as the NCIB is completed or terminated by IPC.

    International Petroleum Corp. (IPC) is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a high quality portfolio of assets located in Canada, Malaysia and France, providing a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth. IPC is a member of the Lundin Group of Companies. IPC is incorporated in Canada and IPC’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange under the symbol “IPCO”.

    For further information, please contact:

    Rebecca Gordon
    SVP Corporate Planning and Investor Relations
    rebecca.gordon@international-petroleum.com
    Tel: +41 22 595 10 50
     

    Or

    Robert Eriksson
    Media Manager
    reriksson@rive6.ch
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15

    This information is information that International Petroleum Corporation is required to make public pursuant to the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact persons set out above, at 12:15 CET on October 28, 2024.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements and information which constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, “forward-looking statements”) relate to future events, including the Corporation’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise indicated. IPC does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

    All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, forecasts, guidance, budgets, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “forecast”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “budget” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the ability and willingness of IPC to continue the NCIB, including the number of common shares to be acquired and cancelled and the timing of such purchases and cancellations; and the return of value to IPC’s shareholders as a result of any common share repurchases.

    The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by IPC, including expectations and assumptions concerning: prevailing commodity prices and currency exchange rates; applicable royalty rates and tax laws; interest rates; future well production rates and reserve and contingent resource volumes; operating costs; our ability to maintain our existing credit ratings; our ability to achieve our performance targets; the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals; the performance of existing wells; the success obtained in drilling new wells; anticipated timing and results of capital expenditures; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the timing, location and extent of future drilling operations; the successful completion of acquisitions and dispositions and that we will be able to implement our standards, controls, procedures and policies in respect of any acquisitions and realize the expected synergies on the anticipated timeline or at all; the benefits of acquisitions; the state of the economy and the exploration and production business in the jurisdictions in which IPC operates and globally; the availability and cost of financing, labour and services; our intention to complete share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid program, including the funding of such share repurchases, existing and future market conditions, including with respect to the price of our common shares, and compliance with respect to applicable limitations under securities laws and regulations and stock exchange policies; and the ability to market crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids successfully.

    Although IPC believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because IPC can give no assurances that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to: general global economic, market and business conditions; the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to reserves, resources, production, revenues, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental risks; commodity price fluctuations; interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations; marketing and transportation; loss of markets; environmental and climate-related risks; competition; innovation and cybersecurity risks related to our systems, including our costs of addressing or mitigating such risks; the ability to attract, engage and retain skilled employees; incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions; failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or dispositions; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals; geopolitical conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict in the Middle East, and their potential impact on, among other things, global market conditions; and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties and environmental regulations. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

    Additional information on these and other factors that could affect IPC, or its operations or financial results, are included in IPC’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 (See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information”, “Risks Factors” and “Reserves and Resources Advisory” therein), in the management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 (See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information”, “Risks Factors” and “Reserves and Resources Advisory” therein) and other reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including previous financial reports, management’s discussion and analysis and material change reports, which may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or IPC’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

    Attachment

    • IPC PR Buyback results period of October 21 to 25 2024 28-10-24

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank Announces Investment Conference in Kisumu, Kenya to Strengthen Sub-Sovereign Participation in Intra-African Trade

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAIRO, Egypt, October 28, 2024/APO Group/ —

    In a bid to strengthen the role of Africa’s sub-sovereign governments in driving intra-African trade and investment, and the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) is organising  the fourth edition of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Conference.

    The Conference will take place in Kisumu City, Kenya, from 25 to 27 November, under the theme ‘Leveraging the AfCFTA for Sustainable Trade and Investment: A Development Pathway for African Sub-Sovereigns.’ A key feature of the event will be an exhibition aimed at promoting trade at a local level, to be preceded by an investment promotion training on the first day.

    One of the key objectives of the conference is to foster greater collaboration in promoting trade, development and investment initiatives among African sub-sovereigns, aligned with AfCFTA’s goals.

    Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President Intra African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank who will be speaking at the Investment Conference noted:

    “Afreximbank partnered with the Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF), an organ of the UCLG Africa under the AfSNET initiative to ensure its products and interventions for trade and investment promotion are accessible both at the local and sub-sovereign level. This resulted in the announcement of US$ 2 billion in financing to tackle the pressing financing challenges faced by sub-sovereigns and businesses.”

    Mrs. Awani explained that Afreximbank will be leveraging the successes of the third AfSNET Investment Conference held during the Intra Africa Trade Fair (IATF2023) in

    Cairo, Egypt offering sub-sovereign governments the opportunity to showcase investment projects to potential investors and financiers, further strengthening the Bank’s commitment to facilitating impactful investments across the continent.

    While inviting delegates to participate in the forum, Kisumu County Governor H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o said:

    “Africa’s economic renaissance is hinged on unbridling the developmental capacity of local governments and increasing decentralization. Despite the gains made in decentralization in recent decades, African local governments still have low administrative and fiscal capacity to realize the much-needed local economic development. AfSNET, an innovative tool of the Afreximbank, therefore comes in handy to bridge that gap and allow sub sovereigns to accelerate and improve the quality of economic growth in Africa. Its vision aligns with the aspirations of the African Sub Sovereigns umbrella organisation UCLG Africa to support  decentralised governments access and participation in continental and international financial markets while also supporting the development of their fiscal capacities. As the Governor of Kisumu, it gives me great pleasure to warmly invite all the delegates to come and interact and share in the social and cultural passion of Kisumu and to experience our boundless economic opportunities.”

    Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General, United Cities and Local Governments of Africa while outlining UCLG’s mandate remarked:

    “Among the mandates of UCLG Africa is to assist its members to attract investments in sub-national and local governments so as to improve the living conditions of the populations, economic activities and businesses established within their territories. UCLG Africa supports its members in adopting local economic development policies and strategies that investment plans derive from, and that gives impetus to public and private business development.”

     The fourth AfSNET conference will provide Kisumu County Government and the Lake Victoria region economic block an opportunity to present their development strategies and projects for consideration to investors attending the Conference.

    The inaugural AfSNET conference, held in Durban, South Africa, on the margins of the second Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021) in 2021, attracted more than 80 delegates while the second, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja in September 2022, drew more than 150 delegates.

    The third conference, co-hosted with UCLG Africa in November 2023 on the sidelines IATF2023 in Cairo, had more than 250 participants and resulted in deals valued at more than USD$1.5 billion being signed.

    AfSNET was established by Afreximbank as a platform for promoting intra-African trade and investment, educational and cultural exchanges and the fostering of effective engagement among sub-sovereigns in Africa’s development and prosperity in the context of the AfCFTA.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: CISA Launches #PROTECT2024 Election Threat Updates Webpage

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) launched a new one-stop shop website for election threat updates from CISA and our federal government partners. As foreign actors continue their efforts to influence and interfere with the 2024 elections, CISA is ensuring that information about the election threat environment is readily accessible.

    Part of the larger #Protect2024 site launched in January, the page aims to make it easier to find specific threat related products that the American public can use to stay informed and the election community can use to prepare, including:

    • Joint Statements from CISA, ODNI and FBI on threats to the 2024 election
    • ODNI Election Threat Updates
    • FBI and CISA “Just So You Know” Joint PSA Series

    Since its initial launch, #Protect2024 has quickly grown and serves as the central point for critical resources, training lists and security services to support more than 8,000 election jurisdictions for the 2024 election cycle.

    Additional resources will be made available on this page as they are released. For more information, please continue to visit #Protect2024.

    ###

    About CISA

    As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

    Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces Final October 2024 Distribution Rate for Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, Purpose US Cash Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, and Purpose USD Cash Management Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. announced today the final October 2024 distribution rates for Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, Purpose US Cash Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, and Purpose USD Cash Management Fund.

    Due to the recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada, the distribution levels for our Canadian cash funds have been proportionately reduced to align with this adjustment.

    The following table reflects the final distribution amounts for the month of October. Ex-distribution date is October 29, 2024.

    Open-End Fund Ticker
    Symbol
    Final distribution
    per unit
    Record Date Payable Date Distribution
    Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $ 0.4473 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $ 0.3914 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $ 0.1822 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $ 0.4275 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly


    About Purpose Investments Inc.
    Purpose Investments Inc. is an asset management company with more than $21 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation, and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Territorial Bancorp Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • The Company’s tier one leverage and risk-based capital ratios were 11.57% and 29.07%, respectively, and the Company is considered to be “well-capitalized” at September 30, 2024.
    • Ratio of non-performing assets to total assets of 0.11% at September 30, 2024.

    HONOLULU, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Territorial Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: TBNK) (the Company), headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, the holding company parent of Territorial Savings Bank, reported a net loss of $1,318,000, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

    The Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.01 per share. The dividend is expected to be paid on November 22, 2024, to stockholders of record as of November 8, 2024.

    Hope Bancorp, Inc. Merger Agreement

    As previously announced in a joint news release issued April 29, 2024, Hope Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOPE) (Hope Bancorp) and the Company signed a definitive merger agreement. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Company stockholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.8048 share of Hope Bancorp common stock in exchange for each share of Company common stock they own, in a 100% stock-for-stock transaction valued at approximately $78.60 million, based on the closing price of Hope Bancorp’s common stock on April 26, 2024. The transaction is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization for Territorial stockholders.

    Upon completion of the transaction, Hope Bancorp intends to maintain the Territorial franchise in Hawaii and preserve the 100-plus year legacy of the Territorial Savings Bank brand name, culture and commitment to the local communities. The branches will continue to do business under the Territorial Savings Bank brand, as a trade name of Bank of Hope.

    The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, the approval of Territorial stockholders, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

    Interest Income

    Net interest income decreased by $2.55 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Total interest income was $18.31 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $17.38 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The $929,000 increase in total interest income was primarily due to an $850,000 increase in interest earned on other investments and a $343,000 increase in interest earned on loans. The increase in interest income on other investments is primarily due to a $58.03 million increase in the average cash balance with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (FRB) and a 30 basis point increase in the average interest rate paid on cash balances. The $343,000 increase in interest income on loans resulted from a 15 basis point increase in the average loan yield, partially offset by a $14.74 million decrease in the average loan balance. The increases in interest income on other investments and loans during the quarter were partially offset by a $264,000 decrease in interest on investment securities, which occurred because of a $41.07 million decrease in the average securities balance.

    Interest Expense

    As a result of prolonged increases in short-term interest rates, total interest expense increased by $3.48 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Interest expense on deposits increased by $3.06 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to an increase in interest expense on certificates of deposit (CD) and savings accounts. Interest expense on CDs rose by $2.01 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, due to a 66 basis point increase in the average cost of CDs and a $107.30 million increase in the average CD balance. The increase in the average cost of CDs and savings accounts occurred as interest rates were raised in response to the increases in market interest rates over that period. Interest expense on savings accounts rose by $1.06 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, due to a 65 basis point increase in the average cost of savings accounts which was partially offset by a $82.46 million decrease in the average savings account balance. The increase in the average balance of CDs and the decrease in the average balance of savings accounts occurred as customers transferred balances from lower rate savings accounts to higher rate CDs. Interest expense on FRB borrowings rose by $600,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as the Company obtained a $50.00 million advance from the FRB in the fourth quarter of 2023. FRB advances were obtained in 2023 to enhance the Company’s liquidity and to fund deposit withdrawals.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense increased by $333,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to a $398,000 increase in general and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses included $324,000 of merger-related legal and consulting expenses and the write off of $135,000 of currency destroyed in the Lahaina wildfire. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) premium expense rose by $146,000 for the quarter because of an increase in the FDIC insurance premium rates. The increase in other general and administrative expenses and FDIC premiums was offset by a $277,000 decrease in salaries and employee benefits during the quarter. The decrease in salaries and employee benefits occurred primarily because of decreases in compensation expense, supplemental executive retirement plan benefits, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) expenses, health insurance and payroll taxes. The decrease in compensation expenses, payroll taxes and health insurance expenses is primarily due to a decrease in the number of employees. The decrease in ESOP expenses is primarily due to a decline in the Company’s share price which is used to calculate the accrual. The decrease in these compensation and employee benefit expenses was partially offset by a decrease in deferred salary expense for originating new loans as fewer loans were originated during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Income Taxes

    Income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $611,000 with an effective tax rate of (31.67)% compared to income tax expense of $335,000 with an effective tax rate of 27.57% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily due to a $3.14 million decrease in income before income taxes during the quarter.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets were $2.20 billion at September 30, 2024 and $2.24 billion at December 31, 2023. Investment securities, including available for sale securities, decreased by $31.63 million to $674.27 million at September 30, 2024 from $705.90 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease in investment securities occurred because of principal repayments on mortgage-backed securities. Loans receivable decreased by $20.86 million to $1.29 billion at September 30, 2024 from $1.31 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease in loans receivable occurred as loan repayments and sales exceeded new loan originations. Cash and cash equivalents increased by $16.47 million to $143.13 million at September 30, 2024 from $126.66 million at December 31, 2023 due to increases in deposits and principal repayments on mortgage-backed securities and on loans receivable.

    Deposits increased by $33.68 million from $1.64 billion at December 31, 2023 to $1.67 billion at September 30, 2024. The increase in deposits is primarily due to deposits from state and local governments. The increase in deposits was used with principal repayments on mortgage-backed securities and loans receivable to pay off $65.00 million of maturing Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances during the quarter. FHLB advances decreased by $65.00 million to $177.00 million at September 30, 2024 from $242.00 million at December 31, 2023.

    Asset Quality

    Credit quality continues to be extremely important as the Bank adheres to its strict underwriting standards. The Company had no delinquent mortgage loans 90 days or more past due at September 30, 2024, compared to $227,000 at December 31, 2023. Non-performing assets totaled $2.34 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $2.26 million at December 31, 2023. The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.11% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.10% at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses was $5.06 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $5.12 million at December 31, 2023, representing 0.39% of total loans for both periods. The ratio of the allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans was 216.12% at September 30, 2024, compared to 226.59% at December 31, 2023.

    About Us

    Territorial Bancorp Inc., headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the stock holding company for Territorial Savings Bank. Territorial Savings Bank is a state-chartered savings bank which was originally chartered in 1921 by the Territory of Hawaii. Territorial Savings Bank conducts business from its headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii and has 28 branch offices in the state of Hawaii. For additional information, please visit the Company’s website at: https://www.tsbhawaii.bank.

    Additional Information and Where to Find it

    In connection with the proposed merger, Hope Bancorp, Inc. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 on June 21, 2024, which included a Proxy Statement of Territorial Bancorp Inc. that also constitutes a prospectus of Hope Bancorp, Inc. Territorial Bancorp stockholders are encouraged to read the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus regarding the merger and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they will contain important information about the proposed merger. Territorial Bancorp stockholders are able to obtain a free copy of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Hope Bancorp and Territorial Bancorp at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

    Forward-looking statements

    This earnings release contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “may” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

    • statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;
    • statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;
    • statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and
    • estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

    These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. We are under no duty to and do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this earnings release.

    The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:

    • factors related to the proposed transaction with Hope Bancorp, including the receipt of regulatory and stockholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions;
    • general economic conditions, either internationally, nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;
    • competition among depository and other financial institutions;
    • inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments;
    • adverse changes in the securities markets;
    • changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements;
    • changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board;
    • our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;
    • our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities, if any;
    • changes in consumer demand, spending, borrowing and savings habits;
    • changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;
    • changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans;
    • the timing and amount of revenues that we may recognize;
    • the value and marketability of collateral underlying our loan portfolios;
    • our ability to retain key employees;
    • cyberattacks, computer viruses and other technological risks that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data or disable our systems;
    • technological change that may be more difficult or expensive than expected;
    • the ability of third-party providers to perform their obligations to us;
    • the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits;
    • the quality and composition of our investment portfolio;
    • the effect of any pandemic disease, natural disaster, war, act of terrorism, accident or similar action or event;
    • changes in market and other conditions that would affect our ability to repurchase our common stock; and
    • changes in our financial condition or results of operations that reduce capital available to pay dividends.

    Because of these and a wide variety of other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements.

    Contact:
    Walter Ida

    (808) 946-1400

       
    Territorial Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries  
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
                 
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
        September 30,   September 30,  
        2024   2023   2024    2023   
    Interest income:                      
    Loans   $ 12,229     $ 11,886   $ 36,540   $ 35,037    
    Investment securities     4,183       4,447     12,753     13,512    
    Other investments     1,901       1,051     5,104     2,848    
    Total interest income     18,313       17,384     54,397     51,397    
                           
    Interest expense:                      
    Deposits     8,469       5,408     22,658     13,261    
    Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank     1,714       1,896     5,330     4,782    
    Advances from the Federal Reserve Bank     600       —     1,789     —    
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     46       46     137     137    
    Total interest expense     10,829       7,350     29,914     18,180    
                           
    Net interest income     7,484       10,034     24,483     33,217    
    Provision (reversal of provision) for credit losses     29       (259 )   22     (147 )  
                           
    Net interest income after provision (reversal of provision) for credit losses     7,455       10,293     24,461     33,364    
                           
    Noninterest income:                      
    Service and other fees     273       298     885     1,022    
    Income on bank-owned life insurance     255       218     750     628    
    Net gain on sale of loans     19       —     19     10    
    Other     69       73     215     208    
    Total noninterest income     616       589     1,869     1,868    
                           
    Noninterest expense:                      
    Salaries and employee benefits     4,899       5,176     14,606     15,723    
    Occupancy     1,813       1,819     5,319     5,201    
    Equipment     1,335       1,263     3,987     3,878    
    Federal deposit insurance premiums     392       246     1,281     737    
    Other general and administrative expenses     1,561       1,163     4,851     3,251    
    Total noninterest expense     10,000       9,667     30,044     28,790    
                           
    (Loss) Income before income taxes     (1,929 )     1,215     (3,714 )   6,442    
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (611 )     335     (1,139 )   1,749    
    Net (loss) income   $ (1,318 )   $ 880   $ (2,575 ) $ 4,693    
                           
    Basic (loss) earnings per share   $ (0.15 )   $ 0.10   $ (0.30 ) $ 0.54    
    Diluted (loss) earnings per share   $ (0.15 )   $ 0.10   $ (0.30 ) $ 0.53    
    Cash dividends declared per common share   $ 0.01     $ 0.23   $ 0.07   $ 0.69    
    Basic weighted-average shares outstanding     8,618,155       8,577,632     8,604,082     8,656,915    
    Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding     8,618,155       8,610,289     8,604,082     8,705,784    
                           
     
    Territorial Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                 
        September 30,   December 31,
        2024   2023
    ASSETS            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 143,128     $ 126,659  
    Investment securities available for sale, at fair value     19,920       20,171  
    Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $552,222 and $568,128 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)     654,349       685,728  
    Loans receivable     1,287,688       1,308,552  
    Allowance for credit losses     (5,055 )     (5,121 )
    Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses     1,282,633       1,303,431  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost     9,307       12,192  
    Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost     3,187       3,180  
    Accrued interest receivable     6,056       6,105  
    Premises and equipment, net     7,257       7,185  
    Right-of-use asset, net     11,613       12,371  
    Bank-owned life insurance     49,388       48,638  
    Income taxes receivable     1,832       344  
    Deferred income tax assets, net     2,465       2,457  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     7,297       8,211  
    Total assets   $ 2,198,432     $ 2,236,672  
                 
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Liabilities:            
    Deposits   $ 1,670,281     $ 1,636,604  
    Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank     177,000       242,000  
    Advances from the Federal Reserve Bank     50,000       50,000  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     10,000       10,000  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     22,176       23,334  
    Lease liability     17,090       17,297  
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance     3,148       6,351  
    Total liabilities     1,949,695       1,985,586  
                 
    Stockholders’ Equity:            
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares, no shares issued or outstanding     —       —  
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding            
    8,832,210 and 8,826,613 shares at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     88       88  
    Additional paid-in capital     48,163       48,022  
    Unearned ESOP shares     (2,079 )     (2,447 )
    Retained earnings     208,504       211,644  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (5,939 )     (6,221 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     248,737       251,086  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 2,198,432     $ 2,236,672  
                 
     
      Territorial Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries    
      Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)    
                                 
                                 
                                 
                    Three Months Ended        
                    September 30,        
                      2024       2023          
                                 
      Performance Ratios (annualized):                    
        Return on average assets         (0.24% )     0.16%          
        Return on average equity         (2.09% )     1.39%          
        Net interest margin on average interest earning assets   1.42%       1.90%          
        Efficiency ratio (1)           123.46%       91.00%          
                                 
                    At   At        
                    September   December        
                      30, 2024       31, 2023          
                                 
      Selected Balance Sheet Data:                    
        Book value per share (2)       $ 28.16     $ 28.45          
        Stockholders’ equity to total assets       11.31%       11.23%          
                                 
                                 
      Asset Quality                        
      (Dollars in thousands):                      
        Delinquent loans 90 days past due and not accruing $ 0     $ 227          
        Non-performing assets (3)       $ 2,339     $ 2,260          
        Allowance for credit losses       $ 5,055     $ 5,121          
        Non-performing assets to total assets       0.11%       0.10%          
        Allowance for credit losses to total loans       0.39%       0.39%          
        Allowance for credit losses to non-performing assets   216.12%       226.59%          
                                 
                                 
      Note:                        
                                 
      (1) Efficiency ratio is equal to noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income                         
      (2)  Book value per share is equal to stockholders’ equity divided by number of shares issued and outstanding                         
      (3)  Non-performing assets consist of non-accrual loans and real estate owned. Amounts are net of charge-offs                         
                                 

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
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