NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Christopher Ferguson

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released police body-worn camera footage and dashboard camera video that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Christopher Ferguson, who died on December 5, 2024 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn.

    On the afternoon of December 5, members of the NYPD, after a pursuit, encountered Mr. Ferguson as he was attempting to get out of a car near the intersection of Utica Avenue and Park Place in Brooklyn. During the encounter, Mr. Ferguson allegedly pointed a gun at the officers and the officers discharged their service weapons in response, striking Mr. Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a firearm with an extended magazine at the scene.

    The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released footage from body-worn cameras that officers were equipped with during the incident and video from a police car dashboard camera. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

    Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

    The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime. 

    Warning: These videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: RUBIS: Transactions carried out within the framework of the share buyback programme (excluding transactions within the liquidity agreement) – 3 to 7 February 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 10 February 2025, 06:00pm
      

    Issuer Name: Rubis (LEI: 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742)
    Category of securities: Ordinary shares (ISIN: FR0013269123)
    Period: From 3 au 7 February 2025

    Upon the authorisation granted by the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on 11 June 2024 to implement a share buyback program, the Company carried out, between 3 to 7 February 2025, the repurchases of its own shares in order to transfer them to employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and/or companies related to it in the context of a shareholding plan.

    Aggregate presentation per day and per market:

    Name of issuer Identification code of issuer (Legal Entity Identifier) Day of transaction Identification code of financial instrument Aggregated daily volume (in number of shares) Daily weighted average price of the purchased shares * Market
    (MIC Code)
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 03/02/2025 FR0013269123 2,000 24.5936 AQEU
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 03/02/2025 FR0013269123 10,000 24.6277 CEUX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 03/02/2025 FR0013269123 2,000 24.6088 TQEX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 03/02/2025 FR0013269123 21,827 24.6310 XPAR
    * Four-digit rounding after the decimal TOTAL 35,827 24.6268  

    Detailed presentation per transaction:

    Detailed information on the transactions carried out from 3 to 7 February 2025 is available on the Company’s website (www.rubis.fr) in the section “Investors – Regulated information – Share buyback programme”.

      Contact
      RUBIS – Legal Department
      Tel. : + 33 (0)1 44 17 95 95

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Coface SA: Disclosure of total number of voting rights and number of shares in the capital as at 31 January 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COFACE SA: Disclosure of total number of voting rights and number of shares in the capital as at 31 January 2025

    Paris, 10 February 2025 – 17.45

    Total Number of
    Shares Capital    		 Theoretical Number of Voting Rights1 Number of Real
    Voting Rights2
    150,179,792 150,179,792 149,405,017

    (1)   including own shares
    (2)   excluding own shares

    Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.
     

    About Coface

    COFACE SA is a société anonyme (joint-stock corporation), with a Board of Directors (Conseil d’Administration) incorporated under the laws of France, and is governed by the provisions of the French Commercial Code. The Company is registered with the Nanterre Trade and Companies Register (Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés) under the number 432 413 599. The Company’s registered office is at 1 Place Costes et Bellonte, 92270 Bois Colombes, France.

    At the date of 31 December 2024, the Company’s share capital amounts to €300,359,584, divided into 150,179,792 shares, all of the same class, and all of which are fully paid up and subscribed.

    All regulated information is available on the company’s website (http://www.coface.com/Investors).

    Coface SA. is listed on Euronext Paris – Compartment A
    ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Alaris Equity Partners Announces Timing of 2024 Q4 Financial Results, Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES.
    FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW.

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust (“Alaris” or the “Trust“) (TSX: AD.UN) is pleased to announce that it will release its year-end results for the period ended December 31, 2024 following the closing of regular trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange Monday, March 10, 2025. Alaris management will host a conference call at 9 am MT (11am ET) the following day, Tuesday, March 11, 2025 to discuss the financial results and outlook for the Trust.

    Participants must register for the call using this link: Pre-registration to Q4 to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN to access the call seamlessly. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call). Participants can access the webcast here: Q4 webcast. A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the call and archived on the same web page for six months. Participants can also find the link on our website, stored under the “Investors” section – “Presentations and Events”, at www.alarisequitypartners.com.

    About Alaris

    The Trust, through its subsidiaries, invests in a diversified group of private businesses (“Private Company Partners“) primarily through structure equity. The principal objective of the structured equity investments is to generate stable and predictable returns for its unitholders through cash distributions and capital appreciation and is complimented with common equity positions which generate returns alongside the founders of our Private Company Partners.

    For further information please contact:

    Investor Relations
    P: (403) 260-1457
    ir@alarisequity.com

    Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust
    Suite 250, 333 24th Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta T2S 3E6
    www.alarisequitypartners.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: q21capital.ag: BaFin consumers about website and identity fraud

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The financial supervisory authority BaFin warns against offers from the website q21capital.ag. Contrary to the information on the website, the website is not operated by the capital management company Q21 Capital InvAG mit TGV, which is registered with BaFin. This is a case of identity theft.

    Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 16 (8) of the German Investment Code (Kapitalanlagegesetzbuch – KAGB).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Smyrna Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison on Child Exploitation Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NASHVILLE – Peter Allen Snyder, 43, of Smyrna, Tennessee, was sentenced last Thursday to 20 years in federal prison after having pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Snyder also is required to register as a sex offender.

    “One of our office’s highest priorities is the aggressive prosecution of crimes against children,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “We will seek to hold these criminals accountable in order to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”

    According to court records, on November 21, 2019, Snyder created at least nine sexually explicit images of the Minor Victim on his cell phone which depicted her naked from the waist down. Snyder’s hand was visible in one of the images.  Snyder later distributed these photographs through the internet. The creation and distribution of these sexually explicit images came to light in December 2021, when Yahoo submitted a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The CyberTip contained twenty-five images of child sexual abuse material, including nine of the Minor Victim, which had been sent by e-mail from a Russian-based e-mail service, with the subject header reading “Trade.”

    The images of the Minor Victim contained gps data confirming the images were produced at or near the vicinity of Snyder’s residence in Cannon County.  These images also included data about the cell phone used to create the sexually explicit images of the Minor Victim.  When Snyder was questioned about the cell phone following his arrest, he said he had disposed of it at a recycling kiosk.

    After serving his sentence, Snyder will be on supervised release for the remainder of his life.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Woodbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison prosecuted the case.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Centerville Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography of Minor Victim

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DES MOINES, Iowa – A Centerville man and Texas native was sentenced on Friday, February 7, 2025 to 40 years in federal prison for production of child pornography.

    According to public court documents and evidence produced at sentencing, Luis Nathan Hernandez Jr., 48, exploited a minor victim younger than 12 and produced child sexual abuse material of her between 2022 and March 2024, including material depicting sex acts Hernandez performed on the victim. In March 2024, Hernandez persuaded the victim to take nude photos and videos, which the victim sent to Hernandez. Hernandez’s Centerville residence was searched in April 2024. A search of Hernandez’s seized computer revealed 598 files containing child sexual abuse material from at least 71 known series. Hernandez’s two cell phones had approximately 500 images 17 videos containing child sexual abuse material.

    In 2004, Hernandez was convicted in Texas of indecency with a child, which required him to register as a sex offender. Twice in 2013, Hernandez plead guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in Wayne and Appanoose counties.

    After completing his term of imprisonment, Hernandez will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Hernandez was also ordered to pay $34,000 in restitution.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, and the Osceola Police Department, with assistance from the Centerville Police Department.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing Market Trends – Intriguing year ahead for the housing market – Quality Valuation

    Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

    One month in and QV operation manager James Wilson says 2025 is already shaping up to be an intriguing year for the housing market – though you wouldn’t necessarily know it from looking at our latest figures.

    The latest QV House Price Index shows that residential property values have once again increased slightly, edging upward by an average of 1.3% nationally in the January quarter. The average home is now worth $913,567, which is just 1.3% less than the same time last year and 14.1% below the market’s peak in late 2021.

    “On the surface, we’re seeing a continuation in 2025 of the overwhelmingly flat theme that we saw throughout much of last year. This is to be expected, given the economic factors at play – namely high interest rates and credit constraints, sustained weakness in the labour market, and an oversupply of properties available for sale,” Mr Wilson said.

    “However, we are also seeing less home value reductions now and what little growth there is does appear to be trending ever so slightly upward. At the same time, mortgage rates are falling and property sales volumes are building, which could pave the way for more substantial growth later this year. That won’t happen overnight, of course, but we will be actively monitoring this space with interest – as I’m sure many sellers, purchasers and investors will be throughout 2025.”

    Of the main urban areas QV monitors across New Zealand Aotearoa, only three have recorded modest reductions this quarter – Whangarei (-0.3%), Hastings (-0.3%), and Queenstown (-1.5%). Otherwise, Auckland (1.4%), Hamilton (2.3%), Tauranga (1.4%), Napier (2.9%), Dunedin (2.3%) and especially Invercargill (3.8%) all recorded above-average increases in home value throughout the three months to the end of January 2025.

    “Value strengthening across these main urban areas throughout the summer has propped up the nationwide results to some degree, with increased competition amongst buyers helping to stabilise and slowly strengthen home values,” said Mr Wilson.

    However, he pointed out that there had also been an “uptick” this year in the number of properties available for sale across most centres nationwide, providing buyers with ample choice.

    “Summer is traditionally the peak season for buying and selling, so it’s unsurprising to see more buyers and sellers in the market, especially as economic circumstances improve. What will be interesting to see is how long it takes for this excess stock to be absorbed, because that’s when we will see demand start to push prices up in a more substantial way. Once again, this will not happen overnight, but further interest rate reductions will certainly quicken the process.”

    “For now, the cost of borrowing remains relatively restrictive, and the economy and therefore job market is still doing it tough. Investors and owner-occupiers are showing increasing interest in the property market but remain cautious overall, while first-home buyers are continuing to make up a larger proportion of the market in the meantime,” Mr Wilson concluded.

    Download a high resolution version of the latest QV value map here. (ref. https://qv.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ea78a69a1f7991bf60632008&id=1c4137c6c2&e=12a3161b1f )

    Northland

    It has been a relatively flat start to the year for Northland’s housing market.

    Home values eased downward by 0.2% across the wider region in January. And even on a longer timescale of a quarter, home values are only 0.6% higher than they were three months ago.

    The average home value in the Far North is now $686,294, which is 2.8% lower than the same time last year. In Whangarei, the average value is $716,289, which is 3% less than the same time last year. The average home in Kaipara is worth $842,269, down 1.1% over the last 12 months.

    Auckland

    All bar one of the Super City’s seven former local council areas recorded a small rise in average home value this quarter.

    The largest gains occurred this quarter on the North Shore (2.6%), in Auckland’s central suburbs (1.8%) and in Manukau (1.8%). Papakura was the lone exception; its average home value reduced by 0.8% to $880,173.

    Taken as a whole, the region’s average home value increased by 1.4% throughout the January quarter to $1,245,951 – up slightly from the 1.3% quarterly growth recorded back in December. The average home in the Auckland region is now worth 3.5% less than the same time last year, and 19.2% less than the market’s peak in late 2021. The one-month change was just 0.1%.

    Local QV registered valuer Hugh Robson said activity levels still remained relatively low, despite there being a growing number of properties available for purchase.

     “January has tended to be a very quiet month, possibly due to the summer holidays. Reports from agents have been mixed – some say it is pretty dead, while others think it’s slowly picking up. We should have a better idea of the market by the end of February,” he said.

    Bay of Plenty

    It hasn’t been the hottest start to summer for Tauranga’s housing market.

    Home values have increased by an average of just 1.4% this quarter. The city’s average home value is now $1,017,097, which is 1.1% less than the same time last year.

    Meanwhile, average home values have also increased this quarter in Rotorua (0.6%), Whakatane (1%) and especially Opotiki (2.2%).

    Waikato

    The housing market remains flat-to-gently-rising across the wider Waikato region.

    Home values have lifted by 1.2% on average this quarter, with Thames-Coromandel (3.1%), Hauraki (2.7%), Hamilton (2.1%) and South Waikato (5.9%) performing above average.

    However, a number of districts have recorded average home value reductions this quarter, including Matamata-Piako (-0.2%), Waipa (-1.8%), Otorohanga (-1.5%), Waitomo (-0.1%) and Taupo (-2.1%).

    Taranaki

    ‘Flat’ remains the best word to describe the current home value trend in Taranaki.

    Although values have increased modestly across the region by 1.3% this quarter, there was no growth on average during the month of January itself.

    New Plymouth’s average home value is now $720,831, which is 0.7% higher than the same time last year. South Taranaki and Stratford are both still showing negative home value growth annually of 0.3% and 2.3% respectively.

    Hawke’s Bay

    The twin cities of Napier and Hastings have recorded very different quarters.

    The average home value increased by 2.9% to $753,155 this quarter in Napier, and it reduced by 0.3% to $771,382 this quarter in Hastings.

    Annually, home values in Napier are now 1% lower on average, and they are 3.2% less than the same time last year in Hastings.

    Palmerston North

    Home values continue to gently rise in Palmerston North.

    January marked Palmerston North’s fourth month of growth in a row. The city’s average home value increased by 1.1% this quarter to reach $638,441.

    That figure is 1.1% lower than at the same time last year and 17.7% less than the local housing market’s peak three years ago.

    Wairarapa

    Home values have gently fallen across the Wairarapa region during the month of January.

    Masterton’s average home value decreased by 1.1% to $574,342 last month. At the same time, Carterton’s average home value also decreased by 0.6% to $629,499, and the average home value in South Wairarapa reduced by 1.1% to $771,529.

    Wellington

    Home values remain relatively static in the Wellington region.

    The average home increased in value by just 0.5% throughout the three months to the end of January 2025 to reach $841,903. That figure is now 3% lower than the same time last year, and 23% lower than the market’s peak in late 2021.

    Breaking the region down by local council area, the average home values in Kapiti Coast (3%) and Hutt City (0.9%) experienced some growth this quarter. Porirua (-0.3%) and Upper Hutt (-0.6%) recorded small quarterly losses, while Wellington City broke even.

    QV senior consultant David Cornford said the region continued to face challenges. “While interest rates have decreased, other market forces such as high stock levels, increasing unemployment, lower net migration, and job insecurity is resulting in a largely soft market for the time being.”

    “Wellington ended the year with a significant number of unsold properties. Now we are seeing a high number of properties being brought to the market in the New Year, increasing stock levels further. This is providing buyers with plenty of choice, reaffirming the fact that it remains a buyers’ market. Buyers generally have a lack of urgency and continue to take a cautious approach in their decisions,” Mr Cornford concluded.

    Nelson

    Nelson’s average home value has increased slightly for four consecutive months now.

    Our latest figures show that the city’s average home increased in value by 1.2% this quarter to reach $789,580, including by 1% in the month of January itself. That average value is now 2% higher than the same time last year.

    It is slightly more growth than in our previous QV House Price Index, which showed values grew by an average of 0.7% in the December quarter and by 0.2% in December itself.

    West Coast

    Housing figures on the West Coast continue to fluctuate from month to month as a result of low sales volumes.

    However, on a longer time scale of a year, it is clear to see that home values in the region continue to hold up better than anywhere else. Average home values in Buller ($390,710), Grey ($461,806), and Westland ($470,108) are now 10.5%, 12.4%, and 8.5% higher annually respectively.

    This is compared to a 1.3% annual decline in average home value nationally.

    Canterbury

    Christchurch’s average home value has increased slightly for the fourth straight month.

    The city recorded a small 1.3% rise in average home value in the January quarter to reach $769,857. That figure is now 0.6% higher than the same time last year.

    The average home value also lifted 1.3% to $717,399 this quarter in Waimakariri. Hurunui ($640,980) and Selwyn’s ($842,275) average home values also recorded smaller increases of 0.2% and 0.4% respectively.

    Local QV senior consultant Olivia Brownie described these latest figures as being a “blend of stability and modest growth”. “As expected, we saw a dip in sales over the holiday period, yet a slight increase in the overall average home value,” she said.

    “We anticipate a bit more growth over the summer months, attributed to factors such as lower mortgage rates and increased summer buyer activity. However, we still face market challenges and balancing growth prospects with prevailing economic challenges.”

    Meanwhile, across the wider Canterbury region this quarter, the average home value in Ashburton increased by 0.8% to $569,159 and decreased by 1% to $530,585 in Timaru.

    Otago

    Residential property values also remain relatively stable across the Otago region.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows values in the region increased on average by just 0.5% this quarter. Central Otago (3.3%) and Dunedin (2.3%) performed above average; Clutha (-2%), Waitaki (-0.3%) and Queenstown (-1.5%) performed below average.

    In the region’s largest city, Dunedin, the average home value is now $651,130, following three straight months of modest growth. The average home is now worth 2.8% more than the same time last year.

    “The property market in Dunedin has been relatively stable compared to other New Zealand cities, showing resilience amid broader national trends,” said local QV registered valuer Rebecca Johnston. “It’s continues to be a buyers’ market with stable – albeit minimal – growth.”

    “Demand appears to have weakened for higher density new build two-bedroom townhouses within the last several months, indicating that this market is currently somewhat saturated presently in Dunedin. Developers have recently introduced two-yearly rental guarantees, which have already been established in higher density townhouse developments areas elsewhere in the country.”

    Queenstown

    The average home value in Queenstown has experienced another small dip.

    Our latest figures show that the average value reduced by 1.5% this quarter to $1,826,298. It follows a similar reduction of 1.4% in the three months to the end of December.

    However, the tourist town’s average home value is still 1.1% higher than the same time last year.

    Invercargill

    Invercargill’s average home value has crossed the $500,000 mark for the first time.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows that the city’s average home value has increased this quarter by 3.8% to $500,286. That figure is 7.2% higher than the same time last year and now sits 0.4% above the local market’s previous peak in 2022.

    Local QV registered valuer Andrew Ronald commented: “Invercargill’s housing market continues to demonstrate surprising resilience compared to New Zealand’s other main urban areas. I credit that to the strong local economy, which has been less affected by the current strong economic headwinds, and to the relatively low cost of home ownership here by national standards.”

    “Looking ahead, I expect local home values will continue to slowly grow throughout 2025, despite relatively high interest rates and credit constraints continuing to put a dampener on things in the short and medium term.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Morocco

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    February 10, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • Economic growth is accelerating thanks to strong domestic demand, amid a new investment cycle in many sectors.
    • Tax reforms have allowed the fiscal deficit in 2024 to be lower than expected while also funding spending measures. Going forward, saving part of the revenue windfall would help strengthen the fiscal buffers. The current monetary policy stance is appropriate and should remain data dependent.
    • Structural reforms should focus on strengthening job creation, including by better targeting active labor market polices, consolidating programs to support small and medium firms, and removing regulatory distortions that hinder firms’ growth.

    Rabat, Morocco: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Roberto Cardarelli conducted discussions with the Moroccan authorities in Rabat on the 2025 Article IV Consultation from January 27 to February 7. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Cardarelli issued the following statement:

    “Economic activity is expected to have grown by 3.2 percent in 2024 and to accelerate to 3.9 percent in 2025, as agricultural output rebounds after the recent droughts and the nonagricultural sector continues to expand at a robust pace amid strong domestic demand. Higher growth is expected to increase the current account deficit towards its estimated medium-term norm of around 3 percent, while inflation is expected to stabilize at around 2 percent. The risks to the outlook are broadly balanced, with significant uncertainty regarding the economic impact of geopolitical tensions and changing climate conditions.

    “With inflation expectations anchored around 2 percent and little signs of demand pressures, the current broadly neutral monetary policy stance is appropriate, and staff agrees with Bank Al-Maghrib that future changes of policy rates should remain data dependent. With inflation back to around 2 percent, Bank Al-Maghrib should continue its preparation to adopt an inflation-targeting framework.”

    “Recent reforms to the tax system and tax administration have helped expand the tax base while lowering the tax burden. As a result, tax revenues in 2024 have been greater than expected. With only a small part of the additional tax revenues being saved, the central government’s deficit for the year was 4.1 percent of GDP compared to the 4.3 announced in the 2024 Budget. While the 2025 Budget confirms the gradual pace of fiscal adjustment projected last year, higher-than-expected revenues should be used to accelerate the pace of debt reduction to levels closer to pre-pandemic. In addition, continuing to finance structural reforms may require further efforts to expand the tax base and rationalize spending, including by reducing transfers to state-owned enterprises as part of the ongoing reform of the sector and expanding the use of the Unified Social Registry to all social programs.

    “Staff welcomes the ongoing reform of the Organic Budget Law that should introduce a new fiscal rule based on a medium-term debt anchor. Good progress has been made in the Medium-Term fiscal framework to include an assessment of the risk from climate change. Staff encourages the authorities to build on this progress by adding more information on the impact of new policy measures and a quantification of the risks from the increased reliance on public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

     “Stronger job creation requires a novel approach to active labor market policies, focusing on labor displaced from the agricultural sector due to the sequence of droughts. A special focus should be placed on encouraging the growth of small and medium size enterprises (SME)  and favoring their integration into sectoral value chains. Staff welcomes the progress in the operationalization of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund that should help SMEs access equity financing. Measures that may encourage the development of a more buoyant private sector include strengthening the support for SMEs under the new Charter of Investment, strengthening regional investment centers so they can better help SMEs access the financial and technical resources needed for their growth, and reviewing the labor code, tax system, and regulatory and governance frameworks so as remove the distortion that incentivize firms to remain small or informal. It will also be necessary that the ongoing SOE reform effectively pursues market neutrality between public and private sector firms.

    “The IMF team held discussions with senior officials of the government of Morocco, Bank Al-Maghrib, and representatives of the public and private sectors. The team thanks the Moroccan authorities and other stakeholders for their hospitality and candid and productive discussions.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/10/pr-2533-morocco-imf-staff-completes-2025-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. to Hold 36th Annual Meeting of Stockholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:GSBC), the holding company for Great Southern Bank, will hold its 36th Annual Meeting of Stockholders at:

    10 a.m. CDT
    Wednesday, May 7, 2025
    Virtual Meeting (Webcast)

    This year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be a virtual meeting over the internet. Stockholders will be able to attend the Annual Meeting via a live webcast. Additional information about the Annual Meeting, including how stockholders can access the live webcast, will be provided in the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.  

    Holders of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. common stock at the close of business on the record date, March 4, 2025, can vote during the live webcast of the Annual Meeting or by proxy.

    Material to be presented at the Annual Meeting will be available on the Company’s website, www.GreatSouthernBank.com, prior to the start of the meeting.

    About Great Southern Bancorp

    With total assets of $6.0 billion, Great Southern offers a broad range of banking services to commercial and consumer customers. Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Great Southern operates 89 retail banking centers in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Arkansas and Nebraska and commercial lending offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Omaha, and Phoenix. The common stock of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “GSBC.”

    CONTACT:
    Zack Mukewa
    Investor Relations
    (616) 233-0500
    GSBC@lambert.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The iconic Austin 7 is back – and it’s built in Essex

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    By Tom Stacey, Anglia Ruskin University

    In perhaps one of the greatest brand comeback stories in automotive since the Fiat 500 in 2007, British car company Austin announced the return of the Austin Arrow.

    Its name is an unashamed reference to one of the most memorable Austin 7 models – first introduced in the 1920s the Arrow was the original “everyman sportscar”, before the muscle cars (think of the Dodge Challenger) of the US became popular in the 1960s. Now reimagined as an electric Vehicle (EV), the Arrow is designed and made in the UK and aims to be to 2020s consumers what the original was 90 years ago.

    A number of cars are synonymous with the British car industry. In fact, as a small nation, Britain punches above its weight when it comes to classic automobile brands – The Mini, the Range Rover, London black cabs, James Bond’s Aston Martins, and even the London red bus. However, if one car can be credited for creating the dawn of the motor vehicle in the UK, it would be the diminutive Austin 7.

    The car was created in the 1920s at the time when Austin was struggling. New laws were pushing manufacturers to produce smaller, less powerful cars. But Austin’s board of directors didn’t support a cheap, small car with low profit margins. Austin was known for its larger, luxury products.

    However, Sir Herbert Austin and his 18-year-old apprentice Stanley Edge decided to secretly create a small car. Thank god they didn’t heed the board, because they ended up creating the greatest democratising automotive product Britain had ever seen (until they repeated it with the Austin Mini).

    The reason why products such as the Austin 7 come to define their period is rarely due to their technical prowess or exhilarating performance – it’s because they bring to the masses a technology that is both useful and traditionally seen as out of reach.

    The Austin 7 was a bit like the iPhone. There were smartphones that came before it, like the Sony Ericsson p800. However, these were considered expensive and out of reach for the average consumer. The Iphone did the same thing but at a cheaper price and so came to be the definitive smartphone.

    With the Austin 7, Herbert Austin’s team applied the key lessons from Ford’s Model T – creating a simple, modestly powered car with just enough features for mass appeal while incorporating clever design elements that earned the respect of car enthusiasts.

    When the Austin 7 was unveiled in July 1922, it was priced at just £165, when an Austin 20 was between £600 and £700. At a time when the average British worker earned around £5 per week, the only real affordable car had been Ford’s basic and utilitarian Model T at around £250.

    The 7’s ingenious design was the key to its success. With a shared base frame for the car, it could be a four-seater family car, a stylish coupe, or even a racing car.

    This cheap, tiny car not only was a legend in its own right and familiar around the world, but it influenced other legends too.

    Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus Cars, based his first Lotus 1 on the Austin 7. What is less known is that German car manufacturer BMW built Austin 7s under licence in the 1920s and 30s but called them “Dixis”. Nissan did the same in Japan in the pre-war period. Such licensing deals helped set up both manufacturers’ future success as the powerhouses they are today.

    Austin 7s were produced all over Europe, Asia and even in Australia. The 7 was also produced in the US as the “American Bantam” and its design contributed to the “Willy’s Jeep”, one of the US’s most famous vehicles.

    Ultimately, the beginning of the second world war marked the end of Austin 7 production as the Austin factory at Longbridge, near Birmingham, needed to be repurposed to produce munitions. When the war ended, tastes for vehicles had changed and factories started to produce more modern designs, and not those from the 1920s, marking the end of a British automotive icon in 1939.

    Now it’s back, thanks to the engineer John Stubbs who bought the Austin brand after noticing the brand and trademarks were available. The rights to these had been owned by the Nanjing Automobile Group, which bought MG Rover when it collapsed in 2005. However, Nanjing had let these lapse and Stubbs bought them for £170 in 2015.

    The new Essex-based Austin Motor Company aims to recreate this classic brand, tugging at the heartstrings of those looking nostalgically at Britain’s automotive heyday. The announcement featured images of fun, cheap (£31,000) and light cars driving around the B-roads of Britain, or perhaps being taken to a racetrack for an amateur competition, harking back to earlier days. However, this car is thoroughly modern, featuring an electric motor.

    The new Austin Arrow is not meant to be the usable “everyman” car the original 7 was. For starters, to be compliant with quadricycle (a micro car with less than 6kW of power and an unladen mass no more than 425 kg) legislation it is limited to 60mph as a top speed and the range will be a maximum of 100 miles on one charge.

    However, as that fun, racy, open-top car that it’s predecessors were, it very much captures the spirit of the original Austin 7 Arrow.

    Tom Stacey, Deputy Head of the School of Economics, Finance and Law, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Businesses invited to find out about the benefits of digital transformation

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Businesses invited to find out about the benefits of digital transformation

    10 February 2025

    Local businesses are being invited to find out more about how their enterprise could benefit from improved digital capability assisted by the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF).

    An information session will take place in the Everglades on 27th Feb, from 10am to 12.30pm delivered by the William J Clinton Institute at Queen’s University Belfast. Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Business Team will also be on hand to provided tailored advice and information about the programme and the many benefits. Eligible businesses can apply for capital grant funding between £5000 and £20000 to support their business transformation journey to accelerate digital ambitions.

    The Fund is delivered by all local authorities in Northern Ireland under the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium (FFNI) and supported by Invest NI. The project is part funded by the NI Executive, UK Government, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and all local authorities.

    Looking ahead to the event, Business Development Manager with Council, Danielle McNally said: “This is a unique and innovative funding opportunity for businesses to introduce new technologies that will really enhance both their profile and their performance. Many local enterprises are unaware of the support that’s out there and we are happy to advise on how they can best leverage opportunities like the DTFF to get the maximum benefit for their venture.

    “I would really encourage anyone interested in digital transformation to come along and find out more about how they can harness the latest digital technologies in the most effective way.”

    The closing date for Expressions of Interest to this call closes on 14th March and businesses are encouraged to attend the information session to see what the fund can do for them. Other local businesses will also be on hand on the day to share their experiences of engaging with the DTFF programme to date.

    The information session will help identify the types of technology funded, the application process and the importance of leveraging this unique opportunity to address financial barriers to the adoption of advanced digital technologies.

    Businesses can register to attend here – https://dtff.co.uk/pre-briefing-sessions/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finger Lakes Winners of DRI and NY Forward Programs

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Canandaigua will receive $10 million in funding as the Finger Lakes winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the Villages of Brockport and Phelps will each receive $4.5 million as the Finger Lakes winners of the third round of NY Forward. For Round 8 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the state’s 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million from each program, to make for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.

    “By investing in the future of these Finger Lakes communities, this funding will revitalize their downtown areas by building vibrant and thriving destinations where businesses, families, and visitors can flourish,” Governor Hochul said. “With our Pro-Housing Communities initiative, we’re giving local leaders the tools to transform their cities, towns and villages into hubs of opportunity, culture, and affordable living. This is how we build stronger, more connected communities that work for everyone across New York.”

    To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program – an innovative policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourage others to follow suit. Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 273 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $110 million in funding to cover infrastructure and planning costs for Pro-Housing Communities.

    Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 4,400 units of housing – 1,823 of which are affordable or workforce. The programs committed over $8.5 million to 11 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art (such as murals and sculptures) and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.

    $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award for Canandaigua

    Downtown Canandaigua is poised to be, and is already becoming, a residential and recreational hub of the Finger Lakes region. With anticipated growth related to programming and investment focused on the semiconductor industry, an investment in this transformation will help the region to put its best foot forward when recruiting future businesses, workers and residents. The City of Canandaigua seeks to connect the Canandaigua Lake waterfront via safe, quality walking and biking pathways that complement the existing streets. The City is focused on projects that will create a diverse mix of businesses, housing, events and arts in its downtown that create a vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors of all backgrounds.

    $4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Brockport

    The Village of Brockport is an Erie Canal town, college town and central hub of activity for its own residents and those of other nearby small towns and villages. Brockport prioritizes living its history and bridging it to a thriving and culturally rich future in the Finger Lakes region. The Village’s downtown focus area centers on Main Street and adjacent side streets that offer several attractions for residents and visitors. This area highlights Brockport’s historic downtown corridor, canal front parcels and portions of historic districts on the Village’s west and east sides. The Village seeks to transform its historic downtown corridor into an accessible tourist destination and a home where visitors, residents and people of all abilities can recreate, socialize, live and age in comfort.

    $4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Phelps

    The Village of Phelps, a historically significant community with a population of 1,900 residents, is strategically positioned near major transportation routes, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors. The Village’s walkable downtown area encompasses municipal parks, cultural and recreational attractions, museums and the multi-use community center. Its application is focused on streetscaping and aesthetic upgrades, so that no matter what route a resident or visitor might take through downtown, the path from one destination to the next will be interesting and attractive.

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “The Downtown Revitalization and NY Forward programs work together to re-energize downtowns of all sizes across our State. Our newest winners for the Finger Lakes region – Canandaigua, Brockport and Phelps – will all leverage existing cultural, natural and historical assets to transform their downtowns into economic engines for their residents and the entire region. The Department of State looks forward to seeing the projects these communities select and how they will positively impact the region for generations to come!”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the DRI and NY Forward programs continue to support projects that generate new investments and encourage transformational change in towns and communities throughout New York State. These plans from Canandaigua, Phelps and Brockport will revitalize downtown businesses, historic districts and waterfronts and spur economic development that will benefit residents and visitors to the beautiful Finger Lakes region.”

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Our local partners in Canandaigua, Brockport, and Phelps should be proud of their efforts to build vibrant and affordable neighborhoods that create new homes and new jobs. This State investment of nearly $20 million will give these certified Pro-Housing Communities the resources they need to thrive for generations to come. We thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership on tackling the housing crisis and making the Finger Lakes a more affordable place to live and work.”

    Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Denise Battles, President of the State University of New York Geneseo, said, “The FLREDC is incredibly proud to continue our support for the City of Canandaigua and for the communities of Phelps and Brockport and their exciting futures through the Governor’s transformational Downtown Revitalization and NY Forward Initiatives. These selected, community-driven plans will benefit both residents and visitors alike, promoting economic growth and creating spaces where people will want to live, work, and play for generations to come.”

    New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “With more than 25 Canal communities now among the growing roster of DRI and NY Forward awardees, I know how these important investments can jumpstart powerful change. This year, as we commemorate the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal’s completion and look forward to the opening of the Brockport Pedestrian Bridge, the timing of these awards could not be more welcomed or appropriate. The Canal Corporation sends its most sincere congratulations to Brockport, Canandaigua, and Phelps.”

    Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo said, “On behalf of myself and our DRI team and City Council, I would like to thank the Governor and her team for awarding the $10 million-dollar DRI to the City of Canandaigua. I look forward to seeing the projects we supported in our DRI proposal unlock opportunities that create new jobs, add housing, and public amenities in our downtown.”

    Brockport Mayor Margay Blackman said, “‘It’s all in Brockport’ became our shared vision as we dreamed of what our village could become with a NY Forward grant. The Brockport of our NY Forward dreams is one that works for all – young, old, university student, resident, visitor, tourist. The water brings people, Brockporters say, and we will invest in our waterfront to establish Brockport as the premier, inclusive recreation community on the Erie Canal. What I’m especially proud of today is that 6 people, including our grant writer, crafted a successful proposal, in house, in 2 short years.”

    Village of Phelps Mayor Jim Cheney said, “On behalf of the community of Phelps, we are extremely excited, honored and grateful to be chosen for the NY Forward Grant. The residents of Phelps have been working hard to attract more visitors, businesses and housing to our community; to make it a special place to live, work and play in; and, to fit into the Finger Lakes Region’s economic strategic plan. This investment by the state will help push us over the top in our revitalization efforts. It is important for small communities, such as the Village of Phelps, to receive statewide taxpayer support such as this, to revitalize and thrive. It is in everyone’s best interest to help our local communities’ economies. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Ontario County, the REDC and all community partners for sharing and believing in our vision.”

    Canandaigua, Brockport and Phelps will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s investment.

    The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.

    About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative

    The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through nine rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.

    About the NY Forward Program

    First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State’s revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.

    NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through three rounds, the NY Forward program will have awarded a total of $300 million to 62 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illinois Man Indicted in Connection with Gold Bullion Scam

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Harmish Patel, age 26, of Streamwood, Illinois, was indicted last week for his role in a gold bullion scam that victimized an elderly couple in Rensselaer County.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, made the announcement.

    The indictment alleges that from December 1, 2023, to March 29, 2024, Patel conspired with others to transport across state lines gold bullion that had been taken by fraud, and that he transported gold bullion taken by fraud from New York to New Jersey on December 15, 2023, January 4, 2024, and January 15, 2024. According to the previously filed criminal complaint, Patel picked up gold bullion from an elderly couple in Brunswick, New York; the couple had been defrauded in a scam. The charges in the indictment and complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The charges filed against Patel carry a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    HSI is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative. The mission of the Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department of Justice’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving elders can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Morocco

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    February 10, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • Economic growth is accelerating thanks to strong domestic demand, amid a new investment cycle in many sectors.
    • Tax reforms have allowed the fiscal deficit in 2024 to be lower than expected while also funding spending measures. Going forward, saving part of the revenue windfall would help strengthen the fiscal buffers. The current monetary policy stance is appropriate and should remain data dependent.
    • Structural reforms should focus on strengthening job creation, including by better targeting active labor market polices, consolidating programs to support small and medium firms, and removing regulatory distortions that hinder firms’ growth.

    Rabat, Morocco: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Roberto Cardarelli conducted discussions with the Moroccan authorities in Rabat on the 2025 Article IV Consultation from January 27 to February 7. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Cardarelli issued the following statement:

    “Economic activity is expected to have grown by 3.2 percent in 2024 and to accelerate to 3.9 percent in 2025, as agricultural output rebounds after the recent droughts and the nonagricultural sector continues to expand at a robust pace amid strong domestic demand. Higher growth is expected to increase the current account deficit towards its estimated medium-term norm of around 3 percent, while inflation is expected to stabilize at around 2 percent. The risks to the outlook are broadly balanced, with significant uncertainty regarding the economic impact of geopolitical tensions and changing climate conditions.

    “With inflation expectations anchored around 2 percent and little signs of demand pressures, the current broadly neutral monetary policy stance is appropriate, and staff agrees with Bank Al-Maghrib that future changes of policy rates should remain data dependent. With inflation back to around 2 percent, Bank Al-Maghrib should continue its preparation to adopt an inflation-targeting framework.”

    “Recent reforms to the tax system and tax administration have helped expand the tax base while lowering the tax burden. As a result, tax revenues in 2024 have been greater than expected. With only a small part of the additional tax revenues being saved, the central government’s deficit for the year was 4.1 percent of GDP compared to the 4.3 announced in the 2024 Budget. While the 2025 Budget confirms the gradual pace of fiscal adjustment projected last year, higher-than-expected revenues should be used to accelerate the pace of debt reduction to levels closer to pre-pandemic. In addition, continuing to finance structural reforms may require further efforts to expand the tax base and rationalize spending, including by reducing transfers to state-owned enterprises as part of the ongoing reform of the sector and expanding the use of the Unified Social Registry to all social programs.

    “Staff welcomes the ongoing reform of the Organic Budget Law that should introduce a new fiscal rule based on a medium-term debt anchor. Good progress has been made in the Medium-Term fiscal framework to include an assessment of the risk from climate change. Staff encourages the authorities to build on this progress by adding more information on the impact of new policy measures and a quantification of the risks from the increased reliance on public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

     “Stronger job creation requires a novel approach to active labor market policies, focusing on labor displaced from the agricultural sector due to the sequence of droughts. A special focus should be placed on encouraging the growth of small and medium size enterprises (SME)  and favoring their integration into sectoral value chains. Staff welcomes the progress in the operationalization of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund that should help SMEs access equity financing. Measures that may encourage the development of a more buoyant private sector include strengthening the support for SMEs under the new Charter of Investment, strengthening regional investment centers so they can better help SMEs access the financial and technical resources needed for their growth, and reviewing the labor code, tax system, and regulatory and governance frameworks so as remove the distortion that incentivize firms to remain small or informal. It will also be necessary that the ongoing SOE reform effectively pursues market neutrality between public and private sector firms.

    “The IMF team held discussions with senior officials of the government of Morocco, Bank Al-Maghrib, and representatives of the public and private sectors. The team thanks the Moroccan authorities and other stakeholders for their hospitality and candid and productive discussions.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Analog’s Timechain Revolution: Pioneering Proof-of-Time with $ANLOG Major Exchange Listings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Analog is set to become the gateway to blockchain’s future, powered by Timechain — a decentralised, boundary-breaking Layer-0 network. With the simultaneous listing of its native token, $ANLOG, on KuCoin, Bitget, MEXC and Gate.io, Analog takes a bold step forward in reshaping blockchain connectivity and expanding $ANLOG’s reach across the ecosystem.

    The $ANLOG token will be listed for trading on February 10th at 11 AM UTC with an ANLOG/USDT trading pair. Deposits and withdrawals will also go live at this time. Public sale and Airdrop participants can trade their $ANLOG tokens or use them within Analog’s growing ecosystem, while all users can acquire the token on the open market.

    Analog is led by a team of blockchain and DeFi experts with over 150 years of combined experience. The project has attracted major partners and investors including key players such as Tribe Capital, Near Foundation, Black Label Ventures, Wintermute, GSR, and DeSpread. These collaborations attest to the industry’s confidence in Analog’s potential to address the long-standing challenges of blockchain connectivity.

    As a multi-purpose utility token, $ANLOG supports transaction validation, staking, and governance participation. The token is used to secure the Timechain, a layer-0 blockchain that enables seamless cross-chain data and transaction flow, addressing one of the most critical bottlenecks in blockchain technology today. Analog’s suite of products, including the Watch SDK and GMP protocol, further distinguishes it from competitors, offering accessible solutions for developers to build interoperable decentralized applications without limitations.

    Analog’s ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with 50+ projects across DeFi, AI, NFTs, and gaming building on its technology. At the core of this growth are ecosystem dApps like Zenswap and Pixelport, which are deeply integrated into Analog’s infrastructure. Zenswap is revolutionising cross-chain swaps, enabling seamless asset transfers across multiple networks, while Pixelport is redefining NFT trading and digital ownership in a truly omnichain environment. Beyond these flagship dApps, a diverse range of projects — including Frax Finance, XYO, StationX, and Parami Protocol — are leveraging Analog’s Watch, GMP protocols, and automation tools to enhance cross-chain interactions, decentralised AI, and real-time data sharing.

    Analog continues to solidify its leadership in blockchain through the innovative proprietary Proof-of-Time (PoT) consensus mechanism. This cutting-edge protocol — validated by two officially approved patents. These patents highlight Analog’s commitment to pioneering solutions that overcome the limitations of fragmented blockchain ecosystems. Proof-of-Time is designed to enhance security and scalability by leveraging verifiable delay functions (VDFs), ensuring accurate data flow and secure operations across diverse chains. Although still under development, this mechanism exemplifies Analog’s forward-thinking ethos, positioning it as a transformative force in Web3’s future.

    Interest in Analog has been solidified by significant engagement on its testnet, which has attracted over 380,000 participants globally which have been verified through their innovative Proof-Of-Humanity system. The growing support, both on-chain and in the demand for its recent public token sale, reflects the industry’s enthusiasm for Analog’s approach to solving blockchain’s primary fragmentation challenges. The project is now positioned as a leading force in the $2 billion blockchain interoperability market which is poised for exponential growth as Web3 adoption soars.

    Analog’s innovations have broad appeal. From retail investors and blockchain developers to validators, DeFi enthusiasts, and those exploring decentralized science (DeSci), the potential impact is immense. Analog’s innovative solutions also hold significant promise for AI projects, enabling seamless cross-chain communication for data sharing and computation. Even communities centered around memecoins can benefit from a unified blockchain ecosystem, unlocking new possibilities for token utility and connectivity. With such a wide range of use cases, Analog is a compelling proposition for anyone interested in the future of interconnected blockchains.

    Analog’s focus on cross-chain interactions is critical as the space becomes increasingly fragmented. By enabling communication and transaction flow between different networks, Analog lays the groundwork for new levels of scalability, efficiency, decentralization, and connectivity across the broader Web3 and DeFi.

    The debut of $ANLOG on leading exchanges will enhance liquidity levels while making it easier for any user to access the token which will power Analog’s ecosystem and suite of products.

    About Analog

    Analog is the ultimate gateway for seamless blockchain connectivity, empowering developers to create dApps that work effortlessly across every network. Built as a natively chain-agnostic protocol, Analog redefines the multi-chain experience, enabling dApps and users to break boundaries and unlock new possibilities across blockchain ecosystems.

    Learn more: https://www.analog.one/

    Media Contact

    Name: Jaime Ekner
    Email: jaime@analog.one

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Analog. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/504de97e-ceee-4511-a31d-fef40b6eea78

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Helping small businesses go global

    Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

    In today’s interconnected world, small businesses have the potential to reach global markets, but they often face significant challenges, from scalability issues to complex trade regulations. Mohammed Amine Sabibi from the Marrakech-Safi Regional Investment Center shares how businesses can overcome these obstacles through streamlined processes, aggregation programmes and specialized financing solutions designed to support international growth.

    Download this video from the WTO website:
    https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPhfRT7JlSg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Ormat Commences Commercial Operation of 35 MW Ijen Geothermal Facility in Indonesia, Delivering Low Carbon Geothermal Power

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ormat Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ORA), a leading geothermal and renewable energy company, today announced the successful commencement of commercial operations (COD) for the 35MW Ijen geothermal power plant. The power plant is jointly owned with PT Medco Power Indonesia (“Medco Power”), through their subsidiary company, PT Medco Cahaya Geothermal (“MCG”). Ormat’s share of the facility is 17MW. This is the first geothermal power plant in East Java, Indonesia, contributing to Indonesia’s plan for an additional 7.2 GW of geothermal capacity by 2035.

    The Ijen Geothermal Power Plant, equipped with Ormat Energy Converter (“OEC”), began operations with its first phase, delivering 35 MW of electricity power to the Java grid. The commencement of this first phase marks a significant step of the Ijen Facility, which has a total planned capacity of 110 MW under a 30-year power purchase agreement.

    MCG, a jointly owned company between Medco Power (51% equity share) and Ormat Technologies (49% equity share), will operate the Ijen geothermal facility.

    Doron Blachar, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat Technologies, stated, “We are pleased to announce the commencement operations of the Ijen geothermal facility. The launch of the Ijen facility is a key step in our strategy to consistently and accretively grow our leading global geothermal energy portfolio and expand our presence in Indonesia. Indonesia has one of the largest geothermal potentials globally and with the geothermal targets set by the Indonesian government, we plan to expand our operations in the country. Achieving COD at Ijen demonstrates our strong development capabilities and our commitment towards advancing our short and long-term growth targets in our Electricity segment. We look forward to supporting Indonesia’s goal of increasing geothermal deployment and aiding in their efforts to achieve net zero emissions.”

    ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

    With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company, and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1,537MW with a 1,247MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 290MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

    ORMAT’S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

    Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as our projections of annual revenues, expenses and debt service coverage with respect to our debt securities, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, development or operation of generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, or “contemplate” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words or expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat’s plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management’s current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties and other risks described under “Risk Factors” as described in Ormat’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 23, 2024, and in Ormat’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are filed from time to time with the SEC.

    These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and, except as legally required, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Ormat Technologies Contact:
    Smadar Lavi
    VP Head of IR and ESG Planning & Reporting
    775-356-9029 (ext. 65726)
    slavi@ormat.com    		 Investor Relations Agency Contact:
    Joseph Caminiti or Josh Carroll
    Alpha IR Group
    312-445-2870
    ORA@alpha-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Animoca Brands leads Hivello funding round ahead of Token Listing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blockmate Ventures Inc (TSX.V: MATE) (OTCQB: MATEF) (FSE: 8MH1) (“Blockmate” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that:

    • Animoca Brands is leading the investment round of Blockmate’s subsidiary, Hivello Holdings Ltd (“Hivello”), and
    • Hivello’s associated token, HVLO, is scheduled for listing on leading exchanges, Gate.io and MEXC on February 11, 2025

    Animoca Brands leads the funding round alongside Taisu Ventures, NGC, Blockchange and Contango.

    Blockmate will not be directly issuing any tokens or receive any proceeds from the token listing. The token will be issued by the Swiss-based HVLO Association, under licence from Hivello Holdings Ltd.

    Below is the press release from Hivello:

    Hivello Secures Strategic Investment Led by Animoca Brands Ahead of Token Listing

    Highlights:

    • Animoca Brands leads investment into Hivello alongside Taisu Ventures, NGC, Blockchange and Contango.
    • Hivello will list its token (HVLO) on Gate.io and MEXC exchanges.
    • Animoca & Hivello are hosting a live X Space on 11th February

    London & Amsterdam, 10 February 2025 – Hivello, a DePIN aggregator that enables users to earn by monetising idle computer resources across multiple decentralised networks, has announced that Animoca Brands, the company driving digital property rights to help build the open metaverse, is leading its current funding round.

    Hivello will use the funds to further innovate and achieve its objectives of simplifying DePIN nodes and making them more user-friendly. Hivello is a DePIN aggregator focused on making DePINs more accessible. By allowing users to contribute their computing resources, Hivello enables them to earn through various Web3 protocols. Its mission is to eliminate the complexities often associated with decentralized networks, empowering users to engage in Web3 projects without needing specialized technical knowledge.

    In addition, Hivello’s Token Generation Event (TGE) is taking place on Gate.io and MEXC, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth and ecosystem development. The $HVLO token will play a crucial role in powering Hivello’s decentralized economy, facilitating staking, rewards, and broader participation in DePIN networks.

    As part of this journey, Hivello and Animoca Brands will be hosting a live discussion to dive deeper into the company’s growth, investment landscape, and future roadmap.

    Event details:

    • Date & Time: February 11 at 5 PM HKT | 9 AM UTC | 4 AM EST | 10 AM CET
    • Streaming on X

    Animoca Brands is a global leader in gamification and blockchain with a large portfolio of over 540 investments in Web3. Its mission is to advance digital property rights and decentralized projects to help build the open metaverse. The investment announced today connects Hivello with Animoca Brands’ extensive experience and innovation, furthering Hivello’s mission to simplify access to DePIN and enable users to earn rewards by contributing their computer resources.

    Hivello is dedicated to making DePIN nodes accessible and user-friendly for everyone, breaking down complex barriers often associated with decentralized networks. Animoca Brands’ mission to deliver digital property rights to gamers and internet users worldwide aligns with Hivello’s goal of empowering users by enabling them to contribute to DePIN networks. Both companies focus on providing users with true ownership and control over their digital assets.

    Yat Siu, the co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, said: “Animoca Brands is dedicated to building a more equitable digital framework that enables all users to benefit from the many advantages conferred by digital property rights. We are thrilled to support Hivello’s efforts to make DePIN nodes more accessible and user-friendly, helping to advance and simplify true digital ownership, network effects, and the open metaverse.’’

    Domenic Carosa, co-founder and chairman of Hivello, said: “We welcome Animoca Brands as a strategic partner and lead investor in our latest funding round. Its expertise and innovation in the digital and blockchain space will be instrumental as we continue to simplify access to decentralized physical infrastructure networks.”

    About Animoca Brands
    Animoca Brands, a Deloitte Tech Fast winner and ranked in the Financial Times list of High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2021, is a leader in digital entertainment, blockchain and gamification. It develops and publishes a broad portfolio of products, including the REVV token and SAND token; original games such as The Sandbox, Crazy Kings, and Crazy Defense Heroes; and products using popular intellectual properties including Disney, WWE, Snoop Dogg, The Walking Dead, Power Rangers, MotoGP and Formula E. The company has multiple subsidiaries, including The Sandbox, Blowfish Studios, Quidd, GAMEE, nWay, Pixowl, Bondly, Lympo, and Grease Monkey Games.

    About Hivello
    Hivello is an aggregator of DePIN projects that allows any user to participate in a variety of DePIN networks with just a few clicks. This eliminates the technical hurdles that many users face when trying to join these networks, and allows users to generate an extra source of income by mobilizing their idle computers. We aim to create a simple app that allows users to contribute their computer resources with no technical knowledge required. It’s as easy as downloading, installing, and running nodes, making complex technologies accessible and beneficial to all.
    For more information about Hivello and to stay updated on its developments, visit www.hivello.com

    About Blockmate Ventures Inc.

    Blockmate Ventures is a venture creator focussing on building fast-growing technology businesses relating to cutting-edge sectors such as blockchain, AI and renewable energy. Working with prospective founders, projects in incubation can benefit from the Blockmate ecosystem that offers tech, services, integrations and advice to accelerate the incubation of projects towards monetization. Recent projects include Hivello (download the free passive income app at www.hivello.com) and Sunified, digitising solar energy.

    The leadership team at Blockmate Ventures have successfully founded successful tech companies from the Dotcom era through to the social media era. Learn more about being a Blockmate at: www.blockmate.com.

    Blockmate welcomes investors to join the Company’s mailing list for the latest updates and industry research by subscribing at https://www.blockmate.com/subscribe.

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Justin Rosenberg, CEO
    Blockmate Ventures Inc
    justin@blockmate.com
    (+1-580-262-6130)

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

    Forward-Looking Information
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Raindrop disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The creation of a network of advanced schools is a strategic step into the future of our country

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Dmitry Chernyshenko at a meeting of the Coordination Council under the Government for the creation of advanced general education organizations

    February 10, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko at a meeting of the Coordination Council under the Government for the creation of advanced general education organizations

    February 10, 2025

    Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov at a meeting of the Coordination Council under the Government for the creation of advanced general education organizations

    February 10, 2025

    Meeting of the Coordination Council under the Government on the creation of advanced general education organizations

    February 10, 2025

    Meeting of the Coordination Council under the Government on the creation of advanced general education organizations

    February 10, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko at a meeting of the Coordination Council under the Government for the creation of advanced general education organizations

    A meeting of the Coordination Council under the Government for the creation of advanced general education organizations was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    Maxim Oreshkin recalled that President Vladimir Putin in his Address to the Federal Assembly instructed that no less than 12 advanced schools be created by 2030.

    “The creation of such schools is planned in each federal district under the national project “Youth and Children”. They will help prepare a personnel reserve for knowledge-intensive and high-tech sectors of the economy. This is not just a matter of building 12 more schools, it should be a strategic step into the future of our country. At a meeting of the Coordination Council under the Government of Russia, a decision was made to approve the presented concept of advanced general education organizations. It is important that within its framework, not only the scientific, educational and infrastructural component will be worked out, but also issues of educational work, teacher training and assessment of student success,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The implementation of such a large-scale project requires synchronization of efforts of all participants in the process: the state, society, educational institutions and business. The Ministry of Education, together with regions, universities and social partners, is already preparing mechanisms for these changes.

    Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov announced that the first three flagship schools will open in the Novgorod, Ryazan and Pskov regions.

    “The project to create flagship schools is not easy, but it is very important for our country. These will be schools for talented children in all federal districts. We plan to open the first three educational organizations on September 1, 2027. Graduates will develop domestic science and economics, and we set the goal of 100% employment of students in leading companies. These institutions will become methodological centers for schools in all federal districts and will disseminate the best pedagogical practices,” said Sergey Kravtsov.

    Children will study in flagship schools from grades 7 to 11 and undergo annual knowledge assessment, and teachers will undergo qualification testing. Teachers will be provided with decent salaries. The creation of a network of schools involves mutual exchange between students and teachers from different regions.

    First Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services Alexander Lomakin presented information on the progress of construction of advanced general education institutions in the Novgorod, Pskov and Ryazan regions. In addition, advanced schools are planned to be created in the Belgorod, Nizhny Novgorod regions and other regions.

    The acting governor of the Novgorod region, Alexander Dronov, the governor of the Pskov region, Mikhail Vedernikov, and the governor of the Ryazan region, Pavel Malkov, also spoke in detail about the creation of schools.

    The head of the educational foundation “Talent and Success” Elena Shmeleva noted the experience of “Sirius” in developing the federal territory around the educational center “Sirius”.

    The meeting was also attended by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Nikita Anisimov, governors of the Belgorod, Omsk, Chelyabinsk, Murmansk regions, Krasnodar Krai, heads of the Republic of Crimea and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, representatives of the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Digital Development, and Rosobrnadzor.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Parker Announces Retirement of EMEA President Joachim Guhe, Appoints Thomas Ottawa as Successor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CLEVELAND, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH), the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced that Joachim Guhe, President – Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Group, will retire after 32 years of dedicated service. Mr. Guhe will step down from his current role on June 30, 2025, but continue with the company until August 31, 2025, to ensure a successful leadership transition.

    The company has appointed Thomas Ottawa, currently Vice President of Operations – Motion Systems Group Europe, to succeed Mr. Guhe as President – Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Group, effective July 1, 2025.

    “In the more than three decades he spent with us, Joachim progressed from an entry level role to head of the critically important EMEA region, and then led EMEA through improvements that drove operational excellence and led to significant growth and margin expansion,” said Andy Ross, President and Chief Operating Officer. “In addition to his many contributions over the years, we thank Joachim for a career that exemplifies Parker leadership and wish him the very best in retirement.” 

    Mr. Guhe joined Parker in 1993 as a Product Cost Accountant in Bielefeld, Germany. He progressed through increasingly senior roles across Parker’s Fluid Connectors, Engineered Materials and Filtration Groups, including as division General Manager and Vice President of Operations. In his current role as EMEA President, he has been responsible for leading Parker’s sales companies and commercial operations in the region, as well as its HR, Finance, IT, Marketing and Supply Chain functions. 

    Commenting on Mr. Ottawa’s new role as President for the EMEA Region, Mr. Ross said, “Thomas will take on this important leadership role with nearly 30 years of Parker experience, a deep knowledge of our global operations and a proven record of success.” He added, “We are highly confident the EMEA region will continue to thrive under his guidance and are fortunate to have such a strong leader to drive our performance to even greater levels.”

    Mr. Ottawa joined Parker in 1995 as a Graduate Trainee with the Fluid Connectors Group Europe, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, including as division General Manager. He became General Manager of the Prädifa Technology Division in 2015. Mr. Ottawa was promoted to his current role as Vice President of Operations – Motion Systems Group EMEA in 2019 and has been instrumental in improving the group’s financial performance and driving profitable growth in the region. In his new role as EMEA President, he will oversee nearly 14,000 team members across 22 countries. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bochum in Germany.

    About Parker Hannifin
    Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For more than a century the company has been enabling engineering breakthroughs that lead to a better tomorrow. Learn more at www.parker.com or @parkerhannifin.

    ###

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The iconic Austin 7 is back

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    By Tom Stacey, Anglia Ruskin University

    In perhaps one of the greatest brand comeback stories in automotive since the Fiat 500 in 2007, British car company Austin announced the return of the Austin Arrow.

    Its name is an unashamed reference to one of the most memorable Austin 7 models – first introduced in the 1920s the Arrow was the original “everyman sportscar”, before the muscle cars (think of the Dodge Challenger) of the US became popular in the 1960s. Now reimagined as an electric Vehicle (EV), the Arrow is designed and made in the UK and aims to be to 2020s consumers what the original was 90 years ago.

    A number of cars are synonymous with the British car industry. In fact, as a small nation, Britain punches above its weight when it comes to classic automobile brands – The Mini, the Range Rover, London black cabs, James Bond’s Aston Martins, and even the London red bus. However, if one car can be credited for creating the dawn of the motor vehicle in the UK, it would be the diminutive Austin 7.

    The car was created in the 1920s at the time when Austin was struggling. New laws were pushing manufacturers to produce smaller, less powerful cars. But Austin’s board of directors didn’t support a cheap, small car with low profit margins. Austin was known for its larger, luxury products.

    However, Sir Herbert Austin and his 18-year-old apprentice Stanley Edge decided to secretly create a small car. Thank god they didn’t heed the board, because they ended up creating the greatest democratising automotive product Britain had ever seen (until they repeated it with the Austin Mini).

    The reason why products such as the Austin 7 come to define their period is rarely due to their technical prowess or exhilarating performance – it’s because they bring to the masses a technology that is both useful and traditionally seen as out of reach.

    The Austin 7 was a bit like the iPhone. There were smartphones that came before it, like the Sony Ericsson p800. However, these were considered expensive and out of reach for the average consumer. The Iphone did the same thing but at a cheaper price and so came to be the definitive smartphone.

    With the Austin 7, Herbert Austin’s team applied the key lessons from Ford’s Model T – creating a simple, modestly powered car with just enough features for mass appeal while incorporating clever design elements that earned the respect of car enthusiasts.

    When the Austin 7 was unveiled in July 1922, it was priced at just £165, when an Austin 20 was between £600 and £700. At a time when the average British worker earned around £5 per week, the only real affordable car had been Ford’s basic and utilitarian Model T at around £250.

    The 7’s ingenious design was the key to its success. With a shared base frame for the car, it could be a four-seater family car, a stylish coupe, or even a racing car.

    This cheap, tiny car not only was a legend in its own right and familiar around the world, but it influenced other legends too.

    Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus Cars, based his first Lotus 1 on the Austin 7. What is less known is that German car manufacturer BMW built Austin 7s under licence in the 1920s and 30s but called them “Dixis”. Nissan did the same in Japan in the pre-war period. Such licensing deals helped set up both manufacturers’ future success as the powerhouses they are today.

    Austin 7s were produced all over Europe, Asia and even in Australia. The 7 was also produced in the US as the “American Bantam” and its design contributed to the “Willy’s Jeep”, one of the US’s most famous vehicles.

    Ultimately, the beginning of the second world war marked the end of Austin 7 production as the Austin factory at Longbridge, near Birmingham, needed to be repurposed to produce munitions. When the war ended, tastes for vehicles had changed and factories started to produce more modern designs, and not those from the 1920s, marking the end of a British automotive icon in 1939.

    Now it’s back, thanks to the engineer John Stubbs who bought the Austin brand after noticing the brand and trademarks were available. The rights to these had been owned by the Nanjing Automobile Group, which bought MG Rover when it collapsed in 2005. However, Nanjing had let these lapse and Stubbs bought them for £170 in 2015.

    The new Essex-based Austin Motor Company aims to recreate this classic brand, tugging at the heartstrings of those looking nostalgically at Britain’s automotive heyday. The announcement featured images of fun, cheap (£31,000) and light cars driving around the B-roads of Britain, or perhaps being taken to a racetrack for an amateur competition, harking back to earlier days. However, this car is thoroughly modern, featuring an electric motor.

    The new Austin Arrow is not meant to be the usable “everyman” car the original 7 was. For starters, to be compliant with quadricycle (a micro car with less than 6kW of power and an unladen mass no more than 425 kg) legislation it is limited to 60mph as a top speed and the range will be a maximum of 100 miles on one charge.

    However, as that fun, racy, open-top car that it’s predecessors were, it very much captures the spirit of the original Austin 7 Arrow.

    Tom Stacey, Deputy Head of the School of Economics, Finance and Law, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: MINILUXE ANNOUNCES STRONG PERFORMANCE TRENDS AND COMPLETION OF USD $6.98M (CDN $10M) IN CAPITAL-ENHANCING TRANSACTIONS THAT INCLUDE AN OVERSUBSCRIBED PRIVATE PLACEMENT AND DEBT CONVERSION

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR 

    FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    Alongside its strong performance momentum, MiniLuxe successfully completes an oversubscribed private placement initially offered for up to $5M while contemporaneously satisfying the principal of USD $945,000 of convertible debt obligations.

    Boston, MA, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MiniLuxe Holding Corp. (TSXV: MNLX) (“MiniLuxe” or the “Company”) today announces that it has completed a successful and final closing of an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement of Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company (the “Subordinate Voting Shares”). The Company first announced its intention for a non-brokered private placement on November 27, 2024, at a price of USD$0.55 per share for total proceeds up to $5.0M USD (the “Offering”). Since its announcement of the Offering, the Company has had strong investor demand reinforcing confidence in MiniLuxe’s continued performance and growth strategy.

    Per the Company’s press release of January 2nd, 2025, MiniLuxe did a first closing for approximately one-third of the anticipated maximum of the Offering. In this second and final closing, the Company is pleased to announce that it has raised incremental gross proceeds of USD $3,436,250 (resulting in the issuance of 6,247,717 Subordinate Voting Shares at a price of USD $0.55 or CDN $0.79 per Share). Together, the first and second and final closing of the Offering raised total new primary capital for the Company in the amount of USD $5.067M or (~CDN $7.26M). Additionally, the Company finalized the conversion of USD$945,000 million or ~CDN $1.35M in principal value of prior convertible notes through shares for debt agreements, with further details provided below.

    “We are humbled by the recent oversubscribed investor interest level and quantum raised, but even more excited by the quality of this capital. This financing brings new participants who share aligned principles to our vision and who offer value-add strategic perspectives. The investment interest is also a reflection of the work and progress made by the team over the past year and investors’ conviction behind our future growth plans,” said Tony Tjan, CEO of MiniLuxe.

    As previously shared, the company is focused on three key performance objectives:

    1.  Accelerating overall studio contribution growth
    2. Increasing fixed cost leverage and SG&A efficiency
    3. Focusing growth through operating and franchise partners and a focused set of innovative products

    Overall same studio cash contribution grew materially in 2024, in concert with increased profitability trends of studios across all regions. The most critical factor for the success of our base business is the success the company has in recruiting, developing and retaining nail designer and other beauty service professional talent. The Company’s current retention rate of its talent base stands at its all-time record high at 87 percent. The Company remains focused on ways to reconfigure and create greater SG+A efficiency with year-over-year reduction trends north of 25% on corporate level SG+A. As a percent of revenue on a TTM (trailing twelve month) basis corporate SG+A as a percent of revenue has improved ~2x going from ~32% to ~16% demonstrating continued fixed cost leverage. From the standpoint of key internal cash management metrics, annualized and average monthly operating cash burn have been very materially reduced. While not an IFRS measurement, on a company-wide basis and on a preliminary unaudited basis, it is expected that YoY adjusted EBITDA improvement in 2024 to be over 50 percent. The Company’s focus on instilling an entrepreneurial culture and creating aligned performance incentives with its studio leaders and through operating partners (JVs or franchise partners) with shared ownership of studios have meaningfully contributed to these results. 

    The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to build momentum on these performance trends while investing behind a focused set of strategic growth investments including the expansion of new studios– especially through an expanded set of world-class operators who hold connection and conviction with the MiniLuxe brand and who seek to own or jointly own and operate a MiniLuxe studio. The Company also intends to be filing for an NCIB (New Course Issuer Bid) to have the option to buy back shares at times when it believes that the market price does not reflect the company’s intrinsic and future value.

    Alongside the Offering, the Company has also finalized additional shares-for-debt agreements to satisfy an aggregate of USD$1,055,577 (~CDN$1.51 million) of outstanding debt related to the principal and accrued but unpaid interest on certain convertible debentures of the Company (the “Debentures”). This is in addition to USD$1,085,944 (~CDN$1.56 million) of Debentures converted in the first tranche. As part of this debt conversion, an aggregate of 2,294,731 Subordinate Voting Shares will be issued at a deemed price of USD$0.46 per share, with an effective conversion date of February 7, 2025. The Company offered existing Debenture holders participating in the Offering the opportunity to elect to receive Subordinate Voting Shares at a discounted conversion price relative to the original terms of the Debentures. All Debenture holders electing to convert are deemed to be at arm’s length from the Company. The issuance of these shares remains subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. Similarly, completion of all tranches of the private placement Offering is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued pursuant to the initial closing of the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the issuance date in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release. Such securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of persons in the United States or “U.S. Persons”, as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements.

    About MiniLuxe

    MiniLuxe, a Delaware corporation based in Boston, Massachusetts. MiniLuxe is a lifestyle brand and talent empowerment platform servicing the beauty and self-care industry. Through its company-owned and partner-operated studios, Company delivers high-quality nail care and esthetic services that incorporate the brand’s proprietary products. For over a decade, MiniLuxe has been elevating industry standards through healthier, ultra-hygienic services, modern design, ethical labor practices, and better-for-you, cleaner products. MiniLuxe’s vision is to radically transform the highly fragmented and under-regulated self-care and nail care industry through its brand, standards, and technology platform that together enable better talent and client experiences.

    Towards building long-term durable value for its stakeholders, MiniLuxe is expanding its reach through franchising and operating JV partners seeking ownership and impact with a brand recognized as the best nail salon franchise. Through self-care and self-expression, MiniLuxe is empowering one of the largest hourly work forces through professional development, economic mobility, and equity ownership. Since its founding, MiniLuxe has performed over 4.5 million services.

    For further information

    Christine Mastrangelo
    Investor Relations, MiniLuxe Holding Corp.
    cmastrangelo@MiniLuxe.com
    MiniLuxe.com

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

    Forward-looking statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) concerning the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to the future financial outlook and anticipated events or results of the Company and may include information regarding the Company’s financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, acquisition prospects and plans, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividend policy, plans and objectives. Particularly, information regarding the Company’s expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which the Company operates is forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects”, “budgets”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “outlook”, “forecasts”, “projects”, “prospects”, “strategy”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will” occur. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. 

    Many factors could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, those listed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s filing statement dated November 9, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. 

    Forward-looking information, by its nature, is based on the Company’s opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Those factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Despite a careful process to prepare and review forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. Although the Company bases its forward-looking information on assumptions that it believes were reasonable when made, which include, but are not limited to, assumptions with respect to the Company’s future growth potential, results of operations, future prospects and opportunities, execution of the Company’s business strategy, there being no material variations in the current tax and regulatory environments, future levels of indebtedness and current economic conditions remaining unchanged, the Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with the forward-looking information contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. 

    Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made). Any forward-looking statement that is made in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BRKZ closes $17M Series A to transform construction procurement as Saudi Arabia’s $3T project pipeline accelerates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Riyadh, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While the MENA region drives forward with $3 trillion in infrastructure and building projects, construction companies face a critical challenge: fragmented supply chains and inefficient procurement processes that delay projects and inflate costs. Today, BRKZ announced it has completed its Series A funding at $17M, bringing total funding to $22.5M, to scale its technology platform that’s revolutionizing how contractors source and purchase building materials.

    The funding includes an $8M Series A2 round closed in January 2025, complemented by $1M in venture debt from Capifly, following the initial $8M Series A1 round from December 2023. All existing investors strongly recommitted, including BECO Capital, Aramco’s Waed, 9900 Capital, Better Tomorrow Ventures, RZM Investment, Class 5 Global, MISY Ventures, Knollwood Investment Advisory, and Fluent Ventures.

    Founded in 2023 by Ibrahim Manna, serial entrepreneur and former Managing Director at Careem, BRKZ emerged from firsthand experience with construction industry inefficiencies. “Traditional procurement in construction is highly fragmented and manual, often requiring contractors to juggle multiple suppliers, long negotiations, and delayed payments,” said Ibrahim Manna, Founder and CEO of BRKZ. “This funding will help us double down on tech development, enhance our BNPL offering aligned with construction cash flow cycles, and expand into cross-border trading.”

    The BRKZ team.

    Unlike traditional procurement methods, BRKZ’s platform combines a tech-enabled marketplace with embedded financing solutions, transforming how contractors and suppliers interact. Through its digital platform, contractors can access over 7,000 SKUs from more than 1,100 local suppliers, receiving competitive quotes within 20 minutes. The platform’s built-in financing options align with construction cash flow cycles, addressing a critical pain point in the industry.

    The platform’s rapid adoption validates its approach. Since launching its Series A1, BRKZ has grown revenue fourfold during 2024, now serving more than 850 unique contractors and factories across flagship projects like King Salman Park, Neom, and Red Sea. The company has expanded its delivery network to over 40 cities across Saudi Arabia, with offices in three major regions, while processing $350m (SAR 1.3 billion) in RFQs through its platform.

    BRKZ marketplace and app.

    Real-world applications demonstrate the platform’s transformative impact. A contractor working in KSA’s central region, awarded a project in the Western Region, used BRKZ to price and procure materials from local suppliers despite having no team in the project location. Similarly, a local cement block factory broke traditional geographical constraints by listing on BRKZ, expanding its customer base while sourcing raw materials through the platform.

    AbdulRauf H. Al-Matar, AGM at AlRashed Building Materials commented: “Partnering with BRKZ has revolutionized how we connect with contractors and streamline our operations. Their innovative approach to digitizing the construction industry is setting a new standard for efficiency and growth.”

    Tamer Salah, CEO at AlMimar AlAraby for General Contracting added: “Working with BRKZ has been a game-changer for us. Their focus on understanding contractors’ needs and delivering tailored solutions has made it easier to meet tight deadlines and exceed customer expectations. BRKZ’s highly advanced technology provides the best e-commerce platform, which makes it easy to manage my orders and get automated updates on their status.”

    The construction market in MENA represents a massive opportunity, driven by mega-projects reshaping the region. Major developments like Neom, The Red Sea Project, King Salman Park, and upcoming events like Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia underscore the urgent need for innovative, tech-driven solutions to streamline procurement and enhance efficiency.

    Dany Farha, co-founder and managing partner at BECO Capital, commented: “The construction industry is foundational to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and is ripe for technology and organizational optimization. The BRKZ team has executed its product and operational roadmap to drive efficiencies in this rapidly scaling sector, and we’re excited to continue supporting them in their next chapter. BRKZ’s financing product will complement their digitized procurement platform and address customer cash flow challenges. Having known Ibrahim and the team for years, we’ve seen firsthand their agility, prudence, and unique skill set that enable them to fulfill their promise of digitizing this industry.”

    Looking ahead, BRKZ plans to establish offices in Saudi Arabia’s Northern and Southern regions during 2025 while expanding its supplier network into global markets, focusing on China and India. The company will continue enhancing its technology platform and financing solutions, positioning itself as the comprehensive solution for construction procurement in the MENA region.

    Ends 

    Media images can be found here.

    About BRKZ

    BRKZ is a B2B managed marketplace transforming construction procurement in Saudi Arabia. By connecting contractors with suppliers through a tech-enabled platform, BRKZ provides access to thousands of SKUs, competitive pricing, and tailored financing solutions. With a focus on efficiency and transparency, BRKZ empowers MENA’s construction sector to meet the ambitious goals. For more information please visit https://brkz.com/en 

    About BECO Capital

    BECO Capital is the largest non-government venture capital firm in the Gulf, managing over $500 million in AUM. Since its inception in 2012, BECO Capital has played a pivotal role in developing the regional tech ecosystem, helping it grow from its nascent stages to its current dynamism, and has been a notable investor behind many of the region’s success stories. These include Careem, the region’s ride-hailing service turned super-app, acquired by Uber for $3.1 billion, and Property Finder, the real estate marketplace that BECO exited at a $1 billion valuation in April 2024, alongside other prominent startups such as Kitopi and Fresha.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASM named in CDP’s ‘A List’ for climate and water

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Almere, the Netherlands
    February 10, 2025

    ASM has been awarded CDP’s prestigious ‘A List’ ranking for both climate and water reporting, recognizing its corporate sustainability leadership, performance, and transparency.

    This is the first time ASM has achieved A List status with the global environmental non-profit, CDP, the organization that runs the world’s most recognized environmental disclosure system and sets the standard for environmental reporting. From over 22,000 annual reporting submissions this year, CDP has awarded its highest A List ranking to only a select group of companies demonstrating the strongest sustainability leadership.

    ASM is among very few companies in the semiconductor industry to score an A in CDP’s 2024 assessment, with even fewer reaching the A List for both climate and water. This marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey and is a testament to our continued commitment to environmental progress.

    ASM has been reporting into CDP for thirteen consecutive years, consistently strengthening our environmental strategy and performance. In 2024, we reached 100% renewable electricity across our global operations, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable business practices.

    Inclusion in CDP’s prestigious A List highlights the strides we have made in reducing our operational carbon footprint and exemplifies our focus on meaningful climate action. In addition to decarbonizing our own operations, we are investing in research and development to enhance the energy efficiency of our deposition equipment, enabling our customers to reduce their energy consumption while maintaining high-performance production capabilities. This ensures our technologies contribute to lower emissions in semiconductor manufacturing and the broader tech ecosystem.

    In 2021, ASM published an ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2035. In 2023, ASM’s net zero target was approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a first in the semiconductor industry. ASM’s Climate Transition Plan, released in early 2024, details how we target to achieve this goal by decarbonizing our products, optimizing our operations, and collaborating with our value chain to drive sustainability improvements to ensure ASM remains at the forefront of sustainable innovation.

    As ASM expands, we are focused on achieving green standards such as LEED building certification, which rates buildings for energy efficiency and sustainability across multiple environmental aspects. Our new facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is currently in design, aims to reuse more than 80% of the water it consumes, significantly reducing ASM’s water footprint and supporting circular resource use.

    John Golightly, ASM VP of Sustainability remarked: “We are honored to receive this recognition for our efforts in climate and water. CDP’s A List is the gold standard for environmental reporting, so our inclusion for the first time is a proud moment, for our company and everyone who worked so hard on our sustainability journey. Our resolute focus on transparently reporting our progress has led us to this point and we will continue to push the boundaries of sustainable semiconductor manufacturing, with cutting-edge innovation and collaborative partnerships to create a greener, more resilient future. Accelerating Sustainability is a strategic objective at ASM for good reason. We believe our products and operations enable positive impact for society and our planet.” 

    About ASM International

    ASM International N.V., headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries design and manufacture equipment and process solutions to produce semiconductor devices for wafer processing, and have facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. ASM International’s common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: ASM). For more information, visit ASM’s website at www.asm.com.

    Contact

    Investor and media relations

    Victor Bareño
    T: +31 88 100 8500
    E: investor.relations@asm.com

    		  

    Investor relations

    Valentina Fantigrossi
    T: +31 88 100 8502
    E: investor.relations@asm.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Diamond Equity Research Releases Update Note on Genius Group Ltd. (NYSE: GNS)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamond Equity Research Releases Update Note on Genius Group Ltd. (NYSE: GNS)

    New York, NY

    Diamond Equity Research, a leading equity research firm with a focus on small capitalization public companies has released an update note on Genius Group Ltd. (NYSE: GNS). The update note includes information on Genius Group Ltd.’s recent developments, management commentary, future outlook, and risks.

    The update note is available below.

    Genius Group February 2025 Update Note

    Highlights from the note include:

    • Genius Group Launches $33 Million Rights Offering to Strengthen Its Bitcoin Treasury: Genius Group’s Board approved a rights offering aimed at raising up to $33 million to expand the company’s Bitcoin Treasury, with 100% of net proceeds dedicated to purchasing Bitcoin. The offering provides shareholders with the opportunity to acquire additional ordinary shares at a fixed subscription price, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its Bitcoin-first strategy. Key terms of the Rights Offering include:
      • Shareholder Rights Allocation: Each shareholder received one transferable right for every ordinary share held as of the record date on January 24, 2025, with the number rounded up to the nearest whole right. The company’s ordinary shares began trading ex-rights on January 24, 2025.
      • Subscription Details: Each right entitles the holder to purchase one ordinary share at a subscription price of $0.50. Shareholders fully exercising their basic subscription rights are eligible for an over-subscription privilege, which allows them to subscribe for additional ordinary shares on a pro rata basis. Rights holders may also choose to sell any rights they opt not to exercise.
      • Trading and Expiration Details: Rights trading commenced on a “when-issued” basis on January 23, 2025, under the symbol “GNS RTWI.” Regular trading of the rights began on January 27, 2025, under the symbol “GNS RT” and will continue until the close of trading on February 13, 2025. The offering expires at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on February 14, 2025, unless extended by the company. Registered shareholders received rights certificates based on the company’s stockholder registry, while those holding shares in “street name” will see the rights reflected in their brokerage accounts.
      • Additional Potential Funding: In addition to the $33 million rights offering, the company plans to pursue additional loan financings of up to approximately $22 million. If fully secured, this combined funding is expected to boost the Bitcoin Treasury from current levels, reported between $40 million and $45 million, to a range between $86 million and $100 million.
      • Management Participation: Complementing this initiative, Founder and CEO Roger Hamilton has completed his planned transactions, having acquired 500,000 shares under the pre-approved plan and subsequently purchasing an additional 500,000 shares on January 15, 2025, resulting in a holding of approximately 6.8 million shares. Mr. Hamilton has also notified the Company that he will fully subscribe to his rights under this Rights Offering, which will entitle him to acquire an additional 6.8 million shares on the same terms as all shareholders on the Record Date.

    This rights issue follows Genius Group’s established Bitcoin treasury approach and can be positive for shareholders if Bitcoin’s momentum persists-currently trading above $96,000 and recently peaking at $108,000. However, should Bitcoin’s price fall, the impact on shareholders could be less favorable, as the benefits of this initiative are closely tied to Bitcoin’s continued upward performance, which some analyst reports suggest is likely to persist.

    • Genius Group Expands Bitcoin Treasury to $42 Million Amid Strategic Financial Milestones: Genius Group has further advanced its Bitcoin-first strategy by acquiring an additional $12 million of Bitcoin, bringing its Bitcoin Treasury to 440 Bitcoin at a new average price of $95,519 per Bitcoin. This $42 million purchase, completed within three months of the November 12, 2024 announcement to allocate 90% or more of its current and future reserves to Bitcoin (with an initial target of $120 million), builds on an earlier milestone where the company secured 319.4 Bitcoin for $30 million at an average price of $93,919 per Bitcoin within two months. At an earlier date, as of Friday, January 31, 2025, Genius Group’s 440-Bitcoin holding was valued at $46 million, while the company’s market capitalization was $33.1 million (derived from 68.8 million issued shares trading at $0.48), resulting in a BTC/Price ratio of 139%, making Genius Group one of the highest among its peers. This ratio tells us that 139% of Genius Group’s market value is directly backed by its Bitcoin holdings, a stark contrast to the industry average of approximately 40% observed among other popular Bitcoin treasury companies, such as Microstrategy, Marathon Digital Holdings, and Riot Platforms. Funding for these purchases has been sourced from a mix of internal reserves, the use of its ATM facility, and debt financing from crypto-backed loan platform Arch Lending. In addition, the company has approved a Founder Compensation Plan with Founder and CEO Roger Hamilton that sets forth long-term milestones, including goals to reach a $1 billion market cap and to grow the Bitcoin Treasury’s net asset value to $1 billion within the next 10 years.

    About Genius Group Limited

    Genius Group Ltd. (NYSE: GNS) is a Bitcoin treasury company with an AI powered education platform engaged in providing AI training and AI tools to 5.4 million students in over 200 countries worldwide. It aims to develop an AI-powered lifelong learning curriculum and make its educational products accessible worldwide to all age groups.

    For more information, visit https://www.geniusgroup.net/

    About Diamond Equity Research

    Diamond Equity Research is a leading equity research and corporate access firm focused on small capitalization companies. Diamond Equity Research is an approved sell-side provider on major institutional investor platforms.

    For more information, visit https://www.diamondequityresearch.com.

    Disclosures:

    Diamond Equity Research LLC is being compensated by Genius Group Limited for producing research materials regarding Genius Group Limited, and its securities, which is meant to subsidize the high cost of creating the report and monitoring the security, however, the views in the report reflect that of Diamond Equity Research. All payments are received upfront and are billed for an annual or semi-annual research engagement. As of 02/10/2025, the issuer had paid us $81,000 for our research services, which commenced 04/16/2022 and was billed annually for the first year for $27,000 and after in equal installments of $13,500 for six-month semi-annual periods with $13,500 received in April 2023 for six-month terms. $27,000 was paid in May 2024 (payment was for two outstanding six-month payment terms of October 2023 and April 2024, allocated to the following six-month periods of research coverage in each respective period), and $13,500 received in November 2024 for the October 2024 six-month semi-annual period of coverage. Diamond Equity Research LLC may be compensated for non-research related services, including presenting at Diamond Equity Research investment conferences, press releases and other additional services. The non-research related service cost is dependent on the company, but usually do not exceed $5,000. The issuer has paid us for non-research related services as of 02/10/2025 consisting of $3,000 for presenting at a virtual investment conference and $2,000 for organizing an investment dinner. Issuers are not required to engage us for these additional services. Additional fees may have accrued since then. Although Diamond Equity Research company sponsored reports are based on publicly available information and although no investment recommendations are made within our company sponsored research reports, given the small capitalization nature of the companies we cover we have adopted an internal trading procedure around the public companies by whom we are engaged, with investors able to find such policy on our website public disclosures page. This report and press release do not consider individual circumstances and does not take into consideration individual investor preferences. Statements within this report may constitute forward-looking statements, these statements involve many risk factors and general uncertainties around the business, industry, and macroeconomic environment. Investors need to be aware of the high degree of risk in small capitalization equities including the complete loss of their investment. Investors can find various risk factors in the initiation report and in the respective financial filings for Genius Group Limited. Please consult the attached research report for disclosures.

    Contact:

    Diamond Equity Research
    research@diamondequityresearch.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE HSI San Antonio and our law enforcement partners arrest dangerous criminal aliens during South Texas enforcement action

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    February 10, 2025San Antonio, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

    SAN ANTONIO – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, along with our law enforcement partners, conducted routine, daily enforcement actions in South Texas that began during the week of Jan. 22.

    Some of the most violent criminal aliens HSI apprehended and removed from the community, include:

    • A 35-old Mexican male convicted of drug trafficking and prior deportation, is now facing re-entry after deportation charges. He remains in federal custody.
    • A 37-year-Honduran male and MS-13 member, convicted of felony fraud and felony weapon offenses remains in federal custody pending his removal from the United States.
    • A 53-year-old Mexican male convicted of aggravated assault causing bodily injury, possession of a controlled substance. The criminal alien has been previously removed and is now facing re-entry after deportation charges. He remains in federal custody.
    • A 30-year-old Honduran male convicted for DWI, forgery and re-entry after deportation, remains in federal custody pending his removal from the United States.

    “HSI San Antonio remains steadfast in its mission to apprehend individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “The arrest of these individuals who have flagrantly violated immigration laws and are actively involved in criminal enterprise, is a vital step in strengthening and protecting our communities and the country’s borders.”

    Individuals can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE HSI assists Peru’s National Police in large joint operation to arrest Tren de Aragua members

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LIMA, Peru – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement supported the National Police of Peru in Lima to arrest and dismantle the illicit activities of Tren de Aragua members in the country, Feb. 7.

    Members of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Lima and the ICE HSI Transnational Criminal Investigations Unit supported more than 300 National Police of Peru officers from the Directorate Against Human Trafficking and Illicit Migrant Trafficking in an operation which targeted at least eight specific locations in Santa Anita, San Martin de Porres, and Puente Piedra in Lima, Peru. Approximately 23 individuals suspected of being involved with a human trafficking network were arrested, and more than 80 human trafficking victims were rescued, including three minors.

    “Peru is a dedicated partner in the fight against transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua,” said ICE HSI Lima Attaché Paul Salamon. “Together, ICE HSI and the National Police of Peru are protecting our nations to ensure the safety of our citizens,”

    “Last night, an operation was carried out with the support of ICE HSI Lima to dismantle the remnants of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua in various districts in Peru,” said National Police of Peru General Aldo Juan Ávila Novoa from the Directorate Against Human Trafficking and Illicit Migrant Trafficking. “We have deployed a force of 300 police officers from specialized units and the Shock Force, such as the National Division of Special Operations and the GRECCO group.”

    “Transnational criminal organizations have no place in the strong, secure and prosperous region we are building with our partners,” said U.S. Ambassador to Peru Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath. “The success of this operation, led by the Peruvian National Police with the support of the United States, is a testament to the great work we can accomplish together to improve the security of our citizens and our shared region.”

    Members of the public with information related to criminal activities of transnational organizations can submit an anonymous tip by calling 877-4-HSI-TIP.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Wearable Devices Unveils Future AI-Powered Gesture Personalization Technology, Paving the Way for Next-Gen User Interactions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Yokneam Illit, Israel, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), an award-winning pioneer in artificial intelligence (“AI”)-based wearable gesture control technology, is developing cutting-edge methods for gesture personalization that will transform user interactions in the near future. By harnessing biopotential signals from the human wrist, Wearable Devices is working towards redefining how people interact with digital devices, creating an intuitive, personalized experience for the AI era.

    The Future of Personalized AI-Driven Gestures

    As AI continues to shape our digital landscape, the way we interact with technology is evolving. Traditional input methods – keyboards, touchscreens, and voice commands – are expected to give way to more natural, seamless interactions. Wearable Devices is developing an AI-powered neural wristband technology for detection of user specific micro-gestures, enabling a future of personalized controls tailored to individual users.

    Leveraging Large MUAP Models (“LMMs”), Wearable Devices is enhancing its ability to create truly personalized gesture experiences that improve and adapt more effectively with continued use.

    A New Era for AI-Powered Devices and XR Platforms

    Wearable Devices’ neural-based gesture personalization is being developed to revolutionize extended reality (XR), smartwatches, and other AI-driven interfaces. The technology aims to enable:

    • Micro-Gesture Precision: AI refining recognition of tiny movements, such as a finger swipes or pinches, ensuring reliable, real-time responsiveness.
       
    • Context-Aware Interactions: A system that is adaptive to user habits.
       
    • Cross-Device Integration: Personalized gestures seamlessly operating across augmented reality (“AR”)/virtual reality headsets, AR glasses, smartwatches, and other AI-powered devices, creating a unified interaction experience.

    Wearable Devices is focused on taking it a step further by developing adaptive, user-specific models rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. This approach is expected to enhance accessibility, usability, and engagement in AI-driven environments.

    A Call to AI and XR Innovators

    As AI-powered devices become more ubiquitous, Wearable Devices is actively developing next-generation intuitive and personalized user interactions. With over a decade of research and development and a growing portfolio of patents, the Company invites industry leaders to explore collaboration opportunities.

    “We believe AI-driven gesture personalization is the next frontier in human-device interaction,” said Asher Dahan, Chief Executive Officer of Wearable Devices. “By seamlessly integrating AI with biopotential sensing, we are developing innovations that will revolutionize the way people engage with technology.”

    For more information about Wearable Devices’ AI-powered gesture control solutions under development, visit www.wearabledevices.co.il.

    About Wearable Devices Ltd.

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

    Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss that we are developing cutting-edge methods for gesture personalization that will transform user interactions in the near future, the benefits and advantages of our technology, including the aims of our technology, that our approach is expected to enhance accessibility, usability, and engagement in AI-driven environments, and our belief that AI-driven gesture personalization is the next frontier in human-device interaction. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the trading of our ordinary shares or warrants and the development of a liquid trading market; our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 15, 2024 and our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Michal Efraty
    IR@wearabledevices.co.il

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Paradigm Oil and Gas Partners with Hallmark Venture Group to Drive Scalable Revenue Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Highlights:

    • Strategic Partnership Announcement: Paradigm Oil and Gas, Inc. (OTC: PDGO) has engaged Hallmark Venture Group, Inc. (OTC: HLLK) to develop scalable revenue strategies and enhance digital operations.
    • Revenue Growth & Digital Expansion: The collaboration aims to optimize lead generation, implement revenue-driving strategies, and develop new digital infrastructure for sustained business growth.
    • Operational Management & Market Positioning: Hallmark Venture Group will oversee website development, traffic acquisition, lead generation, public relations, and administrative management to enhance monetization efforts.
    • AI-Driven Business Solutions: The partnership leverages Hallmark’s AI-driven marketing and consulting expertise to create innovative business models that increase profitability.
    • Scalable & Sustainable Business Model: Paradigm Oil and Gas expands beyond traditional operations by exploring digital and third-party service integrations to maximize shareholder value.
    • Investor & Market Outlook: The initiative aligns with evolving market demands, ensuring long-term financial stability and operational efficiency.

    NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paradigm Oil and Gas, Inc. (OTC: PDGO) expands its revenue potential by engaging Hallmark Venture Group, Inc. (OTC: HLLK) to enhance digital operations and implement scalable revenue strategies. This strategic partnership is designed to optimize lead generation, strengthen market positioning, and maximize profitability through AI-driven solutions and digital infrastructure.

    Accelerating Digital Growth and Revenue Optimization

    Paradigm Oil and Gas is committed to diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional operations. By leveraging Hallmark Venture Group’s expertise, the Company will implement advanced digital strategies, optimize monetization efforts, and develop high-quality traffic acquisition models.

    Hallmark Venture Group will oversee key operational areas, including:

    • Website Development & Digital Infrastructure – Enhancing user experience and optimizing engagement.
    • Traffic Acquisition & Lead Generation – Deploying AI-driven marketing strategies for high-quality conversions.
    • Public Relations & Market Outreach – Strengthening brand visibility and investor relations.
    • Administrative & Operational Management – Streamlining business processes for improved efficiency.

    AI-Powered Solutions for Market Expansion

    Hallmark Venture Group specializes in AI-driven consulting and revenue growth solutions. Through this collaboration, Paradigm Oil and Gas will integrate data-driven marketing techniques, predictive analytics, and automated lead generation tools to drive long-term financial sustainability.

    Strategic Growth & Shareholder Value Enhancement

    This initiative aligns with Paradigm Oil and Gas’s mission to explore innovative business models that create sustainable growth. By embracing digital transformation and AI-powered strategies, the Company aims to increase shareholder value and remain competitive in evolving market conditions.

    About Paradigm Oil and Gas, Inc.

    Paradigm Oil and Gas, Inc. (OTC: PDGO) is a publicly traded company focused on optimizing revenue generation and expanding its market opportunities. The Company actively pursues strategic partnerships and digital initiatives to drive profitability and long-term business growth.

    About Hallmark Venture Group, Inc.

    Hallmark Venture Group, Inc. (OTC: HLLK) is a digital marketing and consulting firm specializing in AI-driven strategies, lead generation, and scalable revenue solutions. The Company’s proprietary platforms help businesses enhance digital growth, optimize customer acquisition, and improve market positioning.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Safe Harbor This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements appear in a number of places in this release and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) financing plans; (ii) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations; (iii) growth strategy and operating strategy. The words ”may”,”would”, ”will”, ”estimate”, ”can”, ”believe”, ”potential” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. More information about the potential factors that could affect the business and financial results is and will be included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or OTC Markets.

    For Media & Investor Inquiries:

    Website: https://pdgoinc.net/
    Email: info@pdgoinc.net
    X (formerly Twitter): @PDGOinc

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