Monthly Archives: September 2024

Ukrainian Lighting Company Pikart Boosts Efficiency with EBRD Support Amid War

(IN BRIEF) Pikart Lights, a Ukrainian lighting company based in Lviv, has overcome the challenges of Russia’s invasion with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the EU. The company’s investment in new moulding technology has … Read the full press release

Astor Asset Management 3 Ltd Inicia Investigación de Demanda Colectiva Contra Ricardo Benjamín Salinas Pliego de Grupo ELEKTRA por Manipulación de Acciones y Fraude en Valores

(NOTICIA EN BREVE) Astor Asset Management 3 Ltd, en colaboración con su equipo legal, está formando un grupo de inversores para presentar una demanda colectiva contra Ricardo Salinas Pliego y Grupo Elektra, S.A.B. de C.V. La demanda acusa al Sr. … Read the full press release

CNP Vita Assicura Awards €15.6 Billion Asset Management Mandate to Ostrum AM

(IN BRIEF) CNP Vita Assicura, a subsidiary of CNP Assurances, has entrusted Ostrum Asset Management with a €15.6 billion asset management mandate following a competitive tender. The partnership covers fixed income, equities, and multi-asset investments, along with risk management services … Read the full press release

Jørgen Vig Knudstorp Steps Down from KIRKBI, Shifts Focus to Education Initiatives

(IN BRIEF) Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, after over 20 years of leadership at LEGO and KIRKBI, will step down from his executive role by the end of 2024. He will transition into a non-executive role, focusing on children’s education initiatives through … Read the full press release

ECJ Confirms Google’s Anti-Competitive Practices, Idealo Hails Victory for Fair E-Commerce

(IN BRIEF) The European Court of Justice (ECJ) upheld the European Commission’s decision that Google abused its dominant market position by favoring its own shopping service, misleading consumers, and harming competition. idealo, a price comparison platform, welcomed the ruling as … Read the full press release

Colas Secures €77 Million Contract to Modernize Key Railway Line in Czech Republic

(IN BRIEF) Colas CZ and Colas Rail have secured a €77 million contract to modernize an 8-kilometer railway line in Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. The project, which will begin in September 2024 and finish in 2027, involves upgrading tracks, signaling … Read the full press release

Sainsbury’s Partners with SAP, Accenture, and AWS to Modernize Commercial Systems and Enhance Customer Experience

(IN BRIEF) Sainsbury’s has partnered with SAP, Accenture, and AWS to modernize its commercial systems as part of its “Next Level Sainsbury’s” strategy. The project will enhance agility, reduce technology costs, and simplify internal systems by moving to cloud-based solutions. … Read the full press release

DB Schenker, Trailer Dynamics, and CATL Collaborate on Battery Swapping Technology for Electric Trailers in Europe

(IN BRIEF) DB Schenker, Trailer Dynamics, and CATL have partnered to explore the feasibility of Battery Swapping Technology (BST) for electric trailers in Europe. The project aims to reduce vehicle downtime and enhance efficiency with battery swaps taking just five … Read the full press release

Ahold Delhaize Repurchased 250,000 Shares as Part of €1 Billion Buyback Program

(IN BRIEF) Ahold Delhaize repurchased 250,000 shares between September 2 and September 6, 2024, at an average price of €31.22 per share, totaling €7.8 million. This is part of the company’s €1 billion share buyback program, which has repurchased a … Read the full press release

Software AG Boosts Sustainability Performance by 30%, Earns Bronze in EcoVadis 2024 Assessment

(IN BRIEF) Software AG has improved its sustainability performance by 30% in the 2024 EcoVadis assessment, earning a bronze medal with a score of 63. The company achieved notable progress in the areas of Environment, Labor & Human Rights, and … Read the full press release

Hella Gutmann Launches macsLive Telematics Platform for Real-Time Multi-Brand Vehicle Diagnostics

(IN BRIEF) Hella Gutmann, in partnership with Munic S.A., has launched macsLive, a cloud-based telematics platform that provides real-time diagnostics for multi-brand vehicles. By continuously monitoring vehicle data, macsLive enables fleet operators, workshops, and breakdown services to make informed decisions … Read the full press release

Hella Gutmann Introduces Scalable Diagnostic Software Solution with Mega Macs S 20 for Workshops

(IN BRIEF) Hella Gutmann has launched the mega macs S 20, an affordable and flexible diagnostic software for workshops. The software runs on Android devices and communicates with vehicle systems through the HG-VCI S 20 hardware. It supports modern protocols … Read the full press release

Hella Gutmann Unveils Advanced Digital ADAS Calibration Tool with Cloud Integration for Enhanced Accuracy

(IN BRIEF) Hella Gutmann has introduced the CSC-Tool X 20, a fully digital and modular ADAS calibration tool designed to enhance calibration accuracy and efficiency. Set to launch in spring 2025, the tool features cloud connectivity, semi-automated processes, and comprehensive … Read the full press release

Encavis Secures €61 Million Project Financing for 114 MW Borrentin Solar Park, Supporting Germany’s Energy Transition

(IN BRIEF) Encavis AG has secured €61 million in project financing for its 114 MW Borrentin solar park in Germany. The financing was provided by Bayerische Landesbank and will help complete the solar park by the end of September 2024. … Read the full press release

Vodafone Germany to Expand Solar Energy Use Across Network Sites, Aiming for CO2e Neutrality by 2025

(IN BRIEF) Vodafone Germany is launching an initiative to install solar panels at its mobile phone towers and regional data centers, aiming to achieve CO2e neutrality by 2025. The project will begin with 86 sites and expand to 200 by … Read the full press release

BASF Showcases Sustainable Footwear Innovations at Simac 2024: Lightweight Soles, Recycling Solutions, and New Processing Technologies

(IN BRIEF) BASF is showcasing its latest footwear innovations at Simac 2024 under the theme “Make the Move.” The company is presenting recyclable, meltable polyurethane foams, lightweight midsole materials for enhanced comfort, and new processing technologies for more sustainable shoe … Read the full press release

Bosch Rolls Out Real-Time Road Hazard Alerts for Millions of Vehicles to Boost Road Safety

(IN BRIEF) Bosch has expanded its real-time road hazard service, now available in millions of vehicles and soon to be introduced to Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The service uses data from connected vehicles and third-party sources to warn drivers of hazards like … Read the full press release

World’s Oldest Bentley T-Series Restored to Original Glory and Returns to Heritage Collection

(IN BRIEF) The world’s oldest Bentley T-Series, first produced in 1965, has been meticulously restored and returned to Bentley’s Heritage Collection. The car underwent an 18-month restoration process after being discovered in storage in poor condition. Bentley specialists, P&A Wood, … Read the full press release

Takazuri and BASF Partner to Bring Climate-Resilient, Sustainable Construction to Eastern Africa

(IN BRIEF) Takazuri and BASF have partnered to deliver sustainable construction solutions in Eastern Africa with a focus on climate resilience. Takazuri’s Climatile™ roofing and cladding system, made from locally sourced post-consumer recycled materials, offers improved insulation, solar reflectance, and … Read the full press release

Deutsche Telekom Boosts Cyber Defense with New AI-Powered Security Operations Center in Bonn

(IN BRIEF) Deutsche Telekom has expanded its cyber defense with the opening of its Master Security Operations Center (SOC) in Bonn, part of a global network to combat increasingly AI-driven cyberattacks. The center processes billions of security data points daily … Read the full press release

Australian Defence Force Extends Partnership with Bohemia Interactive for Game-Based Training Simulations

(IN BRIEF) The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has renewed its agreement with Bohemia Interactive Australia (BIA) for the twelfth year, continuing its use of VBS3 game-based simulation software for training purposes. This software allows ADF personnel to engage in virtual … Read the full press release

Siemens to Build First U.S. High-Speed Rail Manufacturing Facility in New York, Creating 300 Jobs

(IN BRIEF) Siemens Mobility is investing $60 million to build North America’s first high-speed rail manufacturing facility in Horseheads, New York. The nearly 300,000 sq. ft. plant will create 300 jobs and produce the American Pioneer 220 trainsets for the … Read the full press release

Siemens Partners with DMG MORI and Renishaw to Boost Digital Transformation with Scalable Machine Tool Solutions

(IN BRIEF) Siemens has partnered with DMG MORI and Renishaw to enhance its Siemens Xcelerator platform, offering new scalable solutions for machine tools. Renishaw’s tool condition monitoring system, combined with Siemens software, automates tool wear detection and improves manufacturing traceability. … Read the full press release

Shell Confirms Euro and GBP Dividend Payments for Q2 2024, Set for September Distribution

(IN BRIEF) Shell plc has announced the euro and pounds sterling equivalent dividend payments for its second quarter 2024 interim dividend of $0.344 per ordinary share. Shareholders who opted for euros or pounds sterling will receive €0.3102 or 26.15p per … Read the full press release

Volkswagen and SEAT Announce Key Leadership Changes in Finance and IT Departments

(IN BRIEF) Volkswagen Passenger Cars and SEAT S.A. have announced a leadership change in their finance departments, effective October 1, 2024. Patrik Andreas Mayer will become SEAT’s new Chief Financial and IT Officer, while David Powels, currently in that role, … Read the full press release

Hexagon Revolutionizes Large-Scale Manufacturing with Rapid Inspection System, Cutting Inspection Times from Hours to Minutes

(IN BRIEF) Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has introduced the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800, a new innovation designed to streamline quality inspections in large-scale manufacturing. By combining laser tracking and non-contact measurement, the ATS800 reduces inspection times from hours to minutes … Read the full press release

Global EV Demand Stalls Amid Charging Infrastructure Concerns, EY Report Reveals

(IN BRIEF) Global demand for electric vehicles has slowed, with concerns about charging infrastructure, range, and battery costs remaining key obstacles for potential buyers, according to the EY Global Mobility Consumer Index. EV buying intent rose marginally, but the US … Read the full press release

GSK’s Depemokimab Cuts Severe Asthma Attacks by Over 50% in Phase III Trials

(IN BRIEF) GSK’s depemokimab, a new ultra-long-acting biologic, showed a 54% reduction in severe asthma exacerbations in the SWIFT-1 and SWIFT-2 phase III trials. Administered every six months, it also demonstrated a 72% reduction in hospitalizations and emergency visits, offering … Read the full press release

ContourGlobal Partners with AFRY to Revamp 35 Solar Plants in Italy, Boosting Efficiency and Sustainability

(IN BRIEF) ContourGlobal has selected AFRY to provide engineering services for the rehabilitation and efficiency improvement of 35 solar photovoltaic (PV) plants across nine regions in Italy, representing 60 MW of installed capacity. The project will enhance the performance of … Read the full press release

Luxembourg Future Fund 2 Increases Investment in VIVES IUF to Boost European Innovation and Startup Ecosystem

(IN BRIEF) The Luxembourg Future Fund 2 (LFF 2) has invested an additional €5 million in the VIVES Inter-University Fund (IUF), raising the fund’s total to €75 million. VIVES IUF is an early-stage science-based fund that supports startups and spin-offs, … Read the full press release

EBRD and AccessBank Partner to Boost SME Financing in Azerbaijan with €15 Million Risk-Sharing Facility

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has relaunched its Risk-Sharing Facility (RSF) in partnership with AccessBank to boost financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Azerbaijan. Through this €15 million agreement, the EBRD will share … Read the full press release

Schneider Electric and GR3N Partner to Scale Advanced Plastic Recycling with Innovative Automation

(IN BRIEF) Schneider Electric has partnered with GR3N to develop advanced plastic recycling technology using GR3N’s innovative MADE process, which breaks down hard-to-recycle PET into reusable materials with virgin-like quality. Schneider’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform enables modular, scalable, and efficient … Read the full press release

VINCI Highways Expands Indian Operations with €40 Million Highway Concession Deal

(IN BRIEF) VINCI Highways has signed an agreement to acquire a 51% stake in HKR Roadways Limited, the operator of the SH1 highway concession in Telangana, India. The highway connects Hyderabad to the northeastern region of the state. The €40 … Read the full press release

AstraZeneca Pioneers Low-Impact Inhalers with Eco-Friendly Breztri Transition

(IN BRIEF) AstraZeneca has completed clinical studies to transition Breztri, its inhaled treatment for COPD, to a next-generation propellant with 99.9% lower Global Warming Potential. This change aligns with AstraZeneca’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact through its Ambition Zero … Read the full press release

Lindner Group Introduces Eco-Friendly Acustica Panels for Sustainable Room Acoustics

(IN BRIEF) The Lindner Group has introduced Acustica, a sustainable acoustic panel made from 100% polyester, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional mineral wool. Acustica enhances room acoustics, provides flame retardancy, and is fully recyclable, making it a sustainable choice … Read the full press release

Airbus Launches Share Buyback Program to Support Employee Ownership and Compensation Plans

(IN BRIEF) Airbus SE has launched a share buyback program to acquire up to 4,254,000 shares by 31 March 2025, with the first phase targeting 2,127,000 shares by 31 October 2024. This buyback aims to support future employee share ownership … Read the full press release

5G Technology Transforms Viticulture in Germany’s Moselle Region

(IN BRIEF) The “Smart Vineyard” project in Germany’s Moselle Valley, supported by Deutsche Telekom’s 5G campus network, is modernizing traditional winemaking through automation and real-time data analysis. Using 5G-connected robots and AI, the project helps winemakers perform labor-intensive tasks such … Read the full press release

Eurojust to Engage the Public at Just Peace Open Day 2024 with Interactive Sessions and Presentations

(IN BRIEF) To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the first Hague Peace Conference, The Hague will host the Just Peace Open Day on 22 September 2024. Eurojust will participate at the House of Europe, offering the public a chance to … Read the full press release

EBRD Supports Türkiye’s Renewable Energy Expansion with $60 Million Loan to Borusan EnBW Enerji

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided a $60 million loan to Borusan EnBW Enerji to support the development of 116 MW of onshore wind-energy capacity in Türkiye’s Sivas and Tekirdağ provinces. This investment is … Read the full press release

EBRD Grants Mongolia’s First Sustainability-Linked Loan to Drive Green Initiatives at MCS Coca-Cola

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has extended its first sustainability-linked loan in Mongolia, providing US$ 51.7 million to MCS Coca-Cola, the country’s leading soft drink producer and distributor. This loan, supported by the FINTECC program … Read the full press release