The European Union on Tuesday announced a sweeping €200 billion ($206 billion) initiative, dubbed InvestAI, aimed at accelerating investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and positioning Europe as a global leader in the development of advanced AI technologies. The initiative includes a new €20 billion European fund to support the creation of AI “gigafactories,” specialized facilities equipped…
Ant International opens first Middle East office in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Ant International, a prominent global provider of digital payment, digitization, and financial technology, has inaugurated a new office in the central business district of Al-Olaya, Riyadh. This expansion comes after the company successfully received technical certification as a Payment Technical Service Provider (PTSP) from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). The new office will enable Ant…
Ross McEwan appointed as Chair BHP Group
SYDNEY: BHP Group Limited (BHP) announced today that Chair Ken MacKenzie will retire from the Board on March 31, 2025. Ross McEwan, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of global experience, has been elected to succeed him as Chair, effective the same day. Ken MacKenzie joined the BHP Board in September 2016 and has…
Solis Minerals appoints Mitch Thomas as New CEO
SYDNEY: Solis Minerals Limited (ASX: SLM, TSXV: SLMN) has announced the appointment of Mitch Thomas as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2025. Thomas, who previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Latin Resources Limited (ASX: LRS) and CFO Battery Materials for Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO), brings extensive corporate, commercial, and project development experience…
Bridge SaaS appoints Richard Gordon as CEO to drive growth
PERTH: Bridge SaaS Limited (ASX: BGE), a leading provider of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions for the employment and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) sectors, announced today the appointment of Richard Gordon as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Gordon, who currently serves as the company’s chairman, will assume the role effective immediately. With over 30 years…
Sigma Healthcare completes merger with Chemist Warehouse
CLAYTON: Sigma Healthcare Limited announced Wednesday that it has finalized its acquisition of 100% of the issued shares in CW Group Holdings Limited, the parent company of Chemist Warehouse. The merger, executed through a scheme of arrangement, was implemented on Feb. 12, 2025. Under the terms of the scheme, Chemist Warehouse shareholders received $0.44646929 in…
Vitura Health to acquire Livelihood Health Pty Ltd, Candor Medical
SYDNEY: Vitura Health Limited (ASX: VIT), a leading digital health platform, announced it has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire Livelihood Health Pty Ltd and its associated companies. Livelihood Health, under the “Candor Medical” brand, offers prescription treatments including medicinal cannabis through telehealth consultations. Founded by Joel and Dr. Lisa Beckett in 2022,…
New Zealand’s Electricity Generators Eyeing Market Solutions to Boost National Energy Security
WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s four largest electricity generators, Genesis Energy, Mercury, Meridian, and Contact, are considering market options to bolster the nation’s energy security, in response to the challenging market conditions experienced during winter 2024. The country faced a critical shortage of energy supply due to a rapid decline in natural gas reserves, low hydro lake…
Zeta secures $50 million investment, valued at $2 billion
Zeta, a global next-generation banking technology provider, announced today that it has secured a $50 million investment from a strategic investor, valuing the company at $2 billion. Previously, Zeta was valued at $1.15 billion following a $250 million investment from Softbank Vision Fund 2 and other marquee investors in 2021. “We are incredibly excited at…
EssilorLuxottica acquires Canadian start-up Cellview Imaging Inc.
PARIS: EssilorLuxottica, a leading global eyewear company, has acquired Cellview Imaging Inc., a Canadian start-up specializing in innovative retinal diagnostic imaging, as part of its ongoing commitment to elevate industry standards and improve the quality of vision care. The acquisition aims to expand EssilorLuxottica’s portfolio of ophthalmic instruments and solutions, marking a significant step in its…
Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index: Western Europe Faces Declining Scores
BERLIN: Transparency International released the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), revealing a significant decline in scores for Western Europe at a pivotal time. The report highlights the pervasive nature of corruption and the urgent need for stronger measures to combat it. The CPI, which ranks 180 countries by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, underscores the…
Dunelm Group CEO Nick Wilkinson announces retirement
LONDON: Nick Wilkinson, the Chief Executive Officer of Dunelm Group plc, has announced his decision to retire from his role and full-time executive life after seven years at the helm of the UK’s leading homewares retailer. The Board of Dunelm will begin a comprehensive recruitment process to find Wilkinson’s successor, considering both internal and external…