Home Blog Page 1315

Jin Medical Announces the Official Commencement Date of Chuzhou Facility

By
Advertorial Desk
-

CHANGZHOU, China, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jin Medical International Ltd. (NASDAQ: ZJYL) (“Jin Medical”, and together with all its subsidiaries, the “Company”), a NASDAQ-listed leading provider of rehabilitation medical equipment in China, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhongjin Medical Equipment (Anhui) Co., Ltd., has made significant progress in the final construction of its manufacturing facility in Chuzhou, Anhui Province, China. The Company is projected to launch full capacity production by the end of April 2026. The Company completed regulatory filings with the local authorities for the Chuzhou facility on December 29, 2025, and has obtained the license for Class I Medical Device production. The commencement of full production is expected to deliver an annual production capacity of 200,000 units of mid-to-high end electric wheelchairs and senior mobility scooters.

The Chuzhou facility is situated in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta’s manufacturing hub, offering strategic geographical and supply chain advantages. Once fully operational, the project is anticipated to generate a substantial annual output capacity that will significantly enhance Jin Medical’s comprehensive manufacturing capabilities in premium mobility products.

Dr. Erqi Wang, Chairman and CEO of Jin Medical stated, “The completion of this project will support our strategic goal of optimizing global production capacities. The Chuzhou base will strengthen the resilience of our supply chain and accelerate our response to both domestic and international market demands.” According to the Company’s strategic plan, the facility will prioritize production of mid-to-high-end electric wheelchairs and senior mobility scooters during its initial phase, utilizing automated production lines and highly efficient protocols to improve cost control and product quality consistency.

Industry experts note that Jin Medical’s expansion coincides with the growing global demand for assistive devices driven by global aging trend. Located in a region with robust manufacturing infrastructure, the Chuzhou facility is expected to enhance Jin Medical’s market competitiveness through efficient scaled production. The Company reaffirms its commitment to executing the project as planned and creating sustained value for shareholders through efficient execution.

About Jin Medical International Ltd.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered at Changzhou, Jiangsu Province of China, Jin Medical designs, develops, manufactures and markets wheelchairs and living aids products for people with disabilities, elderlies, and for rehabilitation application. Currently, Jin Medical already operates two manufacturing plants of approximately 230,000 square feet in the aggregate in Changzhou City and Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. Jin Medical is currently establishing a new facility with 430,000 square feet in Chuzhou, Anhui Province, China. Jin Medical works with more than 40 distributors in China and more than 20 international distributors. The majority of Jin Medical’s wheelchair products, with more than 30 models, are sold to distributors in Japan and China. Jin Medical continuously delivers innovative wheelchair products that are both lightweight and ergonomic. For more information, please visit: http://www.zhjmedical.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performances, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “intend”, “plan”, “strive”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “project”, “estimate,” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s ability to achieve its goals and strategies, the Company’s future business development and plans for future business development, including its financial conditions and results of operations, product and service demand and acceptance, reputation and brand, the impact of competition and pricing, changes in technology, government regulations, import and export restrictions, fluctuations in general economic and business conditions, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, as well as its current reports on Form 6-K and other filings, all of which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

For more information, please contact:

ir@zhjmedical.com

Global Times: China’s GDP expands 5% to hit 140-trillion-yuan mark in 2025, meeting growth target despite serious headwinds

By
Advertorial Desk
-

BEIJING, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — China’s GDP grew at 5 percent year-on-year to 140.19 trillion yuan ($20.13 trillion) in 2025, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Monday, meeting the annual growth target of around 5 percent and surpassing the 140-trillion-yuan threshold for the first time. 

Observers said the upbeat data underscored the resilience and vitality of the world’s second-largest economy despite multiple downward pressures. They added that such growth momentum will continue to position China as a beacon of stability and the locomotive of the world economy. 

While the data represents a resounding success to the conclusion of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, it also lays a solid foundation for a head start this year – also the opening year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), analysts said, noting that China’s economic strength will give the country and the global community greater confidence to navigate an increasingly complex, volatile geopolitical environment and rising waves of trade protectionism in the years to come. 

The economy in the 14th Five-Year Plan period was marked by four consecutive leaps – surpassing 110 trillion yuan, 120 trillion yuan, 130 trillion yuan, and 140 trillion yuan, Kang Yi, head of NBS, said at a press briefing of the State Council Information Office on Monday on the release of the economic data for 2025.

The economy expanded 4.5 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter last year, data from the NBS showed, easing from 4.8 percent in the third quarter, following 5.2 percent in the second quarter and 5.4 percent in the first quarter.

When asked to comment on China’s economic performance last year, Kang used four keywords: “stable, progressive, innovative, and resilient.” 

“China’s economy has continued to demonstrate strong resilience, navigating instability while achieving both quantitative leaps and qualitative improvements,” said Kang, noting that the country is projected to contribute around 30 percent to global economic growth, serving as a stabilizer for world supply chains.

Yao Jingyuan, a special researcher of the Counselor’s Office of the State Council, told the Global Times on Monday that achieving 5-percent GDP growth and crossing the output milestone of 140 trillion yuan marks the successful completion of the goals listed in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25). Meanwhile, the robust figures have laid a crucial foundation for a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and for resolutely marching toward China’s second centenary goal. 

‘Unprecedented’ challenges

Based on the Global Times’ calculation, the 5-percent increase in China’s GDP also translates to a net growth of 5.38 trillion yuan ($771.73 billion) in economic volume last year, which is more than the entire GDP of Belgium of $671.37 billion in 2024 by World Bank metric. 

Yao said the transcript is by no means easy, as 2025 was an “extraordinary year” during which the internal and external challenges facing the Chinese economy were unprecedented in both scale and intensity.

“Externally, trade protectionism has been on the rise, and de-globalization trends have reemerged. In particular, there have been renewed attempts to contain and suppress China’s development, with the US wielding the tariff stick once again. Internally, China has been dealing with pressures from insufficient demand, an imbalance between supply and demand, as well as the pains associated with economic transformation and upgrading,” Yao said. 

The resilient economic fundamentals, which vividly demonstrated throughout last year’s development trajectory, will provide greater policy maneuver and inspire stronger confidence for a robust start in implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) in 2026, analysts said.

Tian Yun, a Beijing-based economist, told the Global Times on Monday that the standout developments in new growth drivers last year closely align with the priorities of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which places strong emphasis on achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology and steering the development of new quality productive forces.

“So, 2025 served as a critical bridge in deepening this strategic layout,” he added. In the next five years, China is expected to play a greater and more indispensable global role in the face of fragmented global supply chain, intensifying global tech race and rising geopolitical tensions, analysts noted. 

“The resilient and stable growth logged by the Chinese economy has provided a crucial safeguard for the sustainable development of the world economy. On the other hand, China stands today as the world’s most stable supply chain base and the primary production hub for industrial goods. And this position will become more evident in the years to come,” Tian said.

According to Yao, China’s 5-percent growth rate clearly places the country at the forefront among the world’s major economies. An IMF report released on Monday forecasted that global growth will hover around 3.3 percent in 2025. 

The economic expansion of the world’s second-largest economy has also caught the limelight of global mainstream media outlets. A Guardian article cited an economist as saying that “navigating a fraught geopolitical landscape remained a ‘major wildcard,’ but that China’s economy should continue to grow through 2026.” The Associated Press said in a report that China’s economy expanded at a 5 percent annual pace in 2025, buoyed by strong exports despite US tariffs.

Economic highlights

In 2025, China’s value-added industrial output rose by 5.9 percent compared to the same period in 2024, while fixed-asset investment declined by 3.8 percent year-on-year, NBS data showed. China’s retail sales of consumer goods jumped 3.7 percent year-on-year last year.

Hu Qimu, deputy secretary-general of Forum 50 for Digital-Real Economies Integration, highlighted the development of such industries as high-tech and advanced manufacturing, which shows that the development of China’s new quality productive forces has been gearing up and become a prominent driver of the economy in 2025.

Last year, the value added of high-tech manufacturing grew by 9.4 percent year-on-year, outpacing overall growth rate by 3.5 percentage points. The output of industrial robots increased by 28 percent, and new energy vehicles rose by 25.1 percent, data from NBS showed. 

In the fourth quarter, China’s growth in retail sales also stabilized, boosted by a slew of measures that stimulated consumer demand as well as the vibrant spending during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, analysts said. 

Tian pointed out that the consumer demand has gotten off a good start this year, with notable release of consumer demands during the New Year’s Day holidays, and is expected to continue rising steadily through the upcoming Spring Festival holidays.

Since the beginning of 2026, Chinese authorities have released a bunch of initiatives that aim at spurring consumption and expanding domestic demand, which analysts believe are set to “create favorable conditions for a promising start” in 2026.

“Those are clear signals delivered to the market that the Chinese government will act proactively and front-load its efforts. It is forecasted that more targeted measures will be followed to address persisting economic challenges, which will all help to bolster market confidence and enhance overall social expectation this year,” Hu said. 

A number of economists and global financial institutions are confident on China’s economic prospects.

The IMF report released on Monday has revised the growth forecast for China upward by 0.3 percentage point to 4.5 percent, “reflecting the lower US effective tariff rates on Chinese goods as a result of the yearlong trade truce agreed to in November and stimulus measures that are assumed to be implemented over two years.”

Chinese economy is projected by Goldman Sachs Research to grow by 4.8 percent in 2026 as exports increase and the downward pressure from a slowing property market lessens, according to a report the US investment bank released on its website. 

The country is expected to set its growth target in March at the annual “two sessions.” 

Teleport raises USD 50 million pre-IPO capital at USD 500 million valuation to scale model globally

By
Advertorial Desk
-

Teleport set to accelerate the growth of its unique asset-light model with growth capital injection from HPS Investment Partners to better serve cross border eCommerce in key global markets

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Teleport signed a Subscription Agreement with funds managed by HPS Investment Partners today for the issuance of Redeemable Convertible Perpetual Securities (RCPS) to raise a total consideration of USD50 million as pre-IPO growth capital. HPS Investment Partners is a leading global alternative investment firm.

Teleport raises USD 50 million pre-IPO capital at USD 500 million valuation to scale model globally
Teleport raises USD 50 million pre-IPO capital at USD 500 million valuation to scale model globally

This raise values Teleport, the logistics arm of Capital A Berhad (Capital A), at USD500 million (equivalent to RM2.03 billion[1]) pre-money and will accelerate the expansion of Teleport’s unique cross-border eCommerce model globally. This capital raise allows Teleport to strengthen its balance sheet and fund network growth with its key partner airlines, ahead of a future public listing. Altogether, the company has raised approximately USD 109 million since inception in 2018.

Teleport’s updated valuation from a leading global institutional investor is a strong validation for Capital A and the various AirAsia airlines, who have supported the build of Teleport since its inception eight years ago. This increased institutional confidence in Teleport’s model demonstrates the commercial viability and sustainability of its unique model, as Southeast Asia’s integrated eCommerce logistics specialist.

Market leadership with unique asset-light air network
Since it was founded, Teleport has scaled its infrastructure and asset-light Teleport Network to rank #1 within Southeast Asia[2], #9 in Asia[3] and #13 globally by volume[4].

Teleport’s unique model, anchored on an asset-light air network infrastructure, allows it to deliver cross-border eCommerce at marginal cost. The Teleport Network has the most direct point-to-point connections – reaching over 290 capital and smaller cities across 80 countries in Asia Pacific; connecting over 50 partner airlines. It is further enabled by technology, from first to last mile, built to continuously move eCommerce faster, cheaper, better.

Pete Chareonwongsak, Chief Executive Officer of Teleport, said, “We are happy to welcome HPS in our next stage of growth to scale our unique ‘asset-light’ model for cross border eCommerce to reach further into key global markets, specifically targeting high-growth eCommerce corridors between China, the rest of Asia, Middle East and beyond. We appreciate the trust and confidence that HPS has placed in Teleport by investing in our journey towards an IPO.”

He added, “I am thankful to all 729 Teleporters who have worked above and beyond these past eight years. Together, we built Teleport uniquely, against many industry norms, which was not easy but the team persevered – alongside Allstars notably from AirAsia, ADE and GTR, each of whom are an integral support to Teleport’s operations and success, a true show of strength from within the Capital A ecosystem. The Teleport model has proven itself in more ways than one and we are still ahead of the curve. Today, we have only captured 1% of a USD28 billion Total Addressable Market[5] for China and Southeast Asia air cargo and cross-border eCommerce. We will continue with that same perseverance with the continued trust and support of Capital A, AirAsia, our shareholders, investors and partner airlines who share the same belief of being better together in order to serve our customers faster, cheaper and better.”

Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Capital A Berhad said, “This investment is a clear vindication of our strategy and innovative approach. I am thrilled that Teleport has evolved into a leading cargo and logistics provider globally, ranked among the top players in Asia. Our unwavering support for Teleport and belief in its potential have directly resulted in this significant capital raising. This partnership is immensely beneficial to the AirAsia airlines, to work with a dedicated partner to maximise our belly space and network utilisation. This updated valuation represents an unrealised return of over 100-fold[6] for Capital A, and positions Teleport well for a future IPO. This is a clear win for our shareholders, delivering significant returns, and this strategy will continue as we actively look for growth capital for other Capital A companies.”

The completion of the issuance of RCPS by Teleport is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent as set out in the Subscription Agreement. BNP Paribas and Milbank acted as financial advisor and legal counsel respectively to Teleport, while Latham & Watkins acted as legal counsel to HPS Investment Partners.

About Teleport

Teleport is an integrated eCommerce logistics specialist operating the largest, yet asset-light, air network in Southeast Asia. We are on a mission to move things across the region faster, cheaper and better than anyone else – by giving access to affordable and reliable cross-border delivery for all big and small businesses, as fast as next-day.

Teleport is a logistics venture of Capital A, with a presence across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Chinese Mainland, Chinese Hong Kong and India.

For more information, please visit teleport.it or our social media on LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Capital A

Capital A is an investment holding company with a diverse portfolio of synergistic aviation and travel businesses, leveraging data and technology to drive growth. Our key businesses include AirAsia, the world’s leading low-cost carrier, Capital A Aviation Services Group, AirAsia MOVE (formerly airasia Superapp) and fintech BigPay as well as logistics venture Teleport and brand development company, Abc. Capital A’s vision is to create and deliver products and services that focus on offering the best value at the lowest cost, underpinned by robust data accumulated over 20 years in operation and one of Asia’s leading brands that remains committed to serving the underserved in Asean and beyond.

About HPS Investment Partners

HPS is a leading global, credit-focused alternative investment firm that seeks to provide creative capital solutions and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for our clients. We manage various strategies across the capital structure, including privately negotiated senior debt; privately negotiated junior capital solutions in debt, preferred and equity formats; liquid credit including syndicated leveraged loans, collateralized loan obligations and high yield bonds; asset-based finance and real estate. The scale and breadth of our platform offers the flexibility to invest in companies large and small, through standard or customised solutions. At our core, we share a common thread of intellectual rigor and discipline that enables us to create value for our clients, who have entrusted us with approximately $179 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2025. For more information, please visit www.hpspartners.com.

[1] Note: Unless otherwise stated and wherever applicable, the exchange rate of the United States of America Dollar (“USD”) 1: Ringgit Malaysia (“RM”) 4.05, being the latest practicable rate prior to this announcement, is used throughout this announcement for the purpose of conversion of USD into RM

[2] Source: https://www.worldacd.com/

[3] Source: https://www.worldacd.com/

[4] Source: Armstrong and Associates; Rotate

[5] Teleport internal analysis

[6] Basis: Based on USD 500 million valuation, with equity invested by Capital A amounting to a total of USD2.7 million

 

For media enquiries, please contact: 
Teleport Communications Team:  teleportcomms@teleport.it

NAVEE Brings Eagle F1X and Birdie 5X to PGA Show 2026, Expanding into Golf Mobility

By
Advertorial Desk
-

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NAVEE, a global smart mobility brand, showcases its latest innovations, the Eagle F1X and Birdie 5X golf push carts, at PGA Show 2026. These products represent NAVEE’s exploration beyond short-range mobility, bringing intelligent technology and scenario-driven design into golf and outdoor leisure spaces.

NAVEE Eagle F1X Golf Push Cart
NAVEE Eagle F1X Golf Push Cart

The PGA Merchandise Show is the world’s premier golf industry event, bringing together top brands, media, and professionals to showcase innovation, set trends, and shape the future of golf.

The Eagle F1X combines a F1 race car–inspired design with advanced smart features. It offers AI vision and UWB-enabled intelligent auto-follow, as well as AI + GPS smart obstacle avoidance. With 40,000+ global course maps, a 5.5-inch full-color touchscreen, and one-button recall within 150 meters, Eagle F1X gives golfers real-time distance insights and effortless control. At just 15 kg and folding in 3 seconds, it delivers performance and portability in one sleek package.

Eagle F1X has already garnered industry attention. It debuted at CES 2026, earning recognition from The Gadgeteer and Yanko Design as Best of CES, reflecting NAVEE’s commitment to design, and intelligent mobility.

The Birdie 5X emphasizes hands-free operation and compact convenience. Building on the brand’s first electric golf push cart, the Birdie 3 series launched in September 2025, its Follow-Me mode is now more responsive. The UWB-powered auto-follow maintains a 2–8 meter distance, automatically adjusting to the golfer’s pace. With a 220Wh battery, Birdie 5X can complete 36 holes on a single charge, while its 4+1 wheel system and dual 130W motors (250W peak) ensure stability across fairways, sand, mud, and slopes up to 25°.

“NAVEE’s goal is to integrate intelligent technology into golf and other outdoor activities, freeing users to focus on the experience while enhancing convenience and performance,” said Jian Lu, the company’s CEO.

Building on years of expertise in smart mobility and world-leading suspension systems, NAVEE has a natural advantage in entering new sectors. The company is now leveraging these core strengths to expand beyond transportation, bringing intelligence, and reliability to golf and other recreational applications.

About NAVEE

NAVEE is a global smart mobility brand focused on system-level engineering and intelligent technology integration. Leveraging automotive-grade design, advanced suspension systems, and AI-enabled control technologies, NAVEE develops high-performance products to support more sustainable and adaptable mobility across urban, recreational, and outdoor scenarios worldwide. Learn more at https://naveetech.com/.

accesso® Expands Venue-Controlled Resale Capability

By
Advertorial Desk
-

Partnership with menta tech gives venues verified, white-label resale while keeping control of pricing, data and guest relationships.

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — accesso Technology Group (AIM: ACSO), a leading provider of ticketing, commerce, distribution and guest experience technology for live entertainment and attractions, today announced an expanded partnership with menta tech to introduce a venue-controlled, verified secondary ticketing marketplace across its platform.


The partnership enables venues using accesso ShoWareSM technology to participate in secondary ticketing on their own terms, keeping resale activity in their ecosystem while maintaining control of pricing, customer insights and the guest experience. Rather than relying on 3rd-party marketplaces, venues can manage fan-to-fan resale directly with built-in verification and pricing guardrails. 

As secondary ticketing continues to grow, many venues lack visibility into resale activity happening outside their official channels. This collaboration offers venues the option to bring resale in-house while applying pricing guardrails, protecting brand consistency and sharing in revenue from resale activity.

“Resale is already happening around our venues whether they participate or not,” said Mike Evenson, Chief Commercial Officer at accesso. “This partnership gives venues a responsible alternative. By combining ShoWare with menta tech’s infrastructure, we allow venues to maintain control and trust while participating in the secondary market on their own terms.”

The secondary marketplace capability integrates directly with accesso ShoWare, allowing venues to activate resale selectively based on event type or demand. Venues gain full visibility into resale pricing and volume while keeping customer relationships and valuable data intact.

Menta tech provides the underlying infrastructure enabling authenticated, white-label resale without introducing a consumer-facing marketplace brand. This ensures venues remain the main point of contact for engagement with guests.

accesso will be exhibiting at INTIX 2026 in Las Vegas from January 26–29, 2026 at Booth #710, where the team will showcase how accesso gives venues greater control over ticketing, including resale.

About accesso Technology Group plc

accesso is the leading global provider of patented and award-winning technology solutions that redefine the guest experience. accesso provides connected ticketing and eCommerce, virtual queuing, restaurant and retail point of sale, distribution, mobile apps and experience management for more than 1,100 venues worldwide. Our technology helps operators streamline operations, increase revenue and improve the guest journey. We deliver a high volume of product enhancements year-round and continuously invest in R&D to help venues and operators adapt to evolving guest needs.

accesso is a public company, listed on AIM: a market operated by the London Stock Exchange. Learn more at accesso.com or follow accesso on X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook.

Clarins introduces the AI Skin Observer, in-store skin diagnosis augmenting human touch with the best of AI and Beauty Tech

By
Advertorial Desk
-

PARIS, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Faithful to its pioneering spirit since its creation in 1954, Clarins continues its commitment to customer-centric innovative beauty. In 2025, the brand takes a new step by launching the AI Skin Observer, its latest technological gem dedicated to advanced skin analysis.

Clarins AI Skin Observer
Clarins AI Skin Observer

This new cutting-edge device is currently being deployed in 20 stores worldwide, including John Lewis Oxford Street in London, Printemps Haussmann in Paris, Clarins boutique in Dubai Hills, La Rinascente in Milan, Clarins boutique & spa in Shanghai Jing An Kerry Center, and Macy’s Herald Square in New York.

A simplified web version is also available online on Clarins website in several countries including the US (http://www.clarinsusa.com), the UK (https://www.clarins.co.uk) and France (https://www.clarins.fr).

A true milestone in the beauty industry.

AI serving human expertise: leveraging both biophysical sensors and face pictures with multiple lighting modes, the AI Skin Observer analyzes up to 22 skin parameters, hence providing unique information about the skin, enriching and refining the expertise of the advice offered in-store.

Perfectly integrated in the retail store selling ceremony: taking the form of a mirror, the AI Skin Observer is perfectly integrated on existing consultation tables, a central element in each Clarins point of sale.

A new release from Clarins Beauty Tech.

Latest launch of an ambitious R&D program dedicated to Clarins customer experience innovation, the AI Skin Observer, developed with the support of an ecosystem of start-ups, is the result of years of fundamental research into skin analysis by the Clarins laboratory and the Group’s progress in AI and imaging, particularly within its Beauty Tech division.

A true extension of the manual Skin Check, the AI Skin Observer represents a natural evolution for Clarins brand which has never ceased to combine science, nature and human expertise, and fully embraces Beauty Tech.

The AI Skin Observer is the latest release from Clarins Group Beauty Tech division, following the Lip Oil Factory – enabling on-demand customization of iconic Clarins Lip Oil – and MyBlend LED mask.

Clarins brand General Manager, Katalin Berenyi: “The AI Skin Observer is designed to fit perfectly into our retail space. Through its ease of use, it allows beauty advisors to remain focused on listening to the client and her needs. It extends their expertise by revealing dimensions invisible to the eye, thanks to algorithms leveraging years of research from Clarins laboratory. By combining AI, beauty tech with human touch, beauty consultations are enhanced.”

Clarins group Chief Digital, IT & Business Support Officer, Laurent Malaveille: ” We are very proud of the AI Skin Observer, the latest Beauty Tech release from our innovation lab, and excited by the enthusiastic feedback from both our beauty consultants and the first customers who tested this new service.”

About Clarins

Founded in Paris in 1954 by Jacques Courtin, Clarins is a family-owned global beauty group that has been innovating for more than 70 years to advance responsible beauty. As a result of continuous research, its plant-based products — formulated and manufactured in France — are sold in over 150 countries through 20,000 points of sale. With nearly 95% of sales generated internationally, Clarins is the No. 1* premium skincare brand in Europe and a leading global player in beauty (skincare and make-up), spa, and wellness. The Group has also developed the brand myBlend, built on the concept of holistic beauty, combining targeted skincare, nutri-cosmetics, and beauty tech. Clarins counts more than 8,000 employees across its Paris headquarters, 28 subsidiaries worldwide, two R&D laboratories, and two industrial sites in France. The Group is jointly led by Jonathan Zrihen, President & CEO, together with Dr. Olivier Courtin and his niece Virginie Courtin, representing the second and third generations of the founding family. Guided by its raison d’être — “Making life more beautiful, passing on a more beautiful planet” — Clarins is committed to sustainable innovation, with over 80% of ingredients of natural origin and a wide range of initiatives to protect nature and care for people. https://www.groupeclarins.com/

*Source: NPD BeautyTrends®, Europe 5 (France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain), luxury Skin Care market (products sold in perfumeries and department stores), value sales (€), for the period 3rd January 2022 to 1st January 2023.

Press contacts

France

Image Sept – Marie Artzner – Anne Auchatraire – Caroline Simon – clarins@image7.fr – +33 1 53 70 74 70

USA

Melissa Reidhead – melissa.reidhead@clarins.com and Lucas Petry – lucas.petry@clarins.com

UK

Shoshana Gillis – shoshana.gillis@clarins.com – +44 207 307 6792

China

Derek Hu – derek.hu@clarins.com – +86 186 0166 7400

Italy

Francesca Silva – Francesca.Silva@clarins.com and F.A Studio – f.andreuzzi@fa-studio.eu – c.gorla@fa-studio.eu

UAE

Jala Dia – Jala.Dia@clarins.com

AI Clarins Skin Observer
AI Clarins Skin Observer

 

 

SK bioscience, MSD, and Hilleman Laboratories Advance Zaire ebolavirus Vaccine Development with CEPI Funding

By
Advertorial Desk
-
  • CEPI to provide up to USD 30 million to support development of MSD’s Zaire ebolavirus vaccine
  • Collaboration addresses manufacturing complexity and cold-chain challenges to improve yield and thermostability
  • Partnership aims to expand affordable and sustainable vaccine access in low- and middle-income countries

INCHEON, South Korea, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SK bioscience announced that it is advancing the development of a Zaire ebolavirus vaccine under a new collaboration supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

From left to right: John-Arne Røttingen, CEO, Wellcome; Priya Agrawal, VP Health Equity and Partnerships, MSD; Richard Hatchett, CEO, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI); Raman Rao, CEO, Hilleman Laboratories; Ikjung Kim, VP Head of Global Business Development, SK bioscience. Photo Credit: Eugene Zhylchuk
From left to right: John-Arne Røttingen, CEO, Wellcome; Priya Agrawal, VP Health Equity and Partnerships, MSD; Richard Hatchett, CEO, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI); Raman Rao, CEO, Hilleman Laboratories; Ikjung Kim, VP Head of Global Business Development, SK bioscience. Photo Credit: Eugene Zhylchuk

The announcement follows a funding agreement between CEPI and global pharmaceutical company MSD to support continued development of a Zaire ebolavirus vaccine. Under the agreement, CEPI will provide up to USD 30 million in funding to MSD, which will allocate the funding to its development partners, including SK bioscience and Hilleman Laboratories—a joint venture between MSD and Wellcome, a global charitable foundation focused on health research—to carry out key research, manufacturing process improvement and clinical development activities.

The collaboration builds on MSD’s WHO-prequalified Zaire ebolavirus vaccine and focuses on updating the existing manufacturing process, which is complex and requires ultra-low temperature storage. These requirements pose logistical challenges in the remote, low-resource settings where Zaire ebolavirus outbreaks most often occur. By improving manufacturing yield and enhancing the thermostability of the vaccine, the project aims to support more affordable, accessible, and sustainable vaccine supply, subject to regulatory review and public health requirements.

Under the collaboration, Hilleman Laboratories —will lead the clinical development of the updated vaccine. SK bioscience, together with IDT Biologika, will develop the updated drug substance manufacturing process and the associated drug product. As a key implementation partner in the CEPI-backed public health initiative, SK bioscience will leverage its vaccine manufacturing expertise and infrastructure, as well as its collaboration with IDT Biologika. Through this role, the company aims to contribute to improving vaccine affordability, accessibility, and long-term sustainability in low- and middle-income countries.

Zaire ebolavirus is responsible for frequent and unpredictable Ebola outbreaks and is associated with a survival rate of around 50%. Recent outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries have underscored the continued global risk posed by the virus, particularly in areas with limited healthcare access and logistics infrastructure.

Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, said, “In a single decade the world has transformed Ebola from a global emergency to a disease that can be stopped in its tracks – and now CEPI’s support will help to enable a sustainable and accessible supply of MSD’s Zaire ebolavirus vaccine for years to come at a more affordable price. This deal brings together longstanding partners of CEPI with longstanding partners of MSD to boost global defences against one of the deadliest pathogens known to humankind, helping to save lives.”

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience, said, “Addressing deadly infectious diseases such as Ebola requires strong global collaboration. Through this CEPI-supported partnership, SK bioscience will continue to play a critical role in improving Zaire ebolavirus vaccine manufacturing and supply, contributing meaningfully to global health preparedness.”

SK bioscience has established a strong track record of collaboration with global health organizations, including CEPI, the Gates Foundation, and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). By leveraging its integrated capabilities across development, manufacturing, and supply, the company continues to expand its role as a global partner in public health–driven vaccine initiatives.

About SK bioscience

SK bioscience is an innovative vaccine and biotech company, committed to vaccine development and manufacturing to enable more equitable access to vaccines around the world. Leveraging strengths on cutting-edge technologies, SK bioscience has been dedicated to promoting human health from prevention to cure across the globe. With the cooperation of domestic and international governments, regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, doctors, and medical experts, all of the SK colleagues are passionately committed to providing high-quality vaccines to those who need them and better public healthcare solutions.

– SK bioscience Website
– SK bioscience Linkedin

Contact
SK bioscience Communications Team
Changhyun Jin (jin99@sk.com)  
Muncheol. Kim (MC|_kim@sk.com)

 

Youlife Group Inc. Enters into Definitive Agreement to Advance Strategic Expansion in China’s Blue-Collar Service Market

By
Advertorial Desk
-

BEIJING, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Youlife Group Inc. (“Youlife” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: YOUL), a leading blue-collar lifetime service provider in China, today announced that it has entered into a definitive share exchange agreement with Lightred Investment Co., Ltd. and YouheHR Group Inc. in connection with its proposed acquisition of four regional human resources service companies, following the non-binding letter of intent announced in December 2025. The signing of the definitive agreement reflects the continued progress in Youlife’s execution of its dual-engine growth strategy combining organic expansion and strategic M&A.

The signing of the definitive agreement represents a transition from strategic evaluation to a structured transaction framework. The proposed acquisition is expected to enhance Youlife’s operating foundation in workforce deployment, regional service delivery, while reinforcing Youlife’s long-term objective of building a scalable, nationwide blue-collar services platform.

The companies to be acquired operates across multiple regions and labor-intensive industries, with established operating processes and customer relationships. Upon completion, these capabilities are expected to complement Youlife’s existing ecosystem spanning vocational training, recruitment, and employee management, enabling Youlife to serve enterprise clients with greater scale, consistency, and efficiency.

Under the definitive agreement, the transaction is structured as a pure-equity share exchange, with consideration linked to the future performance of the acquired companies. This approach reflects Youlife’s emphasis on capital discipline and alignment, allowing the Company to pursue expansion while preserving financial flexibility.

Mr. Yunlei Wang, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Youlife, commented: “Reaching a definitive agreement is an important step in advancing our long-term platform strategy. As the large and fragmented blue-collar services industry continues to evolve, scale, operational depth, and technology integration are becoming increasingly critical, creating favorable conditions for platform-led consolidation. This proposed acquisition would add proven regional operating capabilities to Youlife’s platform and enhance our ability to deploy standardized, technology-enabled workforce solutions across broader regions. We believe this transaction, if completed, would meaningfully support the next phase of Youlife’s development and reinforce our leadership position in the blue-collar service market.”

Mr. Liqun Yao, Acting Chief Financial Officer of Youlife, added: “The definitive agreement reflects a more advanced stage in our evaluation process and provides a clear framework for execution. By structuring the transaction as an equity-based acquisition with performance alignment, we aim to balance growth objectives with prudent financial management, while keeping our focus on long-term value creation. We will continue to execute with prudence as we move toward closing.”

The transaction is expected to close following the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including regulatory, documentary, and corporate approvals by all parties. There can be no assurance that the acquisition will be completed on the anticipated terms or timeline, or at all. Shareholders are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this release.

About Youlife Group Inc.

Youlife is a leading blue-collar lifetime service provider with a nationwide network of 25 vocational schools under school management model and 25 curriculum development projects, covering a total of 37 cities or counties under 16 provinces of China. Learn more at https://ir.youlife.cn/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future events and the future results of Youlife current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry in which Youlife operates, as well as the beliefs and assumptions of Youlife’s management. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Youlife’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Youlife’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Contact 
Zhuhong Ruan
youlife.ir@youlanw.com
(86) 13917429808

1...1,3141,3151,316...6,569Page 1,315 of 6,569