Bureau Veritas Acquires Lotusworks, Reinforcing Its Position in Data Centers and Entering the Semiconductor Sector; This Establishes a New c.Eur 300 Million Growth Platform

 COURBEVOIE, France - Tuesday, 07. April 2026

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bureau Veritas, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification services (TIC), announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire Lotusworks, a global leader in mission‑critical assets commissioning and quality assurance and control. This strategic move will uniquely position the Buildings & Infrastructure Product Line to benefit from AI-driven construction investments.

Headquartered in Ireland, Lotusworks is a leading provider of commissioning, quality assurance and quality control, calibration, maintenance, and construction management services for mission‑critical facilities for semiconductors manufacturers and data center owners. The Company operates in the United States and Europe, and employs 750 people including highly skilled experts, serving a diversified base of blue‑chip global clients, including hyperscalers and semiconductor manufacturers. Lotusworks’ activity is supported by long‑term frameworks, a strong multi‑year backlog, and recurring technical services in environments requiring world‑class expertise, and rigorous execution. In calendar year 2025, the company generated EUR 131 million in revenue. This acquisition will enhance Bureau Veritas’ organic growth and will be accretive to the Group’s Adjusted Operating Margin.

The acquisition is a key milestone in the implementation of LEAP | 28, strengthening the Group’s leadership in the Buildings and Infrastructure sector. Combined with Bureau Veritas’ existing data center activities, this creates a new mission-critical platform, unique in the TIC industry. Bureau Veritas becomes a leader in the high-growth, technically complex market of data centers and semiconductors manufacturing. At closing, this platform will represent circa 15% of the Buildings & Infrastructure division.

“The acquisition of Lotusworks is a major milestone for Bureau Veritas,” said Hinda Gharbi, Chief Executive Officer of Bureau Veritas. “The company brings outstanding technical capabilities, long‑standing customer relationships, and a strong presence across strategic markets of data centers and semiconductors manufacturing. By combining Bureau Veritas’ rigorous execution, expertise, and global network with the technical know-how of Lotusworks, we are establishing a unique platform of commissioning, validation, and technical assurance for mission-critical assets. This comes at a time when AI expansion is spurring a semiconductor manufacturing, and digital infrastructure new and powerful investment cycle.

This acquisition is fully aligned with our LEAP | 28 portfolio priorities. It will contribute to our goal of doubling the rotation of our portfolio within the next 12 months, from the ~10% level we have attained since the launch of the plan. This acquisition accelerates our portfolio pivot towards higher‑growth, higher‑margin activities.

I am very pleased to welcome all the colleagues from Lotusworks to the Bureau Veritas family.”

The transaction, representing an enterprise value of EUR 375 million, will be financed via existing and recently negotiated credit lines. This implies a 2026e EV/EBITA multiple of 15x. The agreement includes an earn-out mechanism should the business outperform its plan.
Following completion, Bureau Veritas’ net debt is set to remain within the 1x to 2x leverage range as per the LEAP | 28 plan ambition. The deal is anticipated to be slightly accretive to earnings this year.

The transaction is expected to close by summer 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

About Bureau Veritas:

Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers’ excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change.
Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas’ 82,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company’s technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.
Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5° index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI.

For more information, visit http://www.bureauveritas.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.

 
    

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Contacts

ANALYST/INVESTOR CONTACTS

Laurent Brunelle
+33 (0) 7 79 52 69 21
laurent.brunelle@bureauveritas.com

Colin Verbrugghe
+33 (0) 6 80 53 26 72
colin.verbrugghe@bureauveritas.com

Romain Gorge
romain.gorge@bureauveritas.com

Inès Lagoutte
ines.lagoutte@bureauveritas.com

MEDIA CONTACTS

Karine Havas
+33 (0) 6 68 63 83 18
karine.havas@bureauveritas.com

Frédéric Vallois
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frederic.vallois@bureauveritas.com

Budweiser Honors 40 Years of FIFA World Cup™ Legacy with Limited-Edition Collectible Pack and Nostalgia-Themed Platform

 LONDON - 

The iconic brand marks its return as the Official Beer Sponsor of FIFA World Cup™ with anniversary packaging, a global film, and creative billboard tributes to football’s greatest moments

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Today, Budweiser is celebrating 40 years as the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™ with the launch of the largest limited-edition collectible pack ever – the Budweiser® FIFA World Cup™ Anniversary Pack* – bringing to life 11 bold design tributes to every tournament since 1986, and the centerpiece of a new nostalgia driven global platform.

Throughout history, Budweiser has played an important role in some of football’s most unforgettable celebrations, from last-minute goals to trophy lifts seen around the world. These moments of “Budstalgia” [Budweiser + nostalgia] are the inspiration for the brand’s newest platform, brought to life through a new collectible design, a global film titled “The Big Drop,” distinctive out-of-home creative, and an era-inspired digital hub.

“For 40 years, Budweiser has been part of the moments that bring fans together – on the pitch, in the stands, and everywhere the game is watched by consumers of legal drinking age,” said Richard Oppy, Global President, Premium Company at AB InBev. “With this global platform, we are celebrating that shared history in a way that feels as relevant today as it did in 1986 – connecting generations of fans through the passion, energy, and rituals that make the FIFA World Cup so special, while building excitement for what’s still to come.”

Budweiser Unveils Limited-Edition Collectible Pack

To kick off the football celebration, Budweiser is launching its most ambitious collectible pack to date: the Budweiser® FIFA World Cup™ Anniversary Pack* – a curated set of 11 aluminum bottles and cans honoring the past 10 World Cups and the upcoming 2026 tournament. Starting with Mexico 1986 and ending with FIFA World Cup™ 2026, each design draws from the visual identity and cultural elements of past tournaments, unlocking some of the game’s most memorable moments for fans around the world.

More than a collector’s item, each bottle features a QR code that unlocks exclusive digital content tied to its era – connecting fans to their favorite teams of the past along with immersive experiences, and thousands of prizes that vary by location. Designed in partnership with branding agency JKR, the limited-edition pack will roll out in key non-US markets, including Brazil, China, and select European countries, beginning this month.

“The Big Drop” Brings 40 Years of Big Football Memories to Life

To amplify the occasion, Budweiser is debuting a new global hero film, “The Big Drop,” set to the emblematic anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone. The film, developed in partnership with creative agency Africa, follows larger-than-life Budweiser bottles as they journey across landscapes and continents – passing through mountains, deserts, and grasslands – before arriving at the stadiums that have hosted the FIFA World Cup™ over the past four decades.

Reimagined as oversized ice buckets, these legendary venues become the stage for the next chapter of celebration – bringing the limited-edition Budweiser bottles to life in a new way through stunning visual effects. The film will roll out globally across digital and social channels.

“Proudly on the Pitch” Celebrates Budweiser’s Football Legacy

Since 1986, Budweiser and its pitch-side billboards have been the backdrop for some of the most notable FIFA World Cup™ moments. Now, the brand is bringing that legacy to the forefront with “Proudly on the Pitch,” a global out-of-home campaign built from iconic archival FIFA imagery.

The series features numerous images from past tournaments, seamlessly stitching together the evolution of Budweiser’s unmistakable red logo while highlighting the brand’s consistent presence in football culture. Rolling out across multiple continents, the campaign invites fans to rediscover the moments that defined generations of the game.

Fans of legal drinking age can visit www.budstalgia.com to explore the Budweiser® FIFA World Cup™ Anniversary Pack* and relive four decades of football through exclusive content and experiences.

*not available in the United States

About Budweiser

Budweiser is a globally iconic lager born from a bold vision. In 1876, founder Adolphus Busch set out to create the United States' first truly national beer brand – brewed to be universally popular and transcend regional tastes. Today, Budweiser is recognized as the world’s second most valuable beer brand in Kantar’s BrandZ global 2025 rankings, enjoyed in more than 80 countries and brewed with the same unwavering commitment to quality and consistency. Each batch of Budweiser stays true to the same family recipe used by five generations of Busch family brewmasters. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp beer with layers of premium American hop aromas, brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment. Budweiser is made using time-honored methods including "kraeusening" for natural carbonation and Beechwood aging, which results in unparalleled balance and character.

About AB InBev

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is a publicly traded company (Euronext: ABI) based in Leuven, Belgium, with secondary listings on the Mexico (MEXBOL: ANB) and South Africa (JSE: ANH) stock exchanges and with American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUD). As a company, we dream big to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in the world. We are committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and to brewing the best beers using the finest ingredients. Beer is the drink for moderation, and for over a century, AB InBev has championed responsible drinking. We are committed to providing our consumers with balanced choices to enjoy on any occasion. We also invest in marketing that aims to reinforce positive behaviors, and we work with communities, customers, and partners to promote responsible consumption through evidence-based initiatives.

Our diverse portfolio of well over 400 beer brands includes global brands Budweiser®, Corona®, Stella Artois® and Michelob Ultra®; multi-country brands Beck’s®, Hoegaarden® and Leffe®; and local champions such as Aguila®, Antarctica®, Bud Light®, Brahma®, Cass®, Castle®, Castle Lite®, Cristal®, Harbin®, Jupiler®, Modelo Especial®, Quilmes®, Victoria®, Sedrin®, and Skol®. Our brewing heritage dates back more than 600 years, spanning continents and generations. From our European roots at the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium. To the pioneering spirit of the Anheuser & Co brewery in St. Louis, US. To the creation of the Castle Brewery in South Africa during the Johannesburg gold rush. To Bohemia, the first brewery in Brazil. Geographically diversified with a balanced exposure to developed and developing markets, we leverage the collective strengths of approximately 137 000 colleagues based in more than 40 countries worldwide. For 2025, AB InBev’s reported revenue was 59.3 billion USD (excluding JVs and associates).

About FIFA

FIFA exists to govern football and to develop the game around the world. Since 2016, the organisation has been fast evolving into a body that can more effectively serve the game for the benefit of the entire world. As a not-for-profit organisation, FIFA – which organises the FIFA World Cup™, FIFA Women’s World Cup™, and FIFA Club World Cup™, among many other international competitions – reinvests its revenues into a wide range of football development programmes, providing funds, infrastructure and know-how to its member associations. FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027 can be explored here. This year, FIFA will organise the biggest standalone sporting event ever – the FIFA World Cup 2026™. 48 teams will play 104 matches across 16 stadiums in three host countries throughout the game-changing tournament, with over 6 million fans in attendance.

 

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AB InBev Media Relations

E-mail: media.relations@ab-inbev.com

Mouser Electronics Explores How Artificial Intelligence Shapes Everyday Technologies and Experiences

 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mouser Electronics, Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest electronic components and industrial automation products, today announced the first 2026 installment of its Empowering Innovation Together (EIT) technology series, Engineering AI for Daily Life. This installment explores how artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in everyday products and services, from assisted search and messaging tools to healthcare wearables that monitor personal well-being. As AI capabilities expand across consumer and connected devices, engineers continue to design systems that make these technologies more useful, intuitive, and trustworthy in real-world applications.

"AI is quickly moving from experimental technology into products people rely on every day, and engineers play a major role in shaping how it's applied," said Jeff Newell, President of Mouser Electronics. "As AI becomes embedded across consumer devices and connected systems, it's important that these technologies are designed to support human expertise while remaining reliable and trustworthy. This EIT segment helps engineers explore the tools and insights they need to build the next generation of AI-enabled solutions."

As AI agents and intelligent tools become integrated into homes, connected devices, and digital services, engineers are developing systems that enhance user judgment and keep users in control while maintaining transparency and privacy. New AI-powered platforms already demonstrate this potential – turning simple conversations into complete travel itineraries or providing deeper health insights through connected devices.

On The Tech Between Us podcast, Raymond Yin, Director of Technical Content at Mouser Electronics, and Dr. Marisa Tschopp, Senior Researcher at scip AG in Zurich, examine the new role of AI in human interaction and day-to-day experiences. They explore how AI advancements shape technology-enabled collaboration, including the long-term impact of daily integration and applications for mental health.

"AI is moving beyond experimental settings into the products people rely on every day," said Yin. "Our first EIT navigates the next era in AI innovation, looking at how to use the technology to enhance people's abilities and rethink how we can live for the better."

In addition to the podcast, the EIT series includes an in-depth video, technical articles, a topic-related infographic, as well as subscriber-exclusive content, diving into everyday AI. By examining the range of cases where AI can level up technical expertise, engineers can build a class of tools to help reshape how people think, decide, and create while protecting privacy and control.

Established in 2015, Mouser's Empowering Innovation Together program is one of the electronic component industry's most recognized educational programs. To learn more, visit https://www.mouser.com/empowering-innovation/engineering-ai-daily/ and follow Mouser on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

For more Mouser news and our latest new product introductions, visit https://www.mouser.com/newsroom/.

As a global authorized distributor, Mouser offers the widest selection of the newest semiconductors, electronic components and industrial automation products. Mouser's customers can expect 100% certified, genuine products that are fully traceable from each of its manufacturer partners. To help speed customers' designs, Mouser's website hosts an extensive library of technical resources, including a Technical Resource Center, along with product data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, engineering tools and other helpful information.

Engineers can stay abreast of today's exciting product, technology and application news through Mouser's complimentary e-newsletter. Mouser's email news and reference subscriptions are customizable to the unique and changing project needs of customers and subscribers. No other distributor gives engineers this much customization and control over the information they receive. Learn about emerging technologies, product trends and more by signing up today at https://sub.info.mouser.com/subscriber/.

About Mouser Electronics

Mouser Electronics is an authorized semiconductor and electronic component distributor focused on New Product Introductions from its leading manufacturer partners. Serving the global electronic design engineer and buyer community, the global distributor's website, mouser.com, is available in multiple languages and currencies and features more than 6.8 million products from over 1,200 manufacturer brands. Mouser offers 28 support locations worldwide to provide best-in-class customer service in local language, currency and time zone. The distributor ships to over 650,000 customers in 223 countries/territories from its 1 million-square-foot, state-of-the-art distribution facilities in the Dallas, Texas, metro area. For more information, visit https://www.mouser.com/.

Trademarks

Mouser and Mouser Electronics are registered trademarks of Mouser Electronics, Inc. All other products, logos, and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

 

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For further information, contact:

Kevin Hess, Mouser Electronics

Senior Vice President of Marketing

+1 (817) 804-3833

Kevin.Hess@mouser.com

For press inquiries, contact:

Kelly DeGarmo, Mouser Electronics

Manager, Corporate Communications and Media Relations

+1 (817) 804-7764

Kelly.DeGarmo@mouser.com

Reckitt Accelerates Innovation with NIQ AI Insights, reporting up to 65% faster research

CHICAGO - Tuesday, 07. April 2026 AETOSWire 

Case study shows faster development and stronger-performing concepts

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- NIQ (NYSE: NIQ), a global leader in consumer intelligence, today shared new results from Reckitt’s use of NIQ BASES AI Screener, demonstrating how AI-powered insights and synthetic data are transforming innovation speed and effectiveness. The case study highlights how Reckitt has accelerated concept development while improving performance outcomes—bringing more relevant products to market, faster.

As companies face growing pressure to innovate quickly in an increasingly complex consumer landscape, traditional research and development cycles can slow decision-making. Reckitt’s adoption of AI-powered screening reflects a broader shift toward predictive, data-driven innovation—where teams can test, refine, and optimize ideas before investing in physical development.

Key Results from Reckitt’s Use of NIQ BASES AI Screener:

70% faster insight generation, reducing timelines from weeks to hours

2–3x higher concept performance compared with prior human-developed benchmarks

Up to 65% reduction in research timelines and 50% lower research costs

75% fewer physical prototypes required, accelerating speed to market

Synthetic personas based on NIQ's proprietary consumer behavioral data and validated against human-tested concepts, enabling more reliable and regularly refreshed predictions

“AI is helping us do what we’ve always wanted—to learn early, fail fast, and optimize quickly,” said Dr. Elaine Rodrigo, Chief Insights & Analytics Officer at Reckitt. “The quality of what we get from NIQ BASES—especially the precision in how they build their synthetic data panel—gives us confidence that we’re basing decisions on real consumer behavior.”

Reckitt has embedded NIQ’s AI solutions across the early stages of its innovation process—from insights generation to concept creation and validation— supported by a large‑scale data foundation spanning multiple categories and markets. This approach enables teams to design more consumer-centric solutions while moving at significantly greater speed.

"NIQ BASES AI Screener supports teams to evaluate, screen, and optimize early ideas or concepts before proceeding to research & development. By leveraging synthetic respondents created from validated human panel data, the solution delivers predictive accuracy grounded in real consumer behavior—helping teams identify winning ideas and refine them earlier in the development cycle."

“The companies winning today are those that can turn consumer understanding into action, faster,” said Curtis Miller, President of Enterprise and Activation Solutions at NIQ. “By combining leading data scale and granularity with advanced AI models, we’re helping clients move from ideas to decision-ready innovation with greater speed and confidence.”

This case study reflects NIQ’s broader focus on embedding AI into its core solutions—helping companies move beyond insight generation to decision systems that enable faster, smarter innovation at scale. Find out more on how AI accelerates NIQ’s The Full View.

FAQs

What is BASES AI Screener?

BASES AI Screener is an AI‑powered solution that helps teams evaluate and prioritize innovation ideas early in the development process. It uses synthetic consumer responses trained on NIQ’s proprietary consumer purchase data to deliver fast, reliable insight that supports confident decision‑making at scale.

Who can use BASES AI Screener?

BASES AI Screener is a self-service solution, designed for organizations looking to scale innovation faster and more efficiently, particularly those managing large idea pipelines.

What are the key features?

BASES AI Screener helps teams screen more ideas earlier, ground decisions in real purchase behavior, shorten insight timelines to minutes versus days without sacrificing quality, and focus investment on the highest‑potential ideas.

Is it available globally?

BASES AI Screener is currently available in select markets and categories, with expansion ongoing.

How did BASES AI Screener impact Reckitt’s innovation speed?

At Reckitt, BASES AI Screener reduced insight timelines by 70%, allowing teams to learn and iterate much faster. By identifying winning ideas earlier, Reckitt improved both speed‑to‑market and confidence in innovation decisions, while raising concept quality early in development. Read more here.

About NIQ

NielsenIQ (NYSE: NIQ) is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete and trusted understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. By combining an unmatched global data footprint and granular consumer and retail measurement with decades of AI modeling expertise, NIQ builds decision systems that help companies turn complex data into confident action.

With operations in more than 90 countries, NIQ covers approximately 82% of the world’s population and more than $7.4 trillion in global consumer spend. Through cloud-based platforms, advanced analytics and AI-driven insights, NIQ delivers The Full View™—helping brands and retailers understand what consumers buy, why they buy it, and what to do next.

For more information, please visit www.niq.com.

Forward Looking Statement:

This press release on NIQ BASES AI Screener, may contain forward-looking statements regarding anticipated consumer behaviors, market trends, and industry developments. These statements reflect current expectations and projections based on available data, historical patterns, and various assumptions. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “plan,” “look ahead,” “indicates”, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future outcomes and are subject to inherent uncertainties, including changes in consumer preferences, economic conditions, technological advancements, and competitive dynamics. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. While we strive to base our insights on reliable data and sound methodologies, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except to the extent required by applicable law.

© 2026 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved.

NIQ-GENERAL

 

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NIQ: media.relations@niq.com

Svante & Meadow Lake Tribal Council Partnership Agrees to Sell Microsoft 626,000 Tonnes of Carbon Removal Credits

 Microsoft agrees to purchase 626,000 tonnes of durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits over a 15-year delivery term from the North Star BECCS project in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Indigenous ownership: North Star Carbon Solutions LP is a Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC)–Svante partnership.

The deal is Microsoft’s first Canadian BECCS CDR offtake agreement and is believed to be the first of its kind in Canada involving Indigenous ownership.

The project is co-located at the MLTC Bioenergy Centre and supplied by sustainable waste biomass from MLTC’s adjacent sawmill.

 

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Svante Technologies Inc. (Svante) and Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) announced today that North Star Carbon Solutions LP has entered into an offtake agreement with Microsoft to deliver 626,000 tonnes of durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits to be delivered over 15 years from the North Star bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project in Saskatchewan, Canada. The project is being developed through a partnership between MLTC and Svante and will be co-located at the MLTC Bioenergy Centre in Meadow Lake.

As part of the project, a new carbon capture plant will be established at the MLTC Bioenergy Centre, a renewable power generation facility supplied by sustainable waste biomass from the adjacent sawmill owned by MLTC and other local forest product mills. The new plant will be owned by North Star Carbon Solutions LP, a partnership between MLTC and Svante’s recently acquired subsidiary, Carbon Alpha Corp. At capacity, the carbon capture plant will generate up to 90,000 tonnes of CDR credits per year and deliver CDR credits to Microsoft over a 15-year period. Captured CO2 will be safely transported and permanently stored at a geologic storage site owned and operated by North Star, providing a fully integrated system for carbon removal from source to sink.

The CDR credits delivered under the agreement are expected to be independently verified and issued in accordance with applicable carbon removal crediting standards and robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) practices. The North Star project plans to use waste biomass and to monitor CO2 capture, transport, and permanent geologic storage to support long-term durability.

Svante will provide all funding required until the decision is made to start construction. Commercial operation is planned for early 2029.

Scott Gardner, President of Svante Development Inc. said, “We are excited about this landmark agreement for BECCS in Canada, which is the result of Microsoft’s leadership in carbon removal. Microsoft’s anchor offtake commitment sends a strong signal to the market about the quality of North Star’s CDRs and the readiness of the Canadian market to deliver such projects.”

“Meadow Lake Tribal Council welcomes Microsoft’s significant offtake commitment for the North Star project,” said Jeremy Norman, Tribal Chief, Meadow Lake Tribal Council. “As a Canadian Indigenous-owned BECCS project that is believed to be among the first of its kind, North Star reflects MLTC Nations’ long-standing commitment to land stewardship and sustainable forest management. The project demonstrates how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can advance climate solutions while supporting meaningful employment and economic opportunities for our member Nations and the surrounding community.”

“We’re pleased to work with North Star Carbon Solutions and Meadow Lake Tribal Council to help advance high-quality, durable carbon dioxide removal,” said Phillip Goodman, Director of Carbon Removal Portfolio, Microsoft. “To meet our climate goals, we need to help scale solutions that deliver durable storage and are backed by rigorous monitoring and verification. This agreement supports an Indigenous-led collaboration that enables the infrastructure needed to bring durable carbon removal online in Canada, thus creating a pathway for additional projects over time.”

North Star is expected to create approximately 50 local jobs during the development and construction phase, and up to 10 ongoing jobs once the facility is operating, creating valuable employment opportunities for the Meadow Lake community. In addition, the project will support the local economy by increasing demand for nearby businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and service providers.

About Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC)

MLTC was formed in 1981 and represents nine First Nations located in Northwest Saskatchewan. MLTC invests in businesses to meaningfully participate in Saskatchewan's economy, supporting economic reconciliation in a rural and remote area of the province. 100% of the distributions flow to the nine First Nations, to foster local economic growth; enhance on-reserve education; healthcare; youth and elder programs; housing; and other community social and infrastructure needs.

About Svante

Svante is a fully integrated carbon management company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The company manufactures nanoengineered solid sorbent filters and modular rotating contactor machines, licenses CO2 capture technologies and offers project development services and capital covering the entire carbon capture, removal, and storage value chain. Svante is on the 2025 Global Cleantech 100 Hall of Fame and TIME & Statista’s list of Top Greentech Companies of 2025. For more information, visit www.svanteinc.com.

 

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Media Contact:

Colleen Nitta

Director, Marketing & Communications

cnitta@svanteinc.com

 

No Layoffs, Salaries On Time: Danube Group Chairman Rizwan Sajan Assures Its 6000+ Workforce Despite Geopolitical Uncertainty

 At a time when the US–Israel–Iran conflict is reshaping geopolitical and economic realities, businesses across the region are being tested on their ability to adapt and endure. Against this backdrop, Danube Group’s Founder and Chairman Rizwan Sajan is setting a strong example of leadership by standing firmly by its workforce.

On Tuesday, Sajan took to Instagram to announce that the company will not lay off any employees. “I’ve faced many challenging situations in the past - from the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait to the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these, we have always bounced back stronger, and I’m confident we will do so again. During the pandemic, I had committed to not letting go of any employees, and I stood by that promise. Similarly, there will be no layoffs at Danube Group this time as well,” he said.

He further added, “Our 6000+ employees are not just our workforce - they are our family. They helped build Danube Group into what it is today. In times like these, we stand by them with the same commitment. All salaries will be paid on time, and we remain dedicated to serving our clients and customers.”

Over the years, Danube Group has developed a diversified and agile structure spanning building materials, real estate, and home solutions, allowing it to respond effectively to changing market conditions.

In fact, Danube Properties recently unveiled its first large-scale integrated community, Greenz by Danube, featuring premium townhouses and villas, starting from AED 3.5 million with their iconic 1% monthly payment plan, which has been well received by investors and homeowners alike.

The company continues to prioritize execution, ensuring timely project delivery and honoring commitments. As it navigates current geopolitical challenges, Danube Group is not only holding its ground but reinforcing its position - demonstrating that strong fundamentals and decisive leadership can turn uncertainty into sustained progress.

About Danube Properties

Danube Properties, a subsidiary of the Danube Group founded in 1993 by Rizwan Sajan, is among the UAE’s leading private real estate developers. Known for pioneering the 1% payment plan, the company delivers fully furnished apartments complemented by over 40 lifestyle amenities, with a strong track record of quality construction and timely delivery.

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Contacts

Avinash Lohana

enquiry@danubeproperties.ae

+9718005757

Saudi Fund for Development Signs USD 15 Million Agreement with the Republic of Palau to Drive Local Economic Growth

  Ngerulmud, Republic of Palau - Monday, 06. April 2026 AETOSWire 

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) today signed a USD 15 million development loan agreement with the Republic of Palau, marking the Fund’s first-ever development partnership in the Pacific island nation.

 

The agreement was signed by H.E. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of SFD, and H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau during a ceremony in Palau’s capital, Ngerulmud.

 

The USD 15 million development loan will be channeled through the National Development Bank of Palau. Designed to empower the local economy, the financing will support projects spearheaded by Palauan developers, businesses, and entrepreneurs. By aligning with Palau’s national priorities, the funds will catalyze high-impact initiatives and foster sustainable, grassroots economic growth.

 

This agreement reflects SFD’s continued commitment to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), having supported development projects across 18 island nations in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. Through its financing, SFD contributes to strengthening economic resilience, expanding access to essential services, and enabling sustainable development in developing economies.

 

H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, stated the deep appreciation for the assistance. He noted: “This agreement is about building a stronger Palauan economy by channeling this financing through our National Development Bank so that Palauan developers, businesses, and entrepreneurs can lead new projects that create jobs, unlock investment, and keep more value here at home. At the same time, by prioritizing affordable, climate-resilient housing, we are strengthening our communities, giving our young people more reasons to build their future in Palau, and laying a more resilient economic foundation for generations to come.”

 

H.E. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, stated: “We are proud to launch our first collaboration with the Republic of Palau. By expanding access to vital funding, we aim to uplift local entrepreneurs and help secure a resilient future for the Palauan people. This agreement embodies our broader mission to foster prosperity across island nations.”

 

Since its establishment in 1974, the Saudi Fund for Development has supported developing countries through concessional financing, contributing to sustainable social and economic growth worldwide.

 

About the Saudi Fund for Development: 

 

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is a government institution that provides concessional development loans, to finance projects and programs in developing countries. 

 

Since its establishment in 1974, SFD has financed more than 800 projects and programs in over 100 countries, with a total value exceeding USD 22 billion. These projects span sectors including transportation and communications, social infrastructure, agriculture, energy, industry and mining, among others. These projects contribute to generating socio-economic growth and improving the living standards of disadvantaged communities in countries most in need. SFD’s activities are guided by international development principles and support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Fund also works to strengthen development cooperation through partnerships with regional and international organizations. 

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Contacts

Nawaf Alojrush | Director of Media Relations | Saudi Fund for Development | alojrush@sfd.gov.sa | Tel: +966112714148