Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: Churchill Resources Announces Fully Subscribed $700,000 Private Placement and Strategic Leadership Changes to Bolster Growth and Operational Execution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Churchill Resources Inc. (“Churchill” or the “Company“) (TSXV: CRI) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of common shares to raise gross proceeds of up to $700,000. The Company is also pleased to announce a strategic leadership transition designed to strengthen the Company’s capital markets presence and operational execution as it advances its projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. Effective today, Paul Sobie, will step down from the role of Chief Executive Officer and continue in his capacity as President of the Company, and Conan McIntyre, a current director of Churchill, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer.

    Private Placement Financing
    The $700,000 private placement will comprise up to 14,000,000 common shares of the Company at a price of $0.05 per share (the “Private Placement”). The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Private Placement on the advancement of exploration activities at the Company’s key projects and for general corporate purposes. The Private Placement is expected to close on or about July 9, 2025, and remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

    Strategic Leadership Changes
    The leadership transition is designed to strengthen the Company’s strategic and operational capabilities while maximizing continuity benefits.

    Mr. McIntyre will concentrate on corporate strategy, capital markets activities, and business development, while Paul Sobie will focus on advancing the Company’s exploration programs. Mr. McIntyre and Mr. Sobie will continue to serve on the Company’s board of directors along with Malik Easah and Bill Fisher, who will continue serving as Chairman.

    “This strategic restructuring represents an important evolution for Churchill that will enable us to pursue multiple value-creation opportunities simultaneously while preserving operational expertise and local knowledge,” said Mr. McIntyre.

    Mr. Sobie commented: “I am excited about the opportunity to dedicate my full attention to our exploration activities in Newfoundland and Labrador at Black Raven, as well as at Taylor Brook and Florence Lake. This focused approach will allow me to accelerate our field programs and maximize the value of our exploration assets.”

    Mr. Fisher, Chairman of the Board, stated: “The exciting work being undertaken at Black Raven, in particular, continues to demonstrate the significant potential of our portfolio. Black Raven represents a truly exceptional exploration opportunity, featuring a polymetallic metal assemblage at the site of past producers that has never been drilled using modern exploration techniques. With the focused leadership structure we are implementing, I am confident we will unlock substantial value.”

    About Churchill Resources Inc.

    Churchill Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on strategic, critical minerals in Canada, principally at its prospective Black Raven, Taylor Brook and Florence Lake properties in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Company’s flagship Black Raven property features a polymetallic metal assemblage with evidence of historical production, representing a unique exploration opportunity as the site of past producers that has never been systematically drilled using modern techniques. The Churchill management team, board, and advisors have decades of combined experience in mineral exploration and in the establishment of successful publicly listed mining companies, both in Canada and around the world. Churchill’s Newfoundland and Labrador projects have the potential to benefit from the province’s large and diversified minerals industry, which includes world class nickel mines and processing facilities, and a well-developed mineral exploration sector with locally based drilling and geological expertise.

    Further Information

    For further information regarding Churchill, please contact:

    Churchill Resources Inc.
    Conan McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer
    Tel. +1 416.272.4738
    Email: cmcintyre@churchillresources.com

    Paul Sobie, President
    Tel. +1 416.365.0930 (o); +1 647.988.0930
    Email: psobie@churchillresources.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves 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”, “proposed”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “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 statements.
    In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the completion of the Private Placement and the management changes; the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals; the Company’s objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company’s properties; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Company’s properties will be successful; exploration results; the effectiveness of the new management structure; the benefits of operational continuity; potential value to be unlocked at the Company’s properties, including at Black Raven; the potential for resource discovery and expansion at Black Raven; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability.

    These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: risks related to the completion of the private placement and management changes; the expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company’s properties; failure to identify any mineral resources or significant mineralization; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Company’s properties; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; title to properties; and those factors described in the most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis of the Company.
    Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.
    Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Churchill Resources Announces Fully Subscribed $700,000 Private Placement and Strategic Leadership Changes to Bolster Growth and Operational Execution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Churchill Resources Inc. (“Churchill” or the “Company“) (TSXV: CRI) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of common shares to raise gross proceeds of up to $700,000. The Company is also pleased to announce a strategic leadership transition designed to strengthen the Company’s capital markets presence and operational execution as it advances its projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. Effective today, Paul Sobie, will step down from the role of Chief Executive Officer and continue in his capacity as President of the Company, and Conan McIntyre, a current director of Churchill, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer.

    Private Placement Financing
    The $700,000 private placement will comprise up to 14,000,000 common shares of the Company at a price of $0.05 per share (the “Private Placement”). The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Private Placement on the advancement of exploration activities at the Company’s key projects and for general corporate purposes. The Private Placement is expected to close on or about July 9, 2025, and remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

    Strategic Leadership Changes
    The leadership transition is designed to strengthen the Company’s strategic and operational capabilities while maximizing continuity benefits.

    Mr. McIntyre will concentrate on corporate strategy, capital markets activities, and business development, while Paul Sobie will focus on advancing the Company’s exploration programs. Mr. McIntyre and Mr. Sobie will continue to serve on the Company’s board of directors along with Malik Easah and Bill Fisher, who will continue serving as Chairman.

    “This strategic restructuring represents an important evolution for Churchill that will enable us to pursue multiple value-creation opportunities simultaneously while preserving operational expertise and local knowledge,” said Mr. McIntyre.

    Mr. Sobie commented: “I am excited about the opportunity to dedicate my full attention to our exploration activities in Newfoundland and Labrador at Black Raven, as well as at Taylor Brook and Florence Lake. This focused approach will allow me to accelerate our field programs and maximize the value of our exploration assets.”

    Mr. Fisher, Chairman of the Board, stated: “The exciting work being undertaken at Black Raven, in particular, continues to demonstrate the significant potential of our portfolio. Black Raven represents a truly exceptional exploration opportunity, featuring a polymetallic metal assemblage at the site of past producers that has never been drilled using modern exploration techniques. With the focused leadership structure we are implementing, I am confident we will unlock substantial value.”

    About Churchill Resources Inc.

    Churchill Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on strategic, critical minerals in Canada, principally at its prospective Black Raven, Taylor Brook and Florence Lake properties in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Company’s flagship Black Raven property features a polymetallic metal assemblage with evidence of historical production, representing a unique exploration opportunity as the site of past producers that has never been systematically drilled using modern techniques. The Churchill management team, board, and advisors have decades of combined experience in mineral exploration and in the establishment of successful publicly listed mining companies, both in Canada and around the world. Churchill’s Newfoundland and Labrador projects have the potential to benefit from the province’s large and diversified minerals industry, which includes world class nickel mines and processing facilities, and a well-developed mineral exploration sector with locally based drilling and geological expertise.

    Further Information

    For further information regarding Churchill, please contact:

    Churchill Resources Inc.
    Conan McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer
    Tel. +1 416.272.4738
    Email: cmcintyre@churchillresources.com

    Paul Sobie, President
    Tel. +1 416.365.0930 (o); +1 647.988.0930
    Email: psobie@churchillresources.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves 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”, “proposed”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “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 statements.
    In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the completion of the Private Placement and the management changes; the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals; the Company’s objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company’s properties; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Company’s properties will be successful; exploration results; the effectiveness of the new management structure; the benefits of operational continuity; potential value to be unlocked at the Company’s properties, including at Black Raven; the potential for resource discovery and expansion at Black Raven; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability.

    These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: risks related to the completion of the private placement and management changes; the expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company’s properties; failure to identify any mineral resources or significant mineralization; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Company’s properties; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; title to properties; and those factors described in the most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis of the Company.
    Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.
    Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Lantronix Selected by Tier-1 U.S. Wireless Operator to Digitally Monitor 50,000+ Cell Site Generators

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, Calif., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions enabling Edge AI Intelligence, today announced a multi-year agreement with a Tier-1 U.S. mobile network operator to digitally transform the management of more than 50,000 backup power systems across wireless cell sites nationwide. The deployment will leverage Lantronix’s Edge gateways and cloud-based software to enable real-time monitoring, enhance network reliability and reduce operational costs.

    The backup generators are essential to maintaining uninterrupted mobile service during power outages, supporting everything from mobile phones to life-saving medical devices and public safety systems. Historically, maintaining the generators required costly and inefficient manual inspections. Lantronix Edge Intelligence solutions enable remote oversight and data-driven servicing, significantly reducing operational expenses and improving network reliability.

    “This win positions Lantronix as a key player in the digital transformation of telecom infrastructure,” said Kurt Hoff, chief revenue officer for Lantronix. “Having been selected from more than 20 competitors, this recognition underscores the strength of our solutions and our proven ability to scale across large, distributed asset networks. We are pleased to announce that volume shipments have already commenced.”

    Lantronix’s FOX Series gateways and Percepxion™ platform provide a scalable, vendor-agnostic solution for real-time monitoring of generator health, including fuel levels, battery status, oil pressure, coolant temperature and more, which enables data-driven servicing, reduces unnecessary site visits and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.

    By deploying Lantronix’s industrial IoT solutions, the mobile network operator has digitized the remote management of its nationwide fleet of cell site generators. Key outcomes include:

    • Improved Network Resilience: Significantly increased uptime of backup generators that support millions of connected devices, from smartphones to critical infrastructure.
    • Real-Time Operational Visibility: 24/7 monitoring of remote sites with automated alerts for outages, tampering or security threats, along with comprehensive audit capabilities.
    • Secure Lifecycle Management: Centralized device management that ensures all connected assets remain secure, updated and compliant throughout their operational lives.
    • Operational Efficiency: Streamlined integration of millions of devices from edge to cloud, reducing manual site visits and lowering operational costs.
    • Expanded Infrastructure Monitoring: In addition to generators, available digital oversight of HVAC systems, power regulators, battery backup banks and power phase and frequency metrics for further site readiness improvement.

    For more information on Lantronix’s critical infrastructure solutions, visit its case study here.

    About Lantronix

    Lantronix Inc. is a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth industries including Smart Cities, Automotive and Enterprise. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to succeed in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that address each layer of the IoT Stack. Lantronix’s leading-edge solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing. 

    For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

    ©2025 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements related to Lantronix products or leadership team. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, future business, financial condition, or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other outbreaks, wars and recent tensions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, or other factors; future responses to and effects of public health crises; cybersecurity risks; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 9, 2024, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of that report, as well as in our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in our future filings. In addition, actual results may differ as a result of additional risks and uncertainties about which we are currently unaware or which we do not currently view as material to our business. For these reasons, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date on which they are made. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations, except as required by applicable law or the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. If we do update or correct any forward-looking statements, investors should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections.

    Lantronix Media Contact:
    Gail Kathryn Miller 
    Corporate Marketing & 
    Communications Manager 
    media@lantronix.com 
    949-212-0960 

    Lantronix Analyst and Investor Contact:
    investors@lantronix.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes ITAFOS INC. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced ITAFOS INC. (TSX-V: IFOS; OTCQX: ITFS), a phosphate and specialty fertilizer company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. ITAFOS INC. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    ITAFOS INC. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “ITFS.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    About ITAFOS INC.
    Itafos is a phosphate and specialty fertilizer company. Itafos’ businesses and projects are as follows: Conda – a vertically integrated phosphate fertilizer business located in Idaho, US with production capacity as follows: -approximately 550kt per year of monoammonium phosphate (“MAP”), MAP with micronutrients (“MAP+”), superphosphoric acid (“SPA”), merchant grade phosphoric acid (“MGA”) and ammonium polyphosphate (“APP”); and -approximately 27kt per year of hydrofluorosilicic acid (“HFSA”); Arraias – a vertically integrated phosphate fertilizer business located in Tocantins, Brazil with production capacity as follows: -approximately 500kt per year of single superphosphate (“SSP”) and SSP with micronutrients (“SSP+”); and -approximately 40kt per year of excess sulfuric acid (220kt per year gross sulfuric acid production capacity); Farim – a high-grade phosphate mine project located in Farim, Guinea-Bissau; and Santana – a vertically integrated high-grade phosphate mine and fertilizer plant project located in Pará, Brazil.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Star Copper Corp. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Star Copper Corp. (CSE: STCU; FWB: SOP; OTCQX: STCUF), a mineral exploration company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Star Copper Corp. upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB® Venture Market.

    Star Copper Corp. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “STCUF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    The OTCQX Market is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among U.S. investors.

    “Our upgrade to the OTCQX Market is a reflection of our strategic planning as we continue to advance our copper-gold asset position in North America,” states Darryl Jones, CEO of Star Copper. “It also reflects the Company’s underlying fiscal health and commitment to compliance, disclosure and corporate governance. We anticipate that this upgrade will increase our exposure within the U.S. investment community and provide greater access to shareholders seeking to participate in our growth.”

    About Star Copper Corp.
    Star Copper Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing Canadian mining projects. Our flagship Star Project is an Alkalic Copper-Gold Porphyry located within the well-known Golden Triangle and Golden Horseshoe regions of British Colombia, an exceptionally prolific area for porphyry copper-gold projects. Significant exploration work including historical drilling has confirmed open mineralization at depth and in all directions. Star Copper’s strategic plans include geological mapping and geophysical surveys to refine existing targets, diamond drilling programs to test high-priority zones, environmental baseline studies and permitting groundwork alongside data analysis and resource modeling to support a future resource estimate prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. The Company further plans to advance its Indata Project with follow-up drilling to expand on previous high-grade copper and gold
    intercepts, trenching and surface sampling to delineate mineralized zones, and infrastructure improvements for site accessibility and operations. With a commitment to sustainable development and value creation, Star Copper aims to position itself to support surging industrial demand to meet growing global electrification needs.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSX-V: SCZ; OTCQX: SCZMF), which engages in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Latin America, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB® Venture Market.

    Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “SCZMF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    The OTCQX Market is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among U.S. investors. 

    Executive Chairman and CEO, Arturo Préstamo, commented: “Graduating to the OTCQX Best Market is an important milestone for Santacruz Silver and a reflection of our continued commitment to transparency, operational excellence, and disciplined growth. This achievement strengthens our visibility and accessibility among U.S. investors as we advance our strategy to grow a leading silver and base metals producer in Latin America.”

    About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
    Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties across Latin America. In Bolivia, the Company operates the Bolivar, Porco, and Caballo Blanco mining complexes, with Caballo Blanco comprising the Tres Amigos and Colquechaquita mines. The Reserva mine, whose production is provided to the San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business, is also located in Bolivia. Additionally, the Company oversees the Soracaya exploration project. In Mexico, Santacruz operates the Zimapán mine.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS™ are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Wedbush Securities Enhances Client Offering Through Trading Infrastructure Upgrade with Rapid Addition’s Messaging Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wedbush Securities, a leading global financial services firm, has adopted a solution from Rapid Addition, a leading trading technology provider, to advance its trading infrastructure and better serve its clients. By integrating Rapid Addition’s highly flexible, cloud-ready platform, Wedbush is streamlining multi-asset class trading, risk management, and post-trade processes, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and relentless client service.

    “At Wedbush, we’re always focused on pushing the boundaries of what we can offer our clients. This expansion with Rapid Addition is a key step in that direction, enabling us to elevate our trading infrastructure and streamline operations. The move to the cloud not only strengthens our ability to respond to market changes but also significantly enhances how we serve our clients — by improving efficiency, scalability, and integration across all touchpoints of our execution and clearing services,” said Rodrigo Parrode, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, Wedbush Securities.

    Mike Powell, Chief Executive Officer at Rapid Addition, commented, “We are proud to be part of Wedbush’s transformation strategy and support them in delivering this innovative client-centric project. By helping harness the benefits of cloud and integrating trading process across front and middle-office, the RA Platform will help Wedbush drive efficiency, respond faster to client needs, and scale its trading infrastructure as their business grows.”

    This collaboration sets the stage for future innovations, including potential expansion into additional asset classes and workflows, ensuring both organizations remain at the forefront of the financial services industry.

    About Rapid Addition:
    Rapid Addition is a pioneer in the development of advanced electronic trading technology and a recognised leader in financial messaging protocols and high-performance middleware. Our asset class- and message protocol-agnostic platform enables organisations to build unique trading capabilities to meet their specific requirements.

    Architected to accelerate the deployment of customer IP and custom business logic, the RA Platform empowers firms to implement a broad spectrum of optimised electronic trading workflows through our low-code development framework.

    About Wedbush Securities:
    Wedbush Securities is the largest subsidiary of Wedbush Financial Services. Since its founding in 1955, Wedbush is widely known for providing our clients, both retail and institutional, with a wide range of securities brokerage, clearing, wealth management, and investment banking services. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California with 100 registered offices and nearly 900 colleagues, the firm focuses on client service and financial safety, innovation, and the utilization of advanced technology. Securities and Investment Advisory services are offered through Wedbush Securities Inc. Member NYSE/ FINRA / SIPC 

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Serina Molano
    Senior Associate, Public Relations
    publicrelations@wedbush.com 
    213-688-4564

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces Digital Title Pilot to Unlock the Collateral Value of Physical Commodities Through its Integrated Market Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announced it intends to conduct a pilot transaction to finance margin with physical gold using its ID++ Technology to create real-time digital documents of title.

    This pilot will demonstrate the use of Abaxx’s Private Digital Title, a cryptographically-secured document of title for physical gold held at Abaxx Spot, to finance cash margin requirements for a gold futures position. By unlocking the collateral value of real-world assets, the initiative advances Abaxx’s broader effort to modernize collateralization and increase capital efficiency across commodity markets, including the unique ability to move real-time collateral privately through a federated network.

    Abaxx’s Private Digital Title Pilot Highlights

    • Demonstrates the integration of Abaxx Exchange and Clearing, Abaxx Spot, and ID++ Technology, activating the full stack of Abaxx infrastructure to address inefficiencies in commodity markets and supply-chain risk management.
    • Lays the groundwork for expanding the pool of high quality liquid asset (“HQLA”) collateral to include physically-held commodities and for netting physical and financial positions, reducing capital costs and inefficiencies in risk management.
    • Operates across the full commodity transaction lifecycle with integrated counterparty verification that keeps transaction data private from unrelated intermediaries and public ledger records, removing a key barrier to token adoption in global commodity markets.
    • Leverages Verifiable Credentials to issue legally-enforceable digital documents of title, preserving confidentiality, improving collateral mobility, and aligning with global legal standards like the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law’s (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR).

    “For decades, innovations in payment systems have accelerated the velocity of money while the immense value of physical assets has remained locked in slow, analog workflows,” said Josh Crumb, CEO of Abaxx Technologies. “What stablecoins and modern payment rails are to bank money, Abaxx is to physical collateral. We are building the tools to free your physical assets. This pilot will be the first end-to-end demonstration of our smarter markets architecture, where regulated market infrastructure and decentralized financial technology work together to turn physical commodities into dynamic, real-time financial instruments at the heart of financial clearing systems.”

    A New Framework for Digital Collateral

    Abaxx’s vision is to re-engineer the relationship between physical assets and financial risk management. To support this transformation, the Company has developed multi-layered market infrastructure designed to connect physical assets to financial workflows, anchored by a regulated futures exchange and clearinghouse, a spot market for physically-allocated gold, and Abaxx’s proprietary ID++ Technology and suite of console apps, including Verifier+, Abaxx Messenger, and Abaxx Sign.

    This infrastructure addresses two persistent challenges for commodity producers, traders, and financiers: limited collateral mobility and the high cost of managing basis and counterparty risk. It seeks to expand the pool of high-quality collateral to include real-world assets and creates the potential to reduce capital and operational costs by enabling the netting of physical and financial positions.

    Legal ownership of physical assets is digitized using Verifiable Credentials as documents of title, unlike tokenization models that rely on centralized issuance or new legal constructs. Abaxx’s approach is designed to reduce legal and operational friction, shorten onboarding timelines, and enable more flexible, direct use of physical commodities as collateral without compromising confidentiality or enforceability.

    The intended result is a system where physical assets support a flexible credit facility, transforming inventory from untapped collateral into a real-time financial resource.

    About the Pilot

    This pilot represents the first application of Abaxx’s Private Digital Title across the Company’s integrated exchange, clearing, and spot market infrastructure. It is intended to demonstrate how a cryptographically-secured Private Digital Title can act as a document of title for physical gold and finance the margin requirements of a gold futures position, replacing traditional warehouse receipts with a legally-enforceable digital document of title.

    As part of this framework, Abaxx’s Private Digital Title can embed legal terms and asset history, including attributes such as its provenance or environmental footprint, directly to the asset’s digital identity, supporting evolving market expectations around traceability.

    By increasing the pool of eligible collateral, increasing collateral mobility, and enhancing transparency, the initiative targets a $47 billion opportunity in gold trade finance¹ and lays the foundation for broader applications across commodity markets.

    Join the Working Group

    This pilot transaction is planned to take place in 4Q2025. Interested parties, including clearing firms, brokers, traders, custodians, banks, and technologists who would like to participate in our working group are invited to contact us at digitaltitle@abaxx.tech for more information.

    ¹ Source: ICC Trade Register Summary Report: Global Risks in Trade Finance, International Chamber of Commerce, November 2023.

    About Abaxx Technologies
    Abaxx Technologies is building Smarter Markets: markets empowered by better tools, better benchmarks, and better technology to drive market-based solutions to the biggest challenges we face as a society, including the energy transition.

    In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is the majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte. Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, and the parent company of wholly owned subsidiary Abaxx Spot Pte. Ltd., the operator of Abaxx Spot.

    Abaxx Exchange delivers the market infrastructure critical to the shift toward an electrified, low-carbon economy through centrally-cleared, physically-deliverable futures contracts in LNG, carbon, battery materials, and precious metals, meeting the commercial needs of today’s commodity markets and establishing the next generation of global benchmarks.

    Abaxx Spot modernizes physical gold trading through a physically-backed gold pool in Singapore. As the first instance of a co-located spot and futures market for gold, Abaxx Spot enables secure electronic transactions, efficient OTC transfers, and is designed to support physical delivery for Abaxx Exchange’s physically-deliverable gold futures contract, providing integrated infrastructure to deliver smarter gold markets.

    For more information, visit abaxx.tech | abaxx.exchange | abaxxspot.com | basecarbon.com | smartermarkets.media

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 246 271 0082
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “plan”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “target”, “purpose”, “goal”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “potential”, “likely” or the negative thereof or similar expressions.

    In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements regarding the potential results, benefits and market impact of the pilot transaction, the Company’s business strategies, plans, and objectives, the development of new markets and products, expectations regarding Abaxx’s partnerships, demand for Abaxx’s products and market adoption and regulatory approvals. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions; protection of intellectual property rights; contractual risk; third-party risk; clearinghouse risk; malicious actor risks; third- party software license risk; system failure risk; risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains, and the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: GDS Announces Results of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (“GDS Holdings”, “GDS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China, today announced that it held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (“2025 AGM”) on June 26, 2025. Each of the resolutions submitted to the shareholders for approval at the 2025 AGM has been approved.

    Specifically, the shareholders of the Company passed ordinary resolutions approving:

    1. Re-election of Mr. William Wei Huang as a director of the Company;
    2. Re-election of Ms. Bin Yu as a director of the Company;
    3. Re-election of Mr. Zulkifli Baharudin as a director of the Company;
    4. Confirmation of the appointment of KPMG Huazhen LLP as independent auditor of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025;
    5. Authorization of the Board of Directors of the Company to allot or issue, in the 12-month period from the date of the 2025 AGM, ordinary shares or other equity or equity-linked securities of the Company up to an aggregate thirty per cent. (30%) of its existing issued share capital of the Company at the date of the 2025 AGM, whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions (OTHER THAN any allotment or issues of shares on the exercise of any options that have been granted by the Company); and
    6. Authorization of each of the directors and officers of the Company to take any and every action that might be necessary to effect the foregoing resolutions as such director or officer, in his or her absolute discretion, thinks fit.

    About GDS Holdings Limited

    GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in and around primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 24-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations. The Company also holds a non-controlling 35.6% equity interest in DayOne Data Centers Limited which develops and operates data centers in International markets.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GDS Holdings Limited
    Laura Chen
    Phone: +86 (21) 2029-2203
    Email: ir@gds-services.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Ross Warner
    Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1 (212) 481-2050
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    GDS Holdings Limited

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – TRITAX BIG BOX REIT PLC – Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
       
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    TRITAX BIG BOX REIT PLC  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    25 June 2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    YES
    Warehouse REIT plc
     
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 1 ordinary (GB00BG49KP99)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 29,004,767 1.17 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 29,004,767

    *

    1.17 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 83,742 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

     
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

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

     
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    1p ordinary (GB00BG49KP99) Sale 31,951 1.4678 GBP  
    1p ordinary (GB00BG49KP99) Sale 204,677 1.4725 GBP  

    There was a Transfer Out of -5,643 shares of 1p ordinary

     
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 26 June 2025  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

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

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

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – TRITAX BIG BOX REIT PLC – Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
       
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    TRITAX BIG BOX REIT PLC  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    25 June 2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    YES
    Warehouse REIT plc
     
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 1 ordinary (GB00BG49KP99)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 29,004,767 1.17 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 29,004,767

    *

    1.17 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 83,742 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

     
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

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

     
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    1p ordinary (GB00BG49KP99) Sale 31,951 1.4678 GBP  
    1p ordinary (GB00BG49KP99) Sale 204,677 1.4725 GBP  

    There was a Transfer Out of -5,643 shares of 1p ordinary

     
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 26 June 2025  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

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

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

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Redirecting Revenue Toward Health Could Curb Asia’s Chronic Disease Surge

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Rising rates of chronic disease in Asia and the Pacific are driven by lifestyle shifts, aging populations, and unhealthy consumption. Some countries are using targeted fiscal policies and reinvested revenues to improve public health outcomes and reduce long-term costs.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Development of a new street and road network project in Sokolniki has begun

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Sokolniki district, the development of a territory planning project (TPP) for a new street and road network has begun. The work will be carried out within the framework of the Targeted Investment Program. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “The total area of the territory for which the PPT will be developed is about four hectares. It is located at the intersection of Bolshaya Olenya Street and Veteranov Avenue, Maly Oleny Lane and Oleniy Val Street. The project provides for the construction of a street and road network necessary for the full functioning of the modern sports and training base of the Spartak-Moscow football club. This is an example of how the city creates infrastructure to support sports initiatives, while simultaneously developing the area and making it more comfortable for residents,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The emergence of new infrastructure will provide convenient access to the sports facility and improve the transport situation in the area.

    “Development of the street and road network will create additional prerequisites for the improvement of adjacent territories, will make the area more accessible and attractive for both residents and visitors to the city. As a result, traffic organization will improve, travel time will be reduced, new routes and convenient pedestrian connections will appear,” she added. Juliana Knyazhevskaya, Chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development of the City of Moscow.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin spoke about the construction new road network in the Ramenki area.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155843073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaMalfa, California GOP Delegation Call on Newsom to Halt New Gas Price Hikes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) joined the entire California Republican congressional delegation in sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to immediately suspend a scheduled increase to the state’s gasoline excise tax and pause the implementation of new California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations projected to significantly raise fuel costs for California drivers.

    Starting July 1, 2025, California is set to raise its gas tax to 61.2 cents per gallon. On the same day, new CARB regulations under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) are set to take effect—regulations estimated by University of Pennsylvania economists to drive fuel prices up by as much as 65 cents per gallon. Combined, these changes will further strain California’s already fragile fuel supply and add more costs for families and businesses across the state.

    “At a time when Californians are already paying $1.44 more per gallon than the national average, the last thing they need is another gas tax hike and a costly new mandate from unelected CARB officials,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “The Phillips 66 refinery is set to close this fall, and Valero’s Benicia facility will follow next spring. Together, those shutdowns will cut California’s refining capacity by over 20 percent. Resulting in less fuel available on the market, higher prices, and more pain for everyone. Instead of addressing this looming supply crisis, the Governor is adding 1.6 cents to the gas tax and letting CARB push through a regulation that is estimated to raise prices by up to 65 cents per gallon. These policies are not just tone-deaf, they’re dangerous to California’s economy. The Governor continues to ignore this reality. Refusing to change course will only make things worse.”

    These price increases come as California faces a looming supply crisis due to the scheduled closures of two major in-state refineries. According to a May 2025 report from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, the combined shutdown of the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles and the Valero refinery in Benicia could result in a 21% drop in California’s refining capacity. This shortfall is expected to create a gasoline supply deficit of up to 13.1 million gallons per day and push prices as high as $8.43 per gallon by the end of 2026, especially when combined with the effects of new state mandates like the LCFS, Cap-and-Trade expansion, and excise tax increases.

    The USC study also warns that these disruptions will ripple across the economy, impacting air travel, food delivery, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, while placing further pressure on household budgets and reducing state tax revenues at a time when California faces a projected $73 billion budget deficit.

    The California Republican congressional delegation has consistently urged the Governor to suspend the gas tax, address in-state supply constraints, and reject policies that deepen the cost-of-living crisis, but to date continue to be ignored.

    The full text of the letter is available here.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: Jim Chalmers juggles expectations and ambition in pursuing tax reform

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Next week will be the 40th anniversary of the Hawke government’s tax summit. Dominated by then treasurer Paul Keating’s unsuccessful bid to win support for a consumption tax, it was the public centrepiece of an extraordinary political and policy story.

    That story was about the possibilities for, but constraints on, bold reform; how a determined treasurer can muster a formidable department to push for change, and the way the ambitions of a minister can clash with the pragmatism of a prime minister.

    Ken Henry, later secretary of the treasury, was then part of what they dubbed the “treasury tax reform bunker”. He kept a timesheet, averaging 100 hours work a week for a three-month period. Officials brought sleeping bags and their small children (Henry’s were aged three and five) into the office.

    Before the summit, the government produced a comprehensive draft white paper. Keating battled to keep the conflicting interests “in the cart” for his blueprint. But the four-day summit, attended by business, unions, premiers and community groups, was inevitably divided by stakeholders’ self-interests. In particular, the unions couldn’t wear Keating’s consumption tax, and Bob Hawke kyboshed it unceremoniously. Keating, who had to settle for a more limited but still very significant set of reforms, was furious with Hawke, and it left a fracture in their relationship.

    Jim Chalmers was aged seven in 1985. But he’s a student of Keating (he did his PhD on his prime ministership) and you can be sure he’s boned up on what went right and wrong in that tax reform exercise. Now he is preparing for the government’s August 19-21 “roundtable” and his own bid at major tax reform.

    The roundtable, as first announced, focused on “productivity”, and that will be central. But Chalmers has taken to calling it an “economic reform” roundtable – its brief also includes budget sustainability and resilience – and he is effectively putting tax reform close to its heart, or at least letting others do so. After all, a fit-for-purpose tax system is one key to improving productivity.

    The roundtable (for which invitations to business and the union movement are now going out, with more to follow) is nothing like on the scale, in size (the 1985 summit had about 160 attendees, the roundtable will have about 25) or preparation, of the elaborate 1985 conference.

    And crucially, while that summit was the culmination of a process, Chalmers is using the roundtable to kick off a process.

    Chalmers is lowering expectations in regard to specific outcomes from the summit on tax. While those might be obtainable on some productivity issues, on tax he is likely to look for broad support for a direction of reform. For instance, is there a general appetite for reshaping the tax system towards lower personal and company tax, offset by higher taxes on certain investments and savings? `

    Most tax experts argue Australia’s system is too skewed towards taxing income rather than spending. This leads to calls to increase or broaden the GST, financing cuts to personal income tax.

    Chalmers has been a long-term opponent of changing the GST, but he says he is not ruling the GST out for discussion at the roundtable. (That’s a contrast to when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, commissioning Henry to lead a major tax review, excluded the GST from its terms of reference.)

    Almost certainly, however, it would not be possible to get “consensus” from business and unions for GST changes. Not least of the constraints is that compensating the losers in such a change is very expensive and there is not the money to do so these days.

    That immediately limits the extent of reform.

    Henry tells The Conversation’s podcast that if he were designing a tax reform package “I’d be looking at opportunities to broaden the GST and maybe to increase the rate as well”.

    But “I do think it is possible to achieve major tax reform […] without necessarily increasing the [GST] rate or extending the base”.

    Henry’s (non-GST) wish list includes getting rid of the remaining state transaction taxes, such as stamp duty on property conveyancing.

    Notably, he argues for extracting more revenue from taxing natural resources and land, and also from taxing pollution from various sources. “We’re going to need to tax those things more heavily if we’re going to relieve the tax burden on young workers through lower personal income tax and introducing tax indexation.”

    Henry is particularly focused on the unfair burden at present put on these younger taxpayers. He has come around to the idea of income tax indexation as one means of assisting them.

    A system more geared to younger workers raises immediate questions about the present generous treatment of superannuants. Chalmers is already caught in that hornets’ nest with his proposed changes for those with balances more than $3 million.

    To what extent will the roundtable tax debate revive the issues of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount? The government hosed down before the election the prospect of any changes to negative gearing this term. Chalmers, however, had work done on this last term and he would likely favour reining it in. But would this be a bridge too far for the prime minister?

    Indeed, where will Anthony Albanese’s limits be when it comes to reform? Would he only support changes that had strong consensus? And how far would he feel constrained in going beyond what he considers he has a mandate for?

    If Chalmers stays serious about the tax push, it is going to take many months of intense work. It can’t be rushed, but nor can it be delayed. If it ran for much over a year it would likely find the government’s political capital had been eroded. The size of its capital store can appear deceptive because so much of it is thanks to Peter Dutton and Donald Trump.

    In 2022, the Liberals boycotted Labor’s jobs and skills summit (although Nationals leader David Littlepround attended). This time, shadow treasurer Ted O’Brien has accepted Chalmers’ invitation and will participate in the roundtable.

    It will be a tricky gig for O’Brien, new to this shadow portfolio. He has to avoid being too negative, but nor can he endorse things the opposition might later reject. The Coalition will not have a tax policy against which to judge what’s said.

    The occasion will be a chance for O’Brien to make contacts and get more insight into stakeholders’ views on the key economic debates, much wider than just tax.

    Importantly, however, O’Brien will need to remember judgements will be being made about him by other participants in the room. Business in particular will be seeking to get a fix on whether opposition leader Sussan Ley’s declarations about wanting to be constructive where possible are fair dinkum.

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

    ref. Grattan on Friday: Jim Chalmers juggles expectations and ambition in pursuing tax reform – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-jim-chalmers-juggles-expectations-and-ambition-in-pursuing-tax-reform-258971

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: Jim Chalmers juggles expectations and ambition in pursuing tax reform

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Next week will be the 40th anniversary of the Hawke government’s tax summit. Dominated by then treasurer Paul Keating’s unsuccessful bid to win support for a consumption tax, it was the public centrepiece of an extraordinary political and policy story.

    That story was about the possibilities for, but constraints on, bold reform; how a determined treasurer can muster a formidable department to push for change, and the way the ambitions of a minister can clash with the pragmatism of a prime minister.

    Ken Henry, later secretary of the treasury, was then part of what they dubbed the “treasury tax reform bunker”. He kept a timesheet, averaging 100 hours work a week for a three-month period. Officials brought sleeping bags and their small children (Henry’s were aged three and five) into the office.

    Before the summit, the government produced a comprehensive draft white paper. Keating battled to keep the conflicting interests “in the cart” for his blueprint. But the four-day summit, attended by business, unions, premiers and community groups, was inevitably divided by stakeholders’ self-interests. In particular, the unions couldn’t wear Keating’s consumption tax, and Bob Hawke kyboshed it unceremoniously. Keating, who had to settle for a more limited but still very significant set of reforms, was furious with Hawke, and it left a fracture in their relationship.

    Jim Chalmers was aged seven in 1985. But he’s a student of Keating (he did his PhD on his prime ministership) and you can be sure he’s boned up on what went right and wrong in that tax reform exercise. Now he is preparing for the government’s August 19-21 “roundtable” and his own bid at major tax reform.

    The roundtable, as first announced, focused on “productivity”, and that will be central. But Chalmers has taken to calling it an “economic reform” roundtable – its brief also includes budget sustainability and resilience – and he is effectively putting tax reform close to its heart, or at least letting others do so. After all, a fit-for-purpose tax system is one key to improving productivity.

    The roundtable (for which invitations to business and the union movement are now going out, with more to follow) is nothing like on the scale, in size (the 1985 summit had about 160 attendees, the roundtable will have about 25) or preparation, of the elaborate 1985 conference.

    And crucially, while that summit was the culmination of a process, Chalmers is using the roundtable to kick off a process.

    Chalmers is lowering expectations in regard to specific outcomes from the summit on tax. While those might be obtainable on some productivity issues, on tax he is likely to look for broad support for a direction of reform. For instance, is there a general appetite for reshaping the tax system towards lower personal and company tax, offset by higher taxes on certain investments and savings? `

    Most tax experts argue Australia’s system is too skewed towards taxing income rather than spending. This leads to calls to increase or broaden the GST, financing cuts to personal income tax.

    Chalmers has been a long-term opponent of changing the GST, but he says he is not ruling the GST out for discussion at the roundtable. (That’s a contrast to when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, commissioning Henry to lead a major tax review, excluded the GST from its terms of reference.)

    Almost certainly, however, it would not be possible to get “consensus” from business and unions for GST changes. Not least of the constraints is that compensating the losers in such a change is very expensive and there is not the money to do so these days.

    That immediately limits the extent of reform.

    Henry tells The Conversation’s podcast that if he were designing a tax reform package “I’d be looking at opportunities to broaden the GST and maybe to increase the rate as well”.

    But “I do think it is possible to achieve major tax reform […] without necessarily increasing the [GST] rate or extending the base”.

    Henry’s (non-GST) wish list includes getting rid of the remaining state transaction taxes, such as stamp duty on property conveyancing.

    Notably, he argues for extracting more revenue from taxing natural resources and land, and also from taxing pollution from various sources. “We’re going to need to tax those things more heavily if we’re going to relieve the tax burden on young workers through lower personal income tax and introducing tax indexation.”

    Henry is particularly focused on the unfair burden at present put on these younger taxpayers. He has come around to the idea of income tax indexation as one means of assisting them.

    A system more geared to younger workers raises immediate questions about the present generous treatment of superannuants. Chalmers is already caught in that hornets’ nest with his proposed changes for those with balances more than $3 million.

    To what extent will the roundtable tax debate revive the issues of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount? The government hosed down before the election the prospect of any changes to negative gearing this term. Chalmers, however, had work done on this last term and he would likely favour reining it in. But would this be a bridge too far for the prime minister?

    Indeed, where will Anthony Albanese’s limits be when it comes to reform? Would he only support changes that had strong consensus? And how far would he feel constrained in going beyond what he considers he has a mandate for?

    If Chalmers stays serious about the tax push, it is going to take many months of intense work. It can’t be rushed, but nor can it be delayed. If it ran for much over a year it would likely find the government’s political capital had been eroded. The size of its capital store can appear deceptive because so much of it is thanks to Peter Dutton and Donald Trump.

    In 2022, the Liberals boycotted Labor’s jobs and skills summit (although Nationals leader David Littlepround attended). This time, shadow treasurer Ted O’Brien has accepted Chalmers’ invitation and will participate in the roundtable.

    It will be a tricky gig for O’Brien, new to this shadow portfolio. He has to avoid being too negative, but nor can he endorse things the opposition might later reject. The Coalition will not have a tax policy against which to judge what’s said.

    The occasion will be a chance for O’Brien to make contacts and get more insight into stakeholders’ views on the key economic debates, much wider than just tax.

    Importantly, however, O’Brien will need to remember judgements will be being made about him by other participants in the room. Business in particular will be seeking to get a fix on whether opposition leader Sussan Ley’s declarations about wanting to be constructive where possible are fair dinkum.

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

    ref. Grattan on Friday: Jim Chalmers juggles expectations and ambition in pursuing tax reform – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-jim-chalmers-juggles-expectations-and-ambition-in-pursuing-tax-reform-258971

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How Nato summit shows Europe and US no longer have a common enemy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Corbett, Senior Lecturer in Defence Studies, King’s College London

    Mark Rutte had an unenviable task at the Hague summit this week. The Nato secretary-general had to work with diverging American and European views of current security threats. After Rutte made extraordinary efforts at highly deferential, overt flattery of Donald Trump to secure crucial outcomes for the alliance, he seems to have succeeded for now.

    But what this meeting and the run-up has made increasingly clear is that the US and Europe no longer perceive themselves as having a single common enemy. Nato was established in 1949 as a defensive alliance against the acknowledged threat from the USSR. This defined the alliance through the cold war until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Since Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea in 2014, Nato has focused on Moscow as the major threat to international peace. But the increasingly bellicose China is demanding more attention from the US.

    There are some symbolic moves that signal how things are changing. Every Nato summit declaration since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has used the same form of words: “We adhere to international law and to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and are committed to upholding the rules-based international order.”

    The declaration published during the Hague summit on June 25 conspicuously does not mention either. Indeed, in a departure from recent declarations, the five paragraphs of the Hague summit declaration are brutally short and focused entirely on portraying the alliance solely in terms of military capability and economic investment to sustain that. No mention of international law and order this time.

    This appears to be a carefully orchestrated output of a deliberately shortened summit designed to contain Trump’s unpredictable interventions. This also seems symptomatic of a widening division between the American strategic trajectory and the security interests perceived by Canada and the European members of Nato.

    That this declaration was so short, and so focused on such a narrow range of issues suggests there were unusually entrenched differences that could not be surmounted.

    Since the onslaught of the full Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Nato allies have been united in their criticism of Russia and support for Ukraine; until now.

    Since January, the Trump administration has not authorised any military aid to Ukraine and significantly reduced material support to Ukraine and criticism of Russia. Trump has sought to end the war rapidly on terms effectively capitulating to Russian aggression; his proposal suggests recognising Russia’s control over Crimea and de facto control over some other occupied territories (Luhansk, parts of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kherson) He has also suggested Ukraine would not join Nato but might receive security guarantees and the right to join the EU.

    Meanwhile, European allies have sought to fund and support Ukraine’s defensive efforts, increasing aid and military support, and continuing to ramp up sanctions.

    Another sign of the differing priorities of Europe and Canada v the US, was the decision by Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defense, to step back from leadership of the Ukraine defence contact group, an ad-hoc coalition of states across the world providing military support to Ukraine. Hegseth also symbolically failed to attend the group’s pre-summit meeting in June.

    Trump has long been adamant that Nato members should meet their 2014 commitment to spend 2% of their GDP on defence, and Rutte recognised that. In 2018, Trump suggested that this should be increased to 4 or 5% but this was dismissed as unreasonable. Now, in a decision which indicates increasing concern about both Russia as a threat and US support, Nato members (except for Spain) have agreed to increase spending to 5% of GDP on defence over the next 10 years.

    Donald Trump gives a press conference after the Nato summit.

    Nato’s article 3 requires states to maintain and develop their capacity to resist attack. However, since 2022, it has become increasingly apparent that many Nato members are unprepared for any major military engagement. At the same time, they are increasingly feeling that Russia is more of a threat on their doorsteps. There has been recognition, particularly among the Baltic states, Germany, France and the UK that they need to increase their military spending and preparedness.

    For the US to focus more on China, US forces will shift a greater percentage of the US Navy to the Pacific. It will also assign its most capable new ships and aircraft to the region and increase general presence operations, training and developmental exercises, and engagement and cooperation with allied and other navies in the western Pacific. To do this US forces will need to reduce commitments in Europe, and European allies must replace those capabilities in order to sustain deterrence against Russia.

    The bedrock of the Nato treaty, article 5, is commonly paraphrased as “an attack on one is an attack on all”. On his way to the Hague summit, Trump seemed unsure about the US commitment to Nato. Asked to clarify this at the summit, he stated: “I stand with it [Article 5]. That’s why I’m here. If I didn’t stand with it, I wouldn’t be here.”

    Lord Ismay, the first secretary-general of Nato, famously (if apocryphally) suggested that the purpose of the alliance was to keep the Russians out, the Americans in and the Germans down. Germany is now an integral part of Nato, and the Americans are in, if distracted. But there are cracks, and Rutte will have his hands full managing Trump’s declining interest in protecting Europe if he is to keep the Russians at bay.

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

    ref. How Nato summit shows Europe and US no longer have a common enemy – https://theconversation.com/how-nato-summit-shows-europe-and-us-no-longer-have-a-common-enemy-259842

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How Nato summit shows Europe and US no longer have a common enemy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Corbett, Senior Lecturer in Defence Studies, King’s College London

    Mark Rutte had an unenviable task at the Hague summit this week. The Nato secretary-general had to work with diverging American and European views of current security threats. After Rutte made extraordinary efforts at highly deferential, overt flattery of Donald Trump to secure crucial outcomes for the alliance, he seems to have succeeded for now.

    But what this meeting and the run-up has made increasingly clear is that the US and Europe no longer perceive themselves as having a single common enemy. Nato was established in 1949 as a defensive alliance against the acknowledged threat from the USSR. This defined the alliance through the cold war until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Since Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea in 2014, Nato has focused on Moscow as the major threat to international peace. But the increasingly bellicose China is demanding more attention from the US.

    There are some symbolic moves that signal how things are changing. Every Nato summit declaration since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has used the same form of words: “We adhere to international law and to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and are committed to upholding the rules-based international order.”

    The declaration published during the Hague summit on June 25 conspicuously does not mention either. Indeed, in a departure from recent declarations, the five paragraphs of the Hague summit declaration are brutally short and focused entirely on portraying the alliance solely in terms of military capability and economic investment to sustain that. No mention of international law and order this time.

    This appears to be a carefully orchestrated output of a deliberately shortened summit designed to contain Trump’s unpredictable interventions. This also seems symptomatic of a widening division between the American strategic trajectory and the security interests perceived by Canada and the European members of Nato.

    That this declaration was so short, and so focused on such a narrow range of issues suggests there were unusually entrenched differences that could not be surmounted.

    Since the onslaught of the full Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Nato allies have been united in their criticism of Russia and support for Ukraine; until now.

    Since January, the Trump administration has not authorised any military aid to Ukraine and significantly reduced material support to Ukraine and criticism of Russia. Trump has sought to end the war rapidly on terms effectively capitulating to Russian aggression; his proposal suggests recognising Russia’s control over Crimea and de facto control over some other occupied territories (Luhansk, parts of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kherson) He has also suggested Ukraine would not join Nato but might receive security guarantees and the right to join the EU.

    Meanwhile, European allies have sought to fund and support Ukraine’s defensive efforts, increasing aid and military support, and continuing to ramp up sanctions.

    Another sign of the differing priorities of Europe and Canada v the US, was the decision by Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defense, to step back from leadership of the Ukraine defence contact group, an ad-hoc coalition of states across the world providing military support to Ukraine. Hegseth also symbolically failed to attend the group’s pre-summit meeting in June.

    Trump has long been adamant that Nato members should meet their 2014 commitment to spend 2% of their GDP on defence, and Rutte recognised that. In 2018, Trump suggested that this should be increased to 4 or 5% but this was dismissed as unreasonable. Now, in a decision which indicates increasing concern about both Russia as a threat and US support, Nato members (except for Spain) have agreed to increase spending to 5% of GDP on defence over the next 10 years.

    Donald Trump gives a press conference after the Nato summit.

    Nato’s article 3 requires states to maintain and develop their capacity to resist attack. However, since 2022, it has become increasingly apparent that many Nato members are unprepared for any major military engagement. At the same time, they are increasingly feeling that Russia is more of a threat on their doorsteps. There has been recognition, particularly among the Baltic states, Germany, France and the UK that they need to increase their military spending and preparedness.

    For the US to focus more on China, US forces will shift a greater percentage of the US Navy to the Pacific. It will also assign its most capable new ships and aircraft to the region and increase general presence operations, training and developmental exercises, and engagement and cooperation with allied and other navies in the western Pacific. To do this US forces will need to reduce commitments in Europe, and European allies must replace those capabilities in order to sustain deterrence against Russia.

    The bedrock of the Nato treaty, article 5, is commonly paraphrased as “an attack on one is an attack on all”. On his way to the Hague summit, Trump seemed unsure about the US commitment to Nato. Asked to clarify this at the summit, he stated: “I stand with it [Article 5]. That’s why I’m here. If I didn’t stand with it, I wouldn’t be here.”

    Lord Ismay, the first secretary-general of Nato, famously (if apocryphally) suggested that the purpose of the alliance was to keep the Russians out, the Americans in and the Germans down. Germany is now an integral part of Nato, and the Americans are in, if distracted. But there are cracks, and Rutte will have his hands full managing Trump’s declining interest in protecting Europe if he is to keep the Russians at bay.

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

    ref. How Nato summit shows Europe and US no longer have a common enemy – https://theconversation.com/how-nato-summit-shows-europe-and-us-no-longer-have-a-common-enemy-259842

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Commitment to the spirit of mutual respect, trust, benefit and support is the driving force behind the development of cooperation between China and Central Asia – expert from Uzbekistan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Tashkent, June 26 (Xinhua) — The driving force behind the sustainable development of cooperation between China and Central Asian countries is the two sides’ commitment to the spirit of “mutual respect, trust, benefit and support,” Professor Nodira Murodova, head of department at Navoi State University, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

    According to her, for Uzbekistan these principles are not just diplomatic slogans, but a real basis for a long-term and stable partnership with China, as well as for the entire region. She emphasized that it is on this foundation that strong and trusting interaction between the two countries is built.

    Mutual respect, according to N. Murodova, is the basis of deepening Uzbek-Chinese relations. China, as the expert noted, consistently demonstrates respect for the sovereignty, social structure and development strategy of Uzbekistan. “Such a sincere attitude on equal terms allows us to more confidently and independently build external relations, forming a truly equal partnership,” she said.

    Particular importance is also attached to mutual trust, which the expert called a guarantee of the strength of cooperation. “Thanks to regular high-level contacts, intergovernmental dialogues and projects implemented in practice, strong political trust has been formed between our countries,” N. Murodova noted. She also added that in such strategic areas as regional security and infrastructure development, Uzbekistan and China maintain close coordination and dialogue.

    As for the principle of mutual benefit, the professor emphasized that it is reflected in concrete results. “In key areas such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture and the digital economy, Chinese companies have brought advanced technologies and management experience to Uzbekistan, creating many jobs,” the expert said. China’s participation in the construction of roads, railways and energy facilities, according to her, helps strengthen production chains and accelerates the country’s modernization process.

    N. Murodova also particularly noted the importance of mutual support, which is especially evident at critical moments. “Whether it is the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic or today’s efforts on environmental transformation and development of education, Uzbekistan and China always act together. Such support at key moments is a manifestation of the true spirit of a community with a common destiny,” she said.

    In conclusion, the professor expressed confidence that, based on the principles of “mutual respect, trust, benefit and support,” cooperation between China and Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, will continue to deepen and expand, serving the interests of the peoples and strengthening peace, development and cooperation in the broader regional and international context. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • Sensex surges 1,000 points; banking and heavyweight stocks gain

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock markets closed on a strong note on Thursday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surging over 1 per cent each, led by gains in banking and heavyweight stocks.

    The benchmark index reflected strong investor confidence, underpinned by the apparent stability of the Middle East ceasefire, which has eased concerns over potential supply chain disruptions.

    The Sensex jumped 1,000.36 points, or 1.21 per cent, to settle at 83,755.87. During the session, the index touched an intra-day high of 83,812.09 and a low of 82,816.26.

    The Nifty also gained 304.25 points, or 1.21 per cent, to close at 25,549.00. It hit an intra-day high of 25,565.30 and a low of 25,259.90 during the day.

    “Nifty has given a decisive move above the recent consolidation on the daily chart, indicating growing optimism among traders and investors,” Rupak De of LKP Securities said.

    “Now that the index has broken above the consolidation zone, we continue to maintain our bullish view going forward,” he added.

    Among the Nifty stocks, Shriram Finance, Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel and Hindalco Industries were the top gainers, rising between 2.48 and 3.69 per cent.

    On the other hand, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Tech Mahindra, Wipro, SBI, and Hero MotoCorp were the top laggards, slipping between 0.45 and 1.31 per cent.

    In the broader markets, the Nifty Midcap100 and Nifty Smallcap100 indices ended lower, falling 0.59 per cent and 0.42 per cent, respectively, indicating some pressure in mid- and small-cap stocks.

    Banking stocks also witnessed strong buying. The Bank Nifty index touched an intra-day high of 57,263.45 and closed at 57,206.70, up 1.03 per cent.

    Among sectoral indices, all major indices except Realty, IT, and Media ended in the green.

    Nifty Metal was the top performer, gaining 2.31 per cent. This was followed by gains in Nifty Private Bank, Financial Services, and Oil & Gas indices, each rising over 1 per cent.

    Meanwhile, Rupee gained over 33 paise to settle at 85.75, buoyed by a sharp drop in the dollar index below the 97.00 mark.

    “Falling crude prices and a weaker dollar provided strong support to the rupee. With global risk sentiment improving and the potential for continued fund inflows, the rupee may head towards 85.25 in the coming days,” Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities mentioned.

    “Gold remained range-bound as dollar index weakness provided support, while the Federal Reserve’s stance of no immediate rate cuts weighed on sentiment,” Trivedi stated.

    He added that MCX Gold is expected to trade within a range of Rs 95,500 to Rs 98,500 in the near term.

    (IANS)

  • Sensex surges 1,000 points; banking and heavyweight stocks gain

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock markets closed on a strong note on Thursday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surging over 1 per cent each, led by gains in banking and heavyweight stocks.

    The benchmark index reflected strong investor confidence, underpinned by the apparent stability of the Middle East ceasefire, which has eased concerns over potential supply chain disruptions.

    The Sensex jumped 1,000.36 points, or 1.21 per cent, to settle at 83,755.87. During the session, the index touched an intra-day high of 83,812.09 and a low of 82,816.26.

    The Nifty also gained 304.25 points, or 1.21 per cent, to close at 25,549.00. It hit an intra-day high of 25,565.30 and a low of 25,259.90 during the day.

    “Nifty has given a decisive move above the recent consolidation on the daily chart, indicating growing optimism among traders and investors,” Rupak De of LKP Securities said.

    “Now that the index has broken above the consolidation zone, we continue to maintain our bullish view going forward,” he added.

    Among the Nifty stocks, Shriram Finance, Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel and Hindalco Industries were the top gainers, rising between 2.48 and 3.69 per cent.

    On the other hand, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Tech Mahindra, Wipro, SBI, and Hero MotoCorp were the top laggards, slipping between 0.45 and 1.31 per cent.

    In the broader markets, the Nifty Midcap100 and Nifty Smallcap100 indices ended lower, falling 0.59 per cent and 0.42 per cent, respectively, indicating some pressure in mid- and small-cap stocks.

    Banking stocks also witnessed strong buying. The Bank Nifty index touched an intra-day high of 57,263.45 and closed at 57,206.70, up 1.03 per cent.

    Among sectoral indices, all major indices except Realty, IT, and Media ended in the green.

    Nifty Metal was the top performer, gaining 2.31 per cent. This was followed by gains in Nifty Private Bank, Financial Services, and Oil & Gas indices, each rising over 1 per cent.

    Meanwhile, Rupee gained over 33 paise to settle at 85.75, buoyed by a sharp drop in the dollar index below the 97.00 mark.

    “Falling crude prices and a weaker dollar provided strong support to the rupee. With global risk sentiment improving and the potential for continued fund inflows, the rupee may head towards 85.25 in the coming days,” Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities mentioned.

    “Gold remained range-bound as dollar index weakness provided support, while the Federal Reserve’s stance of no immediate rate cuts weighed on sentiment,” Trivedi stated.

    He added that MCX Gold is expected to trade within a range of Rs 95,500 to Rs 98,500 in the near term.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends 10th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in Beijing (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing today (June 26). He also held separate meetings with the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo’an, and the President of the AIIB, Mr Jin Liqun.
     
         Mr Chan participated in the opening ceremony of the annual meeting and joined the subsequent Governors’ Official Session.
     
         During the meeting, he witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the AIIB.  Under the partnership agreement, the HKMA will collaborate closely with the AIIB to support venture capital in emerging Asia to jointly support the emerging economies in the region to drive green transformation and development of infrastructure through scientific and commercial innovation.
     
         Speaking about the agreement, Mr Chan said, “Energy transition and infrastructure development of the Global South require substantial financial investment and support from technological applications in various fields. This collaboration combines and leverages the knowledge, experience, networks, and strengths of the HKMA and the AIIB. It supports emerging Asian economies in accelerating their development towards more prosperous and inclusive growth through innovation and technology. Additionally, it aids in building a more vibrant venture capital and innovation ecosystem within the region and further reinforces Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, innovation and technology centre.”
     
         Mr Chan later met with the President of the AIIB, Mr Jin Liqun. He expressed Hong Kong’s willingness to further enhance collaboration with the AIIB amid the ongoing reshaping of the global economic landscape and the development challenges faced by emerging economies. Such initiatives can include issuing bonds in more currencies and of various tenors, advancing investment co-operation in infrastructure loan securitisation and catastrophe bonds, and mobilising private capital to support Asia’s green and sustainable development projects and relevant technological proposals. He also reiterated Hong Kong’s support for the AIIB to establish an office in Hong Kong and said he looks forward to the proposal’s early implementation.
     
         Subsequently, Mr Chan called on the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo’an, where both parties exchanged in-depth views on the economic and social development of the Mainland and Hong Kong. Mr Chan briefed Mr Lan on Hong Kong’s latest developments in financial markets, innovation and technology, and public finance. He highlighted that, with Hong Kong’s financial market advancing steadily and international investors’ confidence strengthening, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to fully support the issuance of RMB Sovereign Bonds in Hong Kong. Efforts will also be made to enrich investment products and risk management tools, enhance RMB liquidity, and improve financial infrastructure to build a more prosperous offshore RMB business ecosystem.
     
         Mr Chan concluded his visit to Beijing today and will return to Hong Kong in the evening.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Man Group PLC : Form 8.3 – Tritax Big Box REIT plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Man Group PLC
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
     
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    Tritax Big Box REIT plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    25/06/2024
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    YES / NO / N/A
    OFFEREE: Warehouse REIT plc

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 1p ordinary
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 24,031,369 0.97    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives: 14,655,334 0.59    
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    38,686,703 1.56    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD
    Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
    Number of reference securities Price per unit

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

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

    (ii)        Exercise

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

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

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

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    None

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

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

    None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 26/06/2024
    Contact name: Matthew Irwin
    Telephone number: +442071447255

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

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

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Inception Growth Acquisition Limited Announces Postponement of the Special Meeting to July 14, 2025 and Extension of Redemption Request Deadline

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inception Growth Acquisition Limited (the “Company”), a blank check company, today announced that its previously announced special meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) will be postponed from 10:00 a.m. Hong Kong Time on July 1, 2025 to 10:00 a.m. Hong Kong Time on July 14, 2025 to provide stockholders with additional time to review the supplement (the “Supplement”) to the definitive proxy statement (the “Original Proxy Statement”), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 25, 2025. The Supplement corrects, among other things, the per share redemption price from $13.18 to $12.09, provides updates regarding the Company’s annual meeting held on June 5, 2025, and extends the deadline for stockholders to submit redemption requests.

    There is no change to the location, the record date or any of the other proposals to be acted upon at the Special Meeting. The physical location of the Special Meeting remains at the offices of Loeb & Loeb LLP, 2206-19 Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place Central, Hong Kong SAR, and virtually via teleconference using the following dial-in information:

        US Toll Free   +1 866 213 0992
        Hong Kong Toll   +852 2112 1888
        Participant Passcode   2910077#

    The Special Meeting is being held for the purpose of considering and voting on, among other proposals, proposals to approve the Company’s proposed business combination with AgileAlgo Holdings Ltd.

    The record date for determining the Company stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting remains the close of business on May 27, 2025 (the “Record Date”). Stockholders as of the Record Date are eligible to vote, even if they have subsequently sold their shares. Stockholders who have already submitted their proxies or voted and do not wish to change their vote need not take any further action.  All previously cast votes associated with the Special Meeting remain valid for the Special Meeting, unless revoked as described in the Original Proxy Statement or the Supplement. Stockholders who have not yet voted are urged to submit their votes promptly.

    As a result of the postponement, the deadline for delivery of redemption requests from the Company’s stockholders in connection with the proposed business combination has been extended from June 27, 2025 (two business days before the originally scheduled Special Meeting) to July 10, 2025 (two business days before the postponed Special Meeting). Stockholders who have already submitted redemption requests may revoke such requests prior to the new deadline in accordance with the procedures described in the Original Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on May 27, 2025, and the Supplement.

    If you have questions regarding the certification of your position or delivery of your shares, please contact:

    Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
    1 State Street 30th Floor
    New York, NY 10004-1561
    E-mail: spacredemptions@continentalstock.com

    Stockholders are advised to review the Supplement carefully and to consider it together with the Original Proxy Statement, both available on the SEC’s EDGAR database at www.sec.gov, for complete details regarding the postponement, the corrected redemption price, the updated redemption deadline, and other corrected and updated information.

    The Company’s stockholders who have questions regarding the postponement, the Special Meeting, or would like to request documents may contact the Company’s proxy solicitor, Advantage Proxy, Inc., at (877) 870-8565, or banks and brokers can call (206) 870-8565, or by email at ksmith@advantageproxy.com.

    About Inception Growth Acquisition Limited

    Inception Growth Acquisition Limited is a blank check company incorporated under the laws of Delaware whose business purpose is to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. 

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the date of the Special Meeting, are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    On May 27, 2025, the Company filed the Original Proxy Statement with the SEC in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting. On June 26, 2025, the Company filed the Supplement to provide information about, among other things, the postponement of the Special Meeting, the extension of redemption request deadline, and the corrected per share redemption price. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE SUPPLEMENT, THE ORIGINAL PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THE COMPANY FILES WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the definitive proxy statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto) and other documents filed with the SEC through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by contacting the Company’s proxy solicitor.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    The Company and its respective directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders in connection with the Special Meeting. Additional information regarding the identity of these potential participants and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the definitive proxy statement. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.

    Contact

    Inception Growth Acquisition Limited
    Investor Relationship Department
    (315) 636-6638

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New partnership approach to boost adult skills and job opportunities

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Thursday, 26th June 2025

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council has approved a new plan to help more adults gain the skills they need to find and stay in work.

    The new Adult Skills and Employment Framework was considered by the council’s cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday 24 June.

    The plan aims to raise skill levels across the city and support more residents into better jobs by working closely with partners in education, training and employment.

    It will help make sure more people can take advantage of local job opportunities and contribute to a growing city economy. It also supports the council’s wider aim to improve residents’ health, wellbeing and quality of life.

    Alongside consulting a broad range of organisations, the council has worked with partners including the Chamber of Commerce, Staffordshire Providers Group and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to shape the framework. This joint approach ensures the plan reflects local needs and builds on what is already in place.

    A new Local Skills and Employment Partnership will also be set up to lead the work, helping partners to stay joined-up and focused on long-term improvements.

    Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “There is so much untapped potential in our city and by creating more opportunities for residents to enhance and improve their skills, we will help more people thrive in the workplace and social life.

     “Supporting people to gain the knowledge and experience they need to secure good jobs will not only improve their quality of life, but also help them build a more secure future. Working with partners across different sectors and types of institutions is crucial to this, as it will mean everyone can make the most of the opportunities available to them in Stoke-on-Trent.

    “Together, we will ensure the building of a bigger and better economy, as well as improving the overall wellbeing of the population.”

    For more information on the city council’s post-16 employment and learning hub go to www.stoke.gov.uk/adultlearning

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: It’s smooth-sailing thanks to Kyle’s handy Tall Ships guide Hundreds of Aberdeen sail trainees embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as part in the Tall Ships Races 2025 don’t know it but they are successfully navigating the event thanks to a helping hand from University student Kyle Buchan.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Over the course of seven weeks, Kyle put himself in the shoes of a trainee in order to understand the diverse range of information they might need.

    Hundreds of Aberdeen sail trainees embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as part in the Tall Ships Races 2025 don’t know it but they are successfully navigating the event thanks to a helping hand from University student Kyle Buchan.
    The third year Business Management and Geography student was tasked with collating the official Sail Trainee Handbook when he took on the job of Tall Ships Project Intern with Aberdeen City Council earlier this year.
    Over the course of seven weeks, Kyle put himself in the shoes of a trainee in order to understand the diverse range of information they might need.
    “It has been a great project to work on,” said the 20-year-old. “The opportunity to be a sail trainee was open to people of all backgrounds aged between 15 and 25 living in the AB postcode.
    “That meant across the 230-strong group of trainees there was a really wide range of experience, confidence and, for some, the need to also provide information and reassurance for parents too.”
    The resulting 3,500-word handbook being issued to the trainees contains a list of frequently asked questions, travel arrangements for those arriving from France or taking part in the Norwegian leg, information on the ships they will be sailing on, the itinerary for the days at sea, what to expect when they dock in each port, events in each host city – and much, much more.

    This is such a big event for the city and I wanted to play a part in it. I’m really proud to have been involved in producing the handbook and hope the trainees find it as useful as we designed it to be.” Kyle Buchan, third year Business Management and Geography student

    “We wanted to make sure we’d answered all the questions people might have so they could focus on enjoying the experience,” said Kyle.
    “That meant not just working with people across the Council, I had to liaise with teams in Kristiansand and Dunkirk to find out what would be happening when the Ships arrived in their ports, the arrangements in place for the trainees and activities they can take part in while there.
    “This is such a big event for the city and I wanted to play a part in it. I’m really proud to have been involved in producing the handbook and hope the trainees find it as useful as we designed it to be.”
    Since completing his internship Kyle also volunteered his time at several of the supporting events taking place in the run up to the Tall Ships arrival.
    “There’s a real buzz around the city and I’m looking forward to seeing the ships arrive and enjoying all the activities at the quayside knowing I’ve played a small part in making it happen.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE Sign Joint Venture Agreement Creating Beam Middle East LLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with the Platinum Group LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chaired by His Royal Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, the Platinum Group UAE is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry.

    Beam Global and the Platinum Group will form a new entity, Beam Middle East LLC, which will sell and manufacture Beam Global’s patented sustainable infrastructure solutions for transportation electrification, energy storage, energy security, and smart city development across the Middle East and African regions. This joint venture supports Beam Global’s strategy of geographic diversification by opening new markets and creating opportunities for revenue growth outside the United States. Beam Global, Beam Europe, and now Beam Middle East will each sell and manufacture the company’s full portfolio of patented sustainable technology solutions.

    “The Platinum Group is an organization of the highest reputation, influence and relationships in Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region. They are a perfect partner to accelerate Beam Global’s growth in the Middle East and Africa,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “With planned spending on sustainable infrastructure in the region projected to reach $75.6 billion by 2030, we believe that Beam Global’s patented technology combined with Platinum’s unrivalled position should create a platform for growth which we are uniquely able to leverage. Platinum’s relationships with the best companies in the region and their government contacts, including at the highest level in the UAE and with entities like Masdar City, will allow Beam Middle East to secure direct audiences with top decision makers. Our technology is ideal for the region’s current and future plans, but this is a region where relationships matter just as much as products and solutions. That is why our joint venture with Platinum is so ideal – Beam’s tried and tested clean-technology solutions and Platinum’s influence and relationships form a combination that ticks all the boxes and is without rivals.”

    “The Platinum Group seeks out the highest quality, most timely and relevant companies in each of the industries we target. Beam Global’s unique and patented products are ideally suited to provide value to governments and businesses, as the Gulf region and beyond transitions to clean and sustainable technologies,” said Dr Ali Nasser Sultan Al Yahbouni Al Daheri, CEO of Platinum Group. “We are looking forward to ensuring that our new joint venture with Beam Global, forming Beam Middle East, is a highly successful enterprise with wins in the Middle East and increasingly in Africa. With abundant sunshine and fast-growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and energy storage, the region is perfect for Beam Global’s solutions. Energy security and Smart Cities solutions like those offered by Beam Middle East are at the forefront of government planning. Our timing is right, and our partnership is formed on mutual benefit from growth and success. We are delighted to have Beam Global as part of our growing family of businesses.”

    Middle East Market Overview Across Five Key Markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan

    • The number of EVs in the region is projected to grow from approximately 69.0 thousand in 2024 to approximately 1.5 million by 2030 (Table 1), representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 66.6%.
    • Assuming a 5.0% share of regional chargers using EV ARC™ units, the addressable revenue could reach $516.5 million by 2030.
    • If eBikes account for just 5.0% of total EV volume and follow the same growth trajectory (Table 2), BeamBike™ units could represent a $245.0 million revenue opportunity in the region by 2030.

    Middle East Market Overview: Abu Dhabi Case Study

    • The UAE eBike market is projected to reach $443.8 million by 2030. Assuming 15.0% of that spend goes toward charging infrastructure, and that Abu Dhabi accounts for 35.0% of the national market based on population, the addressable eBike charger market for BeamBike™ in Abu Dhabi is approximately $23.3 million.
    • A streetlight-to-population ratio based on New York City, applied to Abu Dhabi’s estimated 3.8 million residents (Table 3), suggests BeamSpot™ units could represent a potential revenue opportunity of approximately $322.1 million assuming a market penetration of 5.0%.
    • Using Abu Dhabi’s population and a comparable U.S. Police motorcycle fleet ratio (Table 4), the opportunity to electrify local law enforcement fleets with BeamPatrol™ units is estimated at approximately $2.4 million.
    • With over 5.8 million annual hotel guests, Abu Dhabi also offers a strong use case for BeamSkoot™ at resorts, both for logistics and recreational purposes. Assuming adoption rates of 10.0% (Table 5), the potential revenue opportunity for BeamSkoot™ units could reach approximately $10.0 million.

    The above scenarios are estimates only, based upon market data taken from internet resources. Beam Global believes these case studies can be replicated in other markets across the Middle East and Africa.

    Key Terms of the Agreement
    Beam Middle East LLC will be a 50/50 joint venture between Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE, incorporated in Abu Dhabi. Beam Global will license its proprietary technologies to the joint venture and support it with incoming opportunities, training, marketing materials, and procurement assistance. Platinum Group will leverage its existing relationships at the highest levels, coordinate local sales, provide experienced and influential business development professionals, and establish manufacturing capabilities efficiently and inexpensively. Both parties will collaborate on the development of a regional manufacturing facility for the products. Beam Middle East will be headquartered in Masdar City, a pioneering sustainable urban community and world-class business and technology hub, where Platinum Group has recently signed an agreement. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, strategically positioned at the center of the country’s drive toward a net-zero future by 2050.

    About Platinum Group UAE
    Platinum Group UAE is a diversified, multi-billion-dollar conglomerate operating in energy, real estate, finance and investing, healthcare, information technology, sports and entertainment, food services and legal services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Chaired by His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, son of the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Group is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry. Platinum Group UAE is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with offices in Dubai and Sharjah. For more information visit, PlatinumGroupUAE.com.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit, BeamForAll.comLinkedInYouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “may,” or similar expressions. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected benefits, market potential, and future operations of Beam Middle East LLC; anticipated revenue opportunities in the Middle East and African regions; projections regarding electric vehicle and infrastructure market growth; and strategic goals and international expansion plans of Beam Global.

    These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, risks associated with entering new markets and joint ventures, including regulatory and operational challenges; risks relating to the adoption of EV technologies and infrastructure in foreign jurisdictions; the ability to develop and scale manufacturing capabilities in the region; the effectiveness of partnerships; and general economic, political, and business conditions in the Middle East and Africa. Additional risks and uncertainties are detailed in Beam Global’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

    Beam Global disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1 858-327-9123
    Press@BeamForAll.com

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1 858-261-7646
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    Appendix 1 – Sources for Middle East Market Overview Sections

    Table 1 – Projected Growth of EV Adoption in the Middle East

      Number of EVs in 2024 Number of EVs in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 28,000 42,000
    Saudi Arabia 23,170 1,300,000
    Qatar 5,624 75,167
    Oman 2,200 13,500
    Jordan 10,000 45,000
         
    Total Number of EVs: 68,994 1,475,667

    Table 2 – Projected Growth of eBike Adoption in the Middle East Assuming 5% EV Market Share

      Number of eBikes in 2024 Number of eBikes in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 1,400 2,100
    Saudi Arabia 1,159 50,000
    Qatar 281 3,758
    Oman 110 675
    Jordan 500 2,250
         
    Total Number of eBikes: 3,450 58,783


    Table 3 – Estimated Number of Streetlights in Abu Dhabi Based on New York City’s Streetlight-to-Population Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Street Lights 400,000
    Number of Street Lights per Person 21
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    Number of Street Lights approx. 180,952

    Table 4 – Estimated Size of Abu Dhabi Police Motorcycle Fleet Based on a Comparable U.S. Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Police Motorcycles 115
    Number of People per Motorcycle 71,809
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    No. of Police Motorcycles approx. 53

    Table 5 – Estimated eScooter Demand in Abu Dhabi Based on Annual Number of Hotel Guests

    No. Hotel Guests in Abu Dhabi Annually: 5,811,000
       
    Scenario:  
    Number of Tourists Renting Annually (10%) 581,100
    Rentals per day 1,592
    Average Rentals per Scooter per Day 4
    eScooters Required 398

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE Sign Joint Venture Agreement Creating Beam Middle East LLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with the Platinum Group LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chaired by His Royal Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, the Platinum Group UAE is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry.

    Beam Global and the Platinum Group will form a new entity, Beam Middle East LLC, which will sell and manufacture Beam Global’s patented sustainable infrastructure solutions for transportation electrification, energy storage, energy security, and smart city development across the Middle East and African regions. This joint venture supports Beam Global’s strategy of geographic diversification by opening new markets and creating opportunities for revenue growth outside the United States. Beam Global, Beam Europe, and now Beam Middle East will each sell and manufacture the company’s full portfolio of patented sustainable technology solutions.

    “The Platinum Group is an organization of the highest reputation, influence and relationships in Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region. They are a perfect partner to accelerate Beam Global’s growth in the Middle East and Africa,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “With planned spending on sustainable infrastructure in the region projected to reach $75.6 billion by 2030, we believe that Beam Global’s patented technology combined with Platinum’s unrivalled position should create a platform for growth which we are uniquely able to leverage. Platinum’s relationships with the best companies in the region and their government contacts, including at the highest level in the UAE and with entities like Masdar City, will allow Beam Middle East to secure direct audiences with top decision makers. Our technology is ideal for the region’s current and future plans, but this is a region where relationships matter just as much as products and solutions. That is why our joint venture with Platinum is so ideal – Beam’s tried and tested clean-technology solutions and Platinum’s influence and relationships form a combination that ticks all the boxes and is without rivals.”

    “The Platinum Group seeks out the highest quality, most timely and relevant companies in each of the industries we target. Beam Global’s unique and patented products are ideally suited to provide value to governments and businesses, as the Gulf region and beyond transitions to clean and sustainable technologies,” said Dr Ali Nasser Sultan Al Yahbouni Al Daheri, CEO of Platinum Group. “We are looking forward to ensuring that our new joint venture with Beam Global, forming Beam Middle East, is a highly successful enterprise with wins in the Middle East and increasingly in Africa. With abundant sunshine and fast-growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and energy storage, the region is perfect for Beam Global’s solutions. Energy security and Smart Cities solutions like those offered by Beam Middle East are at the forefront of government planning. Our timing is right, and our partnership is formed on mutual benefit from growth and success. We are delighted to have Beam Global as part of our growing family of businesses.”

    Middle East Market Overview Across Five Key Markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan

    • The number of EVs in the region is projected to grow from approximately 69.0 thousand in 2024 to approximately 1.5 million by 2030 (Table 1), representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 66.6%.
    • Assuming a 5.0% share of regional chargers using EV ARC™ units, the addressable revenue could reach $516.5 million by 2030.
    • If eBikes account for just 5.0% of total EV volume and follow the same growth trajectory (Table 2), BeamBike™ units could represent a $245.0 million revenue opportunity in the region by 2030.

    Middle East Market Overview: Abu Dhabi Case Study

    • The UAE eBike market is projected to reach $443.8 million by 2030. Assuming 15.0% of that spend goes toward charging infrastructure, and that Abu Dhabi accounts for 35.0% of the national market based on population, the addressable eBike charger market for BeamBike™ in Abu Dhabi is approximately $23.3 million.
    • A streetlight-to-population ratio based on New York City, applied to Abu Dhabi’s estimated 3.8 million residents (Table 3), suggests BeamSpot™ units could represent a potential revenue opportunity of approximately $322.1 million assuming a market penetration of 5.0%.
    • Using Abu Dhabi’s population and a comparable U.S. Police motorcycle fleet ratio (Table 4), the opportunity to electrify local law enforcement fleets with BeamPatrol™ units is estimated at approximately $2.4 million.
    • With over 5.8 million annual hotel guests, Abu Dhabi also offers a strong use case for BeamSkoot™ at resorts, both for logistics and recreational purposes. Assuming adoption rates of 10.0% (Table 5), the potential revenue opportunity for BeamSkoot™ units could reach approximately $10.0 million.

    The above scenarios are estimates only, based upon market data taken from internet resources. Beam Global believes these case studies can be replicated in other markets across the Middle East and Africa.

    Key Terms of the Agreement
    Beam Middle East LLC will be a 50/50 joint venture between Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE, incorporated in Abu Dhabi. Beam Global will license its proprietary technologies to the joint venture and support it with incoming opportunities, training, marketing materials, and procurement assistance. Platinum Group will leverage its existing relationships at the highest levels, coordinate local sales, provide experienced and influential business development professionals, and establish manufacturing capabilities efficiently and inexpensively. Both parties will collaborate on the development of a regional manufacturing facility for the products. Beam Middle East will be headquartered in Masdar City, a pioneering sustainable urban community and world-class business and technology hub, where Platinum Group has recently signed an agreement. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, strategically positioned at the center of the country’s drive toward a net-zero future by 2050.

    About Platinum Group UAE
    Platinum Group UAE is a diversified, multi-billion-dollar conglomerate operating in energy, real estate, finance and investing, healthcare, information technology, sports and entertainment, food services and legal services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Chaired by His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, son of the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Group is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry. Platinum Group UAE is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with offices in Dubai and Sharjah. For more information visit, PlatinumGroupUAE.com.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit, BeamForAll.comLinkedInYouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “may,” or similar expressions. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected benefits, market potential, and future operations of Beam Middle East LLC; anticipated revenue opportunities in the Middle East and African regions; projections regarding electric vehicle and infrastructure market growth; and strategic goals and international expansion plans of Beam Global.

    These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, risks associated with entering new markets and joint ventures, including regulatory and operational challenges; risks relating to the adoption of EV technologies and infrastructure in foreign jurisdictions; the ability to develop and scale manufacturing capabilities in the region; the effectiveness of partnerships; and general economic, political, and business conditions in the Middle East and Africa. Additional risks and uncertainties are detailed in Beam Global’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

    Beam Global disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1 858-327-9123
    Press@BeamForAll.com

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1 858-261-7646
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    Appendix 1 – Sources for Middle East Market Overview Sections

    Table 1 – Projected Growth of EV Adoption in the Middle East

      Number of EVs in 2024 Number of EVs in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 28,000 42,000
    Saudi Arabia 23,170 1,300,000
    Qatar 5,624 75,167
    Oman 2,200 13,500
    Jordan 10,000 45,000
         
    Total Number of EVs: 68,994 1,475,667

    Table 2 – Projected Growth of eBike Adoption in the Middle East Assuming 5% EV Market Share

      Number of eBikes in 2024 Number of eBikes in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 1,400 2,100
    Saudi Arabia 1,159 50,000
    Qatar 281 3,758
    Oman 110 675
    Jordan 500 2,250
         
    Total Number of eBikes: 3,450 58,783


    Table 3 – Estimated Number of Streetlights in Abu Dhabi Based on New York City’s Streetlight-to-Population Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Street Lights 400,000
    Number of Street Lights per Person 21
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    Number of Street Lights approx. 180,952

    Table 4 – Estimated Size of Abu Dhabi Police Motorcycle Fleet Based on a Comparable U.S. Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Police Motorcycles 115
    Number of People per Motorcycle 71,809
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    No. of Police Motorcycles approx. 53

    Table 5 – Estimated eScooter Demand in Abu Dhabi Based on Annual Number of Hotel Guests

    No. Hotel Guests in Abu Dhabi Annually: 5,811,000
       
    Scenario:  
    Number of Tourists Renting Annually (10%) 581,100
    Rentals per day 1,592
    Average Rentals per Scooter per Day 4
    eScooters Required 398

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Ambow and University of the West Partner to Expand Global Access to U.S. Higher Education Through the HybriU Phygital Innovation Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CUPERTINO, Calif., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ambow Education Holding Ltd. (NYSE American: AMBO), a global leader in EdTech and AI-driven phygital innovation, today announced a new partnership with University of the West (“UWest”) to expand access to U.S.-based higher education for international students through HybriU Education, Ambow’s comprehensive phygital (physical + digital) learning solution.

    Through this partnership, UWest will utilize Ambow’s all-in-one HybriU technology platform to deliver real-time courses directly from its U.S. campus. The platform enables seamless interaction and collaboration between faculty, on-site classroom learners, and remote students around the world. The partnership enhances UWest’s ability to serve a broad global student base and continue to enroll international students who may be unable to travel to the U.S. due to travel or visa-related challenges, while maintaining academic continuity and student support standards. 

    “UWest shares our vision of inclusive, borderless education,” said Dr. Jin Huang, CEO of Ambow Education. “Together, we’re empowering students worldwide to begin their academic journey without delays caused by visa restrictions—offering the same rigorous curriculum and fully accredited outcomes as their peers on campus.”

    HybriU goes beyond traditional video classrooms by combining lecture capture, connectivity, AI, 3D immersive technology, and teaching evaluation into one plug-and-play platform. This allows instructors to focus on teaching, while AI manages the technology in the background.

    With HybriU, physical classrooms are transformed into connected spaces that seamlessly integrate on-site and remote learners. The platform replaces outdated e-learning tools and smart classrooms, offering remote students an experience that closely mirrors being physically present. Features such as real-time multilingual interaction, AI-powered adaptive instruction, and learning analytics enhance engagement and make education more flexible, personalized, and scalable.

    University of the West, located in Rosemead, California, is a private, nonprofit university recognized for its values-driven approach to whole-person education. With a commitment to intercultural understanding and global engagement, UWest prepares students for success in today’s dynamic and interconnected world.

    International students make up a significant part of UWest’s student population. By integrating the HybriU platform into its instructional model, the university can better support remote learners and expand its global reach.

    About Ambow

    Ambow Education Holding Ltd. is a U.S.-based, AI-driven technology company offering phygital (physical + digital) innovation for education, corporate conferencing and live events. Through its flagship platform, HybriU, Ambow is shaping the future of learning, collaboration and communication—delivering immersive, intelligent, real-time experiences across industries. For more information, visit Ambow’s corporate website at https://www.ambow.com/.

    Follow us on X: @Ambow_Education
    Follow us on LinkedIn: Ambow-education-group

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about Ambow and the industry. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and Ambow undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Ambow believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

    For more information, please contact:

    Ambow Education Holding Ltd.
    E-mail: ir@ambow.com
    or
    Piacente Financial Communications
    Tel: +1 212 481 2050
    E-mail: ambow@tpg-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Ambow and University of the West Partner to Expand Global Access to U.S. Higher Education Through the HybriU Phygital Innovation Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CUPERTINO, Calif., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ambow Education Holding Ltd. (NYSE American: AMBO), a global leader in EdTech and AI-driven phygital innovation, today announced a new partnership with University of the West (“UWest”) to expand access to U.S.-based higher education for international students through HybriU Education, Ambow’s comprehensive phygital (physical + digital) learning solution.

    Through this partnership, UWest will utilize Ambow’s all-in-one HybriU technology platform to deliver real-time courses directly from its U.S. campus. The platform enables seamless interaction and collaboration between faculty, on-site classroom learners, and remote students around the world. The partnership enhances UWest’s ability to serve a broad global student base and continue to enroll international students who may be unable to travel to the U.S. due to travel or visa-related challenges, while maintaining academic continuity and student support standards. 

    “UWest shares our vision of inclusive, borderless education,” said Dr. Jin Huang, CEO of Ambow Education. “Together, we’re empowering students worldwide to begin their academic journey without delays caused by visa restrictions—offering the same rigorous curriculum and fully accredited outcomes as their peers on campus.”

    HybriU goes beyond traditional video classrooms by combining lecture capture, connectivity, AI, 3D immersive technology, and teaching evaluation into one plug-and-play platform. This allows instructors to focus on teaching, while AI manages the technology in the background.

    With HybriU, physical classrooms are transformed into connected spaces that seamlessly integrate on-site and remote learners. The platform replaces outdated e-learning tools and smart classrooms, offering remote students an experience that closely mirrors being physically present. Features such as real-time multilingual interaction, AI-powered adaptive instruction, and learning analytics enhance engagement and make education more flexible, personalized, and scalable.

    University of the West, located in Rosemead, California, is a private, nonprofit university recognized for its values-driven approach to whole-person education. With a commitment to intercultural understanding and global engagement, UWest prepares students for success in today’s dynamic and interconnected world.

    International students make up a significant part of UWest’s student population. By integrating the HybriU platform into its instructional model, the university can better support remote learners and expand its global reach.

    About Ambow

    Ambow Education Holding Ltd. is a U.S.-based, AI-driven technology company offering phygital (physical + digital) innovation for education, corporate conferencing and live events. Through its flagship platform, HybriU, Ambow is shaping the future of learning, collaboration and communication—delivering immersive, intelligent, real-time experiences across industries. For more information, visit Ambow’s corporate website at https://www.ambow.com/.

    Follow us on X: @Ambow_Education
    Follow us on LinkedIn: Ambow-education-group

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about Ambow and the industry. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and Ambow undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Ambow believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

    For more information, please contact:

    Ambow Education Holding Ltd.
    E-mail: ir@ambow.com
    or
    Piacente Financial Communications
    Tel: +1 212 481 2050
    E-mail: ambow@tpg-ir.com

    The MIL Network