Home Blog Page 1324

CHEVRON APARTMENTS PTY LTD ANNOUNCES OFFERING OF AUD 22,546,133 SENIOR SECURED LOAN NOTE OFFER

MELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chevron Apartments Pty Ltd ACN 620 459 118 (the Issuer) is seeking to raise a total of AUD 22,546,133 in funds by the issue of loan notes, according to an announcement today by the underwriter Banner Capital Management Limited (the Arranger/Underwriter).  The issue comprises progressively drawn notes as detailed below.

The following is a text of the announcement:

Banner Capital Management Limited as Arranger and Underwriter has announced today that the Issuer is seeking to raise AUD 22,546,133 through the issue of a series of debentures (in the form of loan notes) for the purposes set out below.  

The loan notes (the Notes) to be issued represent a loan commitment of up to AUD 22,546,133.

Pursuant to an agreement with the Issuer, the offer is made by the Underwriter to investors who are qualified as ‘wholesale investors’ as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).  The Underwriter has agreed to initially subscribe for the issued Notes on 18 November 2025 and will offer the loan notes pursuant to the agreement.

This open letter constitutes an offer of the Notes for the purposes of the ‘public offer test’ in section 128F(3)(e) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth). That provision provides an exemption from Australian interest withholding tax in relation to interest paid on the loan notes to non-Australian noteholders.

Financiers and those in the business of dealing in debentures, or the buying and selling of loan notes or other debt interests and who are interested in subscribing for the Notes will be required to give customary representations, warranties and information about their status, to assist the Issuer to demonstrate compliance with section 128F of the Income Tax Assessment Act (Cth). 

KEY FEATURES OF THE OFFER

Issuer/Borrower

Chevron Apartments Pty Ltd ACN 620 459 118

Financier/Underwriter and Arranger

Banner Capital Management Limited ACN 600 738 181 as responsible entity of the Banner Wholesale Fixed Interest Income Fund

The Offer

An offer to subscribe for Loan Notes on the terms described in the transaction documents. The general terms of the transaction documents are set out in this Term Sheet.

Security and Ranking

  • First ranking mortgage over 36-46 Stanhill Drive, Chevron Island QLD 4217;
  • General Security Deed over the Issuer; 
  • Guarantees from the corporate guarantor and director.

Purpose

The proceeds of the issue of the Loan Notes will be used by the Issuer to fund sales, marketing and management fees.

Settlement Date

18 November 2025

Term

Up to 30 June 2026

Type of Instrument

Senior Loan Notes

Issue amount

AUD 22,546,133 (progressively drawn)

Interest Rate

15% coupon per annum

Transferability

The Notes are freely transferable without the consent of the Issuer

Governing Law

Victoria, Australia

The Issuer reserves the right in its absolute discretion to vary the terms set out above and accept or reject any offer.  This offer will expire on 4 January 2026.

For further information please contact Brett Macgillivray at Banner Capital Management Limited – on +61 (3) 9929 6400 Email: enquiries@bannerassetmanagement.com

Restrictions in certain jurisdictions, including Australia

The distribution of this announcement and the offering and sale of the Notes in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. This message does not constitute an offer, invitation or solicitation to participate in the offer and be issued Notes in any jurisdiction where, or to any person or entity to whom, it would be unlawful to make such an offer, invitation or solicitation.

This message is not a prospectus or disclosure document and it has not been lodged with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act). The offer of Notes is only available to domestic and foreign investors who are qualified as “professional investors” or “sophisticated investors” as defined under the Corporations Act (Wholesale Investors). By accepting the offer, an offeree represents that the offeree is a Wholesale Investor. No Notes will be issued or sold in circumstances that would require the giving of a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

The Notes referred to in this message have not been nor will they be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. There will be no public offering of the Notes referred to in this message in the United States.

About Banner

Banner Capital Management Limited is an Australian based alternate asset manager specialising in actively managed property debt and has provided attractive risk-adjusted returns to its investors since 2012.

/C O R R E C T I O N — World Federation of Direct Selling Associations/

In the news release, DIRECT SELLING REMAINED STEADY IN 2024 AMID GLOBAL ECONOMIC SHIFTS, ACCORDING TO WFDSA STATS REPORT, issued 04-Dec-2025 by World Federation of Direct Selling Associations over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end.

DIRECT SELLING REMAINED STEADY IN 2024 AMID GLOBAL ECONOMIC SHIFTS, ACCORDING TO WFDSA STATS REPORT

WORLD FEDERATION OF DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATIONS RELEASES ANNUAL DEFINITITVE DATA ON GLOBAL INDUSTRY SHOWING SIGNS OF STABILIZATION

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), the global trade association representing the direct selling industry for 47 years, released its latest STATS report, showing global stability and potential growth.  Direct selling remained around $164 billion in global retail sales, an increase of $675 million over pre-pandemic sales, with 45% of markets in the study showing increases.  The number of independent representatives grew slightly over last year to 104.3 million, 72.1% of whom are women. 

“We are proud to represent an industry that enables opportunity for over 100 million entrepreneurs – making a difference for their families as well as contributions to counties in which we operate,” stated WFDSA Chairman and Shaklee Corporation CEO Roger Barnett. “The U.S. continues to be the dominant market in the world, but we’re also seeing growth in key markets like Brazil, India and China.”

The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the largest by market share, fueled by emerging players like Malaysia, but the Americas grew the most in 2024. In addition, the number of “billion-dollar markets” in 2024 stayed consistent at 21. The STATS report tracked demographic shifts among independent entrepreneurs and product categories. Wellness products continue to dominate the industry along with cosmetics and personal care – including K-beauty brands. 

“With its relatively low start-up costs, strong community support and high-quality products, direct selling is a resilient and appealing pathway for entrepreneurs around the world, especially women, and more men are becoming involved as well,” noted Shaila Manyam, Executive Director of WFDSA.   

The study is the definitive set of data and insights for the industry from 55 markets around the world, and looks ahead to potential factors affecting the industry in 2025, including the impact of tariffs and global trade, technology and growing interest in entrepreneurship.  The STATS Report is available at http://www.wfdsa.org/global-statistics

FAST FACTS

  • 2024 Global Retail Sales: $163.9 billion (essentially flat from 2023)
  • Top 10 Markets:
  1. U.S.
  2. Germany
  3. Mainland China
  4. Korea
  5. Malaysia
  6. Japan
  7. Brazil
  8. Mexico
  9. France
  10. Taiwan region
  • Share: 21 markets posted sales of $1 billion or more, accounting for 92% of global sales
  • Key Sectors: Wellness, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Household Goods & Durables
  • Independent Contractors: 104.3 million (up 0.1%); 72.1% female.

Contact:
Maureen Paniagua
Membership Director
mpaniagua@wfdsa.org

About WFDSA
The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) is the global trade association for the direct selling industry, upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, advocating for the interests of the industry and convening over 55 national DSAs and prominent companies around the world. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., WFDSA serves as the world’s leading expert and trusted source of information and insights for and about direct selling. Learn more about WFDSA at www.wfdsa.org.

Correction: An earlier version of this release incorrectly displayed the “Top 10 Markets” list.

Highway Crash Forces Monk to Undergo Leg Amputation During Peace Walk

Walk for Peace (Photo: Forth Worth Report)

A Fort Worth-based Lao American Buddhist monk, Maha Dam Phommasan, underwent surgery to amputate his leg after a highway accident on 19 November left him critically injured. 

TransThera Publishes Clinical Studies of Tinengotinib (TT-00420) against Cholangiocarcinoma on Lancet

NANJING, China and GAITHERSBURG, Md., Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TransThera Sciences Inc. (“TransThera”) announced the publication of clinical results from a US-based Phase 2 trial evaluating tinengotinib in patients with Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) on The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Impact Factor: 38.6).

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy of the bile ducts, frequently driven by FGFR2 fusions-genomic alterations that are targetable by FGFR inhibitors such as pemigatinib and futibatinib. However, resistance to these agents commonly arises due to secondary FGFR2 mutations.

In a multicenter, open-label Phase 2 trial (NCT04919642), patients with FGFR2 fusion-positive CCA who had either primary resistance or developed acquired resistance to prior FGFR inhibitor (FGFRi) therapy were enrolled, along with patients harboring other FGFR alterations or FGFR wiled-type tumors. Tinengotinib demonstrated clinical activity in patients with FGFR2 fusion-positive CCA with acquired FGFRi resistance, as well as in those with other FGFR-altered subtypes.

Dr. Milind Javle of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, corresponding author of the publication, stated: “We currently have two FDA-approved therapies targeting FGFR2 fusions in CCA. But resistance remains a major clinical challenge. As such, next generation FGFR inhibitors capable of overcoming resistance are urgently needed. Tinengotinib, as a multi-kinase FGFR inhibitor, is designed to inhibit both FGFR and compensatory pathways contributing to resistance. In this phase 2 study, tinengotinib demonstrated durable responses and meaningful clinical benefit. These promising results provide a strong rationale to proceed with a Phase 3 registration study”.

Dr. Jean Fan, Chief Medical Officer of TransThera, also commented: “We are very pleased that the clinical trial results have gained peer recognition and were published in such a prestigious journal. This study provides important insights into treatment strategies for patients with FGFR-altered, chemotherapy- and FGFR inhibitor–refractory or relapsed CCA, including the comparison of tinengotinib versus physician’s choice. We are committed to advancing global enrollment and delivering new treatment options for patients with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma.”

Disclaimer: This article serves as a press release by TransThera to disclose the company’s latest developments. It is not intended as a product promotion advertisement and does not constitute the company’s or investment advice.

About Tinengotinib

Tinengotinib is an internally discovered, registrational clinical stage, multi-kinase inhibitor that exerts antitumor effects by targeting FGFRs and VEGFRs, mitotic kinases Aurora A/B and Janus kinases (JAK).  Ongoing clinical trials in the US and China have revealed the potential of tinengotinib to be efficacious in various solid tumors. It was granted the Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the FDA for the treatment of CCA, the Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China, the Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for the treatment of biliary tract cancer by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It was also approved for inclusion in the Priority Review and Approval Procedure by the NMPA for the treatment of CCA.

About TransThera

TransThera is a clinical demand-oriented, registrational clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering and developing innovative small molecule therapies for oncology, inflammatory and cardiometabolic diseases. Further aided by in-depth study of translational medicine and drug design, TransThera aims to develop first-in-class or best-in-class drug candidates strategically positioned to meet urgent clinical needs on a global scale. For more information, please visit www.transthera.com 

China to Tax Condoms After Three Decades in Demographic Policy Shift

China will start taxing condoms in 2026, ending three decades of VAT exemption. The move aims to boost birth rates but has raised public health concerns. This photo is use for representational purpose only.

After three decades of tax-free status, condoms in China will soon be subject to VAT under a new policy aimed at countering the country’s deepening demographic decline, but public health critics warn it may increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections. 

The new measure, which will impose a 13 percent value-added tax (VAT) starting in January 2026, marks a significant reversal in Beijing’s population policy as the country confronts rapidly declining birth rates.

For decades, condoms were exempt from VAT, making them widely affordable and accessible. This exemption aligned with China’s strict population-control policies,”one-child policy,” which relied heavily on promoting contraception to limit family size from 1979 to 2015.

Under the revised VAT law approved in December 2024, condoms will no longer qualify for tax exemption. The law takes effect in January 2026, giving local authorities and businesses a full year to adjust their systems. Items such as agricultural products, medical treatments, and cultural activities remain exempt, but contraceptives were intentionally excluded.

At the same time, Beijing is offering new tax breaks to support family formation. 

VAT will be removed for childcare providers, elder-care services, and marriage-related businesses in an effort to reduce financial burdens for young families.

The policy shift comes as China’s birth rate has fallen steadily for years. In 2024, the country reported only 6.77 births per 1,000 people, among the lowest rates globally. The fertility rate dropped to just 1.0 in 2023, half the 2.1 level needed to maintain population replacement, according to the World Bank.

The one-child policy, enforced through fines, registration limits, and workplace monitoring, successfully curbed population growth but created long-term challenges: a shrinking workforce, rapid aging, and an imbalanced sex ratio stemming from cultural preferences for sons. 

After 73 years as the world’s most populous country, China was surpassed by India in 2023, according to the United Nations.

Public Health Concerns

While the condom tax aims to incentivize higher birth rates, public health experts warn it may increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Critics also argue that raising condom prices will do little to reverse demographic decline as long as the cost of raising children remains prohibitively high.

ANTA Makes Its Debut at The Running Event, Unveils New Tech Lineup with Kenenisa Bekele

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Founded in 1991, ANTA Sports Products Limited has built a robust multi-brand portfolio over the past three decades. Today, it stands among the world’ top three sportswear companies. Staying true to its mission of “bring the transcendent sports spirit into everyone’s life,” ANTA is committed to delivering high-quality products and services to people around the world who embrace diverse athletic pursuits, while steadily advancing its global expansion.


From December 2–4, 2025, ANTA Running makes its inaugural appearance at The Running Event (TRE), a premier conference and trade show for the running and outdoor specialty retail industry in North America. The brand showcases its professional running lineup to a global audience of leading brands, manufacturers, retailers, and industry experts. It also presents special colorways deeply rooted in runner culture, highlighting its commitment to engaging with the core running community.

For its TRE debut, ANTA brought a comprehensive suite of elite racing products powered by ANTA Nitrogen Tech. At the core is the C-series racing family: the ANTA C202 7, ANTA C202 G9 2, and ANTA C10 PRO 2. All three carbon-plated racing models strike a balance between high rebound rate and lightweight performance for runners of all levels. Also featured is the “ANTA ZONE 2 90”, recently worn by the first torchbearer of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Equipped with full-length ANTA Nitrogen 90 Tech, the shoe enables seamless transitions between daily training and race-day efforts, giving runners access to premium rebound performance.


In the daily run category, ANTA presented the technology behind its next-generation cushioning platform: PG7 midsole technology. The ANTA PG7 running shoes, available in a range of colors, incorporate this advanced cushioning platform to meet the everyday needs of the running community.

A specially curated “Color Story Zone” highlighted designs rooted in runners’ real stories and cultural inspirations. Making its global debut at TRE, ANTA C-Series “Awaken” colorway symbolizes good fortune and forward momentum. On December 3, ANTA Brand CEO Samuel Tsui, ANTA Running Ambassador Kenenisa Bekele and other core leadership members visit the booth for a traditional “Eye-Dotting Ceremony” to “AWAKEN” the lion, a cultural ritual wishing runners strength, victory, and continual self-breakthrough when they race in ANTA’s C-Series footwear.


This culturally rich ceremony drew strong interest from attendees. Many lined up to try on the special-edition model, showing keen interest in the unique symbolism of the “Awaken” colorway. The blessings conveyed through this special colorway will soon return to its spiritual home, Guangzhou, where ANTA will support the Guangzhou Marathon in December, channeling its energy to thousands of marathon participants.

ANTA’s global expansion efforts have yielded notable results in recent years, including signing endorsement deals with NBA stars like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, as well as Olympic champions across various sports. In professional running, long-distance legend Kenenisa Bekele broke the masters (40+) marathon world record wearing the ANTA C10 PRO. ANTA has also deepened its engagement with running communities worldwide. In 2025, it launched “ANTA PG7 Cushion Evolution Global Plan”, uniting runners from Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston to foster a global running community. The upcoming Beverly Hills store in Los Angeles will further expand global consumer access to and awareness of ANTA.

Aspiring to bring ANTA to the world, starting with running, ANTA Running invites runners everywhere, ANTA Running invites runners everywhere to experience its ANTA Nitrogen Tech and rediscover the joy of running. For product details, click: http://anta.com 

The Reverie Saigon Unveils Vietnam’s Lavish Showcase of Italian Craftsmanship

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rising 39 stories above Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling heart, The Reverie Saigon announces itself as a landmark of unrivalled luxury. Positioned between Nguyen Hue Boulevard and Dong Khoi Street, the hotel not only offers world‑class accommodation but also unveils an extraordinary showcase of Italian design mastery woven into every detail of its space.

The Reverie Saigon features 12 room and suite categories located on the highest floors, offering sweeping views of the dazzling cityscape and Saigon River. Each room is crafted as a work of art, equipped with premium amenities to deliver a one-of-a-kind stay. 

The 7th floor check-in area is distinguished by a 3-metre-tall Baldi Monument clock crafted from emerald-green malachite, alongside a 5-metre Colombostile sofa adorned in 24 karat-gold, lending the space an air of opulence and grandeur. 


From this first impression, guests step further into a world of Italian craftsmanship and pure comfort with appointed rooms & suites that suit a variety of lifestyles and tastes. The 68-square-metre Reverie Romance Suite, dressed in a ruby-red palette, features 4.5-metre silk-paneled walls and a spacious Sicis mosaic-clad bathroom, complete with refined glass partitions and a Porter armchair. The Arkeos loveseat by Vittorio Grifoni, with its classic curves and lustrous leather, enhances the intimate atmosphere for a romantic retreat.

For connoisseurs of Italian interior artistry, the Designer Suite by Visionnaire in an elegant cream palette is the perfect choice. Spanning 126 square metres, it features the Esmeralda crystal chandelier and Excalibur lighting, a striking pair that creates a beautiful play of light. The marble-clad bathroom, glossy lacquered cabinetry, and sunflower-themed mosaic stretching from ceiling to floor elevate the suite’s artistic appeal. A plush Oberon cream sofa invites guests to unwind while taking in sweeping city views.


The Saigon Suite occupies the 2 highest floors and spans 276 square metres. Bathed in warm amber and chestnut hues, it serves as the radiant finale of The Reverie Saigon. The living room features the iconic Veliero bookcase and Chester One seating, illuminated by expansive windows. Two grand bedrooms with full-height panoramic views allow guests to welcome sunrise and glowing sunset. Complementing the experience are elevated amenities, including the Isidoro bar cabinet designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, a private dining room, and a beautifully appointed bathroom, making it an exceptional choice for art lovers and design enthusiasts.

The Reverie Saigon is where intricate designs, gilded details, and precious stones express the essence of Italian artistry. Beyond its premier suites, the hotel offers uniquely crafted accommodations, each presenting its own aesthetic world for guests who appreciate beauty.

This festive season, The Reverie Saigon introduces The Quintessence of Indulgence – an exclusive offer available to all guests booking a stay at suite and residential suite categories, complemented by elevated culinary experiences at Café Cardinal and the 1-Michelin-Star Long Trieu. Guests will also enjoy access to exclusive facilities and immerse themselves in absolute relaxation at The Spa.

High-res photos: The grandeur of The Reverie Saigon

Conow Unveiled Its AI Energy Solutions at SolarSolutions Düsseldorf 2025


DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2025 – Conow, a global AI energy leader, joined forces with Tuya, a leading AIoT platform provider, at SolarSolutions Düsseldorf 2025 held on December 3–4 at Messe Düsseldorf, booth Q11. As one of Europe’s top solar and storage events, the exhibition showcased their joint AI-driven home energy ecosystem, redefining the future of smart energy management.

Conow Unveiled Its AI Energy Solutions at SolarSolutions Düsseldorf 2025

Conow and Tuya: Advancing AI-Powered Energy Ecosystems

Conow is pioneering AI-driven home energy systems, integrating technologies like NILM and dynamic pricing into every stage of energy management. As a key Tuya partner, Conow connects over 3,000 smart devices across brands and scenarios, forming an intelligent, collaborative “Energy Starlink Network.”

Tuya, a global AI cloud leader, supports this with its open AIoT ecosystem, powered by TuyaOpen and a universal AI Agent engine. With 1.4 million+ developers, Tuya provides the foundation for scalable, sustainable smart energy solutions.

CBE2000 Pro: AI-Powered All-in-One Micro Energy Storage System

Conow unveils the CBE2000 Pro, an all-in-one AI-driven storage system that combines plug-and-play balcony solar with powerful home backup—dubbed the “key to energy freedom.”

Key features include:

  1. 2500W AC output, 10ms seamless backup, 4 MPPTs (up to 2600W input)
  2. AI scheduling via Tuya ecosystem for automated energy optimization
  3. Dynamic pricing support for 800+ global providers to cut electricity costs

The newly launched CME04-50 battery (5120Wh) expands storage modularly, enhancing energy independence for medium-sized homes.

Comprehensive Product Lineup: Full-Scope Home Energy Solutions

At the show, Conow presented its full AI energy product range, including smart meters, heat pumps, EV chargers, and energy sensors, delivering end-to-end home energy management. All devices connect via Tuya, enabling unified control through one app.

Conow Unveiled Its AI Energy Solutions at SolarSolutions Düsseldorf 2025

AI HEMS: The Smart Core of Home Energy

Conow’s AI Home Energy Management System (HEMS) is the tech centerpiece, built around three core capabilities:

  1. Data-driven forecasting: Connects to 800+ energy retailers to predict 24-hour solar generation and consumption.
  2. Automated decisions: AI optimizes charging, discharging, and device usage—e.g., charging during off-peak, discharging at peak, prioritizing solar use.
  3. Transparent savings: The app compares costs across scenarios (no solar, storage only, storage + AI), clearly showing energy savings.

Together, Conow and Tuya showcase how AI makes energy smarter—committed to expanding access to efficient, affordable, and sustainable home energy worldwide.
Hashtag: #Conow

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