NewzIntel.com

Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of Albuquerque Man for Violent Carjacking and Robbery Spree

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to 120 months in prison for a series of violent crimes committed in 2021.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, Dairon Romero, 28, engaged in a crime spree that included carjacking and multiple robberies. Specifically:

    • On July 17, 2021, Romero carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint from a pregnant woman exiting a Walmart with her three young children.
    • On October 10, 2021, Romero entered a 7-Eleven convenience store, pointed a firearm at an employee, and stole approximately $200 in cash and several cartons of cigarettes.
    • On October 13, 2021, Romero robbed a Circle K, using mace on an employee and taking about $60 from the cash register.

    On April 18, 2024, Romero pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and two counts of interference with commerce by robbery.

    At sentencing, the federal judge considered, among other things, Romero‘s violent criminal background as well as numerous other robberies Romero was alleged to have committed. This finding resulted in a sentence greater than the sentencing guideline range.

    Upon his release from prison, Romero will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement today.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Moghadam is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Company which claimed to market adult films is shut down for suspected direct debit scam

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Consumers appeared to be misdirected into paying monthly direct debits

    • Investigations into Drawntear Limited showed that the company appeared to take direct debit payments from consumers without their knowledge or authorisation 
    • Drawntear claimed in previous accounts that it marketed adult movies but no evidence was provided about how the company traded or who really controlled its business activities 
    • The company has now been wound-up in court following an application by the Insolvency Service 

    A company which claimed to sell adult films has been shut down following concerns it was being used as a direct debit scam.  

    Drawntear Limited was wound-up at a hearing of the High Court in Manchester on Wednesday 12 February. 

    The company, which said it was based in Hull before moving its registered office address to Kings Langley in Hertfordshire just last month, failed to co-operate with investigations by the Insolvency Service. 

    Investigators however found evidence that those behind the company were actually based in the Czech Republic and Monaco. 

    Complaints made to Action Fraud also indicated that the company took unauthorised payments from members of the public. 

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

    There was a complete lack of transparency over who controlled Drawntear, the real nature of its trading activities, and unexplained payments of more than £280,000 from its bank account. 

    We were concerned that the company was being used as a vehicle for fraud and the absence of any accounting records meant it was necessary for us to take decisive action to prevent further harm to the public. 

    The Insolvency Service will not hesitate to take robust action to protect consumers and we would encourage everyone to be vigilant against such objectionable rogue operators.

    Drawntear was incorporated on Companies House in November 2019, describing its business as “other retail sale in non-specialised stores”. 

    Accounts for the period up to the end of November 2022 however stated that its principal activity was “the online marketing of adult movies”. 

    There is also some suggestion it provided some form of undisclosed digital streaming services. 

    Attempts by the Insolvency Service to establish the true nature of the company’s trading activities were met with insufficient co-operation. 

    The failure to produce accounting records also meant that payments into Drawntear’s account of £283,098 and receipts of £294,234 were not explained. 

    Complaints from consumers indicated the company was taking direct debit payments without their permission. 

    In one example, a complainant identified recurring payments of £29.99 from their bank account to Drawntear which they were unaware of authorising.

    A second consumer said that monthly payments which totalled £333.50 had been taken from their account. 

    The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of Drawntear Limited. 

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

    Further information 

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stephenville — Bay St. George RCMP stops vehicle and formulates grounds of drug impairment, driver refuses blood sample

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 29-year-old man is facing a criminal charge following a traffic stop that was conducted by Bay St. George RCMP on February 11, 2025.

    Shortly before midnight last night, Bay St. George RCMP stopped a vehicle on Main Street in Stephenville and suspected that the driver was impaired by a drug. Police observed a quantity of cannabis inside the vehicle, near the driver. The man initially refused to exit the vehicle. He was provided a demand to complete roadside sobriety testing and performed poorly. The driver was arrested for drug impaired operation and was provided a demand for blood samples. He was transported to the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville and refused to comply with the demand.

    He now faces a charge of refusing to comply with a blood demand. The man is set to appear in court on April 7, 2025. His licence was suspended and the vehicle as seized and impounded.

    Refusing to comply with a demand issued as part of an impaired driving investigation is a criminal offence. If convicted, a charge of refusing to comply with a demand carries the same penalty as a conviction for a charge of impaired operation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK leads major Ukraine Summit and announces £150 million firepower package

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Defence leaders from across the world have gathered in Brussels today as the UK convenes a major Ukraine summit at NATO HQ.

    • UK convenes the 26th Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels today – the first time the meeting has been chaired by a European nation – supporting UK and European security, a foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change. 

    • Defence Secretary confirms landmark half a million rounds of artillery ammunition – worth more than £1 billion – has now been provided to Ukraine by the UK 

    • New £150 million firepower package of military aid including drones, tanks and air defence systems will give Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russia the equipment they need.  

    Defence leaders from across the world have gathered in Brussels today as the UK convenes a major Ukraine summit at NATO HQ, demonstrating the UK’s leadership and unwavering military support for Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s illegal invasion.  

    Over 50 allies and partners, including Ukraine, the US, Japan and Australia, met for the 26th Ukraine Defence Contact Group, chaired by Defence Secretary John Healey, the first time for any European nation. 

    Opening the meeting, the Defence Secretary announced a new £150m military support package to support Ukrainian troops fighting Russia on the frontline, part of the UK’s unprecedented £3 billion annual pledge to Ukraine. 

    This year, the UK’s total commitment has reached its highest ever level, standing at £4.5 billion, ensuring Ukraine can achieve peace through strength and underscoring the new 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine. 

    Chairing the meeting, Defence Secretary John Healey said:   

    2025 is the critical year for the war in Ukraine. Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage – military and civilians alike, and their bravery – fused with our support – has proved a lethal combination. 

    Speaking as a European Defence Minister, we know our responsibilities. We are doing more of the heavy lifting and sharing more of the burden. 

    While Russia is weakened, it remains undeniably dangerous.  We must step up further – and secure peace through strength – together.

    Speaking at today’s meeting, where he was joined by Ukrainian Defence Minster Rustem Umerov, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius,  French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Defence Secretary Healey confirmed that the UK has sent a landmark 500,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, worth over £1 billion.  

    The Defence Secretary also confirmed that the UK is on track to provide more than 10,000 drones to Ukraine in a single year, with final deliveries due next month.  

    Today’s £150 million package includes thousands of drones, dozens of battle tanks and armoured vehicles and air defence systems.   

    More than 50 armoured and protective vehicles, including modernised T-72 tanks will be deployed to Ukraine by the end of spring, building on the thousands of pieces of equipment the UK has already given to Ukraine.   

    The air defence equipment will support more than 100 Ukrainian air defence teams, and has a 90% success rate of shooting down kamikaze drones, protecting Ukrainian critical national infrastructure including electricity sites frequently targeted by Russia. Announced by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Kyiv last month, the UK and Denmark are also providing fifteen Gravehawks to Ukraine.  

    Today’s package also includes major new maintenance contracts to support in-country repairs to critical kit – helping keep Ukraine’s tanks and artillery in the fight and bringing broken equipment back into use.  

    The Government is clear that the security of the UK starts in Ukraine and is therefore committed to Ukraine’s long-term security as a foundation for the government’s Plan for Change.  

    As part of today’s announcement, thousands of pieces of military equipment the UK has already donated to Ukraine will be repaired and better maintained through contracts worth around £60 million.  

    In a boost the UK’s economy, this includes a multi-million-pound contract with UK defence firm Babcock, who will train Ukrainian personnel to maintain and repair crucial equipment such as Challenger 2 tanks, self-propelled artillery, and combat reconnaissance vehicles inside Ukraine. Through this agreement, equipment can be serviced and returned to the front line quicker.  

    UK defence giant BAE Systems has also been awarded a £14 million contract, funded by Sweden and procured through the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine, to repair Archer artillery systems. Working with Lancashire-based firm AMS, repairs of the Swedish-gifted Archer systems will be carried out in Ukraine with Ukrainian soldiers given technical training so they can maintain equipment for years to come.  

    Today’s announcement comes ahead of tomorrow’s NATO Defence Ministerial meeting, where Defence Secretary Healey will set out that in this critical year, nations must step up and back Ukraine with the resources they need to achieve long-term peace in the face of Russian aggression.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMCA enhances eCMID system with new features and updated guidance

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: IMCA enhances eCMID system with new features and updated guidance

    IMCA enhances eCMID system with new features and updated guidance

    The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has introduced significant updates to its eCMID (electronic Common Marine Inspection Document) system, reinforcing its commitment to improving safety, efficiency, and standardisation in vessel inspections. These enhancements, developed by the cross-industry eCMID Committee in consultation with users, include improvements to risk categorisation, inspector guidance, and the analytics hub, alongside updates to inspection templates.

    What is the eCMID system?

    The eCMID system provides a standardised framework for vessel inspections, carried out by Accredited Vessel Inspectors (AVIs). These inspections support vessel safety and operational efficiency by offering detailed reports that help vessel operators, charterers, and stakeholders assess compliance with industry best practices.

    Key system improvements

    • Risk categorisation in reports and analytics hub – IMCA has introduced automated risk categorisation for inspection findings, helping prioritise critical safety issues. Identified high-risk findings are listed first in reports and can be analysed on an industry-wide or fleet-wide basis using the analytics hub. This enhancement ensures that urgent safety concerns receive the necessary attention and action.
    • Updated guidance for inspectors – Revised instructions now provide clearer details on assessment criteria, photographic evidence, and necessary comments.
    • Reader notes – The PDF reports now include simplified notes, helping stakeholders quickly understand key inspection findings.
    • Closing meetings – Improvements to the inspection app interface support better documentation of closing meetings between inspectors and vessel masters.
    • Vessel particulars – We have improved the app and website interfaces to make it easier to record good quality data. A new ‘not applicable’ option makes clear that an item has been reviewed, where previously this would have been indicated by leaving the field blank.
    • Required supplements – Vessel operators can now mandate the completion of relevant supplements, such as ‘DP’ or ‘heavy lift’, which will then link to the relevant inspector accreditation requirements.

    New inspection template names

    To streamline branding and accommodate future system expansion, IMCA has standardised the names of its inspection templates:

    • IMCA M149 Issue 14: eCMID Vessel Inspection (≥500gt) (previously the Common Marine Inspection Document)
    • IMCA M189 Issue 7: eCMID Small Vessel Inspection (
    • The updated IMCA M167 Rev. 5 – Guidance on the IMCA eCMID System is also now available, detailing the latest changes to procedures and guidance.

    Action required for vessel operators

    Vessel operators are encouraged to complete vessel particulars via the ‘vessel setup’ screens in the database. From 1 May 2025, a finding will be recorded in inspection reports if this data has not been pre-populated, ensuring inspectors can focus on safety-critical aspects rather than basic data entry.

    Continued investment in system improvements

    The eCMID system is continuously evolving, with improvements funded by user upload fees. These fees are reinvested to maintain and enhance the system, incorporating user feedback and guidance from the cross-industry eCMID Committee. Ongoing developments include cybersecurity enhancements, API access to selected data, and new inspection templates for ROVs (remote operated vehicles) and USVs (unmanned surface vehicles).

    IMCA invites stakeholders to share feedback on these updates and help shape the future of the eCMID system. For further details, visit www.ecmid.com.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: MSC chartered ship MV Ocean Giant completes cargo offload in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2025

    Source: United States Navy

    Ocean Giant arrived at McMurdo Station Jan. 26, delivering a floating marine causeway system along with 380 pieces of cargo, consisting of containers filled with mechanical parts, vehicles, construction materials, office supplies and electronics equipment, and mobile office units; supplies needed to sustain the next year of operations at McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

    Following the offload, Ocean Giant was loaded with 360 containers of retrograde cargo for transportation off the continent. This includes trash and recyclable materials for disposal and equipment no longer required on the station.

    The MSC chartered ship MV Ocean Gladiator is scheduled to arrive in McMurdo Station later this week, and will begin a cargo offload as well as retrieving the causeway.

    Operation Deep Freeze is a joint service, on-going Defense Support to Civilian Authorities activity in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. Mission support consists of active duty, Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard as well as Department of Defense civilians and attached non-DOD civilians. ODF operates from two primary locations situated at Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station, Antarctica. An MSC-chartered cargo ship and tanker have made the challenging voyage to Antarctica every year since the station and its resupply mission were established in 1955.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – De La Rue plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Rathbones Group Plc
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 De La Rue Plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 11/02/2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 No

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 44 152/175p ordinary
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 7,394,659 3.77%    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 7,394,659 3.77%    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    44 152/175p ordinary Shares Purchase 7,600 117p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
             

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    44 152/175p ordinary Shares Internal transfer from Execution-Only to Discretionary account 10,000  
    44 152/175p ordinary Shares Internal transfer from Discretionary to Execution-Only account 1,000  
    44 152/175p ordinary Shares Internal transfer from Execution-Only to Discretionary account 1,000  

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

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

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No
    Date of disclosure: 12/02/2025
    Contact name: Chinwe Enyi – Compliance Department
    Telephone number: 0151 243 7053

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

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

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Thanks to the improvement of road infrastructure in new regions, traffic has increased

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Bridge over railway tracks on the road section from Donetsk to the Uspenka checkpoint

    In Donbass and Novorossiya, the accessibility of road infrastructure is increasing. Bridges are being restored, road surfaces are being updated, and infrastructure elements are being installed to ensure the safety of road users, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

    “Roads perform the task of improving people’s lives unnoticed but very effectively. Therefore, they must be of high quality and safe. Work to improve the condition of roads in the country has been going on for a long time, there are significant results. Thanks to the renovation of the road infrastructure, traffic to and from new regions has increased, the role of checkpoints has increased. For example, when work was completed on 55 km of the highway from Donetsk to the Uspenka point in August last year, the number of cars passing along the section increased from 4 thousand to 6 thousand. Now road workers have completed repairs to the 54-meter bridge over the railway tracks on this section, and the number of vehicles per day has increased to over 13 thousand,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister added, in the reunited regions, the state-owned company Avtodor has already laid more than 200 km of the lower layer and more than 90 km of the upper layer of asphalt concrete under the 2025 program.

    “The bulk of the work in the DPR is concentrated on the 102 km section of the Donetsk-Novoazovsk-Sedovo highway. This is the access route to the capital of the republic. In the LPR, active work is being carried out on the approach to the city of Kirovsk. Road workers are also repairing a section of the Raygorodka-Slavyanoserbsk-Mikhailovka highway. In the Kherson region, 44 km of the highway from Rykovo to Ivanovka are being updated. This is a real lifeline for local residents. Today, it has no alternative,” said Vyacheslav Petushenko, Chairman of the Board of the Avtodor State Corporation.

    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: Form 8.3 – Checkit Plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Rathbones Group Plc
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Checkit Plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 11/02/2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 Yes – Crimson Tide Plc

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 5p Ord
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 22,497 0.02%    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 22,497 0.02%    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
           

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
             

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
           

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

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

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No
    Date of disclosure: 12/02/2025
    Contact name: Chinwe Enyi – Compliance Department
    Telephone number: 0151 243 7053

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

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

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – Crimson Tide Plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Rathbones Group Plc
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Crimson Tide PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 11/02/2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 Yes – Checkit plc

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 10p Ord
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 199,498 3.03%    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 199,498 3.03%    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
           

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
             

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
           

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

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

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No
    Date of disclosure: 12/02/2025
    Contact name: Chinwe Enyi – Compliance Department
    Telephone number: 0151 243 7053

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

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

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU became the venue for the festival “Technical Professions of the 21st Century: Infrastructure of the Big City”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Festival at SPbGASU

    On February 11, the SPbGASU hosted the Regional Career Guidance Festival “Technical Professions of the 21st Century: Infrastructure of a Big City.” Students from grades 8–11 from 30 St. Petersburg schools took part in it. The students directly communicated with representatives of 10 universities and colleges that offer technical specialties and attended their master classes.

    The festival is part of the Regional Career Guidance Marathon “Workshops of the Future”, which is held as part of the career guidance minimum in general education organizations and the federal project for early career guidance for schoolchildren “Ticket to the Future” with the support of the Education Committee of the Government of St. Petersburg.

    The festival is organized by the Center for Advanced Professional Training of St. Petersburg and the Center for Children’s (Youthful) Technical Creativity of the Kirov District of the Northern Capital. Co-organizers are SPbGASU and the St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design.

    The festival consists of two blocks: “Technical Professions of the 21st Century: Big City Industry” and “Technical Professions of the 21st Century: Big City Infrastructure”. The blocks are held on different days at different venues.

    The festival venue at our university was the building on Serpukhovskaya Street, No. 10, which houses the Institute of Continuous Education.

    Business Contact Exchange. Left – Olga Tatarinova

    The festival included a business contacts exchange, where the children received information about technical universities and colleges first-hand. Our university was represented by the admissions committee staff. Olga Tatarinova, deputy executive secretary, and Elena Abashina, specialist, talked about the variety of technical areas at SPbGASU. They also told about the subjects required for admission, the number of points and individual achievements that are taken into account upon admission, the possibility of entering the university based on the results of Olympiads, and the specifics of creative entrance examinations at the architecture faculty. At the exchange, you could also watch how students of the architecture faculty draw and ask them questions about studying at our university.

    According to Natalia Nikolaeva, a class teacher for the tenth grade of the Secondary Comprehensive School No. 187 in Krasnogvardeisky District, the advantage of this event is that schoolchildren can directly communicate with representatives of universities: “We took not only those who would like to enroll in technical programs, but also those who have not yet decided. They were able to ask questions and get answers to them.”

    During the master classes, they designed a house using the Russian TIM Renga system, tested water for hardness and lead, designed airplane models, changed brake pads, and worked on a welding simulator.

    “It’s five o’clock in the morning. You’ve found yourself in a typical car park…” – with these words, Igor Chernyaev, head of the department of technical operation of vehicles at SPbGASU, began his master class. Having chosen volunteers for the roles of a driver, logistician, mechanic, Igor Olegovich told them what the responsibilities of these specialists are and what knowledge they should have. The master class leader gave the children difficult tasks: to name the brand of a car by the sound of the engine, to determine which of the containers with different operating materials contains gasoline. As in real life, the participants’ time was limited: after all, the longer it takes to choose the right solution, the greater the non-production losses. At the end of the master class, Igor Olegovich invited them to apply to our university, which has its own driving school, training ground, and rally team. “Whatever your interests are, your knowledge will be used in the automotive industry,” Igor Chernyaev summed up.

    Participants of the career guidance festival received not only useful information, but also many new vivid impressions. The experience gained will be useful to them in their future choice of profession.

    The Admissions Committee of SPbGASU, responsible for holding the event, thanks the Volunteer Club of our university for its assistance.

    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: project44 extends partnership with HERE Technologies to power supply chain visibility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Since 2017, HERE and project44 have partnered to bring customers location intelligence for end-to-end supply chain visibility
    • HERE continues to be a Preferred Supplier for global location data on the project44 platform

    Las Vegas – HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology platform, today announced an extension of its partnership with project44, the leader in high velocity supply chain visibility to license HERE location services as a Preferred Supplier across project44’s platform.

    To help manage the constraints of multimodal transportation, project44 will leverage HERE Location Services, including HERE Truck Routing and Search, to deliver valuable location intelligence. HERE Truck Routing offers traffic-aware routing that considers all physical and legal restrictions including hazardous goods, truck speed profiles, U-Turn avoidance, adjusted road hierarchy to avoid smaller roads, and more.

    project44 provides a platform that connects, automates, and optimizes the world’s most complex logistics operations. With the largest and most connected logistics network in the industry, project44 delivers real-time visibility into over 1 billion shipments annually for more than 1,000 companies, including some of the world’s top brands. Operating across 185 countries, project44 enables shippers, logistics service providers, and carriers to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the customer experience. Through its High-Velocity Supply Chain Platform, Movement, project44 empowers businesses to overcome visibility gaps and supply chain friction, helping them achieve seamless end-to-end shipment transparency.

    “At project44, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with unparalleled visibility and real-time intelligence across the global supply chain. Our partnership with HERE Technologies has been instrumental in enhancing our platform’s capabilities,” said Aron Kestenbaum Senior Vice President, Product at project44. “We’re excited to continue this collaboration, pushing the boundaries of innovation and bringing even greater value to our customers.”

    By integrating HERE Search and Geocoding to Movement, specifically for Over the Road (OTR) operations, supply chain professionals gain enhanced insights from across the shipment lifecycle helping save time, resources and cost.

    “We are thrilled to extend this partnership, which brings together project44’s High-Velocity Supply Chain Platform with HERE’s robust Location Services to create end-to-end supply chain visibility,” said Stuart Ryan, SVP and General Manager of the Americas at HERE Technologies. “Now more than ever, supply chain leaders recognize the value of shipment visibility – and how leveraging best-in-class location technology further optimizes end-to-end workflows and the overall customer experience. We look forward to continuing to work with project44 to bring more capabilities to their platform – and to help project44 and their customers best achieve their business goals through harnessing location technology.”

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

    About project44  
    project44 is on a mission to make supply chains work. Movement by project44, the only High-Velocity Supply Chain Platform, enables shippers, LSPs and carriers across the globe to reduce costs, optimize operations, deliver an exceptional customer experience and drive greater resiliency and sustainability. Having built the industry’s largest and most connected ecosystem, project44 provides visibility into over 1 billion shipments annually for over 1,000 companies, including world leading brands within manufacturing, automotive, retail, life sciences, food & beverage, CPG, and oil, chemical & gas.  

    project44’s commitment to excellence was recognized across organizations and awards including being named the Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant and as the “Customer’s Choice” in Gartner’s 2023 Voice of the Customer report, a 14-time leader on G2’s Supply Chain Visibility Grid, Google Cloud Partner of the Year, and SAP Pinnacle Award winner. project44 is headquartered in Chicago with a diverse team spanning offices around the globe including Amsterdam, Bengaluru, Kraków, Shanghai and Tokyo. Learn more at project44.com. 

    Media Contact
    Reed Findlay 
    +1 703 966 6284 
    Reed.findlay@here.com

    project44 Media
    press@project44.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Maris-Tech Secures $400,000 Repeat Order for Uranus-Based Situational Awareness Solution for Armored Fighting Vehicles

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fourth Consecutive Order Reinforces Maris-Tech’s Position as a Trusted Global Vendor

    Rehovot, Israel, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Maris-Tech Ltd. (Nasdaq: MTEK, MTEKW) (“Maris-Tech” or the “Company”), a global leader in video and artificial intelligence (“AI”) based edge computing technology, has secured a $400,000 repeat order for its Uranus-based situational awareness solution (“Uranus”) for armored fighting vehicles (“AFV”). This marks the fourth consecutive order from this customer in the defense sector, further validating Maris-Tech’s reliability in delivering mission-critical solutions.

    Designed to deliver 360° 3D situational awareness and advanced airborne threat protection, Uranus supports land defense missions, providing real-time alerts, ultra-low latency, and high-resolution video encoding. The solution addresses the growing need in the defense market for armored vehicles’ enhanced crew safety.

    The systems from the three previous orders have been successfully deployed and are fully operational in the field, meeting the customer’s expectations.

    “We are proud to once again be chosen to provide this cutting-edge solution,” said Israel Bar, Chief Executive Officer of Maris-Tech. “We believe that the continued business from this valued customer is a strong testament to both the confidence in our Uranus technology and our ability to consistently meet mission-critical operational needs. We look forward to further strengthening this relationship in the future.”

    About Maris-Tech Ltd.

    Maris-Tech is a global leader in video and AI-based edge computing technology, pioneering intelligent video transmission solutions that conquer complex encoding-decoding challenges. Our miniature, lightweight, and low-power products deliver high-performance capabilities, including raw data processing, seamless transfer, advanced image processing, and AI-driven analytics. Founded by Israeli technology sector veterans, Maris-Tech serves leading manufacturers worldwide in defense, aerospace, Intelligence gathering, homeland security (HLS), and communication industries. We’re pushing the boundaries of video transmission and edge computing, driving innovation in mission-critical applications across commercial and defense sectors.

    For more information, visit https://www.maris-tech.com/

    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 the Company’s 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, the Company is using forward-looking statements when it is discussing: the repeat order and future delivery of the Company’s products; the growing need in the defense market for armored vehicles’ enhanced crew safety; the Company’s ability to consistently meet mission-critical operational needs; and the possibility to further strengthening the Company’s relationship with this repeated costumer in the future. 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 the Company’s control. The Company’s 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 the Company’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: its ability to successfully market its products and services, including in the United States; the acceptance of its products and services by customers; its continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for its 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; its ability to successfully develop new products and services; its success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; its ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 21, 2024, and the Company’s 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:

    Nir Bussy, CFO
    Tel: +972-72-2424022
    Nir@maris-tech.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Meadow Lake — Meadow Lake RCMP responding to shooting on Waterhen Lake First Nation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Around 6:15 p.m. February 8, 2025, Meadow Lake RCMP received a report of a shooting at a residence on Waterhen Lake First Nation. One male was reportedly injured and has been transported to hospital for treatment of injuries. We do not have an update on their condition. The suspect got into a dark coloured truck driven by another male. The dark coloured truck is an extended cab with damage to the passenger side. The dark coloured truck left the scene, traveling in an unknown direction.

    The suspect in the shooting is described as a male wearing a tan jacket and black hat. The male driver of the truck was wearing all black.

    Meadow Lake RCMP responded immediately and there will be an increased police presence in the community of Waterhen Lake First Nation as police officers conduct an investigation.

    If you see the vehicle or suspects do not approach them as they are considered armed and dangerous. Report all tips to the RCMP by calling 911 in an emergency and 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Broadview — Broadview RCMP investigating fatal rollover

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On February 8, 2025 at approximately 10:15 a.m., Broadview RCMP received a report of a single-vehicle rollover on Range Road 2045, approximately two kilometers south of Highway #1.

    Officers responded along with local fire and EMS. The sole occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as an 82-year-old male from Grenfell, SK. His family has been notified.

    Broadview RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir David Amess Prevent Learning Review

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Security Minister updated on the Prevent learning review – jointly commissioned with Counter Terrorism Policing following the murder of Sir David Amess.

    With permission, Madame Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the publication of the Prevent learning review into the perpetrator of the attack that tragically killed Sir David Amess on 15 October 2021.

    Sir David Amess was a beloved member of this House.

    A hugely respected parliamentarian, his popularity extended right across the political divide.

    To win and keep the respect of those outside one’s own party is, as we all know, a rare accomplishment.

    Over nearly 40 years of service in this place, Sir David fought every day for his constituents.

    He advanced numerous causes with compassion, persistence and skill and members on all sides of the House knew him as warm, respectful and always fair parliamentarian.

    His legacy lives on, not least in Southend, which now has the city status he campaigned so determinedly for. He will never be forgotten.

    And the motto on Sir David’s memorial shield behind us states, ‘His Light Remains’.

    While this House lost a valued member on that terrible day, Sir David’s wife and children lost a loving husband and a devoted father. They are in our thoughts and prayers – today and always.

    Together with the Home Secretary, who spoke with Sir David’s family recently, I recognise the courage and persistence they have shown in seeking the answers they deserve.

    As the House will know, it was a heinous act of violence on 15 October 2021 that took Sir David away from those who knew and loved him.

    The killer, Ali Harbi Ali – I won’t say his name again – was convicted of murder in April 2022 and received a whole life sentence.

    The judge said that this was a ‘murder that struck at the heart of our democracy’ and had ‘no doubt whatsoever’ that the nature of this case meant that the perpetrator ‘must be kept in prison for the rest of his life’.

    The perpetrator had previously been referred to the Prevent programme and subsequently to the specialist Channel programme between 2014 and 2016, between 5 and 7 years before the attack took place.

    Immediately after the attack, a Prevent learning review was jointly commissioned by the Home Office and Counter Terrorism Policing to examine what happened in the case and see whether lessons needed rapidly to be learned. It was completed in February 2022.

    Last week, I made a statement to the House on the government’s publication of the Prevent learning review concerning the perpetrator of the abhorrent attack in Southport.

    Today, we are taking a further step to enable public scrutiny of Prevent, and in recognition of the seriousness of the attack on Sir David, by publishing the Prevent learning review conducted in this case too.

    The perpetrator of the attack on Sir David became known to Prevent in October 2014 when he was referred by his school after teachers identified a change in his behaviour.

    The case was adopted by the Channel multi-agency early intervention programme in November 2014. An intervention provider who specialised in tackling Islamist extremism was assigned to work with him.   

    The perpetrator was exited from Channel in April 2015, after his terrorism risk was assessed as “low”.

    A twelve-month post-exit police review in 2016 also found no terrorism concerns. The case was closed to Prevent at that point.

    There were no further Prevent referrals in the 5 years between the case being closed and the attack.

    The Prevent learning review examined how Prevent dealt with the perpetrator’s risk, and how far the improvements made to Prevent since he was referred 7 years prior, would have impacted his management.

    The review considered both the handling of the case at the time, and also the changes that had been made to Prevent since the referral in 2014.  It examined how far those changes addressed any problems identified, and then made a series of recommendations.

    The reviewer found that “from the material reviewed, the assessment in terms of the perpetrator’s vulnerabilities was problematic and this ultimately led to questionable decision making and sub-optimal handling of the case during the time he was engaged with Prevent and Channel’.  It identified that the vulnerability assessment framework was not followed with the perpetrator’s symptoms being prioritised over addressing the underlying causes of his vulnerabilities. The reviewer ultimately found that while Prevent policy and guidance at the time was mostly followed, the case was exited from Prevent too quickly.

    The reviewer identified 6 issues, namely that:

    • the support given did not tackle all the vulnerabilities identified
    • record keeping was problematic and the rationale for certain decisions was not explicit
    • responsibilities between police and the local authority were blurred
    • the tool used for identifying an individual’s vulnerability to radicalisation was outdated
    • the school that made the referral to Prevent should have been involved in discussions to help determine risk and appropriate support
    • the tasking of the intervention provider was problematic, with a miscommunication leading to only one session being provided instead of two

    The reviewer then examined how far changes in the Prevent programme since 2016 had addressed these issues.

    The reviewer recognised the significant changes that had been made to Prevent since the perpetrator was managed.

    In particular, the introduction of the statutory Prevent and Channel duties under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

    The reviewer concluded that over the intervening period there have been considerable changes to policy and guidance for both the police and the wider Prevent arena including Channel.

    Whilst a number of the issues in the perpetrator’s case would most likely not be repeated today there were still a number of areas which could be considered as requiring further work in order to mitigate against future failures.  

    The reviewer made 4 recommendations for action to further strengthen Prevent. These were to:

    • improve the referral process
    • strengthen the initial intelligence assessment process
    • update the tool used to identify vulnerability to being drawn into terrorism
    • not reduce data retention periods

    Since the report, the Home Office and Counter Terrorism Policing have fully implemented all 4 recommendations.

    • First, a single national referral form was launched, to encourage a consistent approach to referrals, building this into new training packages and mandating its use via statutory guidance.

    • Second, training has been delivered to police staff to strengthen the initial intelligence check stage, ensuring their understanding of Prevent is robust.

    • Third, a new Prevent Assessment Framework was rolled out in September 2024. This replaces the tools previously used to assess all referrals and cases in the Prevent system.

    • Fourth, data retention periods were fully reviewed in 2023.  A joint decision was taken by the Home Office and Counter Terrorism Policing to maintain retention review periods at 6 years or 6 years after the 12-month review for Channel cases.

    In addition to the publication of the Prevent learning review, we recognise the significant concerns that remain over the way in which Prevent dealt with the perpetrator – as well as the need to ensure that the recommendations it suggested for improving the scheme have properly been implemented.

    Last week I set out to the House a series of new reforms instituted by this government to strengthen the Prevent programme, recognising the vital work done by officers across the country to keep people safe. That included the creation of a new independent Prevent commissioner.

    I can today inform the House that the Home Secretary has asked the Prevent Commissioner to review the Prevent programme’s interactions with the perpetrator in this case and ensure the implementation of relevant recommendations. We will ensure that the Amess family have the support they need to engage with the Prevent Commissioner in this work, so that they can have confidence that it will get to the truth about any failings in the scheme.

    Madame Deputy Speaker, 2 further important issues have been raised which are relevant to this case – local policing, and members’ security,

    On local policing, concerns have been raised by the Amess family about the way in which Essex Police handled this case.

    A complaint has been made, and referred back to the local force by the IOPC for consideration. That process must be allowed to follow its course. However, I can inform the House that the Home Secretary has written to the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner of Essex Police asking them to set out how the investigation will be conducted, and to be kept updated as the investigation progresses.

    Secondly, on Members’ security. This is something the Home Secretary and I care deeply about, and I know that it is a matter to which Mr Speaker attaches the utmost importance, as will all members right across this House.

    A review of security measures for MPs commissioned under the previous government has concluded, and all the recommendations have been implemented.

    We must ensure that the learnings from this case have been properly implemented and I want to take this opportunity to thank Mr Speaker for his continued leadership on these matters – the Speaker’s Conference is considering what reforms are necessary to further improve MPs safety and security – this is another important step.

    The Leader of the House, Home Secretary and myself look forward to working closely with the Speaker and all members to ensure the facts of Sir David’s murder are properly considered as part of the Speaker’s Conference work and that the Parliamentary Security Department implements the recommendations of the review it conducted in the aftermath of Sir David’s death.

    I am also grateful to previous Home Secretaries and security ministers for their efforts in this area.

    Our democracy is precious, and this government will defend it against any and all threats.  

    Not least, through the Defending Democracy Taskforce, where we are mounting a whole-of-government response to combat such threats including ensuring elected representatives can perform their duties safely and without fear.

    Before I finish, I will pay tribute once more to Sir David.

    He was a giant of this House and we miss him dearly.

    In all that he did, Sir David epitomised public service at its best. It is beyond a tragedy that we can no longer seek his advice or rely on his wisdom.

    We can, though, follow his example and devote ourselves every day to the task of building a better and safer Britain.

    That is our shared challenge, Mr Speaker, and under this government, nothing will matter more.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vicksburg Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Jackson, Miss. – A Vicksburg man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, Marquette Cornell McCroy, 43, was found in possession of a firearm in Vicksburg following a traffic stop. McCroy, who was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, had previously been convicted of a felony and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. McCroy threw the firearm on the ground as he attempted to flee the vehicle on foot.

    McCroy was indicted by a federal grand jury and he pled guilty on October 3, 2024.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.

    The Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: LA flash flood watch: Rain on wildfire burn scars can trigger destructive debris flows − a geologist explains how

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jen Pierce, Professor of Geosciences, Boise State University

    A debris flow channel in a severely burned watershed in Idaho. Amirhossein Montazeri/Boise State University, CC BY-ND

    As the Los Angeles area begins cleaning up from devastating wildfires, city officials and emergency managers are worried about what could come next. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for the region for Feb. 13, 2025, when the heaviest rain from an atmospheric river is forecast.

    Rain on burned hillslopes can trigger dangerous floods and debris flows. Those debris flows can move with the speed of a freight train, picking up or destroying anything in their path. They can move tons of sediment during a single storm, as Montecito, just up the coast from Los Angeles, saw in 2018.

    What causes debris flows, sometimes called mudflows, and why are they so common and dangerous after a fire? I am a geologist whose research focuses on pyrogeomorphology, which is how fire affects the land. Here’s what we know.

    How debris flows begin

    When severe fires burn hillslopes, the high heat from the fires, sometimes exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius), completely destroys trees, shrubs, grass and structures, leaving behind a moonscape of gray ash. Not only that, the heat of the fire actually burns and damages the soil, creating a water-repellent, or hydrophobic, layer.

    What once was a vegetated hillslope, with leaves and trees to intercept rain and spongy soils to absorb water, is transformed into a barren landscape covered with ash, and burned soil where water cannot soak in.

    Illustrations show how fire can change the soil and landscape.
    National Weather Service

    When rain does fall on a burned area like this, water mixes with the ash, rocks and sediment to form a slurry. This slurry of debris then pours downhill in small gullies called rills, which then converge to form bigger and bigger rills, creating a torrent of sediment, water and debris rushing downhill. All this debris and water can transform small streams and usually dry gullies into a danger zone.

    Because the concentration of sediment is so high, especially when there is a large amount of ash and clay, debris flows behave more like a slurry of wet cement than a normal stream. This fluid can pick up and move large boulders, cars, trees and other debris rapidly downhill.

    A firefighter walks through knee-deep mud while checking for victims after a debris flow hit Montecito, Calif., in January 2018.
    Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    In January 2018, a few weeks after the Thomas fire burned through the hills above Montecito, a storm triggered debris flows that killed 23 people and damaged at least 400 homes.

    What controls size and timing of debris flows

    The geography of the land, burn severity, storm intensity and soil characteristics all play important roles in if, when and where debris flows occur.

    Fire and debris flow scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey use these variables to create models to predict the likelihood and possible hazards from postfire debris flows. They are already developing maps to help residents, emergency managers and city officials prepare and predict postfire debris flows in 2025 burn areas in Los Angeles.

    The U.S. Geological Survey modeled debris flow risks after the Palisades Fire near Los Angeles. The map shows some of the highest-risk areas if hit by 15 minutes of rain falling at just under 1 inch (24 millimeters) per hour.
    USGS

    Some of the triggers of debris flows are literally part of the landscape.

    For example, the slope angle in a watershed and the amount of clay in the soil are important. Watersheds with gentle slopes – generally less than about 23 degrees – and a lack of clay and silt-sized particles are unlikely to produce debris flows.

    Other key factors that contribute to postfire debris flows relate to the proportion of the watershed that is severely burned and the intensity and duration of the rainstorm event.

    Early important research in the field of pyrogeomorphology demonstrated that while large, intense storms are more likely to cause large, intense debris flows, even small rainstorms can produce debris flows in burned areas.

    Debris flows are becoming more common

    A whopping 21.8 million Americans live within 3 miles of where a fire burned during the past two decades, and that population more than doubled from 2000 to 2019. A recent study from central and northern California indicates that nearly all the observed increases in area burned by wildfires in recent decades are due to human-caused climate change.

    The warming climate is also increasing the likelihood of more extreme downpours. The amount of moisture the atmosphere can hold increases by about 7% per degree Celsius of warming, leading to more intense downpours, particularly from ocean storms. In California, scientists project increases in rainfall intensity of 18% will result in an overall 110% increase in the probability of major debris flows.

    Jon Frye, of Santa Barbara Public Works, shows what happened in the January 2018 Montecito debris flow and why the risks to downslope communities would continue for several years. Source: County of Santa Barbara, 2018.

    Studies using models of fire, climate and erosion rates estimate that the amount of sediment flowing downhill after fires will increase by more than 10% in nine out of every 10 watersheds in the western U.S.

    Even without rain, debris on fire-damaged slopes can be unstable. A small slide in Pacific Palisades shortly after a fire burned through the area split a home in two. A phenomenon called “dry ravel” is a dominant form of hillslope erosion following wildfires in chaparral environments in Southern California

    Preparing for debris flow risks

    Research on charcoal pieces from ancient debris flows has shown fires and erosion have shaped Earth’s landscape for at least thousands of years. However, the rising risk of wildfires near populated areas and the potential for increasingly intense downpours mean a greater risk of damaging and potentially deadly debris flows.

    As their populations expand, community planners need to be aware of those risks and prepare.

    This article, originally published Jan. 23, 2025, has been updated with a flash flood watch issued.

    Jen Pierce receives funding from the National Science Foundation and is the chair of the Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology division of the Geological Society of America.

    – ref. LA flash flood watch: Rain on wildfire burn scars can trigger destructive debris flows − a geologist explains how – https://theconversation.com/la-flash-flood-watch-rain-on-wildfire-burn-scars-can-trigger-destructive-debris-flows-a-geologist-explains-how-247770

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC – 11 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 04 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 0.375p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 9,641,106 1.2166    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 9,641,106 1.2166    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.375p ORDINARY SALE 3,620 99.2p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 12 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [CRIMSON TIDE PLC – Opening Disclosure – 11 02 2025] – (CGAML)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 CRIMSON TIDE PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 11 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 NO

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 10p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 720,000 10.9508    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 720,000 10.9508    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    None      

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 12 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LeddarTech Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech® Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology, LeddarVision™, today provided a corporate update and announced financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    “2025 is off to a very exciting start for LeddarTech, as we continue to make substantial progress on our strategic plan. In fiscal Q1, we announced our collaboration and license agreement with Texas Instruments (“TI”), a premier semiconductor partner in the automotive space. Following that, we recently announced our first OEM design win from a major commercial vehicle OEM,” said Frantz Saintellemy, President and CEO of LeddarTech. “These commercial successes demonstrate strong validation by industry leaders of our products and are accelerating interest from potential customers and partners across the ADAS and AD landscape, building on our already substantial pipeline of opportunities.”

    Recent Business and Technology Highlights

    • Announced first OEM design win for LeddarVision. One of the world’s leading commercial vehicle OEMs has selected LeddarTech as the fusion and perception software supplier for their advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) program for 2028 model year vehicles. We expect to start generating engineering services revenue this fiscal year (FY2025).
    • Received US$8 million advanced royalty payments from TI. In January, LeddarTech received the second advanced royalty payment of US$3 million as part of its collaboration and license agreement with TI. This is in addition to the US$5 million received in December 2024.
    • Raised US$11.3 million under a standby equity purchase agreement (SEPA). In January, LeddarTech raised US$1.1 million (CA$1.4 million) by selling 600,000 shares at an average price of US$1.76. This is in addition to the US$10.2 million (CA$14.4 million) raised in fiscal Q1 2025 by selling 6.6 million shares at an average price of US$1.55 per share.
    • Conducted successful CES participation. LeddarTech completed a strong showing at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), including the successful demonstration of LeddarVision Surround (LVS-2+) software utilizing TI TDA4VH-Q1 processor.
    • Announced listing transfer to Nasdaq Capital Market. Via this transfer, LeddarTech had cured the Nasdaq deficiencies and met the applicable listing standards.
    • Received ISO/IEC 27001 certification. LeddarTech proudly announced that the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have awarded LeddarTech ISO/IEC 27001 certification, a key requirement for automotive customers.

    Customer Traction and Development

    LeddarTech has a robust pipeline of over 30 active opportunities with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 automotive suppliers to support consumer demands for improved safety features and satisfy upcoming regulatory deadlines.

    During 2025, LeddarTech will continue to develop two new, revenue-generating products that are designed to accelerate revenue and adoption of LeddarVision. More information will be shared on these products when available.

    Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights1

    Revenue: Revenue from continuing operations for the fiscal first quarter of 2025, ending December 31, 2024, was $51,900, compared to $52,000 in the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2023. Revenue excludes our discontinued modules and components business.

    Net loss: Net loss for the fiscal first quarter of 2025, ending December 31, 2024, was $27.0 million, compared to a net loss of $61.5 million in the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2023, representing a 56% decrease, primarily due to transaction costs that were incurred in fiscal Q1, 2024 and did not reoccur in 2025.

    EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA2:  EBITDA loss for the fiscal first quarter of 2025, ending December 31, 2024, was $22.1 million, compared to a $60.3 million loss in the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2023, representing a 63% decrease, primarily due to transaction costs that were incurred in fiscal Q1, 2024 and did not reoccur in 2025. Adjusted EBITDA loss for the fiscal first quarter of 2025, ending December 31, 2024, was $11.1 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA loss of $8.6 million in the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2023, representing a 11% increase, primarily due to a change in the amount of capitalized development costs.

    Continuing operations Q1-2025
    		   Q1-2024
    		  
    Revenues $51,878   $52,000  
    Loss from operations (13,218,705)   (63,912,986)  
    Finance costs, net 13,746,884   (2,422,558)  
    Loss before income taxes (27,012,529)   (61,490,428)  
    Net loss and comprehensive loss (27,012,664)   (61,490,428)  
    Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to Shareholders of the Company (27,012,664)   (61,188,116)  
    Loss per share    
    Net loss per share (basic and diluted) (in dollars) (0.86)   (17.06)  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted) 31,483,617   3,587,572  
    EBITDA (loss) (22,059,095)   (60,290,981)  
    Adjusted EBITDA (loss) (11,143,209)   (8,572,571)  
             

    The following table sets forth a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA to net loss reported in accordance with IFRS for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

      Q1-2025
    		   Q1-2024
    		  
    Net loss from continued operations ($27,012,664)   ($61,490,428)  
    Deferred income taxes 135   –  
    Depreciation of property and equipment 170,977   189,639  
    Depreciation of right-of-use assets 112,822   108,365  
    Amortization of intangible assets 165,134   137,112  
    Interest expenses 4,504,501   764,330  
    EBITDA loss from continuing operations (22,059,095)   (60,290,981)  
         
    Foreign exchange loss (gain) 3,635,140   (67,715)  
    Loss (gain) on revaluation of financial instruments carried at fair value 5,602,056   (2,963,283)  
    Gain on lease modification –   (166,661)  
    Stock-based compensation 1,678,690   (5,985,250)  
    Listing expense –   59,139,572  
    Transaction costs –   1,761,747  
    Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations (11,143,209)   (8,572,571)  
             

    Balance Sheet and Liquidity3

    As of December 31, 2024, LeddarTech’s consolidated cash and cash equivalents balance totaled $17.7 million, compared to $5.3 million on September 30, 2024. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company raised approximately $5.9 million, using a recent exchange rate of 1.43 Canadian dollars per US dollar. This included a US$3 million advance royalty payment from Texas Instruments and US$1.1 million from the sale of stock issuance under our standby equity purchase agreement or SEPA. LeddarTech’s cash balance as of Monday, February 10, 2025, was approximately $15.9 million.

    Non-IFRS Financial Measures

    A non-IFRS financial measure is a financial measure used to depict our historical or expected future financial performance, financial position or cash flow and, with respect to its composition, either excludes an amount that is included in, or includes an amount that is excluded from, the composition of the most directly comparable financial measure disclosed in Company’s consolidated primary financial statements.

    In Q2-2024, the Company started to use two new non-IFRS financial measures because we believe these non-IFRS financial measures are reflective of our ongoing operating results and provide readers with an understanding of management’s perspective on and analysis of our performance.

    Below are descriptions of the non-IFRS financial measures that we use to explain our results and reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures.

    EBITDA (loss) is calculated as net earnings (loss) before interest expenses (income), deferred income taxes, depreciation of property and equipment, depreciation of right-of-use assets and amortization of intangible assets.

    EBITDA (loss) should not be considered an alternative to net loss in measuring performance or used as a measure of cash flow.

    Adjusted EBITDA (loss) is calculated as EBITDA (loss), adjusted for foreign exchange gain (loss), loss (gain) on revaluation of financial instruments carried at fair value, gain or loss on lease modification, share‐based compensation, listing expense, transaction costs, restructuring costs and impairment loss on intangible assets.

    About LeddarTech

    A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

    LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 170 patent applications (87 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

    Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this Press Release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which forward-looking statements also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements relating to LeddarTech’s selection by the OEM referred to above, anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics and ability to comply with Nasdaq Capital Market listing standards in the future. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, our ability to continue to maintain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing standards following our transfer to the Nasdaq Capital Market, as well as: (i) the risk that LeddarTech and the OEM referred to above are unable to agree to final terms in definitive agreements; (ii) the volume of future orders (if any) from this OEM, actual revenue derived from expected orders, and timing of revenue, if any; (iii) our ability to timely access sufficient capital and financing on favorable terms or at all; (iv) our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants, including our ability to enter into any forbearance agreements, waivers or amendments with, or obtain other relief from, our lenders as needed; (v) our ability to execute on our business model, achieve design wins and generate meaningful revenue; (vi) our ability to successfully commercialize our product offering at scale, whether through the collaboration agreement with Texas Instruments, a collaboration with a Tier 2 supplier or otherwise; (vii) changes in our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs and plans; (viii) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (ix) our ability to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (x) potential adverse changes to relationships with our customers, employees, suppliers or other parties; (xi) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xii) the outcome of any known and unknown litigation and regulatory proceedings; (xiii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; and (xiv) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in LeddarTech’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the risk factors contained in LeddarTech’s Form 20-F filed with the SEC. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Except as required by applicable law, LeddarTech does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Chris Stewart, Chief Financial Officer, LeddarTech Holdings Inc.

    Tel.: + 1-514-427-0858, chris.stewart@leddartech.com

    Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

    LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

    1    All amounts in Canadian dollars except where otherwise noted.

    2    EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS measures and are presented by the Company as they are used to assess operating performance. These non-IFRS measures do not have standardized meanings under IFRS and are not likely comparable to similarly designated measures reported by other corporations. The reader is cautioned that these measures are being reported in order to complement, and not replace, the analysis of financial results in accordance with IFRS. See “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” below.

    3    All amounts in Canadian dollars except where otherwise noted.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The cost of transporting coal to the U.S. electric power sector fell slightly in 2023

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    February 12, 2025

    We released new data on the U.S. electric power sector’s coal transportation costs. The release incorporates final data for 2023 from Form EIA-923, which we collect from electric power plant owners and operators. The data release based on our Form EIA-923 includes tables with costs, in nominal and real (2023) dollars, across regions, states, and modes of transportation. These transportation rates are calculated as a weighted average of the difference between the commodity cost and total delivered cost of coal shipments to plants in the electric power sector. In addition, the rates are based on the primary transport mode that a plant’s owner or operator selects, but they may include other secondary or tertiary modes.

    Data highlights

    • After accounting for inflation, the average transportation cost for coal in the United States declined from $19.29 per ton in 2022 to $18.77 per ton in 2023 (in 2023 dollars). In nominal terms, it rose from $18.69 in 2022 to $18.77 in 2023.
    • The nominal average cost of transporting coal by railroad and waterway increased slightly in 2023, while the average cost of transporting coal by truck declined slightly.
    • On a regional basis, a mix of marginal increases and decreases in nominal prices existed across modes of transport and across states and coal supply basins. Overall, the average cost of rail transport increased in the Illinois Basin and in Appalachia. The cost decreased in the Western region. By truck and waterway, average costs decreased in Appalachia but increased in the Illinois Basin.
    • Price changes in real terms were more sizable in a few cases. For example:
      • The cost of rail transport from the Northern Appalachian coal basin to North Carolina increased in real terms from $31.99 in 2022 to $38.00 in 2023. This increase is similar to an inflation-adjusted increase in the cost of rail transport from Pennsylvania to North Carolina (from $31.23 in 2022 to $37.44 in 2023).
      • The cost of rail transport from the Central Appalachian coal basin to North Carolina increased in real terms from $25.08 in 2022 to $29.49 in 2023. This increase is similar to an inflation-adjusted increase in the cost of rail transport from West Virginia to North Carolina (from $26.98 in 2022 to $30.66 in 2023).
      • The cost of truck transport from the Northern Appalachian coal basin to Pennsylvania declined in real terms from $13.05 in 2022 to $8.50 in 2023. This decrease is similar to an inflation-adjusted decrease in the cost of intrastate truck transport in Pennsylvania (from $12.62 in 2022 to $8.50 in 2023).
      • The cost of rail transport from the Illinois Basin to Kentucky declined in real terms from $13.12 in 2022 to $7.62 in 2023. This decrease is similar to an inflation-adjusted decrease in the cost of intrastate rail transport in Kentucky (from $15.06 in 2022 to $7.92 in 2023).
    • The overall volume of coal transport decreased across all modes of transport in 2023 compared with 2022.

    Principal contributor: Jonathan Church

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC – 11 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 11 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 12,253,082 2.2667    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 12,253,082 2.2667    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 2,200 61.326p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 12 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Announces January 2025 Production and Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – First trial batch of SEALMINER A2 air cooled rigs have been delivered to our datacenters and are running smoothly.

    – Completed acquisition of 101 MW site and gas-fired power plant project in Alberta to deliver the industry’s first fully vertically-integrated Bitcoin mining site.

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing, today announced its unaudited mining and operations updates for January 2025.

    Operational Update

    • Self-mined Bitcoin: 126 Bitcoins, down from the previous month due to temporary curtailments at our Bhutan site related to higher seasonal electricity prices.
    • Mining Rig Manufacturing and R&D:
      • SEALMINER A1:
        • Mass production of approximately 3.7 EH/s of mining rigs remains on track with 0.4 EH/s powered on, 0.5 EH/s delivered for installation, 0.4 EH/s in-transit to datacenters and 2.4 EH/s in production. The manufacture of SEALMINER A1 is now expected to be completed at end of February or early March 2025.
      • SEALMINER A2:
        • Production of approximately 35 EH/s of mining rigs through October 2025, delayed by approximately one month due to 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on January 21, 2025.
        • First trial batch of air cooled rigs have been delivered to our mining datacenters for testing and are running stably.
        • ~29,000 units (~7 EH/s out of the 35 EH/s) of SEALMINER A2s allocated for external sales are expected to begin shipment in March through Q2 2025.
      • SEALMINER A3:
        • SEAL03 initial tape-out sample wafers with an expected chip efficiency of approximately 10 J/TH are expected in Q1 2025.
      • SEALMINER A4:
        • SEAL04 R&D remains on track to achieve an expected chip efficiency of approximately 5 J/TH with anticipated initial tape-out in Q3 2025.
      • The Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) of the U.S. Department of Commerce published a rule entitled “Implementation of Additional Due Diligence Measures for Advanced Computing Integrated Circuits”, in January 2025 (the “BIS Rules”). Based on preliminary review, the Company does not expect that the application of the BIS Rules will have any impact on the delivery of SEAL chips, as the outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (“OSAT”) companies for SEAL chips are Approved “OSAT” companies under BIS regulations.
    • HPC/AI:
      • Discussions are ongoing with multiple development partners and potential end users for select large scale sites in U.S. for HPC/AI.
      • Bitdeer AI Cloud, powered by NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with H100, saw its average utilization rate drop to ~60% in January 2025 due to an initial shift toward R&D in model inference and AI Agents. In the short term, some DGX H100 systems will be allocated to deploying open-source models like DeepSeek, Llama, and Qwen, enhancing API support for AI Agents, optimizing platform services, and advancing related R&D.
    • Hosting:
      • Client-hosted machines increased by 2,000 units and overall hashrate increased by 0.5 EH/s as customers are replacing older mining rigs with high efficiency ones.
    • Infrastructure:
      • Tydal, Norway, 40 MW phase 1 expansion has completed installation of transformers, with delivery and installation of electrical equipment currently in progress. The energization application has entered into the fast track for final regulatory approval.
      • Rockdale, Texas, USA, 100 MW hydro-cooling conversion is on track for phased completion during Q1 2025.
      • Clarington Phase 2, Ohio, USA, 304 MW is still pending approval and in negotiation with the landlord.
      • Jigmeling, Bhutan, 500 MW construction is on track with the primary substation expected to be completed by Q1 2025.
      • Fox Creek, Alberta, 101 MW gas-fired power plant and 99 MW datacenter of capacity for Bitcoin mining planned for energization in Q4 2026.
    • Financing:
      • Successfully executed a $17M supply chain financing facility with a 10.2% interest rate with a Singapore financial institution and completed the drawdown of facility in January 2025.

    Management Commentary

    “Our strategic acquisition of the 101 MW site near Fox Creek, Alberta and gas-fired power plant project marks a significant step in our strategy to become a fully-vertically integrated Bitcoin miner,” stated Matt Kong, Chief Business Officer of Bitdeer. “By combining our own power generation, SEALMINER mining machines and opportunistic grid participation, we believe this site will set a new benchmark for industry unit economics.”

    Mr. Kong continued, “In terms of our ASICs roadmap, mass production of our SEALMINER A1s remain on schedule. SEALMINER A2s were slightly impacted by the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan on January 21, 2025, and its mass production in H2 is expected to delay about one month. However, the first trial batch of SEALMINER A2 air cooled models have been delivered to our own datacenters for testing and are running smoothly. Further, we expect the initial tape-out sample wafers of our SEAL03 chip to be ready in March for testing. SEAL03 is expected to be the most advanced and energy-efficient Bitcoin mining chip on the market and represents a significant achievement for Bitdeer and the industry.”

    Production and Operations Summary

    Metrics Jan 2025 Dec 2024 Nov 2024
    Total hash rate under management1(EH/s) 22.4 21.6 20.7
    – Proprietary hash rate 9.2 8.9 8.8
    • Self-mining 8.7 8.5 8.2
    • Cloud Hash Rate 0.0 0.0 0.2
    • Delivered but not hashing 0.5 0.4 0.4
    – Hosting 13.2 12.7 11.9
    Mining machines under management 179,000 175,000 178,000
    – Self-owned2 87,000 85,000 86,000
    – Hosted 92,000 90,000 92,000
    Bitcoins mined (self-mining only) 126 145 150
    Bitcoin held3 724 594 443

    1Total hash rate under management as of January 31, 2025 across the Company’s three primary business lines: Self-mining, Cloud Hash Rate, and Hosting.

    • Self-mining refers to cryptocurrency mining for the Company’s own account, which allows it to directly capture the high appreciation potential of cryptocurrency.
    • Cloud Hash Rate offers hash rate subscription plans and shares mining income with customers under certain arrangements. The Cloud Hash Rate stated above reflects the contracted hash rate with customers at month-end.
    • Hosting encompasses a one-stop mining machine hosting solution including deployment, maintenance, and management services for efficient cryptocurrency mining.

    2Self-owned mining machines are for the Company’s self-mining business and Cloud Hash Rate business.
    3Bitcoins held do not include the Bitcoins from deposits of the customers.

    Infrastructure Construction Update

    Rockdale, Texas – 100 MW Hydro-cooling conversion to be energized in phases in Q1 2025:

    • Cooling system will be delivered and installed in phases in Q1 2025.
    • Planning for phased energization by March 2025.

    Tydal, Norway – 175 MW site expansion anticipated to be fully energized by mid-2025:

    • Installation of the transformers has been completed, with the delivery and installation of electrical equipment currently in progress. Additionally, the procurement and delivery of containers and hydro-cooling systems are underway, and drainage systems construction is ongoing.
    • Tydal, Norway Phase 1 40 MW expansion pending regulatory approval. Energization of the full 175 MW site is expected to occur no later than mid-2025, subject to regulatory approval.

    Massillon, Ohio – 221 MW site construction has begun ahead of schedule:

    • Substation construction is underway and is expected to be completed in Q3 2025.
    • Building design is completed and construction has begun earlier than expected, estimated to be completed in phases between Q3 and Q4 2025.
    • Estimated energization timeline remains on track for mid-to-late 2025.

    Clarington Phase 2, Ohio – 304 MW is still pending approval and in negotiation with the landlord.

    Jigmeling, Bhutan – 500 MW site is progressing well, with the following key milestones achieved:

    • Construction of transformer and container foundations in progress and will be completed in phases, with the last phase expected by the end of February 2025.
    • 132kv/140MW and 220kv/360MW substation designs are completed with construction anticipated to be finished by the end of Q1 2025.
    • Orders for the procurement of transformers and electrical equipment have been placed, with delivery and installation work to be completed in phases over Q1 and Q2 2025.
    • Procurement and delivery of containers and hydro-cooling systems are in progress, with completion expected in phases by the end of Q1 2025.

    Fox Creek, Alberta – 101 MW site acquired in Alberta sits on 19 acres is fully licensed and permitted:

    • Acquisition includes all permits and licenses to construct an on-site natural gas power plant, as well as approval for a 99 MW grid interconnection with Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”).
    • Bitdeer will develop and construct the power plant in partnership with a leading Engineering, Procurement and Construction (“EPC”) company and is expected to be energized by Q4 2026.
    Site / Location Capacity (MW) Status Timing4
    Electrical capacity      
    – Rockdale, Texas 563 Online Completed
    – Knoxville, Tennessee 86 Online Completed
    – Wenatchee, Washington 13 Online Completed
    – Molde, Norway 84 Online Completed
    – Tydal, Norway 50 Online Completed
    – Gedu, Bhutan 100 Online Completed
    Total electrical capacity 8955    
    Pipeline capacity      
    – Tydal, Norway Phase 1 40 In progress Pending Regulatory Approval
    – Tydal, Norway Phase 2 135 In progress Mid 2025
    – Massillon, Ohio 221 In progress Mid-to-late 2025
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 1 266 In progress Q3 2025
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 2 304 Pending approval Estimate 2026
    – Jigmeling, Bhutan 500 In progress Mid-to-late 2025
    – Rockdale, Texas 179 In planning Estimate 2026
    – Alberta, Canada 99 In planning Q4 2026
    Total pipeline capacity 1,744    
    Total global electrical capacity 2,639    

    4 Indicative timing. All timing references are to calendar quarters and years.
    5 Figures may not add up due to rounding.

    Upcoming Conferences and Events

    • March 11 – 12, 2025: Cantor Global Technology Conference in New York City
    • March 16 – 18, 2025: 37th Annual ROTH Growth Conference in Dana Point, California

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group

    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive computing solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @ BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.

    Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Orange Group
    Yujia Zhai
    bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    BlocksBridge Consulting
    Nishant Sharma
    bitdeer@blocksbridge.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: P10 Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — P10, Inc. (NYSE: PX) (the “Company”), a leading private markets solutions provider, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Revenue: $85 million, a 35% increase year over year.
    • Fee-Related Revenue: $85 million, a 37% increase year over year.
    • Fee-Paying Assets Under Management: $25.7 billion, a 10% increase year over year.
    • GAAP Net Income (Loss): $5.7 million compared to $(1.9) million in the prior year.
    • Adjusted EBITDA: $42.9 million, a 40% increase year over year.
    • Fee-Related Earnings: $42.7 million, a 39% increase year over year.
    • Adjusted Net Income: $35.3 million, a 39% increase year over year.
    • Fully Diluted GAAP EPS: $0.05 compared to $(0.01) in the prior year.
    • Fully Diluted ANI per share: $0.30, a 44% increase year over year.

    Fiscal Year End 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Revenue: $296.4 million, a 23% increase year over year.
    • Fee-Related Revenue: $291.3 million, a 23% increase year over year.
    • GAAP Net Income (Loss): $19.7 million, compared to $(7.8) million in the prior year.
    • Adjusted EBITDA: $144.5 million, a 17% increase year over year.
    • Fee-Related Earnings: $142.1 million, a 15% increase year over year.
    • Adjusted Net Income: $120.2 million, an 18% increase year over year.
    • Fully Diluted GAAP EPS: $0.16, compared to $(0.06) in the prior year.
    • Fully Diluted ANI per share: $1.00, a 22% increase year over year.

    A presentation of the quarterly financials may be accessed here and is available on the Company’s website.

    “P10 delivered record financial performance in the fourth quarter, capping off a remarkable year. Our investment strategies carried momentum in the fourth quarter, achieving $905 million in gross new fee-paying AUM. We also exceeded our 2024 fundraising guidance by over a billion dollars and delivered strong growth across our platform,” said Luke Sarsfield, P10 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Over the course of 2024, we executed on all strategic priorities outlined at the start of the year, which included optimizing our leadership team, driving increased organic growth, reaccelerating our M&A engine, generating operational efficiencies and enhancing our transparency. The Company is well positioned for an exciting 2025 and to meet or exceed the long-term financial guidance we provided at our inaugural Investor Day in September 2024.”

    Stock Repurchase Program

    In the fourth quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 815,327 shares at an average price of $12.72 per share. In 2024, the Company repurchased approximately 6,641,827 shares at an average price of $8.88 per share, for a total of $59.1 million in the year. The repurchase activity left approximately $3.5 million available under the repurchase authorization at the end of the fourth quarter. This week, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $40 million under the share repurchase program which brings the total available under the plan to approximately $43.5 million.

    Declaration of Dividend

    The Board of Directors of the Company has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.035 per share on Class A and Class B common stock, payable on March 20th, 2025, to the holders of record as of the close of business on February 28th, 2025.

    Conference Call Details

    The Company will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. All participants must register prior to joining the event.

    • To join and view the live webcast, please register here.
    • To join by telephone, please register here.

    For those unable to participate in the live event, a replay will be made available on P10’s investor relations page at www.p10alts.com.

    About P10

    P10 is a leading multi-asset class private markets solutions provider in the alternative asset management industry. P10’s mission is to provide its investors differentiated access to a broad set of investment solutions that address their diverse investment needs within private markets. As of December 31, 2024, P10’s products have a global investor base of more than 3,800 investors across 50 states, 60 countries, and six continents, which includes some of the world’s largest pension funds, endowments, foundations, corporate pensions, and financial institutions. Visit www.p10alts.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements discuss management’s current expectations and projections relating to our financial position, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business. The inclusion of any forward-looking information in this release should not be regarded as a representation that the future plans, estimates, or expectations contemplated will be achieved. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current plans, estimates, and expectations, and are inherently uncertain. All forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors that may cause actual results to be materially different, including risks relating to: global and domestic market and business conditions; successful execution of business and growth strategies and regulatory factors relevant to our business; changes in our tax status; our ability to maintain our fee structure; our ability to attract and retain key employees; our ability to manage our obligations under our debt agreements; our ability to make acquisitions and successfully integrate the businesses we acquire, including our pending acquisition of Qualitas Funds SGEIC, S.A.; assumptions relating to our operations, financial results, financial condition, business prospects and growth strategy; the impacts of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning; and our ability to manage the effects of events outside of our control. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. For more information regarding these risks and uncertainties as well as additional risks that we face, you should refer to the “Risk Factors” included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 13, 2024, and in our subsequent reports filed from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events, except as otherwise required by law.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures by P10

    The non-GAAP financial measures contained in this press release (including, without limitation, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Fee-Related Revenue (“FRR”), Fee-Related Earnings (“FRE”), Fee-Related Earnings Margin, Adjusted Net Income (“ANI”) and, Fully Diluted ANI per share are not GAAP measures of the Company’s financial performance or liquidity and should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss) as a measure of financial performance or cash flows from operations as measures of liquidity, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of such non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measure is included later in this press release. The Company believes the presentation of these non-GAAP measures provide useful additional information to investors because it provides better comparability of ongoing operating performance to prior periods. It is reasonable to expect that one or more excluded items will occur in future periods, but the amounts recognized can vary significantly from period to period. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered substitutes for net income or cash flows from operating, investing, or financing activities. You are encouraged to evaluate each adjustment to non-GAAP financial measures and the reasons management considers it appropriate for supplemental analysis. Our presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

    Key Financial & Operating Metrics

    Fee-paying assets under management reflects the assets from which we earn management and advisory fees. Our vehicles typically earn management and advisory fees based on committed capital, and in certain cases, net invested capital, depending on the fee terms. Management and advisory fees based on committed capital are not affected by market appreciation or depreciation.

    P10 Investor Contact:
    info@p10alts.com

    P10 Media Contact:
    Josh Clarkson
    Taylor Donahue
    jclarkson@prosek.com

     
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
     
                       
    (Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)   Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended   % Change
      December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023   December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023   Q4’24 vs Q4’23 YTD’24 vs YTD’23
    GAAP Net Income/(Loss)   $ 5,701   $ (1,893 )   $ 19,667   $ (7,772 )   N/A N/A
    Adjustments:                  
    Depreciation & amortization   6,902   7,945     28,314   31,472     -13% -10%
    Interest expense, net   6,927   5,792     25,510   21,872     20% 17%
    Income tax expense   1,967   1,826     8,698   4,632     8% 88%
    Non-recurring expenses   10,388   3,204     17,520   13,874     224% 26%
    Non-cash stock based compensation   4,999   5,252     22,480   21,519     -5% 4%
    Non-cash stock based compensation – acquisitions   2,414   779     7,971   8,674     210% -8%
    Non-cash stock based compensation – CEO transition   –   4,225     –   6,331     -100% -100%
    Earn out related compensation   3,597   3,597     14,312   22,992     0% -38%
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 42,895   $ 30,727     $ 144,472   $ 123,594     40% 17%
    Less:                  
    Cash interest expense   (6,497 ) (5,049 )   (21,727 ) (20,100 )   29% 8%
    Cash income taxes, net of taxes related to acquisitions   (1,101 ) (206 )   (2,538 ) (1,539 )   434% 65%
    Adjusted Net Income   $ 35,297   $ 25,472     $ 120,208   $ 101,955     39% 18%
                       
    Fully Diluted ANI per Share                  
    Shares outstanding   111,333   116,299     112,549   116,104     -4% -3%
    Fully Diluted Shares outstanding   119,286   124,163     120,375   124,063     -4% -3%
    ANI per share   $0.32   $0.22     $1.07   $0.88     45% 22%
    Fully Diluted ANI per share(1)   $0.30   $0.21     $1.00   $0.82     44% 22%
                       
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin                  
    Total Revenues   $ 85,014   $ 63,067     $ 296,448   $ 241,734     35% 23%
    Adjusted EBITDA   42,895   30,727     144,472   123,594     40% 17%
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin   50 % 49 %   49 % 51 %   N/A N/A
                       
    Fee-Related Revenue                  
    Total Revenues   $ 85,014   $ 63,067     $ 296,448   $ 241,734     35% 23%
    Adjustments:                  
    Non-Fee Related Revenue   13   (1,126 )   (5,179 ) (4,730 )   -101% 9%
    Fee-Related Revenue   $ 85,027   $ 61,941     $ 291,269   $ 237,004     37% 23%
                       
    Fee-Related Earnings                  
    GAAP Net Income/(Loss)   $ 5,701   $ (1,893 )   $ 19,667   $ (7,772 )   N/A N/A
    Adjustments   37,194   32,620     124,805   131,366     14% -5%
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 42,895   $ 30,727     $ 144,472   $ 123,594     40% 17%
    Less:                  
    Non-Fee Related Income   (173 ) (87 )   (2,354 ) (497 )   99% 374%
    Fee-Related Earnings   $ 42,722   $ 30,640     $ 142,118   $ 123,097     39% 15%
    Fee-Related Earnings Margin   50 % 49 %   49 % 52 %   N/A N/A
     

    (1) Fully Diluted ANI per share calculations include the total of all shares of common stock, stock options under the treasury stock method, restricted stock awards, and the redeemable non-controlling interests of P10 Intermediate converted to Class A stock as of each period presented.

    Notes to Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Above is a calculation of our unaudited non-GAAP financial measures. These are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be construed as a substitute for the most directly comparable GAAP measures, which are reconciled in the table above. These measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing our operating performance, you should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP measures. Other companies may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as a comparative measure.

    We use Adjusted Net Income, or ANI, as well as Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization), Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Fee-Related Revenues, Fee-Related Earnings and Fee-Related Earnings Margin to provide additional measures of profitability. We use the measures to assess our performance relative to our intended strategies, expected patterns of profitability, and budgets, and use the results of that assessment to adjust our future activities to the extent we deem necessary. ANI reflects an estimate of our cash flows generated by our core operations. ANI is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA, less actual cash paid for interest and federal and state income taxes.

    In order to compute Adjusted EBITDA, we adjust our GAAP Net Income for the following items:

    • Expenses that typically do not require us to pay them in cash in the current period (such as depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation);
    • The cost of financing our business;
    • One-time expenses related to restructuring of the management team including placement/search fees;
    • Expenses related to the debt refinance completed in August 2024;
    • Acquisition-related expenses which reflects the actual costs incurred during the period for the acquisition of new businesses, which primarily consists of fees for professional services including legal, accounting, and advisory, as well as bonuses paid to employees directly related to the acquisition; and
    • The effects of income taxes.

    Fee-Related Revenues is calculated as Total Revenues less any incentive fees.

    Fee-Related Earnings is a non-GAAP performance measure used to monitor our baseline earnings less any incentive fee revenue and excluding any incentive fee-related expenses.

    Fee-Related Earnings Margin is calculated as Fee-Related Earnings divided by Fee-Related Revenues.

    Adjusted Net Income reflects net cash paid for federal and state income taxes and cash interest expense.

    Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total GAAP revenues. We use Adjusted EBITDA Margin to provide an additional measure of profitability.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mahakumbh 2025: 10-15 Tons of Trash removed daily by Trash Skimmer from Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 10:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation is actively working to realize Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Swachh Bharat, and keep the Triveni Sangam clean and pure. For this, trash skimmer machines have been installed, which remove 10 to 15 tons of waste daily from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

    The preparations for the world’s largest event, the Mahakumbh, began nearly four years ago when the trash skimmer machine was installed. Initially, this machine removed 50-60 quintals of waste daily. After observing its effectiveness, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation bought another machine about two years ago, which doubled the pace of cleaning the rivers.

    Machine Capacity: 13 Cubic Meters

    The machines cleaning both rivers have a capacity of 13 cubic meters and cover a 4 km area in the river, from the Sangam to the boat club and beyond. These machines collect floating flowers, garlands, paper plates, incense wrappers, plastic, coconuts, clothes, etc., from the surface.

    Disposal of Waste at a Single Location

    Municipal Corporation officials state that the waste collected by the machines is disposed off at a designated spot near Naini. From there, it is transported daily by trucks to a plant located in Baswar, where the waste is separated into coconuts, plastic, and other materials. The plastic is sent for recycling, while other usable materials are turned into compost.

    What is a Trash Skimmer Machine?

    – A trash skimmer is used to collect floating waste from the surface of the water. This machine is employed to clean rivers, ports, and seas.

    – It collects plastic, bottles, religious waste, clothes, metal items, offerings, dead animals and birds, etc.

    – It also helps in removing water weeds (water hyacinth).

    How Does a Trash Skimmer Work?

    – The machine has gates on both sides, with conveyor belts inside them. These gates hydraulically close to trap the waste. Once collected, the waste is transferred onto the conveyor belt.

    – From there, it moves to an unloading conveyor belt, where it is disposed of.

    *****

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    (Release ID: 2102069) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Making good use of tourism resources in Sha Tau Kok area

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ21: Making good use of tourism resources in Sha Tau Kok area
    LCQ21: Making good use of tourism resources in Sha Tau Kok area
    ***************************************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Yiu Pak-leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 12): Question:      In recent years, the Government has been committed to developing Sha Tau Kok (STK) into a tourist hotspot, including launching the First Phase “STK Pier opening up scheme” and the second phase of the STK opening-‍up plan, upgrading the tourism supporting facilities in STK, as well as providing photo-taking spots. In addition, there are views that the official opening of the Robin’s Nest Country Park on November 2 last year has added more highlights to the STK area. On making good use of the tourism resources in the STK area, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the respective numbers of individual visitors and tour group visitors visiting STK each month since the launch of the second phase of the STK opening-up plan in January last year, and among which the numbers of non-local visitors (set out in Table 1); Table 1

    Month
    Total number of visitors
    Number of individual visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)
    Number of tour group visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)

     
     
     
     

     (2) of the respective numbers of individual visitors and tour group visitors on the 10 dates with the highest number of visitors to STK last year, and among which the numbers of non-local visitors (set out in Table 2); Table 2

    Date
    Total number of visitors
    Number of individual visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)
    Number of tour group visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)

     
     
     
     

     (3) as it is learnt that the Police can generally complete the processing of applications for electronic Tourism Closed Area Permits for access to STK at an earlier time (which originally required a minimum of three working days), of the distribution of the time taken by the Police to vet and approve such permits last year (i.e. (i) within four ‍hours, (ii) more than four hours to 12 hours, (iii) more than 12 hours to 24 hours, (iv) more than 24 hours to 48 hours, (v) more than 48 ‍hours to 72 hours, and (vi) more than 72 hours), and set out in Table 3 a breakdown by the type of applicants (i.e. (a) individual visitors and (b) tour group visitors, and (I) local visitors and (II) ‍non-‍local visitors); Table 3

    Vetting and approval time
    (a)
    (b)

    (I)
    (II)
    (I)
    (II)

    (i)
     
     
     
     

    ……
     
     
     
     

    (vi)
     
     
     
     

    Total
     
     
     
     

     (4) as some members of the industry have relayed that it takes time for non-local visitors to apply for electronic Tourism Closed Area Permits to gain access to STK, which is not conducive to travel agencies promoting relevant tourism products to tourists, whether the authorities will consider introducing visa-on-arrival arrangements for tour groups visiting on a “group in, group out” basis, so as to facilitate travel agencies in arranging for more tourists to visit STK; (5) as it is learnt that currently the seven MacIntosh Forts built along the Shenzhen River are no longer in practical operational use, and two of them have undergone basic revitalisation works and are conditionally open to the public, whether the authorities have considered fully opening these two revitalised forts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; whether the authorities will consider using the forts as visitor service centres or open museums to make good use of heritage resources, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of Robin’s Nest Country Park; (6) given that the “contactless channels” at the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint in STK became operational on December 23 last year, of the progress of exploring the possibility of allowing Hong Kong tour groups to enter Chung Ying Street via such checkpoint on a “group in, group out” basis (including the estimated earliest implementation date); and (7) given that with effect from January 24 this year, the Security Bureau has opened a specified section of road within the frontier closed area near Lin Ma Hang Village in STK, exempting the requirement to apply for a closed area permit for people travelling by green minibus passing through this section of road, with a view to facilitating tourists to travel to Robin’s Nest Country Park, whether the authorities will consider allowing tourist coaches to access this section of road, so as to facilitate the launch of relevant tourism products by the industry? Reply President,      The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) published the Action Plan on Sha Tau Kok Cultural Tourism Zone on December 30, 2024, in tandem with the promulgation of the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0. The CSTB will continue to promote the tourism development in Sha Tau Kok (STK) under the overall principle of “low density, high quality” and through enriching its historical and cultural elements. Specifically, the Government is progressively opening up STK Frontier Closed Area (FCA) for tourism, including rolling out of the second phase of the STK Opening-up Plan in January 2024, under which local and non-local visitors are allowed to enter STK FCA (except Chung Ying Street) for sightseeing. In light of its proximity to the Robin’s Nest Country Park, STK has effectively linked up various tourists spots of the Blue and Green Recreation, Tourism and Conservation Circle of the district, serving as a starting point for visitors travelling by ferry to the surrounding islands and areas, such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O and Ap Chau.      In consultation with the Security Bureau (SB), the Development Bureau and the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Yiu Pak-leung is as follows: (1) and (2) The monthly figures of electronic Tourism Closed Area Permit (e-CAP) issued by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) for entering STK in 2024, and the ten dates with most e-CAP issued in the same year, are set out at Annex.(3) To facilitate the implementation of the second phase of the STK Opening-up Plan starting from January 2024, the HKPF launched e-CAP on December 1, 2023. The HKPF has been committed to processing applications as soon as possible. Upon submission by applicants of all the documents required and verification of the relevant information, the vast majority of the e-CAP applications were approved within three working days. The HKPF does not maintain breakdown information of the time required for approval of e-CAP as mentioned in the question. (4) and (6) Since 2022, the SB has, in collaboration with relevant bureaux and departments, formulated specific measures to progressively open-up STK FCA in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. The SB has fully consulted the local community in the process, closely monitored the implementation of the opening-up plan, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely responses to the concerns raised and implement the opening-up plan in an orderly manner.            As far as Chung Ying Street is concerned, due to its unique historical background and geographical factors, Chung Ying Street directly adjoins the Mainland without any barrier as a boundary demarcation. It is also the only place in Hong Kong where there is no boundary control facilities, while cross-boundary movement of people and cargo is allowed. In light of the boundary security considerations from the SB, Chung Ying Street has not been opened to tourists for entry from Hong Kong STK over the years.           With the gradual opening-up of STK FCA for tourism, the Government will continue to adopt an open stance in exploring the promotion of tourism at Chung Ying Street, as well as other feasible measures that can further facilitate the trade and tourists visiting STK FCA, with a view to fostering the development of cultural tourism in STK. The CSTB, the SB and Shenzhen Municipal Government, have been in ongoing communication with each other over the development of cultural tourism in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen STK, and will explore the feasible option of allowing Hong Kong group tours to enter Chung Ying Street for sightseeing via the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint on a “group in, group out” basis, with a view to further deepening the historical and cultural elements of STK tourism. (5) For security reason, the seven MacIntosh Forts located at the boundary of New Territories are currently not opened to the public. In view of the establishment of the Robin’s Nest Country Park on March 1, 2024, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) installed an interpretation panel near the MacIntosh Fort (Kong Shan) at the Lin Ma Hang Country Trail to introduce the Forts. The AFCD also featured a thematic introduction of the Forts in an episode of the video series titled “Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park”, which was produced in celebrating the establishment of the Robin’s Nest Country Park, covering the history of the Forts and its role in boundary defence in the past. (7) Starting from January 24, 2025, a section of road within the FCA near Lin Ma Hang Village in STK has been opened for public travelling on public light buses on scheduled service (i.e. green minibuses), by exempting the requirement to apply for a closed area permit. Members of the public concerned can enter Lin Ma Hang Village via the said section of road, thereby facilitating them to visit the Robin’s Nest Country Park and nearby areas. The current exemption is applicable to passengers travelling by green minibuses, but does not apply to private vehicles, taxis or other vehicles without a valid closed road permit, and to members of the public using other means of travel such as walking or cycling. Taking into account the limitations in the road design and safety considerations of the concerned section, the said section of road is not suitable for entry by large coach buses. The Government will examine the effectiveness of the exemption and, on the premise that boundary security and traffic safety can be ensured, keep an open mind in studying the feasibility of extending the exemption arrangement in the future to cover other transportation means.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 14:42

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ15: Promoting development of the fund industry

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Robert Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):
     
    Question:
     
         There are views that the Government should actively take forward a more comprehensive support policy to promote the development of the fund industry as a whole on all fronts. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it has compiled statistics on the respective shares of capital allocations from Hong Kong’s offshore Renminbi (RMB) (liquidity pool to mutual funds, deposits, stocks, bonds and other investment vehicles, together with a breakdown by holders of such capital, i.e. retail investors, institutional investors, and enterprises; given that the Government is actively promoting the internationalisation of RMB, what measures it has in place to guide more offshore RMB capital to invest in various fund products, so as to promote the development of related businesses;
     
    (2) whether it has compiled statistics on the respective shares of Mainland capital investments in Hong Kong funds and bank deposits under the constant enhancement of the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect (WMC) Scheme in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and in which types of funds the investments are mainly made; of the Government’s plans in place to discuss with the Mainland regulatory authorities about further expansion of the scope of fund products under WMC, as well as all-‍round coverage of cross-border fund sales and promotional activities;
     
    (3) whether the Government will step up negotiations with the Mainland regulatory authorities to further increase the number of funds and product types under the mutual recognition of funds scheme; whether it knows if information on such recognised funds will be included in the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited’s Integrated Fund Platform to facilitate trading by investors; and
     
    (4) of the respective proportions of the amounts invested in “financial assets” and “non-financial assets” by applicants of the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme after its implementation, together with a breakdown by the classification of assets; whether the Government will publish the relevant statistics on a regular basis; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Hong Kong is an international asset and wealth management centre, with assets under management exceeding HK$31 trillion. The Government has been attracting more global capital to be managed in Hong Kong through a series of measures with the aim of propelling the all-rounded development of the fund industry. In consultation with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), my reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
     
    (1) With the support of the Central People’s Government, Hong Kong is a premier global offshore Renminbi (RMB) business hub which possesses the world’s largest offshore pool of RMB funds, and operates the largest foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives market. Hong Kong also provides a diversified range of RMB products and services, with a leading position in RMB settlement, financing and asset management.
     
         The Government has been promoting the development of the offshore RMB business in Hong Kong, and has been actively deepening the mutual access between the Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets, so as to assist the high-level opening up of our country’s capital market. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced in April 2024 a series of measures to promote the expansion of the mutual access between the financial markets of the Mainland and Hong Kong. These measures include expanding the eligible product scope of equity exchange-traded funds (ETFs) under Stock Connect and including real estate investment trusts (REITs) under Stock Connect, which would support the Hong Kong financial market by increasing the availability of attractive investment products, providing more investment opportunities for domestic and international investors, and consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an offshore RMB business hub.
     
         In addition, the HKMA and the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) announced on January 13 this year new measures to further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global offshore RMB business hub. Relevant measures include the introduction of the HKMA RMB Trade Financing Liquidity Facility, further enhancement and expansion of Bond Connect (Southbound), development of offshore RMB repurchase business using Northbound Bond Connect bonds as collateral, inclusion of Northbound Bond Connect bonds as eligible margin collateral at OTC Clearing Hong Kong Limited, promoting cross-boundary payment facilitation and financial facilitation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). We will press ahead with the development of an offshore RMB ecosystem to promote the internationalisation of the RMB in a steady and prudent manner.
     
         In terms of financial products, besides RMB foreign exchange trading products, the offshore RMB investment products and services offered in Hong Kong also include RMB-denominated stocks, ETF, REIT, futures contracts for precious metals, and other diversified financial products. However, the Government does not maintain data on the allocation of funds within the offshore RMB pool to various investment products.
     
    (2) Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect (WMC) has seen continuous and steady development since its launch in September 2021. “WMC 2.0” commenced on February 26, 2024, with enhancement measures including increasing the individual investor quota from RMB1 million to RMB3 million, lowering the threshold for participating in the Southbound Scheme to support more GBA residents to participate in the scheme, expanding the scope of participating institutions to include eligible securities firms, expanding the scope of eligible investment products, and further enhancing the promotion and sales arrangements. According to the statistics published by the PBoC, up to end-2024, over 136 000 individual investors in the GBA participated in the WMC and cross-boundary fund remittances (including Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao) amounting to over RMB99.4 billion had been recorded.
     
         Currently, the scope of eligible products under the Southbound Scheme includes all “non-complex” funds domiciled in Hong Kong and authorised by the SFC that primarily invest in Greater China equity; low-risk to medium-high-risk “non-complex” funds domiciled in Hong Kong and authorised by the SFC (excluding high-yield bond funds and single emerging market equity funds); low-risk to medium-risk and non-complex bonds; and RMB, Hong Kong dollar and foreign currency deposits. The Government does not maintain data on the proportion of Mainland capital invested in these different products.
     
         The Government and Hong Kong regulatory authorities will continue to maintain close communication with the industry and the Mainland regulatory authorities, and continuously review the implementation of “WMC 2.0” with a view to exploring further enhancement measures, including the product scope and sales arrangements.
     
    (3) The Mainland-Hong Kong Mutual Recognition of Funds (MRF) arrangement (the “Arrangement”) was launched in July 2015, where eligible Mainland and Hong Kong funds can be offered to retail investors in each other’s market through a streamlined vetting process. As of end-2024, a total of 83 funds were authorised by the regulators of the two places, with aggregate net subscription amount of around RMB43.5 billion.
     
         The Arrangement has been enhanced with effect from January 1, 2025. Enhancements include relaxing the sales restriction and allowing Hong Kong funds to delegate investment management functions to overseas asset management companies within the same group. The measures will significantly increase the diversity of fund products, enhance the scale of funds, and bring positive effect to the distribution of Hong Kong MRF funds in the Mainland. The SFC will maintain close co-operation with the CSRC to continuously explore and discuss enhancement measures, so as to fully leverage Hong Kong’s distinct advantage and role as an international financial centre and a bridge for two-way capital flow to facilitate a higher level of two-way opening in the country’s capital market.
     
         On the other hand, the Integrated Fund Platform (the Platform) developed by HKEX will help lower the entry threshold of the fund industry, broaden Hong Kong’s fund distribution network, and enhance market efficiency. The first phase of the Platform (the Fund Repository) was launched in December 2024 to facilitate investors’ access to information on fund investment options. Other services of the Platform will be rolled out gradually from this year with functionalities including fund subscription and redemption (including MRF funds), settlement, and nominee services.
     
    (4) The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) was open for application on March 1, 2024 to further enrich the talent pool and attract new capital to Hong Kong. An eligible applicant must make investment of a minimum of HK$30 million in the permissible investment assets, including investing a minimum of HK$27 million in permissible financial assets and/or real estate (subject to a cap of HK$10 million), and placing HK$3 million into a new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Investment Portfolio (CIES Investment Portfolio).
     
         As of end-2024, InvestHK has received over 800 applications, and approved 240 applications for Assessment for Investment Requirements. Except for the applicants’ investment in Hong Kong under the New CIES, the Government does not maintain the data on the investments made by applicants in Hong Kong outside the New CIES. Excluding the sum for investing in the CIES Investment Portfolio, the approved investment distribution is as follows:
     

     
    Investment amount (HK$ Million)

    Eligible collective investment schemes
    2,968

    Equities
    2,553

    Debt securities
    1,018

    Real estate
    10

    Certificates of deposits
    5

    Total
    6,554

     
         The Government will continuously review the applicants’ investment arrangement and room for enhancing the New CIES, including further enhancing the net asset assessment and calculation requirements and allowing applicants to hold assets through his/her wholly owned eligible private company with effect from March 1 this year, thereby attracting global asset owners to establish their presence in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With biggest winter storm of the season looming, California takes early, proactive steps to protect communities and harden burn scar areas  

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 11, 2025

    What you need to know: Across all of state government, highly-specialized personnel and response equipment are on the ground working to protect communities statewide from storm impacts. 

    Los Angeles, California – With another significant winter storm system expected to reach California later this week, work continues statewide to ensure communities impacted by recent wildfires – including the firestorms in Los Angeles – are protected.

    To prepare for this storm, Governor Gavin Newsom is directing a whole-of-government response to bolster local resources.

    In Altadena today, Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom surveyed ongoing work by state crews to prepare the Eaton Fire burn scar area ahead of rain. 

    At Governor Newsom’s direction, the state has installed emergency protection materials to contain burn scar debris from the Eaton and Palisades fires from entering creeks, rivers, and other bodies of water. The state is coordinating locally requested materials such as K-rails (concrete barriers) to divert debris flow and has completed debris basin clean-up activities over the last month to mitigate potential impacts in vulnerable areas.

    California has been in a constant state of readiness preparing for extreme winter weather. Crews have been on the ground for weeks working to secure areas against possible mudslides and debris flows. If you’re in the storm’s path, please remain vigilant and follow all guidance of local authorities.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    California is monitoring storm impacts, in particular to burn scar areas that pose the threat of mudslides and debris flows. According to the National Weather Service, this storm system will bring far-reaching impacts across the state, including risks of urban flooding and burn scar impacts in Southern California, high winds and heavy snow. 

    State actions to protect communities include:

    • 319,000 sandbags and 5,600 super sacks have been deployed to Southern California locations through the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
    • 242 total CAL FIRE engines are deployed throughout the state to rapidly respond, including 109 engines CAL FIRE Southern Region and 133 engines CAL FIRE Northern Region.
    • Cal OES has prepositioned flood fighting and debris flow resources and more than 400 personnel in 8 counties, including Colusa, Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Glenn, Tulare, Ventura and Santa Barbara. In total the state is deploying through the Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System the following:
      • 48 fire engines
      • 8 dozers 
      • 5 helicopters
      • 8 dispatchers
      • 6 hand crews
      • 8 swiftwater rescue teams
      • 3 local Incident Management Teams
      • 1 Regional Task Force
      • 2 excavators 
      • 2 loaders
      • 5 heavy rescue teams
    • Nearly 120 miles of emergency protection materials, including straw wattle, compost sock and silt fencing, have been installed through the California Conservation Corps to contain burn scar debris from entering creeks, rivers and other bodies of water. 
    • 30 watershed protection specialists have been deployed to burn scar areas.
    • Caltrans is placing erosion-control devices, including wattles, to limit mudflows. Caltrans is mobilizing crew members to monitor for rocks and other debris falling from burned slopes on the Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. 
    • 14 geologists are deployed to study and map burn scars of the Palisades, Eaton and Kenneth fires. The California Geological Survey is using this information to determine where debris flow could occur and where to install mitigation. The department also coordinated aerial flights over the scars to gather LiDAR data to further study burn areas for possible debris flow.
    • 70 soldiers and heavy engineering equipment through the California National Guard are deployed in the area to support debris removal efforts.
    • The California Department of Social Services is coordinating with local partners on shelters and warming centers to serve impacted communities.
    • The California Department of Public Health is supporting licensed healthcare facilities. 

    These early actions add on to the work the state has done in recent weeks to protect California communities and boost the state’s water supply. On January 31, the Governor signed an executive order to direct state agencies to direct additional water storage by maximizing excess water from winter storms.

    Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed about potential debris flow risks, especially during storms, and to follow guidance from local emergency officials. For resources and information specific to the Los Angeles firestorms, visit CA.gov/LAfires.

    Preparing for upcoming weather

    On Thursday, rainfall rates could approach 1” per hour near thunderstorms. In addition, there’s anticipated heavy mountain snow, with levels dropping to 2,000-3,000 feet across the north and down to 6,500 feet in the far south. Parts of the state will see wind gusts of 35-55 mph in Central and Southern California.

    The incoming storm could bring an increased risk of power outages, flooding in small streams and low-lying areas, and debris, rocks and mudslides on roadways.

    Residents are encouraged to not drive through flooded roadways, prepare in advance for power outages and reduce injury risks from falling limbs and trees by staying inside during high wind events.

    Residents are urged to stay informed and listen to local authorities about actions they should take including evacuation orders or safety recommendations. In burn scar areas, officials recommend preparing for possible sudden debris flows by having a go-bag packed and knowing evacuation routes.

    For more information on winter storm preparedness visit ready.ca.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, SpaceX Invite Media to Watch Crew-10 Launch to Space Station

    Source: NASA

    Media accreditation is open for the launch of NASA’s 10th rotational mission of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, carrying astronauts to the International Space Station for a science expedition. The agency’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission is targeting launch on Wednesday, March 12, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    The launch will carry NASA astronauts Anne McClain as commander and Nichole Ayers as pilot, along with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov as mission specialists. This is the first spaceflight for Ayers and Peskov, and the second mission to the orbiting laboratory for McClain and Onishi.
    Media accreditation deadlines for the Crew-10 launch as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program are as follows:

    International media without U.S. citizenship must apply by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13.
    U.S. media and U.S. citizens representing international media organizations must apply by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 23.

    All accreditation requests must be submitted online at:
    https://media.ksc.nasa.gov
    NASA’s media accreditation policy is online. For questions about accreditation or special logistical requests, email: ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov. Requests for space for satellite trucks, tents, or electrical connections are due by Friday, Feb. 21.
    For other questions, please contact NASA Kennedy’s newsroom at: 321-867-2468.
    Para obtener información sobre cobertura en español en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en español, comuníquese con Antonia Jaramillo: 321-501-8425, o Messod Bendayan: 256-930-1371.
    For launch coverage and more information about the mission, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew
    -end-
    Joshua Finch / Claire O’SheaHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov / claire.a.o’shea@nasa.gov
    Steve Siceloff / Stephanie PlucinskyKennedy Space Center, Florida321-867-2468steven.p.siceloff@nasa.gov / stephanie.n.plucinsky@nasa.gov
    Kenna PellJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111kenna.m.pell@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –