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Category: GlobeNewswire

  • MIL-OSI: Sampo Group’s results for January–September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sampo plc, Interim statement, 6 November 2024 at 9:45 am EET


    Sampo Group’s results for January–September 2024

    • Top line growth amounted to 10 per cent in January-September 2024 on a currency adjusted basis, supported by solid development in all business areas, but particularly in the UK.

    • The underwriting result increased to EUR 955 million (882) and the combined ratio amounted to 84.6 per cent (84.2), driven by strong growth and positive underlying margin development.

    • The Group underlying combined ratio improved by 1.6 percentage points on the back of positive trends in the Nordics and in the UK.

    • Profit before taxes increased to EUR 1,340 million (1,113), supported by higher underwriting profit and strong investment results, while operating EPS was up 2 per cent to EUR 1.68 (1.65).

    • Solvency II coverage stood at 177 per cent, net of dividend accrual, and financial leverage amounted to 26.8 per cent.

    • The public exchange offer for Topdanmark was successfully completed in September 2024.


    Key figures

    EURm 1–9/
    2024    		 1–9/
    2023    		 Change,
    %    		 7–9/
    2024    		 7–9/
    2023    		 Change, %
    Profit before taxes 1,340 1,113 20 432 391 11
      If 1,068 989 8 333 332 —
      Topdanmark 159 143 11 47 38 22
      Hastings 140 70 99 69 43 59
      Holding -28 -81 — -19 -21 —
    Net profit for the equity holders 973 941 3 320 366 -12
    Operating result 846 837 1 297 291 2
    Underwriting result 955 882 8 374 284 32
          Change,
    %    		     Change, %
    Earnings per share (EUR) 1.94 1.86 4 0.64 0.73 -12
    Operational result per share (EUR) 1.68 1.65  2 0.59 0.58 2

    Net profit for the equity holders and earnings per share for January–September 2023 include result from life operations.

    The figures in this report have not been audited.

    Sampo Group key financial targets for 2024–2026

    Target 1–9/2024
    Operating EPS growth: over 7% (period average) 2%
    Group combined ratio: below 85% 84.6%
    Solvency ratio: 150-190% 177% (including dividend accrual)
    Financial leverage: below 30% 26.8%

    Financial targets for 2024–2026 announced at the Capital Markets Day on 6 March 2024.

    GROUP CEO’S COMMENT

    The third quarter of 2024 marked another solid performance for Sampo. We continued to see robust top line growth with our nine-month underwriting result growing by 8 per cent, despite the severe winter in the first quarter, and profit before taxes increasing by 20 per cent. We also finalised the strategic transformation that began when I assumed the role of Group CEO in 2020 by completing the acquisition of Topdanmark.

    As part of our P&C insurance focused strategy, we successfully completed the exchange offer for Topdanmark during the quarter. This milestone allows us to move forward with the integration, a process that is well underway and poised to bring notable synergies.  In particular, we anticipate benefits in key areas such as IT portfolio optimisation, increased operational digitalisation, and unified procurement. These synergies will not only enhance efficiency but also improve our ability to serve our customers. Through the deal, we have gained skilled Topdanmark personnel and have already established an integrated Nordic management team. I am confident that we will achieve our integration objectives and further solidify our leadership positions in the Nordic and Danish markets.

    Looking back, another important step in our strategic transformation was the acquisition of Hastings in 2020. The transaction is proving successful, both in terms of financial performance and strategic alignment. During the third quarter of 2024, gross written premiums in the UK grew by 28 per cent on a constant currency basis, fuelled by pricing actions taken in the latter half of 2023 and an 11 per cent increase in customer policies year-on-year, bringing the total to 3.8 million. During the third quarter alone, we added 159,000 motor policies. The strong performance illustrates the significant growth potential in the UK. However, as is always the case at Sampo, we only grow when we see the opportunity to earn attractive returns, and our nine-month operating ratio of 88.5 per cent shows that we are delivering on this commitment.

    Operational momentum is strong also in the Nordics. Retention in Private remains high at 89 per cent as we continue to price for claims inflation, while the growth rates in online sales, property and personal insurance are all above target level, at 10 per cent, 6 per cent and 11 per cent year-to-date, respectively. We are also on track to achieve our cost ratio ambition for the year, despite continued investments in our capabilities.

    Nordic market dynamics remain stable, with some peers indicating large price increases, and claims inflation has trended down to 4 per cent. However, underwriting is more than just raising prices – we continuously leverage our expertise to actively manage our business. On electric vehicles, for example, we have been able to achieve the same profitability as on vehicles with Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) by ensuring that we price accurately, even if this has meant sacrificing market share in some areas. Meanwhile, in the Nordic Industrial market, we are a leading provider with a strong track record of profitability and a business that consumes very limited incremental capital. Over recent years, we have implemented rate increases that have driven material profitability improvements. We are now taking the opportunity to significantly cut our shares on large property risks to ensure that we continue to deliver stable underwriting results. The reductions will be targeted, and we will continue to act as a lead underwriter. Underwriting actions are part of our everyday business and a key driver of our strong financial track record.

    In summary, the third quarter of 2024 was a financially stable quarter, with continued positive momentum in the Nordics and accelerated growth in the UK.  However, more importantly it was strategically critical as we completed Sampo’s transformation initiated in 2020. Looking ahead, we are well-positioned to leverage our operational capabilities and apply learnings from our impressive track record in the Nordic insurance business to our growing UK business. With this structure in place, I am confident in our ability to drive sustained value creation for our shareholders.

    Torbjörn Magnusson
    Group CEO

    OUTLOOK FOR 2024

    Following the nine-month result, Sampo has maintained its 2024 outlook for a Group combined ratio of 83–85 per cent. The outlook excludes potential one-off integration costs related to the realisation of synergies with Topdanmark.

    Sampo Group’s combined ratio is subject to volatility driven by, among other factors, seasonal weather patterns, large claims, and prior year development. The net financial result will be significantly influenced by capital markets’ developments.


    PUBLIC EXCHANGE OFFER FOR TOPDANMARK

    On 17 June 2024, Sampo announced that it would make a recommended best and final public exchange offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares in Topdanmark not already owned by Sampo. Under the terms of the offer, Topdanmark shareholders would receive 1.25 newly issued Sampo A shares in exchange for each share held in Topdanmark. On 8 July 2024, Sampo announced that all necessary regulatory approvals had been obtained for the exchange offer.

    The offer period began on 9 August 2024 and expired on 9 September 2024. Based on the final result announced on 16 September 2024, Sampo received acceptances representing approximately 92.6 per cent of the entire share capital and total number of voting rights in Topdanmark, excluding Topdanmark’s treasury shares. Based on the final result, the Board resolved to issue 48.2 million new Sampo A shares to Topdanmark shareholders. The new Sampo shares were listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen on 18 September 2024.

    On 20 September 2024, Sampo commenced a compulsory acquisition of the Topdanmark shares held by the remaining minority shareholders of Topdanmark. The total acquisition cost of the minority shares amounted to EUR 325 million. The compulsory acquisition was completed and Topdanmark shares were removed from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen after the end of the reporting period in October 2024. Sampo will begin reporting on the delivery of synergies from the first quarter of 2025.

    SAMPO PLC
    Board of Directors


    The Interim Statement for January-September 2024, Investor Presentation and a video review with Group CEO Torbjörn Magnusson are available at     www.sampo.com/result.

    A conference call for investors and analysts will be arranged at 2:30 pm Finnish time (12:30 pm UK time).

    To ask questions, please join the teleconference by registering using the following link: https://palvelu.flik.fi/teleconference/?id=50048816.

    After the registration you will be provided with phone numbers and a conference ID to access the conference. To ask a question, please press #5 on your telephone keypad to enter the queue.

    The conference call can also be followed live at www.sampo.com/result. A recorded version and a transcript will later be available at the same address.

    Sampo will publish the Financial Statement Release for 2024 on 6 February 2025.


    For further information, please contact:

    Knut Arne Alsaker, Group CFO, tel. +358 10 516 0010
    Sami Taipalus, Head of Investor Relations, tel. +358 10 516 0030
    Maria Silander, Communications Manager, Media Relations, tel. +358 10 516 0031

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki
    Nasdaq Stockholm
    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    London Stock Exchange
    FIN-FSA
    DEN-FSA
    The principal media
    www.sampo.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hapag-Lloyd Partners with HERE Technologies to Transform Global Supply Chain Visibility with Advanced Tracking Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Hapag-Lloyd has equipped over 1.5 million containers with advanced tracking devices, integrating HERE Tracking into their real-time tracking solution to enhance inland Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) calculations across global transportation networks.
    • HERE Tracking delivers precise, AI-powered ETAs, providing Hapag-Lloyd with critical data for better operational planning, control and customer satisfaction.

    Hamburg, Germany and Amsterdam, Netherlands — Hapag-Lloyd, a global leader in container shipping, and HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology company, today announced a strategic partnership focused on significantly improving visibility in global supply chains. HERE Tracking enhances Hapag-Lloyd’s existing real-time smart container tracking solution Live Position with predictive ETAs for inland transportation, driving operational efficiency and improving customer satisfaction.

    As supply chain disruptions continue to impact industries worldwide, the need for real-time visibility has never been greater. With the deployment of over 1.5 million container tracking devices to 90% of Hapag Lloyd’s total fleet, utilizing the HERE Tracking solution, Hapag-Lloyd can now accurately predict arrival of these containers across their rail, barge and truck transportation networks. The tracking devices will extend to Hapag-Lloyd’s entire fleet and include ETA prediction early next year.

    By leveraging AI-powered, predictive ETAs from HERE, businesses and operations managers can rely on continuously updated data throughout the entire transport journey. This accuracy empowers more effective planning and decision-making, ultimately improving operational efficiency.

    HERE Tracking, a versatile location service, offers customers the ability to monitor transportation in real time, both outdoors and indoors, and across multiple transportation modes. Along with predictive ETAs, the service also provides customizable geofencing for smart, event-based alerts and notifications and advanced post-trip analytics.

    HERE Tracking is delivered via an application programming interface (API), offering seamless integration with existing enterprise software, and allowing customers to maintain full control of their data.

    Jason Jameson, Chief Customer Officer at HERE Technologies, said: “We are excited to redefine the future of supply chain visibility together with Hapag-Lloyd and to provide their customers with the precise ETAs they need to stay competitive in a constantly evolving marketplace. We are looking forward to extending our partnership with Hapag-Lloyd to further enhance their service offerings for even greater operational efficiency and end-customer satisfaction.”

    “As the first carrier to offer real-time visibility of our container locations through our Live Position product, Hapag-Lloyd is taking the next step with HERE to enhance inland ETA predictions,” said Patrick Briest, Head of Network & Operations IT Products at Hapag-Lloyd. “While we already know where each container is at any moment, our collaboration with HERE allows us to predict where it will be across any transport mode, in any country. This capability significantly boosts our operational planning and supports our customers with unparalleled precision in shipment timing.”

    Media Contacts
    HERE Technologies
    Dr. Sebastian Kurme
    +49 173 515 3549 
    sebastian.kurme@here.com

    Anna Glockner
    +44 7855 170344
    anna.glockner@here.com

    Hapag-Lloyd
    Hanja Maria Richter
    +49 40 3001 5102
    HanjaMaria.Richter@hlag.com

    Leon Schulz
    +49 40 3001 4042
    LeonJukka.Schulz@hlag.com

    About HERE Technologies
    HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for almost 40 years. Today, the HERE location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at here.com.

    About Hapag-Lloyd
    With a fleet of 287 modern container ships and a total transport capacity of 2.2 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. In the Liner Shipping segment, the Company has around 13,700 employees and 400 offices in 140 countries. Hapag-Lloyd has a container capacity of 3.2 million TEU – including one of the largest and most modern fleets of reefer containers. A total of 114 liner services worldwide ensure fast and reliable connections between more than 600 ports on all the continents. In the Terminal & Infrastructure segment, Hapag-Lloyd has equity stakes in 20 terminals in Europe, Latin America, the United States, India and North Africa. Around 2,900 employees are assigned to the Terminal & Infrastructure segment and provide complementary logistics services at selected locations in addition to the terminal activities.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Media Advisory: Fortinet Returns to World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Derek Manky, Chief Security Strategist and VP of Global Threat Intelligence at Fortinet
    “In today’s interconnected world, the fight against cybercrime requires a unified front. Public-private partnerships are vital for sharing threat intelligence, resources, and innovations that collectively help organizations worldwide stay ahead of digital adversaries. The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity continues to offer a unique opportunity for collaboration where fellow cybersecurity leaders share effective strategies and develop real-world solutions for disrupting cybercrime.”

    News Summary
    Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced that the company will return to the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 11 to 13. Fortinet is a founding member of the Forum’s Centre for Cybersecurity and will again engage in the yearly event, which brings together global cybersecurity leaders from business, government, international organizations, civil society, and academia to foster collaboration and enhance collective cyber resilience.

    Derek Manky, Fortinet Chief Security Strategist and VP of Global Threat Intelligence, will share expertise and insights as the moderator of a panel discussion on November 13 about countering cybercrime through public-private partnerships. In addition to his active role in the Forum and its Centre for Cybersecurity’s Partnership Against Cybercrime and the Cybercrime Atlas initiative, Derek is actively involved with global threat intelligence initiatives, including NATO NICP, INTERPOL Expert Working Group, the Cyber Threat Alliance working committee, and FIRST, all in effort to shape the future of actionable threat intelligence and proactive security strategy.

    In the past year, as a leading contributor to the Cybercrime Atlas initiative, Fortinet has collaborated to promote new approaches to accelerate the fight against cybercrime. Significant progress has been made, with the Cybercrime Atlas community vetting more than 10,000 actionable data points, creating seven intelligence packages to support cyber defenders, and supporting two cross-border disruption campaigns through the group’s research and intelligence.

    Session Details

    Title: Better, Faster, Stronger: Accelerating Operational Collaborations to Disrupt Cybercrime
    When: November 13, 2024, 10:30 a.m. CET
    Where: World Economic Forum headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
    Overview: Operational collaborations to counter cybercrime are leading to arrests and shutdowns of massive criminal networks in 2024. However, we are not yet collaborating at a scale or speed that will change the calculation for criminals. This session will offer insights into how to harness the lessons from successful operational collaborations around the world to systematically disrupt cybercriminals in 2025.
    Speakers:

    • Derek Manky, Chief Security Strategist and VP of Global Threat Intelligence, Fortinet (facilitator)
    • Edvardas Šileris, Head, European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), Europol
    • Brigadier General Oleksandr Potii, Deputy Chairman, State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine
    • Craig Rice, Chief Executive Officer, Cyber Defence Alliance
    • Samantha Kight, Head, Industry Security, Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA)

    More about the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity

    In a rapidly evolving cyberspace, where innovation and technology continuously redefine boundaries, systemic inequity is emerging when it comes to the capabilities of
    organizations and countries to safeguard the benefits of technological progress.

    According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2024, the number of organizations maintaining minimum viable cyber resilience has decreased by 30%. This decline has further widened the skills gap in organizational cyber capabilities. The risks associated with this growing technological divide threaten the entire ecosystem and disproportionately impact the already vulnerable.

    Against this backdrop, the Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity 2024 will bring together over 150 of the world’s foremost cybersecurity leaders from business, government, international organizations, civil society, and academia to foster collaboration on making cyberspace safer and more resilient for all.

    Additional Resources

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

    Copyright © 2024 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. The symbols ® and ™ denote respectively federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fortinet’s trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following: Fortinet, the Fortinet logo, FortiGate, FortiOS, FortiGuard, FortiCare, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, FortiASIC, FortiClient, FortiCloud, FortiMail, FortiSandbox, FortiADC, FortiAI, FortiAIOps, FortiAntenna, FortiAP, FortiAPCam, FortiAuthenticator, FortiCache, FortiCall, FortiCam, FortiCamera, FortiCarrier, FortiCASB, FortiCentral, FortiConnect, FortiController, FortiConverter, FortiCSPM, FortiCWP, FortDAST, FortiDB, FortiDDoS, FortiDeceptor, FortiDeploy, FortiDevSec, FortiEDR, FortiExplorer, FortiExtender, FortiFirewall, FortiFlex FortiFone, FortiGSLB, FortiGuest, FortiHypervisor, FortiInsight, FortiIsolator, FortiLAN, FortiLink, FortiMonitor, FortiNAC, FortiNDR, FortiPenTest, FortiPhish, FortiPoint, FortiPolicy, FortiPortal, FortiPresence, FortiProxy, FortiRecon, FortiRecorder, FortiSASE, FortiSDNConnector, FortiSEC, FortiSIEM, FortiSMS, FortiSOAR, FortiStack, FortiSwitch, FortiTester, FortiToken, FortiTrust, FortiVoice, FortiWAN, FortiWeb, FortiWiFi, FortiWLC, FortiWLM and FortiXDR. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Fortinet has not independently verified statements or certifications herein attributed to third parties and Fortinet does not independently endorse such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein constitutes a warranty, guarantee, contract, binding specification or other binding commitment by Fortinet or any indication of intent related to a binding commitment, and performance and other specification information herein may be unique to certain environments.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Exterro Expands Leadership Team to Accelerate Growth in the Data Risk Management Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Exterro, Inc., the leading provider of data risk management software, today announced it continues to build its world-class executive team with the appointments of Jim Cox as Chief Revenue Officer and John Vincenzo as Chief Marketing Officer. These strategic hires are critical additions to the management team as it focuses on rapidly scaling the company to capitalize on the fast-growing market.

    “I’m incredibly excited to welcome both Jim and John to Exterro as we build an industry-leading go to market team to complement our award-winning product and innovation engine,” said Exterro Founder and CEO Bobby Balachandran. “John and Jim have a history of creating highly efficient and productive teams that exceed expectations. We will continue to invest in a customer-centric approach to both technology and our go to market teams. We’re primed to accelerate our growth and fully leverage our internal and partner resources to ensure we capitalize on the great momentum we’ve built.”

    A successful, dynamic, sales leader, Jim has more than 20 years of experience driving exceptional growth by building sales teams that focus on execution and cultivating outstanding partnerships. During more than a decade in cybersecurity, Jim built a network of CISOs and executive relationships that, while at Proofpoint, helped the organization scale from $100M to $1.4B in just over six years.

    As CRO at Exterro, one key area will be the increased focus and expansion of the company’s partner programs.“The time is now for Exterro to seize this substantial market opportunity,” stated Cox. “We offer the only platform that offers legal teams, cybersecurity professionals, and C-level leaders an integrated solution to e-discovery, digital forensics, cybersecurity compliance, and data privacy, governance, and security challenges. I’m excited about our ability to accelerate growth by expanding platform sales, to not only the market but to the extensive list of customers we have.”

    John Vincenzo has led both public and private technology companies’ marketing teams and helped them take their go-to-market efforts to new heights. He has spent the last 25+ years in technology industries, most recently with cybersecurity companies such as the privately held Nozomi Networks; Silver Peak (acquired by HPE/Aruba Networks) in the software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) space; and global networking leader 3Com (acquired by HP). In each instance, he has helped increase overall awareness and drive revenue growth.

    As CMO, Vincenzo will be responsible for increasing the visibility of the company so it matches the success the company is seeing in the market. He will also help accelerate revenue growth by working closely with the Sales teams as well as the Exterro Partner ecosystem.

    “Exterro may be the best kept secret in the industry and we need to change that,” added Vincenzo. “It’s amazing the growth and level of technology innovation the company has already achieved. I’m excited about the opportunity to tell our story to the world and help customers understand the value and return on their investment they can achieve by leveraging the Exterro data risk management platform. No company helps organizations better protect data, minimize risk and ensure safer digital environments than Exterro, and we will make it our mission to put a spotlight on our role in making the world a safer place.”

    Exterro has taken a holistic and integrated approach to data risk since its inception and is the first and only company to use an AI-powered technology platform to assess and mitigate data risks in a comprehensive and integrated manner. The more we learn about data risks–posed by privacy regulations, litigation, data breaches and cybersecurity incidents, data governance and compliance challenges–the more we recognize they cannot be comprehended in isolation. They are interconnected and interdependent, and must be assessed and addressed holistically with a unified data risk management platform.

    About Exterro, Inc.

    Exterro empowers organizations and law enforcement agencies to achieve better legal, regulatory, and investigatory outcomes, while saving money and minimizing the impact of data risk. Its data risk management software is the only comprehensive platform that leverages data discovery, automation, and workflow optimization, and one of the first to utilize responsible AI to give users insight into and control over the complex interconnections of privacy, legal operations, digital investigations, cybersecurity response, compliance, and data governance. Thousands of corporations, law firms, managed services providers, and government and law enforcement agencies trust Exterro to manage their risks and drive successful outcomes at a lower cost. For more information, visit www.exterro.com.

    Press inquiries:

    Hazel Ramirez

    570-975-9261

    hazel@plat4orm.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CarGurus’ Latest Digital Retail Solution Connects Canadian Dealers with Purchase-Ready Shoppers More Efficiently

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG), the fastest-growing automotive shopping site in Canada1, today introduced a new digital retail solution that powers more seamless and efficient connections between dealers and purchase-ready shoppers in Canada. CarGurus Digital Deal enables consumers to start their financing application online for eligible new and used vehicles, book an appointment, and start a trade-in before completing the process at the dealership.

    “By allowing car shoppers to handle more steps from the comfort of home, CarGurus Digital Deal helps facilitate a more seamless online to in-store experience that benefits both sides of the transaction,” said Seamus Cassidy, Principal Product Manager with CarGurus. “Dealers can access ready-to-buy shoppers while continuing to work with their preferred technology systems and lending partners. At the same time, consumers can shop with greater confidence by understanding their financing eligibility up front, and save time in the dealership by completing more of the transaction ahead of time.”

    CarGurus’ Digital Deal solution launches in Canada after experiencing strong demand in the U.S., where it is one of the company’s fastest-growing innovations. Active listings are easy to find with badging on CarGurus.ca search results and vehicle detail pages. From eligible vehicle pages, shoppers can complete a simple three-step process to build a personalized vehicle and dealership-specific finance application that is submitted directly to the participating dealership. Shoppers can also schedule an appointment at the dealership and share details about a trade-in. At the dealership, shoppers can then finalize their financing and complete the transaction.

    The solution is built in partnership with dealer finance portal platform CreditApp and can be configured to work with a dealer’s preferred lender networks. As part of the initial rollout, CarGurus Digital Deal is active across over 15,000 vehicle listings, helping participating dealers throughout Canada connect with higher-converting leads for faster, more efficient sales.

    “Digital Deal leads have significantly assisted our sales and finance teams in simplifying the buying process. By having this information upfront, our team can better prepare and creatively engage with our shoppers,” said Casey Pilip, Director of Marketing at Klas Auto Group, a dealer of new and used cars in British Columbia. “Successfully converting additional leads each month at a high closing percentage truly makes a significant impact in today’s market.”

    Dealers can sign up for CarGurus Digital Deal today. Dealerships interested in learning more can either contact their rep, call 1-800-CARGURUS or email camarketing@cargurus.com for more information.

    About CarGurus, Inc.

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

    CarGurus operates online marketplaces under the CarGurus brand in the U.K., Canada, and U.S., where it is the most visited automotive shopping site2. The CarGurus network of brands also includes PistonHeads, the largest online motoring community in the U.K.3; Autolist, a U.S.-based online marketplace; and CarOffer, a digital wholesale marketplace serving the U.S.

    To learn more about CarGurus, visit www.cargurus.ca.

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

    1Similarweb: Traffic Insights, Q2 2024, Canada
    2 Similarweb: Traffic Insights (Cars.com, Autotrader.com, TrueCar.com), Q2 2024, U.S.
    3Similarweb: Traffic Insights, Q2 2024, U.K.

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pax8 Unveils Pax8 Voyager Alliance: The Partner Marketplace Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pax8, the leading cloud commerce marketplace, today announced Pax8 Voyager Alliance, its new partner program that provides global partners with a modern approach to achieving success. Fueled by innovation and investment, the program is tailored to meet partners’ specific needs and provides a scalable, strategic growth path. Through elevated enablement, education, and support, Pax8 Voyager Alliance empowers partners to thrive at every stage of their journey.

    “Pax8 Voyager Alliance represents our commitment to putting partners first and recognizing their unique journey to success,” said Craig Donovan, Chief Experience Officer at Pax8. “The intentionally designed program provides our partners with the competitive advantage to accelerate their growth and succeed in the evolving channel. This advancement lays the foundation for an exciting new chapter, and we will introduce a Pax8 Rewards program and additional benefits over the coming months, empowering our partners to scale to new heights.”

    Pax8 Voyager Alliance is built entirely around the partner Marketplace experience and introduces partners to a tiered model. This approach provides differentiated experiences thoughtfully curated to match their unique business needs and size. As partners reach higher levels in the program, they’ll unlock new benefits that elevate their experience and fuel their growth.

    Pax8 will continue to roll out exciting new opportunities for Pax8 partners to take advantage of as they rise through the program tiers to earn new benefits. Some early benefits include curated event experiences and tiered pricing for professional services projects, which will help partners manage costs. Partners can also expect to receive higher levels of technical support as they advance through the program. In addition, Pax8 Voyager Alliance introduces flexible payment options, offering multiple solutions dependent on a partner’s tier to aid in making financial business decisions.

    Future program benefits will include Pax8 Voyager Alliance Rewards. Partners will be able to accrue points that can be used to invest back into their business by applying them to Pax8 services, education and Pax8 Marketplace purchases.

    “Next year, we will introduce enhancements to Voyager Alliance that revolutionize partner rewards in the SMB cloud marketplace,” said Donovan. “We have tremendous loyalty within our partner base, and we’re excited to launch industry-changing rewards that acknowledge their Marketplace investment. Just as enterprise cloud providers have successfully driven growth through consumption-based incentives, we’re bringing that powerful model to the Pax8 Marketplace. By recognizing our partners’ historical and ongoing Marketplace spend, we’re creating a compelling ecosystem that helps MSPs accelerate their cloud journey and maximize their return on investment with Pax8.”

    “Cloud marketplace growth is expected to exceed $45 billion by 2025, driven by various service partners within the channel ecosystem,” said Jay McBain, Chief Analyst at Canalys. “Adopting a tiered model that provides a more curated experience is critical to enabling these varying partners and their goals. With its new program, Pax8 establishes the foundation to effectively support partners at scale and guide them on their path to success.”

    In addition to the Marketplace of the future, Pax8 Voyager Alliance provides access to the following benefits:   

    Pax8 enablement

    • 100+ award-winning Pax8 Academy on-demand courses 
    • Industry-leading partner support
    • Pax8 Academy instructor-led courses 
    • Pax8 Professional Services 
    • Pax8 Academy Peer Groups 
    • Pax8 Academy Business Coaching

    Pax8 events 

    • Learning journeys 
    • Pax8 Launch Briefings 
    • Pax8 Mission Briefings 
    • Pax8 Bootcamps 
    • Pax8 Momentum 
    • Curated event experiences

    “I love Pax8 Voyager Alliance, and it’s a much-needed program,” said Natalia Scheidegger, CEO at 3rdmill, a Sydney, Australia-based MSP. “With the transparency it provides, you can see exactly where you fit, the resources available, and the benefits you’ll unlock at the next tier. We’re excited to strengthen our relationship with Pax8 and continue growing together.”

    To learn more about Pax8 Voyager Alliance, please visit pax8.com.

    About Pax8
    Pax8 is the technology marketplace of the future, linking partners, vendors, and small to midsized businesses (SMBs) through AI-powered insights and comprehensive product support. With a global partner ecosystem of over 38,000 managed service providers, Pax8 empowers SMBs worldwide by providing software and services that unlock their growth potential and enhance their security. Committed to innovating cloud commerce at scale, Pax8 drives customer acquisition and solution consumption across its entire ecosystem.

    Follow Pax8 on Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube

    Media Contact:
    Kristen Beatty
    Sr. Director of Public Relations
    kbeatty@pax8.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Altus Group Recognized as Top 10 Data & Analytics Team in 2024 OnCon Icon Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Altus Group Limited (“Altus”) (TSX: AIF), a leading provider of asset and fund intelligence for commercial real estate (“CRE”), is pleased to announce that its technology team has been selected as a Top 10 Data and Analytics Team in the esteemed 2024 OnCon Icon Awards.

    The OnCon Icon Awards program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of leading organizations and teams worldwide, determined through peer and community voting. Voters select teams that have made a significant impact on their organization or the broader industry, contributed to their professional community through thought leadership, driven innovation, and demonstrated outstanding leadership.

    Altus’ data and analytics solutions are leveraged by many of the world’s leading CRE companies to uncover opportunities, identify risks, understand portfolio impacts, and enhance asset and portfolio performance. With one of the industry’s most comprehensive and unified data platforms, Altus is leveraging its extensive dataset to provide new performance insights to its customers. A recent innovation stemming from this platform is the new ARGUS Intelligence product, which provides performance insights to help transform the way investors model, monitor and manage their assets and portfolios.

    “It’s a tremendous honour for our technology organization to be recognized in the 2024 OnCon Icon Awards,” said David Ross, Chief Technology Officer at Altus. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team and their relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. Together, we’re fulfilling our mission of leading CRE intelligence through innovative advanced analytics capabilities.”

    For more information about the OnCon Icon Awards and to view the full list of winners, please click here.

    About Altus Group

    Altus Group is a leading provider of asset and fund intelligence for commercial real estate. We deliver intelligence as a service to our global client base through a connected platform of industry-leading technology, advanced analytics, and advisory services. Trusted by the largest CRE leaders, our capabilities help commercial real estate investors, developers, proprietors, lenders, and advisors manage risks and improve performance returns throughout the asset and fund lifecycle. Altus Group is a global company headquartered in Toronto with approximately 2,900 employees across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information about Altus Group (TSX: AIF) please visit altusgroup.com.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    Elizabeth Lambe
    Director, Global Communications, Altus Group
    (416) 641-9787
    Elizabeth.Lambe@altusgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nutanix is Positioned Furthest in Vision Among All Vendors in 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for File and Object Storage Platforms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nutanix (NASDAQ: NTNX), a leader in hybrid multicloud computing, today announced it is positioned furthest in vision among all vendors in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for File and Object Storage Platforms. Nutanix believes this recognition is due to the company’s strong vision for an enterprise storage platform that unifies unstructured data across edge, public and private clouds. This, along with the ability to consolidate files, objects and block storage across virtual machines and containers enables customers to consolidate architectures, simplify operations and reduce cost.

    “Nutanix is widely recognized for block-based hyperconverged infrastructure, so it’s particularly rewarding to see our vision recognized in bringing consistent operational leverage to file and object use cases, which increasingly form the data backbone for modern applications and generative AI” said Lee Caswell, SVP, Product and Solutions Marketing at Nutanix.

    Nutanix believes the company was positioned furthest in vision for five key reasons:

    • Modern scale-out architecture: Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS) offers a modern scale-out architecture that enables organizations to start small and efficiently scale out to very large volumes of multi-Petabyte data while also scaling performance;
    • Software-defined storage: NUS provides a software-defined solution that can be deployed across any server platform as well as any location – at the edge, in data centers or in public clouds;
    • Cloud operating model: Nutanix delivers a cloud operating model that extends the Nutanix hallmark of management simplicity to storage and data;
    • Integrated cyber resilience: NUS offers integrated cyber resilience and data security capabilities aligned to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework;
    • Unified platform and licensing: NUS delivers a unified storage platform for NFS, SMB, S3, and iSCSI with a single license meter for any data access type.

    NUS is a software-defined data platform that uniquely consolidates access and management of siloed file, object, and block storage into a single platform. Powered by rich data services such as analytics, ransomware protection, lifecycle management, and data protection, NUS enables organizations to adapt to fast-changing applications’ needs and shift their focus from data storage to more strategic data management. Additionally, in the past year, Nutanix showed significant advancements in high performance for AI workloads with top placement in MLPerf Storage benchmark for training, data protection with zero RPO/RTO metro sync, enhanced cyber resilience through Nutanix Data Lens with an innovative threat containment window followed by automated recovery, and expanded hybrid cloud integration with AWS.

    NUS is designed to power AI and modern cloud-native workloads by offering data locality, exceptional performance, linear scalability, and uncompromising security, supporting both training and inferencing use cases across industries. It also supports hybrid cloud use cases such as disaster recovery, cloud bursting, analytics, and cloud-based data replication and tiering. For video surveillance, NUS delivers high throughput and fault-tolerant storage, ensuring a high ROI for archival, retrieval, and analytics of video data. And finally, it enables workload consolidation by allowing all unstructured data workloads to run on a single platform, supporting both file and object services with multi-protocol capabilities based on application needs.

    “Our video surveillance system is important to physical security on campus, and we often need to add capacity and bandwidth,” said Jeff Blomendahl, IT Manager, University of Kansas Medical Center. “Nutanix makes it easy to grow the system and provide more resources as they are needed.”

    More information on Nutanix and a complimentary copy of the report are available here.

    Source:
    Source: Gartner, Magic Quadrant for File and Object Storage Platforms, Chandra Mukhyala, Julia Palmer, Chandra Mukhyala, Jeff Vogel, 8 October 2024
    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    About Nutanix
    Nutanix is a global leader in cloud software, offering organizations a single platform for running applications and managing data, anywhere. With Nutanix, companies can reduce complexity and simplify operations, freeing them to focus on their business outcomes. Building on its legacy as the pioneer of hyperconverged infrastructure, Nutanix is trusted by companies worldwide to power hybrid multicloud environments consistently, simply, and cost-effectively. Learn more at www.nutanix.com or follow us on social media @nutanix.

    © 2024 Nutanix, Inc. All rights reserved. Nutanix, the Nutanix logo, and all Nutanix product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of Nutanix, Inc. (“Nutanix”) in the United States and other countries. Other brand names or marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s). This press release is for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes a warranty or other binding commitment by Nutanix. This release may contain express and implied forward-looking statements, which are not historical facts and are instead based on Nutanix’s current expectations, estimates and beliefs. The accuracy of such statements involves risks and uncertainties and depends upon future events, including those that may be beyond Nutanix’s control, and actual results may differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied by such statements. Any forward-looking statements included herein speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, Nutanix assumes no obligation to update or otherwise revise any of such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EzFill Fueling up to Expand Nationally Enters into LOI for the Acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s Fuel Division

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Plans to Begin Operations in Four New States, Expanding Reach Across the U.S.

    Miami, FL, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EzFill Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: EZFL), a leading mobile fueling company, is proud to announce the signing of a non-binding Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to acquire the fueling division of Yoshi, Inc. We believe that this acquisition will mark a significant milestone in EzFill’s strategy to expand its operations and presence across the United States.

    Under the terms of the LOI, EzFill plans to acquire Yoshi Mobility’s existing mobile fuel service operations in four key states, including California, Tennessee, Texas, and Michigan, and integrate Yoshi’s assets and customers into its growing infrastructure. With this acquisition, EzFill is expected to not only strengthen its footprint in the existing markets but also initiate an aggressive national expansion plan, positioning itself as a leading player in the on-demand fueling sector. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Yoshi Mobility is a major mobility services provider backed by General Motors Ventures, ExxonMobil, and Bridgestone Americas. These strategic investors have been pivotal in establishing Yoshi Mobility as a pioneer and leader in the mobile fueling industry.

    CEO of EzFill, Yehuda Levy said, “This acquisition is a strategic step for EzFill as we continue to lead the way in revolutionizing mobile fueling services across the U.S. With Yoshi, we gain access to new markets, fantastic field technicians and a loyal customer base, allowing us to scale our operations and provide exceptional fueling services nationwide.”

    Avi Vaknin, Chief Technology Officer of EzFill, added, “With our technology platform, we expect to be able to seamlessly expand into other states using Yoshi’s existing fleet of trucks. We believe this integration will allow us to quickly scale our operations while maintaining the high level of service and efficiency that EzFill is known for. We are excited about the potential to grow and deliver more fuel solutions to consumers across the country.”

    The acquisition reflects EzFill’s ongoing commitment to providing convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly mobile fueling solutions for consumers and businesses.

    CEO and Co-Founder of Yoshi Mobility, Bryan Frist said, “Having built our fueling division from the ground up over the past several years, we are delighted to transition this business to a terrific partner and leader in the industry. This milestone will enable our team at Yoshi Mobility to redirect our energy toward developing cutting-edge mobility solutions that address the current and future needs of our fleet customers, including EV charging and virtual vehicle inspections. It’s a true win-win for both companies and most importantly, for our customers.”

    The potential transaction is subject to entering into definitive agreements which will contain customary closing conditions and is expected to close before the year end.

    About EzFill

    EzFill is a Miami-based on-demand mobile fueling service that provides fuel delivery directly to consumers and businesses, eliminating the need for traditional gas stations. As one of the largest mobile fuel delivery platforms in the United States, EzFill focuses on convenience, safety, and efficiency for its users.

    About Yoshi Mobility

    Yoshi Mobility is a tech-enabled mobility services provider. The company has completed millions of vehicle services through its network of certified mobile technicians who provide both on-site and virtual services including EV charging, virtual inspections, and preventative maintenance. To date, Yoshi Mobility has raised more than $60 million with investments from General Motors Ventures, Bridgestone, and ExxonMobil. Other investors include NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, NFL legend Joe Montana, and Y-Combinator in Silicon Valley.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” Forward-looking statements reflect our current view about future events. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements, include, but are not limited to, statements contained in this press release relating to our business strategy, our future operating results and liquidity and capital resources outlook. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, 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. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees of assurance of future performance. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, our ability to raise capital to fund continuing operations; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; the impact of any infringement actions or other litigation brought against us; competition from other providers and products; our ability to develop and commercialize products and services; changes in government regulation; our ability to complete capital raising transactions; and other factors relating to our industry, our operations and results of operations. Actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release except as may be required under applicable securities law.

    Investor Contact
    TraDigital IR
    John McNamara
    john@tradigitalir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Volta Finance Limited – Director/PDMR Shareholding

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Volta Finance Limited (VTA/VTAS)

    Notification of transactions by directors, persons discharging managerial
    responsibilities and persons closely associated with them

    NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

    *****
    Guernsey, 4 November 2024

    Pursuant to the announcements made on 5 April 2019 and 26 June 2020 relating to changes to the payment of directors fees, Volta Finance Limited (the “Company” or “Volta”) has purchased 3,403 ordinary shares of no par value in the Company (“Ordinary Shares”) at an average price of €5.5 per share.

    Each director receives 30% of their Director’s fees for any year in the form of shares, which they are required to retain for a period of no less than one year from their respective date of issue.

    The shares will be issued to the Directors, who for the purposes of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 on Market Abuse (“MAR“) are “persons discharging managerial responsibilities” (a “PDMR“).

    • Dagmar Kershaw, Chairman and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR, acquired 1,047 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Ms Kershaw will have an interest in 13,885 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.04% of the issued shares of the Company;
    • Stephen Le Page, Director and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR, acquired 733 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Mr Le Page will have an interest in 51,295 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.14% of the issued shares of the Company;
    • Yedau Ogoundele, Director and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR acquired 733 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Mrs Ogoundele will have an interest in 7,595 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.02% of the issued shares of the Company; and
    • Joanne Peacegood, Director and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR acquired 890 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Mrs Peacegood will have an interest in 4,395 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.01% of the issued shares of the Company;

    The notifications below, made in accordance with the requirements of MAR, provide further detail in relation to the above transactions:

    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated
    a)   Dagmar Kershaw
    CHAIRMAN & DIRECTOR      		 b) Stephen Le Page
    DIRECTOR    		   c) Yedau Ogoundele
    DIRECTOR    		 d) Joanne Peacegood
    DIRECTOR
    1. Reason for the notification
    a. Position/status Director
    b. Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification
    1. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a. Name Volta Finance Limited
    b. LEI 2138004N6QDNAZ2V3W80
    1. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
    a. Description of financial instrument, type of instrument Ordinary Shares
    b. Identification code GG00B1GHHH78
    c. Nature of the transaction Purchase and allocation of Ordinary Shares relation to the part-payment of Directors’ fees for the quarter ended 31 October 2024
    d. Price(s) €5.5 per share
    e. Volume(s) Total: 3,403
    f. Date of transaction 1 November 2024
    g. Place of transaction On-market – London
    1. Aggregate Purchase Information
    a)
    Dagmar Kershaw
    Chairman and Director    		 b)
    Stephen Le Page
    Director    		   c)
    Yedau Ogoundele
    Director    		 d)
    Joanne Peacegood
    Director
    Aggr. Volume:
    1,047

    Price:
    €5.5per share

    		 Aggr. Volume:
    733

    Price:
    €5.5 per share

    		   Aggr. Volume:
    733

    Price:
    €5.5 per share

    		 Aggr. Volume:
    890

    Price:
    €5.5 per share

    CONTACTS

    For the Investment Manager
    AXA Investment Managers Paris
    François Touati
    francois.touati@axa-im.com
    +33 (0) 1 44 45 80 22

    Olivier Pons
    Olivier.pons@axa-im.com
    +33 (0) 1 44 45 87 30

    Company Secretary and Administrator
    BNP Paribas S.A, Guernsey Branch
    guernsey.bp2s.volta.cosec@bnpparibas.com 
    +44 (0) 1481 750 853

    Corporate Broker
    Cavendish Securities plc
    Andrew Worne
    Daniel Balabanoff
    +44 (0) 20 7397 8900

    *****
    ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED

    Volta Finance Limited is incorporated in Guernsey under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market for listed securities. Volta’s home member state for the purposes of the EU Transparency Directive is the Netherlands. As such, Volta is subject to regulation and supervision by the AFM, being the regulator for financial markets in the Netherlands.

    Volta’s Investment objectives are to preserve its capital across the credit cycle and to provide a stable stream of income to its Shareholders through dividends that it expects to distribute on a quarterly basis. The Company currently seeks to achieve its investment objectives by pursuing exposure predominantly to CLO’s and similar asset classes. A more diversified investment strategy across structured finance assets may be pursued opportunistically. The Company has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris an investment management company with a division specialised in structured credit, for the investment management of all its assets.

    *****

    ABOUT AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS
    AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with 2,700 professionals and €844 billion in assets under management as of the end of December 2023.  

    *****

    This press release is published by AXA Investment Managers Paris (“AXA IM”), in its capacity as alternative investment fund manager (within the meaning of Directive 2011/61/EU, the “AIFM Directive”) of Volta Finance Limited (the “Volta Finance”) whose portfolio is managed by AXA IM.

    This press release is for information only and does not constitute an invitation or inducement to acquire shares in Volta Finance. Its circulation may be prohibited in certain jurisdictions and no recipient may circulate copies of this document in breach of such limitations or restrictions. This document is not an offer for sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States or to persons who are “U.S. persons” for purposes of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or otherwise in circumstances where such offer would be restricted by applicable law. Such securities may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration from the Securities Act. Volta Finance does not intend to register any portion of the offer of such securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of such securities in the United States.

    *****

    This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The securities referred to herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

    *****
    This press release contains statements that are, or may deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “anticipated”, “expects”, “intends”, “is/are expected”, “may”, “will” or “should”. They include the statements regarding the level of the dividend, the current market context and its impact on the long-term return of Volta Finance’s investments. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Volta Finance’s actual results, portfolio composition and performance may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. AXA IM does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements.

    Any target information is based on certain assumptions as to future events which may not prove to be realised. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these future events, the targets are not intended to be and should not be regarded as profits or earnings or any other type of forecasts. There can be no assurance that any of these targets will be achieved. In addition, no assurance can be given that the investment objective will be achieved.

    The figures provided that relate to past months or years and past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance or construed as a reliable indicator as to future performance. Throughout this review, the citation of specific trades or strategies is intended to illustrate some of the investment methodologies and philosophies of Volta Finance, as implemented by AXA IM. The historical success or AXA IM’s belief in the future success, of any of these trades or strategies is not indicative of, and has no bearing on, future results.

    The valuation of financial assets can vary significantly from the prices that the AXA IM could obtain if it sought to liquidate the positions on behalf of the Volta Finance due to market conditions and general economic environment. Such valuations do not constitute a fairness or similar opinion and should not be regarded as such.

    Editor: AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS PARIS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office located at Tour Majunga, 6, Place de la Pyramide – 92800 Puteaux. AXA IMP is authorized by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers under registration number GP92008 as an alternative investment fund manager within the meaning of the AIFM Directive.

    *****

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Grayscale® Digital Large Cap Fund (Ticker: GDLC) Application to Uplist as Exchange-Traded Product Now Published in Federal Register

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Grayscale Investments®, an asset management firm with expertise in crypto investing offering more than 25 crypto investment products, today announced that NYSE Arca, Inc.’s (“NYSE Arca”) Form 19b-4 proposing to list and trade shares of Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund (OTCQX: GDLC) as an Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) has been published in the Federal Register (link), formally initiating the review process which can take up to 240 days. The proposed rule change, if adopted, would represent the first national securities exchange ruleset permitting the listing and trading of shares of multi-crypto asset ETPs: NYSE Arca Rule 8.800-E (Commodity- and/or Digital Asset-Based Investment Interests).

    As part of the Form 19b-4 filing, NYSE Arca’s proposed rule change aims to revise how the exchange defines ETPs that hold commodities and digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ether.

    “Grayscale is committed to pioneering the next generation of digital asset investing, and client focus is foundational to our firm’s evolution,” said Peter Mintzberg, Grayscale’s CEO. “As investors seek to maximize risk-adjusted returns and build financial portfolios that can adapt to market shifts, they are increasingly allocating to digital assets. At Grayscale, we aspire to proactively meet our clients’ needs and be the go-to crypto investing partner for decades to come.”

    As of November 1, 2024, GDLC currently holds assets under management of more than $530M, and includes the following large-cap digital assets from the CoinDesk Large Cap Select Index (DLCS) that are rebalanced quarterly*:

    • Bitcoin, 76.53%
    • Ether, 16.92%
    • Solana, 4.36%
    • XRP, 1.63%
    • Avalanche, 0.56%

    “Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund is currently trading on OTC Markets under ticker: GDLC, and continues to meet growing investor demand by providing diversified exposure to crypto through a portfolio of market-leading digital assets,” said David LaValle, Grayscale’s Global Head of ETFs. “Grayscale and NYSE Arca have taken a thoughtful approach toward developing a proposed ruleset to permit the listing and trading of shares of multi-crypto asset ETPs within the SEC’s existing standard, and we look forward to engaging constructively with regulators, as we seek to bring digital assets further into the U.S. regulatory perimeter and deliver for our clients.”

    Under the proposal, funds invested in a diversified basket index must invest at least 90% in commodities with an established surveillance or futures market, like Bitcoin and Ether, while up to 10% could be allocated elsewhere. If approved, this rule would directly benefit GDLC, which tracks the CoinDesk Large Cap Select Index (DLCS) and invests in a diversified basket of large-cap digital assets that is rebalanced quarterly.

    Grayscale is firmly committed to building future-forward regulated investment vehicles that are designed to help investors build stronger diversified portfolios. GDLC first launched as a private placement in February 2018, began publicly trading on OTC Markets under ticker: GDLC in November 2019, and became an SEC reporting entity in July 2022.

    Grayscale has several private placement products currently open for investment by eligible accredited investors, including diversified funds that track thematic indices and are rebalanced quarterly, such as Grayscale Decentralized AI Fund, as well as single-asset trusts that provide clients with exposure to a singular digital asset, including Grayscale Avalanche Trust, Grayscale Aave Trust, Grayscale Bittensor Trust, Grayscale MakerDAO Trust, Grayscale NEAR Trust, Grayscale Stacks Trust, Grayscale Sui Trust and Grayscale XRP Trust.

    For updates and more information about Grayscale’s products, please visit https://www.grayscale.com/

    *Holdings as of 11/1/2024 and are subject to change

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

    Grayscale intends to attempt to have shares of new products quoted on a secondary market. However, there is no guarantee that we will be successful. Although the shares of certain products have been approved for trading on a secondary market, investors in the new products should not assume that the shares will ever obtain such an approval due to a variety of factors, including questions regulators, such as the SEC, FINRA, or other regulatory bodies may have regarding such products. As a result, shareholders of such products should be prepared to bear the risk of investment in the shares indefinitely. To date, certain products have not met their investment objective and the shares of such products quoted on OTC Markets have not reflected the value of the digital assets held by such products, less such products’ expenses and other liabilities, but have instead traded at a premium over such value, which at times has been substantial. There have also been instances where the shares of certain products have traded at a discount.

    Private placement securities are speculative, illiquid, and entail a high level of risk, including the risk that an investor could lose their entire investment.

    Smart contracts are a new technology and ongoing development may magnify initial problems, cause volatility on the networks that use smart contracts and reduce interest in them, which could have an adverse impact on the value of MKR.

    The Artificial Intelligence protocols underlying the Grayscale Decentralized AI Fund components were only recently conceived and the technologies underlying the protocols may not function as intended, which could have an adverse impact on the value of the Fund Components and an investment in the shares.

    The Avalanche protocol was only conceived in 2018 and the Avalanche protocol or its subnet mechanisms may not function as intended, which could have an adverse impact on the value of AVAX and an investment in the shares.

    The Bittensor protocol was only conceived in 2017 and its Yuma Consensus and Proof-of-Authority consensus mechanisms may not function as intended, which could have an adverse impact on the value of TAO and an investment in the shares.

    The MakerDao protocol was only conceived in 2015 and the MakerDao protocol, Dai, or CDPs may not function as intended, which could have an adverse impact on the value of MKR and an investment in the shares.

    The Stacks protocol was only conceived in 2017 and its “proof-of transfer” consensus mechanisms may not function as intended, which could have an adverse impact on the value of STX and an investment in the Shares. The Stacks Network only launched in 2021 and cross-blockchain scaling solutions are a new technology that could fail to attract users, which could have an adverse impact on the value of STX and an investment in the shares.

    The Sui protocol and Near protocol were only conceived in 2017 and such protocols or their Nightshade and Doomslug consensus mechanisms, respectively, may not function as intended, which could have an adverse impact on the value of SUI and NEAR and an investment in the shares.

    The Ripple protocol was only launched in 2012 and the Ripple Network, the Ripple Ledger, or the Trusted Nodes Lists may not function as intended, which could have an adverse impact on the value of XRP and an investment in the shares.

    About Grayscale Investments®
    Grayscale enables investors to access the digital economy through a family of future-forward investment products. Founded in 2013, Grayscale has a decade-long track record and deep expertise as an asset management firm focused on crypto investing. Investors, advisors, and allocators turn to Grayscale for single asset, diversified, and thematic exposure. Grayscale products are distributed by Grayscale Securities, LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC).

    Media Contact
    Jennifer Rosenthal
    press@grayscale.com

    Client Contact
    866-775-0313
    info@grayscale.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EveLab Insight Unveils Advanced Neck Analysis with Revolutionary Panoramic AI Skin Analysis System

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A revolutionary player in the beauty tech space, EveLab Insight’s Eve V Panoramic AI Skin Analysis System uncovers the ground truth of skin by capturing high quality 3D face contour and high resolution skin photographs in 25 seconds, accurately assessing skin concerns such as aging, redness, acne, skin tone, pigmentary spots and more. The Eve V system precisely analyzes the skin and provides customized skincare routines that allow individuals to discover the full potential of healthy skin. 

    Previously focused solely on facial analysis, EveLab Insight’s cutting-edge skin analysis system now makes a groundbreaking leap to the neck area. This innovative feature comprehensively evaluates neck wrinkles and fine lines, setting a new standard for neck scans in the market. With a sophisticated four-degree system and nine distinct grades to assess the severity of neck wrinkles, EveLab Insight can now provide precise scoring that highlights the condition of your skin. Levels include:

    None: No wrinkles are present, and the skin appears smooth.
    Mild: Presence of shallow wrinkles, either 1-2 or 3 or more.
    Moderate: Medium-depth wrinkles ranging from 1-2 or 3 or more.
    Severe: Deep wrinkles, with possible accompanying loose soft tissue in the neck area. The severity ranges from a few deep wrinkles to very noticeable loose tissue.

    The addition of neck analysis to the EveV Panoramic AI Skin Analysis System is a powerful tool that can be used by brands, spas, clinicians and more for a plethora of reasons:

    Personalized Product Recommendations:
    The neck wrinkles analysis feature allows beauty brands to offer highly personalized skincare product recommendations. By analyzing the severity and specific characteristics of neck wrinkles, brands can suggest tailored products such as targeted neck creams, serums, and masks. If a client’s analysis indicates moderate to severe neck wrinkles, the brand can recommend their specialized neck cream designed to address these specific concerns. This enhances the customer experience, increases sales of specialized products, and builds stronger customer loyalty.

    Promoting Existing Neck Creams:
    Beauty brands with existing neck creams can leverage the neck wrinkles analysis to effectively promote these products. By demonstrating the efficacy of their neck creams through before-and-after skin analysis reports, brands can build trust and convince clients of the product’s benefits. This targeted approach not only boosts sales but also positions the brand as a leader in anti-aging solutions.

    Data-Driven Product Development:
    Beauty brands can use the detailed data from the neck wrinkles analysis report to drive research and development. Understanding common aging patterns and the effectiveness of existing products help in creating new, more effective formulations. This ensures that the products address the most prevalent issues, enhancing their market competitiveness and effectiveness.

    Customized Treatment Plans:
    Aesthetic clinics can use the neck wrinkles analysis to create highly customized treatment plans. By providing accurate and detailed information on wrinkle severity and characteristics, clinicians can design targeted treatments such as laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments, or injectable fillers. This precision leads to better treatment outcomes and higher client satisfaction.

    The launch of EveLab Insight’s advanced neck analysis marks a significant step in addressing the unique skincare needs of the neck area. By providing precise assessments of neck wrinkles and fine lines, we empower brands and clinics to offer targeted solutions, enhancing personalized care for this often-overlooked region and transforming how we approach neck skincare.

    Media contact:
    Daisy Zhang
    daisy.zhang@evelabinsight.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b6e0c379-e053-4521-bb58-b3859aab8be8

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c06855a5-dc85-4500-a9ea-0fe513885ba3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Kvika banki hf.: Publication of Q3 Financial Results on Wednesday 6 November

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Board of Directors of Kvika banki hf. is set to approve the financial statements of the Group for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2024 at a board meeting on Wednesday 6 November. The financial statements will subsequently be published after domestic markets have closed.

    A meeting to present the results to shareholders and market participants will be combined with Kvika’s Capital Markets Day which will be held the next day, at 12:00 on Thursday 6 November in Harpa’s Northern Lights Hall and through a live webcast.  

    The presentation will be conducted in Icelandic and a recording of the meeting with English subtitles will later be made available on Kvika’s website.

    For further information please contact Kvika’s investor relations at ir@kvika.is

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SWGT Launches deWork: The World’s First Zero-Commission, Gamified Work Marketplace

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SWG Global Ltd. has officially launched the MVP of deWork, a groundbreaking zero-commission decentralized work marketplace powered by the SWGT token, listed on multiple exchanges (MEXC, Gate, Bitget, Bitmart, Lbank) June 2024. The team has been working on a much anticipated product launch for over a year, and now they are delivering on their promises.

    In line with the commitment to advancing a fair and accessible digital economy, deWork redefines freelance work through blockchain innovation, offering a platform where freelancers retain full control of their earnings, pay no commissions, and experience work as a gamified, rewarding journey.

    Unlike traditional freelance platforms that impose up to 20% in commissions, deWork’s decentralized model ensures that workers keep 100% of their earnings, addressing a critical need for fair compensation in the global gig economy. Through the use of blockchain technology, deWork eliminates intermediaries, streamlines payments, and delivers a transparent, secure environment for professionals to connect directly with clients. Smart contracts drive the system, enabling instant, frictionless transactions and building trust through an immutable, decentralized ledger.

    An Equitable Solution for Freelancers and Clients

    In addition to fair pay and transparency, deWork leverages blockchain to bring a new level of equality to the freelancer-client relationship. Powered by smart contracts, deWork’s decentralized reputation system ensures that ratings are trustworthy and uninfluenced by third parties, allowing freelancers to maintain a transparent, verifiable work history. With an accessible, token-based platform that encourages professional growth, deWork empowers freelancers to achieve their goals without the limitations and challenges imposed by centralized work platforms.

    The Vision of SWG Global Ltd.

    SWG Global envisions a future where blockchain-enabled solutions foster a more inclusive economy. With deWork, SWG Global is driving the change towards a fair, decentralized gig economy—one that puts people first, eliminates unnecessary costs, and supports an empowered, secure, and enjoyable work experience.

    Expanding the deWork Experience

    Beyond its zero-commission framework, deWork plans introduce a unique GameFi experience, allowing freelancers to engage in play-to-earn games, transforming downtime into a rewarding opportunity. The gamified environment offers challenges, tasks, and quests where freelancers can earn SWGT tokens, providing an engaging experience that elevates the way freelancers interact with the platform. This new dimension merges productivity and play, allowing freelancers of all skill levels to actively earn, build reputation, and enjoy a fulfilling journey on the platform.

    Join the Future of Work with deWork

    Freelancers, clients, and digital enthusiasts are invited to join deWork at https://jobs.swg.io/ and experience a next-generation work marketplace where zero commissions, transparent payments, and gamification redefine freelancing for the digital age.

    Contact person: Anna Kline
    Email: anna@swg.io

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by SWGT. 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/71366747-f16b-4cd8-b77e-36b16ed136c0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OnStation Welcomes Former Infotech VP Ward Zerbe to Accelerate Public Sector Adoption

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OnStation Announces Ward Zerbe as Their New Director of Public Sector Programs

    Ward adds over 40 years of wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the OnStation team.

    CLEVELAND, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OnStation, the leading provider of digital stationing solutions for the heavy highway industry, today announced the appointment of Ward Zerbe as its new Director of Public Sector Programs.

    With more than 40 years of experience of successfully driving innovation and delivering information technology solutions, Ward’s experience covers federal, state, local, and international government. Prior to OnStation, Ward spent over 20 years with Infotech, Inc in several roles driving business growth in the transportation infrastructure sector working with state and local governments and contractors. Most recently Ward was Infotech’s Executive Relationships Officer engaging senior customer and industry executives to develop long term relationships that span the transportation infrastructure industry. Previously, Ward served as the Vice President for the AASHTOWare Products Division overseeing the software development and maintenance, implementation services, and support for the AASHTOWare Project suite of applications for construction contract management. As an Account Manager at Infotech, he was instrumental in creating the account management structure that resulted in unprecedented growth.

    As the transportation construction industry continues to evolve, the necessity of accurate stationing data is critical to any construction project. It is central to construction administration, digital project delivery, eTicketing, and asset management. OnStation’s digital stationing tool has been embraced in the industry to provide a common, accurate reference from bidding through closeout. Now is the time to accelerate the presence of OnStation’s solutions wherever transportation infrastructure projects are executed.

    Ward brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience as a trusted advisor to customers throughout the US. “After hearing about OnStation several times from various colleagues, my research led me to determine their solution was going to be a game changer. I see a lot of possibilities for the product even beyond its current use today. Also, OnStation has the right approach to working with public sector customers. I had to be a part of this important venture.”

    The opportunity to add Ward to the OnStation Team was an easy decision, said CEO Patrick Russo. “Ward originally connected with Dave Thomas, our Director of Business Development, and expressed interest in joining OnStation. After a couple of direct conversations, I could tell Ward fit into the OnStation culture of operating with high integrity and shared the same goals of continuing to transform our industry with innovative, worker first tools that easily tie stationing, documentation and inspection together. Full gas ahead!”

    For more information about OnStation and its solutions, please visit www.onstationapp.com.

    About Ward Zerbe

    Ward graduated from The George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and information systems and he holds the PMP certification from the Project Management Institute. Ward’s career highlights include implementing the first nationwide network infrastructure for the Federal Highway Administration, delivering intelligent transportations systems for the Maryland Department of Transportation, and delivering a SaaS data analytics module as the capstone for AASHTOWare Project. Ward also spent a year overseas as an adviser to the Royal Thai Government implementing a project management system. For Ward, it’s the relationships that are key to making technology successful.

    Ward and his wife Kim have been married over 41 years and have 4 grown married children and 2 granddaughters. They enjoy traveling, making new friends, and working on their farm in Virginia.

    About OnStation

    OnStation is a collaborative digital stationing platform that offers location-based project records from bid to close. Specifically designed for the heavy highway industry, OnStation’s mobile app centralizes communication, boosts productivity, enhances worker safety, and improves project quality. Users benefit from live jobsite stationing, milepost, and LRS capabilities. They can overlay design layers on the project map and communicate via a custom chat platform that organizes and records project events at their locations. OnStation is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and is supported on all desktop systems.

    Contact
    Jessica Kodrich
    jkodrich@onstationapp.com 

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ecb230e-7164-403e-acbb-14bf56514960

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WISDOMTREE MULTI ASSET ISSUER PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY (a public company incorporated with limited liability in Ireland) WISDOMTREE GOLD 3X DAILY SHORT SECURITIES ISIN: IE00B6X4BP29

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    4 November 2024

    LSE Code: 3GOS

    WISDOMTREE MULTI ASSET ISSUER PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    (a public company incorporated with limited liability in Ireland)
    WISDOMTREE GOLD 3X DAILY SHORT SECURITIES ISIN: IE00B6X4BP29

    RESULTS OF MEETING OF THE ETP SECURITYHOLDERS

    WisdomTree Multi Asset Issuer Public Limited Company (the “Issuer”) wishes to announce that the Extraordinary Resolution regarding the reduction in the principal amount of the WisdomTree Gold 3x Daily Short Securities (the “Affected Securities”) from USD 2 to USD 0.2, as set out in a notice to holders of the Affected Securities dated 18 September 2024, was passed at an adjourned meeting of the holders of the Affected Securities held at 11am on 4 November 2024.

    As a result, the Deed of Amendment has been duly executed by the Issuer, the Manager and the Trustee to put the proposed amendments to the Trust Deed into effect from 4 November 2024.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Coface SA: Disclosure of total number of voting rights and number of shares in the capital as at 31 October 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COFACE SA: Disclosure of total number of voting rights and number of shares in the capital as at 31 October 2024

    Paris, 4thNovember 2024 – 17.45

    Total Number of
    Shares Capital    		 Theoretical Number of Voting Rights1 Number of Real
    Voting Rights2
    150,179,792 150,179,792 149,420,056

    (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 October 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: Announcement of the total number of voting rights as at 31 October 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Regulated information, Leuven, 4 November 2024 (17.40 hrs CET)

    In application of Article 15 of the Act of 2 May 2007 on the disclosure of major shareholdings in issuers whose shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market, KBC Ancora publishes on its website and via a press release on a monthly basis the total capital, the movements in the total number of voting shares and the total number of voting rights, in so far as these particulars have changed during the preceding month.

    Situation as at 31 October 2024
    Total capital :         EUR 3,158,128,455.28
    Total number of voting shares :            77,011,844
    Number of shares with double voting rights :        39,855,415
    Total number of voting rights (= denominator) :        116,867,259

    The total number of voting rights (the ‘denominator’) serves as the basis for the disclosure of major shareholdings by shareholders.

    On the basis of this information, shareholders of KBC Ancora can verify whether they are above or below one of the thresholds of 3% (threshold set by the Articles of Association), 5%, 10%, and so on (in multiples of five) of the total voting rights, and whether there is therefore an obligation to notify the company that they have exceeded this threshold.

    ———————————

    KBC Ancora is a listed company which holds 18.6% of the shares in KBC Group and which together with Cera, MRBB and the Other Permanent Shareholders ensures the shareholder stability and further development of the KBC group. As core shareholders of KBC Group, they have to this end signed a shareholder agreement.

    Financial calendar:
    31 January 2025                        Interim financial report 2024/2025
    29 August 2025                        Annual press release for the financial year 2024/2025
    23 September 2025 (17.40 CEST)        Annual report 2024/2025 available

    This press release is available in Dutch, French and English on the website www.kbcancora.be.

    KBC Ancora Investor Relations & Press contact: Jan Bergmans
    tel.: +32 (0)16 27 96 72 – e-mail: jan.bergmans@kbcancora.be or mailbox@kbcancora.be

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bigstack Opportunities I Inc. Enters Into Non-Binding Letter of Intent for Qualifying Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    TORONTO, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bigstack Opportunities I Inc. (“Bigstack”) (TSXV: STAK.P) is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent dated November 3, 2024 (the “Letter of Intent”) with Reeflex Coil Solutions Inc. (“Reeflex”), pursuant to which Bigstack and Reeflex intend to complete a business combination, which will constitute a reverse take-over of Bigstack (the “Business Combination”). In connection with the Business Combination, Reeflex intends to acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of Coil Solutions Inc. (“Coil”) (the “Acquisition” and together with the Business Combination, the “Transaction”).

    Overview of Bigstack

    Bigstack is a “capital pool company” under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”) and it is intended that the Transaction will constitute the “Qualifying Transaction” of Bigstack, as such term is defined in Exchange Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies. The common shares of Bigstack (the “Bigstack Shares”) are currently listed on the Exchange and Bigstack is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Bigstack was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on November 25, 2020.

    Overview of Reeflex

    Reeflex is a privately-held corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on June 14, 2024. Reeflex currently has no business operations or assets other than cash. Reeflex prioritizes developing partnerships between management and capital with the intention to create compelling value creation opportunities in the resource industry.

    Overview of Coil

    Coil is a privately-held corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). Coil is an industry leader and innovator in coil tubing solutions and downhole tools, including stimulation technology, and offers custom solutions to meet the diverse needs of its clients in both local and international markets.

    The Transaction

    There are no relationships between any non-arm’s length party of Bigstack, Reeflex and Coil or its assets and the Transaction will be an arm’s length transaction.

    Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Letter of Intent, Bigstack and Reeflex intend to negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) that is expected to supersede the Letter of Intent. Trading in the Bigstack Shares has been halted and is not expected to resume until the Transaction is completed or until the Exchange receives the requisite documentation to resume trading.

    A more comprehensive news release will be issued by Bigstack in due course disclosing details of the Transaction, including financial information respecting Reeflex and Coil, the names and backgrounds of all persons who will constitute insiders of Bigstack upon completion of the Transaction, the issued and outstanding securities of each of Bigstack and Reeflex, the terms of the exchange of securities of Bigstack and Reeflex, the applicable security exchange ratios, the details of any concurrent financing by the parties (as applicable), the details of any meeting of the shareholders of Bigstack required to approve the Transaction and matters related thereto (as applicable) and information respecting sponsorship.

    Forward Looking Information

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” (“forward-looking information”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this press release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information.

    More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Transaction (including the structure, terms and timing thereof), the Definitive Agreement, the issuance of additional news releases describing the Transaction, the trading of the Bigstack Shares on the Exchange and the holding of shareholder meetings in connection with the Transaction. Although Bigstack believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking information will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no certainty that the Transaction will be completed on the terms set out in the Letter of Intent or at all. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Bigstack disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking information or otherwise.

    Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, execution of a binding definitive agreement relating to the Business Combination, execution of a binding definitive agreement relating to the Acquisition, Exchange acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

    Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

    The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    Bigstack Opportunities I Inc.

    For further information, please contact Eric Szustak, the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and a director of Bigstack.

    Eric Szustak
    President, CEO, CFO, Corporate Secretary and Director
    Email: eszustak@jbrlimited.com 
    Telephone: (905) 330-7948

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

    The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey Subsidiary WISeSat.Space Prepares for a January 2025 Launch of Next-Generation Satellite, Supporting European Satellite Independence and IoT Connectivity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey Subsidiary WISeSat.Space Prepares for a January 2025 Launch of Next-Generation Satellite, Supporting European Satellite Independence and IoT Connectivity

    Launch Timed with WISeKey’s Davos Roundtable on Space Technology

    Geneva, Switzerland – November 4, 2024: WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and Internet of Things (IoT) innovations operating as a holding company, today announces that its subsidiary, WISeSat.Space, is preparing for the mid-January 2025 launch of its next-generation satellite. This satellite, initially planned for Q4 2024, will now launch just days ahead of WISeKey’s January 22, 2025 event in Davos, which includes a roundtable focused on advancements in space technology.
    For more information about the Davos annual event visit: https://www.wisekey.com/davos25/howspacewillbethenextinternet/.

    This launch represents a significant development in WISeSat.Space’s mission to provide secure IoT connectivity, advance climate change monitoring capabilities, and support European satellite independence with cutting-edge technology.

    WISeSat.Space’s new generation of low-orbit satellites leverages compact picosatellites equipped with SEALSQ Corp. (“SEALSQ”) (NASDAQ: LAES) semiconductor technology and WISeKey’s renowned cryptographic keys. These integrated solutions enhance the security, performance, and resilience of satellite-based IoT systems, and support a diverse range of applications including environmental monitoring, disaster management, smart agriculture, and industrial IoT solutions. The satellites are specifically designed to support low-power sensors, enabling data collection in remote and off-grid areas. WISeSat.Space’s picosatellites, which are smaller and more cost-effective than traditional satellites, make global IoT connectivity feasible by reducing launch costs and optimizing data transmission. The satellite technology incorporates Quantum-Resistant cryptographic keys, and offers future-proof security against potential quantum computing threats, a step critical to the long-term security of global IoT ecosystems.

    An essential component of WISeSat.Space’s strategy is the creation of a European-based, neutral satellite constellation. By anchoring operations in Europe, WISeSat.Space is able to ensure data sovereignty and reduce reliance on non-European providers for critical IoT and environmental data. This independence not only strengthens data security but also allows for robust, unencumbered international cooperation. A neutral European constellation addresses global trust concerns, positioning Europe as a leader in secure and autonomous satellite technology. This approach further aligns with EU objectives for strategic autonomy and technological resilience, fostering economic growth and high-tech job creation within the region.

    The advanced satellite set for January 2025 launch includes key enhancements to bolster connectivity for diverse IoT applications. The satellites’ upgraded semiconductor technology, developed by SEALSQ, optimizes both processing and communication capabilities. This facilitates faster data relay and enhanced responsiveness, crucial for applications in real-time environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and smart agriculture. For climate change monitoring, the WISeSat constellation allows for the real-time tracking of environmental variables, enabling early detection and response to extreme weather events. The satellites contribute to disaster management through early warning systems, aiding vulnerable communities and ecosystems by providing timely, high-quality data. These capabilities not only support critical disaster preparedness but also allow policymakers to make informed decisions about climate resilience and adaptation.

    WISeSat.Space’s picosatellites employ a unique design focused on compactness and cost-effectiveness. Through the combination of low-orbit satellite networks and low-power, long-range sensors, WISeSat.Space provides a reliable network with low latency and high data accuracy—ideal for continuous tracking and monitoring across large, remote areas. These picosatellites are designed to operate with minimal power consumption, which is crucial for sustainable, long-term deployment in remote locations. Each satellite is embedded with WISeKey’s advanced cybersecurity protocols, ensuring that data is encrypted and secure from unauthorized access throughout its journey from sensor to end-user.

    The launch’s timing aligns with WISeKey’s annual event in Davos, where industry leaders, policymakers, and technologists will convene for a roundtable on space technology and its applications in IoT and climate monitoring. This roundtable will provide a platform to discuss how space-based systems can address global challenges and explore the role of satellite technology in building a sustainable and secure digital future. With the upcoming launch of this next-generation satellite, WISeSat.Space reaffirms its commitment to pioneering secure, scalable IoT solutions and advancing European autonomy in space technology. WISeKey looks forward to this critical addition to its constellation as it leverages space to enhance secure connectivity, climate resilience, and technological independence for the global community.

    About WISeSat.Space

    WISeSat AG is pioneering a transformative approach to IoT connectivity and climate change monitoring through its innovative satellite constellation. By providing cost-effective, secure, and global IoT connectivity, WISeSat is enabling a wide range of applications that support environmental monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable practices. The integration of satellite data with advanced climate models holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of climate change and developing effective strategies to combat its impacts. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like WISeSat’s IoT satellite constellation are essential for creating a more resilient and sustainable future.

    About WISeKEY:

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, and (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people.
    For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611 / lcati@equityny.com
    Katie Murphy
    Tel: +1 212 836-9612 / kmurphy@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Rubis: Transactions carried out within the framework of the share buyback programme (excluding transactions within the liquidity agreement) – 28 October to 1st November 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 4 November 2024, 06:00pm

    Issuer Name: Rubis (LEI: 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742)
    Category of securities: Ordinary shares (ISIN: FR0013269123)
    Period: From 28 October to 1st November 2024

    In accordance with the authorisation granted by the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on 11 June 2024 to implement a share buyback programme, the Company operated, between 28 October and 1st November 2024, the purchases of its own shares in view of their cancelation presented below.

    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 28/10/2024 FR0013269123 3,000 24.9000 AQEU
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 28/10/2024 FR0013269123 21,600 25.0319 CEUX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 28/10/2024 FR0013269123 3,000 24.9600 TQEX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 28/10/2024 FR0013269123 9,614 25.0480 XPAR
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 29/10/2024 FR0013269123 2,900 24.9000 AQEU
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 29/10/2024 FR0013269123 21,000 24.9686 CEUX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 29/10/2024 FR0013269123 3,300 24.8400 TQEX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 29/10/2024 FR0013269123 30,000 24.9427 XPAR
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 30/10/2024 FR0013269123 486 24.8824 AQEU
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 30/10/2024 FR0013269123 19,783 24.8944 CEUX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 30/10/2024 FR0013269123 4,265 24.9232 TQEX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 30/10/2024 FR0013269123 11,039 24.9077 XPAR
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 31/10/2024 FR0013269123 2,668 23.8258 AQEU
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 31/10/2024 FR0013269123 20,606 23.6341 CEUX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 31/10/2024 FR0013269123 3,396 23.1625 TQEX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 31/10/2024 FR0013269123 35,947 23.0416 XPAR
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 01/11/2024 FR0013269123 224 22.4577 AQEU
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 01/11/2024 FR0013269123 284 22.4200 CEUX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 01/11/2024 FR0013269123 8,351 22.3955 XPAR
    * Four-digit rounding after the decimal TOTAL 201,463 24.3203  

    Detailed presentation per transaction

    Detailed information on the transactions carried out from 28 October to 1st November 2024 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: Revenue as of September 30, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • €742.8 million in revenue over 9 months, down 3.5%, reflecting the group’s strategic orientations
      • Implementation of a strategy to prioritize margins over revenue growth
      • Continuing diversification into activities related to the energy transition, with strong growth of +28%
      • Accelerating growth in Germany, the group’s future third pillar, at +28%.
    • Third quarter: €225.4 million in revenue, down 10.1%, reflecting the continuation of 2nd quarter trends
      • Impact of selectivity measures implemented in Q2 in French and Spanish telecom sectors in France and Spain .
      • Temporarily reduced fiber activity in Belgium as negotiations continue between telco service providers looking to pool their investments
      • Sustained strong growth in Germany: +33%.
      • Strong growth in Energy activity, despite unfavorable seasonal effects in Q3: +26 %
    • 2024 full-year outlook confirmed   
      9 months Q3
    In millions of euros (unaudited data) 2024 2023 % change 2024 2023 % change
    Group 742.8 769.7         -3.5% 225.4 250.7         -10.1%
    Benelux 278.9 269.6         3.5% 82.1 89.6         -8.3%
    France 270.2 297.8         -9.3% 81.7 98.4         -16.9%
    Other Countries 193.8 202.4         -4.3% 61.6 62.7         -1.8%

    Gianbeppi Fortis, Chief Executive Officer of Solutions30, stated: “The evolution of Solutions30’s revenue since the beginning of the year reflects the strategic orientations we shared at our Capital Markets Day last September. We are prioritizing margins over revenue growth, with an increased selectivity in our mature markets. At the same time, we are continuing our expansion in Germany, which is set to become a profitable growth pillar for Solutions30, as well as our diversification into energy transition-related services, buoyed by favorable structural trends. The decrease in revenue in the third quarter was a continuation of trends seen in the second quarter, with the deepening impact of measures to reduce our exposure to certain insufficiently profitable contracts in France and Spain and a temporary slowdown in the fiber business in Belgium. In the current contrasted market environment, we are confident that our strategic choices are fully relevant.”

    Consolidated revenue

    In the first nine months of 2024, Solutions30’s consolidated revenue amounted to €742.8 million, down 3.5% from €769.7 million in the same period of 2023. This includes an organic contraction of -4.2%, a +0.3% impact from acquisitions, and a +0.4% favorable currency effect.

    This decrease reflects the group’s strategic orientations, as presented at the Capital Markets Day held on September 26, 2024. Namely, the prioritization of margins over revenue growth with the measures taken in Q2 to reduce exposure to certain telecoms contracts, notably in France and Spain, which no longer met the Group’s profitability requirements. Solutions30’s growth drivers, however, maintained strong momentum: Germany, which is proving to be its best-performing market in terms of growth, and energy-related services, which continue to develop successfully, confirming the relevance of the strategic diversification undertaken.

    Third-quarter consolidated revenue totaled €225.4 million, compared with €250.7 million in Q3 2023, representing a decline of -10.1% (-10.5% organically). This sharper decline than in Q2 (-4.5%) mainly reflects (i) the deepening impact of selectivity measures implemented in Q2 in the telecoms sector in France and Spain, and (ii) ongoing negotiations between Belgian telecom service providers, begun in Q2, with a view to pooling their fiber deployment investments.

    Benelux

    Revenue in Benelux for the first nine months of the year totaled €278.9 million, representing 38% of total revenue, up 3.5% (+3.4% organic growth). Following a year of exceptional growth (+77.2% in the first nine months of 2023), which set a particularly high comparison basis, business in the Benelux countries remains slowed down by ongoing negotiations between Belgian telecoms service providers to streamline the rollout of fiber nationwide. Although the Belgian market’s potential remains high, these negotiations are causing delays for Solutions30’s business. In Q4, these effects will be amplified due to the merger of two of the Group’s customers, Proximus and Fiberklaar, impacting the pace of the connection market.

    In the third quarter of 2024, Benelux revenue totaled €82.1 million, down 8.3% (-8.6% organic). Connectivity activity posted revenue of €61.3 million, down -15.3%. This decline reflects the full impact of delays in fiber roll-out in Belgium from the 2nd quarter onwards, due to the above-mentioned negotiations, as well as, to a lower extent, the impact of the Belgian communal and provincial elections, which was limited by efficient planning.

    The development of Energy activity continues, with growth accelerating to +23% in the third quarter of 2024 and revenue reaching €15.8 million. In September 2024, Solutions30 announced its acquisition of Xperal, a Netherlands-based photovoltaic project specialist (see press release dated September 23, 2024). This acquisition significantly enhances the group’s offering in the sector, providing an integrated range of energy services in the Benelux countries that cover smart meters, electric vehicle charging stations, low-voltage electricity grids, photovoltaic installation, and energy storage solutions. The acquisition of Xperal is fully in line with the Group’s strategy to become a leading energy services player in all the regions where it operates.

    Technology activity posted revenue of €5.0 million in the third quarter of 2024, up +16.1%.         

    France

    In France, revenue for the first nine months of the year was €270.2 million, or 36% of total revenue, down
    -9.3%. This change includes an organic contraction of -9.9% and a +0.6% positive impact from the acquisition of Elec-ENR, consolidated since July 2023.

    In the third quarter of 2024, revenue amounted to €81.7 million, a purely organic decline of -16.9%, driven by the sharp -35.3% decrease in Connectivity revenue to €45.8 million. This reflects the deepening impact of the selective measures implemented in the 2nd quarter, which led the Group to significantly reduce its exposure to certain contracts that no longer met its profitability standards. It also reflects a slowdown in the fiber roll-out market, which is set to continue in the quarters ahead.

    Revenue from Energy activity continued to grow strongly, rising by +42.5% in the third quarter to €18,6 million. Solutions30 continues to successfully diversify in this sector, which is buoyed by favorable structural trends, and is gradually establishing itself as a leading player. Growth, however, was less strong than in the second quarter (+56%), due to the seasonal nature of these services, which usually experience lower activity during the summer period, before tending to rebound in the fourth quarter.

    Technology activity’s revenue was €17.3 million, rising sharply by +19.8% and reflecting a temporary increase in business linked to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Drawing on its expertise in these fields, Solutions30 was on call at all Olympic sites to provide technical assistance for IT and payment systems.

    Other countries

    In other countries, the Group generated €193.8 million in revenue over the first nine months of the year, or 26% of total revenue, down -4.3%. This includes an organic decline of -5.8% and a positive currency effect of +1.5%, reflecting the appreciation of the zloty and the pound sterling against the euro during this period. In the third quarter of 2024, revenue was €61.6 million, down -1.8% (-3.0% organic) but with highly contrasting situations from one country to another.

    In Germany, Solutions30 is benefiting from exceptional market momentum, with revenue increasing +33.2% in the third quarter of 2024 to €21.8 million. Coaxial network activity remains strong, while fiber activities continue to ramp up. Solutions30 is now firmly established as a trusted partner for the six national telecom service providers.

    In Poland, growth remained solid at +24.2%, with revenue reaching €14.5 million in the third quarter.

    In Italy, revenue amounted to €12.8 million in the third quarter. Normal activity has resumed with more favorable economic conditions, after the Group voluntarily limited its call-outs with its main fiber customer from the second half of 2023. Solutions30 returned to slight growth of +0.8% in the third quarter, and will benefit from a favorable base effect in the fourth quarter.

    In Spain, revenue fell by -43.5% to €7.3 million, reflecting the full impact of measures taken in the second quarter to reduce the Group’s exposure to the mature fiber market. The Connectivity business is currently being restructured, while the Group refocuses its development on Energy and Technology. In the third quarter, it won a strategic contract with Atlante to install an initial set of 50 electric vehicle charging stations (see press release from September 30, 2024).

    Lastly, in the United Kingdom, revenue fell by -42.5% to €5.2 million, reflecting the continued refocusing of Connectivity activities on the fiber market. Solutions30 is also focusing on developing its Energy business, as demonstrated by the multi-year contract signed with Connected Kerb to develop its electric vehicle charging infrastructure network (see press release from September 24, 2024).

    2024 full-year outlook confirmed

    For the full year 2024, Solutions30 expects slightly lower revenue compared to 2023, along with improvement in the Group’s adjusted EBITDA margin, leading to an overall increase in adjusted EBITDA.

    2026 Roadmap

    At the Capital Markets Day held on September 26, 2024, Solutions30 shared its 2026 roadmap, with concrete action plans and objectives tailored to each of its markets.

    In the Benelux, the group is confident it will be able to capitalize on its leading market position and return to a profitable growth trajectory as early as 2025, whatever the outcome of the current negotiations with service providers. It is targeting an adjusted EBITDA margin above 10% by 2026.

    In France, Energy activity revenue is set to triple compared with 2023, reaching €150 million by 2026. In Connectivity activity, the Group is working to stabilize its business while applying strict contract selectivity. It is also positioning itself to seize future opportunities such as the forthcoming dismantling of the copper network. Adjusted EBITDA margin, benefiting from the global transformation plan launched in 2022, should exceed 10% by 2026.

    In Germany, Solutions30 is aiming for a first milestone in 2026, with revenue of between €150 and €200 million, and an adjusted EBITDA margin well above 10%. The country should then continue to grow faster than the rest of the Group, becoming one of its biggest contributors.

    In the rest of Europe, Solutions30 has adopted a differentiated approach, with the aim of maintaining profitable growth in Poland, continuing to improve performance in the United Kingdom, and restoring margins in Italy and Spain by 2026, or else envisaging strategic actions for its activities in these two countries.

    Webcast for investors and analysts
    Date: Monday, November 4, 2024
    6:30 PM (CET) – 5:30 PM (GMT)

    Speakers
    Gianbeppi Fortis, Chief Executive Officer
    Jonathan Crauwels, Chief Financial Officer
    Amaury Boilot, Group General Secretary

    Connection details
    Webcast in English: https://channel.royalcast.com/solutions30-en/#!/solutions30-en/20241104_1

    Upcoming events

    Gilbert Dupont Forum Valeurs Familiales  (Paris) – November 5, 2024

    CIC Forum (Virtual Day)  – November 21, 2024

    2024 Q4 Revenue  – January 29, 2025

    About Solutions30 SE

    Solutions30 provides consumers and businesses with access to the key technological advancements that are shaping our everyday lives, especially those driving the digital transformation and energy transition. With its network of more than 16,000 technicians, Solutions30 has completed over 65 million call-outs since its inception and led over 500 renewable energy projects with a combined maximum output surpassing 1600 MWp. Every day, Solutions30 is doing its part to build a more connected and sustainable world. Solutions30 has become an industry leader in Europe with operations in 10 countries: France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Poland.
    The capital of Solutions30 SE consists of 107,127,984 shares, equal to the number of theoretical votes that can be exercised. Solutions30 SE is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN FR0013379484- code S30).
    Indices: CAC Mid & Small | CAC Small | CAC Technology | Euro Stoxx Total Market Technology | Euronext Tech Growth.
    Visit our website for more information: www.solutions30.com.

    Contact

    Individual Shareholders:
    shareholders@solutions30.com – Tel: +33 (0)1 86 86 00 63

    Analysts/investors:
    investor.relations@solutions30.com

    Press – Image 7:
    Charlotte Le Barbier – Tel: +33 6 78 37 27 60 – clebarbier@image7.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gaia Partners with EigenLayer to Bring Powerful AVS Security to Decentralized AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    By integrating Gaia’s AI Agent deployment framework with EigenLayer’s AVS security, developers can now build more secure, robust, incentive-aligned AI systems.

    NEW YORK, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gaia, a decentralized, open-source AI infrastructure platform, is partnering with EigenLayer to integrate Gaia’s AI services with EigenLayer’s Active Validator Services (AVS) framework. This collaboration will enhance AI inferencing, enable multitoken staking, and deliver advanced security for decentralized AI applications.

    Gaia’s AI agents will integrate with EigenLayer’s AVS validators to monitor and provide security for nodes on the Gaia network. This system will ensure the accuracy of AI model updates, proper execution of AI tasks, and consistent node performance and uptime. Additionally, the partnership with EigenLayer will verify that AI Agents deployed on the Gaia network are behaving in a way that encourages positive actions across the network. By leveraging EigenLayer’s security infrastructure, Gaia can ensure that its AI tasks and models are safeguarded within a decentralized and secure environment.

    “At Gaia, we see AI’s future rooted in decentralization, security, and shared innovation,” said Matt Wright, CEO of Gaia. “Our collaboration with EigenLayer strengthens this vision by combining Gaia’s decentralized AI infrastructure with EigenLayer’s advanced security model. Together, we’re enabling developers to build intelligent, secure, and scalable applications that prioritize both transparency and community engagement within a trusted ecosystem.”

    The partnership will also allow for integrations between Gaia’s AI framework and EigenDA, a decentralized data availability network. This integration will enable shared datasets to be used for AI inference, improving both speed and accuracy. EigenLayer has already implemented a Gaia integration to filter user-submitted ideas on the EigenDA feedback board, demonstrating the practical impact of this collaboration.

    Gaia and EigenLayer will offer tools and SDKs to facilitate the deployment of AI-powered decentralized applications. These resources will allow developers to quickly and easily deploy AI dApps using both Gaia and EigenLayer, benefiting from streamlined, one-click deployment and security via EigenLayer’s AVS.

    By integrating with EigenLayer, Gaia aims to allow developers to build more secure and scalable AI-driven applications.

    To stay up-to-date on developments and opportunities through Gaia, follow Gaia on Twitter @Gaianet_AI and visit the website: www.Gaianet.ai.

    About Gaia
    Gaia is a pioneering decentralized AI platform dedicated to transforming knowledge into a dynamic, secure, and collaborative ecosystem. By addressing the issues introduced by centralized AI solutions, such as censorship, bias, and IP infringement, Gaia offers a knowledge-sharing ecosystem and foundation for new applications that protects information and rewards knowledge sharers. With a commitment to privacy, adaptability, and collaboration, Gaia is redefining the future of AI, making knowledge a vibrant, protected, and accessible resource for all.

    Website: www.Gaianet.ai
    Github: https://github.com/Gaia-AI
    Twitter: @Gaianet_AI

    About EigenLayer

    EigenLayer is a decentralized re-staking protocol that enhances the security and scalability of blockchain ecosystems by allowing Ethereum validators to extend their security guarantees to additional networks and services. By leveraging the existing Ethereum staking infrastructure, EigenLayer enables developers and decentralized applications to benefit from Ethereum’s robust security without the need to establish separate validator networks.

    Website: eigenlayer.xyz
    Twitter: @eigenlayer

    Contact:

    Gaia
    Ali Adkins
    Email: hello@gaianet.ai

    EigenLayer
    Nader
    nader@eigenlayer.xyz

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Melrose PR
    gaia@melrosepr.com
    (310) 260-7901

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Gaia. 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/64c8ffe8-fb65-402d-bb30-0b7dde2b31fb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Security Bancorp, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MCMINNVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security Bancorp, Inc. (“Company”) (OTCBB: “SCYT”), the holding company for Security Federal Savings Bank of McMinnville, Tennessee (“Bank”), today announced its consolidated earnings for the third quarter of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $1.0 million, or $2.77 per share, compared to $859,000, or $2.30 per share, for the same quarter last year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s net income was $2.9 million or $7.84 per share, compared to $2.4 million, or $6.52 per share, for the same period in 2023.

    For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net interest income increased $359,000, or 14.3%, to $2.9 million from $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net interest income increased $838,000, or 11.4%, to $8.2 million from $7.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily the result of increases in loan balances and interest income on loans that was partially offset by a smaller increase in interest expense. Net interest income after provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $2.8 million, an increase of $357,000, or 14.6%, from $2.5 million for the same period in the previous year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net interest income after provision for loan losses increased $857,000, or 12.0%, to $8.0 million from $7.2 million for the same period in 2023. The primary reason for the increase during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was an increase in net interest income.

    Non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased to $635,000 compared to $410,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased to $1.6 million compared to $1.2 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase in non-interest income was primarily attributed to incentive income related to the Bank’s card processing contracts.

    Non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $2.0 million, an increase of $341,000, or 20.0%, from $1.7 million for the same period of the prior year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest expense was $5.6 million, an increase of $501,000, or 9.8%, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to an increase in consulting fee expense related to renegotiation of the Bank’s data processing contracts.

    The Company’s consolidated assets were $346.6 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $324.4 million at December 31, 2023. The $22.1 million, or 6.8%, increase in assets was a result of an increase loans receivable, net.   Loans receivable, net, increased $26.8 million, or 11.4%, to $262.2 million at September 30, 2024 from $235.4 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in loans receivable was primarily attributable to an increase in residential mortgage and commercial real estate loans.

    For the three months ended September 30, 2024 the provision for loan losses was $65,000 compared to $63,000 for the same period in 2023. The provision for loan losses was $164,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $183,000 in the comparable period in 2023, a decrease of $19,000.

    Non-performing assets decreased $359,000, or 98.9%, to $4,000 at September 30, 2024 from $363,000 at December 31, 2023. The decrease is attributable to a decline in non-performing loans and the sale of $139,000 of real estate owned. Based on its analysis of delinquent loans, non-performing loans and classified loans, management believes that the Company’s allowance for loan losses of $2.6 million at September 30, 2024 was adequate to absorb known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. At September 30, 2024, the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing assets was 63,750.0% compared to 664.19% at December 31, 2023.

    Investment and mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale at September 30, 2024 increased $1.3 million, or 2.8%, to $47.1 million from $45.8 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was due to purchases of investment securities that was partially offset by maturities of investment securities and paydowns. There were no investment and mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

    Deposits increased $15.1 million, or 5.2%, to $304.9 million at September 30, 2024 from $289.8 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in certificates of deposit.  

    Stockholders’ equity increased $3.7 million or 11.7% to $34.8 million, or 10.05% of total assets at September 30, 2024 compared to $31.2 million, or 9.6%, of total assets, at December 31, 2023.

    Safe-Harbor Statement

    Certain matters in this News Release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may relate to, among others, expectations of the business environment in which the Company operates and projections of future performance. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management expectations, and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, the general business environment, interest rates, competitive conditions, regulatory changes, and other risks.

    Contact: Michael D. Griffith
      President & Chief Executive Officer
      (931) 473-4483
    SECURITY BANCORP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (unaudited) (dollars in thousands)
    OPERATING DATA Three months ended
    Sept 30,    		 Nine months ended
    Sept 30,
      2023 2024 2023 2024
    Interest income $4,023 $5,085 $11,326 $14,459
    Interest expense 1,509 2,212 3,978 6,273
    Net interest income 2,514 2,873 7,348 8,186
    Provision for loan losses 63 65 183 164
    Net interest income after provision for loan losses 2,451 2,808 7,165 8,022
    Non-interest income 410 635 1,233 1,555
    Non-interest expense 1,705 2,046 5,110 5,611
    Income before income tax expense 1,156 1,397 3,288 3,966
    Income tax expense 297 359 850 1,027
    Net income $859 $1,038 $2,438 $2,939
    Net Income per share (basic) $2.30 $2.77 $6.52 $7.84
             
    FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA At Sept 30, 2024 At December 31, 2023
    Total assets $346,585 $324,440
    Investments and mortgage- backed securities – available for sale 47,125 45,837
    Loans receivable, net 262,195 235,411
    Deposits 304,897 289,810
    Federal Funds Sold 3,000 -0-
    Federal Home Loan Bank Advances -0- -0-
    Stockholders’ equity 34,829 31,179
    Non-performing assets 4 363
    Non-performing assets to total assets 0.001% 0.11%
    Allowance for loan losses 2,550 2,411
    Allowance for loan losses to total loans receivable 0.96% 1.01%
    Allowance for loan losses to non-performing assets 63,750.0 664.19

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CORRECTION: Alpine Banks of Colorado announces financial results for third quarter 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alpine Banks of Colorado (OTCQX: ALPIB) (“Alpine” or the “Company”), the holding company for Alpine Bank (the “Bank”), today announced results (unaudited) for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The Company reported net income of $13.6 million, or $127.16 per basic Class A common share and $0.85 per basic Class B common share, for third quarter 2024.

    Highlights in third quarter 2024 include:

    • Basic earnings per Class A common share increased 16.8%, or $18.28, during third quarter 2024.
    • Basic earnings per Class A common share increased 16.8%, or $18.30, compared to third quarter 2023.
    • Basic earnings per Class B common share increased 16.8%, or $0.12, during third quarter 2024.
    • Basic earnings per Class B common share increased 16.8%, or $0.12, compared to third quarter 2023.
    • Net interest margin for third quarter 2024 was 2.98%, compared to 2.87% in second quarter 2024, and 2.87% in third quarter 2023.

    “Third quarter 2024 results show a continuation of our improving financial performance,” said Glen Jammaron, Alpine Banks of Colorado President and Vice Chairman. “Alpine successfully grew customer deposit balances, paid down brokered CDs and decreased the cost of our funding during the third quarter. Both our net interest margin and return on assets saw improvements over the first and second quarters of 2024.”

    Net Income

    Net income for third quarter 2024 and second quarter 2024 was $13.6 million and $11.7 million, respectively. Interest income increased $1.9 million in third quarter 2024 compared to second quarter 2024, primarily due to increases in yields on the loan portfolio and increased balances in due from banks. These increases were slightly offset by decreased yields and volumes in the securities portfolio and decreased rates on due from banks, along with decreased volume in the loan portfolio. Interest expense increased $0.3 million in third quarter 2024 compared to second quarter 2024, primarily due to increased balances in deposit accounts. This increase was partially offset by decreases in costs on, and volume of, the Company’s trust preferred securities. Noninterest income increased $1.3 million in third quarter 2024 compared to second quarter 2024, primarily due to increases in service charges on deposit accounts, and other income. Noninterest expense decreased $0.8 million in third quarter 2024 compared to second quarter 2024, due to decreases in other expenses and salary and employee benefit expenses slightly offset by increases in occupancy expenses and furniture and fixture expenses. A provision for loan losses of $1.2 million was recorded in third quarter 2024 compared to a $0.2 million provision recorded in second quarter 2024.

    Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, was $35.9 million and $46.0 million, respectively. Interest income increased $18.5 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023, primarily due to increases in volume in the loan portfolio and balances due from banks, along with increases in yields on the loan portfolio, the securities portfolio, and balances due from banks. These increases were slightly offset by a decrease in volume in the securities portfolio. Interest expense increased $31.8 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023, primarily due to increases in costs on the Company’s trust preferred securities, other borrowings, and cost of deposits, along with increases in volume in deposit balances. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the volume of other borrowings. Noninterest income increased $3.3 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023, primarily due to increases in earnings on bank-owned life insurance, service charges on deposit accounts and other income. Noninterest expense increased $3.0 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023, due to increases in salary and employee benefit expenses and occupancy expenses. These increases were partially offset by decreases in furniture and fixture expenses and other expenses. Provision for loan losses decreased $0.3 million in the first nine months of 2024 due to loan portfolio declines and a small volume of loan charge-offs, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    Net interest margin increased from 2.87% in second quarter 2024 to 2.98% in third quarter 2024. Net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, was 2.89% and 3.17%, respectively.

    Assets

    Total assets increased $107.0 million, or 1.7%, to $6.58 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, primarily due to increased cash and due from banks and investment securities balances, partially offset by decreased loans receivable. Total assets increased $110.6 million, or 1.7%, from September 30, 2023, to September 30, 2024. The Alpine Bank Wealth Management* division had assets under management of $1.34 billion on September 30, 2024, compared to $1.09 billion on September 30, 2023, an increase of 23.3%.

    Loans

    Loans outstanding as of September 30, 2024, totaled $4.0 billion. The loan portfolio decreased $36.3 million, or 0.9%, during third quarter 2024 compared to June 30, 2024. This decrease was driven by a $22.9 million decrease in real estate construction loans and a $33.7 million decrease in residential real estate loans, partially offset by a $13.7 million increase in commercial and industrial loans, a $5.0 million increase in commercial real estate loans, a $1.6 million increase in consumer loans, and a $0.1 million increase in other loans.

    Loans outstanding as of September 30, 2024, reflected a decrease of $5.0 million, or 0.1%, compared to loans outstanding of $4.0 billion on September 30, 2023. This decrease was driven by a $102.8 million decrease in real estate construction loans, partially offset by a $54.9 million increase in commercial real estate loans, a $20.8 million increase in residential real estate loans, a $20.0 million increase in commercial and industrial loans, a $1.8 million increase in consumer loans and a $0.3 million increase in other loans.

    Deposits

    Total deposits increased $74.1 million, or 1.3%, to $5.9 billion during third quarter 2024 compared to June 30, 2024, primarily due to a $110.1 million increase in demand deposits and a $49.5 million increase in money market accounts. This increase was partially offset by a $36.4 million decrease in certificate of deposit accounts, a $3.8 million decrease in savings accounts, and a $45.4 million decrease in interest-bearing checking accounts. Brokered certificates of deposit totaled $330.7 million on September 30, 2024, compared to $390.5 million on June 30, 2024. Noninterest-bearing demand accounts comprised 30.7% of all deposits on September 30, 2024, compared to 29.3% on June 30, 2024.

    Total deposits of $5.9 billion on September 30, 2024, reflected an increase of $38.5 million, or 0.7%, compared to total deposits of $5.8 billion on September 30, 2023. This increase was due to a $248.2 million increase in money market accounts, partially offset by a $41.6 million decrease in certificate of deposit accounts, a $111.6 million decrease in interest-bearing checking accounts, a $27.0 million decrease in demand deposits and a $29.5 million decrease in savings accounts. Brokered certificates of deposit totaled $330.7 million on September 30, 2024, compared to $563.7 million on September 30, 2023. Noninterest-bearing demand accounts comprised 30.7% of all deposits on September 30, 2024, compared to 31.4% on September 30, 2023.

    Capital

    The Bank continues to be designated as a “well capitalized” institution as its capital ratios exceed the minimum requirements for this designation. As of September 30, 2024, the Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 9.62%, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 14.15%, and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 15.30%. On a consolidated basis, the Company’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 9.23%, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 13.59%, and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 15.85% as of September 30, 2024.

    Book value per share on September 30, 2024, was $4,787.58 per Class A common share and $31.92 per Class B common share, an increase of $294.62 per Class A common share and $1.96 per Class B common share from June 30, 2024.

    Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share. Except as otherwise provided by the Colorado Business Corporation Act, each Class B common share has no voting rights.

    Dividends

    Each Class B common share has dividend and distribution rights equal to one-one hundred and fiftieth (1/150th) of such rights of one Class A common share. Therefore, each one Class A common share is equivalent to 150 Class B common shares for purposes of the payment of dividends.

    During third quarter 2024, the Company paid cash dividends of $30.00 per Class A common share and $0.20 per Class B common share. On October 10, 2024, the Company declared cash dividends of $30.00 per Class A common share and $0.20 per Class B common share payable on October 28, 2024, to shareholders of record on October 21, 2024.

    About Alpine Banks of Colorado

    Alpine Banks of Colorado, through its wholly owned subsidiary Alpine Bank, is a $6.6 billion, independent, employee-owned organization founded in 1973 with headquarters in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Alpine Bank employs 890 people and serves 170,000 customers with personal, business, wealth management*, mortgage, and electronic banking services across Colorado’s Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank has a five-star rating – meaning it has earned a superior performance classification – from BauerFinancial, an independent organization that analyzes and rates the performance of financial institutions in the United States. Shares of the Class B non-voting common stock of Alpine Banks of Colorado trade under the symbol “ALPIB” on the OTCQX® Best Market. Learn more at www.alpinebank.com.

    *Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and are not guaranteed by the Bank.

    Contacts:  Glen Jammaron   Eric A. Gardey
      President and Vice Chairman   Chief Financial Officer
      Alpine Banks of Colorado     Alpine Banks of Colorado
      2200 Grand Avenue 2200 Grand Avenue
      Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
      (970) 384-3266 (970) 384-3257
         

    A note about forward-looking statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “reflects,” “believes,” “can,” “would,” “should,” “will,” “estimates,” “continues,” “expects” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our evaluation of macro-environment risks, Federal Reserve rate management, and trends reflecting things such as regulatory capital standards and adequacy. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, 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. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward- looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to:

    • The ability to attract new deposits and loans;
    • Demand for financial services in our market areas;
    • Competitive market-pricing factors;
    • Changes in assumptions underlying the establishment of allowances for loan losses and other estimates;
    • Effects of future economic, business and market conditions, including higher inflation;
    • Adverse effects of public health events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, including governmental and societal responses;
    • Deterioration in economic conditions that could result in increased loan losses;
    • Actions by competitors and other market participants that could have an adverse impact on expected performance;
    • Risks associated with concentrations in real estate-related loans;
    • Risks inherent in making loans, such as repayment risks and fluctuating collateral values;
    • Market interest rate volatility, including changes to the federal funds rate;
    • Stability of funding sources and continued availability of borrowings;
    • Geopolitical events, including acts of war, international hostilities and terrorist activities;
    • Assumptions and estimates used in applying critical accounting policies and modeling, including under the CECL model, which may prove unreliable, inaccurate, or not predictive of actual results;
    • Actions of government regulators, including potential future changes in the target range for the federal funds rate by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve;
    • Sale of investment securities in a loss position before their value recovers, including as a result of asset liability management strategies or in response to liquidity needs;
    • Any increases in FDIC assessments;
    • Risks associated with potential cybersecurity incidents, data breaches or failures of key information technology systems;
    • The ability to maintain adequate liquidity and regulatory capital, and comply with evolving federal and state banking regulations;
    • Changes in legal or regulatory requirements or the results of regulatory examinations that could restrict growth;
    • The ability to recruit and retain key management and staff;
    • The ability to raise capital or incur debt on reasonable terms; and
    • Effectiveness of legislation and regulatory efforts to help the U.S. and global financial markets.

    There are many factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release or in any subsequent written or oral statements attributable to the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Key Financial Measures

    The attached tables highlight the Company’s key financial measures for the periods indicated (unaudited).

    Key Financial Measures 09.30.2024

    Consolidated Statements of Income 09.30.2024

    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition 09.30.2024

    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 09.30.2024

    Contact:         
    Eric A. Gardey, Chief Financial Officer
    Alpine Banks of Colorado
    (970) 384-3257
    ericgardey@alpinebank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Serstech Secures 9.7 MSEK Orders from Chilean Partner Aerotech

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Serstech has today received two orders totaling 9.7 MSEK from its Chilean partner, Aerotech. The orders include the Serstech Arx mkII and ChemDash software, with delivery and invoicing scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The final recipients of these orders are the Carabineros and the Investigations Police of Chile (PDI). PDI is the nation’s primary civilian police force specializing in criminal investigations, intelligence operations, and counterterrorism, with a particular focus on areas such as drug trafficking and organized crime.

    These orders represent the fourth and fifth in 2024 from Chilean law enforcement through Aerotech, underscoring the growing demand for Serstech’s solutions in the region.

    For further information, please contact:

    Stefan Sandor,                                                                              

    CEO, Serstech AB Phone: +46 739 606 067

    Email: ss@serstech.com

    or

    Thomas Pileby,

    Chairman of the Board, Serstech AB Phone: +46 702 072 643

    Email: tp@serstech.com

    or visit: www.serstech.com

    This is information that Serstech AB (publ.) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above at 18:50 CET on November 4, 2024.

    Certified advisor to Serstech is Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning AB (SKMG).

    About Serstech

    Serstech delivers solutions for chemical identification and has customers around the world, mainly in the safety and security industry. Typical customers are customs, police authorities, security organizations and first responders. The solutions and technology are however not limited to security applications and potentially any industry using chemicals of some kind could be addressed by Serstech’s solution. Serstech’s head office is in Sweden and all production is done in Sweden.

    Serstech is traded at Nasdaq First North Growth Market and more information about the company can be found at www.serstech.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launches Female-Centric Pitching Competition during DevCon 24′ with Access Up to $100K Funding Opportunities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has launched “Pitch n Slay,” a special initiative under its Blockchain4Her program organized to provide exposure for female entrepreneurs in the blockchain space. Building on Bitget’s larger $10 million Blockchain4Her project, the program extends targeted support to promising women-led startups by offering them a chance to secure up to $100,000 in funding by Foresight Ventures. This funding is accompanied by valuable mentorship from experienced professionals in the blockchain industry.

    The “Pitch n Slay” program, created in partnership with organizations such as World of Women, Women in Web3, and Bitget Wallet, is structured to offer a pathway for women entrepreneurs to receive the capital, guidance, and exposure necessary to scale their projects. Additional partnerships with Foresight Ventures and Morph highlight Bitget’s emphasis on uniting resources and mentorship from leaders within the blockchain ecosystem.

    Throughout the program, selected participants will undergo a rigorous mentorship and development journey. After an initial pitching round, finalists will receive support in market strategy, scaling, and technology, led by industry experts including Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, Taya A, CEO of World of Women, Min Xue, Partner of Foresight Ventures, Tess Hau, Founder of Tess Ventures, and other prominent Web3 leaders. Hosted on 15th November, in Bangkok, Thailand the “Pitch n Slay” program finalists will present their refined projects to a panel of investors and judges. Out of the shortlisted women-run startups top 3 winners will get grants to further their startup journey. The first winner takes home $5000, the second place will be rewarded with $3000 and the third will get $2000 subsequently. All three will be qualified for further pitching to Foresight Ventures, if the deal goes through each can receive funding up to $100K in pre-seed.

    Bitget’s constant focus on supporting women in Web3 is part of its strategy of creating accessible pathways for funding and growth for women entrepreneurs led by the company’s CEO, Gracy Chen “Bitget is a proudly gender-inclusive organization, with over 45% of our management roles held by women. Through Blockchain4Her, it’s our honor to support women founders with opportunities for exposure, mentorship, and funding. We’ll continue to expand this platform, creating pathways for growth and amplifying women-led startups in Web3,” said Chen.

    The Pitch n’ Slay initiative directly addresses the underrepresentation of female entrepreneurs in blockchain, providing both the financial and professional support essential for success in a competitive landscape.

    Applications are open for eligible women-led startups. For more details, visit the application page here

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience volatility. Investments should only be made with funds that can be afforded to lose. The value of investments may be impacted, and there is a possibility of not achieving financial goals or recovering the principal investment. Independent financial advice should be sought, and personal financial experience and standing should be carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any losses incurred. This information is not intended as financial advice.

    Contact

    PR team

    media@bitget.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WisdomTree Foreign Exchange Limited Publication of Prospectus

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WisdomTree Foreign Exchange Limited
    LEI: 213800X2UDCFSIYXXR28
    4 November 2024

    WisdomTree Foreign Exchange Limited
    Publication of Prospectus

    The following prospectus has been approved by the Central Bank of Ireland and the Financial Conduct Authority:

    Prospectus for the issue of Collateralised Currency Securities by WisdomTree Foreign Exchange Limited.

    To view the full document, please paste the following URL into the address bar of your browser.

    https://www.wisdomtree.eu/en-gb/-/media/eu-media-files/key-documents/prospectus/etf-securities/prospectus—etfs-foreign-exchange-limited.pdf

    For further information please contact europesupport@wisdomtree.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aviva Canada encourages municipalities to apply for funding for Level 2 EV charging stations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aviva Canada is pleased to announce it has opened the application period for the third year of its Charged for Change program. With installations in 15 municipalities already completed or underway, this year’s funding will support public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure projects in even more communities that currently lack sufficient access.

    Presented in partnership with Earth Day Canada, Aviva’s $3M Charged for Change program allows municipalities and Indigenous communities to apply for funding to install Level 2 electric vehicle chargers for their residents and visitors. Municipalities across Canada can submit applications via the Charged for Change homepage until February 20, 2025.

    “We are thrilled to open applications for the third year of our Charged for Change program and are looking forward to helping even more Canadian communities install public EV infrastructure for their residents. We know that a lack of publicly available EV charging infrastructure can be a barrier to EV adoption and want to support Canadians, particularly those in communities with little to no access, in making the switch to an EV,” said Aviva Canada’s Chief Public Affairs, Marketing and Communications Officer, Pascal Dessureault.

    In its first year, the Charged for Change program funded Level 2 charging stations for seven Ontario municipalities and is expected to deliver 37 charging heads across 16 sites in the Town of Pelham, Township of Selwyn, The County of Prince Edward, Town of Thessalon, Municipality of East Ferris, Township of Manitouwadge, and Township of Essa. As of September 15, this year, the charging stations installed in these communities have delivered 2,600 charging sessions and 8,300 charging hours.

    The program expanded across Canada in its second year, where eight municipalities received funding; Town of Okotoks, AB, Town of Grand Bay-Westfield, NB, Municipality of Lakeshore, ON, Municipalité des Hautes-Terres, NB, Municipalité de Chertsey, QC, Village de Bois-Joli, NB, Communauté rurale de Kedgwick, NB, and Ville régionale de Cap-Acadie, NB. Those projects are either underway or completed and in use.

    “We know that access to public charging infrastructure is a key deciding factor for consumers considering the purchase of an EV. We also know that there is a disparity between levels of infrastructure in larger, urban centres versus smaller, often rural communities. Charged for Change hopes to level that playing field so that Canadians who want to make the climate-conscious decision to switch to an EV feel confident that it can meet their needs,” said Valérie Mallamo, Executive Director, Earth Day Canada.

    Aviva’s partnership with Earth Day Canada supports municipalities in working with utility suppliers directly to install the charging station infrastructure in selected communities. Communities across Canada are encouraged to apply for year three funding now via the Charged for Change homepage.

    To help more Canadians transition to EVs, Aviva’s EV insurance solution offers customers up to 10 per cent off their premium when they insure an EV.1

    Testimonials from year one Charged for Change recipient municipalities:

    Municipality of East Ferris:
    “The installation of charging stations provided by the Charged for Change Program allowed the Municipality of East Ferris to install our first public EV charging stations in the community. It also allowed us to start the transition of our vehicle fleet to electric vehicles with the purchase of our first EV municipal vehicle taking place in early 2024. We are fortunate to have been selected for the program and the infrastructure that we installed will have lasting impacts on municipal operations for years to come.” – Greg Kirton, Director of Community Services, Municipality of East Ferris

    Town of Thessalon:
    “Our first EV station users stopped in on their road trip from Whistler, British Columbia. They told us that they would have by-passed Thessalon if it weren’t for these charging stations. Since they were able to charge their vehicle in Thessalon they stayed at local accommodations and spent time exploring other town amenities.” – Lindsay MacFarlane, Deputy Clerk, Town of Thessalon

    The County of Prince Edward:
    “Working with Earth Day Canada and Aviva on this project helped me gain an understanding of the world of electric vehicles and helped me come to the conclusion that yes, EV ownership in a rural community is very possible! After doing a test drive with Plug n Drive at our inauguration event and speaking firsthand to EV drivers and suppliers of EV charging equipment through this project, I felt really confident in my choice to make my next car an EV. I ditched the ICE and signed a leased an EV this spring. I wouldn’t have felt so sure of my decision without the experience working with Earth Day Canada and Aviva.” – Julianne Snepts, Programs Supervisor, The County of Prince Edward

    About Aviva Canada

    Aviva Canada is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country, providing home, automobile, lifestyle, and business insurance to 2.4 million customers. As a subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, Aviva Canada has more than 4,000 employees focused on creating a sustainable future for our people, our customers, our communities and our planet. In 2021, Aviva plc announced Aviva’s global ambition to become a net zero carbon emissions company by 2040.

    For more information, visit aviva.ca or Aviva Canada’s blog, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

    *Note: Media may arrange interviews by contacting:

    Media Contact: Kelsie Ludlow, Communications Specialist, Aviva
    Email: kelsie.ludlow@aviva.com
    Tel: 437-331-7209

    1 Terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.aviva.ca for more details.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget lists BitSmiley (SMILE) on Innovation, BTC Ecosystem and DeFi Zone for Spot Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has listed BitSmiley (SMILE) in the Innovation, BTC Ecosystem, and DeFi Zone, with trading set to commence on 6 November 2024. This listing aligns with Bitget’s ongoing mission to broaden market accessibility to pioneering blockchain projects, offering users exposure to emerging DeFi protocols on the Bitcoin network. With this development, Bitget is expanding its range of supported assets in a space traditionally dominated by Ethereum-based tokens.

    BitSmiley represents a unique integration of lending and stablecoin functionality built directly on the Bitcoin blockchain, a first in the realm of decentralized finance. The platform’s proprietary technology, Fintegra, provides a seamless ecosystem that leverages the security and resilience of Bitcoin while introducing users to a new form of decentralized lending. The BitSmiley protocol addresses scalability and liquidity, allowing users to participate in DeFi with reduced friction. The listing of BitSmiley at Bitget provides enhanced opportunities for traders interested in Bitcoin-based financial products that blend stability with lending capabilities.

    Following this listing, deposits for BitSmiley have already been activated, providing users time to prepare for trading, which will officially launch at 10:00 (UTC) on 6 November. Withdrawals will be enabled on 7 November at 11:00 (UTC), facilitating seamless movement of assets. This early access and preparation phase allows Bitget’s users to familiarize themselves with the platform’s trading dynamics and further engage with decentralized finance innovations.

    The BitSmiley initiative contributes to reshaping financial inclusion and decentralization on Bitcoin. With its focus on a robust financial infrastructure, BitSmiley’s unique stablecoin-lending framework seeks to expand the functionality and versatility of Bitcoin as an asset class. Through its listing on Bitget, users can explore new avenues for portfolio diversification within the security of a Bitcoin-based ecosystem, reflecting a growing market appetite for diversified DeFi options beyond Ethereum.

    As Bitget continues to explore and support pioneering assets across blockchain networks, the addition of BitSmiley emphasizes its commitment to building an inclusive, cross-chain ecosystem where users can engage with the forefront of decentralized financial technology.

    Bitget continues to expand its offerings, positioning itself as a leading platform for cryptocurrency trading. The exchange has established a reputation for innovative solutions that empower users to explore crypto within a secure CeDeFi ecosystem. With an extensive selection of over 800 cryptocurrency pairs and a commitment to broaden its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON. The addition of SMILE into Bitget’s portfolio marks a significant step toward expanding its ecosystem, allowing users to access new tools and opportunities in the evolving DeFi landscape.

    For more information on SMILE tokens listing on Bitget, please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/60e6db26-e892-426a-978e-f3c7dfe3ec95

    The MIL Network –