NewzIntel.com

Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – ETS: Measures to protect the maritime transport sector and Europe’s islands – E-002754/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    All sectors, including maritime transport, need to contribute to the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a key policy to achieve this objective.

    The economic and social impacts due to the ETS extension to maritime transport were looked at in the impact assessment[1] that accompanied the legislative proposal in 2021.

    Regarding costs, the analysis showed that the estimated impact on commodity prices relevant to European trade was expected to be relatively small (less than one percent price increase by 2030), with a very low effect on demand.

    The Commission acknowledges the specific challenges faced by islands. The EU ETS contains derogations allowing Member States to exempt from ETS surrendering obligations until end-2030, voyages by passenger vessels between islands with fewer than 200 000 residents and other ports in the same Member State.

    Furthermore, in case of transnational public service contracts established by two Member States, one having no land border with another Member State and the other being the closest, shipping companies do not need to surrender allowances if the Member States decide to exempt such a line.

    The Commission will monitor and report biennially on the implementation of the ETS extension to shipping. These reports will analyse possible transport cost increases and impacts on shipping services that constitute essential services of territorial continuity.

    The first report will be published in March 2025. If appropriate, the Commission will propose measures to ensure the effective implementation of the system.

    Member States can also decide to use their ETS revenues to further encourage the decarbonisation of the maritime sector and may benefit projects connecting islands.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD:2021:0601:FIN
    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement on agriculture, the economy and European consumers – E-002629/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The potential agreement with the Mercosur represents a key geostrategic and economic interest for the EU. This is all the more true under the current global context, in which geopolitical tensions among the different world powers risk to undermine EU exports, and hence the EU economy.

    As regards the agri-food sector, it should be recalled that the EU is the largest global exporter, with EUR 229 billion exports and a trade surplus of EUR 70 billion in 2023.

    The agreement will create new opportunities for the products of EU farmers in the highly protected Mercosur markets, by eliminating duties on key EU products, such as wine and other beverages, dairy products, olive oil and high-value processed products. Moreover, the agreement protects some 350 European geographical indications.

    Furthermore, trade concessions for sensitive agricultural products are granted under the form of carefully calibrated tariff rate quotas, limited to a very small share of EU consumption. Economic studies carried out by the Commission confirm that the market impact of the Mercosur agreement for EU sensitive products would be very limited[1].

    The agreement also provides for safeguards in case of any adverse market effects, covering all products, even those not fully liberalised.

    Finally, the agreement will have no impact on health standards or consumers’ rights of EU citizens. Imported products, from Mercosur or from anywhere else , will always have to comply with the high EU health and sanitary standards , including with EU requirements concerning consumer information and traceability.

    Such requirements are not negotiable, under any trade agreement.

    • [1] Sustainability Impact Assessment in support of the Association Agreement negotiations between the EU and Mercosur: https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/analysis-and-assessment/sustainability-impact-assessments_en; Cumulative economic impact of upcoming trade agreements on EU agriculture: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC135540; Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment for Ireland of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1c8a6-economic-and-sustainability-impact-assessment-for-ireland-of-the-eu-mercosur-trade-agreement/

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – E-002709/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to ensuing effective implementation of the transparency obligations in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act[1].

    According to Article 53(1)(d) AI Act, providers of general-purpose AI models must make publicly available a sufficiently detailed summary about the content used to train their models, according to a template provided by the EU AI Office.

    The Commission has started working on this template based on the objectives and the requirements defined in the AI Act. Recital 107 AI Act requires the template to be simple, effective, and allow the providers to provide the required summary in a narrative form.

    It also emphasises the need for the summary to be generally comprehensive in its scope rather than technically detailed. The summary should facilitate parties with legitimate interests, including rightholders, to exercise and enforce their rights under EU law, while taking into due account the need to protect trade secrets and confidential business information.

    Trade secrets are critical determinants for the competitiveness of EU providers of general-purpose AI models and should be considered when determining the granularity of the information. At the same time, the summary should provide sufficient details and meaningful public transparency to achieve its objectives.

    To further inform the work on the template, the Commission has launched a consultation[2] and collected contributions from a diverse range of stakeholders.

    Based on this input, the EU AI Office is now preparing a proposal for the template with first ideas presented to the participants in the Code of Practice process[3].

    This inclusive process will allow the AI Office to finalise the template and take into account stakeholders’ input before its adoption.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act) (Text with EEA relevance), PE/24/2024/REV/1, OJ L, 2024/1689, 12.7.2024.
    • [2] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-launches-consultation-code-practice-general-purpose-artificial-intelligence
    • [3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/ai-code-practice

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – BUDG-ECON – 36th Working Group on scrutinizing the Recovery and Resilience Facility – Committee on Budgets

    Source: European Parliament

    © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    On 4 March 2025, the Working Group on the Scrutiny of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) will hold its first meeting of the 10th parliamentary term. Discussions will focus on the ‘State of play of the RRF: economic and social impact and RRF budgetary execution’.

    The following speakers have been invited to contribute to the debate: Céline Gauer (Director General and Head of the Reform and Investment Task Force, European Commission), Ettore Dorrucci (Head of Division for Fiscal Policies, ECB), Zsolt Darvas (Senior Fellow, Bruegel) and Marco Cilento, (Head of Institutional Policy, European Trade Union Confederation).
    The meeting will be webstreamed.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Thailand – E-000104/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission is closely monitoring the current revision of the 2015 fisheries legislation. On several occasions, Thailand has been made aware that any substantive relaxation of the current rules in place to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing would not be acceptable and that the EU is reserving its right to consider adopting measures as foreseen by EU Council Regulation No 1005/2008[1] (IUU Regulation), if necessary. On social conditions, the Forced Labour Regulation[2] will empower the EU to prohibit and remove a product from the single market if it is demonstrated to involve forced labour. The directive on corporate sustainability due diligence[3] will also ensure that businesses address in their value chains, inside and outside Europe, any adverse impacts of their actions as regards human rights, labour rights and environmental considerations.

    2. In the negotiating rounds held so far on a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Thailand, the treatment of individual products has not yet been discussed. Discussions will start in the coming months and will include consultations with relevant stakeholders. Economically sensitive sectors are subject to specific modalities for market access which aim at preventing any market disturbances. As the negotiations enter a more advanced stage, a Sustainability Impact Assessment will be carried out in order to provide an in-depth analysis of their potential economic, social, human rights, and environmental impacts.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1005/oj/eng
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3015/oj/eng
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1760/oj
    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Ecobank Group expands its gender-financing offer to facilitate access to financing for Africa’s women entrepreneurs

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

    LOMÉ, Togo, March 3, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • Ellevate by Ecobank expands to become bigger, better and more inclusive.
    • From supporting corporate businesswomen, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs to individual entrepreneurs, and those in the informal sector.

    ​To bridge the gender financing gap for Africa’s women entrepreneurs, Ecobank (www.Ecobank.com), the leading pan-African financial services group, announces significant enhancements to its multi-award-winning gender-financing solution – ‘Ellevate by Ecobank’. These improvements strengthen Ecobank’s commitment to women-owned, women-led, and women-focused businesses, while reinforcing its market competitiveness.

    The World Bank estimates that closing the gender gap in Africa could add $2.5 trillion to the continent’s GDP by 2025, underscoring the urgency of investing in women – not just for social justice, but for a more prosperous and equitable future for all Africans. In response, Ecobank’s enhanced Ellevate programme is now more ambitious and inclusive, designed to address the diverse challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. The programme is being extended from new and existing Commercial Banking customers to include new and existing Consumer Banking and Corporate Banking customers, as well as female business leaders, with Corporate Banking customers serving as a pool of mentors. With this expansion, individual entrepreneurs – including those in the formal and informal sectors – can now fully benefit from its enhanced financial and non-financial solutions.

    Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, said: “We recognise and applaud the role that women entrepreneurs play in driving socio-economic impact across Africa and are committed to supporting them at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Since the launch of the Ellevate programme we have made significant progress, disbursing over US$200 million in loans, providing business networking opportunities, and offering leadership and capacity-building training for businesswomen.”

    “Today, Ellevate 2.0 heralds in a new era for gender financing. It is bigger, better and more inclusive, delivering exceptional value to female entrepreneurs and women business leaders. Enhancing our products and solutions for women entrepreneurs to position Ecobank as their bank of choice is an integral component in accelerating the success of our Growth, Transformation and Returns strategy’s objectives. It also supports our Group-wide objective of promoting gender equality and contributing to sustainable development.”

    The enhanced Ellevate’s value propositions now include:

    • Increasing access to finance with unsecured loans of up to US$50,000
    • Competitive interest rates and favourable collateral requirements
    • Accommodating customers with a two-year track record instead of the industry-standard three years
    • Helping them to find new customers and access new markets across Africa through our innovative online matchmaking MyTradeHub platform
    • Training, knowledge sharing webinars, support and other initiatives to enhance customers’ business and leadership skills
    • Customised wealth management services
    • A one-stop shop to meet insurance needs.
    • A loyalty programme providing exclusive offers and discounts at select retail stores and recreation centres

    To coincide with the celebrations of the International Women’s Day, our enhanced Ellevate program will be launched by nine of our affiliates (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Senegal, Togo and Zimbabwe) by the end of March 2025. It will then be rolled-out in phases across all our other sub-Saharan African affiliates throughout the year.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov held a meeting on the development of the automotive industry

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Denis Manturov held a meeting on the development of the automotive industry.

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov held a meeting on the prospects for the development of the automotive industry until 2035. Currently, interested departments, on behalf of the First Deputy Prime Minister, are already preparing their proposals to update the Strategy for the Development of the Automotive Industry of the Russian Federation until 2035, approved at the end of 2022. Let us recall that the possibility of updating is provided for by the document itself.

    “It is important to conduct joint work of all departments and ensure the interrelation of the developed updates to the industry strategy for the development of the automotive industry with both the Transport Strategy of the Russian Federation – in terms of infrastructure development and balance with other types of transport, and with the Energy Strategy – in terms of the use of traditional and alternative types of fuel,” noted Denis Manturov.

    The event, which took place at the Government Coordination Centre, was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Alexander Novak and Vitaly Savelyev, Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit, representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other federal and regional executive bodies, as well as leading companies in the industry.

    Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Albert Karimov spoke about the factors and prerequisites that, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, could have the greatest impact on the development of the domestic automobile industry in the period 2035–2050. Among the key factors is the expansion of the use of alternative fuels in the industry.

    “In the strategic aspect of the development of the domestic auto industry, the further introduction of transport on environmentally friendly fuel is a priority for us. We already have state support measures in place for the conversion of equipment to gas motor fuel, as well as measures stimulating the production of electric transport. The development of commercial transport on liquefied natural gas and hydrogen is currently being discussed. The use of these types of fuel improves the environment, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meets the climate goals of achieving carbon neutrality by the Russian Federation by 2060,” said Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

    The Ministry of Industry and Trade identified the further development of the sharing economy, an increase in the share of electric transport and driverless cars as other factors that will influence the appearance of the Russian auto industry.

    The meeting participants also agreed to work out options for fine-tuning government support measures, thanks to which the promising image of the domestic auto industry will be formed.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Oceans of opportunity squeezed dry by unsustainable use

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Climate and Environment

    The booming ocean economy sustains hundreds of millions of people, but it is being squeezed dry by overfishing, pollution, climate change and waste, UN economists warned on Monday, in a call for smarter, more concerted action to protect the world’s vast marine spaces for future generations.

    In the run-up to the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in June, the UN trade and development agency, UNCTAD, emphasised that oceans are essential to all life, by sustaining biodiversity, regulating the climate and generating oxygen.

    Oceans also have massive untapped economic potential that is capable of delivering food security, creating jobs and driving global trade.

    “The amount of exports of ocean goods and services reached $2.2 trillion in 2023, so it’s growing very fast,” said David Vivas, UNCTAD Chief for Trade, Environment and the Sustainable Development Branch, on the sidelines of the 5th UN Ocean Forum in Geneva.

    According to the UN agency, the world’s ocean economies have grown 250 per cent since 1995, far outpacing the global economy, which grew by 190 per cent over the same period.

    Soundcloud

    Rising tide of potential

    Behind this growth is growing South-South trade, where fresh fish exports have increased by 43 per cent; processed fish exports have risen by a staggering 89 per cent from 2021 to 2023.

    Today, 600 million people are sustained by and therefore dependent on the fishing industry alone, most of them in developing countries.

    According to UNCTAD, two thirds of species living in the ocean have yet to be identified, offering the potential for the discovery of new antibiotics, low-carbon foods and other bio-based materials such as plastic substitutes, which provide a $10.8 billion market opportunity alone.

    In 2025, the marine biotechnology market is set to grow by more than 50 per cent this year, compared to 2023.

    © Unsplash/Benjamin L. Jones

    Seagrass, which evolved over 70 million years ago from terrestrial grass, is one of the most diverse and valuable marine ecosystems on the planet.

    Looming dangers

    However, despite this potential, the ocean economy faces imminent threats from poor governance, underinvestment and climate shocks.

    These include our already warming oceans, rising sea levels and extreme weather hazards which endanger marine ecosystems, fish populations, coastal infrastructure and shipping routes, particularly for coastal communities.

    And while most national climate plans do not take into account the ocean economy, UNCTAD’s Mr. Vivas underscored its importance in achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement as an estimated 11 per cent of all emissions worldwide are caused by ocean-based activities.

    Drop in the ocean

    Beyond climate-related impacts, woeful underfunding for ocean preservation and harmful practices further threaten the industry.

    “While oceans represent 70 per cent of the biosphere, less than one per cent of the global development assistance is invested into its conservation and sustainable use,” Mr. Vivas told journalists in Geneva.

    Achieving the universally agreed Sustainable Development Goal 14 of protecting life below water requires $175 billion annually, yet only $4 billion has been contributed from national funds, philanthropists and private investment, making it the most underfunded sustainability goal (SDG).

    The sum “is nothing less than peanuts; basically, politicians are not putting their money where their mouth is,” Mr. Vivas said. “This huge part of the planet is totally invisible in terms of sustainable-use conservation for future generations.”

    This stands in stark contrast to $22 billion invested in harmful subsidies in the global fishing industry, which contributes to overfishing.

    Further obstacles limiting the potential of the marine economy involve extraordinarily high tariffs among developing countries. While high-income countries apply 3.2 per cent tariffs on fish products, developing countries on average apply 14 per cent tariffs among themselves, curbing trade heavily.

    © FAO/Evandro Semedo

    The Fazenda de Camarão shrimp farm in Calhau, Cabo Verde, aligns with goals of promoting sustainable agriculture and fisheries.

    Buoyed by innovation

    Among the UN agencies calling for action, UNCTAD recommends:

    • integrating ocean-based sectors into national climate and biodiversity plans
    • reducing trade barriers
    • expanding data collection on ocean-related emissions, trade and investment
    • ending harmful subsidies
    • finalising legally binding treaties on plastic pollution

    To drive urgently needed progress, the UN agency’s Ocean Forum will launch initiatives that include a renewed Ocean Trade Database to help analyse the fast-evolving sector, a proposal for a UN task force on seaweed development and a project on evidence-based ocean climate action.

    The latter, involving UNCTAD and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), uses artificial intelligence (AI) and data innovations to support Caribbean small island developing States in particular.

    The UN Ocean Conference 2025 takes place in the French Riviera city of Nice from 9 to 13 June.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hit By Trump’s Tariffs, Welch’s Guest to President’s Joint Address to Congress Will Be Head of Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Allison Hope During Welch’s Tariff Town Hall: “Our industry has grown in production almost 500% over the last 20 years, and these tariffs would go a long way towards potentially slowing that production.”
    Vermont sugar makers produce the most maple syrup in the nation.
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced Allison Hope, Executive Director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, will join Senator Welch for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday evening.  
    Vermont’s maple industry—as well as farms and businesses across Vermont—are bracing for the economic fallout of the Trump’s 25% tariff on Canada, which will go into effect tomorrow. Sugar makers expect the cost of Canadian-made sugaring equipment to dramatically increase. Bulk maple sales to major retailers like Costco, Target, and Whole Foods rely on both U.S. and Canadian producers and most of the equipment needed to produce syrup is manufactured in Canada. 
    “These tariffs are really going to hurt our economy in Vermont, and the impacts will be far-reaching. President Trump is singlehandedly raising costs for Vermonters—from the food on our table, to our energy bills, to the materials and equipment our home construction companies and manufacturers need. It’s important that the Trump Administration and my colleagues across the aisle hear directly from those who are impacted and that they drop this misguided plan,” said Senator Welch. 
    During Senator Welch’s virtual town hall on tariffs in February, Allison Hope of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association shared: “Our industry has grown in production almost 500% over the last 20 years, and these tariffs would go a long way towards potentially slowing that production.” 
    Today, Senator Welch will join Governor Phil Scott, the Solinsky Family, who are fourth-generation sugar makers from the northeast kingdom, Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts, the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, and community members at the Governor’s annual ‘First Tapping’ event, which celebrates Vermont’s maple industry and the Green Mountain State’s sugar makers. Vermont sugar makers produce the most maple syrup in the nation, with 3.1 million gallons produced in 2024, an increase of nearly 20% from 2023. 
    Last week, Senator Welch expressed opposition to the Trump Tariffs in voting against the nomination of Jamieson Greer for United States Trade Representative. He also joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-N.H.) Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act, which would shield American businesses and consumers from rising prices imposed by tariffs on imported goods into the United States. The bill would keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools.   
    In January, Welch introduced the Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act and the Supporting All Producers (SAP) Act, two bipartisan, bicameral bills to support Vermont’s maple industry.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government to turbocharge defence innovation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government to turbocharge defence innovation

    New defence innovation body to deliver cutting-edge military tech to British troops and create highly skilled jobs across the UK.

    • Chancellor and Defence Secretary and Business Secretary host joint roundtable with leaders from 15 of the country’s top defence firms
    • Government to launch new defence innovation organisation to quickly deliver cutting-edge military tech to British troops and create highly skilled jobs across the UK
    • Follows PM’s announcement to deliver largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War

    A new defence innovation body to harness UK ingenuity and boost military technology is set to be launched, as part of a drive to turbocharge innovation in defence and deliver growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    The Chancellor, Defence Secretary and Business Secretary have today (28 February) confirmed that a new UK defence innovation organisation will work with innovative firms to rapidly get cutting-edge military technology into the hands of British troops, and harness the ingenuity of the UK’s leading tech and manufacturing sectors.

    This new unit – which will be launched at the Spring Statement – is a clear demonstration of how the Government is moving at pace to drive reform in defence and use defence as an engine of economic growth.

    The Chancellor, Defence Secretary and Business Secretary today met leaders from 15 British defence firms of all sizes at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire – one of the RAF’s busiest stations with airborne intelligence aircraft and systems – to discuss the how the new unit will operate.

    Developed as part of Defence Reform – the biggest overhaul of defence for more than 50 years – the new body is set to simplify and streamline the innovation system within MOD. It will take a new approach by moving quickly and decisively, using different ways of contracting, to enable UK companies to scale up innovative prototypes rapidly by setting out a clear pathway, working with the Government, from initial production to manufacturing at scale. 

    As part of a defence innovation drive, the government will also look to enhance investment in defence start-ups and scale-up technology and capability, including through the National Security Strategic Investment Fund. Ministers will work with the venture capital and investment community, as well as industry, to leverage private investment in the technology of the future.

    The meeting comes after the Prime Minister outlined the Government’s commitment to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027 and the Chancellor’s message to European allies at the G20 in South Africa to jointly go further and faster on defence.

    The new innovation unit will help equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech and grow high-tech British businesses in the defence tech ecosystem. It will take the lessons from the rapidly changing nature of warfare, as seen in the conflict in Ukraine.

    Increased defence spending will support highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the whole of the UK. Last year, defence spending supported over 430,000 jobs across the UK, the equivalent to one in every 60, and 68% of defence spending goes outside of London and the Southeast, benefitting every nation and region of the country.

    Backing the defence industry will protect UK citizens from threats at home but will also create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive, supporting the Government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    The world is less certain than it has been for a generation. History tells us that government and industry must rise to meet these moments together. We need to invest in sophisticated, innovative kit and get it into the hands of our fighting men and women.

    In the world we face, national security and economic growth are going to go hand in hand. High-skilled, well-paid jobs across the UK will both make our country safer and put pounds in people’s pockets.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

    The world is changing, and we are changing defence. We will back the high-growth, high-tech UK defence firms of the future, to boost our national security and make defence an engine for growth.

    We will make the UK a defence innovation leader, funding and supporting firms of all sizes to take state-of-the-art technology from the drawing board to the production line, and into the hands of our Armed Forces.

    Defence has a crucial role to play in economic growth across the UK – built on the foundation of the largest sustained funding increase since the Cold War – to support thousands of highly skilled jobs.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:

    A strong, robust defence sector is vital for a Britain that’s both secure at home and strong abroad, and ensures a world where business can benefit from the economic security it brings.

    Nearly half a million UK graduates get good, well-paid jobs thanks to our aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. These are areas where the UK excels on the global stage, and where our innovation can add billions to the economy.

    That’s why our Plan for Change puts defence at the heart of our Industrial Strategy, helping us drive economic growth while bolstering our national security for the long term.

    Science and Tech Secretary, Peter Kyle said:

    Britain’s science and research expertise has always played a role in keeping us safe, and still does: from inventions like radar and codebreaking machines in the 20th century, through to innovations around drone technology and cybersecurity, today.

    We are dedicated to making sure the UK tech sector has everything it needs to continue to thrive, and to keep playing a critical role in our national security.

    As set out in the Plan for Change, national security is the first duty of the government, and investment in defence will protect UK citizens from threats at home while also creating a secure and stable environment for economic growth.

    Economic growth is central to the Government’s Plan for Change to put more money into the pockets of working people and will be a core objective of the defence innovation organisation.

    The joint meeting with defence industry organisations comes on the final day of the consultation for the Defence Industrial Strategy, which will ensure a strong defence sector and resilient supply chains across the whole of the UK.

    Industry leaders’ quotes:

    Andy Fraser, Saab UK Group Managing Director said:

    Saab UK welcomes the announcement that the UK Government will increase defence spending to 2.5% by 2027, with a route to 3% in the next Parliament.

    We live in a challenging world which requires industry and government in the UK to work together more closely. In the UK, we know that the defence industry benefits growth, investment and offers fantastic careers – while also helping to ensure the UK’s resilience. Saab UK has recently opened new facilities in the UK because we know that together we can achieve our aim to keep people and society safe.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM statement to the House of Commons: 3 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Oral statement to Parliament

    PM statement to the House of Commons: 3 March 2025

    The Prime Minister’s statement to the House of Commons on Ukraine.

    Mr. Speaker… 

    Less than a week since I called on this House to show the courage of our predecessors…

    We see clearly before us – the test of our times.  

    A crossroads in our history.   

    So with permission I will update the House on my efforts… 

    To secure a strong, just and lasting peace… 

    Following Russia’s vile invasion of Ukraine. 

    Mr. Speaker – it begins in this House… 

    Where on Tuesday, I announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.

    A recognition of the fact that once again, we live in an era…

    Where peace in Europe depends upon strength and deterrence.

    But also – a rediscovery of the old post-war argument… 

    Long-held on these benches…  

    That economic security is national security. 

    Because Mr. Speaker, the demands we now have to make of Britain… 

    Must come alongside a new foundation of security for working people. 

    The tough choices we made last week… 

    They are not done. 

    We must use the process of getting to 3% of our national income spent on defence… 

    To fundamentally rebuild British industry. 

    Use our investment in military spending…

    To create new jobs and apprenticeships in every part of our country. 

    And that’s why, last night, I announced a deal that perfectly symbolises this new era. 

    A partnership with Ukraine… 

    That allows them to use £1.6 billion of UK Export Finance… 

    To buy 5,000 air defence missiles, manufactured in Belfast. 

    That means UK jobs… 

    UK skills… 

    UK finance…

    Pulling together for our national interest… 

    Putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position for peace… 

    And protecting innocent civilians from the terror of Russian drones. 

    Mr. Speaker, my efforts continued on Thursday… 

    When I met President Trump in the White House… 

    To strengthen our relationship with America. 

    Now, what happened in his subsequent meeting with President Zelenskyy… 

    Is something nobody in this House wants to see. 

    But I do want to be crystal clear… 

    We must strengthen our relationship with America… 

    For our security, for our technology, for our trade and investment… 

    They are and always will be – indispensable. 

    And we will never choose between either side of the Atlantic. 

    In fact, Mr. Speaker… 

    If anything, the past week has shown that that idea to be totally unserious. 

    Because while some people may enjoy the simplicity of taking a side…  

    This week has shown with total clarity… 

    That the US is vital in securing the peace we all want to see in Ukraine. 

    So I welcome the opportunity for a new economic deal with the US… 

    Confirmed by the President last week… 

    Because it is an opportunity I am determined to pursue. 

    I welcome the positive discussions we had on European security… 

    Including his clear support for Article 5 of NATO.   

    I welcome the understanding, from our dialogue…  

    That our two nations will work together on security arrangements for a lasting peace in Ukraine. 

    And I also welcome the President’s continued commitment to that peace… 

    Which nobody in this House should doubt for a second – is sincere. 

    Mr. Speaker, I now turn to events this weekend…

    And the moving scenes that greeted President Zelenskyy as he arrived in London on Saturday. 

    Mr. Speaker I saw for myself that he was taken aback when the crowd in Whitehall cheered at the top of their voices, and they were speaking for the whole of our country.

    A reminder – that this Government, this House and this nation… 

    Stand in unwavering support behind him and the people of Ukraine. 

    Mr. Speaker, we resolved together…

    To move forward the strong cause of just and lasting peace for Ukraine.  

    And then on Sunday… 

    I hosted European leaders from across our continent, equally committed to this cause…  

    Including President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni… 

    The leaders of NATO, the European Commission and Council… 

    And the Prime Minister of Canada… 

    A vital ally of this country, the Commonwealth and Ukraine… 

    Responsible for training over 40,000 Ukrainian troops.  

    I also had the privilege beforehand… 

    Of speaking online to the leaders of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia… 

    Each of whom, as close as they are to the frontline with Russia… 

    Stressed the urgency of the moment. 

    And Mr. Speaker, it was a productive summit.  

    Together, we agreed a clear strategy.  

    That the United Kingdom, France and our allies…  

    Will work closely with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting… 

    Which we will then discuss directly with the United States. 

    It is a plan that has four clear principles, which I will now share in full with the House. 

    First, that we must keep the military aid to Ukraine flowing…

    Keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia. 

    And to that end, alongside our partnership on air defence…

    We are doubling-down on military aid. 

    Already this year we have taken our support to record levels…

    But on Saturday we also agreed a new £2.2 billion loan for Ukraine… 

    Backed, not by the British taxpayer…

    But by the profits from frozen Russian assets.

    Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must guarantee the sovereignty and security of Ukraine. 

    And that Ukraine must be at the table when negotiating their future… 

    That is absolutely vital. 

    Third, we agreed that in the event of a peace deal…

    We will continue to boost Ukraine’s defences and Ukraine’s deterrence. 

    And finally, fourth…

    We agreed to develop a “coalition of the willing” ready to defend a deal in Ukraine… 

    And guarantee the peace. 

    After all, the Ukrainian position is completely understandable. 

    For them – the war did not begin three years ago…

    That was merely the latest and most brutal escalation.  

    They have signed agreements with Putin, before. 

    They have experienced the nature of his diplomacy…

    And the calibre of his word.  

    We can’t accept a weak deal like Minsk again… 

    No, we must proceed with strength… 

    And that does now require – urgently… 

    A coalition of the willing. 

    Mr. Speaker – we agreed on Sunday that those willing to play a role in this… 

    Will intensify planning now.  

    And as this House would expect… 

    Britain will play a leading role. 

    With, if necessary and together with others… 

    Boots on the ground and planes in the air. 

    Mr. Speaker, it is right that Europe do the heavy lifting… 

    To support peace on our continent. 

    But to succeed, this effort must also have strong US backing. 

    I want to assure the House… 

    I take none of this lightly. 

    I visited British troops in Estonia.

    And no aspect of my role weighs more heavily… 

    Than the deployment of British troops in the service of the defence and security in Europe.

    And yet I do feel very strongly…  

    That the future of Ukraine is vital for our national security. 

    Russia is a menace in our waters and skies… 

    They have launched cyber-attacks on our NHS… 

    Assassination attempts in our streets.  

    In this House, we stand by Ukraine because it is the right thing to do… 

    But we also stand by them because it is in our interest to do so. 

    Because if we do not achieve a lasting peace…

    Then the instability and insecurity that has hit the living standards of working people in Britain…

    That will only get worse. 

    And Putin’s appetite for conflict and chaos…

    That will only grow. 

    So a strong peace…

    A just peace… 

    A lasting peace… 

    That has now to be our goal.  

    It is vital… 

    It is in our interest… 

    And its pursuit – Britain will lead from the front. 

    For the security of our continent…

    The security of our country…

    And the security of the British people… 

    We must now win the peace. 

    And I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Collins, King, Pingree Call on Trump Administration to Avoid Trade War with Canada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, co-chair of the Senate American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus, and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, are calling on the Trump Administration to avoid a catastrophic trade war with Canada that would have huge and immediate impacts on Maine’s people and economy. In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Maine delegation request that the administration work collaboratively with Canada to address issues of shared concern and foster economic cooperation in order to avoid the potential for increased prices on groceries, gas and energy.
    “For over 150 years, Canada has been a trusted friend and close ally of the United States. Our countries are deeply entwined and our economies are fully integrated. This is made all the more evident by the substantial volume of trade and investment between our nations. In 2023, the U.S. and Canada traded nearly $1 trillion in goods and services. Together, we share the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, which supports 8 million U.S. jobs. Each day, nearly $2.6 billion worth of goods and services cross the U.S.-Canada border, including critical energy resources,” the Delegation wrote.
    They continued in the letter, “Maine shares a special and interconnected relationship with Canada. According to the Maine International Trade Center, Maine and Canada exchanged over $6 billion in two-way trade last year. This trade propels manufacturing and production in the state, which in turn provides over 60,000 good-paying jobs – from the development of our high-quality products to their transportation. Further, Canada has supplied the oil that Maine people rely on to heat their homes on cold winter nights and the jet fuel and diesel that supports the Air National Guard Base in Bangor.”
    “Given the deeply integrated nature of our economies, any tariffs on imports from Canada – and any retaliatory measures by Canada in response – may raise prices on gasoline, energy, groceries, and much more,” the Delegation concluded. “We acknowledge that targeted and strategic tariffs can be an important tool to address unfair trade practices. However, small businesses and families in Maine and across the country will be caught in the middle during a time when so many are struggling to put food on the table and keep the lights on. Ultimately, it is our hope that the Trump Administration is able to work collaboratively with Canada to address issues of shared concern and foster economic cooperation, rather than engage in a tit-for-tat trade war.”
    The United States and Canada share the world’s longest international border, spanning 5,525 miles with 120 land ports-of-entry. The bilateral and international U.S.-Canada alliance is built upon shared interests in the areas of economic stability and trade, sustainability, energy and critical mineral supply chain, and national security. The two countries share a $1 trillion trade and investment relationship, supporting more than seven million jobs.
    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
    +++
    Dear Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer:
    Over the years, we have been privileged to gain a unique view of the important economic partnership that the United States has with Canada from my border state of Maine. As you consider the implementation of tariffs on imports from Canada, we want to share our view of how these tariffs will impact families and business in Maine and across the country.
    For over 150 years, Canada has been a trusted friend and close ally of the United States. Our countries are deeply entwined and our economies are fully integrated. This is made all the more evident by the substantial volume of trade and investment between our nations. In 2023, the U.S. and Canada traded nearly $1 trillion in goods and services. Together, we share the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, which supports 8 million U.S. jobs. Each day, nearly $2.6 billion worth of goods and services cross the U.S.-Canada border, including critical energy resources.
    Maine shares a special and interconnected relationship with Canada. According to the Maine International Trade Center, Maine and Canada exchanged over $6 billion in two-way trade last year. This trade propels manufacturing and production in the state, which in turn provides over 60,000 good-paying jobs – from the development of our high-quality products to their transportation. Further, Canada has supplied the oil that Maine people rely on to heat their homes on cold winter nights and the jet fuel and diesel that supports the Air National Guard Base in Bangor.
    Given the deeply integrated nature of our economies, any tariffs on imports from Canada – and any retaliatory measures by Canada in response – may raise prices on gasoline, energy, groceries, and much more. We acknowledge that targeted and strategic tariffs can be an important tool to address unfair trade practices. However, small businesses and families in Maine and across the country will be caught in the middle during a time when so many are struggling to put food on the table and keep the lights on. Ultimately, it is our hope that the Trump Administration is able to work collaboratively with Canada to address issues of shared concern and foster economic cooperation, rather than engage in a tit-for-tat trade war.
    Thank you for your attention to this matter. We stand willing and ready to work with you to ensure that the relationship between our countries continues to be mutually beneficial.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Samuel and Co Trading Leads the Way in Affordable Financial Education Amidst Rising University Costs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the financial burden of higher education is continuing to escalate, Samuel and Co Trading stands out as an accessible and high-quality hub of financial education. Founded in 2012, Samuel and Co have been empowering students with the skills and confidence to navigate the financial markets.

    Recent analyses have highlighted the growing financial strain on university students in the UK. Tuition fees have risen to £9,535 per annum as of September 2025, marking the first increase in eight years. This surge, coupled with maintenance loans that often fall short of covering living expenses, has amplified the financial challenges of being a student. The average annual cost of studying in the UK now exceeds £22,000, encompassing tuition and living expenses.

    In contrast, Samuel and Co Trading offers Ofqual-regulated Diplomas in Financial Trading that provide a cost-effective alternative to a traditional degree. Students can achieve a Level 5 Diploma, equivalent level to a Foundation Degree, in as little as 12 weeks or pursue a Level 7 Diploma, equivalent level to a Master’s Degree, but at a fraction of the cost. Considering that some graduate salaries have sunk as low as the minimum wage, these accelerated programmes not only save time but also significantly reduce financial outlay, making industry-recognised credentials more attainable.

    The company’s commitment to excellence has been recognised in the 2025 Global Banking and Finance Awards®, when Samuel and Co Trading was awarded with two impressive accolades: “Best Online Financial Education & Training UK 2025” and “Best Forex Education UK 2025”. Alongside this, the company has also been awarded the “Best Online Trading Course Provider UK 2025” by Finance Derivative Magazine and won the “Best Trading Guidance and Support Provider Europe 2025”,“Leading Trading Education Management Company Europe 2025” and the “Most Trusted Personal Trading Strategies Provider Europe 2025” by World Business Outlook. And lastly Brands Review Magazine also presented them with the “Innovation in Trading Strategies UK 2025” and the “Trading Education and Mentorship Award UK 2025”. These awards show the dedication to delivering high-quality financial education and training.

    Founder and CEO, Samuel Leach, reflects on the company’s journey:

    “When I started Samuel and Co Trading in 2012, I wanted to democratise financial education. The aim was to provide practical, affordable, and high-quality training to people who are passionate about trading. Our recent accolades and the success of our students show that we’re on the right path.”

    Due to the unpredictable nature of the finance industry and the rising costs of higher education, Samuel and Co Trading, mission remains to offer competitive, comprehensive, and accessible education. By bridging the gap between affordability and quality, the company is shaping the future of financial training.

    About Samuel and Co Trading

    Samuel and Co Trading was founded in 2012 by Samuel Leach with the mission of assisting individuals to succeed in financial trading. The company provides accredited and industry-recognised financial education, including Ofqual-regulated diplomas designed to fast-track students into trading careers. With courses led by seasoned professionals, Samuel and Co Trading ensures that students gain practical, real-world experience. Recognised as a leader in the sector, the company has trained thousands of individuals.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit Unleashes Futures Bot Clash with a 100,000 USDT Prize Pool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is launching the Futures Bot Clash – a high-stakes showdown where strategy meets automation. With a prize pool of up to 100,000 USDT, participants will battle it out using Bybit’s powerful Futures trading bots, aiming for the top of the leaderboard.

    The Battle of the Bots Begins
    Set to run from Feb. 28 to March 31, 2025, the competition offers traders a chance to put their bot strategies to the test in a contest of skill and precision. Participants will join one of three Futures Bot Squads – Futures Combo, Futures Martingale, or Futures Grid – and compete across multiple leaderboards to maximize their earnings.

    The event features two squad leaderboards and one individual leaderboard, with top traders rewarded based on performance. Additionally, traders can participate in the Predict & Win segment, where 1,000 lucky voters will share in a portion of the 5% Prediction Pool by correctly forecasting the winning squad.

    Prize Pool Breakdown
    The 100,000 USDT prize pool will be distributed among different categories:

    • Squad Rankings (70%) – The best-performing squad claims 40% of the total pool, with 20% and 10% allocated to the second and third place, respectively.
    • Top Traders by Volume (25%) – The most active traders will receive a share of the rewards based on their trading volume.
    • Predict & Win (5%) – Traders who correctly predict the champion squad will split this portion of the prize pool.

    To be eligible for rewards, participants must meet a minimum Futures trading volume of $10,000 and maintain an account balance of at least 1,000 USDT throughout the competition.

    Raising the Stakes
    The total prize pool will scale based on overall trading volume. The minimum pool of 50,000 USDT will be unlocked once the combined trading volume reaches $800 million, increasing to the full 100,000 USDT as milestones up to $1.5 billion are met.

    “Bybit’s Futures Bot Clash is a game-changer for automated trading enthusiasts. It offers a unique opportunity for users to test their bot strategies in a competitive setting, while also rewarding top traders and smart forecasters,” said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director at Bybit. “With the potential to win a share of 100,000 USDT, traders have every reason to bring their A-game.”

    Bybit continues to innovate in the crypto trading landscape, providing users with cutting-edge tools to optimize their trading strategies. The Futures Bot Clash offers a competitive environment, where the sharpest traders and most effective bots will rise to the top.

    #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

    About Bybit
    Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
    For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
    For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

    Contact

    Head of PR
    Tony Au
    Bybit
    media@bybit.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25becf21-7c08-45fa-8fa4-7c571bdf2c01

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber, Lumber, and their Derivative Products

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    SECURING AMERICA’S LUMBER SUPPLY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order launching an investigation into how imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products threaten America’s national security and economic stability.
    The Order directs the Secretary of Commerce to initiate a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
    This investigation will assess the national security risks arising from the United States’ increasing dependence on imported timber, lumber, and derivative products like paper, furniture, and cabinetry, and the potential need for trade remedies to safeguard domestic industry.
    The investigation will culminate in a report identifying vulnerabilities in the lumber supply chain and providing recommendations to enhance the resilience of America’s domestic wood products industry.
    ADDRESSING THE THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY: President Trump recognizes that an overreliance on foreign timber, lumber, and their derivative products could jeopardize the United States’ defense capabilities, construction industry, and economic strength.
    Timber and lumber are essential materials for national security, economic stability, and industrial resilience.
    Lumber plays a vital role in civilian construction and military infrastructure.
    The U.S. military spends over ten billion dollars annually on construction and is testing innovative wood products such as cross-laminated timber.

    The United States has been a net importer of lumber since 2016, despite having the practical production capacity to supply 95% of the United States’ 2024 softwood consumption.
    Foreign supply chains and major exporters increasingly fill U.S. demand, creating vulnerabilities to disruptions.
    America’s reliance on imported lumber is exacerbated by foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices, which undermine the competitiveness of the U.S. wood products industry.
    STRENGTHENING AMERICAN INDUSTRY: This Executive Order builds on previous actions taken by the Trump Administration to ensure U.S. trade policy serves the nation’s long-term interests.
    On Day One, President Trump initiated his America First Trade Policy to make America’s economy great again.
    President Trump signed proclamations to close existing loopholes and exemptions in order to restore a true 25% tariff on steel and elevate the tariff to 25% on aluminum.
    President Trump implemented a 10% additional tariff on imports from China in response to China’s role in importing illegal drugs to the United States.  
    President Trump unveiled the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on trade to restore fairness in U.S. trade relationships and counter non-reciprocal trade agreements.   
    President Trump signed a memorandum to safeguard American innovation, including the consideration of tariffs to combat digital service taxes (DSTs), fines, practices, and policies that foreign governments levy on American companies.
    President Trump launched a Section 232 investigation into how copper imports threaten America’s national security and economic stability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Saskatchewan will be well Represented at Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention in Toronto

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 3, 2025

    Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young, along with representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, are in Toronto, Ontario this week for the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention. Over the four-day convention, PDAC will bring together almost 30,000 attendees from over 135 countries.  

    The Ministry of Energy and Resources will be joined at PDAC by the Ministry of Trade and Export Development and the Saskatchewan Research Council. Together they will host a pavilion at the convention trade show. The pavilion is an excellent opportunity for both national and international delegates to speak with government officials about the opportunities for mining, developments in geoscience and investment in Saskatchewan. 

    “For over 30 years the Government of Saskatchewan has attended PDAC and since that time we have grown our presence and our outreach efforts,” Young said. “PDAC truly is an excellent opportunity to build relationships and grow Saskatchewan’s mining sector. PDAC is one of the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining events. I look forward to meeting with current partners and potential investors while I am in Toronto.”

    In addition to the Saskatchewan booth, PDAC provides learning and networking opportunities for attendees. Government officials will also be meeting with investors and stakeholders on site. As Canada’s largest mining convention, and one of the world’s largest mining and exploring events, PDAC provides an excellent opportunity for the province to showcase Saskatchewan as a key player in the industry and an open and attractive place to invest in.  

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sage Geosystems Achieves “Awardable” Status by the U.S. Department of Defense for the U.S. Air Force Geothermal Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sage Geosystems Inc. (Sage), the pioneer of Pressure Geothermal technology, announced today it was selected by the U.S. Air Force Office of Energy Assurance and the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to explore how to tap into America’s abundant geothermal energy supply to increase the U.S.’s national security and energy dominance.

    Having achieved “Awardable” status for three separate applications, Sage can now explore developing a utility-scale geothermal power plant domestically and abroad to supply U.S. military bases with reliable and cost-effective electricity, even during a grid outage.

    Sage was selected through the CDAO’s innovative solicitation process known as the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, which is designed to accelerate the procurement and adoption of mission-critical technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and resilient energy technologies. All “awardable” solutions in Tradewinds have been assessed through complex scoring rubrics and competitive procedures and allow government and military customers to readily choose a pre-approved vendor to expedite a contract.

    Tradewinds selected three of Sage’s submissions:

    • Sage Geosystems individual submission
    • A partnership with an independent energy and carbon management company
    • A partnership with a major energy equipment manufacturing company and an energy service company.

    These selections represent three of eleven final applications that achieved “awardable” status.

    “The U.S. Air Force leveraged the Tradewinds solicitation process to quickly collaborate with innovative American companies to build resilient, next-generation geothermal technologies at our bases, using private capital instead of taxpayer dollars,” said Mr. Kirk Philips, Director, Air Force Office of Energy Assurance.

    “Sage is incredibly excited to have been granted awardable status by the DoD as this allows us priority selection for future contracts,” said Cindy Taff, CEO of Sage. “We are excited to play a role in helping unleash America’s energy dominance with secure, plentiful, geothermal energy.”

    Sage’s videos, including two videos produced in collaboration with three separate partner entities, accessible only by government customers on the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, present actual use cases in which the company would implement geothermal power generation solutions and/or energy storage solutions. Sage Geosystems was recognized among a competitive field of applicants to the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace whose solutions demonstrated innovation, scalability, and potential impact on DoD missions. Government customers interested in viewing the video solutions can create a Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace account at tradewindAI.com.

    About Sage Geosystems:
    Sage Geosystems is a leader in the next-generation geothermal industry, pioneering the use of Pressure Geothermal. Pressure Geothermal leverages both the heat and the pressure of the earth to enable three applications: energy storage, power generation and district heating. It also broadly expands where it can be applied allowing geothermal to be deployed globally. For more information, visit www.sagegeosystems.com.

    About the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace:
    The Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace is a digital repository of post-competition, readily awardable pitch videos that address the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) most significant challenges in the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), data, and analytics space. All awardable solutions have been assessed through complex scoring rubrics and competitive procedures and are available to Government customers with a Marketplace account. Government customers can create an account at www.tradewindai.com. Tradewinds is housed in the DoD’s Chief Digital Artificial Intelligence Office. For more information or media requests, contact: Success@tradewindai.com.

    About the U.S. Air Force Office of Energy Assurance:
    The U.S. Air Force Office of Energy Assurance (AF OEA), a directorate of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC), develops energy solutions that close energy resilience gaps and strengthen our nation’s Air Force and Space Force installations at home and abroad. By leveraging the expertise of the energy community, AF OEA builds tailored energy solutions for each installation that are resilient, innovative, and cost-effective. For more information, visit https://www.afcec.af.mil/energy.

    Media Contact:
    Claire Underwood
    claire@teamsilverline.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d29340a8-b223-4747-94af-84cc4d3c8782

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cyabra to Participate in the 37th Annual ROTH Conference on March 17-18

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyabra Ltd. (Nasdaq: TBMC) a leading AI platform for real-time disinformation detection, today announced its participation in the 37th Annual ROTH Conference on March 17-18, 2025, in Dana Point, CA.

    During the conference, Dan Brahmy, Cyabra’s Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, will be available for one-on-one investor meetings on both days. To schedule a meeting, please contact your Roth representative.

    Cyabra has entered into a business combination agreement with Trailblazer Merger Corporation I (NASDAQ: TBMC), a blank-check special-purpose acquisition company.

    About the 37thAnnual Roth Conference

    This year’s event will consist of 1-on-1 / small group meetings, analyst-selected fireside chats, industry keynotes and panels with executive management attending from approximately 450 private and public companies in a variety of growth sectors including: Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Insurance, Resources, Sustainability and Technology, Media & Entertainment.

    About Cyabra

    Cyabra Strategy Ltd. is a real-time AI-powered platform that uncovers and analyzes online disinformation and misinformation by uncovering fake profiles, harmful narratives, and GenAI content across social media and digital news channels. Cyabra’s AI protects corporations and governments against brand reputation risks, election manipulation, foreign interference, and other online threats. Cyabra’s platform leverages proprietary algorithms and NLP solutions, gathering and analyzing publicly available data to provide clear, actionable insights and real-time alerts that inform critical decision-making. Cyabra uncovers the good, bad, and fake online.

    For more information, visit www.cyabra.com.

    Media Contact:

    Jill Burkes
    Jill@cyabra.com

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Miri Segal
    MS-IR
    msegal@ms-ir.com

    About Trailblazer

    Trailblazer is a blank check company formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. For more information, visit: www.trailblazermergercorp.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to certain products and services that are the subject of a proposed transaction (the “Business Combination”) between Trailblazer and Cyabra. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding Cyabra’s business strategy, products and services, research and development costs, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and future results of current and anticipated product offerings, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the following risks relating to the proposed transaction: the ability to complete the Business Combination or, if Trailblazer does not consummate such Business Combination, any other initial business combination; expectations regarding Cyabra’s strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products and services, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and Cyabra’s ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Trailblazer or Cyabra following announcement of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination due to, among other things, the failure to obtain Trailblazer stockholder approval; the risk that the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination disrupts Cyabra’s current operations and future plans; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination; unexpected costs related to the proposed Business Combination; the amount of any redemptions by existing holders of Trailblazer’s common stock being greater than expected; limited liquidity and trading of Trailblazer’s securities; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations; the size of the addressable markets for Cyabra’s products and services; the possibility that Trailblazer and/or Cyabra may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; the ability to obtain and/or maintain the listing of the combined company’s common stock on Nasdaq following the Business Combination; operational risk; and the risks that the consummation of the proposed Business Combination is substantially delayed or does not occur.

    Important Information for Investors and Stockholders

    In connection with the Business Combination, Trailblazer Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Trailblazer (“Holdings”) has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, and certain other related documents, which will be both the proxy statement to be distributed to holders of shares of Trailblazer’s common stock in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the vote by its stockholders with respect to the Business Combination and other matters as may be described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus of Holdings relating to the offer and sale of its securities to be issued in the Business Combination. . After the Registration Statement is declared effective, the proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all Trailblazer stockholders so that they may vote on the Business Combination.

    INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF TRAILBLAZER ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND THE PARTIES INVOLVED.

    Trailblazer stockholders are currently able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein, and will be able to obtain the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, once available, in all cases without charge, at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Trailblazer at 510 Madison Avenue, Suite 1401, New York, NY 10022, Telephone: 646-747-9618.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    Cyabra, Trailblazer, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Trailblazer stockholders regarding the proposed Business Combination. Information about Trailblazer’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Trailblazer’s securities is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus pertaining to the proposed Business Combination.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval. No sale of securities shall occur in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under applicable

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ServiceTrade Sponsors the Heavy Metal Summer Experience Program in Support of its Mission to Inspire Students to Pursue Rewarding Trade Careers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DURHAM, N.C. and AUSTIN, Texas, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MCAA—ServiceTrade, an innovative software platform designed to optimize commercial service business operations for growth and profit, announced its silver-level sponsorship of the career workshop series called The Heavy Metal Summer Experience. The program is supported by a dedicated group of trade industry associations, vendors, educators, and individuals. In its fifth year, the non-profit program aims to introduce students across the U.S. and Canada to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing careers.   

    “The growth of the mechanical construction and service industry relies on the next generation of workers,” said Angie Simon, president and co-founder of The Heavy Metal Summer Experience. “In 2024, the program held camps at 36 locations across the United States and Canada, a 71% increase in participation over previous years, with approximately 500 students enrolled. The 2025 program will hold sessions in 54 camp locations and reach almost 900 students in the season.”

    The Heavy Metal Summer Experience attracts students from all backgrounds and ethnicities, including 18.7% female students. It introduces students to all aspects of working in the trades, including hands-on learning and working with industrial materials. Students are provided with information on apprenticeship programs, trade specialties, local opportunities for further education, and information about careers in the industrial trades. 

    Careers in the trades are gaining popularity among young people. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, enrollment in focused commercial manufacturing and repair trade programs grew by 11% between 2021 and 2023. Undergraduate college enrollment dropped by 8% in the same period, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Trade school programs are also faster and less expensive than alternatives, with students finishing programs within two years and quickly finding employment after graduation. 

    “A career in the trades is a terrific path to high job satisfaction, rapid career advancement, and great pay,” said Billy Marshall, Founder and Special Advisor at ServiceTrade.  “The demand for these young skilled workers is extraordinarily high with an estimated current labor shortfall of 14 – 20% in the commercial fire and mechanical service markets.  The Heavy Metal Summer Experience is the right solution at the right time, and we look forward to working alongside its founders to ensure its success.”

    To learn more about ServiceTrade and The Heavy Metal Summer Experience:

    About ServiceTrade  

    ServiceTrade, Inc. is a software platform for commercial mechanical, fire, and life safety contractors. During a chronic skilled labor shortage, ServiceTrade helps commercial contractors increase profit by improving service and project operations, increasing technician productivity, selling more service agreements, and growing customer loyalty. Located in Durham, North Carolina, ServiceTrade was founded in 2012 to automate and streamline the commercial mechanical and fire protection industry and has grown to have more than 1,300 customers. More than 10% of the commercial or industrial buildings in the United States are serviced by contractors using ServiceTrade. Learn more at www.servicetrade.com.

    Media contact:

    Media@KTCMarketingandPR.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Central 1 and Intellect Design Arena Ltd. Conclude Operating Partnership Transaction Digital banking operations transferred as of March 3, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia and TORONTO, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Central 1 Credit Union (Central 1) and Intellect Design Arena Ltd. (Intellect) today announced the completion of all necessary closing activities for the operating partnership agreement in which Intellect will assume responsibility for Central 1’s digital banking operations.

    Effective March 3, 2025, operation of Central 1’s Forge, MemberDirect, public website and mobile applications and products, will be transferred to Intellect. Team members from Central 1’s digital banking engineering and service teams will also join the Intellect team to operate Central 1’s digital banking software and support clients as they transition to new digital banking platforms.

    Central 1 will continue to provide the technology infrastructure and related services.

    “The Intellect team, along with those joining from Central 1, bring a strong commitment to seamless service and collaboration. We are confident that this approach provides the most stable path forward for clients and for Central 1 as transitions to new digital banking platforms take place over the next few years,” said Sheila Vokey, CEO of Central 1.

    “We are pleased to welcome the Central 1 team members joining Intellect and reaffirm our deep commitment to credit unions and banks in Canada. As trusted financial partners to millions, credit unions are pivotal in fostering economic resilience and community-driven banking. Their ability to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape depends on a strong digital foundation that balances innovation with stability,” said Rajesh Saxena, CEO of Intellect Global Consumer Banking.

    About Central 1: Central 1 cooperatively empowers credit unions and other financial institutions who deliver banking choice to Canadians. With assets of $11.6 billion as of September 30, 2024, Central 1 provides critical payments, treasury and clearing and settlement services at scale to enable the credit union system. We do this by collaborating with our clients, developing strategies, products, and services to support the financial well-being of their more than five million diverse customers in communities across Canada. For more information, visit central1.com. 

    About Intellect Design: Intellect is an enterprise-grade financial technology leader, providing composable and intelligent solutions for futuristic global financial institutions across 57 countries. Intellect’s revolutionary First Principles Thinking-based Platform, eMACH.ai, is the most comprehensive, composable, and intelligent open finance platform in the world. With three decades of domain expertise, Intellect Design offers a full spectrum of banking and insurance technology products through four lines of business: Global Consumer Banking (iGCB), Global Transaction Banking (iGTB), IntellectAI and Digital Technology for Commerce (iDTC). Intellect Canada delivers proven Retail and Commercial Banking solutions, including Core Banking and Digital platforms, tailored to meet the unique needs of Canadian financial institutions of all sizes. To know more, visit intellectdesign.com

    Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements 
    This press release and announcement contains historical, forward-looking statements as well as statements about the timing and completion of closing activities and the nature and quality of the services, collaboration and timing of transitions to new digital banking platforms. All statements and other information about anticipated future events may constitute “forward-looking information” under Canadian securities laws. These include, without limitation, statements relating to Central 1’s intention to wind down its digital banking business, and the timeline and processes relating to the same, Central 1’s plans to transition its clients to alternative digital banking providers, as well as statements that contain the words “may,” “will,” “intends” and “anticipates” and other similar words and expressions. 

    Forward-looking information are or may be based on assumptions, uncertainties, and management’s best estimates of future events. Central 1 has based the forward-looking statements on current plans, information, data, estimates, expectations, and projections about, among other things, results of operations, financial, condition, prospects, strategies and future events, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Securityholders are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Certain important assumptions by Central 1 in making forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, competitive conditions, economic conditions and regulatory considerations. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include economic risks, regulatory risks (including legislative and regulatory developments), risks and uncertainty from the impact of rising or falling interest rates, information technology and cyber risks, environmental and social risk (including climate change), digital disruption and innovation, reputation risk, competitive risk, privacy, data and third-party related risks, risks related to business and operations, risks relating to the transition of clients to alternative digital banking providers, and other risks detailed from time to time in Central 1’s periodic reports filed with securities regulators. Given these risks, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Central 1 undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. 

    Contacts

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Governments can keep raiding takeaways and nail bars, but businesses will still employ undocumented migrants

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Aida Hajro, Chair in International Business, University of Leeds, and Founding Co-Director of Migration, Business & Society, University of Leeds

    hxdbzxy/Shutterstock

    The UK is far from the only country to be caught in a heated debate over its migration system and border security. Unfortunately, it is unlikely to get its response right, because the UK debate ignores a fundamental truth: migration trends largely follow economic cycles and labour demand.

    It is well-documented that immigration increases during periods of economic growth and declines during downturns. Furthermore, Brexit has aggravated the UK’s labour shortages – a pinch being felt across nearly every work sector.

    Nearly 40% of UK businesses have not been able to grow or take advantage of new opportunities because of these labour shortages.

    Public discussions, including recent news coverage, tend to focus on border control and enforcement while overlooking the economic realities that shape migration. Past and present UK governments have largely failed to address the fact that migration is driven by the needs of UK businesses – and is often facilitated by informal recruitment systems, due to the lack of efficient legal migration channels.

    Our recent research backs up the idea that demand for labour is a major driver of both documented and undocumented (also known as “irregular”) immigration. Despite not being legally allowed to work, undocumented migrants are still sought after because of the shortages.



    Read more:
    Irregular, not illegal: what the UK government’s language reveals about its new approach to immigration

    Efforts to “crack down” on irregular migration often fail because businesses – especially in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, construction and the service industry – continue to rely on these workers. So without addressing labour shortages and recruitment practices, policies to restrict migration won’t work.

    But who bears the cost of migration? It’s not the UK government.

    Like most countries, the UK requires prospective workers to obtain a work visa while they are still in their country of origin. Getting this paperwork done is costly and complicated. A worker needs to apply, certify translations of the required documents, in some cases undergo a medical examination, cover travel expenses, pay the visa application fee, and show proof that they have enough personal savings to support themselves in the UK.

    For example, Nepalese workers pay around £6,000 to emigrate to Europe. This can amount to four years of wages for low-income workers there.

    To get to the UK, many rely on licensed recruitment agencies, known as “sponsors”. However, neither these sponsors nor the employers who desperately need workers are legally required to cover the costs of migration. For instance, the UK’s seasonal worker scheme, designed to provide much-needed labour for agriculture, does not require employers to pay for visa fees or recruitment expenses.

    This is a major weakness in the system, as it leaves the burden of migration costs on prospective workers – people who are ready to take on low-paid and seasonal jobs that UK citizens often avoid. To pay their way, many of these workers borrow from private money-lenders in their home countries, whose monthly interest rates can be excessive. Unsurprisingly, some turn to people smugglers.

    These smugglers often operate a business model that offers shortcuts for entering the UK, frequently making false promises about the length of employment and wages on offer. Studies show that most migrants are aware of the severe risks involved in using these illicit services, yet they still do due to the lack of better alternatives.

    The Employer Pays Principle

    Crossing the Channel is not the primary source of undocumented migration into the UK. The main issue is people overstaying legally granted visas, as the renewal process is complex and costly.

    It is no secret in the business world that migrant workers are exposed to significant costs just to access employment. To address this, the Institute for Human Rights and Business – a UK-based thinktank – introduced the Employer Pays Principle (EPP). This asserts that the costs of migration should be paid not by the workers but by employers. Leading corporations in the UK including Unilever, Morrisons, Waitrose and IHG Hotels & Resorts have adopted EPP.

    However, embracing this principle can be much more challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The more-than-800 premises, including nail salons and takeaways, raided across the UK in January 2025 are unlikely to have the human resources and financial means to cover migration costs for the workers they need. Issuing civil penalty notices and demanding that SMEs pay £60,000 per worker if found liable will not solve the problem of undocumented workers.

    In general, punitive policies do not stop migration. They simply make it more precarious for already vulnerable people.

    And the government’s social media campaigns in countries like Vietnam and Albania, aimed at discouraging people from illegal travel to the UK, are also unlikely to work. The EU tried similar policies between 2015 and 2019 at a cost of nearly €45 million (£37 million) – and they largely failed.

    The UK government has run campaigns aimed at discouraging would-be migrants from Vietnam.

    To prevent undocumented migration, firms in need of workers should take responsibility for covering the actual costs of migration. Large firms should be legally required to do so, while for SMEs, the UK government could consider ways to improve access to financing and advisory services. It should also consider incentives and rewards for companies that have voluntarily adopted the EPP or introduced other good practices.

    Important next steps

    It is possible to estimate the cost of responsibly recruiting a migrant worker from a specific country to the UK. Providing clear and open access to this information would be another important step towards facilitating legal migration routes. After all, universities, consultancies and non-governmental organisations are collecting this data. Cross-sector partnerships could save time and money.

    Social media campaigns should prioritise educating potential migrants about UK immigration laws and their rights. This would be more valuable than focusing on the risks of undocumented journeys.

    It is also crucial to evaluate whether educational campaigns are more effective than those aimed at deterring migration. The government should remain open to abandoning any overseas social media campaigns that don’t demonstrate cost-effectiveness.

    The solution starts with accepting the realities of migration and acknowledging labour market forces. Then, creating the right regulatory environment will reduce the human cost of irregular migration, while supporting UK businesses to find the workers they need.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Governments can keep raiding takeaways and nail bars, but businesses will still employ undocumented migrants – https://theconversation.com/governments-can-keep-raiding-takeaways-and-nail-bars-but-businesses-will-still-employ-undocumented-migrants-250947

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Nvni Group Engages MZ Group to Lead Investor Relations and Shareholder Communications Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Identifies Current and Future Shareholder Resources

    Encourages Investors to Sign up for Email Alerts to Stay up to Date on Company

    NEW YORK, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nvni Group Limited (Nasdaq: NVNI) (“Nuvini” or the “Company”), a leading acquirer of private SaaS B2B companies in Latin America, today announced the engagement of international investor relations specialists MZ Group (MZ) to develop its investor relations and financial communications program across all key markets.

    MZ Group will work closely with Nuvini management to increase the Company’s visibility throughout the retail and institutional investment community. The initiative is focused on educating the investment community on the fundamentals of Nuvini’s uniquely defined acquisition strategy driven by management’s direct access network supplying a pipeline in the highly fragmented SaaS B2B markets Brazil and Latin America. Nuvini’s current portfolio of seven (7) multi-vertical SaaS solutions underwent thorough due diligence to verify suitability with the Company’s core investment criteria including positive cash generation and high growth potential. Importantly, the Company operates with a focus on generating and delivering value to all stakeholders. This includes providing a foundation for its portfolio of entrepreneurial management teams to execute operations while remaining diligent capital allocators to provide attractive long-term shareholder returns.

    To track Nuvini’s operational progress and remain updated on investor materials, please visit the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.nuvini.co/.

    • Press Release alerts are the most effective way to stay up to date on the latest Company announcements and milestones. Investors and analysts interested in staying up to date can sign up for email alerts here.
    • If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page here, or email NVNI@mzgroup.us.
    • To schedule a conference call with management, please email your request to NVNI@mzgroup.us.

    About MZ Group

    MZ North America is the US division of MZ Group, a global leader in investor relations with over 250 employees, 800 clients across 12 different exchanges. For over 25 years, MZ has implemented award winning programs and developed a reputation for delivering tangible results for public and private companies via strategic communications, industry-leading investor outreach, public relations, a market intelligence desk, and a suite of technology solutions, spanning websites, conference call/webcasting, video production and XBRL/Edgar filing services. MZ maintains a global footprint with professionals located throughout every time zone in North America, as well as Taipei and São Paulo. For more information, please visit www.mzgroup.us.

    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.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements contained in this press release include or may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Nuvini. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Nuvini will be those that we have anticipated. Where a forward-looking statement expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “aim,” “target,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “likely,” “plan,” “probably” or similar words may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements about the ability of Nuvini to: realize the benefits expected from this strategic partnership; achieve projections and anticipate uncertainties relating to the business, operations and financial performance of Nuvini, including (i) expectations with respect to financial and business performance, including financial projections and business metrics and any underlying assumptions, (ii) expectations regarding market size, future acquisitions, partnerships or other relationships with third parties, (iii) expectations on Nuvini’s proprietary technology and related intellectual property rights, and (iv) future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash, including the ability to obtain additional capital in the future; enhance future operating and financial results; comply with applicable laws and regulations; stay abreast of modified or new laws and regulations applying to its business, including privacy regulation; anticipate rapid technological changes; and effectively respond to general economic and business conditions.

    While forward-looking statements reflect Nuvini’s good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. Nuvini disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause Nuvini’s future results, performance or transactions to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, please see the section “Risk Factors” of the Registration Statement in Form F-4 filed by Nuvini with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 6, 2023 under number 333-272688. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to Nuvini.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Sofia Toledo
    ir@nuvini.co

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Kish Bancorp, Inc. to Present at Banking Virtual Investor Conference on March 6

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STATE COLLEGE, Pa., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kish Bancorp, Inc. (KISB), based in State College, Pennsylvania, focused on banking, insurance, and financial services, today announced that Gregory T. Hayes, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mark J. Cvrkel, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will present live at the Banking Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com on March 6.

    DATE: March 6, 2025
    TIME: 2:00 p.m. ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/41vwVT3
    Available for 1×1 meetings: March 7, 10, and 11, 2025

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

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

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

    Recent Company Highlights

    • Total assets increased $149.8 million, or 9.7%, to $1.7 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.5 billion a year ago.
    • Total loans grew by $191.1 million, or 15.5%, year over year to $1.4 billion, compared to $1.2 billion a year ago.
    • Total deposits increased $119.0 million year over year, or 10.1%, as Kish Bank continued to attract new client relationships.
    • Fourth quarter net interest income, before provision, increased $1.5 million, or 13.3%, compared to the fourth quarter a year ago.
    • Noninterest income increased $416 thousand, or 14.4%, compared to the year ago quarter.
    • Fourth quarter net interest margin contracted 14 basis points from the fourth quarter a year ago to 3.23%.
    • Continued strong fourth quarter ROE of 13.56% and ROA of 0.97%.
    • Tangible book value per share increased 2.1% to $34.58, compared to $33.86 a year ago.
    • Paid a $0.39 per share quarterly cash dividend on October 31, 2024, to shareholders of record as of October 15, 2024, which was a $0.02 per share increase over the prior quarter.
    • At December 31, 2024, Kish Bank continued to exceed regulatory well-capitalized requirements with a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.02%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 9.92% and a Total risk-based capital ratio of 10.62%.

    About Kish Bancorp, Inc.
    Kish Bancorp, Inc. is a diversified financial services corporation headquartered in Belleville, PA with executive offices in State College and an Innovation Center in Reedsville. Kish Bank, a subsidiary of Kish Bancorp, Inc., operates 19 locations serving Centre, Mifflin, Huntingdon, Blair, and Juniata counties, and northeastern Ohio. In addition to Kish Bank, other business units include: Kish Insurance, an independent property and casualty insurance agency; Kish Financial Solutions, which offers trust, fiduciary, and wealth management advisory services; Kish Benefits Consulting, which provides employee benefits consulting services; and Kish Travel, a full-service travel agency. KISB is the OTCQX stock ticker symbol for Kish Bancorp, Inc. For additional information, please visit ir.kishbancorp.com or otcmarkets.com/stock/KISB.

    In June of 2024, Kish Bancorp, Inc. was ranked 38thon American Banker Magazine’s list of Top 100 Publicly Traded Community Banks and Thrifts based on three-year average return on equity as of December 31, 2023. The rankings are derived from all publicly traded banks and thrifts in the U.S. with less than $2 billion in assets.

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

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

    CONTACTS:
    Kish Bancorp, Inc.
    Mark J. Cvrkel
    EVP, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer 814-325-7346
    mark.cvrkel@kishbank.com

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

    Kish Bancorp, Inc. | 2610 Green Tech Drive, State College, PA 16803 | 1-800-981-5474 | MyKish.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What is isolationism? The history and politics of an often-maligned foreign policy concept

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Andrew Latham, Professor of Political Science, Macalester College

    Isolationism has deep roots in American foreign policy stretching back to George Washington. FotografiaBasica/Getty Images

    Few terms in American foreign policy discourse are as misunderstood or politically charged as “isolationism.”

    Often used as a political weapon, the term conjures images of a retreating America, indifferent to global challenges.

    However, the reality is more complex. For example, some commentators argue that President Donald Trump’s return to the White House signals a new era of isolationism. But others contend his foreign policy is more akin to “sovereigntism,” which prioritizes national autonomy and decision-making free from external constraints, and advocates for international engagement only when it directly serves a nation’s interests.

    Understanding isolationism’s role in U.S. policy requires a closer look at its historical roots and political usage.

    ‘Entangling alliances’

    The idea of avoiding foreign entanglements has been a part of American strategic thinking since the country’s founding. President George Washington’s famous warning against “entangling alliances” reflected a desire to insulate the young republic from European conflicts.

    Throughout the 19th century, this sentiment shaped U.S. policy, though not exclusively. The country expanded its influence in the Western Hemisphere, maintained strong economic ties abroad and occasionally intervened in regional affairs.

    This cautious approach allowed the U.S. to develop its economy and military strength without becoming deeply embroiled in European rivalries.

    After World War I, isolationism became more pronounced. The staggering human and financial costs of the war led many Americans to question deep international involvement. Skepticism toward President Woodrow Wilson’s League of Nations reinforced this sentiment, and in the 1930s, the U.S. passed Neutrality Acts designed to keep the country out of foreign wars. However, this approach proved unsustainable.

    Though getting increasingly involved in the European conflict in the years before the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, that day officially led the U.S. into World War II, marking the definitive end of traditional isolationism. With the war’s conclusion, American strategic thinking shifted, recognizing that even partial disengagement was no longer an option in a globalized world.

    Isolationism as a slur

    In the postwar era, isolationism devolved from a coherent strategic perspective into a term of political derision. During the Cold War, those who opposed military alliances like NATO or U.S. interventions in Korea and Vietnam were often dismissed as isolationists, regardless of their actual policy preferences.

    This framing marginalized critics of U.S. global engagement, even when their concerns were grounded in strategic prudence rather than a reflexive desire to withdraw from the world.

    The same pattern persisted going into the 21st century. In debates over U.S. involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine, critics of expansive military commitments were frequently labeled isolationists, despite advocating for a recalibration of foreign policy rather than outright disengagement.

    Many of those calling for an end to America’s “forever wars” did not argue for global retreat but for a prioritization of national interests over the broad defense of the so-called rules-based international order.

    A persistent myth is that isolationism represents a total disengagement from the world. Historically, even during its peak, isolationism in the U.S. was never absolute. Trade, diplomacy and cultural exchanges continued even in periods marked by reluctance to intervene militarily. What critics of interventionism have historically sought is prudence in foreign affairs – avoiding unnecessary wars while ensuring the protection of core national interests.

    Moving beyond isolationism

    In recent years, “restraint” has gained traction as a more precise and useful framework for U.S. foreign policy. Unlike isolationism, restraint does not imply withdrawal from global affairs but rather advocates a more selective and strategic approach.

    Proponents argue that the U.S. should avoid unnecessary wars, focus on core national interests and work with its allies to maintain stability rather than relying on unilateral military action. This perspective acknowledges the limits of American power and the risks of overextension while still recognizing the necessity of international engagement. Advocates of restraint suggest that recalibrating U.S. foreign policy would allow the country to address pressing domestic concerns while maintaining a strong international presence where it matters most.

    As the U.S. reassesses decades of intervention, restraint offers a middle path between disengagement and unrestrained global activism. It encourages a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to foreign policy that prioritizes long-term stability and national interests over automatic involvement in conflicts.

    Moving beyond the outdated and politically charged debate over isolationism would, I believe, allow for a more productive conversation about how the U.S. can engage globally in a way that is both effective and aligned with its strategic interests.

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

    – ref. What is isolationism? The history and politics of an often-maligned foreign policy concept – https://theconversation.com/what-is-isolationism-the-history-and-politics-of-an-often-maligned-foreign-policy-concept-245201

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Baker Hughes, Frontier Infrastructure Announce Partnership to Accelerate Development of Carbon Capture and Storage, Data Center Projects in the U.S.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Frontier’s SCS Hub, spanning nearly 100,000 acres in Wyoming, will provide open-access CO₂ storage for industrial emitters and ethanol producers using its CO₂-by-rail strategy
    • Baker Hughes will provide key CCS and power generation technologies, including CO₂ compression, well design, and its industrial NovaLT™ gas turbines to support power solutions for data centers and industrial customers
    • Partnership allows Frontier to move forward with greater efficiencies and resources for project development

    HOUSTON and DALLAS and LONDON, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), an energy technology company, and Frontier Infrastructure (“Frontier”), a Tailwater Capital portfolio company and a leading developer of low-carbon infrastructure across the U.S. Mountain West and Texas, on Monday announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) and power solutions in the U.S. As part of the agreement, Baker Hughes will provide innovative technologies and resources in support of the development of large-scale CCS, power generation, and data center projects.

    Frontier is leading the development of the Sweetwater Carbon Storage Hub (“SCS Hub”), one of the largest open-source carbon sequestration assets in the country. Spanning nearly 100,000 acres in Wyoming, the hub is designed to support industrial emitters across the region and ethanol facilities across the Midwest utilizing its CO2-by-rail strategy, establishing Frontier as a new standard for scalable carbon storage infrastructure. Frontier currently holds three Class VI permits and has commenced drilling activities on its first wells with first injection commencing year-end 2025.

    As part of the agreement, Baker Hughes will provide technology solutions to support the development of the SCS Hub and future infrastructure projects. By leveraging its key technologies for well design, CO₂ compression, and long-term monitoring, Baker Hughes will help optimize project execution, allowing Frontier to move forward with greater efficiency and financial certainty.

    To further enhance reliable, lower-carbon energy solutions, Frontier is expanding its infrastructure footprint with new behind-the-meter power generation capacity. This includes the development of 256 megawatts (MW) of gas-fired generation, designed to meet the increasing power demands across Wyoming, the broader Mountain West, and Texas — particularly driven by the rapid expansion of data centers and industrial operations. Baker Hughes’ industrial NovaLT™ gas turbines will be deployed to support power generation, ensuring efficient and flexible energy delivery for Frontier.

    “With energy demand rising across the country, industrial customers need scalable, low-carbon solutions, and Frontier’s expanded infrastructure will deliver exactly that,” said Robby Rockey, president and co-CEO of Frontier Infrastructure. “By integrating gas-fired energy with the potential for permanent carbon storage, we are creating a direct, reliable power solution tailored to evolving industrial needs. Baker Hughes’ leadership in turbine technology, drilling services, and CCS innovation makes them an ideal partner in executing this vision.”

    “Baker Hughes is committed to delivering innovative solutions that support increasing energy demand, in part driven by the rapid adoption of AI, while ensuring we continue to enable the decarbonization of the industry,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes. “Working with Frontier Infrastructure represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate how Baker Hughes’ portfolio is uniquely positioned to support CCUS projects for lower-carbon industrial and energy development.”

    Baker Hughes expects orders, in relation to this agreement, as Frontier projects progress. Frontier is a portfolio company of Tailwater Capital, a private equity firm specializing in integrated energy and environmental infrastructure investments. Frontier was advised by Jefferies LLC as financial adviser and Sidley Austin LLP as legal adviser.

    About Baker Hughes
    Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

    About Frontier Infrastructure
    Frontier Infrastructure is a leading developer of low-carbon infrastructure solutions across the Mountain West and Texas, specializing in integrated power generation and carbon capture and storage projects. The company is at the forefront of industrial decarbonization, providing scalable, permanent carbon storage and behind-the-meter power solutions to support growing regional energy demand. For more information, please visit www.frontierccus.com.

    For more information, please contact:

    Baker Hughes Media Relations
    Chiara Toniato
    +39 3463823419
    chiara.toniato@bakerhughes.com

    Tailwater Capital Media Relations
    Jill McMillan
    Managing Director, Communications & Public Affairs
    +1 214-489-7047
    jmcmillan@tailwatercapital.com

    Baker Hughes Investor Relations
    Chase Mulvehill
    +1 346-297-2561
    investor.relations@bakerhughes.com

    Tailwater Capital Investor Relations
    John Schaufele
    Managing Director, Investor Relations & Fundraising
    Phone: 214-489-7043
    Email: jschaufele@tailwatercapital.com

    For Inquiries Related to Frontier Infrastructure
    Email: info@frontierccus.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Occidental Announces Offer to Exercise Warrants at a Temporarily Reduced Price

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Occidental (NYSE: OXY) today announced an offer to exercise its outstanding publicly traded warrants (the “Warrants”) at a temporarily reduced price (the “Offer”).

    The Offer is available to holders of the Warrants, each representing the right to purchase one share of Occidental’s common stock, $0.20 par value per share, at an exercise price of $22.00. The Warrants were initially distributed by Occidental on August 3, 2020 in the form of a dividend to the holders of record of Occidental’s common stock as of July 6, 2020 and are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OXY WS”. Warrant holders (the “Holders”) have the opportunity to exercise each of their Warrants at a temporarily reduced exercise price of $21.30. There is no minimum participation requirement with respect to the Offer.

    The Offer is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Exercise Warrants to Purchase Common Stock of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, dated March 3, 2025 (the “Offer to Exercise”), filed as an exhibit to Occidental’s Schedule TO filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

    To participate in the Offer and exercise the Warrants at the temporarily reduced exercise price, Holders must elect to participate prior to the expiration of the Offer at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 31, 2025, which may be extended by Occidental in its sole discretion (the “Expiration Date”), and must deliver payment and the required documentation in accordance with the Offer to Exercise prior to the Expiration Date. Holders who elect to participate in the Offer and do not withdraw their validly tendered Warrants will receive the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants promptly after the Expiration Date. Any Holder that tenders Warrants prior to the Expiration Date but changes their mind may withdraw their tender of Warrants at any time prior to the Expiration Date. 

    The purpose of the Offer is to encourage the exercise of the Warrants by temporarily reducing the exercise price. If all of the outstanding Warrants are exercised at the temporarily reduced exercise price, Occidental would receive gross proceeds of approximately $1.6 billion. Occidental intends to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include the redemption or repayment of certain of its outstanding indebtedness.

    For additional information or assistance, please contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., which is acting as Information Agent for the Offer, at:

    D.F. King & Co., Inc.
    48 Wall St, 22nd Floor
    New York, NY 10005
    Toll-Free: (888) 628-8208
    Email: OXY@dfking.com

    Additional Information

    The discussion of the Offer contained in this press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. Holders should read the Schedule TO filed with the SEC and the exhibits attached thereto carefully because they contain important information, including the various terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Exercise. The Schedule TO, including the Offer to Exercise and other related materials, will also be available to Holders at no charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or from D.F. King & Co., Inc., Occidental’s Information Agent for the Offer. Holders are urged to read those materials carefully prior to making any decisions with respect to the Offer.

    Occidental has filed with the SEC a registration statement that includes a prospectus (as supplemented by a prospectus supplement, the “Prospectus”) relating to the offering of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, and has further filed with the SEC a prospectus supplement relating to such registration statement and Prospectus in respect of the exercise of the Warrants at the reduced exercise price. Copies of the Prospectus, as further supplemented by the prospectus supplement, may be obtained from the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by contacting D.F. King & Co., Inc.

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

    About Occidental

    Occidental is an international energy company with assets primarily in the United States, the Middle East and North Africa. We are one of the largest oil and gas producers in the U.S., including a leading producer in the Permian and DJ basins, and offshore Gulf of America. Our midstream and marketing segment provides flow assurance and maximizes the value of our oil and gas, and includes our Oxy Low Carbon Ventures subsidiary, which is advancing leading-edge technologies and business solutions that economically grow our business while reducing emissions. Our chemical subsidiary OxyChem manufactures the building blocks for life-enhancing products. We are dedicated to using our global leadership in carbon management to advance a lower-carbon world.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about Occidental’s expectations, beliefs, plans or forecasts. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to: any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items or future financial position or sources of financing; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations or business strategy; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “expect,” “aim,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,” “commit,” “advance,” “likely” or similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes are generally indicative of forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release unless an earlier date is specified. Unless legally required, Occidental does not undertake any obligation to update, modify or withdraw any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Forward-looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual outcomes or results may differ from anticipated results, sometimes materially. Factors that could cause results to differ from those projected or assumed in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions, including slowdowns and recessions, domestically or internationally; Occidental’s indebtedness and other payment obligations, including the need to generate sufficient cash flows to fund operations; Occidental’s ability to successfully monetize select assets and repay or refinance debt and the impact of changes in Occidental’s credit ratings or future increases in interest rates; assumptions about energy markets; global and local commodity and commodity-futures pricing fluctuations and volatility; supply and demand considerations for, and the prices of, Occidental’s products and services; actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC oil producing countries; results from operations and competitive conditions; future impairments of Occidental’s proved and unproved oil and gas properties or equity investments, or write-downs of productive assets, causing charges to earnings; unexpected changes in costs; inflation, its impact on markets and economic activity and related monetary policy actions by governments in response to inflation; availability of capital resources, levels of capital expenditures and contractual obligations; the regulatory approval environment, including Occidental’s ability to timely obtain or maintain permits or other government approvals, including those necessary for drilling and/or development projects; Occidental’s ability to successfully complete, or any material delay of, field developments, expansion projects, capital expenditures, efficiency projects, acquisitions or divestitures; risks associated with acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures, such as difficulties integrating businesses, uncertainty associated with financial projections or projected synergies, restructuring, increased costs and adverse tax consequences; uncertainties and liabilities associated with acquired and divested properties and businesses; uncertainties about the estimated quantities of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas reserves; lower-than-expected production from development projects or acquisitions; Occidental’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits from prior or future streamlining actions to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes and improve Occidental’s competitiveness; exploration, drilling and other operational risks; disruptions to, capacity constraints in, or other limitations on the pipeline systems that deliver Occidental’s oil and natural gas and other processing and transportation considerations; volatility in the securities, capital or credit markets, including capital market disruptions and instability of financial institutions; government actions (including geopolitical, trade, tariff and regulatory uncertainties), war (including the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East) and political conditions and events; health, safety and environmental (HSE) risks, costs and liability under existing or future federal, regional, state, provincial, tribal, local and international HSE laws, regulations and litigation (including related to climate change or remedial actions or assessments); legislative or regulatory changes, including changes relating to hydraulic fracturing or other oil and natural gas operations, retroactive royalty or production tax regimes, and deep-water and onshore drilling and permitting regulations; Occidental’s ability to recognize intended benefits from its business strategies and initiatives, such as Occidental’s low-carbon ventures businesses or announced greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets or net-zero goals; potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation, government investigations and other proceedings; disruption or interruption of production or manufacturing or facility damage due to accidents, chemical releases, labor unrest, weather, power outages, natural disasters, cyber-attacks, terrorist acts or insurgent activity; the scope and duration of global or regional health pandemics or epidemics, and actions taken by government authorities and other third parties in connection therewith; the creditworthiness and performance of Occidental’s counterparties, including financial institutions, operating partners and other parties; failure of risk management; Occidental’s ability to retain and hire key personnel; supply, transportation and labor constraints; reorganization or restructuring of Occidental’s operations; changes in state, federal or international tax rates; and actions by third parties that are beyond Occidental’s control.

    Additional information concerning these and other factors that may cause Occidental’s results of operations and financial position to differ from expectations can be found in Occidental’s filings with the SEC, including Occidental’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

    Contacts

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wearable Devices to Showcase the World’s First Neural Sensing Wristband at MWC Barcelona 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Company will demonstrate its newly launched Mudra Link across multiple operating systems alongside the Mudra Dev-Kit, with a strong focus on Extended Reality (XR) and smart glasses applications

    Yokneam Illit, Israel, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), an award-winning pioneer in artificial intelligence (“AI”)-based wearable gesture control technology, today announced its participation at MWC Barcelona 2025 (“MWC 2025”), the world’s leading event for mobile technology and connectivity. The Company will showcase its latest advancements in neural gesture input technology, emphasizing the role of Mudra Link, the world’s first neural sensing wristband, in XR and Smart Glasses control, alongside the Mudra Band for Apple Watch. Wearable Devices will be exhibiting at Hall 5 – 5E61, from Monday, March 3 to Thursday, March 6, 2025.

    At MWC 2025, Wearable Devices invites attendees to experience the Mudra Link, the first neural gesture control wristband that enables seamless interaction across Android, macOS, and Windows devices using simple gestures like tap, swipe, pinch, and drag. With Mudra Link, users can control mobile devices, apps, and computers on any OS, offering an intuitive and touch-free user experience. More importantly, Mudra Link introduces new capabilities for controlling Smart Glasses and XR applications, allowing users to interact with augmented and virtual reality environments using natural hand gestures without the need for external controllers. This latest offering represents a major step in expanding neural gesture control beyond the Apple ecosystem, bringing Wearable Devices’ technology to a broader consumer audience.

    Alongside the Mudra Link, the Company will present a new Mudra Dev-Kit program (the “MDK Program”). The MDK Program is tailor-made for enterprises looking to both explore, build proof of concepts and pilots before deciding on the final neural band product experience. The MDK Program also includes onsite support and training of technical and marketing teams, sample code, a hands-on demo day covering multiple uses cases. The MDK Program accelerates time to market and boost visibility for the final product, and builds confidence in using the Company’s latest new and novel technology.

    Offir Remez, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Wearable Devices, stated, “MWC 2025 is a premier event for mobile technology, and we are excited to demonstrate how our AI-powered neural gesture control technology is revolutionizing user interactions. With the launch of the Mudra Link, we are expanding beyond Apple and bringing our technology to a wider audience across multiple platforms. Most significantly, our focus on XR and Smart Glasses opens new doors for intuitive user experiences in digital and virtual environments. We see strong interest from both consumers and industry partners and we are looking forward to seeing co-branded products shipped in volume soon.”

    Asher Dahan, Chief Executive Officer of Wearable Devices, added, “Our vision is to redefine the way users interact with technology, and our participation at MWC 2025 is a pivotal moment for us. The introduction of Mudra Link marks a major milestone, as it allows us to offer a universal neural control solution that integrates seamlessly across platforms, particularly for the emerging XR and Smart Glasses industry. Combined with the continued success of the Mudra Band for Apple Watch, we are driving the future of AI-powered, touchless interaction for consumers worldwide.”

    To book a meeting with our team and learn how you can integrate Mudra technology into your products and solutions, please fill out the form at this link.

    About Wearable Devices Ltd.

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

    Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

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

    Investor Relations Contact

    Michal Efraty
     IR@wearabledevices.co.il

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Heroes of the SVO met with students of the Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On February 28, the Polytechnic University hosted a “Conversation on the Important” on the topic “Heroes are not born – heroes become heroes”, dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland in Russia. At a meeting with Polytechnic students, SVO participants, Heroes of Russia Andrei Sergeevich and Eduard Vadimovich told why they decided to become military men, shared their combat experience and answered questions.

    I am sure that this dialogue is very important for our youth, because it is in communication with real Heroes that an understanding of such values as love for the Motherland and the duty of a defender of the Fatherland is formed. This is also important for each of us, because this is how our national memory, our cultural code and “what no one can take away from us in any trials” are preserved and transmitted, – commented the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy.

    The meeting was attended by students from various SPbPU institutes, cadets of the Military Training Center and volunteers. The conversation was moderated by veteran of the unit Dmitry Vladimirovich. First, he introduced the guests – fighters of special forces units.

    Andrei Sergeevich and Eduard Vadimovich were awarded the gold Stars of Heroes of the Russian Federation. This is not their first award. During their combat path, they have repeatedly demonstrated courage, determination and were awarded state awards, – said Dmitry Vladimirovich.

    The participants of the meeting discussed the reasons for the start of the SVO, discussed in detail one of the recent offensive operations and its significance, and watched archival videos for better understanding. Active servicemen spoke about the work of the unit, the tasks that they faced, and shared their experience of working in the combat zone.

    Polytechnic students were interested in how to deal with fear and quickly make the right decisions in extreme circumstances.

    In such situations, the head works especially quickly, makes non-standard, maximally effective decisions based on some analytical and intuitive feelings. The relationship in the group is important, sometimes we understand each other without words, – the servicemen shared.

    The guys asked about weapons during missions, about how supplies and communications are provided when the military is surrounded by enemies, about helping comrades. Many questions were related to the operation of UAVs, their importance on the battlefield. The servicemen especially noted that technology is of great importance in modern conflicts.

    The students discussed with the military the importance of patriotic education and the preservation of traditional values. They asked what the main quality of a real man is.

    A cold mind and kindness. When, in any difficulties, you pull yourself together and do what you must, without thinking about your own interests, Andrey Sergeevich is sure.

    The participants discussed the importance of humanitarian aid in the SVO zone. The moderator of the meeting, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Social Sciences Ivan Kolomeitsev said that from the very beginning of the special military operation, the university has been actively supporting its participants, and also collecting and sending humanitarian aid to residents of new regions. The guests noted that the support of volunteers and caring people helps them a lot.

    We are very grateful to everyone for their contribution. The guys always greet the vehicles with humanitarian aid with enthusiasm, they are even happy about condensed milk, – said Eduard Vadimovich.

    The guys smiled when they heard about funny situations from the military personnel’s practice. And they became sad when the conversation turned to the wounded and the dead.

    Losing a comrade in arms is like losing a brother. You become imbued with his life, his family. It is very difficult to survive such a loss. But you have to continue to carry out the task, and you pull yourself together, – shared Andrei Sergeyevich.

    Those gathered honored the memory of the fallen with a minute of silence.

    After the conversation, the Polytechnic students got acquainted with samples of captured enemy UAVs, as well as ammunition and equipment. At the end of the meeting, the guests were presented with memorable gifts from the university as a sign of respect and gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the common cause.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government to take over redress for convicted postmasters from Post Office

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government to take over redress for convicted postmasters from Post Office

    All postmasters who have had their convictions overturned will now have their conviction claims administered by the government

    • Government to manage redress for postmasters who have had convictions overturned by the Courts to ensure it is delivered promptly and sensitively
    • The Post Office will cease to be involved in the redress for postmasters with overturned convictions following calls from campaigners and postmasters
    • Redress for victims of Horizon scandal has more than doubled under this government, delivering on a key manifesto commitment

    All postmasters who have had their convictions overturned, whether by a court or legislation last year, will now have their conviction claims administered by the government, completely taking them out of the hands of the Post Office – fulfilling a key request from those impacted by the scandal.  

    After a three-month transitional period, the Department for Business and Trade’s Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) will broaden its scope to take on responsibility for redress for postmasters who have had their convictions overturned by the Courts. These are currently dealt with by the Post Office through their Overturned Convictions scheme. This is something that postmasters, campaigners, and Parliamentarians, including the Business and Trade Select Committee, have all called for.  

    Postmasters have suffered a huge amount. While the government can’t fully put right what they have been through, it can make sure the compensation process works better for them by listening to their grievances and acting upon them where possible to ensure postmasters are treated with dignity and respect. Today, this means ending the difficulty of dealing with the organisation which upended so many of their lives.   

    The delivery of redress for victims of the Post office Horizon scandal is a key government manifesto commitment, with a commitment of £1.8 billion to ensure all postmasters receive the justice and financial redress they deserve. 

    Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

    My priority upon coming into office was to speed up the delivery of compensation to the victims of the Horizon scandal. We have made significant progress, and we are now moving to ensure there is a quick transfer of schemes from the Post Office to the Department. 

    In the meantime, I encourage all those eligible to apply for redress under the Overturned Convictions scheme and continue to progress their claims with the Post Office until the transfer date.

    The Department for Business and Trade will formally take over on 3 June 2025. The three-month transitional period between now and then will allow for the smooth transfer of active claims from one scheme to the other, ensuring there is no gap in service for postmasters who have claims in the system. 

    As of 31 January, approximately £663 million has been paid to over 4,300 claimants, which has more than doubled since the end of June 2024. 

    Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of government actions to address the Post Office Horizon Scandal, including:  

    • launching the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) for postmasters whose horizon-related convictions were quashed by Parliament. This scheme has made 364 interim payments to eligible claimants and has fully settled 208 claims, paying out a total of £156 million;    

    • on the HCRS, committing to provide first offers on receipt of detailed claims within 40 working days in 90% of cases;  

    • beginning payments of a £75,000 fixed offer for those postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) who want to accept it: approximately £171 million has been paid in award top-ups and £75,000 awards;  

    • publishing our response to the consultant’s report into the Post Office Capture software (predecessor to Horizon) and have committed to offering redress to all non-convicted postmasters who fell victim to flaws in Capture software;   

    • announcing an independent appeals process for the HSS to provide individuals with a chance to have their claims reassessed through a DBT-run process. We expect the first cases will be ready for submission in the Spring;  

    • confirmed the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board in place.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Provides February 2025 Production and Operations Update  

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Operational hashrate of 16.1 EH/s –
    – Acquisition of Stronghold Digital Mining & sale of Yguazu site on track for Q1 2025 close –
    -Appoints Craig Hibbard to SVP of Infrastructure-

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s second amended and restated prospectus supplement dated December 17, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF), a global Bitcoin and vertically integrated data center company, today issued its latest monthly production report. All financial references are in U.S. dollars.

    CEO Ben Gagnon stated, “We are on track to close our acquisition of Stronghold Digital Mining (“Stronghold”) following the recent successful shareholder vote which Stronghold shareholders voted overwhelmingly in support. Combined with the strategic sale of our 200 MW Yguazu, Paraguay data center, also on track for a Q1 2025 close, these accretive transactions will improve our energy portfolio and transform Bitfarms into a North American energy and compute infrastructure company with lower-cost energy and high-quality assets, suitable for both HPC/AI and Bitcoin mining.

    “In addition, I am thrilled to welcome our new SVP of Infrastructure, Craig Hibbard. Craig joins us from Mawson Infrastructure Group where he was Chief Development Officer. He has over 25 years of experience leading large-scale real estate development projects, including the recent rapid design and construction of over 200 MW of digital infrastructure for a U.S. firm specializing in digital assets and HPC/AI. Based in Pennsylvania, Craig will play a critical role in managing infrastructure development for our rapidly expanding PJM portfolio and advancing our HPC/AI business.”

    SVP of Global Mining Operations Alex Brammer said, “During February we grew our operational hashrate 6% to 16.1 EH/s and grew our average operational hashrate 20% to 13.4 EH/s, achieving new all-time highs in three out of four countries. This growth will continue as we deploy miners in the U.S. and Argentina and optimize performance across all of our data centers.”

    February 2025 Select Operating Highlights

    Key Performance Indicators February 2025 January 2025
    Total BTC earned 213 201
    Month End Operating EH/s 16.1 15.2
    BTC/Avg. EH/s 16 18
    Average Operating EH/s 13.4 11.2
    Energized Capacity (MW) 437 437
    Hydropower (MW) 256 256
    Watts/Terahash Efficiency (w/TH) 20 20
    BTC Sold 75 42
    • 16.1 EH/s operational at February 28, 2025, up 6% M/M.
    • 13.4 EH/s average operational, up 20% M/M.
    • 16 BTC/average EH/s, 11% lower M/M.
    • 213 BTC earned, 6% higher M/M.
    • 7.6 BTC earned daily on average, equal to ~$638,400 per day based on a BTC price of $84,000 at February 28, 2025.

    February 2025 Financial Update

    • Sold 75 of the 213 BTC earned as part of the Company’s regular treasury management practice for total proceeds of $6.5 million.
    • Added 108 BTC, bringing Treasury to 1,260 BTC, up from 1,152 BTC last month and representing $105.8 million based on the Bitcoin price of $84,000 at February 28, 2025. This includes the transfer of 30 BTC to a third party as collateral for active option contracts during the month.

    Upcoming Conferences and Events

    • March 12, 2025: Cantor Fitzgerald Global Technology Conference (NYC)
    • March 17-18, 2025: 37th Annual ROTH Conference (Dana Point, CA)

    About Bitfarms Ltd.

    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company that sells its computational power to one or more mining pools from which it receives payment in Bitcoin. Bitfarms develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated mining facilities with in-house management and company-owned electrical engineering, installation service, and multiple onsite technical repair centers.

    Bitfarms currently has 13 operating Bitcoin data centers, as well as hosting agreements with two data centers, in four countries: Canada, the United States, Paraguay, and Argentina. Powered predominantly by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    https://twitter.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Glossary of Terms

    • Y/Y or M/M= year over year or month over month
    • BTC or BTC/day = Bitcoin or Bitcoin per day
    • EH or EH/s = Exahash or exahash per second
    • MW or MWh = Megawatts or megawatt hour
    • GW or GWh= Gigawatts or gigawatt hour
    • w/TH = Watts/Terahash efficiency (includes cost of powering supplementary equipment)
    • HPC/AI = High Performance Computing / Artificial Intelligence
    • Energized capacity= Power available
    • Operational capacity= Power and infrastructure being used for current operations
    • PJM= Pennsylvania- New Jersey- Maryland Interconnection LLC

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding projected growth, target hashrate, opportunities relating to the Company’s geographical diversification and expansion, the merits of the rebalancing operations to North America and projected growth, the North American energy and compute infrastructure strategy, deployment of miners as well as the timing therefor, closing of the Stronghold acquisition on a timely basis and on the terms as announced, the positive impact of the Stronghold acquisition and the ability to gain access to additional electrical power and grow hashrate of the Stronghold business, the sale of the Yguazu, Paraguay Site and the reinvestment of the proceeds of the sale for growth, opportunities relating to the potential of the Company’s data centers for HPC/AI, performance of the plants and equipment upgrades and the impact on operating capacity including the target hashrate and multi-year expansion capacity, the opportunities to leverage Bitfarms’ proven expertise to successfully enhance energy efficiency and hashrate, the benefits of diversification and other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information.

    This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to: the construction and operation of the Company’s facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; there is no guarantee that the Company will be able to complete the acquisition of Stronghold Digital Mining, Inc. or the sale of the Yguazu, Paraguay Site on the terms as announced, or at all; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the anticipated merits of the HPC/AI strategy, the benefits and programs of the PJM deregulated market and the objectives of diversification in general may not be realized as planned; efforts to improve and optimize the performance of equipment may not be successful; the digital currency market; the ability to successfully mine digital currency; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; it may not be possible to profitably liquidate the current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on operations; an increase in network difficulty may have a significant negative impact on operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; the anticipated growth and sustainability of hydroelectricity for the purposes of cryptocurrency mining in the applicable jurisdictions; the inability to maintain reliable and economical sources of power for the Company to operate cryptocurrency mining assets; the risks of an increase in the Company’s electricity costs, cost of natural gas, changes in currency exchange rates, energy curtailment or regulatory changes in the energy regimes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates and the adverse impact on the Company’s profitability; future capital needs and the ability to complete current and future financings, including Bitfarms’ ability to utilize an at-the-market offering program ( “ATM Program”) and the prices at which securities may be sold in such ATM Program, as well as capital market conditions in general; share dilution resulting from an ATM Program and from other equity issuances; the risk that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting could result in a misstatement of the Company’s financial position that may lead to a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements if not prevented or detected on a timely basis; any regulations or laws that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business; historical prices of digital currencies and the ability to mine digital currencies that will be consistent with historical prices; and the adoption or expansion of any regulation or law that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business, or make it more costly to do so. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov), including the restated MD&A for the year-ended December 31, 2023, filed on December 9, 2024. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law . Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Additional Information about the Stronghold Acquisition and Where to Find It

    This communication relates to a proposed merger between Stronghold and Bitfarms. In connection with the proposed merger, Bitfarms has filed the registration statement with the SEC. After the registration statement is declared effective, Stronghold will mail the proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders. This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus or any other relevant documents Bitfarms and Stronghold has filed or will file with the SEC. Investors are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus (including all amendments and supplements thereto) and other relevant documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety if and when they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed merger and related matters.

    Investors may obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed by Bitfarms and Stronghold with the SEC, when they become available, through the website maintained by the SEC at www sec.gov. Copies of the documents may also be obtained for free from Bitfarms by contacting Bitfarms’ Investor Relations Department at investors@bitfarms.com and from Stronghold by contacting Stronghold’s Investor Relations Department at SDIG@gateway-grp.com.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, sell or solicit any securities or any proxy, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be deemed to be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Participants in Solicitation Relating to the Stronghold Acquisition

    Bitfarms, Stronghold, their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Stronghold’s shareholders in respect of the proposed merger. In connection with the proposed merger, Bitfarms has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 on December 19, 2024, which includes a proxy statement of Stronghold that also constitutes a prospectus of Bitfarms. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants, including their respective interests by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger if and when they become available. These documents are available free of charge on the SEC’s website and from Bitfarms using the sources indicated above.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Bitfarms
    Tracy Krumme
    SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms.
    +1 786-671-5638
    tkrumme@bitfarms.com

    Media Contact: 

    Bitfarms
    Caroline Brady Baker 
    Director, Communications   
    cbaker@bitfarms.com 

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