Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: BTQ Technologies Corp. to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference April 3rd

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTQ Technologies Corp. (OTCQX: BTQQF) (CBOE CA: BTQ) (FSE: NG3), a global quantum technology company focused on securing mission-critical networks, today announced that Nicolas Roussy Newton, Co-Founder and COO will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on April 3rd, 2025.

    This live presentation, led by COO Nicolas Roussy, will cover BTQ’s strategic growth plan, outline its global research initiatives currently underway and detail recent partnerships aimed at accelerating the commercialization of its advanced post quantum solutions.

    DATE: Thursday April 3, 2025
    TIME: 11:30am EST
    LINK: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

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

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

    Recent BTQ Highlights:

    About BTQ
    BTQ was founded by a group of post-quantum cryptographers with an interest in addressing the urgent security threat posed by large-scale universal quantum computers. With the support of leading research institutes and universities, BTQ is combining software and hardware to safeguard critical networks using unique post-quantum services and solutions.

    Connect with BTQ: Website | LinkedIn

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

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

    CONTACTS:
    BTQ Technologies Corp.
    Bill Mitoulas
    Investor Relations
    +1.416.479.9547
    bill@btq.com 

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

    Neither CBOE Canada nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New trial awards quota to fishers delivering sustainability and growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New trial awards quota to fishers delivering sustainability and growth

    UK fishers demonstrating environmental, social, and economic benefits from quota use to be awarded additional quota.

    UK fishers demonstrating how they will deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits will be awarded with additional quota this week.

    Following last year’s successful pilot, the 2025 Quota Application Mechanism trial has been expanded to include English non-sectoral over-10-metre vessels alongside producer organisations with English members.

    Around 8,658.8 tonnes of quota will be awarded to applicants who scored highest against the environmental, social, and economic criteria based on how they will use the additional allocation.

    Measures to be rewarded include:

    • investments in improved fishing gear, reducing environmental impacts while enhancing selectivity to minimize unwanted catches;
    • acoustic deterrents to help protect vulnerable marine wildlife by preventing accidental entanglement in fishing gear;
    • employment of local crew, strengthening coastal communities by providing sustainable livelihoods and preserving traditional fishing heritage;
    • vessel upgrades focused on crew safety and welfare to ensure that fishing remains a viable career with improved working conditions.

    Amongst other stocks, 535 tonnes of North Sea Cod, 1162 tonnes of North Sea Saithe, and 213 tonnes of Western Skates and Rays will be awarded to sectoral and non-sector fishers.

    Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

    I’m delighted to see the expanded Quota Application Mechanism rewarding fishers who demonstrate clear commitments to sustainability.

    By allocating quota based on environmental, social, and economic criteria, we’re charting a new course for UK fisheries that balances conservation with economic prosperity. It’s a vital step towards building a sustainable and profitable fishing industry, as part of our Plan for Change.

    Dale Rodmell, Chief Executive of Eastern England Fish Producers Organisation Ltd. said:

    We appreciate the efforts made by the government to make a new approach to quota allocation work. 

    It recognises the efforts we are making to realise environmental, social and economic benefits from under-utilised and additional quota resulting from the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

    Paul Stone, Director of Stone Marine Services (South West) Ltd, said:

    It’s really something to help diversify and enables us to free up more options and rest areas which are tight for quota, helping us to fish sustainably. It’s been life-changing to the company; it makes life easier for the crew and the fish quality is better.

    It’s nice to be recognised. As a small private company, it means a heck of a lot.

    Shaun Hayter, Director of Bubba Shrimp Ltd, said:

    Being awarded this quota will make a massive difference. It will keep us fishing all year and the crew busy. It gives other grounds a rest and makes everything financially viable.

    I’ve been really looking forward to this year and so has the crew. It’s a massive opportunity and seems like a step in the right direction.

    The quota has been drawn from England’s additional quota allocation and anticipated underutilised non-sectoral quota.

    This trial represents a significant shift from standard quota allocation methods, introducing a criteria-based approach that aims to enhance sustainable fisheries management by considering broader environmental outcomes alongside the social and economic interests of fishing communities.

    Lessons from this trial will shape how fishing quotas are allocated in the future, helping protect fish stocks and support fishing communities for the long-term.

    Further information

    The breakdown of tonnages to be awarded as a part of the 2025 Quota Application Mechanism is as follows:

    • 535.2 tonnes of North Sea Cod (165.5T of this is to the non-sector)
    • 1166.7 tonnes of North Sea Saithe (24.7T of this is to the non-sector)
    • 2830 tonnes of North Sea Herring (20T of this is to the non-sector)
    • 212.9 tonnes of Western Skates and Rays (75T of this is to the non-sector)
    • 3914 tonnes of Western Mackerel (4T of this is to the non-sector)
    • This is subject to the applicants accepting the Quota.

    Eastern England Fish Producers Organisation was awarded:

    • 369.7T of Cod North Sea
    • 1141.7T of Saithe North Sea
    • 155T of Herring North Sea
    • 137.9T of Skates & Rays Western
    • 1340T of Mackerel Western

    Humberside Fish Producers’ Organisation was awarded:

    • 2655T of Herring North Sea
    • 2570T of Mackerel Western

    As part of the conditions for receiving the quota, applicants have committed to delivering a range of benefits including:

    Environmental performance

    • Advanced monitoring technologies like remote electronic monitoring provide real-time data on fishing activities, supporting sustainable management of marine resources.
    • Investments in improved fishing gear, reducing environmental impacts while enhancing selectivity to minimize unwanted catches.
    • Participation in scientific studies to contribute vital information that strengthens our understanding of marine ecosystems and stock health.
    • Fuel-saving techniques to not only reduce operational costs but also lower carbon emissions.
    • Acoustic deterrents to help protect vulnerable marine wildlife by preventing accidental entanglement in fishing gear.

    Social contribution

    • Employment of local crew, strengthening coastal communities by providing sustainable livelihoods and preserving traditional fishing heritage.
    • Vessel upgrades focused on crew safety and welfare ensure that fishing remains a viable career with improved working conditions.
    • Engagement with local apprenticeship schemes to create pathways for young people to enter the industry, securing its future.
    • Participation in careers fairs to raise awareness about opportunities in the fishing sector, attracting diverse talent to the industry.

    Economic benefits

    • Landings into UK ports stimulate local economies through direct employment and supporting additional dockside businesses.
    • Supply to local and domestic processors strengthens our food security while adding value to catches within the UK economy.
    • Use of local business services creates multiplier effects, where fishing activity supports a broader network of maritime and coastal enterprises.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cold Lake — Cold Lake RCMP seize drugs and guns after successful operation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Cold Lake RCMP General Investigations Section (GIS) have concluded a long-term drug trafficking investigation in Cold Lake and surrounding area dubbed Project K-NANOSECOND. With the assistance of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) in Lloydminster and Edmonton, Cold Lake GIS embarked on an investigation into a group of individuals trafficking cocaine which has resulted in one of the largest drug seizures ever made in Cold Lake and surrounding area.

    On Feb. 25, 2025, with the assistance of Lloydminster ALERT, Edmonton ALERT, the RCMP Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, the RCMP Community Response Team in Edmonton, Bonnyville GIS, Police Dog Services, and members of the Cold Lake RCMP, Cold Lake GIS executed six separate search warrants in various locations. Three residences, as well as a commercial property in Cold Lake, were searched along with a residence in the hamlet of Ardmore, Alta. and a dwelling unit in the city of Edmonton.

    As a result of this investigation, the following has been seized:

    • Approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine;
    • Approximately one kilogram of suspected fentanyl;
    • Approximately five kilograms of a suspected cocaine cutting agent, benzocaine;
    • Approximately $68,000.00 in Canadian currency;
    • 23 Firearms, including 4 restricted handguns;
    • A Range Rover SUV and a Ford F350 Super duty Truck.

    As a result of this investigation, three individuals have been charged:

    A 31-year-old individual, a resident of Cold Lake, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking;
    • Possession of Proceeds of Crime;
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
    • Possession of a prohibited weapon.

    A 62-year-old individual, a resident of Cold Lake, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking;
    • Possession of Proceeds of Crime;
    • Careless Use of a Firearm;
    • Possession of a Prohibited Device.

    A 33-year-old individual, a resident of Ardmore Alta., has been charged with the following offences with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance.

    All individuals were held for a judicial interim hearing and released with conditions to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Cold Lake on March 19, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Antitrust Hearing, Welch Calls Out President Trump for Firing FTC Commissioners and Presses the Need for Right to Repair Legislation 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) called out President Trump for firing Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and discussed the importance of a fully-functioning FTC, which protects consumers from rip-offs. Senator Welch served as Ranking Member of the subcommittee while Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) held the floor with a marathon speech, which lasted more than 24 hours. 
    “I do want to address one thing that has disturbed me and it’s what happened at the FTC. [The FTC] is an organization that is about protecting against unfair competition, and we need five people on it and two have been fired. They happened to be the Democrats. There’s always been a five-person FTC—three of the majority party and two from the minority party and it shifts back and forth. I just want to express my dissatisfaction and dismay at that because that FTC does things that are absolutely helpful to protecting consumers from this abusive pricing power,” said Senator Welch in the hearing.  
    Senator Welch continued: “[The FTC] stopped a consolidation of Kroger and Albertsons, which most economists thought was going to raise food prices for those folks in Utah and those folks in Vermont. They brought an Administrative Complaint against the prescription benefit managers. And it’s such a rip-off what’s happening to everyday consumers and employers, by the way, who pay a lot of money for employer-sponsored health care, and they have no visibility, no transparency, into how much people are getting charged. It hurts small employers and big employers in your state and mine.  The FTC was on that case. They’re on another matter that is near and dear to Vermont farmers—the right to repair. How in the world is it that you can’t, if you own a tractor, repair it yourself?…The FTC was looking into that, and I think farmers in Florida, farmers in Utah, farmers if Illinois, if they can figure out how to repair it themselves, they shouldn’t have to get ripped off by not having a right to repair. I know there is some bipartisan support for that. We had an FTC that was on all three of those cases.” 
    In response to a question about right to repair legislation, Morgan Harper, a witness from the American Economic Liberties Project said: “It’s not fair – [that’s] the short of it. And even though it’s a different market area I think a lot of the principles are relevant for this discussion of Big Tech in the fact that there is litigation to address that, and the FTC is looking into it. It’s exactly like you said—one of the reasons why we have to make sure we have strong commissioners.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s opening remarks in the hearing: 
    Watch the full hearing.
    ■■■ 
    Senator Welch’s Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress include:   
    Senate Committee on Finance   
    Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry  
    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit   
    Senate Committee on the Judiciary  
    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution   
    Senate Committee on Rules & Administration  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Donegal Group Inc. Announces Release Date for First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MARIETTA, Pa., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Donegal Group Inc. (NASDAQ:DGICA) and (NASDAQ:DGICB) announced today that it plans to release its results for first quarter ended March 31, 2025, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, before the opening of regular trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Company will provide a supplemental investor presentation in the Investors section of its website at investors.donegalgroup.com, concurrently with its earnings press release.

    At approximately 8:30 am ET on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Company will make available in the Investors section of its website a pre-recorded audio webcast featuring management commentary by Kevin Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer; Jeffrey Miller, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and select members of the senior management team. A pre-recorded question and answer session will follow formal remarks by management. Questions for consideration should be submitted via e-mail to investors@donegalgroup.com by 5:00 pm ET on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

    About Donegal Group Inc.

    Donegal Group Inc. is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in 21 Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, Southern and Southwestern states. Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and its insurance subsidiaries conduct business together with the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group Inc. as the Donegal Insurance Group. The Donegal Insurance Group has an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent).

    The Class A common stock and Class B common stock of Donegal Group Inc. trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols DGICA and DGICB, respectively. The Company is focused on several primary strategies, including achieving sustained excellent financial performance, strategically modernizing its operations and processes to transform its business, capitalizing on opportunities to grow profitably and providing superior experiences to its agents, customers and employees.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Karin Daly
    Vice President, The Equity Group Inc.
    Phone: (212) 836-9623
    E-mail: kdaly@equityny.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Trust Stamp Denmark Joins Mastercard Lighthouse MASSIV Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COPENHAGEN, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trust Stamp (Nasdaq: IDAI), the Privacy-First Identity Company™ has been selected as one of the five companies to join the competitive Mastercard Lighthouse MASSIV 2025 program. The initiative supports impact-driven technology companies addressing critical global challenges through strategic partnerships, and Trust Stamp’s selection for the program underscores its innovative, privacy-first identity solutions and its potential to drive meaningful social impact on a global scale.

    The Mastercard Lighthouse MASSIV program is a globally recognized platform that provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and strategic resources to companies that develop scalable and impactful technologies. By joining this program, Trust Stamp Denmark will collaborate with Mastercard and industry leaders to scale its impact and extend the reach of its privacy-first identity solutions. The company will focus on advancing financial inclusion, supporting humanitarian aid efforts, and enabling secure digital access for underserved communities. This partnership reinforces Trust Stamp Denmark’s commitment to ethical, privacy-focused identity solutions that drive financial inclusion and digital transformation on a global scale.

    Trust Stamp delivers privacy-first, interoperable identity solutions that empower underserved communities to securely access essential services without compromising personal data. By irreversibly converting biometrics into tokens using proprietary technology, Trust Stamp enhances fraud prevention, operational efficiency, and digital inclusion while ensuring the highest standards of security and privacy.

    “We are very excited to grow our engagement with Mastercard through the Lighthouse MASSIV program. Financial and societal inclusion is at the core of our Mission and by working with Mastercard we have the potential to improve the lives of tens of millions of people. By advocating for adaptable identity solutions and breaking vendor lock-in, we, together with partners in the MASSIV PROGRAM, can empower governments and organizations to implement sustainable and future-proof digital identity systems that prioritize universality, security, and privacy,” said Jonathan Patscheider, Vice President of Trust Stamp Denmark.

    Trust Stamp’s AI-powered identity solutions are designed to provide security and trust in digital transactions while preserving user privacy. As part of the Mastercard Lighthouse MASSIV program, Trust Stamp Denmark will collaborate with Mastercard and industry leaders to drive innovation in identity technology, creating sustainable and scalable solutions that empower individuals and organizations worldwide.

    For more information about Trust Stamp and its initiatives, visit www.truststamp.ai.

    Inquiries
    Trust Stamp                                                   Email: Shareholders@truststamp.ai

    Jonathan Patscheider

    Vice President, Trust Stamp Denmark         

    About Trust Stamp

    Trust Stamp is a global provider of AI-powered services for use in multiple sectors including banking and finance, regulatory compliance, government, healthcare, real estate, communications, and humanitarian services. Its technology empowers organizations via advanced solutions that reduce fraud, tokenize and secure data, securely authenticate users while protecting personal privacy, reduce friction in digital transactions, and increase operational efficiency, enabling customers to accelerate secure financial inclusion and reach and serve a broader base of users worldwide.

    With team members from twenty-two nationalities in eight countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Trust Stamp trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market (Nasdaq: IDAI).

    Safe Harbor Statement: Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Remarks 

    All statements in this release that are not based on historical fact are “forward-looking statements” including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The information in this announcement may contain forward-looking statements and information related to, among other things, the company, its business plan and strategy, and its industry. These statements reflect management’s current views with respect to future events-based information currently available and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The company does not undertake any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after such date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Real Matters to Announce Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results on April 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Real Matters Inc. (“Real Matters”), a leading network management services provider for the mortgage lending and insurance industries, will announce its second quarter fiscal 2025 financial results via news release on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, before market open.

    Conference Call and Webcast
    A conference call to review the results will take place at 10:00 a.m. (ET) on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, hosted by Chief Executive Officer Brian Lang and Chief Financial Officer Rodrigo Pinto. An accompanying slide presentation will be posted to the Investor Relations section of our website shortly before the call.

    Conference call dial-in:

    • Participants can dial-in to the conference call; however, pre-registration is required. To register, visit: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIb410bf1804714fc98c4a22b2351db181.
    • Once registered, you will receive an email including dial-in details and a unique access code required to join the live call.
    • Please ensure you have registered at least 10 minutes prior to the conference call start time.

    To listen to the live webcast of the call:

    The webcast will be archived and a transcript of the call will be available in the Investor Relations section of our website following the call.

    About Real Matters
    Real Matters is a leading network management services provider for the mortgage lending and insurance industries. Real Matters’ platform combines its proprietary technology and network management capabilities with tens of thousands of independent qualified field professionals to create an efficient marketplace for the provision of mortgage lending and insurance industry services. Our clients include top 100 mortgage lenders in the U.S. and some of the largest banks and insurance companies in Canada. We are a leading independent provider of residential real estate appraisals to the mortgage market and a leading independent provider of title and mortgage closing services in the U.S. Headquartered in Markham (ON), Real Matters has principal offices in Buffalo (NY) and Middletown (RI). Real Matters is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol REAL. For more information, visit www.realmatters.com.

    For more information:
    Lyne Beauregard
    Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
    Real Matters
    lbeauregard@realmatters.com
    416.994.5930

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches Free Crypto Transfers, 100x Leverage Crypto Trading, No KYC, and Double Deposit Bonus

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BexBack is reshaping the way traders engage with the cryptocurrency market by offering groundbreaking features that simplify and enhance trading experiences. With the introduction of free crypto transfers, 100x leverage, and No KYC requirements, BexBack provides a seamless and efficient platform to capitalize on crypto market volatility.

    Key Features of BexBack:

    1. Free Crypto Transfers
      BexBack now enables free transfers between cryptocurrencies with no fees when moving funds from one crypto asset to another, including BTC, ETH, USDT, and more. This makes it easy to manage your portfolio without the additional cost of conversion fees.
    2. 100x Leverage on Crypto Trading
      Take your crypto trading to the next level with 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and many other top cryptocurrencies. Maximize your profit potential while managing risk carefully with higher leverage for large returns.
    3. No KYC Requirements
      No KYC means no long, tedious identity verification process. Open an account and start trading instantly without the hassle of submitting sensitive personal documents. This provides a faster, more convenient entry point for both new and experienced traders.
    4. Double Deposit Bonus

      Double your investment with BexBack’s 100% deposit bonus. Whether you’re a new or existing user, every deposit greater than 0.001 BTC or 100 USDT qualifies for this bonus, giving you more capital to trade with and increasing your profit opportunities.
    5. User-Friendly Interface
      BexBack is designed to be accessible to both beginners and professional traders, with an intuitive interface that allows you to trade seamlessly across the platform. From placing high-leverage trades to managing your portfolio, BexBack makes it easy.

    Why Choose BexBack?

    • Free Crypto Transfers: No fees for transferring between cryptocurrencies.
    • 100x Leverage Trading: Maximize profits with up to 100x leverage.
    • No KYC: Start trading instantly, with no need for identity verification.
    • Double Deposit Bonus: Get more funds to trade and amplify potential returns.
    • Wide Range of Supported Cryptocurrencies: Access to more than 50+ cryptocurrencies for trading.
    • Comprehensive Customer Support: 24/7 support to assist you with any questions or issues.

    Take Action Today – Don’t Miss Out!

    If you’re ready to take your crypto trading experience to the next level, BexBack is the platform to join. With no KYC, free crypto transfers, and a 100% deposit bonus, there has never been a better time to trade with high leverage and maximize your potential returns.

    Sign up now at www.bexback.com, claim your exclusive bonus, and start trading with 100x leverage today!

    About BexBack:
    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering high-leverage trading, fast execution, and low fees. Headquartered in Singapore, BexBack is committed to providing traders with a reliable, transparent, and secure trading environment, supporting over 500,000 traders worldwide.

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

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    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ukraine Donor Platform confirms support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Ukraine Donor Platform confirms support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction

    The Ukraine Donor Platform’s Steering Committee held its thirteenth meeting today, gathering for the second time in person in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv.

    The meeting brought together senior representatives of Platform members, observers and international financial institutions. 

    The UK reiterated our absolute commitment to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and is engaging with key allies in support of this effort. The UK reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine and our determination to contribute to Ukraine’s long-term economic stability, resilience, and recovery. 

    Budget financing needs 

    Finance Minister Marchenko confirmed Ukraine’s external financing needs for 2025, projected at USD 39.3 billion. Through joint efforts, including the financing being mobilised by the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan initiative, resources have been secured to cover its external budget financing needs for 2025. 

    Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK’s total military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine amounts to £15 billion: £10 billion in military support (including our £2.26 billion ERA Loan contribution), and £5 billion in non-military support. The UK’s non-military support comprises £4.1 billion in fiscal support through World Bank loan guarantees to bolster Ukraine’s economic stability and support vital public services, and £977million in bilateral support, including £477million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the region since the start of the full-scale invasion.  

    Recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine 

    Ukraine presented its top recovery and reconstruction priorities for 2025, based on the fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment and the Single Project Pipeline established by the Government of Ukraine: energy, heating, water supply and sanitation, housing and transport. Delivering effective support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction is a key priority for the Platform and donors committed to further strengthen their engagement on this track. The UK emphasised the importance of long-term planning for recovery and reconstruction, including efforts to support social recovery which will be vital for underpinning economic recovery. 

    Ukraine has withstood the winter season, surmounting the impact of Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure, with the strong support of the donor community. The UK will continue to support Ukraine in realising its vision of a cleaner, more modern, decentralised energy system.  

    The UK and other partners noted the importance of insurance for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction and for supporting international trade and investment. Work continues on facilitating a return of global reinsurance businesses to Ukraine. 

    Reforms driving sustainable growth and progress towards EU accession 

    Many participants welcomed Ukraine’s strong and continuing progress on reforms, including on the implementation of the Ukraine Plan, which are essential to improve the business climate, attract foreign direct investment and support economic development, and support Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic trajectory.  

    Enhancing public investment management for recovery and reconstruction 

    Ukraine updated on its progress towards an effective, transparent and well-coordinated public investment management system, which is crucial for its successful recovery and reconstruction. An integral part will be the two project preparation facilities under development – the Ukraine PPF, to be administered by the Government of Ukraine with support from the World Bank, and Ukraine FIRST, to be administered by the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The facilities are expected to be operational by the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025), which will take place in Rome on 10-11 July, hosted by the Governments of Italy and Ukraine. 

    Stakeholder engagement 

    The Steering Committee discussed the Business Advisory Council’s latest input and commended its members’ efforts to identify concrete steps to boost private sector investment in Ukraine. It also held a productive exchange of views with representatives of Ukrainian civil society, with a focus on human capital. This discussion also served as a preparatory event for the human dimension of URC 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbia Man Sentenced to More than 12 Years Federal Prison for Federal Firearm Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Everette Kale Wanamaker, 37, of Orangeburg, has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

    Evidence presented to the court showed that on multiple occasions between November 2022 and February 2023, Wanamaker sold 15 firearms, including firearms with high-capacity magazines and obliterated serial numbers to undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Wanamaker also sold approximately 30 grams of fentanyl and 55 grams of counterfeit heroin to undercover agents. On Feb. 13, 2023, Wanamaker was arrested with three additional firearms, including one that was stolen and 28 grams of fentanyl.

    Wanamaker is a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Wanamaker has prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, domestic violence 2nd degree, financial identity fraud, possession of heroin and possession of methamphetamine.

    United States District Mary Geiger-Lewis sentenced Wanamaker to 151 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: From Greenland to the Blockchain: NORDO Meme Coin Turns Trump’s Arctic Ambition into Viral Political Satire

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NUUK, Greenland, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new crypto project is grabbing attention by mixing humor, politics, and polar bears. NORDO, a meme coin inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s infamous 2019 proposal to “buy Greenland,” has transformed a real-world political controversy into a thriving meme-based movement on the blockchain.

    The Origin: A Political Gaffe Becomes a Meme

    In 2019, Trump publicly floated the idea of purchasing Greenland from Denmark. The suggestion sparked global ridicule and was firmly rejected by Danish and Greenlandic officials. Soon after, “Greenland is not for sale” became a viral meme.

    Now, in 2025, that meme has evolved into NORDO, a satirical crypto project built around a fictional conflict between Trump and a defiant polar bear protecting Greenland’s sovereignty and climate.

    What is NORDO?

    NORDO is more than a meme coin—it’s a platform for political commentary, digital creativity, and community-driven humor. The project uses storytelling and satire to highlight issues such as:

    • Climate change awareness
    • Political absurdity and internet culture
    • Decentralized community engagement
    • Memes as tools of activism and resistance

    Trump’s exaggerated persona and the image of a stoic polar bear defending the Arctic form the core of NORDO’s visual identity and meme ecosystem.

    Viral Growth and Online Movement

    NORDO has exploded across Twitter, TikTok, and Telegram, driven by a dedicated meme community. The project’s slogan, “Democracy has claws”, has become a viral catchphrase, often shared alongside satirical videos of Trump being outwitted or stopped by the arctic bear.

    NORDO’s official Twitter account @GreenlandBear, posts daily political memes, cold climate jokes, and social commentary wrapped in meme format, gaining attention from both crypto enthusiasts and casual meme lovers.

    Official Links

    Website: nordobear.com
    Twitter: @GreenlandBear
    Telegram: t.me/greenlandnordo

    Contact:
    Steven
    rarebear@nordo.wtf

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the NORDO. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6776fd94-5786-41ef-a1ba-7d8cbd524c0a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: HydroGraph to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference April 3rd

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HydroGraph Clean Power Inc. (CSE: ‎HG) (OTCQB: HGRAF) (the “Company” or “HydroGraph”), a sustainable commercial manufacturer of pristine graphene, (the “Company”), today announced that President & CEO Kjirstin Breure will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on April 3rd, 2025

    DATE: April 3, 2025
    TIME: 11:00a.m Eastern Time
    LINK: REGISTER HERE
    Available for 1×1 meetings: April 3 and April 8

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

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

    HydroGraph provides high purity, functional and specialized graphene products through a proprietary “explosion synthesis” process, which allows for exceptional purity, low energy use and identical batches. In 2024, the Company’s graphene products were selected for testing and use in a number of key projects across the battery materials, supercapacitor, medical device and diagnostics, plastics manufacturing, construction and other industries across a global customer base. In 2025, the Company expects to begin commercializing these programs through its first major supply contracts with these customers and others, expanding its application development capabilities and introducing new product lines. The Company is positioned to open additional production capacity in sync with demand growth, access higher volume supply of key hydrocarbon inputs used in its patented explosion synthesis process and lay the groundwork for improved margin efficiency as it scales throughput volume.

    Investors wishing to schedule a meeting should contact their respective conference representatives, or Matt Kreps, investor relations for HydroGraph, at mkreps@darrowir.com.

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

    About HydroGraph

    HydroGraph Clean Power Inc is a leading producer of pristine graphene using an “explosion synthesis” process, which allows for exceptional purity, low energy use and identical batches. The quality, performance and consistency of HydroGraph’s graphene follows the Graphene Council’s Verified Graphene Producer® standards, of which very few graphene producers are able to meet. For more information or to learn about the HydroGraph story, visit: https://hydrograph.com/.

    For company updates, please follow HydroGraph on LinkedIn and X.

    The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

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

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “upon” “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to: closing of the Offering; anticipated use of proceeds; expected closing date of the Offering; payment of finder’s fees; ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; the statements in regard to existing and future products of the Company; the Company’s plans and strategies. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of HydroGraph to control or predict, that may cause HydroGraph’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: HydroGraph’s ability to implement its business strategies; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; stakeholder engagement; marketing and transportation costs; loss of markets; volatility of commodity prices; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; industry and government regulation; changes in legislation, income tax and regulatory matters; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations; and other risks. HydroGraph does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available.

    CONTACTS:

    HydroGraph Investor Relations
    Matt Kreps, Darrow Associates IR
    mkreps@darrowir.com

    Kjirstin Breure, President and CEO
    kjirstin.breure@hydrograph.com
    480-267-2556

    HydroGraph Media Contact
    Raven Carpenter, Fox Agency
    hydrograph@fox.agency

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Kevin Mullins Joins Advisory Board of Alternative Ballistics Corporation to Drive Innovation in Public Safety Technology

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Las Vegas, Nevada, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alternative Ballistics Corporation, An innovative public safety technology company, is pleased to announce that Kevin Mullins, former President/CEO of WRAP Technologies, has joined the company’s Advisory Board.

    Mullins brings extensive leadership experience in public safety solutions, with a proven track record of driving innovation and strategic growth in the law enforcement technology sector. His deep understanding of advanced policing tools and commitment to enhancing officers and public safety will be instrumental as Alternative Ballistics continues to expand its impact in the field both domestically and internationally.

    “I am honored to join the Advisory Board of Alternative Ballistics Corporation,” said Kevin Mullins. “The company is at the forefront of developing solutions that bridge the gap between officer safety and responsible force mitigation. I look forward to contributing to their mission and supporting their continued growth.”

    Steve Luna, CEO of Alternative Ballistics, expressed enthusiasm about Mullins’ appointment: “Kevin’s experience and leadership in the public safety sector make him a valuable addition to our team. His insights will be pivotal as we continue to innovate and provide law enforcement with responsible and effective tools. We are thrilled to have him on board.”

    Alternative Ballistics Corporation remains committed to advancing less-lethal technology that enhances public and officer safety. The addition of Mullins to the Advisory Board marks a significant step forward in the company’s mission to deliver innovative, responsible solutions for law enforcement agencies worldwide.

    About Alternative Ballistics Corp.

    Alternative Ballistics Corporation (“ABC”) produces an innovative less-lethal product known as The Alternative® which features patented bullet capture technology. The product is used by law enforcement as a de-escalation tool in critical incidents when encountering a non-compliant subject in crisis, in possession of a weapon other than a firearm, who presents a threat to themselves, to officers, or to bystanders. A lightweight, easy-to-carry docking unit, The Alternative® efficiently attaches to a service weapon to convert a fired bullet into a kinetic impact round that, when deployed from a safe distance, travels downrange with non-penetrating energy, and temporarily incapacitates an individual with low risk of critical injury or death. Once deployed, the service weapon reverts to standard use. The Alternative® may also be available in the future in the commercial market as a self-defense tool for the purpose of protecting life and property. It is the only less-lethal product in either the law enforcement or commercial market that works with a service weapon or semi-automatic handgun for seamless protective cover and doesn’t require transition to a separate device, allowing the user to keep eyes and weapon on the threat at all times.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This document contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to advance the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.

    Company Contact:
    info@alternativeballistics.com
    www.alternativeballistics.com

    For Investor Inquiries, please contact:
    Hanover International, Inc.
    Kathy Cusumano, President
    ka@hanoverintlinc.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank-Supported Projects in Senegal, Rwanda Clinch Top Honors at 2025 Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Africa Awards

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 2, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Two African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) -supported projects have garnered top honours at the 2025 Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Africa Awards (https://apo-opa.co/4li4foE) conference. A $545 million sustainable term loan facility in Senegal (https://apo-opa.co/4ldg7rV) was named Sovereign Syndicated Loan Deal of the Year, while Rwanda’s €200 million ESG loan (https://apo-opa.co/4lf3cpd) was awarded ESG Loan Deal of the Year. Both projects were supported by partial credit guarantees from the African Development Bank Group.

    The awards celebrate Africa’s most innovative and transformative financial deals, highlighting exemplary execution, effective mobilization of new liquidity pools, and innovative deal structuring.

    In its debut on the international sustainable finance market, announced in March 2024, Senegal raised $545 million in long-term financing – part of it in the CFA franc. The African Development Bank served as a financial advisor in addition to providing a partial credit guarantee. The pioneering transaction, which leveraged the Bank Group’s credit guarantee to secure favorable borrowing terms and attract diverse investor segments, was seen as underscoring Senegal’s commitment to financing critical sustainable development projects in climate resilience, renewable energy, and social infrastructure.

    In April 2024, Rwanda secured a partial credit guarantee from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional window, paving the way for long-term funding from international commercial banks. The financing is supporting Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation, which focuses on green urbanization, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and health and education infrastructure. With the African Development Bank serving as the initial mandated lead arranger, this transaction diversifies Rwanda’s financing sources and underlines the growing attractiveness of African sustainable investment opportunities in global markets, while enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

    Ahmed Attout, the Bank Group’s Director for Financial Sector Development, said: “These awards underscore the Bank’s steadfast commitment to fostering competitive and sustainable financing solutions. By tailoring partial credit guarantees to the specific needs of member countries, Senegal and Rwanda now have access to competitive international capital, enabling them to mobilize long term funding from international commercial banks for green and social initiatives for the first time.”

    Max Magor N’diaye, Bank Group Senior Director for Syndication, Co-financing client solutions and the Africa Investment Forum stated: “The awards shine a spotlight on these innovative transactions, marking a game-changing benchmark for leveraging sustainable financing to drive transformative and social progress. They not only benefit communities but also pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future. 

    Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Africa, held annually at the Cape Town International Convention Center, is an important event for Africa’s capital markets, bringing together the public and private sectors, government officials, financial institutions, investors, and industry experts for dialogue.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Alpha FMC Releases 2025 Asset & Wealth Management and Alternatives Outlooks: AI, Private Markets, and Regulatory Shifts Take Center Stage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • A critical turning point for both industries, with innovation, AI integration, and operational efficiency identified as key success drivers in a competitive landscape.
    • Despite challenges like rising interest rates and tightening regulations in 2024, Alpha FMC’s outlooks predict a year of transformation for both industries, where firms focused on adaptability and technology will thrive.

    NEW YORK, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The financial services industry is at a pivotal moment in 2025, with innovation as a key success factor. Yet, Alpha FMC, a leading global provider of specialist consulting services to the financial services industry, highlights a significant challenge in its 2025 Asset & Wealth Management [AWM] & Alternatives Outlooks, both published today. The reports reveal a concerning gap: only one in three firms consider themselves “good” innovators, underscoring the urgency for transformation in an increasingly competitive and evolving market.

    Despite rising interest rates, liquidity pressures, and regulatory shifts, firms, particularly in the U.S., have shown resilience over the past year. Going forward, success will depend on operational efficiency, adaptability, and innovation. AWM and Alternatives firms face shared challenges in AI integration, private market expansion, and evolving regulations. Those embracing transformation will be best positioned to thrive.

    Key Areas Shaping AWM:

    • AI & Automation: AI-powered investment strategies, risk management, and client engagement are enhancing efficiency and competitiveness. Cloud-based solutions support scalability and long-term growth.
    • Private Market Expansion: Increasing demand for private market investments is driving firms to diversify portfolios and expand retail access to alternative assets, blurring public-private market lines.
    • Operational Optimization: Firms are centralizing operations, outsourcing, and utilizing AI to improve profitability, compliance, and service quality while fueling sustainable growth.
    • Regulatory Responsiveness and Agility: Shifting regulatory landscapes are prompting firms to refine compliance strategies and governance structures.

    Transformative Forces in the Alternatives Industry

    • Tech-Driven Transformation: AI, automation, and data-driven decisions and strategies are revolutionizing operations, enabling scalable business models, and enhancing client engagement. This challenge is especially acute for firms investing across multiple asset classes, but those that master it will reap the rewards through greater efficiencies.
    • Convergence of Private Markets: Traditional investment structures are evolving as demand for private market exposure grows, from both institutional and retail investors.
    • Scalability & Cost Efficiency: Firms are using automation and infrastructure upgrades to support larger asset bases while maintaining cost efficiency, ensuring long-term growth.
    • Evolving Investor Profiles: As firms expand into retail markets, they are redefining product offerings and engagement models. FinTech disruptors are pushing for greater accessibility and transparency.

    Looking Ahead: Seizing Opportunities in a Changing Landscape:

    Joe Morant, Global Head of Asset & Wealth Management Consulting, commented:

    “In 2024, rising interest rates and regulatory changes tested the Asset and Wealth Management industry, but firms proved resilient. Going forward, the focus will be on operational efficiency and transformation. Success will depend on leveraging AI, expanding private markets, adapting to regulations, and prioritizing operational efficiency. Firms that do this will be well-positioned to thrive.”

    Nick Fienberg, Global Head of Alternatives Consulting, added:

    “In our 2025 Outlook, we see cautious optimism in the Alternatives industry, driven by improving market sentiment. Despite 2024’s challenges, firms have remained agile and navigated adversity. The lines between private market asset classes are blurring as firms expand their offerings to meet client needs. Disruptions from FinTech and traditional asset managers entering the Alternatives space are driving structural shifts. AI and automation are key to improving operations and scalability. In this dynamic environment, innovation and adaptability will be critical for long-term success.”

    Both outlooks can be downloaded online here.

    About Alpha FMC:

    Alpha Financial Markets Consulting is a leading global consultancy to the financial services industry. Alpha combines highly specialist sector-focused strategy, management consulting and technology expertise to support the client transformation lifecycle. Founded in 2003, it now has over 1,180 consultants across North America, UK, Europe, MENA and APAC.

    To learn more, visit:
    Asset and Wealth Management – Alpha FMC
    Alpha Alternatives | Strategy, Technology, Operations

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Orrön Energy AB

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The shareholders of Orrön Energy AB (publ), 556610-8055 (“Orrön Energy” or the “Company”), are hereby given notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held on 5 May 2025 at 11.00 (CEST). The meeting will be held digitally.

    Shareholders may choose to exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting by attending the digital meeting in person, through a proxy or by postal voting.

    Vote at the Annual General Meeting

    Those who wish to exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting must:

    • be entered as a shareholder in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB on 24 April 2025 or, if the shares are registered in the name of a nominee, request that the nominee registers the shares in their own name for voting purposes in such time that the registration is completed by 28 April 2025; and
    • give notice of attendance at the Annual General Meeting to the Company in accordance with the instructions set out in the section “Online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting” or submit a postal vote in accordance with the instructions set out in the section “Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting” no later than 28 April 2025.

    Important information regarding participation and voting

    The Board of Directors has decided to hold the Annual General Meeting as a digital meeting combined with an option to vote by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association.

    For terms and instructions for online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting, please refer to the section “Online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting” below.

    For terms and instructions for voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting, please refer to the section “Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting” below.

    Please note that despite thorough preparations, it cannot be ruled out that online participation or voting at the Annual General Meeting do not work as intended due to technical complications attributable to shareholders. The Annual General Meeting will be held regardless of any such complications and there is a risk that votes submitted online at the Annual General Meeting are not registered. Consequently, those who want to be certain of being able to exercise their voting rights should vote by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting.

    Please also note that it will not be possible to vote both by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting and online at the Annual General Meeting. If a postal vote has been submitted in accordance with the terms and instructions for voting by post and such postal vote has not been withdrawn by the shareholder no later than 28 April 2025, the Company will consider the postal vote at the Annual General Meeting.

    It is possible to vote by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting and still follow the Annual General Meeting without exercising any voting rights online, please see the section “Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting” below for more information.

    Online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting
    Those who wish to participate at the digital Annual General Meeting in person or through proxy shall give notice of attendance to the Company no later than 28 April 2025 either:

    • electronically through the Company’s website, www.orron.com (only applicable to individuals);
    • by post to Computershare AB, Box 5267, SE-102 46 Stockholm (Att. “Orrön Energy’s AGM”);
    • by telephone to +46 (0)8 518 01 554 on weekdays between 09.00 and 16.00 (CEST); or
    • by email to info@computershare.se.

    The notice of attendance shall state name, personal identification number or corporate registration number, address, telephone number and, where relevant, the number of accompanying advisors (not more than two).

    To participate and vote online, a stable network connection must be maintained throughout the Annual General Meeting. Online participation is possible via a computer, a smartphone or a tablet, provided the device is equipped with an up-to-date operating system and the latest software version. Access to the meeting will be facilitated via a web browser, ensuring a seamless and secure connection to the digital platform.

    Those who give notice of attendance at the Annual General Meeting will receive login instructions on the admission card which will be sent to the address stated in the notice of attendance. On the day of the Annual General Meeting, the digital platform will open for login from 10.00 (CEST), and participants must log in no later than 11.00 (CEST) to attend.

    In connection with each voting item, shareholders will be able to choose between the alternatives “Yes”, “No” and “Abstain”. Engagement and questions during the meeting will be facilitated through a dedicated written Q&A function.

    Those who do not wish to participate or vote online in person may exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting through a proxy in possession of a written, signed and dated proxy form. In order for the proxy to obtain login instructions to the digital platform, the proxy’s name, personal identification number or corporate registration number and address must be included in the notice of attendance. A proxy form issued by a legal entity must be accompanied by a copy of a certificate of registration or a corresponding document of authority for the legal entity. Template proxy forms in Swedish and English are available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com. Proxy forms, certificates of registration and other documents of authority shall be appended to the notice of attendance. Please note that notice of attendance must be given even if a shareholder wishes to exercise its rights at the meeting through a proxy. A submitted proxy form does not count as a notice of attendance.

    Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting
    Those who wish to exercise their voting rights by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting shall use the voting form and follow the instructions available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com. The postal vote must be received by the Company no later than 28 April 2025. The postal vote shall be sent either:

    • electronically in accordance with the instructions available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com;
    • by email to info@computershare.se; or
    • by post to Computershare AB, Box 5267, SE-102 46 Stockholm (Att. “Orrön Energy AGM”).

    If a shareholder’s voting rights are exercised by proxy, a power of attorney and other authorisation documents must be enclosed with the voting form. A proxy form is available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com, and will be sent to shareholders upon request.

    Shareholders who wish to exercise their voting rights by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting may still follow the Annual General Meeting online (without also exercising voting rights online). In order to receive login instructions, please elect for this option in the voting form.

    Proposed agenda
    1.   Opening of the Annual General Meeting.
    2.   Election of Chair of the Annual General Meeting.
    3.   Preparation and approval of the voting register.
    4.   Approval of the agenda.
    5.   Election of one or two persons to approve the minutes.
    6.   Determination as to whether the Annual General Meeting has been duly convened.
    7.   Presentation by the Chief Executive Officer.
    8.   Presentation of the annual and sustainability report and the auditor’s report, the consolidated financial statements and the auditor’s Group report as well as the remuneration report prepared by the Board of Directors and the auditor’s statement on compliance with the policy on remuneration.
    9.   Resolution in respect of adoption of the income statement and the balance sheet and the consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet.
    10.   Resolution in respect of disposition of the Company’s result according to the adopted balance sheet.
    11.   Resolution in respect of discharge from liability of members of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer.
    12.   Resolution in respect of the remuneration report prepared by the Board of Directors.
    13.   Nomination Committee proposals:

    • Proposal for the number of members of the Board of Directors.
    • Proposal for remuneration of the Chair of the Board of Directors and other members of the Board of Directors.
    • Proposal for election of Chair and other members of the Board of Directors.
    • Proposal for remuneration of the auditor.
    • Proposal for election of auditor.

    14.   Resolution in respect of the number of members of the Board of Directors.
    15.   Resolution in respect of remuneration of the Chair of the Board of Directors and other members of the Board of Directors.
    16.   Resolutions in respect of Board members:
    a)   re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen as a Board member;
    b)   re-election of Jakob Thomasen as a Board member;
    c)   re-election of Peggy Bruzelius as a Board member;
    d)   re-election of William Lundin as a Board member;
    e)   re-election of Mike Nicholson as a Board member;
    f)   election of Richard Ollerhead as a Board member; and
    g)   re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
    17.   Resolution in respect of remuneration of the auditor.
    18.   Election of auditor.
    19.   Resolution for the 2025 Long-term, Performance-based Incentive Plan (LTIP 2025).
    20.   Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through:
    a)   an issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1; or
    b)   an equity swap arrangement with a third party.
    21.   Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on new issue of shares and convertible debentures.
    22.   Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on repurchase and sale of shares.
    23.   Closing of the Annual General Meeting.

    Proposals for resolutions to be presented at the Annual General Meeting of Orrön Energy on 5 May 2025

    Items 2 and 14–18: Resolutions in respect of Chair of the Annual General Meeting, number of members of the Board of Directors, remuneration of the Chair of the Board of Directors and other members of the Board of Directors, election of Chair of the Board of Directors and of other members of the Board of Directors, and remuneration of the auditor and election of the auditor
    Orrön Energy’s Nomination Committee for the 2025 Annual General Meeting consists of Aksel Azrac (Chair, Nemesia S.à.r.l.), Sussi Kvart (Handelsbanken Fonder) and Richard Ollerhead (JNE Partners LLP). The Nomination Committee for the 2025 Annual General Meeting, appointed by shareholders jointly holding approximately 46 per cent of the shares and voting rights in Orrön Energy as per 1 August 2024, proposes the following:

    • Advokat Klaes Edhall to be appointed as Chair of the Annual General Meeting or, if he is absent, any other person appointed by the Nomination Committee.
    • Six members of the Board of Directors to be appointed without deputy members.
    • Remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors and the Chair of the Board of Directors, including in respect of Committee membership, to be as follows: (i) annual fees for the members of the Board of Directors of EUR 60,000 (excluding the Chair of the Board of Directors); (ii) annual fees for the Chair of the Board of Directors of EUR 120,000; (iii) annual fees for Committee members of EUR 5,000 per Committee assignment (other than Committee Chairs); and (iv) annual fees for Committee Chairs of EUR 10,000; with the total fees for Committee work (including fees for Chairs of Committees) not to exceed EUR 50,000.
    • Re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen, Jakob Thomasen, Peggy Bruzelius, Mike Nicholson and William Lundin as members of the Board of Directors and election of Richard Ollerhead as a member of the Board of Directors for a period until the end of the 2026 Annual General Meeting. Mr. Ollerhead is a British national born in 1986. Mr. Ollerhead graduated from Balliol College at the University of Oxford, where he obtained a degree in Physics and Philosophy. Mr. Ollerhead worked between 2008 and 2014 at Taconic Capital Advisors in London. From 2015 to 2018 he was part of the European investment team at MSD Partners, which spun out at the end of 2018 as JNE Partners LLP. Mr Ollerhead is a partner at JNE Partners LLP, responsible for a range of equity investments. JNE Partners LLP is the Investment Manager of JNE Master Fund LP, a subsidiary of which (JNE Partners Luxembourg S.à r.l.) is a major shareholder in the Company. Mr. Ollerhead currently holds no Board memberships.
    • Re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen as Chair of the Board of Directors for a period until the end of the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
    • The auditor’s fees shall be payable upon approval of their invoice.
    • Re-election of the registered accounting firm Ernst & Young AB as the auditor of the Company, which intends to appoint authorised public accountant Anders Kriström as the auditor in charge, for a period until the end of the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

    Item 3: Preparation and approval of the voting register
    The Board of Directors proposes that the register prepared by Computershare AB (on behalf of the Company) based on the Company’s share register, shareholders attending in person or through proxy and postal votes received by the Company is approved as voting register for the Annual General Meeting.

    Item 10: Resolution in respect of disposition of the Company’s result according to the adopted balance sheet
    The Board of Directors proposes that no dividend is distributed and that all distributable funds are brought forward.

    Item 19: Resolution for the 2025 Long-term, Performance-based Incentive Plan (LTIP 2025)
    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to establish a long-term, performance-based incentive plan in respect of Group Management and a number of key employees of Orrön Energy on the terms and conditions set out below (“LTIP 2025”).

    Background and purpose
    The reason for establishing LTIP 2025 is to align the interests of Group Management and other key employees with the interests of the shareholders, and to provide market appropriate reward reflecting continuity, performance and commitment. The Board of Directors believes that the proposed LTIP 2025 will provide Orrön Energy with a crucial component to a competitive total compensation package to attract and retain executives who are critical to Orrön Energy’s future success.

    The performance-based LTIP 2025 has been designed by the Compensation Committee based on market practice and through engagement with the Company’s shareholders, other stakeholders and a remuneration consultant. The plan introduces performance conditions related to total shareholder return and strategic targets which determine the final award for the long-term incentive plan.

    It is considered that the LTIP 2025, as the share option plans in the past, is best financed through delivery of shares allowing the Company to continue to allocate all available capital towards growth.

    The Board of Directors intends to propose to future Annual General Meetings to establish long-term incentive (“LTI”) plans based on principles corresponding to the currently proposed LTIP 2025. In order to be eligible to participate in such future LTI plans, each participant needs to build towards a meaningful shareholding in Orrön Energy, meaning that a certain portion of any allotted shares pursuant to LTIP 2025 (and any future LTI plans) shall be retained until the required level of shareholding has been met.

    Implementation of LTIP 2025
    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting 2025 resolves on the implementation of the LTIP 2025 in accordance with the terms and conditions set out below.

    Terms and conditions

    (a)   Awards under LTIP 2025 are proposed to be made to approximately 9 permanent employees of the Orrön Energy Group (the “Participants”), comprising the CEO and other members of Group Management, as well as certain other key employees. The Board of Directors may, within the total number of shares available under LTIP 2025, invite a limited number of additional Participants in LTIP 2025 following recruitment to the Orrön Energy Group.

    (b)   LTIP 2025 gives the Participants the possibility to receive shares in Orrön Energy subject to uninterrupted employment and the fulfilment of performance conditions over a three-year performance period commencing on 1 June 2025 and expiring on 31 May 2028 (the “Performance Period”). The performance condition is two-fold, where the two conditions have a 75 per cent and 25 per cent weighting in determining the vesting of awards under LTIP 2025 (the “Performance Conditions”). The first Performance Condition is based on the share price growth and dividends (“Total Shareholder Return”) of the Orrön Energy share compared to the Total Shareholder Return of a peer group of companies (the “Peer Group”) (the “Total Shareholder Return Performance Condition”), with a 75 per cent weighting. The second Performance Condition is based on the achievement of strategic performance targets (the “Strategic Performance Condition”), with a 25 per cent weighting. At the beginning of the Performance Period, the Participants will, free of charge, be granted awards (“LTIP Awards”) which, to the extent that i.a. one or both Performance Conditions are partially or fully met, entitle the Participant to be allotted, also free of charge, shares in Orrön Energy (“Performance Shares”) as soon as reasonably practicable following the end of the Performance Period.

    (c)   The LTIP Awards (i.e. the number of Performance Shares that a Participant may be allotted following the expiration of the Performance Period, provided that i.a. one or both of the Performance Conditions are partially or fully met) to be awarded to each Participant shall be calculated as follows:

                     LTIP Award = A multiplied by B divided by C multiplied by D, where

                     A = the Participant’s monthly gross base salary applicable as at the date of grant of the LTIP Award;

                     B = a number of months as determined by the Board of Directors in respect of each Participant, taking into account such factors as industry benchmarking and the Participant’s position within the Orrön Energy Group (but in any case, subject to a maximum    cap of 36 months);

                     C = the volume weighted average price of the Orrön Energy share on Nasdaq Stockholm for the period between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025; and

                     D = the product of the factors representing the proportional increases in the number of Performance Shares under award for each dividend (if any) until allotment, calculated by dividing the value of the Orrön Energy share at closing on the ex-dividend date plus the declared dividend by the value of the share at closing on the ex-dividend date.

            Fractions of allotted Performance Shares shall be rounded-off to the immediate lower whole number.

            Considering the volume weighted average share price of the Orrön Energy share between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 of SEK 5.9, the total number of Performance Shares that may be allotted under LTIP 2025 as at the date of award of the LTIP Awards (assuming 100 per cent vesting) is 4,450,000, corresponding to approximately 1.6 per cent of the current total number of shares and votes in Orrön Energy. In addition, considering additional Participants (if any) following recruitment and increased awards due to dividends (if any), and the expected social charges linked to award, it is proposed that the total number of Performance Shares under LTIP 2025 shall not exceed 5,450,000.

    (d)   Allotment of Performance Shares will be determined by the Board of Directors after the expiration of the Performance Period on the basis of LTIP Awards made and is conditional on (i) the Participant retaining his or her uninterrupted employment in the Orrön Energy Group until the expiry of the Performance Period and (ii) the extent to which (if any) one or both of the Performance Conditions have been met. The LTIP Award will compensate for dividends distributed (if any), and to ensure further alignment with shareholders’ interests, LTIP 2025 will do so by increasing the number of Performance Shares under award proportionally during the award period through the formula described in (c) above, entailing also a reinvestment of dividends received during the award period. The Board of Directors may reduce (including reduce to zero) allotment of Performance Shares at its discretion, should it consider the underlying performance not to be reflected in the outcome of the Performance Conditions.

    (e)   Minimum and a maximum levels for the Performance Conditions to be fulfilled have been established by the Board of Directors. In order for the LTIP Awards to give Participants entitlement to the maximum number of Performance Shares, the maximum level for both Performance Conditions must have been fulfilled.

    1. In respect of the Total Shareholder Return Performance Condition, the fulfilment of which shall result in an entitlement of a maximum of 75 per cent of the maximum number of Performance Shares, the Performance Condition calculation will be made based on a comparison of Total Shareholder Return of the Orrön Energy share to the Peer Group, comparing the three month period of January to March 2025 prior to the commencement of the Performance Period, with the three month period of January to March 2028 prior to the end of the Performance Period. The LTIP Awards will vest based on the comparative Total Shareholder Return of the Orrön Energy share from no vesting below the 38th percentile performance and with vesting at or above the 38th percentile performance on a straight line basis to 100 per cent vesting of this performance condition at the 75th percentile performance or above. The Performance Condition calculation will be performed by the Board of Directors.
    2. In respect of the Strategic Performance Condition, the fulfilment of which shall result in an entitlement of a maximum of 25 per cent of the maximum number of Performance Shares, the measurement of the Performance Condition will be based on an assessment at the end of the Performance Period, relative to the commencement of the Performance Period, of the fulfilment of strategic performance criteria set by the Board of Directors, reflecting key performance targets such as power generation, investments, financial, sustainability and growth through brownfield and greenfield projects, M&A transactions, geographical or technological expansions and other value accretive events. The Performance Condition fulfilment assessment will be performed by the Board of Directors.
    3. The Performance Conditions described in point 1 and 2 above may each individually lead to a 75 and 25 per cent vesting of the LTIP Awards, respectively, and may also vest partially, leading to a partial vesting of the LTIP Awards. Should both Performance Conditions be fully met, 100 per cent of the LTIP Awards will vest. Orrön Energy intends to present the level of fulfilment of the LTIP 2025 Performance Conditions in the 2028 Annual Report.

    (f)   The Participants will not be entitled to transfer, pledge or dispose of the LTIP Award or any rights or obligations under LTIP 2025, or exercise any shareholders’ rights regarding the LTIP Awards during the Performance Period.

    (g)   Shares allotted under LTIP 2025 (or any future LTI plans) shall be subject to certain disposition restrictions, meaning that the Participants shall be building towards a meaningful shareholding in Orrön Energy. The required level of shareholding will be either 50 per cent or 100 per cent (200 per cent for the CEO) of the Participant’s annual gross base salary based on the Participant’s position within the Orrön Energy Group. Notwithstanding this requirement, the Company may pay part or whole of the allotment of Performance Shares in cash in order to facilitate the payment of the Participant’s tax liabilities, or as otherwise may be determined by the Board of Directors. However, a minimum of 50 per cent of the allotted Performance Shares (after taxes and social security charges) under LTIP 2025 will be required to be retained until the required level of shareholding has been met.

    (h)   Recalculation of the Performance Conditions and the LTIP Awards, including the number of Performance Shares allotted, shall take place in the event of an intervening dividend in kind, bonus issue, split, preferential rights issue and/or other similar corporate events.

    Structure and administration

    The Board of Directors of Orrön Energy will be responsible for the structure and administration of LTIP 2025, as well as for the detailed terms and conditions applicable between Orrön Energy and the Participants. The detailed terms and conditions will be adopted within the scope of the terms and conditions and guidelines stated herein. In connection therewith, the Board of Directors will be entitled to adopt different terms and conditions for LTIP 2025 regarding, among other things, the Performance Period and allotment of Performance Shares in the event of commencement or termination of employment during the Performance Period, e.g. due to new recruitments, illness, disability, death, redundancy, contractual retirement and other exceptional circumstances determined by the Board of Directors.

    The Board of Directors will be entitled to make adjustments in order to comply with special rules or market conditions abroad. In the event that delivery of Performance Shares to Participants cannot take place under applicable law or at a reasonable cost and employing reasonable administrative measures, the Board of Directors will be entitled to decide that Participants may, instead, be offered a cash settlement. In the event of a change of control, all LTIP Awards under LTIP 2025 will vest in full.

    Peer Group

    The Board of Directors has reviewed the Peer Group and determined that it shall consist of the following companies for LTIP 2025: ABO Energy, Arise, Cloudberry, Energiekontor, Eolus Vind, Fortum, Magnora, Ørsted, PNE, Scatec, Solaria and TRIG. The Board of Directors shall have the power to amend the Peer Group in order to maintain a representative and relevant group of companies during the Performance Period.

    Delivery of shares, costs etc.

    In order to secure the delivery of shares to the Participants and cover potential costs (including taxes and social security charges) under the LTIP 2025, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to issue up to 5,450,000 warrants of series 2025:1 (see item 20 a) of the proposed agenda)

    In the event the nine-tenth (9/10) majority requirement applicable to the Board of Directors’ proposal to issue and transfer warrants of series 2025:1 under item 20 a) of the proposed agenda is not satisfied, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve that the Company may hedge its obligations under the LTIP 2025 by entering into (or maintaining) an equity swap arrangement with a third party, whereby the third party in its own name shall be entitled to acquire and transfer shares (including to the Participants) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the LTIP 2025 (see item 20 b) of the proposed agenda).

    The LTIP 2025 will be accounted for in accordance with the accounting standard IFRS 2 and the costs will be charged to the income statement over the Performance Period. The maximum cost for granting LTIP Awards under LTIP 2025, excluding costs related to delivery of the Performance Shares, is approximately 0.25 MEUR, assuming 100 per cent vesting.

    Effects on key figures
    Under the assumptions set out in item (c) above and upon full allotment of Performance Shares, the number of shares under LTIP 2025 amounts to 4,450,000 shares in Orrön Energy (subject to recruitments and adjustments for dividends), corresponding to approximately 1.6 per cent of the current total number of shares and votes in the Company. If the total number of Performance Shares under LTIP 2025 reaches the cap of 5,450,000 shares in Orrön Energy, it will correspond to approximately 1.9 per cent of the current total number of shares and votes in the Company.

    Preparation of the proposal
    The proposal for LTIP 2025 has been prepared by the Compensation Committee and resolved on by the Board of Directors.

    Other incentive schemes in Orrön Energy
    For a description of the Company’s other LTIP’s, reference is made to the Company’s Annual and Sustainability Report for 2024, note 21, and the Company’s website, www.orron.com.

    Majority requirement
    The proposal to implement LTIP 2025 requires support from shareholders representing more than half (1/2) of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting.

    A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal regarding the issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1 under item 20 a) of the proposed agenda requires support from shareholders representing not less than nine-tenth (9/10) of both the votes cast and the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting. A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal regarding the equity swap arrangement under item 20 b) of the proposed agenda requires support from shareholders representing more than half (1/2) of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting.

    Item 20: Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through (a) an issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1 or (b) an equity swap arrangement with a third party

    Background
    Under the LTIP 2025 proposed by the Board of Directors under item 19 of the proposed agenda, the Company has an obligation, subject to certain conditions, to deliver shares in the Company to the Participants in the LTIP 2025.

    In order to secure the Company’s obligation to deliver shares and to cover a portion of the costs (including taxes and social security charges), the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to issue and transfer up to 5,450,000 warrants of series 2025:1 on the terms and conditions set out in item 20 a) below. In the event the nine-tenth (9/10) majority requirement applicable to the proposed warrant settlement method is not satisfied, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve that the Company hedges its obligations under the LTIP 2025 by entering into an equity swap arrangement with a third party, whereby the third party in its own name shall be entitled to acquire and transfer shares (including to the participants) on the terms and conditions set out in item 20 b) below.

    The Board of Directors considers the warrant settlement method to be the preferred alternative since the costs for an equity swap arrangement are significantly higher than the costs for issuing and transferring warrants. If the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve the proposed warrant settlement method under item 20 a) below with the requisite majority, the Board of Directors intends to withdraw its equity swap arrangement proposal under item 20 b) below.

    Item 20 a): Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through an issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1
    In order to secure the Company’s obligation to deliver shares under the LTIP 2025, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meetings resolves to issue and transfer warrants of series 2025:1 in the Company on the following terms and conditions:

    1. A maximum of 5,450,000 warrants shall be issued.
    2. The right to subscribe for warrants shall, with deviation of the shareholders’ preferential rights, rest with the Company itself.
    3. The reason for deviating from the shareholders’ preferential rights is to secure the Company’s obligations to deliver shares and to cover any costs (including taxes and social security charges) under the LTIP 2025.
    4. Subscription for the warrants shall take place on a separate subscription list not later than 1 November 2025.
    5. The warrants shall be issued free of charge.
    6. Each warrant shall entitle the holder to subscribe for one new share in the Company. The subscription price for each new share shall be equal to the quotient value of the Company’s share.
    7. The warrants may be exercised during the period from and including 1 June 2025 up to and including 1 June 2029.
    8. The new shares shall carry rights to dividends for the first time on the record date for dividends that occurs after subscription has been effected.
    9. The subscription price and the number of shares for which each warrant entitles subscription may be re-calculated under certain circumstances as set forth in the complete terms and conditions for the warrants.
    10. Upon exercise of all 5,450,000 warrants, the Company’s share capital will increase by SEK 66,312.15 (based on a quotient value of approximately SEK 0.01). If the subscription price exceeds the quotient value of the shares, the excess amount shall be allotted to the non-restricted statutory reserve (Sw. den fria överkursfonden).
    11. The Company may transfer up to 5,450,000 warrants (a) free of charge to Participants (and/or a designated third party) for the purpose of enabling the delivery of shares in the Company under the LTIP 2025 and (b) at a price equal to the fair market value of the warrants as determined using a customary valuation method to a designated third party for the purpose of covering any costs (including taxes and social security charges) under the LTIP 2025.

    The complete terms and conditions for the warrants of series 2025:1 will be available at the Company and on the Company’ website, www.orron.com, not later than three weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.

    The resolution shall be conditional upon that the Annual General Meeting resolves to establish the LTIP 2025 in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal under item 19 of the proposed agenda.

    A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires support from shareholders representing not less than nine-tenth (9/10) of both the votes cast and the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

    Item 20 b): Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through an equity swap arrangement with a third party
    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve that the Company may hedge its obligations under the LTIP 2025 by entering into (or maintaining) an equity swap arrangement with a third party, whereby the third party in its own name shall be entitled to acquire and transfer shares (including to the participants) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the LTIP 2025.

    The resolution shall be conditional upon that the Annual General Meeting resolves to establish the LTIP 2025 in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal under item 19 of the proposed agenda.

    A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires support from shareholders representing more than half (1/2) of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting.

    Item 21: Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on new issue of shares and convertible debentures
    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to authorise the Board of Directors to decide, at one or more occasions until the next Annual General Meeting:

    (i)    to issue no more than 28,500,000 new shares with consideration in cash or in kind or by set-off; and

    (ii)    to issue convertible debentures with consideration in cash or in kind or by set-off, where the number of shares that may be issued after conversion shall not exceed 28,500,000.

    The Board of Directors may resolve to deviate from the shareholders’ preferential rights. If the Board of Directors resolves to deviate from the shareholders’ preferential rights, the reason shall be to enable or facilitate acquisitions of companies or businesses or other major investments.

    The total number of shares that can be issued based on the proposed authorisations under (i) and (ii) may not together exceed 28,500,000. If the authorisation is exercised in full for issues with deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights, the dilution effect is approximately ten per cent.

    A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires the support of shareholders representing at least two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast and of the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

    Item 22: Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on repurchase and sale of shares

    The Board of Directors proposes that the Board of Directors is authorised, during the period until the next Annual General Meeting, to decide on repurchases and sales of the Company’s shares on the following terms and conditions:

    1. The maximum number of shares repurchased shall be such that shares held in treasury from time to time do not exceed ten per cent of all shares of the Company.
    2. The maximum number of shares that may be sold is the number of shares that the Company at such time holds in treasury.
    3. Repurchase of shares may be made (a) on Nasdaq Stockholm or (b) in accordance with an offer directed to all shareholders.
    4. Repurchase and sale of shares on Nasdaq Stockholm may take place only at a price within the spread between the highest bid price and lowest ask price prevailing and disseminated by Nasdaq Stockholm from time to time. Repurchases of shares in accordance with an offer directed to all shareholders may also take place at a market premium in relation to the price prevailing and disseminated by Nasdaq Stockholm from time to time.
    5. The repurchases and sales shall be made in accordance with the provisions concerning the purchase and sale of a company’s own shares under applicable stock exchange rules and other applicable rules and regulations.

    The purpose of the authorisation is to provide the Board of Directors with an instrument to optimise the Company’s capital structure and to enable the use of own shares as consideration for or as financing of acquisitions of companies or businesses, to secure obligations under incentive plans and to cover costs, including social security charges, that may arise as a result of incentive plans.

    The Board of Directors’ reasoned statement pursuant to pursuant to Chapter 19, Section 22 of the Swedish Companies Act will be available at the Company and on the Company’s website, www.orron.com, not later than three weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.

    A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires the support of shareholders representing at least two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast and of the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

    Number of shares and votes in the Company
    Orrön Energy’s share capital amounts to SEK 3,478,713.38, represented by 285,905,187 shares. Each share carries one vote. Orrön Energy holds, as of the date of this notice, no treasury shares.

    Shareholders’ right to request information

    The Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer shall, if a shareholder so requests and the Board of Directors considers that it may do so without significant damage to the Company, give information at the Annual General Meeting regarding circumstances that could affect the assessment of an item on the agenda and circumstances that could affect the assessment of the Company’s or a subsidiary’s financial situation. The duty to give information also applies to the Company’s relationship with another Group company and the consolidated financial statements.

    Additional documentation
    Complete proposals and other documents that shall be made available prior to the Annual General Meeting pursuant to the Swedish Companies Act and the Swedish Corporate Governance Code are available at Orrön Energy’s office (Hovslagargatan 5 in Stockholm) and on www.orron.com. The documents will be sent to shareholders free of charge upon request if their postal address is provided.

    Handling of personal data and external participants
    For information on how personal data is processed in connection with the Annual General Meeting, see the privacy notices of Euroclear Sweden AB and Computershare AB available at their respective websites, www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Privacy-notice-bolagsstammor-engelska.pdf. and
    www.computershare.com/se/gm-gdpr.

    It will not be possible for the Company to verify if any external persons are following the Annual General Meeting online. Consequently, the Board of Directors has resolved to allow persons who are not shareholders to follow the Annual General Meeting online.

    Stockholm in April 2025
    ORRÖN ENERGY AB (PUBL)
    The Board of Directors

    For further information, please contact:

    Robert Eriksson
    Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
    robert.eriksson@orron.com

    Jenny Sandström
    Communications Lead
    Tel: +41 79 431 63 68
    jenny.sandstrom@orron.com

    Orrön Energy is an independent, publicly listed (Nasdaq Stockholm: “ORRON”) renewable energy company within the Lundin Group of Companies. Orrön Energy’s core portfolio consists of high quality, cash flow generating assets in the Nordics, coupled with greenfield growth opportunities in the Nordics, the UK, Germany and France. With significant financial capacity to fund further growth and acquisitions, and backed by a major shareholder, management and Board with a proven track record of investing into, leading and growing highly successful businesses, Orrön Energy is in a unique position to create shareholder value through the energy transition.

    Forward-looking statements
    Statements in this press release relating to any future status or circumstances, including statements regarding future performance, growth and other trend projections, are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “will”, “would” or similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that could occur in the future. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to several factors, many of which are outside the company’s control. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which the statements are made and the company has no obligation (and undertakes no obligation) to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Ex-dividend Date

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    11 April 2025 is Šiaulių Bankas AB ex-dividend date.

     The shares acquired on Nasdaq Baltic by transactions concluded from this day onward will not grant a right to receive dividends allocated by the resolution of the General Shareholders Meeting held on 31 March 2025.

    Additional information:

    Tomas Varenbergas

    Head of Investment Management Division

    tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Horizon Capital Advisors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC announced today that eight financial advisors with Horizon Capital Advisors have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms. They reported serving approximately $450 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and join LPL from Osaic.

    Led by Partners Brett Deuth, CRPC®, J. Brock McClain, CFP®, and Brian Watts, CFP®, Horizon Capital’s roots date back more than 50 years. The ensemble practice is headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., with additional offices in Clinton and Van Buren, Mo., and Baxter Springs, Kan., and includes fellow financial advisors Brian Perley, CFP®, Bennett Long, CIMA®, AIF®, CRPS®, Cindy Gettel, Melissa Proffitt and Michael Sisson.

    “Our team is unified by a shared vision and synergy,” Deuth said. “We take a holistic approach to providing goals-based proactive wealth management with clear direction. We work with families, business owners and executives to create personalized financial plans and disciplined investment strategies to help clients work toward their financial goals.”

    The move to LPL was driven by the Horizon team’s desire for enhanced service experiences, office efficiencies and a more robust technology platform.

    “LPL has the right tools to add new services and create more value with our clients, as well as the stability we were looking for from a Fortune 500 company,” Watts said. “LPL invests heavily in industry-leading capabilities and strategic business resources that will create streamlined experiences for both our team and our clients.”

    McClain added, “We also appreciate LPL’s client-centric mission and forward thinking. LPL is driven by advisor feedback, making the business much more intuitive. We are excited about the future as we grow our team and evolve the practice.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We welcome the entire team at Horizon Capital Advisors. As a leading wealth management firm, LPL is committed to delivering innovative technology and comprehensive business solutions to help advisors differentiate their practices and increase value for their clients. We look forward to supporting Horizon for years to come.”

    Related

    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.7 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial. Horizon Capital Advisors and LPL Financial are separate entities.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com

    Tracking #710795

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CareCloud Acquires RevNu Medical Management, Completing Second Acquisition in 31 Days

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOMERSET, N.J., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CareCloud, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CCLD, CCLDO), a leading provider of practice management, healthcare technology and AI-driven solutions to medical practices across the country, today announced the acquisition of RevNu Medical Management (“RevNu”), an emerging audiology-focused revenue cycle management (“RCM”) company based in Westminster, California.

    “We’ve spent years building trusted relationships within the audiology community, and we couldn’t be more excited to join forces with CareCloud,” said Clay Gililland, founder of RevNu. “That experience has given us a deep understanding of the industry’s needs—insights we’re excited to put into action as RevNu joins CareCloud. As both the founder of RevNu and the owner of more than 30 hearing health clinics across Southern California, I’m confident that our clients and the broader industry will benefit greatly from CareCloud’s technology, automation, and scale.”

    “The closing of RevNu marks a significant milestone in our acquisition strategy and a strategic expansion into a specialty care market lacking a clear leader,” said Stephen Snyder, Co-CEO of CareCloud. “RevNu’s deep expertise in audiology and strong, trusted client relationships make it an exceptional addition as we accelerate growth in underserved markets. By deploying our AI-powered revenue cycle management and advanced technology infrastructure in the hearing healthcare space, we are well positioned to expand our footprint, capture new market share, and accelerate CareCloud’s overall growth.”

    The U.S. audiology market is believed to include approximately 24,000 employed audiologists and hearing aid specialists, with annual spending on hearing aids exceeding $5 billion. Despite this scale, the segment remains minimally penetrated by outsourced RCM and practice management vendors. RevNu—while still relatively small—is among the leading RCM providers in this space. With the added resources and technological depth of CareCloud, the combined entity is well-positioned to accelerate growth.

    “Through this combination, our clients will gain access to CareCloud’s powerful suite of tools, advanced infrastructure, and culture of innovation—all of which will improve outcomes and unlock new growth potential,” said Daniel Davis, former CEO of RevNu, who will lead CareCloud’s growth as President of its new hearing healthcare division. “I’m excited to spearhead the expansion of CareCloud’s audiology and hearing aid billing division and build on the foundation RevNu has created to capture new market share and drive growth.”

    The RevNu acquisition, like the MesaBilling acquisition closed a month ago, is expected to be accretive within ninety days. Consideration will be paid quarterly, based on retained revenue.

    About CareCloud 

    CareCloud brings disciplined innovation and generative AI to the business of healthcare. Our suite of technology-enabled solutions helps clients increase financial and operational performance, streamline clinical workflows and improve the patient experience. More than 40,000 providers count on CareCloud to help them improve patient care while reducing administrative burdens and operating costs. Learn more about our products and services including revenue cycle management (RCM), practice management (PM), electronic health records (EHR), business intelligence, patient experience management (PXM) and digital health at www.carecloud.com. 

    Follow CareCloud on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

    Disclaimer 

    This press release is for information purposes only, and does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. 

    Forward-Looking Statements 

    This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “could”, “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “goals,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. 

    Our operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect our results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct.

    Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements reflecting management’s expectations for future financial performance and operating expenditures, expected growth, profitability and business outlook, the impact of pandemics on our financial performance and business activities, and the expected results from the integration of our acquisitions. 

    These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our (or our industry’s) actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s ability to manage growth, migrate newly acquired customers and retain new and existing customers, maintain cost-effective global operations, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, predict and properly adjust to changes in reimbursement and other industry regulations and trends, retain the services of key personnel, develop new technologies, upgrade and adapt legacy and acquired technologies to work with evolving industry standards, compete with other companies’ products and services competitive with ours, and other important risks and uncertainties referenced and discussed under the heading titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

    The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligations to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. 

    SOURCE CareCloud 

    Company Contact: 

    Norman Roth 
    Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller 
    CareCloud, Inc.
    nroth@carecloud.com 

    Investor Contact:

    Stephen Snyder 
    Co-Chief Executive Officer 
    CareCloud, Inc. 
    ir@carecloud.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Crowd Street Introduces Inaugural Member Council with a Focus on User Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crowd Street, the direct-access private market investment platform dedicated to helping members reach their financial ambitions, today announced the launch of its inaugural Crowd Street Member Council. The council, comprised of 15 of Crowd Street’s most engaged users, will build a stronger partnership between Crowd Street and its members.

    The member council is an open forum to discuss insights, ideas and feedback that will ensure member experience remains at the forefront of Crowd Street’s mission. Crowd Street will host council events to collect valuable feedback, encourage individuals to expand their own personal networks and foster new relationships with other Crowd Street members. Most importantly, the collaborative approach encourages transparency, fosters innovation and helps affirm that every step Crowd Street takes is aligned with the needs and expectations of its members.

    “Private market investing has traditionally been out of reach for many investors, but Crowd Street is connecting members to alternative investment opportunities you can’t find elsewhere,” said Ken Maher, a member for 6 years. “The new member council gives me the opportunity to share my voice and shape the future of the platform, as the company seeks to provide investors with access to the right tools, resources and an elevated experience to enable them to pursue their financial goals.”

    The Crowd Street Member Council will meet quarterly, with one in-person meeting each year. The inaugural meeting will take place on April 3, coinciding with the opening of Crowd Street’s new headquarters in the heart of New York City. Meetings will focus on strategic planning for the future of the platform, technology enhancements and new product and feature updates. The company will also invite outside experts such as Crowd Street partners, investment sponsors and other market stakeholders to speak at the member council meetings.

    “Due to the long-term nature of our investments, building strong relationships with our members is paramount and an absolute priority,” said John Imbriglia, CEO of Crowd Street. “The introduction of the member council is a natural step as we scale our growth, in order to strengthen communication and gather valuable user feedback from our most engaged members. We have ambitious plans for the platform to expand beyond commercial real estate into other asset classes, and having our members be part of these strategic conversations will be essential for our success.”

    “I’m excited about the Crowd Street vision moving forward and believe the diversification of its platform will add value for members,” said Randy Williamson, a member since 2020. “I’m looking forward to learning more about the company’s foray into additional asset classes, providing its members with even greater opportunities across private credit, private equity and venture capital later in 2025.”

    About Crowd Street 

    Crowd Street empowers its members to reach their financial ambitions through direct-access private market investments. The platform offers a carefully selected marketplace of alternative investment opportunities that have historically only been available to a small group of people. In addition to providing advanced tools, research, and insights to help investors confidently explore these exclusive opportunities, Crowd Street is also building a member experience rooted in trust and experience – further bridging the gap between investment opportunities and true financial wealth. Learn more at https://www.CrowdStreet.com/.

    Media Contact
    LaunchSquad
    CrowdStreet@launchsquad.com

    CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on its website. Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Grayscale Launches Grayscale® Bitcoin Covered Call ETF (Ticker: BTCC) and Grayscale® Bitcoin Premium Income ETF (Ticker: BPI)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STAMFORD, Conn., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Grayscale, a leading crypto asset manager, today announced the launch of Grayscale® Bitcoin Covered Call ETF (Ticker: BTCC) and Grayscale® Bitcoin Premium Income ETF (Ticker: BPI) (the “Funds”). The two Funds are Grayscale’s newest exchange-traded funds (ETFs) which offer covered call writing strategies, seeking to provide investors the ability to access the volatility characteristics of Bitcoin as a differentiated source of income.

    Grayscale® Bitcoin Covered Call ETF seeks to provide current income. The Fund’s secondary objective is to participate in the returns of Bitcoin through the use of options on Bitcoin exchange-traded products whose investment objectives are to, before fees and expenses, track the price performance of Bitcoin. The Bitcoin exchange-traded products include, but are not limited to, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (Ticker: GBTC) and Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (Ticker: BTC) (the “Bitcoin ETPs”). There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund attempts to achieve its investment objective by systematically writing calls very close to spot prices. This strategy leverages Bitcoin’s volatility to help prioritize income, which is then distributed to fund shareholders. By selling calls near spot prices, BTCC seeks to deliver a principal focus on income generation. This makes BTCC an income-first strategy, potentially ideal for investors seeking regular cash flows and high yielding opportunities. The option premiums collected in this type of strategy may also help cushion against market downturns, potentially leading to lower volatility during drawdowns.

    In contrast, Grayscale® Bitcoin Premium Income ETF seeks to provide current income while maintaining prospects for capital appreciation through the use of options on Bitcoin exchange-traded products whose investment objectives are to, before fees and expenses, track the price performance of Bitcoin. The Bitcoin exchange-traded products include, but are not limited to, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (Ticker: GBTC) and Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (Ticker: BTC) (the “Bitcoin ETPs”). There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund seeks to achieve this by systematically writing calls targeting strike prices that are well out-of-the-money. By focusing on this type of call writing strategy, BPI allows investors to participate in much of Bitcoin’s upside potential while possibly benefiting from some dividend income. This blended approach provides investors with an opportunity to participate in the capital appreciation potential of Bitcoin with the benefits of income. Both Funds are actively managed, fully options based, and will aim to distribute income monthly.

    “Grayscale® Bitcoin Covered Call ETF may complement an investors existing Bitcoin exposure by adding income, while Grayscale® Bitcoin Premium Income ETF offers an alternative to Bitcoin ownership, aiming to balance upside participation and income generation for investors,” said David LaValle, Global Head of ETFs at Grayscale. “We understand that every investor has unique needs, and we’re excited to offer these new products that not only may capture and deliver income but also offer differentiated outcomes and behavioral characteristics tailored to their specific goals.”

    For more information about BTCC and BPI, please visit: https://etfs.grayscale.com/btcc or https://etfs.grayscale.com/bpi

    About Grayscale

    Grayscale enables investors to access the digital economy through a family of future-forward investment products. Founded in 2013, Grayscale has a decade-long track record and deep expertise as an asset management firm focused on crypto investing. Investors, advisors, and allocators turn to Grayscale for single asset, diversified, and thematic exposure. For more information, please follow @Grayscale or visit grayscale.com.

    Media Contact

    press@grayscale.com

    Client Contact

    866-775-0313

    info@grayscale.com

    Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please call (866)-775-0313 or visit our website at etfs.grayscale.com/bpi and etfs.grayscale.com/btcc. Read the prospectuses or summary prospectuses carefully before investing.

    Grayscale Bitcoin Covered Calls ETF and Grayscale Bitcoin Premium Income ETF (collectively the “Funds”) will not invest in digital assets directly. The Funds also will not invest in initial coin offerings. The Funds will, however, have indirect exposure to digital assets by virtue of its investments in derivatives on exchange-traded vehicles that hold digital assets as investments. Because the Funds will not invest directly in any digital assets, they may not track price movements of any digital assets.

    Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee the investment strategies will be successful. The Funds are considered to be non-diversified. The Funds are actively managed and their performance reflects the investment decisions that the Adviser makes for the Funds.

    Derivative Instruments. The Funds will invest in options, a type of derivative instrument. Derivatives can be more sensitive to changes in interest rates or to sudden fluctuations in market prices than conventional securities, which can result in greater losses for the Funds. In addition, the prices of the derivative instruments and the prices of underlying securities, interest rates or currencies they are designed to reflect may not move together as expected. Derivatives are usually traded on margin, which may subject the Funds to margin calls. Margin calls may force the Funds to liquidate assets.

    Options Risk. The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions and depends on the ability of the Funds’ portfolio managers to forecast market movements correctly. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument. The effective use of options also depends on the Funds’ ability to terminate option positions at times deemed desirable to do so. There is no assurance that the Funds will be able to effect closing transactions at any particular time or at an acceptable price.

    Covered Call Option Writing Risk. By writing covered call options in return for the receipt of premiums, the Fund will give up the opportunity to benefit from potential increases in the value of the security above the exercise prices of such options, but will continue to bear the risk of declines in the value of the underlying security. The premiums received from the options may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from the volatility of the underlying stocks over time. As a result, the risks associated with writing covered call options may be similar to the risks associated with writing put options. In addition, the Funds’ ability to sell the securities underlying the options will be limited while the options are in effect unless the Funds cancel out the option positions through the purchase of offsetting identical options prior to the expiration of the written options.

    Digital Assets Risk. Digital assets, such as bitcoin, are assets designed to act as a medium of exchange, though some arguably have not achieved that purpose. Digital assets are an emerging asset class. Digital assets generally operate without a central authority (such as a bank) and are not backed by any government. Digital assets are not legal tender. Federal, state and/or foreign governments may restrict the use and exchange of digital assets, and regulation in the United States is still developing. 

    Bitcoin ETPs Investment Risk. Bitcoin ETPs Investment Risk. The Funds intend to obtain investment exposure to Bitcoin, indirectly via synthetic exposure to Bitcoin ETPs through derivatives. The price of Bitcoin ETPs shares may not directly correspond to the price of any digital currency and are highly volatile. Such investment also exposes the Funds to all of the risks related to digital currencies discussed herein. The shares of Bitcoin ETPs are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or any state securities laws, and therefore such an investment will not benefit from the protections and restrictions of such laws.

    Of the Bitcoin ETPs, GBTC and BTC are sponsored by an affiliate of the Funds’ Adviser that receives a fee in exchange for assuming certain administrative and marketing expenses of GBTC and BTC. While the Funds do not invest directly in GBTC and BTC, the Funds’ strategies may result in additional purchases of shares of GBTC and BTC by options holders, which will benefit the Adviser and its affiliate in terms of the fee being received on these products.

    Liquidity Risk. The market for Bitcoin ETP options is still developing and may be subject to a period of illiquidity.  

    New Fund Risk. The Funds are recently organized investment companies with no operating history. 

    The Funds are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC and Grayscale Advisors, LLC (“GSA”) is the adviser. Foreside is not related to GSA or its affiliates. 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CarGurus Report Shows Automotive Affordability Continues to Drive the Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    With tariffs going into effect, report uncovers trends in new car supply, consumer demand, and pricing—plus opportunities where shoppers can still find savings

    BOSTON, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG), the No. 1 visited digital auto platform for shopping, buying, and selling new and used vehicles1, today released its Quarterly Review for Q1 2025. The report provides a view into the key trends influencing pricing, inventory, and demand for new and used vehicles so far this year, along with factors that could impact the road ahead.

    “It’s no secret that the first quarter has been dominated by tariff news,” said Kevin Roberts, Director of Economic and Market Intelligence at CarGurus. “Steady consumer purchase patterns for most of the first quarter suggest a market that was in wait-and-see mode. But a shift in urgency has taken hold as impending tariffs on auto imports—which account for nearly half of new listings—start to take effect, influencing an uptick in activity on dealer lots and new car sales in recent days.”

    New car pricing continues to be one of the most pressing challenges for the market, with vehicles under $30,000 accounting for 13% of inventory, a sharp contrast to 37% in Q1 2020. With tariffs, affordable new vehicles may become harder to find as the average list price could increase by over $3,300 to approximately $52,800. According to a CarGurus analysis of current tariff policies, the share of listings priced under $30,000 could decline by 42%, while those above $50,000 would increase by 15%.

    Other key themes from Q1 2025 include: 

    • Tariffs trigger a late-month surge: Days to Turn during Q1 remained stable with little variation across countries of origin, showing earlier tariff speculation didn’t translate to increased urgency. But, a late-month shift took hold after the tariff news broke on March 26th, pushing estimated new car retail sales up by nearly 30% month-over-month. A focus on value and practicality drove import demand throughout the quarter, with imported models in lowest supply being compacts and fuel-efficient options mostly priced under $40,000. CarGurus analysis shows the most popular imported models with the lowest inventory include nameplates like Toyota’s RAV4 and Tacoma; Honda’s Civic and CR-V; and Subaru’s Crosstrek and Forester.
    • The used market has more options, but not without trade-offs: The used market offers shoppers some relief from tariff-related increases, but value for the money in this segment is also shifting. While used car inventory is up, buyers seeking affordability face a selection with older vehicles and higher mileage. In Q1 2020, a budget of $15,000 to $20,000 would afford an approximately four-year-old model with 47,000 miles, while today that translates to a nearly seven-year-old car with 73,000 miles. Further, CarGurus analysis shows that almost two-thirds of used sales (64%) in Q1 2020 were under $20,000, while that share dropped to 43% in Q1 2025.
    • Used electric vehicles (EVs) present a bright spot in the affordability story: The used EV market is steadily gaining ground as selection rises and prices stabilize to an average of about $36,000. With affordability taking center stage, the category is emerging as a practical, low-mileage alternative. The under-$25,000 market especially shines as used EVs turned faster than comparably priced internal combustion engine models. Used models like the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Bolt have averaged under $17,000 in Q1 2025 (with mileage under 32,000), standing out in a market driven by value and affordability.

    CarGurus also shared tips for shoppers navigating the market today:

    • Stay informed on price trends: Platforms like CarGurus, which provides unbiased deal ratings on the largest selection of new and used vehicles in the U.S.2, are a powerful resource to compare prices and track inventory. Used car shoppers can also turn to CarGurus’ Price Trends tool to research and track model trends.
    • Understand buying power early in the process: Many sites, including CarGurus, enable shoppers to get pre-qualified for financing from the comfort of home, letting them browse listings with real interest rates in hand and filter options by estimated monthly payment.
    • Consider a wider search radius: For those with a specific model in mind, there may be a benefit in searching broadly to get the best price since local market demand can also impact car values. Using online search tools, shoppers can view pricing across regions and consider how delivery costs factor into getting the best deal.

    To learn more about these trends, view the CarGurus Quarterly Review for Q1 2025 here.

    About CarGurus, Inc.

    CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG) is a multinational, online automotive platform for buying and selling vehicles that is building upon its industry-leading listings marketplace with both digital retail solutions and the CarOffer online wholesale platform. The CarGurus platform gives consumers the confidence to purchase and/or sell a vehicle either online or in-person, and it gives dealerships the power to accurately price, effectively market, instantly acquire, and quickly sell vehicles, all with a nationwide reach. The company uses proprietary technology, search algorithms, and data analytics to bring trust, transparency, and competitive pricing to the automotive shopping experience. CarGurus is the most visited automotive shopping site in the U.S. 1

    CarGurus also operates online marketplaces under the CarGurus brand in Canada and the U.K. In the U.S. and the U.K., CarGurus also operates the Autolist and PistonHeads online marketplaces, respectively, as independent brands.

    To learn more about CarGurus, visit www.cargurus.com, and for more information about CarOffer, visit www.caroffer.com.

    CarGurus® is a registered trademark of CarGurus, Inc., and CarOffer® is a registered trademark of CarOffer, LLC. All other product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    1Similarweb: Traffic Report [Cars.com, Autotrader, TrueCar, CARFAX Listings (defined as CARFAX Total visits minus Vehicle History Reports traffic)], Q4 2024, U.S.
    2Compared to Autotrader.com, Cars.com, TrueCar.com (YipitData as of September 30, 2024), and CarFax (Joreca as of September 30, 2024)

    Media Contact:
    Maggie Meluzio
    Director, Public Relations & External Communications
    pr@cargurus.com

    Investor Contact:
    Kirndeep Singh
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    investors@cargurus.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. to Announce First Quarter 2025 Results on April 30

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MATTOON, Ill., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBH) (the “Company”) announced today that it intends to issue its first quarter 2025 financial results after market close on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Along with the press release announcing the financial results, the Company will publish an investor presentation and make it available via the investor relations section of its website.

    About First Mid: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (“First Mid”) is the parent company of First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., First Mid Insurance Group, Inc., and First Mid Wealth Management Co. First Mid is a $7.5 billion community-focused organization that provides a full-suite of financial services including banking, wealth management, brokerage, Ag services, and insurance through a network of locations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin and a loan production office in the greater Indianapolis area. Together, our First Mid team takes great pride in providing solutions and services to the customers and communities and has done so over the last 160 years. More information about the Company is available on our website at www.firstmid.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Austin Frank
    SVP, Shareholder Relations
    217-258-5522
    afrank@firstmid.com

    Matt Smith
    Chief Financial Officer
    217-258-1528
    msmith@firstmid.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Fortinet to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, announced that it will hold a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2025 financial results on Wednesday, May 7, at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time).

    Fortinet’s financial results conference call will be broadcast live in listen-only mode on the company’s investor relations website at http://investor.fortinet.com. While not required, it is recommended that you join at least 10 minutes prior to the event start.

    The CEO and CFO’s prepared remarks, supplemental slides and a call replay will be accessible from the Quarterly Earnings page on the Investor Relations page of Fortinet’s website at https://investor.fortinet.com/quarterly-earnings.

    About Fortinet (www.fortinet.com)
    Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere our customers need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organizations from both the public and private sectors, including Computer Emergency Response Teams (“CERTS”), government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs

    FTNT-F
    Copyright © 2025 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. The symbols ® and ™ denote respectively federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fortinet’s trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following: Fortinet, the Fortinet logo, FortiGate, FortiOS, FortiGuard, FortiCare, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, FortiASIC, FortiClient, FortiCloud, FortiMail, FortiSandbox, FortiADC, FortiAgent, FortiAI, FortiAIOps, FortiAgent, FortiAntenna, FortiAP, FortiAPCam, FortiAuthenticator, FortiCache, FortiCall, FortiCam, FortiCamera, FortiCarrier, FortiCASB, FortiCentral, FortiCNP, FortiConnect, FortiController, FortiConverter, FortiCSPM, FortiCWP, FortiDAST, FortiDB, FortiDDoS, FortiDeceptor, FortiDeploy, FortiDevSec, FortiDLP, FortiEdge, FortiEDR, FortiEndpoint FortiExplorer, FortiExtender, FortiFirewall, FortiFlex FortiFone, FortiGSLB, FortiGuest, FortiHypervisor, FortiInsight, FortiIsolator, FortiLAN, FortiLink, FortiMonitor, FortiNAC, FortiNDR, FortiPAM, FortiPenTest, FortiPhish, FortiPoint, FortiPolicy, FortiPortal, FortiPresence, FortiProxy, FortiRecon, FortiRecorder, FortiSASE, FortiScanner, FortiSDNConnector, FortiSEC, FortiSIEM, FortiSMS, FortiSOAR, FortiSRA, FortiStack, FortiSwitch, FortiTester, FortiToken, FortiTrust, FortiVoice, FortiWAN, FortiWeb, FortiWiFi, FortiWLC, FortiWLM, FortiXDR and Lacework FortiCNAPP. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

    Fortinet has not independently verified statements or certifications herein attributed to third parties and Fortinet does not independently endorse such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein constitutes a warranty, guarantee, contract, binding specification or other binding commitment by Fortinet or any indication of intent related to a binding commitment, and performance and other specification information herein may be unique to certain environments.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government unlocks £10 billion private investment into the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government unlocks £10 billion private investment into the UK

    The Minister for Investment has signed a new partnership with Singaporean bank OCBC, which will help unlock £10 billion of investment into key priority sectors in the UK.

    • Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson signs new partnership with OCBC, Singapore’s second largest bank, to facilitate £10 billion investment into the UK.
    • Agreement will increase UK-Asia Pacific collaboration and support investment into priority growth sectors including energy, infrastructure and real estate.
    • Comes in the wake of ratification of CPTPP – a massive trade deal with the region – helping to create economic growth and supporting the Plan for Change.

    New collaboration between the UK government and one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia will unlock £10 billion of investment into Britain, boosting economic growth and driving forward the government’s Plan for Change.   

    Today [Wednesday 2 April], Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson has signed the new MoU with the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited’s (OCBC) Head of Global Corporate Banking Elaine Lam.    

    The bank aims to finance £10 billion of investment from the Asia Pacific region into priority growth sectors including energy, infrastructure and real estate by 2030.   

    Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE said:

    This £10 billion commitment from OCBC is a major vote of confidence in the UK economy. Not only will it help create more opportunities in real estate and infrastructure, but will also back our clean energy industry, a key growth sector identified in our upcoming Industrial Strategy.” 

    We have the most open, stable and connected economy in the world – and our Plan for Change will encourage more international companies to invest here, delivering long-term growth that supports good, skilled jobs across the country.

    Under the newly expanded Office for Investment, OCBC will collaborate with the government to promote the UK as a hub for businesses, investors and services, attracting billions of pounds worth of investment from Asia and supporting the government’s growth mission.    

    As one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia, OCBC brings valuable private capital from Asia into the UK. OCBC’s plan to finance £10 billion worth of investment until 2030 signifies the significant opportunities from Asia and is a huge vote of confidence in the UK economy.    

    OCBC Head of Global Corporate Banking Elaine Lam said:

    The UK and Singapore share historically deep ties and OCBC is proud to play a part in further strengthening the relationship with this agreement. Our UK business has grown significantly over the years and our London branch is now the largest in our international network. The growth has been driven by developments in sectors such as real estate, renewables, energy transition as well as digital and core physical infrastructure.  

    These align with the priority sectors outlined in the UK’s industrial strategy and we will double down on our efforts to drive further growth in these areas. We are also committed to supporting UK companies that are keen to establish or expand operations in Singapore and Southeast Asia. We look forward to building on our strong track record in the UK to deliver on these goals.

    The UK and Asia-Pacific trading relationship is worth £126 billion. This new partnership will create more opportunities in key growth driving sectors identified in the government’s upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, and build on the UK’s CPTPP ratification – expected to boost the economy by £2 billion a year in the long-term.   

    The collaboration will also help facilitate further trade and investment with the APAC region, as the UK remains committed to free and fair trade, with a pro-business approach focused on reducing barriers to investment.   

    The government’s new modern Industrial Strategy will deliver long-term, sustainable, inclusive growth right across the UK by driving investment into the economy and hardwire stability for investors, giving them the confidence to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Gauteng targets R300 billion in investments to boost economy

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Gauteng Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, says the province is aiming to secure at least R300 billion in investment pledges at the Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC), to be held in Johannesburg.

    The MEC was speaking during a media briefing on the state of readiness of the province to host the conference, to be held at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, in Sandton, on 3 April 2025.

    “Leaders across all tiers of government, including Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, Premier of Gauteng Premier Lesufi, and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, will provide inputs at the conference. The keynote address will be delivered by the Deputy President, who also serves as the Leader of Government Business in South Africa, His Excellency, Paul Mashatile.  

    “Of equal significance is the large contingent of leaders across the business and government sectors on the African continent, the African diaspora and the globe. With over 50 companies represented, the conference will be a convergence point of the world’s most important companies in various sectors,” Maile said.

    The Gauteng province is of importance for South Africa’s economy and contributes at least 33% to the national Gross Domestic Product, and nearly 7% of sub-Saharan Africa’s output.

    “The [GIC] is a transformative event in affirming the place of the Gauteng province in the continental economy. We are asserting that the development of Gauteng is in the best interest of South Africa, the Southern African Development Community and the continent broadly.

    “Thus, investment in the economy of Gauteng extends beyond the confines of its provincial borders into other lands across the entire continent,” the MEC said.

    Furthermore, the conference will also serve as a platform for critical dialogue that will “enable direct engagement between policy makers, investors and industry experts”.

    “This will ensure that we come out with tangible and applicable outcomes. The sessions will focus on, amongst other things, public-private infrastructure investments, as well as key Gauteng most dynamic and high growth sectors, including…advanced manufacturing, green and renewable energy, ICT [information and communication technology] and data infrastructure, transport and logistics, smart property development and urban regeneration, as well as tourism and the creative economy,” he said.

    Maile emphasised that these sectors are critical to ensuring development on a provincial, national and continental level.

    “Investment in these sectors offers the most reliable instrument for ensuring sustainability and development, offering a clear path to economic prosperity that is anchored on inclusive growth, environmental protection and human development,” Maile said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes England and Octopus Real Estate launch £150 million Greener Homes Alliance phase 2

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Homes England and Octopus Real Estate launch £150 million Greener Homes Alliance phase 2

    The renewed alliance will reinforce a responsibility to support small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders, while encouraging greener building practices.

    Octopus Real Estate supported by Homes England

    Homes England has joined with Octopus Real Estate, part of Octopus Investments and a leading specialist real estate investor and lender, to create the Greener Homes Alliance 2.

    The alliance will commit £150 million of funding, £42 million of which will be provided by the Agency’s Home Building Fund. This will provide small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders with further loan finance enabling even more high-quality, energy efficient homes to be built across England.

    The first phase of the alliance launched in 2021, as part of broader efforts to expand the supply of finance available to SMEs, and funded over 550 much needed, new sustainable homes across the country. More than 40% of the homes built during phase one achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A, and 100% secured a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score higher than 86, significantly higher than the UK average EPC rating of D and SAP score of 67.

    Phase one of the Greener Homes Alliance made a significant impact, with 20 loans completed totalling £150 million — an average loan size to SME developers of £7.5 million.

    Phase two of the Greener Homes Alliance will seek to support the creation of more sustainable homes by introducing 10 new criteria, 4 of which must be met for developers to benefit from a 1.25% discount on their interest rate. If 6 or more criteria are met, developers will be eligible for a 2% discount.

    The new criteria for phase 2 will include the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) in the fabric of buildings and a real living wage paid to workers on site. It will also encourage borrowers to support the Lighthouse Charity, a leader in mental health within the construction industry.

    To qualify for funding from the alliance in the first place, all schemes must deliver specific key performance indicators as a minimum. Developers must ensure that all homes built are fossil fuel free and have an average SAP score of 85 or above.

    Marcus Ralling, Chief Investment Officer at Homes England said:

    Small and medium housebuilders play a vital and essential role in driving the delivery of much needed, new and sustainable homes.

    This extended Alliance is an excellent example of how we are working with partners like Octopus Real Estate to support the SME housebuilders that are crucial to building a diverse and resilient housing sector.

    Andy Scott, Co-Head of Debt, Octopus Real Estate, added:

    We are extremely proud of the impact our Greener Homes Alliance initiative has had when it comes to supporting developers looking to make greener decisions for their projects, and we’ve spent a lot of time working out the new criteria with Homes England to make sure the next phase is as impactful as possible.

    At Octopus, our mission is to reimagine real estate through the delivery of high-quality, sustainable places for people to live that are fit for the future and address societal needs such as fuel poverty. Working with esteemed government agencies to enact real change for the developers who have the expertise and capability to deliver such homes is a huge part of this.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient a property is, giving a property an energy efficiency rating from A (best) to G (worst) that is valid for 10 years. An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs and steps to improve a property’s energy efficiency.

    The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for the energy rating of dwellings) is the methodology currently used by the government to estimate the energy performance of homes. A SAP score provides a rating between 1 and 100, this range is then divided into categories A (best) to G (worst).

    The new criteria introduced for phase two will include:

    • An average SAP score of 92+ (EPC A)

    • More than 90% of waste from the site avoids landfill

    • Biodiversity Net Gain of over 20%

    • More than 50% of new homes will be Zero Bills ready

    • Regeneration of a brownfield site

    • Potable water usage reduced to less than 110 litres per person per day

    • Use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in the fabric of the building

    • The Real Living Wage must be paid to all workers on site

    • The borrower to support Lighthouse Charity, a leader in mental health within the construction industry

    • More than 25% of units to be affordable built on-site, or in line with local social housing plans

    All schemes must also deliver the following KPIs as a minimum:

    • All homes to be fossil fuel free

    • Every scheme to have average SAP score of 85+

    About Homes England 

    We are the government’s housing and regeneration Agency, and we’re here to drive the creation of more affordable, quality homes and thriving places so that everyone has a place to live and grow.  

    We make this happen by working in partnership with thousands of organisations of all sizes, using our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to bring investment to communities and get more quality homes built. 

    Learn more about us: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/homes-england/about

    Press Office contact details 

    Email: media@homesengland.gov.uk 

    Phone: 0207 874 8262 

    About Octopus Real Estate

    Octopus Real Estate, part of Octopus Investments, is a specialist real estate investor and lender delivering quality, sustainable places to live for every stage of life. Through our role as an investor, lender, and landlord, we fund the entire lifecycle of real estate ─ reimagining its future.

    We have more than £3.7 billion in real estate assets and secured lending, working with our partners to deliver greener homes for people to buy or rent, increase the supply of genuinely affordable housing, and build communities that meet the aspirations of elderly people. We also transform underused land and properties that require regeneration and redevelopment.

    We believe that real, lasting change can only be achieved if businesses invest in the right way. We work with people who share our values and take our responsibilities to the communities we serve seriously. Together, we’re harnessing change to build a better tomorrow.

    About Lighthouse

    The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families.

    Our mission is to ensure that our construction community can easily access the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support they need and to develop healthy and sustainable futures for this generation and the next.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eaton Park kicks off a new era

    Source: City of Norwich

    More football teams will be able to enjoy playing the beautiful game at Eaton Park, thanks to a transformative project to make the changing rooms more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive.

    Work is underway to convert part of the Southwest Pavillion, a listed building, into a modern, FA-compliant changing space, allowing for male and female teams to use it simultaneously. This part of the pavilion was built between 1921 and 1933 and was designed to be used as a changing facility for those using the park for sporting activities.

    The improvements are set to significantly increase women’s participation in football, an area currently underrepresented in the park, as well as enabling more teams, including higher league clubs, to use Eaton Park’s pitches. The changing facilities will also be made available for other sports and for events in the park.

    Builders are already on-site to prepare the area for work, which is expected to be completed over the summer. There will be no access to the changing facilities for the duration of the work, but access to toilets will unaffected. The area has been fenced off to minimise disruption at the park.

    This upgrade is funded by Norwich City Council, the Greater Norwich Growth Board through the Infrastructure Investment Fund, as well the the Premier League, The FA and Government via the Football Foundation. It has also been supported by the Friends of Eaton Park. The initiative aims to boost the health and wellbeing of residents by encouraging greater use of the park, particularly through improved sports facilities, enhanced infrastructure, and environmentally friendly technology integration.

    Improvements include:

    • Upgraded changing facilities – the current nine-room facility will be transformed into four modern changing rooms with individual entrances, shower cubicles, toilets, and privacy screens, making them fully FA-compliant while respecting the building’s Grade II-listed status. Two dedicated officials’ changing rooms will also be created, ensuring male and female referees have private, compliant spaces.
    • Sustainable technology – the refurbished changing block will incorporate solar panels, a heat pump, PIR sensor lighting, and energy-efficient LED fixtures, aligning with the city’s environmental commitments.
    • Expanded cycle storage – Ten new cycle storage racks will be strategically placed throughout the park to encourage active travel, reduce car dependency, and contribute to Norwich’s climate responsive ambitions by lowering CO2 emissions.

    With support from the Football Foundation and Norfolk FA, Norwich City Council will ensure these upgrades meet the highest standards while preserving the park’s historical significance.

    Davina Howes, Norwich City Council’s executive director for Communities said: “Upgrading the changing rooms is a significant step in allowing more people to enjoy sport in one of our much-loved parks.

    “This project will create a more inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming space for all residents, reinforcing Eaton Park as a hub for community engagement and physical activity.”

    For more information or to report an issue please visit: www.norwich.gov.uk/eatonpark

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cuban national sentenced to nearly a decade in federal prison for human smuggling

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    EL PASO, Texas – A Cuban national was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 111 months in prison for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, conspiracy to harbor aliens, and sexual assault of an alien, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The U.S. Border Patrol assisted with the case.

    “Justice was served today for a stash house operator who organized the smuggling of hundreds of illegal aliens and sexually assaulted one of them, all while cramming individuals into tractor-trailers in the sweltering Texas heat,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “HSI is committed to aggressively targeting human smugglers and smuggling organizations that continuously exploit individuals for profit. We will relentlessly pursue these criminals who prey on vulnerable people, ensuring they are held accountable for their actions.”

    According to court documents, Humberto Yosvany Arriola-Rivero, 30, assisted in the harboring of illegal aliens and managed a stash house in El Paso. He also was an occupant in a vehicle that fled law enforcement that was transporting more than a dozen illegal aliens in April 2023. An investigation revealed that Arriola-Rivero sexually assaulted one of the illegal aliens at the El Paso stash house. Arriola-Rivero was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 17, 2023, and was arrested Sept. 7, 2023. He pleaded guilty Aug. 27, 2024.

    “It’s important to note that Arriola-Rivero is being held responsible not only for the significant role he played in human smuggling operations, but also for his abhorrent decision to further dehumanize and sexually violate one of his victims,” said acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “This sentence makes it clear to smugglers in El Paso and across the southern border, that if you engage in alien smuggling in our district, you will be held accountable.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: authID Announces Closing of $8,150,000 Registered Direct Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — authID Inc. (NASDAQ: AUID) (“authID” or the “Company”), a leading provider of biometric identity verification and authentication solutions, today announced it has closed its previously announced transaction with investors to sell 1,811,120 shares of its common stock (the “Shares”) and/or Pre-Funded Warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) pursuant to a registered direct offering (the “Registered Direct Offering”). The purchase price for one Share or Pre-Funded Warrant was $4.50 (each Pre-Funded Warrant will be exercisable into one share of common stock). The aggregate gross proceeds from the Offering were $8,150,000 before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses.

    Dominari Securities LLC and Madison Global Partners, LLC, acted as Co-Placement Agents for the offering.

    In connection with the closing of this Registered Direct Offering, an Advisory Board was created, comprising of Mr. Eric Swider and Mr. Donald Nitti; each having extensive experience in different industry and government sectors where authID’s biometric identity solutions can address critical needs.

    “In the last eighteen months, authID has educated the market to the point where customers no longer ask what biometric authentication is, but rather how it can transform their business,” said Rhon Daguro, CEO of authID. “Concerns over privacy and the advanced aspects of biometrics were an early obstacle, but now our clients are applying our technology to new challenges, expanding our footprint. This next exciting phase of our journey has been made possible by our foundational partners, David Lerner and Madison Global Partners, who have guided us over the years and were instrumental in this offering. As we look to our future, we also welcome our new partners, Kyle Wool and Dominari Holdings, as well as our new expert advisors, Eric Swider and Donald Nitti.”

    authID intends to use the net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    The Shares offered in the Registered Direct Offering are being offered by the Company pursuant to a shelf registration statement (Registration No. 333-283580) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and declared effective by the SEC on December 13, 2024. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. A prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the Registered Direct Offering has been filed with the SEC and may be obtained for free on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the Registered Direct offering may be obtained by contacting Madison Global Partners, LLC, Attention: David S. Kaplan, 350 Motor Parkway, Suite 205, Hauppauge, NY 11788, by email at info@madisonglobalpartners.com, or by telephone at (646) 690-0330.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About authID Inc.

    authID (Nasdaq: AUID) ensures enterprises “Know Who’s Behind the Device™” for every customer or employee login and transaction through its easy-to-integrate, patented biometric identity platform. authID powers biometric identity proofing in 700ms, biometric authentication in 25ms, and account recovery with a fast, accurate, user-friendly experience. With our ground-breaking PrivacyKey Solution, authID provides a 1-to-1-billion false match rate, while storing no biometric data. authID stops fraud at onboarding, blocks deepfakes, prevents account takeover, and eliminates password risks and costs, through the fastest, most frictionless, and most accurate user identity experience demanded by today’s digital ecosystem. Contact us to discover how authID can help your organization secure your workforce or consumer applications against identity fraud, cyberattacks, and account takeover.

    For more information, please visit authid.ai.

    Media Contacts

    NextTech Communications
    Walter Fowler
    1-631-334-3864
    wfowler@nexttechcomms.com

    Investor Relations Contacts
    Investor-Relations@authid.ai

    Gateway Group, Inc.
    Alex Thompson
    1-949-574-3860
    AUID@gateway-grp.com

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

    This Press Release includes “forward-looking statements.” All statements other than statements of historical facts included herein are forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary materially from the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of risk factors. See the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2024, filed at www.sec.gov and other documents filed with the SEC for risk factors which investors should consider. These forward-looking statements speak only as to the date of this release and cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. authID expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect any changes in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    The MIL Network