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Signing of a binding merger for the sale of a block of shares in SMT Scharf AG

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – 5 March 2024 – Shareholder Value Beteiligungen AG (ISIN: DE000A168205) and SMT Scharf AG (ISIN: DE000A3DRAE2) announced on 1 March 2024 that some of the shareholders, including Shareholder Value Beteiligungen AG, will transfer their stake in the amount of approx. 52.66% of the share capital of SMT Scharf AG to Yankuang Energy Group Company Limited with its registered office in Shandong Province, China at a price of EUR 11.10 per share.

At the time of signing of the transaction, Shareholder Value Beteiligungen AG owns more than one-fifth of the share capital of SMT Scharf AG. The subject of the transaction is the vast majority of the above-mentioned position of Shareholder Value Beteiligungen AG. This price per share is still subject to a fixed adjustment mechanism depending on certain variables until the closing of the transaction, which may lead to a deduction of the price per share.

According to the Management Board’s current assessment, once the transaction has been completed and assuming normal business performance up to that point, this is expected to make a positive contribution to increasing the intrinsic value of the company compared to the last reporting date.

In particular, the closing of the agreement is still subject to the occurrence of customary closing conditions, in particular the conclusion of investment control proceedings in Germany and government regulatory approvals in other jurisdictions of subsidiaries of SMT Scharf AG as well as the approval of the competent Chinese authorities.

About the Purchaser

Yankuang Energy Group Company Limited was founded in 1997. The H share (ISIN CNE1000004Q8; ISIN ADR US9848461052 ) and the A share (ISIN CNE000000WV6) are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

The company regards mining, high-end chemicals and new materials, new energies, high-end equipment manufacturing, and intelligent logistics as key industries of the future.

It is a major Chinese energy corporation with four major stock exchanges in China and beyond (Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York, Australia). Yankuang Energy Group Ltd ranked 69th on the 2022 Fortune Global 500 List and is part of the CSI 300 Index and the SSE 180 Index.

The company has three operating bases in Australia, Shandong and Shaanxi & Inner Mongolia.

The funds for the transaction are entirely borne by Yankuang Energy.

During the signing ceremony Yankuang Energy was represented by the Chairman Mr. Li Wei. Li Wei, born in September 1966, a research fellow in applied engineering technology and Ph.D. of engineering, is the chairman of the Company, the Party secretary, and chairman of Shandong Energy Group Company Limited.

He was appointed as vice-chairman of the Company in June 2016, the deputy Party secretary, director, and general manager of Hualu Holdings Co., Ltd. in August 2020, and Party secretary and chairman of Shandong Energy Group in June 2021. He was appointed as the chairman of the Company in August 2021. Mr. Li graduated from the University of Science and Technology Beijing.

Among others Mr. Li Wei was elected as “2022 China Economic Figure of the Year”.

Mr. Li Wei during the signing ceremony
Mr. Li Wei during the signing ceremony

In accordance with the regulatory requirements of the jurisdiction where the Company is listed and the relevant provisions of the Articles of Association of Yankuang Energy, the Transaction falls within the scope of decisions made at the general manager’s office meeting and is not required to be submitted to the Board and the general meeting of shareholders for approval.

The controlling shareholder of the purchaser is Shandong Energy Group Co., Ltd (Shandong).

Secretary of the CPC Shandong Energy Committee is Mr. Li Wei.

Other companies that belong to Shandong without claiming completeness are:

Shandong Energy Linyi Mining Group Co Ltd.,

Yankuang Energy Group Co Ltd (CNE000000WV6, US9848461052, CNE1000004Q8),

Yancoal Australia Ltd (AU000000YAL0),

Coal & Allied Industries Ltd (AU000000CNA2).

Financial Services for the Group are performed by

Yancoal Resources Ltd (AU000000FLX1)

March 31, 2021 the company emitted a bond with a placement amount of 550 Mio. USD (XS2337157510) maturing in 2028.

The link to the purchaser’s press release in Chinese (please use google translate) is as follows:
http://www.cninfo.com.cn/new/disclosure/detail?stockCode=600188&announcementId=1219218807&orgId=gssh0600188&announcementTime=2024-03-02

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Seller

The group of eleven sellers consists among others of several mutual funds (Frankfurter Aktienfonds für Stiftungen ISIN: DE000A1JSWP1; DE000A12BPQ2; DE000A2N5MA1; DE000A2N66D4; DE000A2JJ222; DE000A0M8HD2; DE000A12BPP4; DE000A2P1AS5; Frankfurter Stiftungsfonds ISIN: DE000A2DTMN6; Frankfurter- Value Focus Fund ISIN: LU0566535208; LU0399928414). Those vehicles are advised by the tied agent Shareholder Value Management AG. Shareholder Value Management AG itself is also one of the selling shareholders. Further Shareholder Value Beteiligungen AG, an exchange listed company, decided to take part in the transaction.

Future Development of SMT Scharf AG

In addition, SMT Scharf AG announces that it intends to apply for the admission of the shares of SMT Scharf AG to the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and to the sub-segment of the Regulated Market with further post-admission obligations (Prime Standard) after completion of the transaction.

To the knowledge of Shareholder Value Beteiligungen AG, the transaction itself does not give rise to any obligation to submit a takeover offer to the free float of SMT Scharf AG.

World Hearing Day a Reminder on the Urgent Need to Address Hearing Loss and Its Link to Dementia in Australia


BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2024 – Hearing health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being, with significant implications for both social and cognitive functions. The connection between untreated hearing loss and dementia is particularly concerning, with recent research highlighting how auditory deprivation can accelerate cognitive decline. This connection underscores the importance of addressing hearing loss proactively, not only to enhance communication and social interaction but also to safeguard long-term cognitive health.

Hearing Loss in Australia

One in six Australians experience hearing loss impacting their ability to communicate with others, leading to social isolation, loneliness, and frustration. Unfortunately, more than half of these individuals are not taking action to address their hearing loss due to common misconceptions about hearing aids.1

Misconception 1 – Hearing aids will be noticeable. Modern hearing aids are designed with discretion in mind, many models being compact enough to fit snugly in the ear canal and remain virtually unseen. The signs of untreated hearing loss, such as asking for repetitions or misunderstanding conversations, can be more noticeable than wearing a hearing aid.

Misconception 2 – Hearing aids are expensive. While some hearing aids, particularly those requiring professional fitting, can be costly, advancements in technology have led to a range of options that are more affordable. Some models even allow users to self-fit, reducing costs associated with professional services.

Misconception 3 – Hearing aids don’t work when there is noise. Advances in hearing aid technology, such as directional microphones and noise reduction features, have significantly improved their performance in challenging listening situations, enabling wearers to focus on conversations even amidst background noise.

Misconception 4 – Hearing aids need to be professionally fitted. The advent of digital technology and smart applications has introduced the possibility of self-fitting for certain types of hearing aids. This innovation allows individuals to conduct hearing tests and adjust settings from the comfort of their homes, making hearing aids more accessible and convenient to use.

Hearing Loss and Dementia

In Australia, dementia is an increasingly pressing concern, affecting individuals with the condition as well as their families and friends. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, with the ageing and growing population, Australia is set to see the number of people suffering from dementia to reach over 800,000 by 2058. While there is no cure for dementia at present, various strategies exist to help maintain autonomy and life quality for affected individuals for an extended period.

The cognitive load of deciphering sounds and conversations, combined with the social withdrawal stemming from communication difficulties, contributes to a diminished quality of life and accelerated cognitive decline.

Emerging research suggests that the use of hearing aids may offer a promising intervention to slow the progression of cognitive decline by improving auditory input, thus reducing the cognitive load, and enhancing social engagement. Although hearing aids cannot reverse cognitive decline, they hold the potential to improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss and may contribute to a delay in the onset of dementia. This preventative approach, focusing on maintaining hearing health, underscores the importance of regular hearing assessments and the early adoption of hearing aids when needed.

By addressing hearing loss proactively, we can take a significant step towards reducing the dementia burden in Australia.

Vibe Hearing in Australia – Breaking Down Barriers, Addressing Misconceptions

The Award-Winning Vibe Air from Vibe Hearing is a hearing aid technology designed to challenge misconceptions and break down the barriers to hearing care
The Award-Winning Vibe Air from Vibe Hearing is a hearing aid technology designed to challenge misconceptions and break down the barriers to hearing care

The World Health Organization’s theme for World Hearing Day 2024, Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all aims to change mindsets, break stigmas, and bring ear and hearing care for all. Vibe Hearing’s Vibe Air supports the goals of World Hearing Day by offering a solution to Australians with unaddressed hearing loss, bringing them an affordable, discreet, self-fitted solution that meets their needs and more.

——
1 Anovum 2021 – AustraliaTrak 2021

Hashtag: #VibeHearing

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Vibe Hearing

Vibe Hearing’s mission is to help those with hearing loss reclaim their social life and never miss the punchline of a story again! Our Vibe hearing aids are registered medical devices that can be bought in store or online and fitted in the comfort of users’ own homes without the help of an audiologist. The Award-Winning from Vibe Hearing is a hearing aid technology designed to challenge misconceptions and break down the barriers to hearing care. Designed for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, the Vibe Air is an affordable and convenient solution for those who may not have sought help for their hearing needs due to stigma or cost barriers.

Aon Names Rishi Mehra as Head of India to Accelerate Aon United Strategy


MUMBAI, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2024 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced Rishi Mehra as head of India, effective immediately. Mehra will be based in Mumbai and report to Anne Corona, chief executive officer of Asia Pacific at Aon. He will join Aon’s Asia Pacific Executive Committee and Global Executive Leadership Team.

Rishi Mehra
Rishi Mehra

Working closely with Jon Pipe, CEO and principal officer of Aon India Insurance Brokers and Nitin Sethi, CEO of Aon Consulting Private Limited, Mehra will bring together the collective capabilities across Risk, Health, Wealth and Talent consulting under a single leadership model, to harness the combined breadth of Aon’s expertise and solutions for clients across India.

Mehra will also play a key role in the integration of Global Insurance Brokers during the year. Upon completion, the acquisition will expand Aon’s existing capabilities bringing together an integrated team of over 1,000 colleagues across Aon in India.

Corona said: “I am delighted to unite India under Rishi’s leadership. His business acumen, combined with his experience as CFO will accelerate our ability to deliver Aon United capabilities to our clients. Rishi will build on the team’s success and strengthen collaboration across India to help our clients shape business decisions for the better.”

Mehra joined Aon in 2003 holding several senior finance roles across the Asia Pacific region, most recently serving as chief financial officer, Asia and Greater China. Prior to joining Aon, he worked at PepsiCo and PWC in India in consulting and business planning roles. Mehra will begin transitioning to his new role immediately and will be based in Mumbai by mid-2024.

“I am very excited and humbled to lead an extremely talented and driven team in India”, said Mehra. “We have so much opportunity ahead of us in a very unique and thriving economy, and I look forward to working with the team to unlock India’s growth potential leveraging our Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities to deliver insights and scalable solutions to help our clients make better decisions to protect and grow their businesses.”

Read more about Aon’s capabilities in India here.

Hashtag: #Aon

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Aon

(NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Our colleagues provide our clients in over 120 countries and sovereignties with advice and solutions that give them the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect and grow their business.

Follow Aon on , , and . Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s and sign up for news alerts .

First Phosphate Corp. Receives Mining Research and Innovation Grant from Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources


Saguenay, Quebec – Newsfile Corp. – March 4, 2024 – First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) (“First Phosphate” or the “Company”) is pleased to have recently received a mining research and innovation grant from the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (“MRNF”).

The grant provides financial support to the Company in the way of $315,236 to continue mineralogical study on its apatite, ilmenite and magnetite concentrates. The project also includes the processing of the Company’s mine tailings for re-use in the cement construction industry.

“We are grateful to the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests for this funding as we continue to build strong relationships with Quebec-based government bodies and institutions,” said Company CEO, John Passalacqua.

The Company’s objective is to see the development of a lithium iron phosphate (“LFP”) battery valley in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec, one which can service demand for LFP battery cathode active material across North America.

The company will have a table at the Canada Investment Forum at PDAC 2024 on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 12:00 EST until 17:00 EST (MTCC North Building, Room 105). Company CEO, John Passalacqua will hold a brief live presentation on the Company at 15:00 EST.

Research studies on Quebec igneous anorthosite can be found at: https://firstphosphate.com/phosphate-industry/quebecanorthosite

Details on First Phosphate’s pilot plant for the purification of Quebec igneous anorthosite into purified phosphoric acid (“PPA”) can be found at: https://firstphosphate.com/projects/ppa-production

Details on First Phosphate’s assets in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec, can be found at: https://firstphosphate.com/projects/prized-assets

Details on First Phosphate’s strategy for the creation of a fully integrated LFP battery supply chain in North America based on establishing an LFP battery valley in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec can be found at: https://firstphosphate.com/lfp-battery-strategy

The Company has also entered into a marketing agreement with NAI Interactive Ltd. (“NAI”) for a total cash consideration of $37,500+HST, paid up front, for a twelve-month period commencing March 4th, 2024. NAI is a company headquartered in British Columbia, Canada and can be reached at 604-488-8878 or info@nai500.com. NAI does not currently hold any common shares in the Company and will not receive any options to purchase securities of the Company. NAI and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities. Promotional activity will occur on NAI500.com.

About First Phosphate Corp.

First Phosphate is a mineral development company fully dedicated to extracting and purifying phosphate for the production of cathode active material for the LFP battery industry. First Phosphate is committed to producing at high purity level, in responsible manner and with low anticipated carbon footprint. First Phosphate plans to vertically integrate from mine source directly into the supply chains of major North American LFP battery producers that require battery grade LFP cathode active material emanating from a consistent and secure supply source. First Phosphate holds over 1,500 sq. km of royalty-free district-scale land claims in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Region of Quebec, Canada that it is actively developing. First Phosphate properties consist of rare anorthosite igneous phosphate rock that generally yields high purity phosphate material devoid of high concentrations of harmful elements.

For additional information, please contact:

Bennett Kurtz, CFO
bennett@firstphosphate.com
Tel: +1 (416) 200-0657

Investor Relations: investor@firstphosphate.com
Media Relations: media@firstphosphate.com
Website: www.FirstPhosphate.com

Follow First Phosphate:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FirstPhosphate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate

Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements

This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered “forward-looking statements” and “forward looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements, including, among other things, the Company’s planned exploration and production activities, the properties and composition of any extracted phosphate, the Company’s plans for vertical integration into North American supply chains and its ability to can satisfy demand for LFP battery cathode active material across North America.

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, expectations of the Company’s long term business outcomes given its short operating history; expectations regarding revenue, expenses and operations; the Company having sufficient working capital and ability to secure additional funding necessary for the exploration of the Company’s property interests; expectations regarding the potential mineralization, geological merit and economic feasibility of the Company’s projects; expectations regarding drill programs and the potential impacts successful drill programs could have on the life of the mine and the Company; mineral exploration and exploration program cost estimates; expectations regarding any environmental issues that may affect planned or future exploration programs and the potential impact of complying with existing and proposed environmental laws and regulations; receipt and timing of exploration and exploitation permits and other third-party approvals; government regulation of mineral exploration and development operations; expectations regarding any social or local community issues that may affect planned or future exploration and development programs; expectations surrounding global economic trends and technological advancements; and key personnel continuing their employment with the Company.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include: limited operating history; high risk of business failure; no profits or significant revenues; limited resources; negative cash flow from operations and dependence on third-party financing; the uncertainty of additional funding; no dividends; risks related to possible fluctuations in revenues and results; insurance and uninsured risks; litigation; reliance on management and key personnel; conflicts of interest; access to supplies and materials; dangers of mineral exploration and related liability and damages; risks relating to health and safety; government regulation and legal uncertainties; the company’s exploration and development properties may not be successful and are highly speculative in nature; dependence on outside parties; title to some of the Company’s mineral properties may be challenged or defective; Aboriginal title and land claims; obtaining and renewing licenses and permits; environmental and other regulatory risks may adversely affect the company; risks relating to climate change; risks related to infrastructure; land reclamation requirements may be burdensome; current global financial conditions; fluctuation in commodity prices; dilution; future sales by existing shareholders could cause the Company’s share price to fall; fluctuation and volatility in stock exchange prices; and risks related to market demands. There can be no assurance that any opportunity will be successful, commercially viable, completed on time or on budget, or will generate any meaningful revenues, savings or earnings, as the case may be, for the Company. In addition, the Company will incur costs in pursuing any particular opportunity, which may be significant.

These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company and, though they should be considered carefully, should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors described in the Company’s other documents filed with the Canadian securities authorities, including without limitation the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Information Form dated November 29, 2023 which is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About First Phosphate Corp.

OnePlus Watch 2 Hits the Market Today: Unveiling Price, Availability, and More


SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2024 – The much-anticipated OnePlus Watch 2, the latest iteration of the OnePlus smartwatch series, is now officially on sale in India, Europe, and North America. Launched at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) on February 26, the OnePlus Watch 2 quickly garnered global attention with its pre-orders opening the same day, leading to unprecedented sales achievements worldwide. Not only has it become the most successful OnePlus product in Europe within two years, but it also achieved a remarkable 176% sales figure of its predecessor, the OnePlus Watch 1. This surge in popularity is attributed to its extraordinary battery life of up to 100 hours thanks to the innovative Dual-Engine Architecture, its premium build and design, alongside the latest Wear OS 4 operating system.

OnePlus Watch 2 Hits the Market Today

Industry-leading Battery Life Backed by Dual-Engine Architecture

The OnePlus Watch 2 is packed with flagship features, including exceptional battery and charging performance for industry-leading reliability and longevity. It features OnePlus’s self-developed Dual-Engine Architecture powered by two different flagship chipsets — the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 Wearable Platform, which runs demanding tasks, like running your favorite Google apps, and another BES2700 Efficiency Chipset, which runs RTOS and handles background activity and simple tasks. This optimized approach, enabled by the Wear OS hybrid interface seamlessly managing the transition between chips, means users will experience a smartwatch that effortlessly does it all while extending the time between charges.

With this unique Dual-Engine Architecture and a 500mAh battery, OnePlus Watch 2 can offer up to 100 hours1 of regular use with all functionalities accessible in Smart Mode, or up to 48 hours2 with heavy use. With 7.5W VOOC Fast Charging, the 500mAh battery can be fully charged in 60 minutes. With its 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM configuration, the OnePlus Watch 2 also offers plenty of memory and storage to ensure the watch runs smoothly at all times.

A Personal Fitness and Wellness Coach on Your Wrist

Drawing on its advanced combination of hardware and software, the OnePlus Watch 2 provides meaningful insights that can drive positive change in health and fitness thanks to its ability to collect and analyze comprehensive health data in the OHealth app.

OnePlus Watch 2 Your Partner in Time

The OnePlus Watch 2 and the OHealth app now also support Health Connect by Android™, which offers a central hub in Android 14 for managing data permissions from multiple health and fitness apps and devices. With user permission, users can more securely sync their health data collected via the watch or the OHealth app with Health Connect-compatible apps.

Fitness features available through the OHealth app include tracking modes for more than 100 sports such as badminton, running, tennis, skiing, and more. Specifically for badminton, the OHealth app on the OnePlus Watch 2 can track data such as swing strength and speed. Using the running tracking mode, wearers can also track data such as ground contact time, ground balance, and VO2 max. OnePlus and Wear OS worked closely to fine-tune these sensor capabilities. Designed for enhanced accuracy in location tracking, the OnePlus Watch 2 features Dual Frequency GPS with the ability to receive L5 GPS signals in addition to the commonly used L1 signals. The use of two separate antennas for each GPS signal further improves the precision and reliability of positioning for wearers.

Building on the OHealth app, the OnePlus Watch 2 also offers detailed sleep tracking analysis – including an all-day sleep record that tracks users’ deep sleep, light sleep, REM and awake times, as well as monitoring sleep breathing rate and providing a sleep quality score, sleep snoring risk assessment, and more, it can also monitor stress levels by calculating heart rate variability (HRV).

The Best of Google apps with Wear OS 4

Powered with the latest version of Wear OS, the OnePlus Watch 2 comes with popular Google apps like Maps, Assistant, Wallet, and Calendar, plus support for more third-party apps. Experience new levels of convenience with the new features coming to Google apps, like the launch of transit directions on Google Maps that helps you navigate public transportation effortlessly from your wrist. Plus, manage boarding passes, event tickets, and more directly on your watch with Google Wallet. With Fast Pair, you can quickly connect and set up your OnePlus Watch 2 with your OnePlus phone or other supported Android smartphone. This seamless pairing experience supports features like calling, messaging, media remote control, and more directly from your wrist.

Premium Design with Remarkable Durability

OnePlus Watch 2 shares the same design language with the OnePlus 12 Series. Taking inspiration from the distinctive K-shape design of the OnePlus 12 series, the OnePlus Watch 2 features a round watch face that echoes the series’ camera deco, making it the perfect companion for OnePlus 12 series.

The OnePlus Watch 2 features a 2.5D sapphire crystal cover, making it more scratch-resistant without compromising optical clarity. The watch chassis is made out of stainless steel for added rust and corrosion resistance. Certified to the latest MIL-STD-810H US military standard, the OnePlus Watch 2 is able to withstand tough conditions and environmental stresses, while its IP68 resistant rating and 5ATM water resistance rating ensure excellent performance at the beach, in the desert, or while swimming.

Price and Availability

The OnePlus Watch 2 will be available for purchase in India, Europe, and North America starting from March 4th. It will be offered in two color options, Black Steel and Radiant Steel, and will feature 2GB RAM+32GB ROM storage. The price of the OnePlus Watch 2 is set at ₹24,999 / €329 / $299.99. Warranty plans and after-sales programs are subject to terms and conditions specific to the region of purchase. More retail information can be found on: www.oneplus.com

Disclaimer:

  1. 100 hours of usage time in Smart Mode is based on tests performed by OnePlus in laboratory conditions. Test data is derived from simulations based on the following settings and usage scenarios, actual battery life may vary: Official watch face, AOD off, default health monitoring, 14.2 hours/day Bluetooth connection, 1 hour/day Wi-Fi connection standby, 6.5 hours/day sleep monitoring, 220 times/day raise-to-wake with screen illumination, 130 notifications/day, 20 minutes/day screen use (various applications), 6 times/day incoming call reminder (5s), 5 minutes/day Bluetooth call, 500s/day data sync between phone and watch, 15 minutes/day Bluetooth and headset connection for music (Spotify), 30 minutes/day outdoor running, and 3 times/day alarm.
  2. 48 hours of battery life with heavy use of OnePlus Watch 2 in Smart Mode is derived from simulations based on the following settings and usage scenarios, actual battery life may vary: third party watch face (with Dual-Engine Architecture turned off), AOD turned on, default health monitoring, 12.2 hours/day Bluetooth connection, 2 hours/day Wi-Fi connection, 6.5 hours/day sleep monitoring, 300 times/day raise-to-wake with screen illumination, receive 180 messages/day, 30 minutes/day screen operation (various applications), 6 times/day incoming call reminder (5s), 5 minutes/day Bluetooth call, 15 minutes/day Google Maps linked navigation, 500s/day data sync between phone and watch, 30 minutes/day Bluetooth headset connection for music (Spotify), 30 minutes/day outdoor running, and 3 times/day alarm.
  3. Google, Wear OS by Google, Google Maps, Google Wallet and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
  4. OnePlus Watch 2 only supports connecting with smartphones with Android 8.0 and above, which should also have a GMS version of 23.45.23 and above. iOS and Android (Go edition) devices are not supported.

Hashtag: #OnePlus

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About OnePlus

OnePlus is a global mobile technology brand that challenges conventional concepts of technology. Founded on the “Never Settle” mantra, OnePlus creates exquisitely designed devices with premium build quality and high-performance hardware. OnePlus is a global mobile technology brand that challenges conventional concepts of technology. Founded on the “Never Settle” mantra, OnePlus creates exquisitely designed devices with premium build quality and high-performance hardware. OnePlus thrives on cultivating strong bonds and growing alongside its community of users and fans.

For more information, please visit OnePlus.com or follow us on:

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Pecan Energies, operator of Deepwater Tano/Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP) block, completes rebranding, committing to unlock prosperity for Ghana and beyond


ACCRA, GHANA – EQS Newswire – 4 March 2024 – Pecan Energies (www.PecanEnergies.com), the operator of the Deepwater Tano/Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP) block offshore Ghana is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its rebranding journey.

The company has evolved with a new name, logo, and a revitalized brand identity to better reflect its commitment to building prosperity and enabling growth for African communities. Underlining this transformation is Pecan Energies’ new tagline: “Unlocking Prosperity.”

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) acquired Pecan Energies in April 2023, laying the foundations for a new brand identity. AFC is a multilateral financial institution created by African sovereign states to provide pragmatic solutions to Africa’s infrastructure deficit and challenging operating environment. The acquisition was a demonstration of AFC’s commitment to ensure that Africa’s natural resources, including its vast oil and gas reserves, are developed sustainably while retaining value on the continent. Pecan Energies holds a 50 per cent stake in the DWT/CTP block offshore Ghana.

“Pecan Energies represents our ambition to become the Pan-African oil and gas operator of choice in offshore deep waters of Ghana. Our new brand is dedicated to value creation, one of our core values. This also includes an unwavering commitment to transparency in how we harness our commercial and technical expertise for developmental outcomes in Ghana and beyond,” said Eiliv Gjesdal, Chief Executive Officer of Pecan Energies AS.

Pecan Energies is making good progress towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) following the successful approval of its Plan of Development (PoD) for the DWT/CTP contract area by Ghanaian authorities. Under its new ownership and identity, the goal is to realize the full social and economic impact potential of the entire DWT/CTP block. The block has discoveries of approximately 550 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalents, in addition to a significant exploration portfolio.

“As we embrace our new identity, sustainability, localization, empowerment, and giving back aren’t just commitments — they’re woven into the very fabric of our business,” said Kadijah Amoah, Chief Executive Officer of Pecan Energies Ghana Limited.

Key Highlights of the Rebrand:

New Logo: The logo is a culmination of modern design elements that represent the company’s forward-thinking approach. It has been designed to be clear, simple, and bold and stems from a series of shapes and symbols that evoke collaboration and mutual benefit.

Brand Palette & Typography: Adopting a palette that represents our devotion to the sustainable development of the natural resource was essential and plays a central role in creating and sustaining brand recognition.

Vision and Mission: Our vision and mission speak to our aspiration to mature and produce resources in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the mutual benefit of the Ghanaian people, the company, and our partners. Our goal is to unlock greater prosperity in Ghana and beyond.

Download image: https://apo-opa.co/3IeRWH4 (Diversity and Sustainability)

Hashtag: #PecanEnergies

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Pecan Energies:

Pecan Energies is the operator and 50 per cent shareholder in the Deepwater Tano Cape Three Points block (DWT/CTP) offshore Ghana. It is fully owned by Africa Finance Corporation. Our partners in the DWT/CTP block are: Lukoil Overseas Ghana Tano Limited, 38 per cent, Fueltrade Limited 2% and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, 10%.

Read more about Pecan Energies at

Focused on positive impact: Ricola becomes a B Corporation


LAUFEN, SWITZERLAND – Newsaktuell – 4 March 2024 – Marking an important milestone on its sustainability journey, Ricola is now a certified B Corporation™. This step reflects Ricola’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, in line with its values as a family-owned enterprise.

Focused on positive impact: Ricola becomes a B Corporation

As B Corporation, Ricola has been verified as meeting non-profit organization B Lab’s high standards in the areas of social and environmental impact, legal commitment to responsible company practices and public transparency.

Responsibility and sustainability are in the nature of Ricola

Ricola’s path to becoming a B Corporation is built on a foundation laid at the company’s inception, namely its respect for the Swiss Alpine ecosystems that produce the herbs for its products. Ricola has long understood sustainability as a core business principle. The company’s practices, from herb cultivation according to organic standards to continuously striving towards environmentally sound product manufacturing, are designed to preserve and nurture these ecosystems and their biodiversity, ensuring a positive impact on the environment and society.

Focused on positive impact: Ricola becomes a B Corporation

“We owe everything to nature. Becoming a B Corporation aligns with our identity as a family-owned company and our dedication to connecting people with nature,” says Thomas P. Meier, CEO of Ricola. “It’s about balancing our ambitions for growth with our responsibilities to the planet and its people.”

“B Lab Switzerland Foundation is truly honored to welcome Ricola into the B Corp movement. As an iconic Swiss company with nearly a century of unwavering commitment to nature and communities, Ricola embodies the principles of using business as a force for good. Their dedication to resiliency and sustainability leadership is exemplary,” says Jonathan Normand, Founder and CEO of B Lab Switzerland.

A framework for action: Ricola’s sustainability strategy

Over the past two years, Ricola has refined a comprehensive approach to sustainability, identifying six core areas where it can have the most significant impact: agriculture principles, waste management, packaging innovation, climate change mitigation, water conservation, and ethical sourcing.

For each area, Ricola has set quantitative targets and implements annual “footsteps” – actionable steps to achieve these targets. These efforts are managed across the Ricola Group, with each part of the company playing a role on the collective journey towards sustainability.

As a B Corporation, Ricola is required to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, which includes continuous improvements towards recertification every three years, to ensure compliance and progress. Ricola has committed to evaluating its sustainability performance using globally recognized key figures. It plans to report on its progress biennially according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, which are applied by a multitude of companies worldwide. The initial report for 2022 is available for download on the company’s website.

– Picture is available at AP

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Ricola – Company Profile

Ricola is one of the world’s most modern and innovative manufacturers of herb drops. Ricola herb specialties are exported to 45 countries and are famous for their fine Swiss quality. Founded in 1930, with headquarters in Laufen near Basel and subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the USA, Ricola now produces around 50 different herb drops and tea specialties. In Switzerland, this family-owned company is a pioneer in herb cultivation and places great value on using carefully selected locations and controlled, environmentally sound cultivation methods. Ricola has concluded fixed long-term purchase agreements with around 85 farmers in Swiss mountain regions. As a certified B Corporation, Ricola is committed to sustainable corporate management, economically, socially and ecologically and is a responsible employer. The traditional values of a family enterprise coupled with Swiss quality and a passion for innovation are crucial factors in the success of the Ricola global brand.

About B Lab™

B Lab is the nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. B Lab creates standards, policies, tools, and programs that shift the behavior, culture, and structure of capitalism. We mobilize the global B Corp community towards collective action to address society’s most critical challenges, and we collaborate with governments, academia, coalitions, and other institutions to drive economic systems change.

About Certified B Corporation™

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Berlin Cures’ BC 007 Targeting Long COVID Achieves Solid Progress with Over 50% Patient Recruitment in Phase II Trial

  • Berlin Cures, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm, advances innovative treatment aimed at combating Long COVID, currently impacting over 100 million people globally.
  • Over 50% of patients in randomized placebo-controlled Phase-II-trial now recruited; no issues regarding safety observed.
  • Berlin Cures innovative platform develops novel aptamer-based drugs to neutralize pathogenic functional autoantibodies, targeting diseases.

BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2024 – Berlin Cures, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has reached a significant milestone in its Europe-wide clinical trial for Long COVID, effectively enrolling over 50% of the targeted 114 patients and expanding the study’s inclusion criteria. The trial is investigating the efficacy of BC 007, the company’s pioneering drug candidate designed to neutralize functional autoantibodies (fAABs), which play a key role in the persistence of Long COVID symptoms.

BC 007

The study is actively progressing across 12 trial centers in Finland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain, exemplifying the collaborative effort to address Long COVID, which has developed into a significant global health issue. Progress is strong and another seven centers are set to join soon. Anticipated results in autumn 2024 will pave the way for the next development stage, with Berlin Cures currently seeking additional funding to complete Phase II and initiate the crucial Phase III study necessary for regulatory approval.

“Long COVID is a global health crisis, negatively impacting over 100 million people worldwide, significantly reducing their quality of life and imposing substantial economic and social burdens. It puts immense pressure on our health systems and strains economic resources,” states Oliver von Stein, CEO of Berlin Cures. “If we don’t act now, we face spiraling healthcare costs, lost productivity, and widening social gaps. Our united front of clinical centers across Europe marks a pivotal move in confronting the pressing issue of Long COVID.”

Dr Oliver von Stein
Dr Oliver von Stein

As a biotech company focused on neutralizing fAABs, Berlin Cures stands at the forefront of developing innovative treatments for a variety of autoimmune diseases, including Long COVID, heart failure, glaucoma, and many others. Its drug candidate, BC 007, represents a promising solution by targeting harmful fAABs implicated in a range of autoimmune conditions such as Long COVID.

The ongoing Phase II clinical trial in Long COVID seeks to deliver conclusive and reliable results on the drug’s effectiveness and safety for patients. The company anticipates a positive outcome, which will pave the way to proceed with a larger Phase III study, crucial for BC 007’s approval.

BC 007 Could Potentially Cure Long COVID for Many
Current estimates indicate that functional autoantibodies (fAABs) are detectable in blood tests in about 40% of all Long COVID patients. Functional autoantibodies are a specific type of autoantibody that can develop as an immune response following infections, mistakenly target the body’s tissues or cells. This interaction can lead to autoimmune diseases. Unlike normal antibodies that protect against infections, fAABs disrupt normal functions by binding to cell receptors or other proteins, often imitating or blocking natural signals needed for healthy cell functions. This disruption can result in a variety of autoimmune diseases, depending on the target of the autoantibodies and the role of the targeted tissue in the body.

“The presence of fAABs in such a large portion of patients highlights the potential of BC 007 to combat the underlying cause of Long COVID symptoms in a significant group of affected individuals. We are convinced of BC 007’s therapeutic potential and are actively seeking support to prepare for a larger Phase III study,” adds Oliver von Stein. “Our commitment to finding a cure for diseases caused by fAABs remains steadfast, supported by private funding since our inception.”

Versatile Platform Technology Targeting Multiple Medical Conditions
The potential of BC 007 extends beyond treating a single disease, making it a so-called platform technology. By neutralizing fAABs, BC 007 could potentially act against many fAAB-associated diseases.

Built on more than two decades of fAAB-research, Berlin Cures has advanced BC 007 into clinical trials. This journey has demonstrated efficacy in Phase I studies with fAAB-positive volunteers and in a Phase IIa trial with heart failure patients, showing significant long-term benefits. Preclinical and clinical results with BC 007 have shown effective and lasting neutralization of fAABs after treatment. Moreover, BC 007 has proven to be safe and well-tolerated. With the ongoing Phase II trial focusing on Long COVID, Berlin Cures continues to seek additional investments and partnerships to advance this groundbreaking opportunity.

Hashtag: #BerlinCures

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Berlin Cures:

The Berlin Cures team has dedicated over two decades to the research of functional autoantibodies (fAABs) and has successfully identified a molecule capable of effectively neutralizing these. Promising preclinical results have been observed for BC 007. It was found effective in fAAB-positive healthy volunteers during the Phase I study and in heart failure patients in a Phase IIa trial, where it demonstrated long-term autoantibody neutralization after a single dose and significant improvement in cardiac function, with no spontaneous disappearance of autoantibodies in untreated patients. Its potential against Long COVID is indicated by lab data generated using sera from Long COVID patients, and four case studies. By tackling the root cause of fAAB-associated diseases with this unique biotechnology, Berlin Cures emerges as one of the pioneering entities committed to addressing this critical issue at its core.

Since June 2023, Berlin Cures has been absolving a Phase II clinical trial with BC 007 in the indication Long COVID, an acute and escalating global health problem, to obtain meaningful and robust results on efficacy and tolerability of BC 007 with patients suffering from Long COVID.