Category Archives: News

General News & Press Releases distributed via EuropaWire

Swissport to Mandate Electric Ground Support Equipment from 2025 in Sustainability Push

(IN BRIEF) Swissport will require electric-powered vehicles for key ground support operations starting January 2025 as part of its goal to achieve 55% electric Ground Support Equipment (eGSE) by 2032. The company plans to invest over €1 billion in electric … Read the full press release

Otto Group Appoints David Heckel as New Vice President of Group Tax, Succeeding Peter Carstens

(IN BRIEF) The Otto Group has appointed David Heckel as Vice President of Group Tax, effective October 1, 2024. Heckel, currently head of Corporate Tax at Otto, will succeed Peter Carstens, who will retire in mid-2025 after 25 years of … Read the full press release

NIB and Kesko Sign €150 Million Sustainability-Linked Loan to Cut Emissions and Food Waste

(IN BRIEF) NIB and Kesko have signed a €150 million, 7-year sustainability-linked loan aimed at reducing Kesko’s greenhouse gas emissions and food waste. The loan’s interest rate is tied to Kesko’s progress on three key performance indicators: a 90% reduction … Read the full press release

European SOLiDIFY Project Develops Advanced Lithium-Metal Solid-State Battery for Electric Vehicles

(IN BRIEF) The SOLiDIFY consortium, part of the Horizon 2020 initiative, has developed a high-performance lithium-metal solid-state battery with an energy density of 1070 Wh/L, surpassing current lithium-ion batteries. This innovative “liquid-to-solid” electrolyte battery, produced at Belgium’s EnergyVille lab, offers … Read the full press release

SAMS Honors Exceptional Students at 2024 Graduation Ceremony

(IN BRIEF) SAMS celebrated its 2024 graduation, with Nele Thomsen named Student of the Year for her outstanding contributions to marine research during her studies. Thomsen, along with 44 other graduates, was recognized for her work on five research projects … Read the full press release

Alfa Laval Launches Innovative Heat Solutions to Power Sustainable Cities at Chillventa 2024

(IN BRIEF) Alfa Laval will introduce its latest energy-efficient heat exchangers for heat pumps at Chillventa 2024, aimed at supporting sustainable cities. These innovations, including the largest-capacity ammonia heat pump condenser and the SE range of brazed heat exchangers, focus … Read the full press release

FUCHS SE to Acquire Swiss Lubricant Specialist STRUB & Co. AG

(IN BRIEF) FUCHS SE has signed a letter of intent to acquire Swiss lubricant company STRUB & Co. AG as part of its strategy to expand its market presence in Switzerland. The acquisition will provide FUCHS with direct access to … Read the full press release

Benchmark Clinches Best Network Award for Third Straight Year at Money Marketing Awards

(IN BRIEF) Benchmark has won the Best Network award at the Money Marketing Awards 2024 for the third year in a row. The company was recognized for its innovative business model, advancements in technology, and its efforts in addressing Consumer … Read the full press release

Kapsch TrafficCom to Showcase Innovative Transportation Solutions at ITS World Congress 2024

(IN BRIEF) Kapsch TrafficCom will present its latest transportation innovations at the ITS World Congress 2024 in Dubai from September 16-20. The company will showcase cutting-edge solutions like satellite-based tolling, multi-lane free-flow tolling, and advanced traffic management systems. Visitors to … Read the full press release

Norway’s MaksGrid Project Targets 25% Boost in Power Grid Utilization

(IN BRIEF) The MaksGrid project, led by DNV and supported by the Pilot-E scheme, aims to increase Norway’s power grid utilization by 25% through innovative solutions like dynamic transmission limits and coordinated system control. The initiative, funded with NOK 26 … Read the full press release

Deutsche Bahn Sells DB Schenker to DSV in €14.8 Billion Deal

(IN BRIEF) Deutsche Bahn has agreed to sell its logistics subsidiary, DB Schenker, to Danish company DSV for €14.8 billion. The deal, expected to complete in 2025, will help Deutsche Bahn focus on its core rail business and reduce debt, … Read the full press release

Aegon Appoints Michele Bareggi as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer

(IN BRIEF) Aegon has appointed Michele Bareggi as its new Chief Strategy, Transformation & Growth Officer, effective November 1, 2024. Bareggi, with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, previously led significant growth at Athora and held … Read the full press release

Vodafone and Three UK Challenge CMA’s Concerns Over Proposed Merger

(IN BRIEF) Vodafone and Three UK have responded to the CMA’s provisional findings, disputing concerns that their merger could reduce competition and lead to price increases. The companies argue that the £11 billion merger will improve 5G infrastructure, enhance competition, … Read the full press release

BAE Systems Wins £60 Million Contract to Upgrade Royal Navy’s Sting Ray Torpedo

(IN BRIEF) The Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a £60 million contract to enhance the Royal Navy’s Sting Ray lightweight torpedo. Over a four-year period, the project will focus on technological upgrades to address emerging threats in anti-submarine … Read the full press release

Siemens Names Tobias Atzler as New Head of Investor Relations

(IN BRIEF) Tobias Atzler has been appointed as the new Head of Investor Relations at Siemens AG, effective October 1, 2024. With over 13 years of experience in the investor relations department and a long-standing career at Siemens, Atzler will … Read the full press release

Crédit Agricole Assurances Joins Scope Group to Boost European Financial Sovereignty

(IN BRIEF) Crédit Agricole Assurances has invested in Scope Group, joining other major French financial institutions like AXA and BPCE in supporting Europe’s only independent rating agency accepted by the European Central Bank. This investment is part of broader efforts … Read the full press release

UEA Hosts Art Exhibition Celebrating 30 Years Since Apartheid’s End

(IN BRIEF) UEA will host an art exhibition from 30 September to 18 October, showcasing works by South African artist Norman Kaplan, who used his art to protest apartheid. The exhibition, featuring Kaplan’s linocuts and cartoons, will mark the 30th … Read the full press release

Webuild Tops Global Water Sector Rankings, Expands in Australia

(IN BRIEF) Webuild has been ranked as the global leader in the water sector by the 2024 ENR rankings, continuing a decade-long dominance. The company also climbed to 14th place among international contractors, with over $7 billion in revenue outside … Read the full press release

Symrise Appoints Walter Ribeiro to Executive Board as Leadership Transitions Unfold

(IN BRIEF) Symrise AG has appointed Walter Ribeiro to its Executive Board, where he will lead the Taste, Nutrition & Health segment starting September 15, 2024. Ribeiro, a long-time Symrise executive, has been instrumental in the company’s growth in the … Read the full press release

DSV Acquires Schenker in €14.3 Billion Deal, Strengthening Global Logistics Network

(IN BRIEF) DSV has agreed to acquire Schenker, Deutsche Bahn’s logistics subsidiary, for €14.3 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date. The combined company will have a presence in over 90 countries, with a workforce of 147,000 and pro forma … Read the full press release

Wolters Kluwer Nominates IT Leader Anjana Harve to Supervisory Board

(IN BRIEF) Wolters Kluwer has nominated Anjana Harve, currently the EVP and CIO at BJ’s Wholesale Club, for a position on its Supervisory Board, pending approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on October 28, 2024. Harve, a seasoned IT … Read the full press release

ZEISS to Unveil AI-Powered Retinal Surgery and Diagnostic Innovations at EURETINA 2024

(IN BRIEF) ZEISS Medical Technology will introduce new digital and AI-driven innovations at the EURETINA 2024 conference. Key highlights include the ZEISS ARTEVO 850 3D digital visualization system and the EVA NEXUS surgical system, which enhance precision and safety in … Read the full press release

International Consortium Invests €35 Million in Abolis Biotechnologies for Sustainable Growth

(IN BRIEF) Abolis Biotechnologies has secured €35 million from a global consortium of investors, including Evonik Venture Capital, BOLD (L’Oréal’s fund), and the DeepTech & Climate Fonds. This investment will help the company expand its biomanufacturing capabilities and bring sustainable, … Read the full press release

EBRD Board of Directors to Engage with Estonia and Latvia on Investment Projects

(IN BRIEF) The EBRD Board of Directors will visit Estonia from 15-17 September and Latvia from 17-20 September 2024 for consultations with senior government officials, business leaders, and international partners. The delegation will review EBRD-funded public and private projects, with … Read the full press release

EIB and ESB Partnership Drives Success of Ireland’s Smart Metering Programme

(IN BRIEF) EIB Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris praised the collaboration between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and ESB in supporting Ireland’s National Smart Metering Programme. Backed by €450 million in EIB funding, the initiative aims to help 2 million Irish … Read the full press release

MATR Foods Secures €20 Million EIB Loan to Boost Plant-Based Meat Production

(IN BRIEF) Danish foodtech start-up MATR Foods has received a €20 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand its production of plant-based meat alternatives. Backed by the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative, the funding will help MATR build … Read the full press release

ISO Introduces First Innovation Management Standard to Drive Corporate Success

(IN BRIEF) ISO has launched its first Innovation Management System standard, ISO 56001, to help companies enhance their innovation capabilities, manage risks, and increase their chances of success. The standard provides a structured framework for companies to develop and demonstrate … Read the full press release

DNV and Brinav Partner to Advance Autonomous Shipping Technology

(IN BRIEF) DNV and Brinav have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate the development and approval of autonomous and remote-controlled shipping technologies. This collaboration aims to improve maritime safety and efficiency by advancing Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). … Read the full press release

Beyond Leather Materials and Covestro Partner to Develop Sustainable Leather Alternative from Apple Waste

(IN BRIEF) Beyond Leather Materials has partnered with Covestro to develop LEAP®, a sustainable leather alternative made from over 85% bio-based materials, primarily apple waste. Covestro’s INSQIN® technology provides a durable, premium coating for LEAP®, offering a low-VOC, eco-friendly solution. … Read the full press release

GSK’s mRNA Flu Vaccine Candidate Moves to Phase III After Positive Phase II Results

(IN BRIEF) GSK has reported positive results from its phase II trial for an mRNA seasonal influenza vaccine candidate, showing strong immune responses against influenza A and B strains in both younger and older adults. The trial met success criteria … Read the full press release

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Switches to Neste’s Renewable Diesel in Singapore

(IN BRIEF) ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) has become the first data center operator in Singapore to power its backup generators with Neste MY Renewable Diesel™, thanks to a collaboration with Neste. The switch, made in July 2024, … Read the full press release

SGS Celebrates Three Years of Supporting Morocco’s Product Conformity Assessment Program

(IN BRIEF) SGS celebrates three years of supporting Morocco’s Product Conformity Assessment (PCA) program, which ensures compliance with national standards across 419 product categories. The program, launched by Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, protects consumers and promotes fair competition … Read the full press release

NIB Provides SEK 200 Million Loan for Energy-Efficient Renovations of Bonnier Fastigheter’s Properties

(IN BRIEF) The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) has granted an eight-year SEK 200 million (EUR 17.05 million) loan to Bonnier Fastigheter AB to fund the refurbishment of five buildings in Stockholm and Uppsala. The renovations focus on improving energy efficiency, … Read the full press release

Scania Unveils Expanded Electric and Biofuel Truck Range at IAA 2024

(IN BRIEF) At IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Scania is showcasing its latest electrified and biofuel-powered heavy trucks, including a new battery electric tractor and a versatile range of trucks for various applications. Scania’s modular design allows for customized electric … Read the full press release

DHL Express Invests Over €100 Million to Expand Capacity for 2024 Peak Season

(IN BRIEF) DHL Express is preparing for the 2024 peak season by investing over €100 million to boost its transport and handling capacity. The company will deploy eight new Boeing 777 freighters on key routes between Asia and Europe, improving … Read the full press release

BASF Expands Sustainable Sourcing Initiatives in Latest Responsible Sourcing Report

(IN BRIEF) BASF has released its second Responsible Sourcing Report, highlighting progress in sustainable sourcing within its Care Chemicals division. Key achievements in 2023 include sourcing 96% of palm oil from RSPO-certified mills, expanding partnerships with Solidaridad to support smallholder … Read the full press release

BASF-Backed Research Expands Recyclability of Polyamide-Based Packaging Films in 2024 Standards

(IN BRIEF) The 2024 recycling standards from the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) now recognize polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) high-barrier films as recyclable, thanks to research by BASF and the cyclos-HTP Institute. These films, commonly … Read the full press release

Boliden Delays Odda Zinc Smelter Expansion, Increases Project Costs by €100 Million

(IN BRIEF) Boliden has announced a delay in its Odda zinc smelter expansion project, pushing the ramp-up of production from 200 to 350 ktonnes to the end of Q1 2025 due to construction delays at the roasting facility. This setback … Read the full press release

Ukrgasbank and PrivatBank Join EBRD’s €700 Million Energy Security Initiative in Ukraine

(IN BRIEF) Ukrgasbank and PrivatBank are the first two Ukrainian banks to join the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) Energy Security Support Facility (ESSF), unlocking €700 million in loans for energy security projects. The EBRD will provide risk-sharing … Read the full press release

EBRD Unlocks €690 Million in Loans for Ukraine’s Key Industries Amid Wartime Recovery

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has introduced new guarantees to unlock €690 million in loans for Ukraine’s critical industries, including food security and energy, through partnerships with Ukrainian banks such as PrivatBank, Ukrgasbank, KredoBank, and … Read the full press release