Monthly Archives: July 2023

BNP Paribas Receives Approval for 2.5 Billion Euro Share Buyback Program, Second Tranche to Begin in August

(IN BRIEF) BNP Paribas has received approval from the European Central Bank for the second tranche of its 2023 share buyback program, totaling 2.5 billion euros. The first tranche of the program, also worth 2.5 billion euros, was launched in … Read the full press release

AXA Launches AXA Secure GPT, an Internal Secure AI Platform for Employee Use

(IN BRIEF) AXA, the insurance company, has introduced a new internal service called AXA Secure GPT, which is built on Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, this service offers AXA employees access to a secure digital platform … Read the full press release

BAE Systems and Parsons Join Forces for Holston Army Ammunition Plant Modernization and National Security Enhancement

(IN BRIEF) BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc. is collaborating with Parsons Corporation to undertake the modernization of the Holston Army Ammunition Plant, as they seek to become the operating contractor until 2035. BAE Systems will bring its expertise in program … Read the full press release

Aviva Research Shows UK Financial Advisers Prepared for Consumer Duty, But Challenges Remain Ahead of Deadline

(IN BRIEF) According to research by Aviva, financial advisers in the UK are largely prepared to evidence their work on Consumer Duty outcomes, with over 90% indicating that they have either completed or are currently working on providing evidence for … Read the full press release

Pioneering CO2-Optimization: Siemens and BayWa Pilot Joint Green Initiative

(IN BRIEF) Siemens and BayWa AG have joined forces in a pilot project to advance CO2-optimized industrial production. The partnership combines Sigreen, Siemens’ emissions management software, with BayWa Carbon Connect, BayWa’s software for emissions offsetting. The collaboration aims to provide … Read the full press release

Global Factory Service Specialist Leadec Expands in Western France with New Packaging Handling Center

(IN BRIEF) Leadec, a global service specialist for factories, has established a new company in Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou, Western France. The company has rented a factory building of over 12,000 m2 to create a packaging handling center for a commercial vehicle manufacturer. … Read the full press release

Renewable Energy Surpasses Fossil Fuels for Second Year Running in UK’s Record-Breaking 2022

(IN BRIEF) The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has released new statistics showing that renewables generated a record-breaking amount of electricity in 2022, surpassing fossil fuels for the second consecutive year. Renewable sources accounted for 41.5% of … Read the full press release

Telecom Giants Unite to Launch Global Telco AI Alliance for Customer Experience Revolution

(IN BRIEF) Leading telecommunications companies SK Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, e&, and Singtel have joined forces to create the Global Telco AI Alliance. The alliance aims to leverage AI technology to enhance customer experiences and revolutionize global citizens’ lives. The telcos … Read the full press release

Survey Challenges Wind Power Stereotypes: Majority in Wind Farm Vicinity Back Further Development

(IN BRIEF) A recent survey conducted in Northumberland, north-east England, revealed surprising results about attitudes towards wind power. Contrary to popular belief, three-quarters of respondents living near wind turbines supported onshore wind farms and wished to see further growth in … Read the full press release

Vodacom Launches eSIM Support, Enabling Eco-Friendly Connectivity and Enhanced Flexibility for Customers in South Africa

(IN BRIEF) Vodacom has introduced eSIM support for all smartphone plans, enabling customers in South Africa to benefit from the convenience and flexibility of eSIM technology. With eSIMs, users can easily connect to the Vodacom network and have multiple eSIMs … Read the full press release

Telekom Launches ‘Against Hate on the Net’ Initiative to Combat Hate Speech and Promote Digital Solidarity

(IN BRIEF) Telekom is launching its initiative “Against hate on the Net” with a new spot on the International Action Day for Victims of Hate Crime. The spot urges people to take action against hate speech on the internet by … Read the full press release

BAE Systems to Supply Advanced Electric Propulsion Systems for Toronto Transit Commission’s Zero-Emission Bus Fleet

(IN BRIEF) BAE Systems, a leader in heavy-duty electric propulsion, will provide up to 541 Gen3 electric power and propulsion systems for the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) new battery-electric bus fleet. The Gen3 technology builds on BAE Systems’ proven components … Read the full press release

MSC Subsidiary MEDWAY Belgium Expands Rail Fleet with Siemens’ Vectron Locomotives for European Freight Transport

(IN BRIEF) MSC’s subsidiary MEDWAY Belgium NV has placed an order for 15 Vectron MS locomotives from Siemens Mobility. The locomotives will be used for cross-border freight transport in Europe and to supplement container transport in serving the eastern hinterland … Read the full press release

Enel Enters Joint Venture with Macquarie Asset Management, Sells 50% Stake in Greek Subsidiary for 345 Million Euros

(IN BRIEF) Enel S.p.A. has entered into an agreement with Macquarie Asset Management to sell 50% of its renewable subsidiary in Greece, Enel Green Power Hellas (EGPH), for approximately 345 million euros. Upon closing the transaction, Enel Green Power S.p.A. … Read the full press release

Eni and SLB Collaborate to Enhance Pipeline Safety and Monitoring with e-vpms® Technology

(IN BRIEF) Eni, through its subsidiary Enivibes, and SLB (Schlumberger) have formed an alliance to deploy e-vpms® (Eni Vibroacoustic Pipeline Monitoring System), an innovative technology developed by Eni. The e-vpms® system utilizes vibroacoustic wave detection to provide real-time analysis, monitoring, … Read the full press release

Volkswagen and Audi Forge Strategic Partnerships with Chinese Automakers to Accelerate E-Mobility Expansion in China

(IN BRIEF) Volkswagen Group is expanding its presence in the fast-growing e-mobility market in China through strategic cooperations with local automakers. The VW brand has signed a technological framework agreement with XPENG for joint development of two electric models in … Read the full press release

Logicor’s Ambitious Redevelopment Plan Creates Modern and Sustainable Logistics Hub in the UK’s Golden Triangle

(IN BRIEF) Logicor, a prominent logistics real estate owner and manager in Europe, is embarking on its largest redevelopment project in the UK. The site, located in the Midlands, within the Golden Triangle logistics hub, will be transformed into Logicor … Read the full press release

Albania’s First Onshore Wind Auction Sees Success with EBRD Support and Record Prices

(IN BRIEF) Albania has announced the results of its first utility-scale bidder-selected site auction for onshore wind, part of the country’s third renewable energy auction. Three bidders, Total Eren, Guris, and Verbund, have been awarded a total capacity of 222.48 … Read the full press release

EBRD Expands Support to Ukraine’s KredoBank with €25 Million Guarantee Facility for Critical Industries and Food Security

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is expanding its cooperation with KredoBank, a subsidiary of PKO Bank Polski, to support food security and critical industries in wartime Ukraine. The EBRD provides a €25 million guarantee facility … Read the full press release

Serbia Inaugurates First Section of ‘Peace Highway’ Linking Niš and Merdare with EU Support

(IN BRIEF) The first 5.5 km section of the Niš-Merdare highway, also known as the “Peace Highway,” was inaugurated in Serbia. The project, a flagship under the Economic and Investment Plan, aims to halve travel time between Niš and Merdare, … Read the full press release