Category: KB

MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Chief of Navy Reserve Visits Camp Lemonnier

Source: United States Navy

Lacore, a former commanding officer of CLDJ, returned to the installation for the first time since being sworn in as the 16th Chief of Navy Reserve. The visit provided an opportunity to view the installation’s advancements, share her Strategic Advantage vision and connect with Reserve Force Sailors.

During the visit, Lacore and Hunt toured Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities and met with Sailors assigned to the Military Working Dogs (MWDs) unit, the Emergency Medical Facility (EMF) and the Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 8. Meeting with the Sailors in their various operational environments allowed Lacore to witness firsthand their operational readiness and capabilities.

Lacore also recognized five Sailors for exemplary leadership and commitment to their fellow warfighters. During a town hall with Reserve Force Sailors assigned to CLDJ, she addressed questions and concerns about policies, leadership and future deployment opportunities for reservists.

“Getting a chance to speak with her and ask questions was really encouraging,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Maya Castillo-Rodriguez. “It feels good knowing she really is looking out for us and cares about what we have to say.”

Lacore spoke on the strategic advantage the U.S. Navy Reserve Force provides to the Joint and Combined Force. She noted that Reserve Force Sailors fill more than half of the Navy’s independent mobilization assignments, serving alongside active-duty counterparts at every level to ensure the Navy’s readiness and ability to mobilize around the world.

“We are prepared to mobilize a worldwide deployable Force,” said Lacore. “Delivering strategic depth at scale, trained and ready to contribute to the fight. We will posture our Force for warfighting by accelerating the pace of organizational development and strengthening our warfighters.”

Camp Lemonnier is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed to ensure security and protect U.S. interests. The installation provides world-class support for service members, transient U.S. assets and 36 local tenant commands. (U.S. Navy story be Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maurice Brown)

MIL Security OSI –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NIST Report to Congress Provides Update on Champlain Towers South Investigation
Source: US Government research organizations

In the weeks following the June 24, 2021, partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Florida, NIST National Construction Safety Team members conducted remote sensing of the site using lidar technology, which sends out rapid pulses of light and records the reflections to create a spatial map of individual points reflected from surfaces on the ground. This image was captured on July 14, 2021, and provides important information on the post-collapse geometry of building components. Red points represent data on the south basement wall, and yellow points represent data on the privacy wall above.

Credit: NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has submitted to Congress an update on its investigation into the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Florida. The update is included in a report submitted to Congress on NIST’s activities under the National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Act.

The report notes that the team has completed all experimental work on the physical evidence from the building’s structural elements. This includes mechanical testing of concrete cores and steel reinforcing bars, and measurements of slab, beam and column cross sections. The team also completed a study of historical wind loads on the building, as well as 3D simulations of the subsurface conditions beneath the building site.

In a video released today, investigation lead Judith Mitrani-Reiser and associate lead Glenn Bell, explain how the work completed so far is informing their understanding of what caused the collapse, and how it could make buildings across the U.S. safer.

Champlain Tower South Collapse Investigation | 2025 Update

Lead investigators Judy Mitrani-Reiser and Glen Bell give a summary of this year’s progress regarding the NCST investigation into the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South building.

As described in the report to Congress, the team is now focused on its remaining technical work. This includes completion of full-scale tests of replicas of Champlain Towers South building components at the University of Minnesota and the University of Washington, which began in 2024. The University of Washington tests include measuring the impact of corrosion of the concrete’s steel reinforcement. This work provides critical input for the computer models of the collapse that will help determine the probable initiation and progression of the partial collapse and its technical causes.

The University of Minnesota’s Multi-Axial Subassemblage Testing, or MAST, Laboratory built full-scale replicas of building components from the Champlain Towers South building. In this photo, forces are exerted on a replica that combines concrete slabs, columns and a beam.

Credit: NIST

The team has begun the final phase of interviews with those who have knowledge of the building on the night it collapsed and before. Team members continue to conduct archival research of records and tests of subsurface materials.

A replica of a reinforced concrete column from the Champlain Towers South building is tested to failure at the University of Washington’s Large-Scale Structural Engineering Testing Laboratory, or SETL. The test apparatus pushes down on the column, applying compression forces along its axis, to provide information on its strength.

Credit: NIST

As detailed in the report, the investigation relies on many contracts and agreements to bring in special expertise, equipment and facilities. Standard federal timelines for acquisition directly affect the pace at which the investigation can proceed, as shared in the March 7, 2024, public NCST Advisory Committee meeting. NIST continues to seek solutions so that the investigation can be completed as quickly as possible.

The NCST Advisory Committee released its own report to Congress in December 2024. In that report, committee members commended the NIST team for its “diligence and efficiency,” “dedication to ethical communication,” and “groundbreaking work.” The committee also applauded the team for its rigorous testing of material evidence and full-scale replicas of building components and encouraged NIST to continue to incorporate the variability of measured material properties in its future work.

NIST plans to provide its next technical presentation on the investigation in early June 2025.
To date, the investigation has included:
- Analysis of more than 300 potential structural failure points using 25 hypotheses for failure.
- Review of 20,000 records to establish the building’s history and precollapse conditions.
- Receipt of 10s of 1000s of additional civil litigation records since March 2024.
- Archival research review of about 60 gigabytes of data.
- Interviews with 58 individuals, with 92 more interviews and 10 focus groups planned.
- Structural materials testing on more than 1,000 concrete and reinforcement samples extracted from the building.
- Geotechnical materials testing completed or underway on 108 soil, rock, foundation and groundwater samples.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: A Warning from GAO – America’s Fiscal Health at Risk
Source: US Government Accountability Office

WASHINGTON (February 5, 2025) As the federal government’s publicly held debt continues to grow, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued its annual report on the nation’s fiscal health. The report again warns Congress and the Administration about the federal government’s long-term fiscal path and calls for decisive action. As it has since 2017, GAO recommends a strategy be developed to inform the difficult policy choices in addressing our unsustainable fiscal path.

“With this report, we project that public debt will reach an unprecedented level by 2027,” said Gene L. Dodaro, U.S. Comptroller General and head of the GAO. “We’re calling on Congress and the Administration to act now to develop and implement a strategy to address this acute challenge. Inaction could result in great difficulties for many Americans and impede policymakers’ flexibility to respond to future economic recessions or unexpected events.”

Unless spending and revenue policies change, the debt will continue to grow faster than the economy—even during times of growth. This is unsustainable. In fiscal year (FY) 2024, the government spent over $1.8 trillion more than it took in, marking the fifth year in a row with a deficit above $1 trillion. This gap will continue to grow as revenue is not expected to cover growing spending for mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare. The government will have to keep borrowing to finance budget deficits each year. GAO projects that, absent a change in fiscal policy, debt held by the public will grow more than twice as fast as the economy over a 30-year period and will be double the size of the U.S. economy by 2047.

Similar to other borrowers, the government has to pay interest on its debt. As the debt increases and interest rates rise, the government’s annual spending on interest costs have grown dramatically—and will continue to grow without policy changes. In FY 2024, the government spent $882 billion on net interest—more than was spent on national defense or Medicare. Annual spending on net interest has more than tripled since FY 2017, when it was $263 billion. We estimate spending on interest will be more than $1 trillion in FY 2025. The growing debt and interest costs pose serious economic, security, and social challenges to the U.S.

Higher interest rates for the government mean higher interest rates for individuals, households, and businesses. This adversely impact the lives of Americans who may experience higher borrowing costs, stagnant wages, and more expensive goods and services. Find out more with GAO’s new resource, How Could the Federal Debt Affect You?

GAO’s past and current work supports a strategy for long-term fiscal sustainability. That strategy, outlined in today’s report, calls on the federal government to:
- Establish fiscal rules and targets to address spending and revenue imbalances
- Address financing gaps for Social Security and Medicare
- Reduce improper payments and improve fraud risk management
- Replace the debt limit with an approach linking debt decisions to spending and revenue decisions. Statutory changes are needed to avert the risk of government default and its potentially severe consequences.
The sooner the federal government takes action to address the nation’s fiscal outlook, the less drastic those efforts will need to be. Congress and the administration will need to make difficult budgetary and policy decisions to address the key drivers of the debt and alter the government’s fiscal trajectory.

For more information, visit GAO’s web page, America’s Fiscal Future, or contact Jessica Baxter at media@gao.gov.

#####

The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

MIL OSI USA News –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta and 14 Attorneys General Issue Joint Statement on Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Care

Source: US State of California Department of Justice

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

OAKLAND – Attorney General Bonta today joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general to reaffirm their commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care in the face of the Trump Administration’s recent Executive Order. The coalition released the following statement:

“As state attorneys general, we stand firmly in support of healthcare policies that respect the dignity and rights of all people. Health care decisions should be made by patients, families, and doctors, not by a politician trying to use his power to restrict your freedoms. Gender-affirming care is essential, life-saving medical treatment that supports individuals in living as their authentic selves.

The Trump Administration’s recent Executive Order is wrong on the science and the law. Despite what the Trump Administration has suggested, there is no connection between “female genital mutilation” and gender-affirming care, and no federal law makes gender-affirming care unlawful. President Trump cannot change that by Executive Order.

Last week, attorneys general secured a critical win from a federal court that directed the federal government to resume funding that had been frozen by the Trump Administration. In response to the Court’s Order, the Department of Justice has sent a notice stating that “federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.” This means that federal funding to institutions that provide gender-affirming care continues to be available, irrespective of President Trump’s recent Executive Order. If the federal administration takes additional action to impede this critical funding, we will not hesitate to take further legal action.

State attorneys general will continue to enforce state laws that provide access to gender-affirming care, in states where such enforcement authority exists, and we will challenge any unlawful effort by the Trump Administration to restrict access to it in our jurisdictions.”

Joining Attorney General Bonta in issuing this statement are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why is Trump’s preferential treatment of Russia shifting? Because there’s nothing in it for him

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University

When Donald Trump assumed power in the United States for a second time, it was initially assumed that it didn’t bode well for Ukraine.

During his first term, Trump maintained questionable connections to Russia. Furthermore, his claim that he would end the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a day — with Russia still occupying much of Ukraine — led many analysts to believe that any such policy would favour the Russians.

Read more:
Can Trump deliver on his promise to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?

These fears, at least so far, have not come to pass. In Trump’s inaugural address, many of the items he highlighted on the campaign trail figured prominently.

Noticeably absent, however, was Ukraine. When it comes to Trump’s “America First,” philosophy, Ukraine and Russia have seemingly lost significance.

Strategy of distraction

Trump, with his bombastic nature, dominates the media cycle. His proclamations, social media statements threats and insults occur with such regularity that it’s difficult for anyone to keep pace.

Just as one news item comes into focus, a new comment or ultimatum overtakes it.

In many ways, this works to Trump’s advantage. People can be too distracted by the latest outlandish statement to pay close attention as Trump pursues his ambitious domestic policy goals. Lost in the media turmoil of Trump’s executive orders, tariff threats and heightened deportation campaign has been a shift on Russia and Ukraine.

Ukraine, for Trump, is a secondary concern. His priorities, first and foremost, are domestic and aimed at remaking America.

As such, rather than being driven by any foreign policy goals, Trump’s engagement with Ukraine and Russia will be determined by how he perceives he can benefit domestically in return. His calculations, in this regard, appear to have shifted.

Complicated relationship with Ukraine

Trump’s relationship with Ukraine during his first term was, to put it mildly, difficult. His infatuation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and Russia’s open disdain for Ukraine, caused him to largely ignore the country.

When he did pay attention to Ukraine, it was as part of an effort to acquire information to damage his presumed political rival, former president Joe Biden. This effort resulted in Trump withholding aid from Ukraine unless it acquiesced to his demands.

Trump’s position on Ukraine, however, has shifted over time. His antagonistic relationship with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has seemingly improved.

While there are still tension points, most notably when Zelenskyy visited Pennsylvania during the U.S. presidential election campaign, Trump has moderated his comments on his Ukrainian counterpart. Ukraine’s purchase of American equipment and ammunition, furthermore, supports Trump’s focus on domestic production.

Lastly, Trump has expressed interest in accessing Ukraine’s rare earth metals. China currently dominates the rare earth metal market, which puts the U.S. at a disadvantage due to the minerals’ importance for future technological innovation. That means Trump has a stake in Ukraine’s future.

These developments don’t mean the relationship is perfect. Instead, Trump is unlikely to be a burden to Ukraine, and this development is in part due to his declining view of Putin.

Trump/Putin relationship

The initial assumption of many analysts when Trump came to power again was that he would immediately favour Putin. The close relationship between the two is well-documented, and has been open to considerable speculation as to why Trump courted such favour with Putin in his first term.

Trump, however, has upped his rhetoric against Russia since assuming the presidency. First, he threatened Putin with additional economic sanctions. Second, he stated that he would like OPEC to increase oil production and therefore inhibit Russia’s war effort by undermining its primary source of revenue.

Why the pivot? It likely goes to the core foundation of Trump’s persona: he likes winners. Regardless of the ultimate outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia and Putin have displayed considerable weakness in execution during the war. The Russian military, once feared globally, has largely proven to be a paper tiger.

While Russia still has several advantages in the war, it is only doing so by leveraging its future. According to Trump, Russia is in “big trouble” in terms of its economic woes. Trump is not alone in this view. Analysts, as well as perhaps Putin himself, recognize the serious challenges facing the Russian economy.

It’s not just economically that Russia has leveraged its future. To avoid straining the Russian people, Putin has reached a deal with North Korea, which is providing soldiers for the war against Ukraine.

Read more:
Amid the West’s wavering aid to Ukraine, North Korea backs Russia in a mutually beneficial move

Furthermore, Russia has deepened ties with Iran in exchange for Iranian drones.

What Putin has provided North Korea and Iran in exchange for these soldiers is unclear. That said, Russia can only provide any technological exchanges for these soldiers and drones one time, as once shared, the same technology cannot be part of other arrangements. This reality limits Russia’s influence in the years ahead.

The new art of the deal?

Trump, almost certainly, wants to make a peace deal on Ukraine. It would burnish his reputation as a statesman while simultaneously demonstrating American strength and influence to the world at a minimal cost to the U.S.

The terms of that deal, however, have shifted in the face of Russian weakness.

That’s why it’s not surprising that the mercurial Trump has pivoted his stance on Russia. Until Russia can display the strength that Trump thought it possessed, he’s unlikely to do the Russians any favours in the future.

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

– ref. Why is Trump’s preferential treatment of Russia shifting? Because there’s nothing in it for him – https://theconversation.com/why-is-trumps-preferential-treatment-of-russia-shifting-because-theres-nothing-in-it-for-him-248365

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: IAM District 142’s First-Ever Young Workers Summit Educates, Empowers Next Generation of Union Leaders

Source: US GOIAM Union

Over 25 members from IAM District 142 recently convened at the district’s headquarters in Phoenix for its first-ever Young Workers Summit. All members in attendance were 35 or younger, representing the next generation of leaders who will step into more prominent leadership roles as they progress in their union careers.

“This incredibly successful summit, which pulled together young members from across the country, inspired activism and encouraged involvement in the union,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Young workers are the future of the labor movement and we will continue to invest in building their confidence and skills to carry on our legacy.”

District 142 Organizing Director Zachary Coker conceived the idea for the Young Workers Summit last year after realizing the need to get young people interested in and excited about unionism.

“Creating space for youth is so important for securing the future of our union. These young people are hungry for knowledge, full of energy, and have so much to offer our organization,” said Coker. “Seeing their fresh faces come together, build solidarity, and leave the district ready to take the next steps in their IAM journey was so exciting. The Air Transport Territory and District 142’s commitment to creating youth structures within the IAM is another testament to why IAM Union is the most powerful airline union in the country.”

District 142 officers and staff, including President and Directing General Chair John Coveny, Secretary-Treasurer Joe Shultz, Education Director Al Melendez, Legislative Director Sean Holland, EAP Director Paul Shultz, Safety Director Brian Szolodko, Director of Communications Todd Day, and General Chairs Ken Coley, Carrie Lessley, and Jeff James, joined Brother Coker in speaking and giving presentations to participants.

“This is very important to not only myself but to the union movement as a whole. If we don’t start educating the people behind us to continue to grow the union, the union will disappear,” said Coveny. “We need the strength of all our members, and we especially need the strength of the youth to make this movement continue to grow the way it has over the past thirty-five years that I’ve been involved in it and the years before that. Without our youth, we wither away.”

IAM International representatives and leadership, including Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen and Chief of Staff Edison Fraser, Women’s and Young Workers Director Julie Freitchen, and instructor Dee Colbert from the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, were also on hand to meet and talk to the young workers.

Plans are in place to make the Young Workers Summit an annual event, focusing on preparing these bright and enthusiastic young Sisters and Brothers to replace senior leaders when they retire.

“We would like to thank all of our amazing participants who demonstrated their leadership skills by taking the initiative to come to Phoenix and learn more about our union and its many opportunities for advancement and education,” said Coveny. “We also thank IAM International and the Air Transport Territory for fully supporting this endeavor and providing our participants with educational materials and the tools and resources they will need to further their union careers. We can’t wait to do this again!”

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MIL OSI USA News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta and 13 Attorneys General Issue Joint Statement on Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Care

Source: US State of California

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

OAKLAND – Attorney General Bonta today joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general to reaffirm their commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care in the face of the Trump Administration’s recent Executive Order. The coalition released the following statement:

“As state attorneys general, we stand firmly in support of healthcare policies that respect the dignity and rights of all people. Health care decisions should be made by patients, families, and doctors, not by a politician trying to use his power to restrict your freedoms. Gender-affirming care is essential, life-saving medical treatment that supports individuals in living as their authentic selves.

The Trump Administration’s recent Executive Order is wrong on the science and the law. Despite what the Trump Administration has suggested, there is no connection between “female genital mutilation” and gender-affirming care, and no federal law makes gender-affirming care unlawful. President Trump cannot change that by Executive Order.

Last week, attorneys general secured a critical win from a federal court that directed the federal government to resume funding that had been frozen by the Trump Administration. In response to the Court’s Order, the Department of Justice has sent a notice stating that “federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.” This means that federal funding to institutions that provide gender-affirming care continues to be available, irrespective of President Trump’s recent Executive Order. If the federal administration takes additional action to impede this critical funding, we will not hesitate to take further legal action.

State attorneys general will continue to enforce state laws that provide access to gender-affirming care, in states where such enforcement authority exists, and we will challenge any unlawful effort by the Trump Administration to restrict access to it in our jurisdictions.”

Joining Attorney General Bonta in issuing this statement are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Rhode Island and Vermont.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

February 6, 2025

MIL-OSI: Invesco Ltd: Form 8.3 – PRS REIT, The; Public dealing disclosure

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORM 8.3

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

KEY INFORMATION

(a)

Full name of discloser:

Invesco Ltd.

(b)

Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.

(c)

Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree

PRS REIT plc, The

(d)

If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:

(e)

Date position held/dealing undertaken:
For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure

04.02.2025

(f)

In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”

N/A

POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

(a)

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

Class of relevant security:

1p ordinary GB00BF01NH51

Interests

Short Positions

Number

(1)

Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:

71,586,793

13.03

(2)

Cash-settled derivatives:

(3)

Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:

Total

71,586,793

13.03

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

(b)

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

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:

Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

(a)

Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security

Purchase/sale

Number of securities

Price per unit

1p ordinary GB00BF01NH51

Purchase

13,563

1.08 GBP

(b)

Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. CFD

Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position

Number of reference securities

Price per unit

(c)

Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i)

Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. call option

Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.

Number of securities to which option relates

Exercise price per unit

Type e.g. American, European etc.

Expiry date

Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii)

Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d)

Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security

Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion

Details

Price per unit (if applicable)

OTHER INFORMATION

(a)

Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

None

(b)

Agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives

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

None

(c)

Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure

05.02.2025

Contact name

Philippa Holmes

Telephone number

+441491417447

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

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

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

The MIL Network –

February 6, 2025

MIL-OSI: Nuvini Regains Compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(2)

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nuvini Group Limited (Nasdaq: NVNI) (“Nuvini” or the “Company”), a leading acquirer of private SaaS B2B companies in Latin America, today announced that it received notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) on February 5^th, 2025, indicating that the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules 5250(c)(2).

On February 4, 2025, the Company filed the required Form 6-K to report its unaudited condensed consolidated statements of profit or loss and statements of financial position as of and for the quarter, as required by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(2).

About Nuvini

Headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, Nuvini is the leading private serial software business acquirer in Latin America. The Nuvini Group acquires software companies within SaaS markets in Latin America. It focuses on acquiring profitable “business-to-business” SaaS companies with a consolidated business model, recurring revenue, positive cash generation and relevant growth potential. The Nuvini Group enables its acquired companies to provide mission-critical solutions to customers within its industry or sector. Its business philosophy is to invest in established companies and foster an entrepreneurial environment that would enable companies to become leaders in their respective industries. The Nuvini Group’s goal is to buy, retain and create value through long-term partnerships with the existing management of its acquired companies.

Nuvini Investor Relations and Media Contact:

Deb Toledo
ir@nuvini.co

The MIL Network –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: NordStellar introduces attack surface management to help security teams monitor and assess infrastructure
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A vulnerable attack surface exposes a company to cyberattacks. However, constantly monitoring and assessing its condition requires a great deal of time and human resources. To help security teams be more efficient, NordStellar, a next-generation threat exposure management platform, has introduced attack surface management (ASM) — a feature designed to automatically discover security gaps by constantly monitoring and evaluating all of the organization’s internet-exposed assets.

“Any security gaps in a company’s websites, servers, applications, cloud resources, or internet of things devices are a ticking time bomb, and it’s vital to identify and mitigate these vulnerabilities before attackers have a chance to act,” says Vakaris Noreika, head of product at NordStellar. “By introducing ASM, we aim to help improve our clients’ overall security posture, ensuring that their security teams are equipped with insights needed to effectively manage their attack surface, minimize exposure to external threats, and meet regulatory requirements for vulnerability assessments.”

The ASM consists of two modules: automatic asset discovery and external vulnerability management. Automatic asset discovery maps infrastructure by running various domain enumeration processes that allow it to automatically identify and catalog all internet-exposed assets associated with the organization, such as web servers, applications, and other network-connected devices. External vulnerability management monitors and scans the discovered assets for known vulnerabilities, providing vulnerability intelligence for more efficient recovery efforts.

“ASM helps to reduce companies’ attack surface by identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, minimizing the potential for successful attacks. It also offers enhanced visibility into shadow IT so the security team can discover and manage unauthorized IT resources that pose security risks,” says Noreika. “The feature increases operational efficiency because attack surface management tasks are automated, and the risks are prioritized in order to focus remediation efforts on the most critical cases.”

How it works:
- Implements automatic asset discovery using various techniques, including DNS enumeration, web crawling, and other OSINT techniques to identify all internet-exposed assets associated with the organization.
- Conducts vulnerability assessments by scanning the discovered assets for known vulnerabilities using passive service fingerprinting.
- Prioritizes identified vulnerabilities by evaluating them according to their severity, exploitability, and potential impact.
- Provides real-time alerts about new vulnerabilities and changes to the attack surface to the organization’s security team and comprehensive reports for a detailed overview of the company’s attack surface and associated risks.
ASM is now available to all NordStellar users. More information here.

ABOUT NORDSTELLAR

NordStellar is a next-generation threat exposure management platform that enables companies to detect and respond to cyber threats before they escalate. Available as a platform and API, NordStellar offers visibility into how threat actors work and what they do with compromised data. NordStellar was created by Nord Security, a globally recognized company behind one of the world’s most popular digital privacy tools, NordVPN. For more information, visit nordstellar.com.

Contact:
inga@nordsec.com

The MIL Network –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Risk Strategies Acquires Griffith Insurance, LLP
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Risk Strategies, a leading North American specialty insurance brokerage and risk management and consulting firm, today announced it has acquired Griffith Insurance, LLP, a full-service independent insurance agency based in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 1988, Griffith Insurance provides a wide range of risk and liability products to a diverse client base, including commercial and private client business segments. The agency also has a focus on the construction industry, creating alignment and opportunity for Risk Strategies, which has developed one of the country’s leading surety bond practices. Additionally, Griffith also has a strong personal lines business, where its focus on high net-worth individuals and family offices, complements the Risk Strategies National Private Client Services Practice and its broader services, capabilities, and resources.

“I’m excited to welcome the team at Griffith Insurance to the Risk Strategies family,” said Rob Rosenzweig, Northeast Regional Leader, Risk Strategies. “This is a highly experienced group of professionals who bring with them the same client-first ethos that has made Risk Strategies an industry leader. It’s a great addition to the company.”

Since its 2017 acquisition of medical malpractice specialist Cornerstone Professional Liability Consultants, Risk Strategies has grown to become a market leader in Pennsylvania through organic growth and a number of strategic acquisitions, including:
- Leading surety bond specialists J.W. Surety, along with its affiliates Lance Surety and Bryant Surety
- Mahorsky Group, Inc. and its affiliate entity Brick Procurement, Inc.
- Employee benefits specialist Fairmount Benefits Company
- Three retail commercial specialty agencies: Dash & Love, Joyce Insurance Group, and Robert C. Williams Agency
- National specialty benefits consulting firm Cambridge Advisory Group
“Becoming a part of Risk Strategies is a great fit for our organization, our people and our business,” said Tom Griffith, Owner, Griffith Insurance, LLP. “This move brings an array of specialty capabilities and resources that will help us better serve current clients and compete more effectively for new ones.”

Beyond construction and personal lines, Griffith offers its broader client base commercial insurance services, such as business owners’ policies, commercial auto, and now, the expertise and capabilities of the full Risk Strategies line of specialty practices.

About Risk Strategies

Risk Strategies, part of Accession Risk Management Group, is a North American specialty brokerage firm offering comprehensive risk management services, property and casualty insurance and reinsurance placement, employee benefits, private client services, consulting services, and financial & wealth solutions. The 9th largest U.S. privately held broker, we advise businesses and personal clients, have access to all major insurance markets, and 30+ specialty industry and product line practices and experts in 200+ offices – Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Grand Cayman, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington, DC. RiskStrategies.com

Media Contact
Alana Bannan
Senior Account Executive
360-975-1812
Rsc@matternow.com

The MIL Network –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: WithSecure Corporation to publish Financial Statement Release and Annual Report of 2024 on 12 February 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WithSecure Corporation, Investor News, 5 February 2025 at 16:30 EET

WithSecure Corporation to publish Financial Statement Release and Annual Report of 2024 on 12 February 2025

WithSecure Corporation will publish its Financial Statement Release and Annual Report of 2024 on Tuesday 12 February 2025 at approximately 08:00 EET.

WithSecure’s CEO Antti Koskela and CFO Tom Jansson will present the results in a webcast starting at 14:00 EET. The webcast will be held in English and can be accessed at https://withsecure.events.inderes.com/q4-2024. Questions are requested in written format in the webcast portal.

Analysts following WithSecure are invited to follow the presentation at Flik Studio Stage, Itämerentori 2, Helsinki.

Presentation material and the webcast recording will be available on the company’s website at https://www.withsecure.com/en/about-us/investor-relations.

Contact information:

Laura Viita
VP, Controlling, investor relations and sustainability
WithSecure Corporation
+358 50 487 1044
investor-relations@withsecure.com

The MIL Network –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: GCM Grosvenor Expands Insurance Solutions Group with the Hire of Joe Metzger as Managing Director

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG), a leading global alternative asset management solutions provider, is pleased to announce that Joe Metzger has joined the firm as a Managing Director in its Insurance Solutions Group, as the firm continues to expand its capabilities to meet the insurance industry’s unique investment needs.

Mr. Metzger brings nearly two decades of financial services and insurance industry experience, including prior roles at Guardian Life and TIAA-CREF. He has a distinguished track record at the intersection of insurance and alternative investments, including sourcing, structuring, and executing transactions between insurance carriers and alternative asset managers.

“We are excited to welcome Joe to our team,” said Michael Sacks, Chairman and CEO of GCM Grosvenor. “His extensive experience and proven success in unlocking value for insurers will be instrumental in advancing our capabilities and providing partnership opportunities that can meet the unique needs of our insurance clients.”

GCM Grosvenor’s Insurance Solutions Group offers customized and turnkey alternative investment solutions tailored to the unique needs of global insurance companies. The team employs a broad range of innovative strategies to deliver capital-efficient products and opportunities.

For more information about GCM Grosvenor and its Insurance Solutions Group, please visit www.gcmgrosvenor.com/insurance-solutions.

About GCM Grosvenor

GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $80 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 50 years and is dedicated to delivering value for clients by leveraging its cross-asset class and flexible investment platform. GCM Grosvenor’s experienced team of approximately 550 professionals serves a global client base of institutional and individual investors. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Sydney. For more information, visit: gcmgrosvenor.com.

Media Contact

Tom Johnson and Abigail Ruck
H/Advisors Abernathy (on behalf of GCM Grosvenor)
tom.johnson@h-advisors.global / abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global

The MIL Network –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: E Ink to Showcase 75” E Ink Kaleido™ 3 Outdoor Large Area Color Signage at Integrated Systems Europe 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BILLERICA, Mass., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — E Ink (8069.TWO), the originator, pioneer, and global commercial leader in ePaper technology, today announced they will be showing their largest color signage offering to date, a 75” E Ink Kaleido™ 3 Outdoor, at the Integrated Systems Europe 2025 (ISE) show in Barcelona starting February 4. Attendees of ISE can experience the 75” display at the Fira Barcelona from February 4 through February 7 in the Samsung Electronics booth (#3F500), LG Electronics booth (#3K100), the DynaScan booth (#3C700) and the Agile Display Solutions booth (#4A500).

“As more countries look to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the sustainability of their communities, the benefits of an E Ink display, with its low power consumption and non-light pollution characteristics, can bring real change to indoor and outdoor DOOH signage,” said Dr. F.Y. Gan, President of E Ink. “Our largest E Ink Kaleido display to date offers a compelling solution to address the need for a dynamic display that also provides environmental solutions.”

The 75” E Ink Kaleido 3 Outdoor display offers print-color ePaper designed specifically for Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising signage market, and it is suitable for outdoor use in varying temperature ranges. It offers dynamic color display capabilities, poster-like visual quality, and a low-carbon and eco-friendly display solution.

E Ink Kaleido Outdoor 3 is based on print-color ePaper technology and utilizes an RGB color filter array on black and white electronic paper film to create a warm and colorful display, offering 4,096 colors and clear text, providing a comfortable and non-irritating color digital content viewing experience with a visual impact close to that of color printed paper signage. E Ink Kaleido 3 Outdoor’s operating temperature range is between -15°C to 65°C, which allows it to operate in extremely cold or hot areas without the need for expensive, high-energy-consuming heating or cooling devices, reducing additional power consumption.

Many European countries are facing an energy crisis and new regulations have been put in place to limit the operating hours of digital signage. However, E Ink Kaleido 3 Outdoor uses very little power, and can even run on renewable energy from solar panels, without relying on electricity from the grid. That means it can replace energy-hungry digital signage and conform to the new restrictions. When used for outdoor information displays, E Ink Kaleido 3 Outdoor color ePaper allows for quick and easy updates of information. It’s much more functional and environmentally friendly than traditional paper posters and display boards.

E Ink adheres to its commitment to sustainable development by leveraging its unique PESG framework to provide low-carbon display solutions, contributing to the realization of a net-zero society. According to FTSE Russell’s assessment, 99.9% of E Ink’s product sales revenue qualifies as green revenue. Additionally, Moody’s Ratings has issued a Second Party Opinion (SPO) on E Ink’s green loans, confirming their compliance with the Green Loan Principles (2023) and assigning a high sustainability score of “SQS2 Very Good,” recognizing the exceptional environmental contributions and international standards compliance of E Ink’s ePaper products.

E Ink is dedicated to providing energy-efficient, light-pollution-free, eco-friendly, and visually beneficial products for smart cities and broader communities. Research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights that ePaper, operating without self-lighting and emitting no blue light, does not harm human eyes, and provides up to three times better eye health compared to LCD displays. Furthermore, ePaper is the first display technology globally to receive certification from the International Dark-Sky Association. Compared to paper and LCD displays, ePaper offers significant energy savings and low-carbon benefits. For example, ePaper used in smart bus stop signage, powered by solar energy systems, enables 100% renewable energy usage without requiring connection to the power grid, making it an ideal solution for achieving global net-zero carbon goals.

About E Ink
E Ink Holdings Inc. (8069.TWO), based on technology from MIT’s Media Lab, provides an ideal display medium for applications spanning eReaders and eNotes, retail, home, hospital, transportation, logistics, and more, enabling customers to put displays in locations previously impossible. E Ink’s electrophoretic display products make it the worldwide leader for ePaper. Its low power displays enable customers to reach their sustainability goals, and E Ink has pledged using 100% renewable energy in 2030 and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. E Ink has been recognized for their efforts by receiving, validation from Science-Based Targets (SBTi) and is listed in both the DJSI World and DJSI Emerging Indexes. Listed in Taiwan’s Taipei Exchange (TPEx) and the Luxembourg market, E Ink Holdings is now the world’s largest supplier of ePaper displays. For more information please visit www.eink.com. E Ink. We Make Surfaces Smart and Green.

Contacts
V2 Communications on behalf of E Ink
eink@v2comms.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83d1ff0d-018c-459d-87fe-b2295ec0050e

The MIL Network –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Industry and Municipal Leaders Unite to Fast-Track Cleantech Adoption Across Canada
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Foresight Canada is proud to announce the formation of the Cleantech Adoption Platform Advisory Board, a key initiative aimed at accelerating the deployment of vetted sustainable technologies across Canadian municipalities and organizations. The advisory board will provide strategic guidance to Cleantech Adoption Platform, which is set to launch later this year, ensuring that Canadian innovators, and public and private sector leaders, can connect more effectively to drive measurable impact.

Joining the advisory board are exceptional individuals from across Canada, each bringing their unique expertise in CAP’s initial focus sectors: Built Environment, Energy Generation and Storage, Water Tech, Transportation, and Waste Management. These leaders understand the complexities of integrating cleantech solutions into industrial and municipal operations, and will play a critical role in identifying and overcoming adoption barriers. Their strategic guidance will be invaluable as the platform expands to include additional sectors and end-users.

The Cleantech Adoption Platform Advisory Board
- Adrian Dirassar (Senior Legal Counsel)
- Bofa Udisi (Project Manager, City of Toronto; Founder, AlphaCor Sustainability Solutions)
- Samantha Agtarap (Program Manager, powerNEXT, Foresight Canada; Councillor, Port Moody City Council)
- Todd Burns (CEO, Cypher Environmental)
Bridging the Gap Between Innovators and End-Users

Cleantech adoption faces two key challenges: innovators need buyers, and buyers need streamlined access to proven solutions. Foresight Canada recognizes the urgency of fostering these connections to ensure that high-impact cleantech innovations reach the market faster. The Cleantech Adoption Platform serves as a centralized hub designed to simplify and de-risk solution sourcing for industrial and municipal buyers.

Buyers will gain access to a curated selection of ready-to-deploy cleantech solutions, commercial products, and completed pilots (TRL 8+). The platform provides a structured, data-backed approach to accelerating procurement and adoption.

Key Features of the Cleantech Adoption Platform

The platform offers a holistic experience for both public and private sector buyers, providing invaluable tools and resources to facilitate adoption, including:
- Comprehensive technology database of products and solutions with detailed specifications
- Case studies and success stories showcasing real-world impact
- Technology roadmaps and business cases to support procurement decisions
- Self-guided learning modules and peer-to-peer engagement for decision-makers
- Validated assessments, including LCAs, test results, and other evaluation tools
- Matchmaking tools and support to streamline connections between buyers and innovators
A Secure, Buyer-Focused Platform

Listing a solution is entirely free for all cleantech ventures. The platform operates within a secure, gated environment, ensuring that solution details are visible only to serious buyers—helping innovators get their solutions into the hands of those ready to make a meaningful impact.

Scaling Canada’s Cleantech Leadership

By bringing together a network of expert advisors and launching a dedicated platform, Foresight Canada is creating a more efficient, transparent, and scalable pathway for cleantech adoption. This initiative will help public and private sectors identify and integrate high-impact sustainable solutions, while providing innovators with a direct route to commercialization.

With industry-driven insights and a data-backed approach, the Cleantech Adoption Platform is positioned to:
- Strengthen Canada’s economic resilience
- Accelerate emissions reductions
- Solidify Canada’s leadership in global cleantech deployment.
Market-Ready Solutions

Multiple top cleantech solutions have joined the Cleantech Adoption Platform, including:

Quotes

“I’m thrilled to see the Cleantech Adoption Platform starting to gain some momentum. Speaking as the CEO and founder of an innovative cleantech company, one of the greatest hurdles to creating adoption is education of the end user that more environmentally friendly, cost-effective solutions do in fact exist, and to get these new technologies specified in procurement contracts. The Cleantech Adoption Platform will address both of these challenges, to not only support the growth of the Canadian economy through a growing cleantech sector, but also allow communities all across Canada to meet their carbon reduction and net zero goals at a much faster pace.” — Todd Burns, CEO, Cypher Environmental

“The Cleantech Adoption Platform is a game-changer in bridging the gap between innovative climate solutions and real-world implementation. I’m excited to support this initiative in accelerating the adoption of vetted technologies that will help us hasten our journey towards net zero.” — Bofa Udisi, Project Manager, City of Toronto; Founder, AlphaCor Sustainability Solutions

“The Cleantech Adoption Platform, guided by its Advisory Board, represents a major set of tools and resources with the potential to reshape Canada’s economic landscape. By streamlining access to vetted technologies, we’re helping industries and municipalities reduce costs, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in a low-carbon world. Connecting innovators with serious buyers will drive investment, accelerate commercialization, and strengthen Canada’s overall domestic market.” — Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Canada

“We are grateful to the exceptional leaders joining the Cleantech Adoption Platform Advisory Board, whose expertise and insights will be instrumental in breaking down barriers to cleantech adoption. By bringing together industry and municipal experts with deep sector knowledge and real-world implementation experience, this board will help accelerate the deployment of Canada’s top climate solutions, driving meaningful impact where it matters most.” — Joseph Mosca, Senior Program Manager, Cleantech Adoption Platform

About Foresight Canada

Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada’s largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they connect public and private sectors to the world’s best clean technologies, de-risking and simplifying the adoption of innovative solutions that improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing today’s most urgent climate challenges.

Contact:
Heather Kingdon
Manager, Communications
hkingdon@foresightcac.com

The MIL Network –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Regarding the approval of INVL Technology prospectus
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

INVL Technology (hereinafter – the Company) informs that under the provision of the Law on Collective Investment Undertakings of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter – CIU), the Company operating under the CIU is under an obligation to have a valid prospectus (hereinafter – the Prospectus) prepared in accordance with the requirements of the CIU or of the Law on Securities of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter – LS).

In order to meet the above-mentioned requirement, in August 2019 the Company’s management company INVL Asset Management, UAB (hereinafter – the Management company) prepared a Prospectus in compliance with CIU. Considering that at the time of publication of the information there are no grounds that the Company should prepare and own a prospectus complying with the requirements of the LS, on 5 February 2025, the Management company of the Company approved the updated version of the Prospectus and approved its publication.

The Prospectus was submitted to the Bank of Lithuania in accordance with the CIU.

The person authorized to provide additional information:
Kazimieras Tonkūnas
INVL Technology Managing Partner
E-mail k.tonkunas@invltechnology.lt

Attachment
- INVL Technology Prospectus CIU (2025-02-05)
The MIL Network –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Manufacture the impossible: SAEKI raises $6.7M to transform large-scale manufacturing

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Zurich, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With global supply chains facing mounting pressures and costs continuing to rise, manufacturing is at a critical juncture. Industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction face long lead times and high costs for large-format components, relying heavily on fragmented supply chains and labor-intensive processes. Today, manufacturing automation business SAEKI announced a $6.7M funding round to address these challenges through its innovative approach to digital manufacturing.

The seed round was led by Lightbird with participation from Founderful, 2100VC, Danobat, and multiple high-profile business angels.

The SAEKI team.

Unlike traditional manufacturers who rely on manual processes, SAEKI combines large-scale additive manufacturing with precision CNC machining in a unified production system. This hybrid approach enables the company to deliver precision-engineered components in days rather than weeks, while maintaining the highest quality standards through automated inspection processes. By incorporating automated quality assurance, the company ensures every part meets stringent industry standards, enabling faster delivery times and improved cost efficiency for large-format components.

The 3D Robot Printer in action

SAEKI is also announcing the launch of its breakthrough instant quoting platform, enabling customers to upload designs, configure requirements, and receive immediate pricing for precision-engineered parts. By eliminating traditional quoting bottlenecks, SAEKI has reduced the procurement cycle from days to minutes.

“There’s an exponential and widening divide between what we can design and what we can actually build,” commented Andrea Perissinotto, co-founder and CEO of SAEKI. “While engineers can now use AI to create hundreds of optimized designs, legacy manufacturing simply can’t deliver these components cost-effectively. By automating the entire process, from quoting to final inspection, to make these advanced designs manufacturable at scale. Our mission at SAEKI is to make manufacturing faster, more efficient, and more reliable. By integrating additive manufacturing with CNC machining and quality assurance, we’re giving industries the tools they need to innovate without constraints. This isn’t just about making parts; it’s about reshaping the way industries approach production. This is a defining moment for European manufacturing as we set out to build a future with fully autonomous factories”.

SAEKI’s origins are deeply rooted in hands-on manufacturing experience. The company’s CEO Andrea Perissinotto began his journey in his uncle’s workshop, where he witnessed firsthand how traditional production relied heavily on scarce, highly skilled craftsmen with decades of experience. “We saw an opportunity to integrate advanced manufacturing technologies to overcome these limitations and scale production efficiently,” said Andrea Perissinotto. “The existing processes demand decades of experience and are incredibly hard to scale. With AI and robotics, we’re now able to abstract and automate these skills”

SAEKI founders: (L to R) Oliver Harley, Matthias Leschok and Andrea Perissinotto.

SAEKI was founded by Andrea Perissinotto (CEO), Oliver Harley (CTO) and Dr. Matthias Leschok (COO), during their studies at ETH Zürich. The trio identified a unique opportunity to bring industrial-scale efficiency to large-format additive manufacturing and CNC machining, making the process faster and more cost-effective.

SAEKI’s technology-driven approach not only reduces waste and shortens lead times, but also helps reshore critical manufacturing capabilities to Europe. Moreover, by minimizing reliance on overseas suppliers, the company aligns with broader industry trends toward sustainability and supply-chain resilience.

The opportunity for SAEKI and the entire industry is immense. In meetings, one of the largest Swiss construction groups said the country would need another 3-4 SAEKIs to meet the potential demand for their formwork products. While a global automotive manufacturer noted that using SAEKI’s 3D-printed composite tooling shaved 2 weeks off of their production schedule. The sheer speed of delivery, 1 week vs 6 weeks from traditional suppliers, presented a significant opportunity.

“The company’s focus on large-format manufacturing is particularly timely, as sectors like aerospace and construction face increasing demand for complex, high-performance parts”, said Thomas Meier, Partner at Lightbird. “Global supply chains are under pressure, with rising costs and delays becoming the norm. We believe that SAEKI’s ability to deliver high-quality components quickly and reliably sets a new standard for the industry.”

The investment will accelerate SAEKI’s development of autonomous factories that integrate quoting, 3D printing, machining, and inspection into a seamless process. “We share SAEKI’s vision of European dynamism and strengthening Switzerland’s manufacturing position,” said Alex Stöckl, Partner at Founderful. “Their interdisciplinary team has shown remarkable progress, demonstrating the potential to reshape industrial production.”

Ends

Media images can be found here.

About SAEKI
Founded at ETH Zürich, SAEKI combines cutting-edge manufacturing technologies with deep industry expertise to deliver on-demand solutions for large-scale components. By streamlining production processes and ensuring the highest quality standards, SAEKI is reshaping the manufacturing landscape and enabling industries to innovate without limits.

The MIL Network –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rapid GenAI Application Adoption Drives New Era of Application and Infrastructure Modernization
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Nutanix study reveals that GenAI is changing organizations priorities, with security and privacy being a primary concern

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nutanix (NASDAQ: NTNX), a leader in hybrid multicloud computing, today announced the findings of its seventh annual Enterprise Cloud Index (ECI) survey and research report, which measures global enterprise progress with cloud adoption. This year’s report sheds light on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) adoption, investment priorities, and benefits along with key challenges organizations face to meet the demands of these emerging workloads.

As GenAI application adoption and implementation move at a blazing pace, the ECI uncovered that while the majority of organizations have already implemented a GenAI strategy, implementation targets vary significantly. Organizations are eager to leverage GenAI for productivity, automation, and innovation, but they also face critical hurdles in the form of data security, compliance, and IT infrastructure modernization. Further, 90% of respondents expect their IT costs to rise due to GenAI and modern application implementation. But promisingly, 70% of organizations expect to make a return on their investment from GenAI projects over the next two to three years.

“Many organizations have reached an inflection point with GenAI implementation and deployment,” said Lee Caswell, SVP, Product and Solutions Marketing at Nutanix. “This year’s ECI revealed key trends that we’re hearing from customers as well, including challenges with scaling GenAI workloads from development to production, new requirements GenAI creates for data governance, privacy, and visibility, and integration with existing IT infrastructure. To successfully unlock ROI with GenAI projects, organizations need to take a holistic approach to modernizing applications and infrastructure and embrace containerization.”

Key findings from this year’s report include:
- Application containerization is the new infrastructure standard. Nearly 90% of organizations report that at least some of their applications are now containerized, and this number is expected to grow with the rapid adoption of new application workloads like GenAI. Simply put, 94% of respondents agree that their organization benefits from adopting cloud native applications/containers. This approach to infrastructure and application development should be considered the gold standard for delivering seamless, secure access to data across hybrid and multicloud environments.
- GenAI application adoption and implementation continue at a rapid pace. Over 80% of organizations have already implemented a GenAI strategy with only 2% of organizations admitting that they have not started planning their GenAI strategy. That said, implementation targets vary significantly. Most organizations believe GenAI solutions will help improve their organization’s levels of productivity, automation, and efficiency. Meanwhile, real-world GenAI use cases gravitate towards customer support and experience solutions today. However, organizations aspire to apply GenAI solutions to cybersecurity and data protection workloads in the near future.
- GenAI adoption will challenge traditional norms for data security and privacy. 95% of respondents agree that GenAI is changing their organization’s priorities, with security and privacy being a primary concern. Over 90% of organizations say data privacy is a priority for their organization when implementing GenAI solutions. Clearly, organizations understand that security and privacy are critical components of GenAI success. However, a staggering 95% of respondents still believe their organization could be doing more to secure its GenAI models and applications. Security and privacy will remain a major challenge for organizations as they seek to justify the use of emerging, GenAI-based solutions and ensure that they adhere to traditional security norms, as well as new requirements for data governance, privacy, and visibility.
- Infrastructure modernization to support GenAI at scale. Running cloud native applications at enterprise scale requires an infrastructure that can support the necessary requirements including security, data integrity and resilience. Emerging GenAI applications are no exception to this rule. Almost all respondents (98%) face challenges when it comes to scaling GenAI workloads from development to production. In fact, the #1 challenge organizations face when scaling GenAI workloads from development into production is integration with existing IT infrastructure. As a result, IT Infrastructure was chosen as the #1 area of investment needed to support GenAI.
- GenAI solution adoption requires changes to technology and people. 52% of respondents say their organization needs to invest in IT training to support GenAI. Similarly, 48% of respondents believe their organization needs to hire new IT talent to support GenAI. There is no denying organizations face acute skills shortages and competition for GenAI-related talent. The good news? Many teams will embrace the challenge to adopt AI-related competencies and skills organically, as part of normal work. This year’s survey shows that 53% of respondents believe advancements in GenAI will provide them with an opportunity to become an AI expert.
For the seventh consecutive year, Nutanix commissioned a global research study to learn about the state of global enterprise cloud deployments, application containerization trends, and GenAI application adoption. In the Fall of 2024, U.K. researcher Vanson Bourne surveyed 1,500 IT and DevOps/Platform Engineering decision-makers around the world. The respondent base spanned multiple industries, business sizes, and geographies, including North and South America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and Asia-Pacific-Japan (APJ) region.

To learn more about the report and findings, please download the full seventh Nutanix Enterprise Cloud Index, here.

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.

© 2025 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 contains 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 –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rapid7 Launches New Global PACT Partner Program
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD), a leader in extended risk and threat detection, today announced that it has launched a new PACT Partner Program to equip partners with tools, training, and resources to meet the expanding security needs of customers in an increasingly complex global threat landscape.

The new PACT Program will deliver a supportive and structured program for partners to help customers take command of their attack surface. Working with the full channel community, including resellers, distributors, systems integrators and service providers, Rapid7 enables thousands of partners around the globe through a modernized Partner Portal, tailored engagement programs and specializations, and an all-new Partner Training Academy.

“Today’s PACT Program launch is the result of listening to and working collaboratively with our global partner community to best understand their business challenges and opportunities,” said Alex Page, vice president of global channel sales at Rapid7 and 2025 CRN Channel Chief. “We made this significant program update to ensure our partners were enabled and supported to drive maximum impact in line with their near and long-term business objectives. Together, we know we can provide our joint customers the most robust solutions to help them take command of their attack surface.”

The PACT Program includes new tiers and classifications, designed to empower and unite all partner types under a single, dynamic program. This innovative approach offers tailored engagement opportunities and sets clear performance expectations. Furthermore, valuable tier benefits will recognize and reward success, enhancing profitability and growth.

Key elements of the new program include:
- Modernized Partner Portal: Rapid7’s modernized and expanded Partner Portal offers partners deeper engagement and seamless, real-time collaboration with Rapid7 via a redesigned interface that provides training and automation to support the entire customer lifecycle. From self-service quote access and renewal dashboards, to learning paths aligned to specific points in the sales process and customer lifecycle.
- Tailored Engagement Programs and Specializations: Rapid7’s unified platform seamlessly combines proactive and reactive cyber risk management solutions so they can be efficiently scaled and customized to meet customer requirements. Partners can also benefit from two new PACT specializations, MSSP Specialization and Service Delivery Specialization, for an enhanced suite of tech resources and operational efficiencies with simplified pricing models launching later this year.
- All-New Partner Training Academy: The new Partner Training Academy equips partners with practical skills and technical knowledge to enhance customer value. With a mission to elevate partners’ confidence in positioning solutions to match customer needs, the Partner Training Academy offers a variety of competency-based courses and certifications. Courses are tailored to the sales and pre-sales technical roles, as well as specialized curriculum, to enable partners to deliver their own post-sales services.
“Over the past few years, we’ve experienced excellent growth with Rapid7 as they’ve redefined their channel strategy—and the new PACT Partner Program marks yet another exciting step forward,” said Mark Thornberry, senior vice president, vendor management at GuidePoint Security. “As digital ecosystems become increasingly complex, attack surfaces grow, and threats evolve, the need for robust Managed Detection & Response (MDR) has never been greater. The enhancements to their 2025 Partner Program not only underscore Rapid7’s dedication to growth and innovation, but also enable us to continue delivering comprehensive SecOps strategies to our customers.”

“Our partnership with Rapid7 has been nothing short of exceptional. Over the years, we have built a strong and collaborative relationship that has fuelled remarkable growth across the UK & Ireland (UK&I). Rapid7’s cutting-edge solutions and unwavering support have been instrumental in expanding our cybersecurity offerings, empowering us to deliver world-class protection to our clients,” said Nick Brownrigg, group director, solutions architecture, Integrity360. “Beyond the UK&I, Rapid7 has played a crucial role in helping us establish a strong presence in the Nordics and successfully launch our cybersecurity services in emerging regions such as Italy, Spain, and South Africa. Their commitment to innovation and partnership has enabled us to stay ahead of evolving threats and provide best-in-class security solutions to businesses worldwide. We are proud to partner with Rapid7 and look forward to continued success together in securing organizations across the globe.”

For further information on the new Rapid7 PACT Partner Program please click HERE.

About Rapid7
Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD) is on a mission to create a safer digital world by making cybersecurity simpler and more accessible. We empower security professionals to manage a modern attack surface through our best-in-class technology, leading-edge research, and broad, strategic expertise. Rapid7’s comprehensive security solutions help more than 11,000 global customers unite cloud risk management with threat detection and response to reduce attack surfaces and eliminate threats with speed and precision. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

Rapid7 Media Relations
Alice Randall
Director, Global Communications
press@rapid7.com
(857) 216-7804

Rapid7 Investor Contact
Elizabeth Chwalk
Sr. Director, Investor Relations
investors@rapid7.com
(617) 865-4277

The MIL Network –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Zero Hash expands stablecoin offerings with addition of Ripple USD (RLUSD)
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zero Hash, the leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform, today announced it has expanded its stablecoin support by integrating Ripple USD (RLUSD), a new regulated stablecoin issued by Ripple. This integration allows Zero Hash customers to access RLUSD on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum networks.

Zero Hash’s API and SDK infrastructure now supports over 65 digital assets, including 5 stablecoins, across multiple chains, reinforcing its position as the comprehensive solution for platforms seeking to design and build new ways to store, exchange and move value globally. RLUSD is now part of Zero Hash’s stablecoin engine, powering leading FinTechs and start ups across:
- Payments
  - Remittances
  - Payins
  - Payouts
  - Account Funding
  - Tokenization payment rails
  - AI agent payments
- Trading
  - Swaps
  - Onramp / offramp
  - Custody
  - Deposits and withdrawals
- Treasury
“The addition of RLUSD to our ecosystem demonstrates Zero Hash’s commitment to providing our customers with access to the most innovative and regulated stablecoin technologies,” said Edward Woodford, Founder and CEO at Zero Hash. “Zero Hash now offers RLUSD to all partners who can seamlessly embed through our API and SDK. Zero Hash offers the tech stack that powers use cases spanning payouts including Stripe, on-ramping including Shift4 and tokenization payment rails including Franklin Templeton.”

RLUSD is designed to meet the growing demand for a reliable, compliant stablecoin in the digital asset space. Key features¹ of RLUSD include: (i) One-to-one backing with US dollars held in reserve; (ii) issuance by a New York State-regulated trust company; (iii) Monthly reserve attestations by an independent certified public accountant; and, (iv) native issuance on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum networks.

¹Ripple USD

About Zero Hash

Zero Hash is the leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure provider that seamlessly connects fiat, crypto and stablecoins in one platform, enabling a better way to move and transfer value globally.

Through its embeddable infrastructure, start-ups, enterprises and Fortune 500 companies build a diverse range of use cases: cross-border payments, commerce, trading, remittance, payroll, tokenization, wallets and on and off-ramps.

Zero Hash Holdings is backed by investors, including Point72 Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and NYCA.

Zero Hash LLC is a FinCen-registered Money Service Business and a regulated Money Transmitter that can operate in 51 US jurisdictions. Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC are licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. In Canada, Zero Hash LLC is registered as a Money Service Business with FINTRAC.

Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is registered with AUSTRAC as a Digital Currency Exchange Provider, with DCE registered provider number DCE100804170-001. This registration enables Zero Hash to offer its crypto services in Australia. Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is registered on the New Zealand register of financial service providers, with Financial Service Provider (FSP) number FSP1004503. A FSP in New Zealand is a registration and does not mean that Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is licensed by a New Zealand regulator to provide crypto services. Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd.’s registration on the New Zealand register of financial service providers does not mean that Zero Hash Australia is subject to active regulation or oversight by a New Zealand regulator. Zero Hash Europe B.V. is registered as a Virtual Asset Services Provider (VASP) registration by the Dutch Central Bank (Relation number: R193684). Zero Hash Europe Sp. Zoo is registered as a VASP by the Tax Administration Chamber of Poland in Katowice (Registration number RDWW – 1212).

Connect with Zero Hash

Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Medium

Zero Hash Contact
Shaun O’keeffe
(855) 744-7333
media@zerohash.com

Zero Hash Disclosures

Zero Hash services and product offerings, including the availability of certain chains/networks for supported stabletoken and crypto assets, may not be available in all jurisdictions. Zero Hash accounts are not subject to FDIC or SIPC protections, or any such equivalent protections that may exist outside of the US. Zero Hash’s technical support and enablement of any asset is not an endorsement of such asset and is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any crypto asset. The value of any cryptocurrency, including digital assets pegged to fiat currency, commodities, or any other asset, may go to zero. Zero Hash is not registered with the SEC or FINRA. Zero Hash does not provide any securities services and is not a custodian of securities, including security tokens, on behalf of customers.

The MIL Network –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Progress Recognized by Gartner® in the 2025 Magic Quadrant™ for Digital Experience Platforms for Fourth Consecutive Year
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Company’s Recognition Based on Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute

BURLINGTON, Mass., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Progress (Nasdaq: PRGS), the trusted provider of AI-powered digital experiences and infrastructure software, today announced its recognition in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Platforms¹. Progress was one of 17 vendors evaluated in this report and has been recognized for the fourth consecutive time.

“We believe Progress’ recognition again this year in the Magic Quadrant underscores our commitment to empowering organizations with modern, scalable and user-friendly solutions for solving both AI-powered digital experience and portal scenarios,” said Loren Jarrett, EVP & GM of Digital Experience at Progress. “We continue to focus on providing our customers with the best solutions to deliver compelling digital experiences with the flexibility and security they need to thrive in today’s competitive environment.”

View a complimentary copy of the Magic Quadrant report to learn more about Progress’ strengths here.

Progress’ Digital Experience (DX) portfolio enables organizations to rapidly build and deliver robust AI-powered digital experiences across websites, portals and applications. Designed to drive customer acquisition and retention, it provides innovative solutions that balance scalability with intuitive experiences for both practitioners and end users. By empowering teams to efficiently manage digital marketing and secure portal experiences, Progress is a preferred choice for mid-size organizations who are looking for a user-friendly alternative to larger, more complex platforms. A key component of this portfolio is Progress^® Sitefinity^® platform, which equips marketers with intuitive tools to create personalized digital experiences while making it easy for technical teams to build and manage these experiences.

Advancing Through Innovation
Progress has delivered significant innovations in the platform that enhance AI capabilities, strengthen security and streamline infrastructure management. Recent advancements include:
- Native Support for Next.js: Introducing support for Next.js, a leading React framework, enabling organizations to build modern, high-performance digital experiences that cater to developers’ needs.
- Generative AI-Powered Workflows: Sitefinity’s Integration Hub and Azure OpenAI services now enable organizations to integrate generative AI directly into content editor UIs, allowing marketers to optimize content creation with AI-powered tools.
- Advanced AI-Driven Journey Mapping: Enhancements such as AI-powered conversion propensity scoring, content classification and improved customer data modeling deliver higher ROI and greater productivity for marketing teams.
- Certified CDP Excellence: Sitefinity Insight has been recognized by the Customer Data Platform Institute as one of the strongest customer data platforms (CDPs) for content management and web applications, cementing its leadership in customer data management.
Gartner Disclaimer
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner 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. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and /or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

About Progress
Progress (Nasdaq: PRGS) empowers organizations to achieve transformational success in the face of disruptive change. Our software enables our customers to develop, deploy and manage responsible AI-powered applications and digital experiences with agility and ease. Customers get a trusted provider in Progress, with the products, expertise and vision they need to succeed. Over 4 million developers and technologists at hundreds of thousands of enterprises depend on Progress. Learn more at www.progress.com.

Progress, Sitefinity and Sitefinity Insight are trademarks or registered trademarks of Progress Software Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Any other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts:
Kim Baker
Progress
+1-800-477-6473
pr@progress.com

¹ Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Platforms, John Field, Irina Guseva, Varsha Mehta, Mike Lowndes, 28 January 2025

The MIL Network –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Isle of Wight joins government’s fast-track devolution programme 5 February 2025 Isle of Wight joins government’s fast-track devolution priority programme

Source: Aisle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has been included in the government’s fast-track plans for devolution.

The Isle of Wight Council, alongside Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council, received confirmation today (Wednesday) that their joint expression of interest in the government’s devolution priority programme has been accepted.

This acceptance marks a pivotal step towards the creation of a new mayoral strategic authority, aiming to transfer power and funding from Whitehall to the Solent and Hampshire region while enabling local councils to collaborate on strategic, region-wide issues.

The mayoral strategic authority will not replace local councils, but rather work closely with local authorities in the region to develop and deliver their plans with most of its focus on responsibilities which are currently held by Whitehall.

Councillor Phil Jordan, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: “Currently, central government and Whitehall departments make some key strategic decisions about policy and funding for the Island and the wider area.

“Devolution would shift more of these policy-making powers and additional funding to local authorities such as the Isle of Wight Council.

“This change is expected to provide greater local control over vital areas such as major transport infrastructure, and health services, giving residents more power to shape the things that are important to them and ensuring robust local accountability.”

As part of devolution proposals, a mayor would, subject to agreement and approval, be elected in the spring of 2026 to head up the new strategic combined authority. The mayor would promote the interests of the wider region to central government with the aim of driving local economic growth.

The government is due to launch a public consultation in the spring to gather residents’ views on the plans. Any devolution deal would then undergo scrutiny and approval by Isle of Wight councillors.

To facilitate devolution, the government has agreed to defer this year’s Isle of Wight Council elections by 12 months. However, this postponement is contingent on the necessary legislative changes being laid down and approved.

The government has not yet confirmed arrangements in relation to town, parish, and community council elections.

Councillor Jordan added: “Given the pressing deadlines, this decision by government is understandable and provides us with the necessary time and capacity to focus intently on this critical work.

“By collaborating across political parties and engaging with local communities, we can ensure we secure the best possible outcomes for our residents.”

He added: “The devolution proposal is incredibly promising, with the potential to deliver significant advantages to local residents and businesses.

“It offers a unique opportunity to tailor decisions to local needs and priorities. This would enable us to shape our own future while potentially attracting significant funding to improve quality of life and promote business growth.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan Nationals Charged for Alleged Possession of Firearms Following IH-35 Road Rage Complaint

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

WACO, Texas – Two Guatemalan nationals were arrested in Waco on criminal charges related to their alleged aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm as undocumented noncitizens.

According to court documents, Anderson Morales-Calderon and Ever Morales-Calderon were subjected to a traffic stop on Jan. 24, by officers from the Troy Police Department (TPD) and Lorena Police Department (LPD) as response to a road rage complaint called into 911. The 911 caller alleged that an individual pointed a rifle at a semi-truck on IH-35. During the traffic stop, officers observed two air rifles and one .22 rifle in plain view in the back seat and on the back floorboard of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that both Anderson and Ever Morales-Calderon were unlawfully present in the United States.

The two defendants were in federal court in Austin Tuesday for their initial appearances. If convicted, they each face up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are investigating the case with the assistance of the TPD and LPD.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Smith-Burris is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

MIL Security OSI –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Mass influxes of wounded patients arrive at hospitals across Sudan as “war on people” continues
Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –
MSF teams have responded to mass casualty events in three areas in Sudan in the last few days.

These deplorable attacks on people show how little respect is being given towards civilian life.

We are urging the warring parties to protect civilian life.
Port Sudan – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams in three different parts of Sudan – Khartoum, North Darfur, and South Darfur states – treated mass influxes of war-wounded patients in the last few days. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues, with little respect shown for civilian life.

On 4 February in Nyala, South Darfur, 21 injured patients were brought to the MSF-supported Nyala Teaching hospital after airstrikes by the SAF hit a peanut oil factory, with reports of 25 people killed. On 3 February, airstrikes hit residential areas of Nyala, destroying civilian houses. The airstrikes took place in the afternoon when many people were around. Thirty-two people were reportedly killed and dozens injured, with many patients brought to the Nyala Teaching hospital.

An MSF doctor was working in the hospital when the airstrikes took place.

“The bombing was near the hospital. We felt the building shaking. Once I went to the emergency room the situation was horrible,” they say. “Blood was everywhere, some patients were suffering from fractures, some had limbs amputated. While I was going around the ER, I saw two children. One was four years old; the other was two years old. Their aunt told us that this child had lost three of her siblings and her mother had died, and only her older brother and father survived because they were at work.”

Civilians have also been killed in El Fasher, North Darfur state, the scene of fierce clashes in recent months. Over the last few days MSF teams have been treating wounded civilians in Zamzam camp after escalating heavy fighting between the RSF and SAF and their Joint Forces allies resulted in scores of casualties. On 2 February, the MSF field hospital in Zamzam camp received 21 wounded patients, more than half of whom were children, who had been injured while fleeing Shagra, a village in El Fasher locality.

MSF’s field hospital in Zamzam is for paediatric and maternal healthcare and not equipped to handle trauma injuries requiring surgery. The only remaining surgical services were a few kilometres away, yet people were unable to use the road between Zamzam and El Fasher due to the ongoing fighting and shifting frontlines.

Patients in critical condition were trapped in Zamzam camp with no access to lifesaving care. Four patients were among the wounded who passed away, five patients were successfully referred to El Fasher on 3 February, where Saudi hospital remains somewhat functional despite relentless attacks, with a recent bombing of the facility on 24 January reportedly killing 70 people.

Thousands of people fleeing from Shagra have arrived in Zamzam in recent days, leaving everything behind in desperate search of safety. They have told our teams of horrific violence in the area. About 60 families from Shagra also reached Tawila, where MSF runs an emergency programme providing emergency, nutritional, paediatric, and maternal healthcare. They told MSF teams that people were robbed and attacked as they fled along the road.

Violence has also intensified in Khartoum state since the beginning of February. On 4 February, during RSF shelling of Omdurman there were explosions within 100 metres of the MSF-supported Al Nao hospital. The Ministry of Health reported that 38 people were injured and six people were killed, including a volunteer from the Al Nao initiative, in which people volunteer to assist in running the hospital.

This is the second time medics working at the hospital have responded to a mass influx of wounded patients in recent days. On 1 February, an RSF attack on a market on killed 54 people, according to the Ministry of Health. Since the war in Sudan started Al Nao hospital has been hit by explosions three times; in August 2023, October 2023 and June 2024.

“The violence that the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces are inflicting on civilians right across Sudan is tragic and appalling,” says Ozan Agbas, MSF’s emergency manager. “The violence continues ruining lives, making it harder for people to access healthcare and putting healthcare workers at risk. We urge the warring parties to protect civilian life and spare them from this war on people.”

You could also be interested in

Conflict in Sudan

MSF renews call for immediate action to prevent death and starvation in Sudan

Press Release 3 Feb 2025

Conflict in Sudan

Sudan: MSF condemns Omdurman market attack

Statement 1 Feb 2025

Conflict in Sudan

MSF denounces violent attacks leading to suspension of activities at key Khartoum hospital

Press Release 10 Jan 2025
MIL OSI NGO –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mississippi Man Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Federal Prison After Being Convicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

JONESBORO—Robert Wilburn, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 100 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Lee P. Rudofsky.

On March 15, 2022, deputies from the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle that was stopped on the side of the road. Deputies located Wilburn asleep behind the wheel of the vehicle. While attempting to wake Wilburn, deputies noticed the smell of intoxicants and marijuana in the vehicle. After repeated attempts, deputies were finally able to wake Wilburn, whose speech was incoherent. Deputies removed Wilburn from the vehicle and placed him in handcuffs. During a search of Wilburn’s vehicle, deputies located in plain view next to the center console a Glock 43, 9mm firearm that contained a loaded magazine and one round in the chamber. In the center console, deputies located a box of 9mm ammunition that matched the ammunition found inside of the firearm. Deputies also located a second magazine in the glovebox. Deputies found an open beer can in the center cup holder that was cold to the touch and a small amount of marijuana in the pocket of the driver’s side door.

On February 9, 2023, Wilburn, 32, of Inverness, Mississippi, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On August 21, 2024, a jury found Wilburn guilty after a two-day jury trial conducted in the Jonesboro federal courthouse.

Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Wilburn to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin O’Leary and Katie Hinojosa.

# # #

Additional information about the office of the

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

https://www.justice.gov/edar

X (formerly known as Twitter):

@USAO_EDAR

MIL Security OSI –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: President and CEO Dana Erickson Announces New Structure to Senior Leadership Team at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

EAGAN, Minn., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dana Erickson, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), has announced a revised structure and a new addition to her senior leadership team. The changes have two established Blue Cross senior team members, Chris Fanning and Carey Smith, taking on expanded responsibilities in their respective fields of market portfolio growth and technology. Additionally, accomplished healthcare leader David Im is joining the organization as Chief Operating Officer.

“These changes to our senior leadership team build upon Blue Cross’ market-leading strengths while creating new opportunities to grow in ways that will further sharpen our customer focus,” said Erickson. “As an organization, Blue Cross has been a champion of providing affordable and accessible healthcare for more than 90 years. The depth of talent, experience and vision across our leaders have us in a great position to continue our journey to a century of serving Minnesota.”

Details behind changes to the Blue Cross senior leadership team include the following:

Chris Fanning, Chief Growth Officer

Fanning joined Blue Cross in 2020 to lead the company’s portfolio of health plans across commercial market clients based in Minnesota, with members located in all 50 states. Now as Chief Growth Officer, Fanning will lead plans and identify opportunities for additional membership across all lines of business, including innovative health plan company Coupe Health.

In his expanded role as Chief Growth Officer, Fanning has accountability for client and membership retention, acquisition and financial performance for both commercial and government markets within the state (including Medicare and Medicaid), as well as Minnesota-based membership within the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Plan. His extensive experience in healthcare includes sales and marketing leadership positions at major health insurers based in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Michigan.

Carey Smith, President of Xcelerate Health

Smith, who has been a member of the Blue Cross senior leadership team since 2022, will focus on developing and implementing technology products and services as president of a newly established business unit called Xcelerate Health. Currently in the early stages of development, Xcelerate Health will be structured and staffed to drive innovation and enhanced capabilities across the healthcare market. At the same time, Smith will continue to have strategic oversight of Blue Cross’ technology architecture and integration under the title of Chief Technology and Innovation Officer.

For more than three decades, Smith has built and delivered modernized and proficient IT solutions that drove transformational change at numerous companies across the insurance, financial services, and manufacturing industries. He first worked for Blue Cross from 2012 to 2017 as an information technology (IT) leader.

David Im, Chief Operating Officer

David Im is joining Blue Cross as the newest member of Dana Erickson’s senior leadership team. Starting on February 10, Im will be responsible for operational direction and systems oversight of claims, customer service, clinical operations, vendor management, payment integrity, and provider operations.

Im has more than two decades of strategic and operational leadership experience in healthcare. Prior to joining Blue Cross, he was with Centene Corporation in the role of Corporate Vice President of Business Operations, overseeing enrollment, eligibility, member billing, and fulfillment services for 26 million members. His career path also includes tenures at Integra ServiceConnect, Magellan Health, OptumHealth, and Boston Scientific.

Im is a graduate of West Point and served 11 years in the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard in various leadership positions, attaining the rank of Major. He spent a total of 40 months on operational and training deployments overseas.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
For more than 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (bluecrossmn.com) has supported the health, wellbeing and peace of mind of our members by striving to ensure equitable access to high quality care at an affordable price. Our more than 2.5 million members can be found in every Minnesota county, all 50 states and on four continents. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jim McManus | 651.662.2882
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Jim.McManus@bluecrossmn.com

The MIL Network –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Annual general meeting of Ringkjøbing Landbobank A/S
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Nasdaq Copenhagen
London Stock Exchange
Euronext Dublin
Other stakeholders

Date 5 February 2025

Annual general meeting of Ringkjøbing Landbobank A/S

The bank will hold its annual general meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 5 March 2025 at the ROFI Centre, Kirkevej 26, Rindum, 6950 Ringkøbing, Denmark.

Agenda as per the bank’s articles of association:

1. Election of chairperson

The board of directors proposes that Allan Østergaard Sørensen, attorney-at-law, chair the general meeting.

2. The board’s report on the bank’s activities in the previous year

The board of directors proposes that the board’s report on the bank’s activities in the previous year be adopted.

3. Presentation of the annual report for approval

The board of directors proposes that the annual report for 2024 be approved.

Further reference is made to the published annual report for 2024.

4. Decision on allocation of profit or covering of loss under the approved annual report

The board of directors proposes that the distribution of profit be approved.

Further reference is made to the published annual report for 2024.

5. Consultative vote on the remuneration report

The board of directors proposes that the remuneration report for 2024 be approved.

Further reference is made to the published remuneration report for 2024.

6. Approval of the remuneration of the board of directors for the current financial year

The shareholders’ committee and the board of directors propose that the remuneration of the board of directors for the current financial year be approved.

Further reference is made to the full proposals.

7. Remuneration policy

The board of directors proposes that the updated remuneration policy be approved.

Further reference is made to the full proposals.

8. Election of members to the shareholders’ committee

In accordance with the decision made by the bank’s annual general meeting held on 28 February 2024, the following members of the shareholders’ committee, whose terms of office end in 2025 and 2026, are resigning: Mette Bundgaard, Per Lykkegaard Christensen, Ole Kirkegård Erlandsen, Thomas Sindberg Hansen, Tonny Hansen, Kim Jacobsen, Morten Jensen, Kasper Lykke Kjeldsen, Lotte Littau Kjærgaard, Niels Erik Burgdorf Madsen, Martin Krogh Pedersen, Poul Kjær Poulsgaard, Kristian Skannerup, Allan Østergaard Sørensen, Jørgen Kolle Sørensen, Sten Uggerhøj, Lasse Svoldgaard Vesterby and Christina Ørskov.

In addition, Lars Møller and Yvonne Skagen must retire from the shareholders’ committee due to the age requirement in the articles of association.

The shareholders’ committee and the board of directors propose re-election of the following members, whose terms of office end in 2025 and 2026:
- Mette Bundgaard, police superintendent, No, born 1966
- Per Lykkegaard Christensen, farmer, Hjallerup, born 1959
- Ole Kirkegård Erlandsen, butcher, Snejbjerg, born 1962
- Thomas Sindberg Hansen, grocer, Kloster, born 1978
- Tonny Hansen, former college principal, Ringkøbing, born 1958
- Kim Jacobsen, manager, Aalborg, born 1969
- Morten Jensen, attorney-at-law (Supreme Court), Dronninglund, born 1961
- Kasper Lykke Kjeldsen, timber merchant, Højbjerg, born 1981
- Lotte Littau Kjærgaard, manager, Holstebro, born 1969
- Niels Erik Burgdorf Madsen, manager, Ølgod, born 1959
- Martin Krogh Pedersen, CEO, Ringkøbing, born 1967
- Poul Kjær Poulsgaard, farmer, Madum, born 1974
- Kristian Skannerup, manufacturer, Tim, born 1959
- Allan Østergaard Sørensen, attorney-at-law (High Court), Ringkøbing, born 1982
- Jørgen Kolle Sørensen, sales representative and branch manager, Hvide Sande, born 1970
- Sten Uggerhøj, car dealer, Frederikshavn, born 1959
- Lasse Svoldgaard Vesterby, manager, Ringkøbing, born 1978
- Christina Ørskov, manager, Gærum, born 1969
The shareholders’ committee and the board of directors propose the following for election:
- Rasmus Alstrup, farmer, Videbæk, born 1985
- Rikke Ahnfeldt Kjær, CFO, Gistrup, born 1980
- Pia Stevnhøj Sommer, sales director, Lind, born 1979
In recruiting and proposing candidates for the shareholders’ committee (election and re-election), the committee and board of directors have focused on ensuring a diverse committee membership in terms of business experience, professional qualifications and expertise, gender, age etc.

9. Election of one or more auditors

In accordance with the audit committee’s recommendation, the shareholders’ committee and the board of directors propose that PricewaterhouseCoopers, Statsautoriseret Revisionspartner-selskab be re-elected as external auditor and sustainability auditor.

Further reference is made to the full proposals.

10. Authorisation for the board of directors to permit the bank to acquire its own shares

The board of directors proposes that it be granted authorisation to permit the bank to acquire its own shares, in accordance with current legislation, until the next annual general meeting, to a total nominal value of ten percent (10%) of the share capital, such that the shares can be acquired at current market price plus or minus ten percent (+/-10%) at the time of acquisition.
Further reference is made to the full proposals.

11. Any proposals from the board of directors, the shareholders’ committee or shareholders

11.a. Proposed amendments to the articles of association

The shareholders’ committee and the board of directors propose the following amendments to the articles of association:

Art. 2a-2b:
It is proposed that the authorisations in articles 2a and 2b be extended to 4 March 2030.
If the proposal is approved, the wording of articles 2a and 2b of the bank’s articles of association will be changed to the following:

Art. 2a:
“The general meeting has decided to authorise the board of directors to increase the share capital in one or more rounds by up to nom. DKK 5,341,347 with right of pre-emption for the bank’s existing shareholders. The capital increase shall be fully paid up in cash. The capital increase may be below the market price. This authorisation shall apply until 4 March 2030.”

Art. 2b:
“The general meeting has decided to authorise the board of directors to increase the share capital in one or more rounds by up to nom. DKK 2,670,673 without right of pre-emption for the bank’s existing shareholders. The capital increase may be by cash payment or contribution of an existing company or specific asset values corresponding to the value of the shares issued. The capital increase shall be fully paid up at the market price ascertained by the board of directors. This authorisation shall apply until 4 March 2030.”

The background to the proposal is that the board of directors wants to ensure continued flexibility regarding the granting of authorisations to the board of directors.

The proposed amendments to the articles of association are also given in the full proposals to which we refer and which are available on the bank’s website, www.landbobanken.com.

11.b. Proposal to reduce the bank’s share capital by nom. DKK 1,315,042 by cancellation of its own shares

The board of directors proposes a reduction in the bank’s share capital from nom. DKK 26,706,739 to nom. DKK 25,391,697 by cancellation of 1,315,042 nom. DKK 1 shares from the bank’s holding of its own shares of a nominal value of DKK 1,315,042.

Please note that, in accordance with section 188(1) of the Danish Companies Act, the purpose of the reduction in the bank’s share capital is payment to shareholders. The amount of the reduction has been used as payment to shareholders for shares acquired by the bank under the authorisation previously granted to the board of directors by the general meeting.

The share capital will consequently be reduced by nom. DKK 1,315,042 and the bank’s holding of its own shares will be reduced by 1,315,042 nom. DKK 1 shares. Please note that, in accordance with section 188(2) of the Danish Companies Act, the shares in question were acquired for a total sum of DKK 1,524,948,149. This means that, apart from the reduction in nominal capital, DKK 1,523,633,107 has been paid to shareholders.

The purpose of the board of directors’ proposed reduction of the share capital is to maintain flexibility in the bank’s capital structure.

If the proposal is adopted, the following changes will be made to articles 2, 2a, 2b and 2c of the articles of association:
Art. 2: The amount of “26,706,739” will be changed to “25,391,697”, Art. 2a: The amount of “5,341,347” will be changed to “5,078,339”, Art. 2b: The amount of “2,670,673” will be changed to “2,539,169”, and Art. 2c: The amount of “5,341,347” will be changed to “5,078,339”.

11.c. Proposed authorisation for the board of directors or its appointee

The board of directors proposes that the board of directors, or its appointee, be authorised to report the decisions which have been adopted at the general meeting for registration and to make such changes to the documents submitted to the Danish Business Authority as the Authority may require or find appropriate in connection with registration of the decisions of the general meeting.

11.d. Proposal from a shareholder

Proposal from shareholder Poul Aksel Andersen, Hobro:

Reason for the proposal:
The minutes of the 2024 annual general meeting state that: “In recruiting and proposing candidates for the shareholders’ committee (election and re-election), the committee and board of directors have focused on ensuring a diverse committee membership in terms of business experience, professional qualifications and expertise, gender, age etc.”

Despite this, it is evident from the minutes that all of the elected members of the shareholders’ committee in 2024 were in leading positions. The shareholders’ committee is therefore hardly representative of the bank’s shareholders or customers in terms of business experience, professional qualifications or expertise.

Proposal:
It is proposed, that Ringkjøbing Landbobank’s work of recruiting and proposing of candidates in the future should focus on making the composition of the shareholders’ committee representative of the bank’s shareholders and customers; that the bank should make the process of admitting committee members transparent for all shareholders who might be interested in joining the shareholders’ committee; and that the bank’s work should focus specifically on ensuring that at least 25% of the members of the shareholders’ committee are employees without responsibilities for managing other staff.

The board of directors’ recommendation regarding the proposal:

The members of the bank’s board of directors are elected by the shareholders’ committee. Six of the eight current board members elected by the shareholders’ committee came from the membership of the shareholders’ committee. The shareholders’ committee is thus a recruitment channel for the board of directors. It is relevant, therefore, that the members of the shareholders’ committee possess the right competences for onward recruitment to the board of directors. In addition, the authorities nowadays impose a number of requirements on serving members of boards of directors of financial undertakings, including in relation to their competences, and there are also requirements regarding the collective competences of the plenary board of directors.

The board of directors, the board of directors’ nomination committee and the shareholders’ committee are already working to promote diversity in the shareholders’ committee.

The board of directors does not consider it appropriate to tie the board of directors’ nomination committee, the board of directors and the shareholders’ committee to a specific framework in future recruitment processes for nominations of candidates to the shareholders’ committee.

For the above reasons, the board of directors does not support the proposal.

Validity requirements for resolutions

The proposals under items 11.a. and 11.b. of the agenda require adoption by at least two-thirds (2/3) both of votes cast and of the share capital with voting rights represented at the general meeting. Other proposals can be adopted by simple majority vote, except item 5 on the agenda which is a consultative vote.

Amount of share capital and the shareholders’ voting rights and date of registration – the right to attend and vote at the general meeting

Please note that the amount of the share capital is nom. DKK 26,706,739 consisting of 26,706,739 nom. DKK 1 shares.

As for shareholders’ voting rights, each share of nom. DKK 1 carries one (1) vote when the share is recorded in the company’s share register, or when the shareholder has reported and documented their right. However, a shareholder may cast no more than 3,000 votes.

The right to attend and vote at the general meeting may only be exercised by shareholders who, by 11:59 p.m. on the date of registration, Wednesday, 26 February 2025, are listed as shareholders in the register of shareholders or have submitted a request to the bank, which the bank has received by that deadline, for inclusion in the register of shareholders.

Registration for the general meeting, questions and admission cards

Registration for the general meeting can be made
- by contacting Euronext Securities A/S by phone +45 4358 8866 or email to CPH-investor@euronext.com or
- by contacting one of the bank’s branches.
In accordance with the bank’s articles of association, the deadline for registering for the general meeting is 11:59 p.m. on Friday 28 February 2025, after which admission cards for the general meeting can no longer be ordered.

Shareholders or proxies may be accompanied by an adviser, provided the adviser’s attendance has been notified on time.

Shareholders may ask questions in writing about the agenda items or the bank’s position in general, to be answered at the general meeting. Questions may be sent by letter to Ringkjøbing Landbobank A/S, for the attention of: General Management, Torvet 1, 6950 Ringkøbing, Denmark, or by email to regnskab@landbobanken.dk.

Voting

Shareholders may attend and vote in person or by proxy at the general meeting. Postal voting is also possible before the general meeting.

Shareholders may grant proxy to the bank’s board of directors or a third party by 11:59 p.m. on Friday 28 February 2025. The proxy may be issued electronically on InvestorPortal at Euronext Securities, via the bank’s website www.landbobanken.com or in writing on a proxy form which is available from the bank’s branches.

If a written proxy is used, it must be completed and signed, and received at the bank by the above deadline, i.e. 11:59 p.m. on Friday 28 February 2025.

The proxy may be sent by post for the attention of: Accounts Department, Ringkjøbing Landbobank A/S, Torvet 1, 6950 Ringkøbing, Denmark, by email to regnskab@landbobanken.dk or by fax to +45 7624 4913.

Shareholders may also send a postal vote before the general meeting.

Postal votes may be cast electronically on InvestorPortal at Euronext Securities, via the bank’s website www.landbobanken.com or in writing on a postal vote form which is available from the bank’s branches.

If a postal vote is cast, the ballot paper must be returned for the attention of: Accounts Department, Ringkjøbing Landbobank A/S, Torvet 1, 6950 Ringkøbing, Denmark, by email to regnskab@landbobanken.dk or by fax to +45 7624 4913.

Electronic postal votes must be cast by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, by which time a postal ballot paper must also be received by the bank.

Exercising financial rights

Ringkjøbing Landbobank’s shareholders can choose Ringkjøbing Landbobank A/S as the account-holding institution for the purpose of exercising the financial rights through Ringkjøbing Landbobank A/S.

Further information

The annual report, agenda and full proposals with the proposed amendments to the articles of association, the remuneration report, other documents under section 99(1) of the Danish Companies Act and information on the collection and processing of personal data in connection with the annual general meeting will be published on the bank’s website www.landbobanken.com and made available for inspection by shareholders on Wednesday, 5 February 2025.

Recording and webcast

The general meeting will be recorded and the recording will subsequently be uploaded to the bank’s website, www.landbobanken.com.

The general meeting will also be webcast via the bank’s website, www.landbobanken.com and can be viewed by everyone. It will not be possible to ask questions or vote via the webcast.

Personal data

For details on the bank’s processing of personal data in respect of general meetings, please see Ringkjøbing Landbobank’s privacy policy for shareholders etc., which is available on the bank’s website, www.landbobanken.com.

Dividend

Any dividend is expected to be available in shareholders’ return accounts on 10 March 2025.

Yours sincerely

Ringkjøbing Landbobank

On behalf of the board of directors

Martin Krogh Pedersen
Chair of the board of directors

Attachment
- Indkaldelse ordinær generalforsamling 2025 – EN endelig
The MIL Network –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: This We’ll Defend: Honoring 250 Years of Army Legacy

Source: US Army (video statements)

: Sgt Joshua Lightfoot, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

For 250 years, America’s Army has served and defended the people of the United States, the American way of life, and our nation. From the Revolutionary War to modern-day missions, the Army’s motto “This We’ll Defend” remains a timeless reminder of its purpose. As the Army looks to the future, it draws inspiration from its rich history, empowering individuals to realize their full potential and embody the values of strength, honor, and commitment.

About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Army250

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjLgLG8KVCQ

MIL OSI Video –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Firms which took customers’ deposits but didn’t fit their kitchens are shut down following phoenix concerns
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Insolvency Service investigations found the Manchester-based companies took upfront payments from more than 20 customers, but there is no evidence they installed the kitchens as promised
Customers complained they did not receive the kitchens they had paid deposits for to Smart Choice Kitchens Limited and Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms Limited

A phoenix company, Connect Kitchens Limited, was suspected of being set up to continue the same operation

The three companies, connected by a shared director, were shut down in court following investigations by the Insolvency Service

A group of linked kitchen design and fitting companies based in Manchester have been shut down after taking upfront payments from more than 20 customers for products they did not provide.

Smart Choice Kitchens Limited, Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms Limited, and Connect Kitchens Limited were all wound-up at a hearing of the High Court in Manchester on Tuesday 4 February following an investigation by the Insolvency Service into their business practices which also identified a pattern of phoenixism.

The companies encouraged customers to make payments before the kitchens were delivered and installed.

They then failed to supply the kitchens and customers were left unable to obtain refunds.

A total of 21 customers complained to Action Fraud about the actions of Smart Choice Kitchens and Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms. Combined, the complainants had paid deposits of more than £50,000 to the two companies.

The victims all said that after paying a deposit, they were then falsely informed that the companies had gone into liquidation, or “went bankrupt”.

Insolvency Service investigators were also concerned that Connect Kitchens was acting as a successor company to Smart Choice Kitchens and Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms, putting consumers at risk of losing further sums of money due to phoenixism.

David Hope, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

Our investigations into Smart Choice Kitchens and Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms concluded that they were taking money from customers for kitchens they never had any intention of fitting. The victims found out about the companies through Facebook or Google and were then treated in very similar ways, losing hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

We were concerned that Connect Kitchens was a phoenix company created to continue the same operation. Our concerns only increased when our investigations uncovered three previous companies run by the same director and her associate, all of which appeared to use the same objectionable and dishonest trading practices.

Phoenix companies being set up with the sole purpose of causing clear financial harm to the public will not be tolerated by the Insolvency Service.

Stopping these companies from trading will protect potential future victims, disrupt suspected fraudulent activity, and act as a deterrent to others considering a similar business model.

Smart Choice Kitchens, Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms, and Connect Kitchens were all established between November 2022 and July 2023.

The three companies shared a director, known as Toni Amana or Toni Amana Warrington.

Connect Kitchens appointed a second director in October 2024 but Warrington remained the sole person with significant control over the company.

Warrington and a known associate of hers were directors of three other companies which operated a similar business model to Smart Choice Kitchens, Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms, and Connect Kitchens.

Those three companies, Your Style Kitchens Ltd, Your Style Kitchens & Bathrooms Ltd, and Designer Kitchens and Bathrooms Limited, all stopped trading and were struck-off the Companies House register in August 2023, October 2023, and January 2024.

Bank statements obtained by the Insolvency Service for Smart Choice Kitchens and Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms revealed that the majority of payments were made to Warrington’s associate.

Warrington also failed to co-operate with the Insolvency Service’s investigations.

No accounting records were produced for any of the three companies and both Smart Choice Kitchens and Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms did not file accounts at Companies House on time.

The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of Smart Choice Kitchens Limited, Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms Limited, and Connect Kitchens Limited.

All enquiries concerning the affairs of the three companies should be made to the Official Receiver of the Public Interest Unit: 16th Floor, 1 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1HZ. Email: piu.or@insolvency.gov.uk.

Further information

Smart Choice Kitchens Limited (company number 14705893)

Empire Kitchens and Bathrooms Limited (company number 14465268)

Connect Kitchens Limited (company number 15023857)

The Insolvency Service can investigate complaints about corporate abuse by live companies. This may include serious misconduct, fraud, scams or dishonest practice in the way the company operates. Further information on our live investigations can be found here

Information on phoenix companies and the role of the Insolvency Service can be found here

Further information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct, is available here.

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Updates to this page

Published 5 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on fire at Mount Edgcumbe

Source: City of Plymouth

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park has been closed to all visitors today (Wednesday) following a fire at the Barrow Centre yesterday evening.

Two flats and two holiday lets at the Centre have been seriously damaged by the fire, which was put out by crews from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service assisted by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, who are still on site this morning.

The Barrow Centre was evacuated as soon as the fire was discovered and fortunately no one was injured.

Other sections of the Barrow Centre housing businesses and flats are now being assessed. Mount Edgcumbe House itself has not been impacted.

Sadly, those living in the damaged flats have lost their personal belongings. They were provided with temporary accommodation elsewhere in the park last night.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

The buildings will now be assessed by structural engineers and the area around the Barrow Centre made safe and cordoned off.

The park is expected to reopen tomorrow and an update on when businesses in the Barrow Centre can re-open will be provided once all the assessments have been completed.

The Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park team is contacting anyone who have any upcoming events or bookings that may be affected by the fire.

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is jointly owned and managed by Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council.

Plymouth councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Joint chair of the Mount Edgcumbe Joint Committee, said: “Everyone here is obviously devastated by the damage caused to the properties on the estate and our sympathies are with the families who have lost their possessions and the affected business owners. We will be supporting those families and the affected businesses however we can.

“We are very thankful no one was injured by the fire and will leave it to the fire service to investigate its cause and how it spread. We are grateful for the efforts of the fire crews throughout the night.

“Our priority is to support the families affected and to make the area safe so we can reopen the park and help the businesses resume their operations as soon as possible.”

Cornwall councillor Kate Ewert, Joint chair of the Mount Edgcumbe Joint Committee, said: “The fire is devastating for everyone involved and I know there is a sense of shock amongst those who live and work here but we can be thankful that no one has been hurt. The fire service did an incredible job in getting to the site quickly and protecting the remainder of the property.

“Our thoughts are with those who have lost all their possessions and I know the community is keen to pull together and provide support in whatever way it can. We will all be working together to help those impacted by this to get the Barrow Centre back up and running as soon possible.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 6, 2025

Category: KB

To date, the investigation has included:

Strategy of distraction

Complicated relationship with Ukraine

Trump/Putin relationship

The new art of the deal?

MSF renews call for immediate action to prevent death and starvation in Sudan

Sudan: MSF condemns Omdurman market attack

MSF denounces violent attacks leading to suspension of activities at key Khartoum hospital

Further information

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