Statkraft Strengthens Reliability of Norwegian Hydropower Assets With Vikfalli Investment

(IN BRIEF) Statkraft will invest approximately NOK 460 million in new control systems for the Vikfalli hydropower system in Vik municipality, Norway, covering the Målset, Refsdal and Hove power plants, which together produce around 860 GWh annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of about 50,000 Norwegian households. The project includes a full renewal of control systems, as well as upgrades to auxiliary and common systems, with ABB selected as supplier and local contractors involved at different stages. The upgrades are intended to improve operational reliability, remote control, monitoring, troubleshooting and long-term sustainable power production, while preparing the facilities for future grid upgrades developed with Statnett and Sygnir, including a planned transition of transmission and regional grids to 420 kV around 2031, subject to approvals. The Vikfalli modernisation forms part of Statkraft’s broader plan to invest around NOK 80 billion in Norway over the next decade, including approximately NOK 70 billion for hydropower.

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Statkraft will invest approximately NOK 460 million in new control systems for the power plants that make up the Vikfalli hydropower system in Norway.

The modernisation programme is designed to strengthen operational reliability and support stable, dependable power generation for decades to come.

Vikfalli is located in Vik municipality and consists of the Målset, Refsdal and Hove power plants.

Together, the three plants produce around 860 GWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the consumption of approximately 50,000 Norwegian households.

The system is therefore an important source of stable and flexible energy for the region.

Inge Hass, Statkraft’s power plant manager in the Sogn power plant group, said Vikfalli is an important power system for the region and that the work now being carried out is essential to ensure safe future operations.

He said Statkraft is renewing critical systems that are central to production.

Renewing critical systems

The project includes a complete renewal of the control systems at the Vikfalli power plants, as well as upgrades to auxiliary and common systems.

Statkraft described the control systems as the “brain” of the power plants, where operation, monitoring and regulation of electricity production take place.

Hass said the time has come to replace these systems.

He said modernising the control systems will reduce the risk of faults and outages while improving monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.

The upgrades are expected to increase reliability, improve remote-control functions and support more efficient operations.

The aim is to ensure robust and sustainable power production over the long term.

ABB has been selected as supplier of the new control systems.

Several local contractors will also be involved at different stages of the project.

Part of a broader upgrade programme

In addition to the control system upgrades, Statkraft is planning major investments to adapt the facilities to grid upgrades in the area.

This work will be carried out in cooperation with Statnett and Sygnir as part of a separate project preparing for the transition of the transmission and regional grids to 420 kV.

The grid-related work is planned to begin around 2031, subject to the necessary approvals.

The control system upgrades must be completed before that work begins and are therefore an important prerequisite for further development.

Hass said Statkraft sees the modernisation as the first step in a broader development of the facilities and the regional power system.

By carrying out the work now, the company is preparing Vikfalli for future developments.

Part of Statkraft’s NOK 80 billion investment plan in Norway

The Vikfalli upgrade reflects the type of work Statkraft plans to prioritise in the coming years.

The company, which currently produces around one-third of Norway’s electricity, recently announced plans to invest approximately NOK 80 billion in Norway over the next ten years.

Of this amount, around NOK 70 billion is expected to be allocated to hydropower.

Most of the investments will go toward major maintenance of existing power plants, helping ensure continued production from water resources that have already been developed.

The investment programme includes replacement of technical equipment, strengthening of dams, and maintenance and improvement of waterways.

Some older facilities will also be replaced with new ones to make better use of available water resources.

Statkraft said the investments are expected to generate economic ripple effects nationally and regionally, including contracts for contractors, activity in the supplier industry and increased value creation in local communities.

Through the Vikfalli project, Statkraft is renewing critical hydropower infrastructure while preparing the regional power system for future grid requirements and long-term renewable energy production.

Media Contact:

Andreas Tinglum
Head of Media Relations Norway
Telephone: +47 930 01 773
E-mail: andreas.tinglum@statkraft.com

SOURCE: Statkraft

EIF and BGK Back New Inovo Fund to Support Polish Technology Startups

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) have committed €30 million, approximately PLN 129 million, to a new venture capital fund managed by Inovo.vc, marking the fourth investment under the Future Tech Poland programme and bringing total allocations under the initiative to around PLN 580 million. Future Tech Poland, a joint BGK-EIF fund-of-funds initiative and pillar of Innovate Poland, is designed to strengthen Poland’s venture capital ecosystem by increasing the scale of local funds and supporting investment in innovative high-growth companies, including in areas such as artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity and defence technologies. Inovo.vc focuses on early-stage technology companies in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe and has supported more than 70 teams since 2014. EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt, BGK Management Board Member Jarosław Dąbrowski and Inovo.vc Managing Partner Tomasz Swieboda said the investment will help expand Poland’s innovation economy, provide institutional capital to promising technology companies and support founders with the potential to compete internationally.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Fund, known as EIF, and Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, known as BGK, have invested €30 million, equivalent to approximately PLN 129 million, in a new venture capital fund managed by Inovo.vc.

The investment is the fourth transaction signed under Future Tech Poland, a joint initiative managed by the EIF and backed by BGK.

To date, the programme has allocated around PLN 580 million.

The new commitment is intended to strengthen Poland’s venture capital ecosystem and support innovative, high-growth technology companies.

Inovo.vc invests in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on ambitious founders in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe.

The commitment from Future Tech Poland to the new Inovo.vc fund reflects the programme’s objective of backing venture capital managers that invest in innovative companies with strong growth potential.

The total value of the investment in the new fund, including the EIF’s co-investment, amounts to €30 million.

Marjut Falkstedt, Chief Executive of the European Investment Fund, said Future Tech Poland is designed to strengthen Poland’s innovation economy by increasing the scale and depth of the local venture capital market.

She said the investment in Inovo supports that objective by backing a proven team that helps ambitious technology companies grow from an early stage and develop solutions with the potential to compete across Europe and globally.

Jarosław Dąbrowski, Member of the Management Board of BGK, said the investment in the fund managed by Inovo.vc is the fourth transaction under the Future Tech Poland programme, which is one of the pillars of the Innovate Poland initiative.

He said the transaction is also another step in implementing BGK’s investment strategy.

Dąbrowski said BGK’s goal is to systematically strengthen Poland’s competitiveness and reinforce the domestic venture capital ecosystem, ensuring that institutional capital reaches the country’s most innovative companies.

He added that BGK plans to reach more than 40 percent of the total allocation of Future Tech Poland funds by the end of the year.

Tomasz Swieboda, Managing Partner at Inovo.vc, said that since 2014, Inovo.vc has backed ambitious founders building early-stage technology companies across Poland and Central and Eastern Europe.

He said the firm has supported more than 70 teams during that period.

Swieboda said Inovo.vc believes the next generation of global technology leaders will emerge from Poland and the wider region.

He added that the firm aims to be the first institutional partner for such companies and support them on the path to becoming global leaders in their categories.

He said the involvement of BGK and the EIF through Future Tech Poland is important for the development of the market.

About Future Tech Poland

Future Tech Poland is a joint initiative of BGK and the EIF and is one of the pillars of the Innovate Poland programme.

The initiative operates as a fund-of-funds managed by the EIF.

It includes a PLN 1 billion allocation from BGK and a PLN 500 million co-investment alongside the BGK allocation.

Future Tech Poland aims to strengthen the Polish venture capital fund ecosystem, particularly by increasing the size of local funds and stimulating investment in Polish companies.

Through its capital commitments, the initiative supports innovation and growth in areas including artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity and defence technologies.

About the European Investment Fund

The European Investment Fund (EIF) is the subsidiary of the European Investment Bank Group specialised in providing guarantees and equity to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses and startups across Europe. Acting as an anchor investor, through its extensive network of partnering banks and investment funds, the EIF mobilises private investment and nurtures the ecosystem of venture capital funds to support innovative European entrepreneurs.

In 2023, the EIF together with six EU member states (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands) launched the European Tech Champions Initiative, a fund-of-funds to scale up innovative startups. To date, this initiative has already enabled the creation of 14 European venture capital mega-funds and scaled up 40 companies, including 11 unicorns (with more than €1 billion in capital).

The EIF has invested €8 billion in Poland to date, helping leverage some €25.8 billion in support for over 119,000 SMEs.

About BGK

Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) is Poland’s development bank, supporting the country’s sustainable socio-economic growth. BGK implements strategic infrastructure projects, fosters innovation, and supports the development of Polish businesses both domestically and internationally. The bank cooperates with the European Investment Fund on equity investments, including through the Polish Growth Fund of Funds (PGFF) and the Three Seas Initiative Innovation Fund, which continues the mission of PGFF.

Media Contact:

EIB Press Office
+352 4379 21000

SOURCE: European Investment Fund

Evonik Health Care Advances 2030 Sustainability Goals With Polymer LCA Data

(IN BRIEF) Evonik is now offering customers cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data for selected EUDRAGIT® functional polymers, using its TÜV-certified LCA methodology to support pharmaceutical companies with transparent environmental data for Scope 3 emissions reporting. The data is currently available for EUDRAGIT® L 100-55 and EUDRAGIT® L 30 D-55, with additional grades expected in early 2027, and is intended to help customers understand the environmental footprint of excipients and identify opportunities to reduce impacts across the pharmaceutical value chain. For EUDRAGIT® L 100-55, Evonik reports an approximately 6 percent reduction in product carbon footprint following the implementation of a new spray drying system at its Darmstadt site, powered by renewable electricity and positioned to reduce transport between production locations. The initiative supports Evonik Health Care’s 2030 sustainability targets, including climate neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and the ambition to generate more than 70 percent of its portfolio with Next Generation Solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Evonik is now providing customers with cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment, or LCA, data for selected EUDRAGIT® functional polymers, supporting pharmaceutical companies with transparent sustainability information for Scope 3 emissions reporting.

The results are generated using Evonik’s TÜV-certified LCA methodology, giving customers access to externally certified environmental data for selected pharmaceutical excipients.

LCA data is currently available for EUDRAGIT® L 100-55 and EUDRAGIT® L 30 D-55.

Further EUDRAGIT® grades are expected to follow in early 2027.

Evonik said the data supports customers’ indirect emissions reporting and reflects the company’s commitment to greater transparency across the pharmaceutical value chain.

Thilo Krapfl, head of the Oral Drug Delivery Solutions product line at Evonik, said customers need credible sustainability data they can trust and use.

He said life cycle assessments allow Evonik and its customers to make data-driven decisions that improve the sustainability profile of pharmaceutical products and processes.

Pharmaceutical companies are under increasing pressure to reduce Scope 3 emissions and meet evolving environmental, social and governance, or ESG, requirements.

As a result, customers are increasingly looking for suppliers that can provide transparent environmental data and demonstrate efforts to reduce emissions across the value chain.

Cradle-to-gate LCAs assess the environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction through production.

Evonik said LCA data generated through its certified methodology helps pharmaceutical companies understand the footprint of excipients and identify opportunities to reduce environmental impacts throughout the value chain.

For EUDRAGIT® L 100-55, Evonik said the implementation of a state-of-the-art spray drying system at its Darmstadt site has resulted in an approximately 6 percent reduction in the product carbon footprint compared with the previous setup.

The new spray drying facility is powered by renewable electricity, and its location helps reduce transport between production sites.

Muhammad Irfan, Plant Production Manager at Evonik Health Care, said sustainability is a continuous improvement journey.

He said LCA data helps identify hotspots, allowing improvement efforts to focus on areas with the greatest impact, including energy use, transport and process efficiency.

EUDRAGIT® polymers for drug delivery applications

EUDRAGIT® polymers are polymethacrylates used in a broad range of drug delivery applications.

Used individually or in combination, they enable a wide variety of target release profiles, including immediate, delayed and sustained release.

Selected EUDRAGIT® grades can also be used to improve the solubility of poorly soluble drug substances.

The polymers are compatible with relevant processing technologies, including hot melt extrusion and spray drying.

Evonik said LCA data is an important part of Evonik Health Care’s sustainability strategy, helping customers develop effective medicines and treatments while reducing environmental impacts.

Evonik Health Care aims to become climate neutral in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and generate more than 70 percent of its portfolio with Next Generation Solutions by 2030.

Further information

Further information is available from Evonik on EUDRAGIT® functional film coating polymers.

About Evonik

Evonik is a global specialty chemicals company headquartered in Essen, Germany.

The company combines innovation and technological expertise to provide tailor-made products and solutions for customers across industries.

Evonik is active in more than 100 countries and generated sales of €14.1 billion and adjusted EBITDA of €1.9 billion in 2025.

The company has approximately 31,000 employees worldwide.

Evonik describes its approach as helping customers gain a competitive advantage while improving people’s lives through specialized products and solutions.

About Custom Solutions

Evonik’s Custom Solutions segment focuses on innovation-driven and tailor-made solutions for customers in specific growth markets.

These solutions include additives for coatings, adhesives and sealants, polyurethane foams and lubricants, catalysts, and ingredients for the cosmetics, cleaning and pharmaceutical industries.

In 2025, the segment generated sales of €5.4 billion and employed around 9,500 people.

Disclaimer

Where forecasts, expectations or forward-looking statements are expressed in this release, they may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties.

Actual results or developments may differ depending on changes in the operating environment.

Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

Media Contacts:

Janusz Berger
Head of Market Communications Health Care
Spoken languages: German, English, Polish
+49 173 6986099
janusz.berger@evonik.com

Dr. Jürgen Krauter
Head of Market Communications
Spoken languages: German, English
+49 6181 59-6847
juergen.krauter@evonik.com

SOURCE: Evonik

IPCC Invites Governments and Experts to Review Second Draft of 2027 SLCF Methodology Report

(IN BRIEF) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has opened registration for experts to review the Second-Order Draft of the 2027 Methodology Report on Inventories for Short-Lived Climate Forcers, which will undergo Government and Expert Review from 31 August to 25 October 2026, with expert registration closing on 18 October 2026. The report, prepared by the IPCC’s Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (TFI), is scheduled for publication in the second half of 2027 and will be the first methodology report released during the IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle. It will provide methodological guidance for estimating and reporting national annual anthropogenic emissions of short-lived climate forcers, including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, while excluding secondary human-induced substances. IPCC authors have addressed more than 6,300 comments on the First-Order Draft, and the next review stage will allow governments and experts worldwide to provide further input before the Final Draft is prepared and the Panel later adopts the Overview Chapter and accepts the underlying Methodology Report.

(PRESS RELEASE) GENEVA, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, known as IPCC, has opened registration for experts to participate as Expert Reviewers of the Second-Order Draft of the 2027 Methodology Report on Inventories for Short-Lived Climate Forcers.

The draft will undergo a combined Government and Expert Review.

The report is scheduled for publication in the second half of 2027 and will be the first methodology report released by the IPCC during its seventh assessment cycle.

It is being prepared by the IPCC’s Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, known as TFI.

The report will provide methodological guidance for estimating and reporting national annual anthropogenic emissions of short-lived climate forcers, or SLCFs.

Secondary human-induced substances are outside the scope of the report.

Takeshi Enoki, Co-Chair of the TFI, said short-lived climate forcers, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and others, have significant effects on global and regional air quality and climate change.

He said the report will provide clear methodological guidance for inventory compilers on how to estimate and report these emissions.

Following the Third Lead Author Meeting, held in Rome in April 2026, IPCC authors have addressed comments from expert reviewers on the First-Order Draft and prepared the Second-Order Draft.

The next review period will open on 31 August 2026, allowing governments and experts worldwide to submit comments.

The review is scheduled to close on 25 October 2026.

Experts who registered for the review of the First-Order Draft are automatically registered for this review round.

Additional experts may also register at this stage.

Mazhar Hayat, Co-Chair of the TFI, said the authors have addressed more than 6,300 comments received on the First-Order Draft.

He said the Second-Order Draft is now ready for further scrutiny and invited governments and expert reviewers to provide feedback that will help strengthen the report before it is finalised.

IPCC reports go through several stages of review to incorporate a broad range of expertise, perspectives and geographical representation.

For Methodology Reports, this review process is intended to ensure that guidance is technically robust, transparent, clear and usable by inventory compilers.

After the Second-Order Draft review closes in October, authors will prepare the Final Draft, taking into account the comments received.

During the final review, governments will submit written comments on the Overview Chapter before the Panel meets in plenary to adopt the Overview Chapter section by section and accept the underlying Methodology Report.

Registration for review experts will close on 18 October 2026.

About the IPCC

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the United Nations body responsible for assessing the science related to climate change.

It was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization to provide political leaders with periodic scientific assessments on climate change, its implications and risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation.

In the same year, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the action by WMO and UNEP to establish the IPCC.

Participation in the IPCC is open to all member countries of WMO and the United Nations.

Thousands of experts from around the world contribute to the work of the IPCC.

For assessment reports, scientists volunteer their time as IPCC authors to assess thousands of scientific papers each year and provide a comprehensive summary of knowledge on the drivers of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and how adaptation and mitigation can reduce those risks.

The IPCC has three working groups.

Working Group I addresses the physical science basis of climate change.

Working Group II focuses on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability.

Working Group III covers the mitigation of climate change.

The IPCC also has the Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, which develops methodologies for measuring emissions and removals.

IPCC assessments provide governments at all levels with scientific information that can support climate policy development.

They are also a key input into international climate negotiations.

IPCC reports are drafted and reviewed in several stages to support objectivity and transparency.

About the Seventh Assessment Cycle

The IPCC publishes comprehensive scientific assessment reports every five to seven years.

The organisation is currently in its seventh assessment cycle, which formally began in July 2023 with the election of the new IPCC and Task Force Bureaus at the IPCC Plenary Session in Nairobi.

At the 60th Plenary Session in Istanbul, Türkiye, in January 2024, the Panel agreed to produce the three Working Group contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report, or AR7.

These will include the Working Group I report on the Physical Science Basis, the Working Group II report on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, and the Working Group III report on Mitigation of Climate Change.

The Synthesis Report of AR7 will be produced after the completion of the Working Group reports and is expected to be released by late 2029.

At the 62nd Plenary Session in Hangzhou, China, in February 2025, the Panel agreed on the outlines of the three Working Group contributions to AR7.

At the Panel’s Plenary Session in Lima, Peru, in October 2025, member governments agreed on the scientific content of the 2027 Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage.

At the same session, the Panel also agreed on the 2026 workplan for the three Working Group contributions to AR7.

The Panel had already decided during the previous assessment cycle to produce a Special Report on Climate Change and Cities and a Methodology Report on Short-Lived Climate Forcers during AR7.

At the IPCC’s 61st Plenary Session, held in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 27 July to 2 August 2024, the Panel agreed on the outlines for the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, scheduled for approval and publication in March 2027, and for the 2027 IPCC Methodology Report on Inventories for Short-Lived Climate Forcers, scheduled for publication in the second half of 2027.

In addition, the IPCC will develop a revision of the 1994 IPCC Technical Guidelines on impacts and adaptation, as well as adaptation indicators, metrics and guidelines.

This work will be developed in conjunction with the Working Group II report and published as a separate product.

The IPCC’s latest report, the Sixth Assessment Report, was completed in March 2023 with the release of its Synthesis Report.

That report provided scientific input to the First Global Stocktake process under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at COP28 in Dubai.

Media Contacts:

IPCC Press Office
Email: ipcc-media@wmo.int

Andrej Mahecic
+41 22 730 8516

Werani Zabula
+41 22 730 8120

SOURCE: IPCC

MAHLE Celebrates Legacy and Future of St. Johns Piston Ring Operations

(IN BRIEF) MAHLE is marking the 80th anniversary of its piston ring plant in St. Johns, Michigan, a facility that has produced high-quality components for the automotive industry since 1946 and today employs more than 180 people forming and machining piston rings for automotive, commercial vehicle and industrial applications. The plant supports MAHLE’s piston ring business through products including compression rings and oil control rings, using coatings, surface treatments and design variants aimed at reducing wear and friction, improving sealing and increasing break resistance as engine operating conditions become more demanding. MAHLE acquired the facility in 2007, strengthening its North American engine parts business and global position in piston ring technology. Augusto Alonso, Vice President Powertrain and Charging North America at MAHLE, recognized the site’s eight decades of innovation and manufacturing excellence, while the company said it plans to expand its U.S. presence as part of its strategy to support the future of mobility.

(PRESS RELEASE) STUTTGART, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — MAHLE is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its piston ring plant in St. Johns, Michigan, recognizing eight decades of manufacturing, innovation and service to customers in the automotive, commercial vehicle and industrial sectors.

The St. Johns facility has been producing high-quality piston rings since 1946.

Today, more than 180 employees at the site form and machine piston rings used in automotive, commercial vehicle and industrial applications.

The plant supports MAHLE’s piston ring business by delivering components to key customers around the world.

Piston rings continue to play an important role in engine performance as operating conditions become more demanding.

As engine temperatures, pressures and rotational speeds increase, piston rings are exposed to higher loads.

This creates growing demand for solutions that reduce wear and friction, improve sealing and increase break resistance.

MAHLE is addressing these requirements through the continued development of new coatings and ring design variants.

The company offers piston rings and piston ring packs designed for different engine requirements.

Its product range includes compression rings and oil control rings in various designs, profiles and technologies.

By applying advanced coatings and surface treatments, the St. Johns plant remains an important part of MAHLE’s work to support future engine performance and efficiency.

The facility has maintained a long record of producing quality components and providing timely deliveries to the automotive industry.

MAHLE acquired the St. Johns plant in 2007, adding piston ring expertise to its engine parts business in North America.

The acquisition helped MAHLE expand its workforce, strengthen its presence in the region and enhance its global market position in piston ring technology.

Augusto Alonso, Vice President Powertrain and Charging North America at MAHLE, said the company is proud to recognize St. Johns’ eight decades of innovation, dedication and manufacturing excellence.

He said the milestone reflects the hard work, resilience and commitment of team members who have helped build a strong legacy and position the plant for continued success.

Alonso also thanked current and former employees for their passion, expertise and collaboration, and recognized the leadership team for its continued support into the future.

MAHLE operates 13 locations across the United States, with its North American headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

In 2025, the company’s U.S. workforce totalled nearly 4,200 employees.

MAHLE plans to increase its presence and activities in the United States in the coming years as part of its strategy to offer products that help shape the future of mobility.

Through the St. Johns facility, MAHLE continues to support the global automotive industry with durable, low-friction and high-efficiency piston ring solutions designed for evolving engine requirements.

About MAHLE
MAHLE is a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry with customers in both passenger
car and commercial vehicle sectors. Founded in 1920, the technology group is working on the climate-neutral mobility of tomorrow, with a focus on the strategic areas of electrification and thermal management as well as further technologies to reduce carbon emissions, such as fuel cells or highly efficient, clean combustion engines that also run on synthetic fuels, renewable fuels or hydrogen.

MAHLE generated sales of €11.3 billion in 2025. Employing some 64,000 people at 127 production locations and 11 technology centers, the company is represented in 28 countries. (as at: 12/31/2025)

#weshapefuturemobility

Media Contacts:

Jeff Trent
Head of Marketing and Communications North America
Phone: +1 423 748-4887

Kerstin Lau
Head of Media Relations
Phone: +49 173 6180956

SOURCE: MAHLE

One-Third of Consumers Would Switch Mortgage Lenders Over Legacy Credit Scores, Experian Finds

(IN BRIEF) Experian research finds that consumers are increasingly expecting mortgage lenders to use modern credit-scoring models that consider broader financial behaviour, with 33 percent saying they would seek another lender if their current lender relied on legacy credit scores that exclude rent and utility payments. The study also found that 52 percent of consumers would be more interested in pursuing homeownership if lenders considered additional positive payment history, while Gen Z is leading demand for change, with 76 percent of Gen Z adults saying a lender’s scoring model would influence whether they stayed or looked elsewhere. Experian said the findings align with the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s transition to modern scoring models such as VantageScore® 4.0, which can incorporate alternative data and may benefit consumers with limited traditional credit histories. The company also highlighted its $0.99 pricing for VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage originations and its Score Choice offering as measures intended to lower adoption costs and support lenders’ transition to modern credit scoring.

(PRESS RELEASE) DUBLIN, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — New research from Experian finds that many consumers expect mortgage lenders to use modern credit-scoring approaches that reflect a broader picture of financial behaviour, including positive rent and utility payment history.

According to the research, one-third of consumers, or 33 percent, said they would actively look for a new mortgage lender if they learned their current lender relied on legacy credit-scoring models that do not include rent and utility payments.

Experian said the findings point to a growing shift in consumer expectations around mortgage underwriting, particularly as prospective homebuyers become more aware of expanded data and newer credit-scoring models.

The research also found that the inclusion of everyday financial habits in credit evaluation could encourage more consumers to consider homeownership.

More than half of consumers, or 52 percent, said they would be more interested in pursuing homeownership if lenders considered additional positive payment history, such as rent and utility payments, when evaluating mortgage applications.

Gen Z driving demand for credit modernization

Experian said demand for modernized credit scoring is being led by the next generation of homebuyers.

According to the study, 76 percent of Gen Z consumers over the age of 18 said the type of credit-scoring model used by a mortgage lender would influence whether they stayed with that lender or considered another option.

Nearly half of Gen Z consumers over 18, or 48 percent, said they expect to be in a position to purchase a home within the next four years.

At the same time, nearly two-thirds, or 62 percent, said they are aware that mortgage lenders are beginning to gain access to newer credit-scoring models.

Michele Bodda, President of Experian Housing, Verifications Solutions and Employer Services, said Experian has long advocated for the use of expanded data, including rent and utility payments, to help increase access to homeownership.

She said the company has invested heavily in these areas and that the research shows consumers, particularly younger borrowers, want their complete financial picture to be recognized.

Bodda added that as Gen Z becomes a larger part of the mortgage market, lenders have an opportunity to differentiate themselves by adopting expanded data and modern credit scores that support more comprehensive credit evaluation.

She said this can help make homeownership possible for more consumers.

Support for industry transition to modern scoring models

Experian said consumer demand for broader credit assessment aligns with the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s ongoing transition to modern scoring models for mortgage decisions.

Models such as VantageScore® 4.0 consider alternative data, including rent and utility payments.

Experian said this can be particularly beneficial for consumers with limited traditional credit histories.

To help accelerate industry adoption, Experian recently announced $0.99 pricing for VantageScore® 4.0 for mortgage originations.

This builds on the company’s previously announced Score Choice offering, which gives lenders access to VantageScore 4.0 at no additional cost when they obtain a FICO® Score.

Experian said these initiatives are designed to reduce adoption costs, expand lender choice and support the mortgage industry’s transition to modern credit scoring.

About Experian

Experian is a global data and technology company that supports opportunities for people and businesses worldwide.

The company helps redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions and provide deeper insights into the automotive market through data, analytics and platforms.

Experian also supports millions of people in pursuing financial goals and saving time and money.

The company operates across markets including financial services, healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance and other industry segments.

Experian invests in people and advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and support innovation.

A FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker EXPN, Experian has 25,200 employees across 33 countries.

The company’s corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland.

Methodology

Experian commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,000 adults aged 18 and over in the United States.

The overall sample has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.

Fieldwork took place between 16 July and 21 July 2026.

VantageScore is a registered trademark of VantageScore Solutions, LLC.

FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation.

Media Contact:

SOURCE: Experian

The GAIN conference connects German academic institutions with early-career researchers in North America
© David Fox Photography

(IN BRIEF) The German Academic International Network (GAIN) will hold its 26th annual conference, GAIN26, in San Francisco from 21 to 23 August 2026, offering the largest networking event for German academic careers outside Europe and focusing on career opportunities in Germany for early-career researchers based in North America. Jointly organised by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, DAAD and DFG, the conference will provide postdoctoral researchers with guidance on career paths including professorships, research management, universities of applied sciences, junior research group leadership and roles in the research-intensive private sector. The programme includes more than 35 workshops, a Talent Fair with nearly 80 German research institutions, information on funding programmes, and a Science Slam, with around 500 people already registered. High-level participants will include the presidents of the three organising institutions, representatives from the federal ministry, a Bundestag committee delegation and eight science ministers from German federal states, while a digital workshop for postdocs worldwide will follow on 17 September 2026.

(PRESS RELEASE) BONN, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The German Academic International Network, known as GAIN, will host its annual conference in San Francisco from 21 to 23 August 2026, bringing together early-career researchers, German academic institutions and research organisations for the largest networking event for German academic careers outside Europe.

The 26th GAIN conference, or GAIN26, will focus on career opportunities in Germany for early-career researchers from Germany who are currently working on the American continent.

The event is also open to international postdoctoral researchers in the United States who are interested in Germany as a research hub.

Members of the media are invited to attend the first day of the conference.

GAIN26 is jointly organised by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, known as DAAD, and the German Research Foundation, known as DFG.

The conference is designed to connect German academic institutions with early-career researchers in North America and to provide guidance on career paths in Germany.

Over three days, the programme will focus on Germany as a centre for research and innovation.

Postdoctoral researchers will receive detailed advice on career planning at German universities, research institutions and in the research-intensive private sector.

The conference will cover a wide range of academic and professional routes, including paths to a professorship, careers in research management, opportunities at universities of applied sciences and the leadership of junior research groups.

More than 35 workshops will address topics including the Excellence Strategy, resilience in academia, generative AI and appointment procedures.

GAIN26 will also include the annual Talent Fair, where nearly 80 German research institutions will present career opportunities and advertise vacancies.

In addition, the DAAD, DFG and the Humboldt Foundation will provide information about their programmes for researchers at early career stages.

As in previous years, the event will also feature science communication activities.

During a Science Slam, postdoctoral researchers will present selected aspects of their research in an accessible and engaging format.

Distinguished guests and programme

The presidents of the three organising institutions will open the conference on 21 August, following a welcome address by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

High-ranking representatives from science and politics are expected to attend.

Participants will include a delegation from the Bundestag Committee on Research, Technology, Space and Technology Assessment, as well as eight science ministers from several German federal states.

During the three-day event, representatives from politics, universities, funding organisations and non-university research institutions will be available to answer participants’ questions.

The conference has again attracted strong interest, with around 500 people already registered.

In addition to the in-person event in San Francisco, GAIN will offer a digital workshop on 17 September 2026 for interested postdoctoral researchers worldwide.

About the German Academic International Network

The German Academic International Network is the network for German researchers working around the world.

Since 2003, GAIN has supported researchers through a broad programme of activities designed to maintain links with German research institutions, prepare researchers for a possible return to Germany as a research location and help them communicate their interests to policy-makers.

GAIN is a joint initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the DAAD and the DFG.

It is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

Associate members include the Fraunhofer Society, the Helmholtz Association, the Leibniz Association, the Max Planck Society, the German Rectors’ Conference, the German National Academic Foundation and German Cancer Aid.

Other partners from academia, industry and politics also regularly support GAIN’s work.

Further information

GAIN26 will take place from 21 to 23 August 2026 at the Marriott Marquis San Francisco Hotel.

Latest conference updates will be shared on social media under the hashtag #GoGAIN26.

Interview opportunities with participants at the GAIN conference can be arranged through the DAAD press contact.

Media Contacts:

Anna Oberle-Brill
GAIN Programme Director
oberle-brillatdaad.de
+1 (212) 758-3223-217
Please note the time difference of minus six hours for New York and minus nine hours for San Francisco.

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Kristine Logemann
Head of Press, Communications & Marketing
+49 228 833-144
presseatavh.de

DAAD
Michael Flacke
Press Officer
+49 228 882-454
presseatdaad.de

DFG
Marco Finetti
Press Officer
+49 228 885-2109
presseatdfg.de

SOURCE: DAAD

Indra Group Demonstrates How AI Can Support Threat Anticipation and Decision-Making in Military Operations

(IN BRIEF) Indra Group has demonstrated through the European Defence Fund-backed FaRADAI project how artificial intelligence can support military operations by interpreting complex ground-based imagery, identifying vehicles, personnel and infrastructure, assessing threats and dynamically recalculating safe routes when unforeseen situations arise. The project, formally titled Frugal and Robust AI for Defence Advanced Intelligence, brings together 38 partners from 13 European countries and is coordinated by the Hellenic Centre for Research and Technology (CERTH). Indra Group led key use cases focused on sensor resilience, decision-making under uncertainty and human-machine collaboration, applying a human-in-the-loop approach in which AI supports human decision-making while preserving oversight, transparency and operational confidence. The company said its role in FaRADAI reinforces its position in defence-focused AI, supports the development of sovereign European capabilities and complements its broader work with platforms such as IndraMind, 360-degree vision systems, LSAS sensors and See-Through goggles for military vehicles.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Indra Group has demonstrated how artificial intelligence can help anticipate threats, interpret complex operational environments and improve decision-making in military operations through the European R&D&I project FaRADAI, short for Frugal and Robust AI for Defence Advanced Intelligence.

The project, funded by the European Defence Fund, focuses on the development of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities that are frugal, robust and explainable for defence applications.

In this context, frugal AI refers to systems capable of operating with limited resources, while robust and explainable AI supports resilience, transparency and confidence in critical operational settings.

Launched in 2022, the FaRADAI consortium brings together 38 partners from 13 European countries.

The initiative is coordinated by the Hellenic Centre for Research and Technology, known as CERTH, and includes leading European technology institutions, among them Indra Group.

Representatives from the Ministries of Defence of EU member states, together with the European Commission’s Project Officer, gathered in Thessaloniki, Greece, to review the project’s findings.

The initiative addresses key defence-sector challenges including decision-making under uncertainty, system resilience and human-machine collaboration.

As part of FaRADAI, Indra Group led the development of critical use cases designed to demonstrate the potential of AI in highly complex military operations.

One of the use cases tested the robustness and resilience of sensors under misleading conditions.

The work significantly improved the ability of systems to interpret complex scenes from ground-based imagery, identify relevant elements such as vehicles, personnel and infrastructure, and analyse relationships between objects to assess potential threats.

The solution also includes capabilities for the dynamic generation of safe routes when unforeseen situations arise.

This supports real-time decision-making in operational environments where conditions may change quickly.

Indra Group said the capabilities developed through the project incorporate its human-in-the-loop approach.

Under this model, artificial intelligence acts as an enabler of human decision-making rather than a replacement for it.

The approach is designed to increase confidence, transparency and security in critical operations while maintaining human oversight.

Indra Group’s work in artificial intelligence forms part of its wider strategy to develop sovereign European capabilities.

The company is focusing on advanced AI solutions that strengthen cognitive superiority, resilience and operational efficiency in increasingly complex environments.

A key element of this strategy is IndraMind, the company’s sovereign and cyber-resilient AI platform.

Indra is already applying AI in the defence sector, including in 360-degree vision systems for military vehicles.

These include the company’s LSAS, or Local Situational Awareness System, sensors, as well as See-Through 360-degree vision goggles.

The intelligence layer provided by the IndraMind sovereign intelligence platform enables vision systems to analyse images in real time.

This allows the systems to detect and identify people and platforms, distinguish between friend and foe, and assess the level of threat to vehicle crews.

Through initiatives such as FaRADAI, Indra Group is continuing to advance disruptive technologies that are expected to shape the future of defence operations.

The company said its involvement in the project strengthens its position as a leader in AI for defence, as one of Europe’s key players in research and development, and as one of the three companies with the highest level of involvement in European Defence Fund initiatives.

By contributing to technologies that support decision-making, sensor resilience, threat assessment and human-machine collaboration, Indra Group is also supporting the strengthening of Europe’s industrial and technological defence base and progress toward greater strategic autonomy.

About Indra Group

Indra Group (www.indragroup.com) is the foremost Spanish multinational and one of the leading European companies in the areas of defence and advanced digitization. It stands at the forefront of the defence, space, air traffic management, mobility, and transformational technology businesses through Minsait, and it integrates its sovereign AI, cybersecurity, and cyberdefence capabilities into IndraMind. Indra Group is paving the way to a more secure and better-connected future through innovative solutions, trusted relationships, and the very best talent. Sustainability is an integral part of its strategy and culture in order to overcome current and future social and environmental challenges. At the close of the 2025 financial year, Indra Group posted revenues totalling €5.457 billion and had a local presence in 46 countries and business operations in over 140 countries.

Funded by the European Union. However, the views expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Defence Agency. Neither the European Union nor the authority responsible for awarding the grant accepts responsibility for them.

Media Contact:

Sergio Carmona García
scarmonag@indragroup.com
+34 650 882 652

SOURCE: Indra Group

Photo: Varberg Energi

(IN BRIEF) Hydro Energi AS and Varberg Energi have signed a pilot hybrid power purchase agreement under which Varberg Energi will supply 10 GWh of electricity in SE3 over an 18-month period, using power from its own wind and solar generation complemented by energy storage capacity. Deliveries began in July 2026, and the agreement is designed to create a more balanced supply profile, reduce variability from intermittent renewable energy sources and provide more stable power for industrial consumption. The collaboration also serves as a proof of concept for similar hybrid power solutions in the market, with both companies planning a structured exchange of knowledge on how different energy resources and technologies can be combined and optimised to meet industry’s need for long-term, competitive and sustainable electricity supply.

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Hydro Energi AS and Varberg Energi have signed a hybrid power purchase agreement designed to support more stable renewable electricity supply for industrial use.

Under the agreement, Varberg Energi will deliver electricity from its own wind and solar generation, complemented by energy storage capacity, to Hydro.

The hybrid power purchase agreement, or PPA, is intended to provide a more balanced delivery profile by reducing variability from intermittent renewable energy sources.

The structure is also designed to help secure a stable power supply for industrial consumption while serving as a proof of concept for similar market solutions in the future.

The collaboration brings together different renewable energy resources and storage technology in a model aimed at meeting industry’s need for long-term, competitive and sustainable power.

A key element of the agreement is a structured exchange of knowledge and information between Hydro Energi and Varberg Energi.

The companies will focus on how different energy resources and technologies can be combined and optimised to better serve industrial power demand.

The hybrid PPA secures a total supply of 10 GWh of power in SE3 over an 18-month period.

Deliveries under the agreement began in July 2026.

Through the pilot agreement, Hydro Energi and Varberg Energi are testing a renewable power supply model that combines wind, solar and storage to support more predictable electricity delivery for industrial operations.

Media Contact:

Anders Vindegg
Head of Media Relations, Group Communication
anders.vindegg@hydro.com
+47 93864271

SOURCE: Norsk Hydro ASA

On the road, changing wind angles and rough surfaces constantly challenge performance and comfort. The Aero 111 32mm addresses this with a patented tread pattern embedded with 48 precision cavities that act as vortex generators.

(IN BRIEF) Continental has expanded its Aero 111 road tire range with a new 32mm variant designed for challenging road conditions, long-distance comfort and aerodynamic performance. Developed with Swiss Side and DT Swiss, the front-wheel-specific tire uses a patented tread pattern with 48 precision cavities that act as vortex generators, helping manage airflow around the front wheel, reduce drag and enhance the sailing effect across all yaw angles. The wider tire retains Continental’s BlackChili compound for low rolling resistance and grip in wet and dry conditions, along with Vectran™ Breaker puncture protection, Tubeless Ready construction and hookless rim compatibility. Now available in 32-622, 29-622 and 26-622 dimensions with a black sidewall, the Aero 111 is positioned for performance-oriented road cyclists seeking aerodynamic gains, stability and comfort across varied road surfaces.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANOVER, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Continental has expanded its Aero 111 road tire lineup with the launch of a new 32mm variant designed for demanding road conditions, long-distance comfort and aerodynamic performance.

Developed in close collaboration with Swiss Side, Continental’s most aerodynamic road tire is now available in a wider size, bringing its drag-reducing performance to riders seeking a combination of speed, stability and comfort across tougher terrain.

The Aero 111 32mm has been engineered for performance-oriented road cycling and is specifically designed for the front wheel.

It was developed with DT Swiss and Swiss Side and uses innovative vortex-generator technology to reduce drag and enhance the sailing effect across all yaw angles.

On the road, changing wind directions and rough surfaces can affect both performance and comfort.

The Aero 111 32mm addresses these challenges through a patented tread pattern featuring 48 precision cavities that act as vortex generators.

These cavities manipulate airflow around the front wheel and help delay airflow separation.

The design improves efficiency at different yaw angles, reducing drag while strengthening the sailing effect that can help propel riders forward with less effort.

Despite its wider profile, the tire is designed to maintain speed, durability and reliable handling.

It uses Continental’s race-proven BlackChili compound, which is engineered to provide low rolling resistance and dependable grip in both wet and dry conditions.

Puncture protection is provided by the Vectran™ Breaker layer, a technology also used in Continental’s Grand Prix 5000 tire family.

The casing is fully Tubeless Ready and compatible with hookless rims.

The Aero 111 is now available with a standard black sidewall in three widths: 32-622, 29-622 and 26-622.

Continental said the expanded range delivers aerodynamic gains and high-performance riding characteristics across a variety of road conditions, reflecting the needs of modern road cyclists.

Hannah Ferle, Road Product Manager at Continental Tires, said the addition of the 32mm width allows Continental to offer aerodynamic performance from every angle.

She said developing the Aero 111 with Swiss Side enabled Continental to create a distinctive tire designed to perform in demanding conditions.

Ferle added that the Aero 111 has already demonstrated the benefits of advanced airflow management, while the new wider version brings the same aerodynamic gains and crosswind-taming technologies to road cyclists who also want greater comfort.

Key features

The Aero 111 range includes 32-622, 29-622 and 26-622 dimensions.

The 32-622 version weighs 310g, the 29-622 version weighs 280g, and the 26-622 version weighs 250g.

The tire is available in Black/Black.

Its technologies include BlackChili Compound and Vectran Breaker.

The tire features an aerodynamic tread designed in partnership with Swiss Side.

It is Tubeless Ready, compatible with hookless rims, and made in Germany.

With the 32mm extension, Continental is broadening the Aero 111 lineup for riders who want aerodynamic performance, stability and added comfort on challenging road surfaces and longer rides.

Media Contact:

Kelsey Rollet
Bicycle Tires
Head of Marketing Communications
Bicycle Tires, Specialty Tires
Continental Tires
+1-704-583-8658
Kelsey.rollet@conti-na.com

SOURCE: Continental

Triton-Led Consortium Takes 97.8 Percent Ownership of Cint Following Tender Offer

(IN BRIEF) Triton Partners, through Triton Fund 6, has completed the public tender offer for Cint Group AB, with the Triton-led consortium now owning approximately 97.8 percent of Cint’s shares and votes after an extended acceptance period that ended on 29 July 2026. Cint’s shares were delisted from Nasdaq Stockholm on 7 August 2026, following the tender offer originally announced through TriCarbs Bidco AB on 29 April 2026. Cint is described as the world’s largest marketplace for digital insights, connecting researchers, advertisers, brands and corporates with real-time data across more than 130 countries and serving around 4,300 B2B customers through its Panel Exchange and Media Measurement segments. Triton said the investment comes as the data-driven insights market shifts toward automation, advanced analytics and AI-enabled workflows, with plans to support Cint’s global reach, data-source breadth, media measurement platform, innovation pace and next-generation research and measurement technology.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Triton Partners has completed the public tender offer for Cint Group AB, through Triton Fund 6, which is advised by Triton Partners.

The voluntary public cash tender offer was announced on 29 April 2026 through TriCarbs Bidco AB, a company formed by a Triton-led consortium together with Bolero Holdings S.à r.l.

The subsequent acceptance period for Cint shareholders to tender their shares ran until 29 July 2026.

Following the expiry of the extended acceptance period, the Triton-led consortium now owns approximately 97.8 percent of the shares and votes in Cint.

Cint’s shares were delisted from Nasdaq Stockholm on 7 August 2026.

Cint is described as the world’s largest marketplace for digital insights.

The company connects researchers, advertisers, brands and corporates with real-time data from a network of high-quality sources.

Cint operates through two complementary business segments.

Its Panel Exchange segment accounts for approximately 66 percent of revenue and enables customers to survey respondents from third-party panels.

Its Media Measurement segment accounts for approximately 34 percent of revenue and helps customers evaluate advertising effectiveness.

Through its global footprint, Cint provides programmatic access to hundreds of millions of consumers across more than 130 countries.

The company serves around 4,300 B2B customers.

Daniel Björklund, Partner and Investment Advisory Professional at Triton Partners, said the data-driven insights market is undergoing a structural shift toward greater automation, advanced analytics and AI-enabled workflows.

He said this is increasing demand for high-quality human data and rigorous response validation at scale.

Björklund said Triton brings sector expertise to the investment through its previous portfolio company Norstat, a market research platform that was realised in April 2024.

He added that Triton intends to invest behind Cint’s global reach, broad range of data sources and core media measurement platform, while accelerating innovation and supporting the company as the market evolves.

Gustaf Behmer, Investment Advisory Professional, Business Services at Triton Partners, said Cint is a global market leader at an important point in the development of both its research and media measurement businesses.

He said demand for high-quality, real-time data continues to grow.

Behmer added that Cint’s global scale in research, combined with its momentum in media measurement and the launch of outcomes, positions the company to meet that demand.

Patrick Comer, CEO of Cint, said Triton Partners’ backing gives the company greater flexibility to build on its foundation of helping organisations access trusted human intelligence and use it to make better decisions.

He said Cint now has an opportunity to invest more decisively in the products, people and partnerships that will shape the next generation of research and measurement technology.

Cint becomes the eighth investment in Triton Fund 6.

The fund’s earlier investments include Hanab in September 2024, Keenfinity in June 2025, MacGregor in July 2025, Integris in April 2026, Flender in June 2026, Bureau Veritas fuels testing and inspection in June 2026, and United Initiators in August 2026.

Media Contact:
email: media@triton-partners.com

SOURCE: Triton Partners

Picture of train presentation: (from left to right): Christian Diewald (CEO Stadler Austria), Michael Forstner und Christoph Korherr (CEO CAT), Paul Blaguss (CEO Blaguss), (c) CAT / Hammerschmid

(IN BRIEF) Stadler has presented three new KISS double-decker trains for the City Airport Train (CAT) service between Wien Mitte and Vienna Airport, with passenger operations scheduled to begin in autumn 2027 after completion of works linked to the Vienna core line closure. The five-car trains, built at Stadler’s production facility in St. Margrethen, Switzerland, have been specifically configured for airport transfer services and will offer around 300 seats, a length of approximately 133 metres, a maximum speed of 200 km/h, spacious luggage areas, wide gangways, low-floor boarding, extra-wide seats, free Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB ports at every seat, real-time passenger information and ambient lighting. Accessibility features include wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets and dedicated pram areas, supported by an intuitive wayfinding and passenger guidance system. Stadler Austria CEO Christian Diewald said the small fleet has been customised in detail to the CAT brand, while CAT Managing Director Michael Forstner said the trains are designed to deliver a premium airport express experience and allow passengers’ holidays to begin on board.

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Stadler has presented three new KISS double-decker trains that will enter service on the City Airport Train, known as CAT, from autumn 2027.

The new vehicles have been developed specifically for airport transfer services between Wien Mitte and Vienna Airport.

The five-car trains will offer around 300 seats, extensive accessibility features and a premium interior designed for passengers travelling to and from the airport.

Stadler said the project demonstrates how a small fleet can still be tailored in detail to meet the requirements of a specific service and brand.

Speaking at a press conference in Vienna, Christian Diewald, CEO of Stadler in Austria, said the project combines high quality, strong comfort standards and a design customised to the CAT brand down to the smallest details.

He said Stadler’s goal, even with a fleet of just three vehicles, was to create trains with a distinctive character.

Passengers will benefit from modern technology, strong performance and proven reliability, he added.

Designed for airport passengers

The new five-car KISS double-decker trains have been configured to meet the needs of airport express passengers.

Michael Forstner, Managing Director of CAT, said the three new premium-class trains will provide a first-class travel experience and set new standards for passengers.

He said the development process focused from the beginning on the needs of airport train users, with particular attention given to comfort, natural materials and a design that creates a sense of well-being.

According to Forstner, the aim is for passengers’ holidays to begin as soon as they board the CAT.

Each train is approximately 133 metres long and will provide around 300 seats, helping create additional capacity as passenger volumes at Vienna Airport continue to grow.

The trains have been designed with special attention to travellers carrying luggage.

Generous luggage storage areas, wide gangways and comfortable low-floor boarding and alighting areas are intended to provide a smooth journey from Vienna city centre to the airport.

The premium interior includes extra-wide seats, free onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB ports at every seat.

A modern passenger information system will provide real-time updates, while a dedicated lighting concept is designed to enhance the onboard atmosphere.

Accessibility was also a key part of the development process.

The trains will include wheelchair spaces, accessible toilet facilities and dedicated areas for prams.

Together with an intuitive wayfinding and passenger guidance system, the vehicles are designed to meet high standards for accessible and comfortable travel.

Passenger service planned from autumn 2027

The three trains were manufactured at Stadler’s production site in St. Margrethen, in eastern Switzerland.

Following completion of works connected to the closure of Vienna’s core rail line, the new CAT trains are scheduled to begin passenger service in autumn 2027.

They will provide a direct, comfortable and fully accessible rail connection between Vienna city centre and Vienna Airport.

Facts about the new CAT trains

The new CAT fleet consists of three five-car KISS double-decker trains.

Each train is approximately 133 metres long and has a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

The trains will offer around 300 seats, spacious luggage storage areas, premium interior design, accessible toilet facilities, wheelchair spaces and pram areas.

They will also feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB ports at every seat, and ambient lighting throughout the passenger area.

With the new KISS trains, Stadler and CAT are preparing to upgrade the airport rail transfer experience in Vienna through increased capacity, improved accessibility and a passenger environment designed specifically for air travellers.

About Stadler

Stadler has been building trains for more than 80 years. The provider of mobility solutions in rolling stock manufacturing, service and signalling technology is headquartered in Bussnang, eastern Switzerland. Around 18,000 employees work at 8 production sites, 6 engineering locations and more than 95 service centres worldwide, including nearly 6,000 in Switzerland. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of vehicles powered by alternative propulsion systems, such as hydrogen and battery technology, as well as rack railway vehicles. The company recognises its responsibility to support sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products.

Stadler Austria GmbH, headquartered in Vienna, is the central point of contact for the Austrian market within the international Stadler Group. With around 100 employees, Stadler Austria supports engineering, services, sales and customer support activities while strengthening the company’s long-term presence in the Austrian market

Follow us: LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, und Facebook

Media contact
Lisa Wissenwasser
Head of Communications
Stadler Austria GmbH
Phone: +43 664 88434156
E-Mail: lisa.wissenwasser@stadlerrail.com
www.stadlerrail.com

SOURCE: Stadler

Lloyds Highlights Investment Confidence Gap Despite Strong Engagement Among Young Women

(IN BRIEF) Lloyds data shows that young women using its Invest Wise platform are building average investment portfolios of £14,040, which is 49 percent larger than the average £9,450 portfolio held by young men, despite women representing only 32 percent of investors aged 18 to 25 on the platform. The data also shows that 69 percent of young female Invest Wise account holders are classed as active investors, compared with 56 percent of young male investors, suggesting that lower participation rather than lower engagement may be the key issue among younger women. Separate analysis of new Lloyds investment customers across all age groups found that women often take a more measured approach when starting to invest, taking 17 days on average to fund accounts compared with 13 days for men, making fewer trades in the first 90 days and initially funding slightly smaller amounts. Lloyds Investment Specialist Lauren Gradys said the findings indicate the need to help more young women feel confident taking the first step into investing by making the process simpler, easier to understand and more accessible.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Lloyds data shows that young women who invest are building significantly larger portfolios than young men and are more likely to actively manage their investments, despite remaining underrepresented among younger investors.

The findings come from Invest Wise, Lloyds’ investment platform that offers no account fees to customers aged 18 to 25.

According to the data, young women account for less than a third, or 32 percent, of Invest Wise investors.

However, women aged 18 to 25 who use the platform hold an average investment portfolio worth £14,040.

This is 49 percent more than the average portfolio held by young men, which stands at £9,450.

The difference represents almost £4,600 more on average in portfolios held by young female investors.

Young women using the platform are also more active in managing their investments.

Lloyds said 69 percent of female Invest Wise account holders are classed as active investors, compared with 56 percent of male account holders.

The findings challenge common assumptions about investing and suggest that, among younger women, the issue may be participation rather than engagement.

Women take a more measured start to investing

Separate analysis of new Lloyds investment customers across all age groups suggests that women often take a more measured approach when beginning their investment journey.

Women who opened a new investment account during 2025 typically took longer than men to fund their accounts, made fewer trades in their first 90 days and initially invested slightly smaller amounts.

According to Lloyds, women took an average of 17 days from account opening to first funding, compared with 13 days for men.

Women made an average of 1.22 trades in the first 90 days, while men made 1.94 trades.

Average funding in the first 90 days stood at £12,110 for women and £13,180 for men.

After 90 days, the average portfolio value was £10,550 for women and £14,260 for men.

Women held 89 percent of their portfolio in securities, compared with 92 percent for men.

Lauren Gradys, Investment Specialist at Lloyds, said one of the most striking findings is that while young women are less likely to invest than men, those who do are often highly engaged and building larger portfolios.

She said the data suggests that the challenge is not a lack of interest in investing, but helping more young women feel confident about taking the first step.

Gradys said investing can sometimes feel complicated or intimidating, particularly for first-time investors.

She added that getting started does not have to mean investing large sums of money or becoming an expert immediately.

Making investing simpler, easier to understand and more accessible can help more people feel comfortable beginning their investment journey, she said.

Lloyds outlines steps for first-time investors

Lloyds also highlighted several points for people considering how to begin investing.

The bank said investors do not need a large lump sum to get started and can begin from as little as £20 a month, with the focus on building a regular habit.

It also pointed to the use of a Stocks and Shares ISA as a tax-efficient way to invest, with the current tax year allowance standing at £20,000.

Lloyds said investors should avoid trying to time the market and should instead focus on time in the market.

Investing smaller amounts regularly, known as pound-cost averaging, can help smooth out market volatility.

The bank also said investing is generally suited to goals that are at least five years away, giving money time to grow and helping investors ride out short-term market fluctuations.

Lloyds encouraged investors to consider their own risk appetite before investing, including whether they are comfortable with the value of investments rising and falling in exchange for the possibility of higher returns.

The bank also highlighted the importance of diversification, noting that spreading money across different investment types, industries and geographic regions can help reduce risk.

Ready-made funds can provide one route to diversification without requiring investors to select individual stocks.

The findings underline the importance of improving participation among young women investors while also showing that those who do invest through Invest Wise are active, engaged and building larger portfolios than their male peers.

Notes to Editors

Methodology

Figures are based on analysis of Lloyds Banking Group investment customer data.

Invest Wise analysis is based on customers aged 18 to 25 holding an Invest Wise account as at 30 April 2026.

The wider customer analysis refers to customers who opened a new investment account with Lloyds Banking Group during the 2025 calendar year. 

SOURCE: Lloyds Bank plc

Lloyds Research Identifies Skills, Cost and Data Quality as Key AI Adoption Barriers

(IN BRIEF) Lloyds research from the Lloyds Business Barometer finds that 54 percent of UK businesses say AI has created new jobs within their organisations, while 58 percent plan to invest in AI skills over the next year as adoption becomes increasingly tied to productivity, growth and competitiveness. Overall, 61 percent of firms currently use AI, with adoption higher among international businesses and larger companies, while nearly six in ten firms believe businesses that fail to adopt AI will be at a competitive disadvantage. The research also highlights a skills gap, with 31 percent of businesses saying their workforce does not yet have the AI skills needed, prompting firms to introduce training, expand existing programmes, focus on AI skills in hiring and create AI-specific roles. Lloyds said the biggest barriers to getting more value from AI are cost, data quality and access to skills, while the bank is also scaling its own AI capability through more than 1,000 AI-related roles planned in 2026, almost 300 agentic AI-related roles, AI Engineering apprenticeships and widespread internal AI training.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 119-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Lloyds research from the Lloyds Business Barometer has found that more than half of UK businesses say artificial intelligence has created new jobs within their organisations.

The findings show that 54 percent of businesses report that AI has led to job creation in their firms, while 58 percent plan to invest in AI-related skills over the coming year.

The research also found that nearly six in ten businesses believe companies risk falling behind competitors if they fail to adopt AI.

At the same time, firms identified cost, data quality and access to skills as the main barriers preventing them from generating more value from the technology.

Businesses increase investment in AI skills

Lloyds found that businesses are preparing to increase investment in workforce upskilling as AI becomes more central to operations, productivity and growth.

Among companies planning to increase investment in AI skills, 42 percent expect to spend between £25,000 and £100,000, while 26 percent expect to spend between £100,000 and £250,000.

While 54 percent of businesses said their workforce currently has the AI skills needed, 31 percent said it does not.

The responses suggest that many firms see skills development as a priority.

According to the research, 43 percent of businesses are looking to introduce AI skills training, 32 percent are expanding existing training, 24 percent are placing greater emphasis on AI skills when hiring, and 21 percent are creating new AI-specific roles.

AI adoption varies by business profile and size

Overall, 61 percent of firms said they currently use AI.

Adoption levels vary between businesses operating domestically and those active internationally.

The research found that 46 percent of domestically focused businesses use AI, compared with 63 percent of firms operating internationally.

Larger firms are also more likely to use AI.

An average of 79 percent of businesses with turnover above £10 million said they currently use the technology.

Nearly two-thirds of larger firms said their current workforce has the AI skills needed to meet business requirements, while 77 percent said they plan to increase investment in AI.

Among larger firms, the main driver for AI investment is productivity, cited by 74 percent of respondents.

AI seen as increasingly important to competitiveness

Nearly six in ten firms said businesses that fail to adopt AI will be at a competitive disadvantage.

International firms were more likely than domestic-only firms to agree with this view, at 61 percent compared with 46 percent.

The findings suggest that AI is increasingly being seen as a competitive necessity rather than an optional technology investment.

Larger businesses were also more likely to view AI as essential to future success.

Almost three-quarters, or 73 percent, of firms with turnover of £10 million or more said businesses that fail to adopt AI will be at a competitive disadvantage.

This compares with 54 percent of businesses with turnover below £1 million.

Barriers to getting more value from AI

The research also identified barriers that may slow wider AI adoption.

Businesses cited costs, at 18 percent, data quality, at 17 percent, and access to skills, also at 17 percent, as the main challenges preventing them from getting better value from AI.

Domestic-only firms were more likely to identify cost as a barrier, at 23 percent.

International firms were more likely to point to data quality, at 19 percent.

Amanda Murphy, CEO of Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, said AI has the potential to transform businesses in a way comparable to the internet a generation ago.

She said firms seeing the greatest benefits are treating AI not only as a technology investment, but as a catalyst for broader organisational transformation.

Murphy said success will depend on more than access to technology, requiring businesses to build the skills, culture and confidence needed to use AI effectively.

She added that companies able to combine human ingenuity with AI will create meaningful advantages in productivity, innovation and growth.

As adoption accelerates, Murphy said one of the main challenges for organisations will be ensuring they have the capabilities to adapt alongside the technology.

She said supporting businesses through this transition will be critical if the UK is to fully capture the economic opportunity presented by AI.

Lloyds expands AI roles, tools and training

Lloyds is also scaling its own AI capability.

In June, the Group announced plans for more than 1,000 AI-related roles in 2026.

These include almost 300 agentic AI-related roles and one of the first Level 6 AI Engineering apprenticeships launched by a UK bank.

Since January, more than 400,000 AI Academy courses have been taken across Lloyds.

More than 65,000 colleagues have also completed training on working responsibly with AI.

The findings underline the growing importance of AI skills, workforce development and organisational readiness as UK businesses seek to use the technology to improve productivity, competitiveness and long-term growth.

Ends

Notes to Editors

• The Business Barometer results provide early signals about UK economic trends. The survey started in January 2002, and research is carried out monthly on behalf of Lloyds Bank by IPSOS. This survey was conducted with 1,200 companies between 1 – 16th July 2026, with a minimum turnover of £250,000.
• To understand more about how the Business Barometer compares to other confidence surveys, read our report here.
• The results are re-weighted to match proportions by sector, region and size of the total business population, as published by the Department for Business and Trade and the Office for National Statistics. Net balances are calculated by deducting the percentage of negative responses from the percentage of positive responses.

About Lloyds
• Lloyds provides expert financial support and guidance to the households, businesses and communities of Britain.
• We help businesses across the regions and nations of the UK, and across all different sectors and sizes, giving them the funding and support they need to grow both at home and abroad.

Our support for businesses
• We’re proud to support one million UK businesses with leading digital and relationship banking services, as they start up, grow and thrive.
• Through a network of relationship teams based across the UK, as well as internationally, we deliver a mix of local understanding and global expertise necessary to provide long-term support to our clients to help them fulfil their growth aspirations.
• We offer a broad range of finance beyond term lending, spanning import and export trade finance, structured and asset finance, securitisation facilities and capital market funding.
• Our product specialists provide bespoke financial services and solutions, including tailored cash management, international trade, treasury and risk management services.
• To see the latest factsheet setting out how we support UK businesses please visit: Supporting British businesses – Lloyds Banking Group plc

Contact
Nicola Hammond | mediarelationsteam@lloydsbanking.com | 0207 356 2374

SOURCE: Lloyds Bank plc

Valio Dairy Farms Help Supply Feedstock for Finland’s New Liquefied Biogas Facility

(IN BRIEF) Valio’s participation in the Suomen Lantakaasu biogas ecosystem has helped support the launch of Finland’s first industrial-scale liquefied biogas production plant in Nurmo, developed by Nurmon Bioenergia Oy and majority-owned by Suomen Lantakaasu Oy, a joint venture between St1 Biokraft and Valio, with Atria Finland Ltd as a minority shareholder. The plant processes manure from local farms and other agricultural and food industry by-products into renewable transport fuel and recycled biofertilisers, with an annual capacity of around 100 gigawatt-hours, equivalent to approximately 10 million litres of diesel. More than 30,000 tonnes of manure have already been received, raw biogas production is underway and liquefaction is scheduled to begin later this autumn. The project supports Finland’s green transition, strengthens nutrient recycling, creates new opportunities for agriculture and food production, and forms part of Suomen Lantakaasu’s plan to build a nationwide biogas ecosystem capable of producing one terawatt-hour of domestic renewable energy annually.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Valio and St1 Biokraft’s joint venture, Suomen Lantakaasu Oy, has inaugurated Finland’s first industrial-scale production facility for liquefied biogas in Nurmo.

The plant represents one of the most significant recent industrial investments supporting the green transition in South Ostrobothnia and marks the establishment of a new biogas production ecosystem in one of Finland’s key food-producing regions.

At the Nurmo facility, manure from local farms, together with other agricultural and food industry by-products, is processed into renewable transport fuel and biofertilisers that return valuable nutrients to agricultural use.

The plant has an annual production capacity of approximately 100 gigawatt-hours of liquefied biogas, equivalent to around 10 million litres of diesel.

Thanks to its high energy density, liquefied biogas is particularly well suited to heavy-duty transport and provides a fossil-free alternative to diesel.

The Nurmo plant is a major milestone in Suomen Lantakaasu’s broader growth plan.

The company aims to build a nationwide biogas ecosystem and, in the future, produce a total of one terawatt-hour of domestic renewable energy annually.

The reception of manure from local farms has started successfully, with more than 30,000 tonnes received to date.

The plant is currently producing raw biogas, with liquefaction scheduled to begin later this autumn.

Biogas creates new opportunities for agriculture and energy

Leena Helminen, CEO of Suomen Lantakaasu Oy, said the completion of the Nurmo biogas plant is a significant milestone for the company.

She said the project brings together food and energy production in a way that strengthens both security of supply and domestic renewable energy production.

Helminen added that the plant is creating new business opportunities around Finnish food production, improving agricultural profitability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Tuomas Salusjärvi, Executive Vice President, Expansion Businesses and Renewal at Valio, said the company is proud of the new ecosystem created in Nurmo through close cooperation between local farms, the food industry and energy sector operators.

He said the project demonstrates how collaboration with farms can create solutions that strengthen the competitiveness of Finnish food production, improve nutrient recycling and generate renewable energy.

Salusjärvi added that it is especially important for Valio that manure from Valio dairy farms is turned into a valuable resource through biogas production.

Through the model, farms gain access to recycled fertilisers that are easier for crops to utilise, while also reducing emissions and achieving significant cost savings.

Miika Johansson, CEO of St1 Biokraft, said Finland has strong potential to build a more self-sufficient renewable energy system, reduce import dependence and provide competitive alternatives to fossil fuels.

He said the Nurmo plant contributes to all three goals by producing liquefied biogas at industrial scale from local feedstocks.

For St1 Biokraft, Johansson added, the facility is also an important step in scaling the Nordic biogas market by connecting production with growing demand from transport, maritime and industrial customers.

Tauno Perälä, Executive Vice President, Industrial Operations at Atria Finland, said the Nurmo biogas plant provides concrete support for Atria’s sustainability targets and its efforts to reduce emissions from food production.

He said the plant enables the efficient use of food industry by-products and improves nutrient recycling.

Perälä added that the project strengthens the vitality of the South Ostrobothnia region and creates new opportunities for cooperation between agriculture, the food industry, energy production and transport.

Ownership and public support

The new biogas plant in Nurmo has been developed by Nurmon Bioenergia Oy, which is majority-owned by Suomen Lantakaasu Oy.

Atria Finland Ltd is a minority shareholder in Nurmon Bioenergia Oy.

Suomen Lantakaasu is a joint venture between St1 Biokraft and Valio, established to accelerate the transition toward low-emission transport and more efficient nutrient recycling.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has granted EUR 9.4 million in energy investment aid to the Nurmo biogas plant project.

The Ministry of the Environment has also provided EUR 101,800 in support for the biofertiliser loading tank investment at the plant.

Through the Nurmo facility, Suomen Lantakaasu, Valio, St1 Biokraft, Atria Finland and local farms are creating a circular model that converts agricultural and food industry side streams into renewable energy and recycled fertilisers for Finnish agriculture.

Media Contact:

Valio Mediadesk
+358 10 381 2118
mediadesk@valio.fi

SOURCE: Valio

The management structure of HKM is being systematically realigned to master future challenges.

(IN BRIEF) Salzgitter AG is systematically realigning the management structure of Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann GmbH (HKM) following its acquisition, with the aim of strengthening the company’s focus on transformation, new construction projects and integration into the Salzgitter Group. Andreas Betzler has taken over as Chief Financial Officer and Spokesperson for the Management Board, with responsibility for strategic development and continued group integration, while La-Toya Müller will support organizational and cultural integration as Head of Post-Merger Integration. Dr. Heiko von Hagen has been appointed Managing Director of Production, and Martin Zappe, Program Director of SALCOS®, has become Managing Director for Sustainability and New Construction Projects, including work linked to Germany’s largest electric arc furnace in Duisburg. Dr. Peter Biele, previously Chief Technology Officer, will leave the company, while Carsten Laakmann continues as Director of Labor Affairs and Managing Director of Human Resources.

(PRESS RELEASE) SALZGITTER, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Following its acquisition by Salzgitter AG, the management structure of Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann GmbH, known as HKM, is being systematically realigned to address the company’s next phase of development.

The restructuring is designed to place stronger focus on key future priorities, including new construction projects, industrial transformation and HKM’s integration into the Salzgitter Group.

With a newly appointed management team and expanded post-merger integration structures, HKM is positioning its leadership around the strategic challenges facing the steel industry and the company’s role within the wider Salzgitter Group.

As part of the reorganization, Andreas Betzler assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer and Spokesperson for the Management Board on 10 July 2026.

In this position, Betzler will oversee HKM’s continued integration into the Salzgitter Group and drive the company’s strategic development.

La-Toya Müller, Head of Post-Merger Integration, will play a central role in supporting this process.

She will help advance both the organizational and cultural integration of HKM into the Salzgitter Group.

Dr. Heiko von Hagen has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Production.

Von Hagen previously served as Head of Supply Chain Management at Salzgitter AG Holding.

Most recently, he was responsible, among other duties, for the allocation of HKM slabs within the group.

He brings extensive experience from his work involving both HKM and Salzgitter AG.

Martin Zappe, Program Director of SALCOS®, has been appointed Managing Director for Sustainability and New Construction Projects at HKM.

Drawing on his long-standing experience in planning and implementing SALCOS®, Salzgitter AG’s transformation program, Zappe will help shape the next major steps in the construction of Germany’s largest electric arc furnace in Duisburg.

At the same time, Dr. Peter Biele, who has served as HKM’s Chief Technology Officer, will leave the company.

Carsten Laakmann, Director of Labor Affairs and Managing Director of Human Resources, will continue as part of the management team alongside Andreas Betzler, Heiko von Hagen and Martin Zappe.

Gunnar Groebler, CEO of the Salzgitter Group, said Peter Biele had led HKM with strong dedication and professional expertise during challenging times and had provided important momentum for the company’s further development.

Groebler said Salzgitter AG is grateful for Biele’s valuable contributions.

He added that the restructuring of HKM’s management team lays the foundation for successfully shaping the upcoming transformation challenges in the steel industry and making use of the opportunities that arise.

Andreas Betzler, spokesperson for HKM’s management, said the new organizational structure brings together the expertise needed to address HKM’s most important future challenges.

He said the goal is to position the company for long-term economic and technological sustainability, successfully advance its integration into the Salzgitter Group and set the course for the transformation of steel production.

Betzler added that the restructuring is intended to strengthen HKM’s long-term viability and create the basis for successful and sustainable growth in the years ahead.

Through the realignment, HKM’s management structure is being adjusted to focus more directly on transformation, integration and future-oriented steel production within the Salzgitter Group.

Media Contacts:

Thorsten Moellmann
Head of Communication & Brand
Phone: +49 5341 21-2300
moellmann.t@salzgitter-ag.de

Daniel Mau
Press Spokesperson
Phone: +49 5341 21-5350
mau.d@salzgitter-ag.de

SOURCE: Salzgitter AG

BBVA Supports Colombia Earthquake Relief With Donation, Fundraising and Service Measures

(IN BRIEF) BBVA has announced a €2 million donation to support urgent humanitarian needs, recovery and reconstruction in areas of Colombia affected by the earthquake, with funds channelled through UNHCR, UNICEF and Empresas Unidas por Colombia, an initiative led by ANDI and the ANDI Foundation. The contribution forms part of a broader emergency response that includes the distribution of 3,500 food and hygiene kits through the Bogotá Food Bank network, fundraising campaigns among customers and employees in Colombia and Spain, enabled donations through more than 1,400 BBVA ATMs in Colombia, donation options via Bizum and bank transfers in Spain, and the temporary waiver of fees on individual transfers between Spain and Colombia. BBVA is also supporting its 479 employees in the affected areas and their families, while working to restore branch operations, with 25 of 40 branches in the area already operating and digital channels continuing to function normally throughout the emergency.

(PRESS RELEASE) BILBAO, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — BBVA has announced a €2 million donation to support urgent humanitarian assistance, recovery and reconstruction efforts in areas of Colombia affected by the earthquake.

The funds will be channelled through UNHCR, UNICEF and Empresas Unidas por Colombia, an initiative led by the National Business Association of Colombia, known as ANDI.

BBVA has also launched fundraising campaigns among customers and employees in Colombia and Spain, while introducing additional support measures for affected communities, employees and customers.

Carlos Torres Vila, Chair of BBVA, said that in an emergency of this scale, the bank’s priority is to support people.

He said BBVA is mobilising resources to respond to urgent needs and help affected communities recover, working with organisations that have the capacity to operate on the ground and drawing on the solidarity of employees and customers in Colombia and Spain.

The funds allocated to UNHCR will support measures including shelter for families whose homes have been destroyed or damaged, the distribution of emergency supplies, and protection and assistance for the most vulnerable people.

UNICEF will strengthen its response for children and adolescents, including emergency support as well as the rebuilding and repair of schools so that children can continue learning during the emergency.

BBVA will also join Empresas Unidas por Colombia, the initiative led by ANDI and the ANDI Foundation to coordinate the Colombian business sector’s response.

The initiative will support recovery and reconstruction work in the worst-hit areas, with a particular focus on school infrastructure.

A broader emergency response

The €2 million contribution forms part of a wider response that BBVA began deploying after the earthquake.

The response is designed to support affected communities, assist employees and their families, mobilise help from customers and employees, and maintain financial services in the impacted areas.

As an initial emergency measure, BBVA provided 3,500 food and hygiene kits, distributed through the food bank network coordinated by the Bogotá Food Bank.

Fundraising support in Colombia and Spain

BBVA Group has launched fundraising campaigns among customers and employees in both Colombia and Spain.

In Colombia, the bank has started a fundraising campaign in collaboration with Solidaridad por Colombia.

It has also enabled its network of more than 1,400 ATMs so that customers and employees can make donations and support the relief effort.

In Spain, people wishing to contribute can donate through the BBVA app using Bizum, by selecting charitable donations and entering the code for the relevant NGO.

Donations can also be made by bank transfer to the designated UNICEF and UNHCR accounts or in person at any BBVA branch.

BBVA in Spain has also temporarily waived fees and charges for individual customers on transfers sent and received between Spain and Colombia.

Support for employees and continuity of services

Since the start of the emergency, BBVA in Colombia has been closely monitoring the situation of 479 employees working in the affected areas and their families.

Alongside ongoing assistance and psychosocial support, the bank has provided basic necessities, including food and hygiene products.

BBVA will also assess the needs of affected employees and their families to determine what additional support may be required, particularly in relation to housing.

BBVA teams have also been assessing damage to the bank’s facilities in the affected areas.

So far, 25 of the bank’s 40 branches in the area are operational.

BBVA’s digital channels in Colombia have continued operating normally throughout the emergency, helping keep services available to customers while work continues to restore the branch network.

Mario Pardo, CEO and Country Manager of BBVA in Colombia, said the entire BBVA team in Colombia has been committed from the outset to supporting colleagues and their families, helping communities and ensuring customers continue to be served.

He said the emergency is not over and that BBVA is committed to remaining present not only during the first days of response, but throughout the recovery and reconstruction period ahead.

Through its donation, partnerships and fundraising measures, BBVA is supporting immediate relief and longer-term recovery efforts for communities affected by the earthquake in Colombia.

SOURCE: Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

Richard Ridinger Set to Guide dsm-firmenich’s Next Chapter as Proposed Chair

(IN BRIEF) dsm-firmenich has announced that Thomas Leysen, Chair of the Board of Directors, has decided to retire from the Board once shareholders elect a successor, following the completion of the company’s merger and the setting of its strategic direction. The Board has unanimously proposed Richard Ridinger, currently an independent director of dsm-firmenich and a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee, as the new Chairman, with shareholders set to vote on the appointment at an Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting on 19 October 2026. Ridinger brings more than three decades of leadership experience across life sciences, specialty chemicals and healthcare, including serving as CEO of Lonza from 2012 to 2019 and holding board roles at Brenntag SE, Recipharm AG and NOVO Holdings. The company said Ridinger’s knowledge of dsm-firmenich and global governance experience will support continuity as it executes its strategy, continues its margin improvement program and prepares for its next phase of growth and value creation.

(PRESS RELEASE) KAISERAUGST/MAASTRICHT, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — dsm-firmenich, the Swiss company active in nutrition, health and beauty, has announced that Thomas Leysen, Chair of the Board of Directors, has decided to retire from the Board.

The announcement was issued as an ad hoc announcement pursuant to article 53 of the SIX Swiss Exchange Listing Rules.

Leysen will step down from his roles as Director and Chair once his successor has been elected by shareholders.

His decision follows the completion of the dsm-firmenich merger and the setting of the company’s strategic direction.

He will now devote more time to his other corporate and non-profit mandates.

The Board of Directors has unanimously proposed Richard Ridinger, currently an independent director of dsm-firmenich, as Leysen’s successor.

Shareholders will be asked to approve Ridinger’s appointment at an Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting, known as an EGM, scheduled for 19 October 2026.

Ridinger brings broad executive and board-level experience across global, innovation-led businesses in Pharma, Home and Personal Care, and Nutrition and Health.

dsm-firmenich said his deep understanding of the company positions him well to succeed Leysen and provide continuity as the company executes its strategy and works to create long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

The company said this strategic direction was communicated earlier this year at dsm-firmenich’s Capital Markets Day.

The Board thanked Leysen for his leadership during the creation and development of dsm-firmenich.

Since the company’s formation, Leysen has helped shape a strong and resilient organization, providing steady guidance through a period of significant change and challenging market conditions.

The Board said his leadership has been instrumental in positioning dsm-firmenich for its next phase of growth and value creation.

Thomas Leysen, Chairman of the Board, said dsm-firmenich is now fully operating as one company, with portfolio tuning nearing completion, including the anticipated closing of the Animal Nutrition & Health sale later this year.

He also pointed to the rejuvenation of the Executive Committee and the ongoing margin improvement program as reasons why this is an appropriate time to hand over to a new Chair.

Leysen said Ridinger has the necessary experience to help take dsm-firmenich to its next level.

He added that it has been a pleasure and an honour to chair the Board during the formative stages of the company.

Richard Ridinger, proposed Chairman, said dsm-firmenich has made significant progress in recent years and now stands on a strong foundation for the future.

He said he is deeply honoured by the Board’s trust and looks forward to shaping the company’s next chapter together with the Board and the Executive Committee.

Biography of Richard Ridinger

Richard Ridinger is an independent director of dsm-firmenich and a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee.

He is a German national and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Lonza.

His current non-executive directorships include Chair of the Supervisory Board of Brenntag SE, a public company; Chair of the Board of Recipharm AG, a private company; and membership of the Advisory Group of NOVO Holdings.

Ridinger has served as an independent member of the Board of Directors of dsm-firmenich since 2023.

Before the merger, he served on the Board of Directors of Firmenich from 2016 to 2023 and was a member of its Finance, Audit & Risk Committee and Scientific Advisory Board.

Ridinger brings more than three decades of international leadership experience across the life sciences, specialty chemicals and healthcare sectors.

From 2012 to 2019, he served as CEO of Lonza, where he led the company’s transformation into a leading global life sciences partner.

Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Cognis and Henkel across research and development, operations, business management and executive leadership.

dsm-firmenich said Ridinger’s boardroom experience, knowledge of the company and track record in leading global organizations provide valuable expertise in governance, strategy, innovation and long-term value creation.

For more information

Media relations
Robin Roothans
Tel. +41 (0)79 280 03 96
Email: media@dsm-firmenich.com

Investor relations
Dave Huizing
Tel. +31 (0)88 425 7306
Email: investors@dsm-firmenich.com

About dsm-firmenich

dsm-firmenich is active in nutrition, health and beauty, developing, manufacturing and combining vital nutrients, flavours and fragrances for the world’s growing population.

The company offers a broad range of solutions using natural and renewable ingredients, supported by science and technology capabilities.

dsm-firmenich works to create products that are essential for life, desirable for consumers and more sustainable for people and the planet.

dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the SIX Swiss Exchange.

Following the divestment of Animal Nutrition & Health, the company has operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €9 billion from continuing operations.

With a global team of nearly 21,000 employees, dsm-firmenich says it brings progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. 

SOURCE: dsm-firmenich

Omdia Report Highlights Nokia’s Strength in 5G Core, Core SaaS and Network Automation

(IN BRIEF) Nokia has been ranked No. 1 for mobile core portfolio competitiveness for the second consecutive year in Omdia’s “Market Landscape: Core Vendors” 2026 report, which named the company a leader across all seven competitiveness categories: core portfolio breadth, cloud-native maturity, signaling, automation, core as a service, AI/ML and analytics, and other network function implementations. Nokia said the recognition reflects its investment in mobile core technologies for the AI era, including deployments such as the world’s first commercial mobile telecom service based on 5G Core SaaS, Core SaaS Edge for local breakout for roaming subscribers, core resilience solutions, modernization programs and mission-critical upgrades for sectors including IoT, rail and utilities. Omdia’s 2026 assessment covered 12 vendors and placed greater emphasis on AI/ML and analytics, while Nokia’s portfolio supports private, public and hybrid cloud deployment models designed to help operators improve automation, resilience, service innovation and network agility.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 18-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Nokia has been ranked No. 1 for mobile core portfolio competitiveness for the second consecutive year in Omdia’s “Market Landscape: Core Vendors” report.

The 2026 edition of the report named Nokia a leader across all seven competitiveness categories assessed by Omdia.

These categories include core portfolio breadth, cloud-native maturity, signaling, automation, core as a service, AI/ML and analytics, and implementations of other network functions.

Nokia said the recognition reflects its continued investment in mobile core technologies designed to help operators modernize their networks for the AI era.

The company’s recent deployments include the world’s first commercial mobile telecom service based on 5G Core SaaS, as well as Core SaaS Edge, which enables local breakout for roaming subscribers.

Nokia also pointed to work in core network resilience, telecom core modernization and mission-critical network upgrades supporting sectors such as the Internet of Things, rail and utilities.

Kal De, Senior Vice President, Core Networks at Nokia, said core networks are becoming the intelligence layer of modern communications.

He said they connect cloud-native operations, AI-driven automation and application innovation.

De added that Omdia’s recognition highlights the breadth and maturity of Nokia’s portfolio across the major categories operators use to evaluate connectivity partners capable of supporting the transition toward more autonomous, resilient and programmable networks.

Roberto Kompany, Principal Analyst, Mobile Infrastructure at Omdia, said Nokia continues to stand out as a technology leader in core networks.

He cited Nokia’s advanced capabilities in areas including cloud-native maturity, automation, AI/ML and analytics, and Core as a Service.

Kompany said these capabilities are no longer optional innovations, but strategic requirements for telecommunications providers seeking greater operational efficiency, service agility and monetization opportunities.

He added that Nokia’s broad approach shows a strong understanding of both current operator challenges and the future direction of the telecom market.

Omdia’s 2026 report expanded its assessment to 12 vendors.

The report also updated its category weightings to reflect changing operator priorities, including greater emphasis on AI/ML and analytics capabilities.

Nokia’s core portfolio supports deployment models across private cloud, public cloud and hybrid cloud environments.

The portfolio is designed to help operators simplify core network operations through automation, AI-driven analytics, resilient architectures and network exposure capabilities.

Nokia said this approach enables telecom providers and mission-critical enterprises to accelerate service innovation, reduce operational complexity and improve network agility.

The recognition further reinforces Nokia’s position in the mobile core market as operators prepare for more programmable, intelligent and automated network environments.

About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity infrastructure powering the AI supercycle. We create the networks that connect intelligence, combining a complete connectivity view across fixed, mobile, IP, optical, core and data center networks. Through secure-by-design, AI-native innovation, Nokia delivers the trusted infrastructure that makes AI work at scale and advances connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Media Contact:

Tel. +358 10 4488 000
Email: press.services@nokia.com

SOURCE: Nokia

Sandoz and Henlius Partner to Advance Biosimilars in Oncology, Cardiovascular and Immunology

(IN BRIEF) Sandoz has announced a major strategic collaboration with Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. covering up to 10 biosimilar assets, in one of the largest biosimilar collaborations in Sandoz’s history. Under the agreement, Sandoz will receive global commercialisation rights outside China for agreed assets, while Henlius will handle development and manufacturing, with milestone-based consideration of up to USD 322 million and near-term payments for the initial assets potentially reaching USD 100.5 million. The initial collaboration covers proposed biosimilars of cetuximab, evolocumab and belimumab, as well as an option for recombinant human hyaluronidase, expanding Sandoz’s biosimilar pipeline to 39 assets with potential to reach up to 46. The agreement builds on the companies’ existing collaboration for ipilimumab and supports Sandoz’s strategy to strengthen its biosimilars position and increase patient access to affordable medicines amid a significant expected global biosimilar loss-of-exclusivity opportunity over the next decade.

(PRESS RELEASE) BASEL, 18-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Sandoz has announced a major development, manufacturing and commercialisation collaboration agreement with Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc., known as Henlius, covering up to 10 biosimilar assets.

The agreement represents one of the largest biosimilar collaborations ever entered into by Sandoz and marks another step in the company’s strategy to expand access to high-quality, affordable biosimilar medicines worldwide.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sandoz will hold global commercialisation rights outside China for the agreed biosimilar assets, while Henlius will be responsible for development and manufacturing.

The collaboration is milestone-based, with total potential consideration of up to USD 322 million.

Near-term payments linked to the initial assets could reach up to USD 100.5 million.

The initial agreement covers proposed biosimilars of cetuximab, evolocumab and belimumab, as well as an option for recombinant human hyaluronidase.

The collaboration expands Sandoz’s industry-leading biosimilar pipeline to 39 assets, with the potential to increase to as many as 46 assets.

Sandoz said the agreement strengthens its position in biosimilars and supports its ambition to capture a significant share of the expected global biosimilar loss-of-exclusivity opportunity over the next decade.

Richard Saynor, Chief Executive Officer of Sandoz, said expanding access to life-enhancing medicines for patients around the world is central to the company’s work.

He said the strategic collaboration with Henlius, one of Sandoz’s largest ever in biosimilars, reinforces the company’s commitment to patients and represents another step toward participating in the major biosimilar market opportunity ahead.

One of the initial assets under the agreement is a proposed cetuximab biosimilar currently in clinical development.

The reference medicine, Erbitux® or cetuximab, is an epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted oncology therapy used to treat selected patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide.

According to recent estimates cited by Sandoz, nearly one million new cases of head and neck cancer are reported each year.

The collaboration also includes a proposed evolocumab biosimilar.

Evolocumab is used in patients with hypercholesterolaemia and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults at increased cardiovascular risk.

The agreement also covers a proposed belimumab biosimilar intended for the treatment of active systemic lupus erythematosus in adults and children, as well as active lupus nephritis in eligible patients, in addition to standard therapy.

In addition, Sandoz has an option for recombinant human hyaluronidase, which may be used in the development of a subcutaneously administered biosimilar by increasing the dispersion and absorption of other injected medicines.

The proposed evolocumab biosimilar and recombinant human hyaluronidase are in technical development.

The proposed belimumab biosimilar is in early development.

The agreement builds on the existing collaboration between Sandoz and Henlius, first established in April 2025 through a global collaboration agreement for the oncology therapy ipilimumab.

Sandoz said it continues to expand its biosimilar pipeline, building on its experience as a pioneer and global leader in the field.

The company currently has a portfolio of 13 biosimilar molecules available in nearly 100 countries.

DISCLAIMER

This Media Release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialise or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
REFERENCES

¹ Reflects agreement with Samsung Bioepis for up to five biosimilar assets, including vedolizumab

² European Medicines Agency. Erbitux^® (cetuximab): EPAR product information. Available at: EMA Erbitux product information. [Last accessed August 2026]

³ U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Erbitux^® (cetuximab). Prescribing Information. Available at: Erbitux® (cetuximab) US Prescribing Information. [Last accessed August 2026]

⁴ Wu, S., Zhang, Y., Lin, Z. et al. Global burden of colorectal cancer in 2022 and projections to 2050: incidence and mortality estimates from GLOBOCAN. BMC Cancer 25, 1770 (2025). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-15138-0 [Last accessed August 2026]

⁵ Sun H, Yu M, An Z, Liang F, Sun B, Liu Y and Zhang S (2025) Global burden of head and neck cancer: Epidemiological transitions, inequities, and projections to 2050. Front. Oncol. 15:1665019. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2025.1665019. [Last accessed August 2026]

⁶ European Medicines Agency. Repatha^® (evolocumab): EPAR product information. Available at: EMA Repatha product information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Repatha^® (evolocumab): Prescribing Information. Available at: FDA Repatha prescribing information. [Last accessed August 2026]

⁷ European Medicines Agency. Benlysta^® (belimumab): EPAR product information. Available at: EMA Benlysta product information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Benlysta^® (belimumab): Prescribing Information. Available at: FDA Benlysta prescribing information. [Last accessed August 2026]
ABOUT SANDOZ

Sandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in affordable medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 colleagues of 100 nationalities work together to ensure over one billion patients are reached by Sandoz, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger social impact. Its leading portfolio of approximately 1,300 medicines addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to 1886. In 2026, Sandoz celebrates 20 years of pioneering biosimilars, 80 years of antibiotics manufacturing and 140 years of heritage. In 2025, Sandoz recorded net sales of USD 11.1 billion.

SOURCE: Sandoz