SAP-001 is Shanton’s lead investigational compound with First- and Best-in-Class potential in uncontrolled gout
SINGAPORE and PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shanton Pharma, a clinical-stage biotech developing a novel treatment for gout, today announced the successful completion of an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with US FDA for its Investigational New Drug SAP-001 for treatment of hyperuricemia with gout in adult patients who are refractory to conventional therapy.
“This End-of-Phase 2 meeting is a crucial milestone for our refractory gout program” says Dr. Bing Li, Shanton’s CEO, “as it provides alignment with FDA on our upcoming Phase 3 pivotal program, including protocol, trial design, patient population, dose selection, proposed endpoints, and statistical analysis methods. Based on FDA’s feedback we are confident to enter into a Multi-Regional Clinical Trial program in the coming months, aiming to offer a much-needed solution for uncontrolled gout patients.”
About SAP-001
SAP-001 is Shanton’s lead investigational compound for once-a-day oral urate-lowering therapy that targets refractory gout. SAP-001’s urate lowering properties are based on a unique, First-in-Class mechanism-of-action and the program has shown Best-in-Class efficacy and safety in gout patients with hyperuricemia refractory to Standard of Care Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor therapy in a recent Phase 2b study.
Earlier this year, Shanton received FDA’s Fast Track designation for SAP-001, based in part on its recent Phase 2b results demonstrating the drug’s potential to meaningfully improve upon currently available Urate Lowering Therapy for patients with refractory gout, a serious condition for which there are considerable unmet medical needs.
About Shanton Pharma
Shanton Pharma is a privately held, clinical-stage biotech founded in 2016 by experienced pharma entrepreneurs, focused on addressing unmet medical needs in patients with hyperuricemia and gout. The company is headquartered in Singapore with research and development activities in the US, China, and Singapore.
MIDDLETOWN, Del., Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Makera is set to launch the Makera Z1 Desktop CNC Machine on Kickstarter thisOctober 28 at 11 AM ET / 8 AM PT / 4 PM CET / 2 AM +1 AEDT, bringing compact, high-precision manufacturing to makers, educators, and small businesses. With only 1 day left until launch—exciting offers await: secure a VIP-Only Price of $799 with a $39 deposit (MSRP $1,199; deposit is 100% refundable if you change your mind, and the deposit purchase window closes at launch time). Plus, early backers can claim a 24-Hour Launch Giveaway — a FREE set of 5 CNC bits, exclusively for those who back the campaign in its first day. In an era when fabrication power has grown centralized and costly, the Makera Z1 delivers a disruptive alternative: professional-level machining capability packed into a desk-friendly, space-efficient design.
Meet Makera Z1: Entry-Level CNC, Pro-Level Power.
Makera’s CEO Qiuxi Zhang explained that the company’s goal with Makera Z1 was “to strip away the fear factor” that has long surrounded CNC technology. “By combining industrial accuracy with a plug-and-play experience, we’re opening manufacturing to classrooms, studios and homes worldwide,” he said.
Makera Z1: Bringing Professional-Grade Manufacturing Back to Every Desk.
Compact Footprint, Industrial Precision
Barely larger than a coffee machine, the Makera Z1 integrates hardware features once confined to full-scale workshops:
0.02 mm accuracy for prototype validation and precision component fabrication
4-axis machining for complex engraving, jewellery, instrument and robotics parts
Smart auto-levelling and one-click tool calibration, flattening the learning curve
The Makera Z1 can be deployed instantly in classrooms, home studios or co-making spaces, without the need for a dedicated lab, costly maintenance or specialist operator.
From Factory Floor to Home Garage
Makera Z1, A desktop CNC redefining who gets to create.
CNC machining has long been synonymous with noise, heavy equipment and complex upkeep. The Makera Z1 overturns that perception. Its one-piece die-cast frame and All-New AeroDust™ Collection System allow a “mini-factory” to be set up in minutes, whether in a city apartment, a rural craft workshop or a hackathon venue. Lightweight and quiet, it turns manufacturing into an everyday capability, not a specialist privilege.
Software and Community: Closing the Knowledge Gap
Makera Studio AI Craft, AI-Powered Workflow.
Makera pairs the Makera Z1 with its Makera Studio software and the online platform Makerables, designed to remove the intimidation barrier surrounding CNC use.
Makera Studio and the Makerables platform simplify the entire workflow. The Intelligent Machining Wizard handles toolpath generation automatically. AI modelling turns images into 3D designs in seconds, while an open online community connects makers to exchange ideas, remix projects and build together.
This combination of intuitive software and peer learning gives CNC machining the same accessibility once associated only with 3D printing, while enabling far greater material and functional freedom.
Democratising Fabrication: From Education to Entrepreneurship
Across Europe and North America, reskilling and reshoring have become defining themes in the future of work. As industries seek to rebuild local capability and schools race to teach new technical literacy, a new generation of creative infrastructure is taking shape. Within this landscape, the Makera Z1 stands out not simply as a product, but as enabling infrastructure for a distributed, creator-driven economy.
The Makera Z1 introduces hands-on digital manufacturing into environments that were once excluded from such access:
Schools and universities can now teach real material fabrication rather than relying on simulations or theory alone;
Design studios can iterate prototypes and produce small-batch parts directly on-site, cutting both time and outsourcing costs;
Community makerspaces gain a high-precision tool that fits within limited budgets and tight urban spaces;
Independent and female creators can bypass heavy industrial hierarchies and claim full control over their production processes.
Rather than turning more people into hobbyists, the Makera Z1 equips them to become creators.
Pricing and Availability
With an entry price of US $899 (£700–£900), the Makera Z1 brings industrial-grade precision into the same price range as a mid-tier 3D printer. It marks a decisive shift in who can afford to own professional-level manufacturing power.
Crowdfunding launches on Kickstarter on 28 October 2025, signalling the start of what Makera calls a “new chapter in desktop fabrication”, one that places accessible, high-precision tools within reach of classrooms, workshops and independent creators worldwide.
A Decade in the Making
Ten years ago, precision manufacturing belonged to a closed world: an ecosystem of factories, laboratories and specialists. Innovation depended on access, and access came at a price. Today, that exclusivity is fading. A tool that once demanded an entire facility now fits beside a laptop, inviting anyone to explore, to learn and to make.
In that shift lies something greater than affordability. The Makera Z1 embodies a quiet redistribution of manufacturing power — a move from centralised production to individual capability. It stands as both an educational catalyst and a declaration of creative independence.
Makera Z1: bringing manufacturing back to everyone.
Strengthens Market Position Through Targeted Acquisitions and Cross-Border Integration
SINGAPORE, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — YY Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: YYGH) (“YY Group” or the “Company”), a global leader in on-demand workforce solutions and integrated facilities management (IFM), today issued a strategic update highlighting accelerated momentum in the Company’s global expansion and growth initiatives. Since the beginning of 2025, YY Group has made substantial progress executing its strategic roadmap to scale its two growth engines — YY Circle, the Company’s digital on-demand staffing platform, as well as the Company’s smart janitorial platform and cleaning service for the Singapore market.
Following a US$4 million registered direct offering completed on September 11, 2025, the Company has deployed proceeds toward acquisitions, international expansion, and technology development and integration. These investments have globalized YY Group’s on-demand staffing network and transformed its janitorial segment into a comprehensive Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) business spanning cleaning, pest control, landscaping, security, and related services, supported by a burgeoning smart tech and robotics business.
Global on-demand staffing expansion: YY Circle has launched in 3 new markets this year, with overseas operations now contributing approximately 45% of total staffing revenue. Bolstered by enhanced in-house digital marketing capabilities, the platform has onboarded over 80 new enterprise clients and added approximately 122,000 registered workers year over year as of June 30, 2025.
IFM Acquisitions: In February 2025, YY Group acquired Property Facility Services Pte. Ltd. (“PFS”), laying the groundwork for the Company’s consolidated approach to facility management services. Since then, the Company has broadened its IFM service portfolio and revenue streams substantially with the acquisition of Uniforce Security Pte. Ltd. and 24IFM (formerly Managing Facilities Applications) in June 2025 and Pesticide Pest Control Pte. Ltd. in July 2025.
IFM customer growth momentum: The IFM segment recently secured new service contracts totaling approximately US $5 million, which will augment the segment’s revenue by 9%. The Company continues to build a strong pipeline of commercial and institutional opportunities across Singapore.
Smart tech development: YY Group’s smart tech and robotics division is set to begin pilot deployments of autonomous cleaning and delivery robots in hospitality venues. These deployments are expected to generate incremental revenue beginning 2H 2025 while enhancing service consistency and operational efficiency.
Operational discipline: Productivity initiatives, supported by digital workflow tools and data analytics, are expected to improve operating margins by 200 bps over the next six to 12 months.
Mr. Mike Fu, CEO of YY Group, commented, “We’ve moved decisively this year to strengthen our platform and extend our reach into high-potential markets. These investments are already empowering us to seize compelling opportunities in both new and existing markets, propelling growth and advancing our mission of delivering reliable workforce and facility management solutions globally.”
These developments reflect the disciplined execution of YY Group’s growth strategy and prudent use of capital to fund high-impact, cash-generating projects. As a result, the Company has strengthened its recurring-revenue base, enhanced profitability prospects, and reinforced its ability to scale efficiently and sustainably across global markets.
About YY Holdings Limited
YY Group Holding Limited (Nasdaq: YYGH) is a Singapore-headquartered, technology-enabled platform providing flexible, scalable workforce solutions and integrated facility management (IFM) services across Asia and beyond. The Group operates through two core verticals: on-demand staffing and IFM, delivering agile, reliable support to industries such as hospitality, logistics, retail, and healthcare.
Leveraging proprietary digital platforms and IoT-driven systems, YY Group enables clients to meet fluctuating labor demands and maintain high-performance environments. In addition to its core operations in Singapore and Malaysia, the Group maintains a growing presence in Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Middle East.
Listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, YY Group is committed to service excellence, operational innovation, and long-term value creation for clients and shareholders.
Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the YY Group Holding Limited’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, (i) growth of the hospitality market in Hong Kong, (ii) capital and credit market volatility, (iii) local and global economic conditions, (iv) our anticipated growth strategies, (v) governmental approvals and regulations, and (vi) our future business development, results of operations and financial condition. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and YY Group Holding Limited undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
The only cosmetics company chosen by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources for the “AI Factory” project
Enables agile, small-batch, multi-product production to meet diverse client needs in real time
SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kolmar Korea announced that it has been selected as the sole cosmetics company to lead a government-funded AI Factory Alliance project organized by South Korea’sMinistry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR). Through this initiative, the company aims to move beyond smart factory automation toward AI-driven manufacturing autonomy, enhancing the global competitiveness of the K-beauty industry.
Products being manufactured at Kolmar Korea’s Sejong plant.
Under the project, Kolmar Korea will develop an AI autonomous manufacturing system that integrates all cosmetic production processes—from planning and formulation to quality control, filling, and packaging. Unlike traditional smart factories, which operate based on pre-set human inputs, AI factories use artificial intelligence to analyze data in real time and autonomously optimize production operations.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) is South Korea’s central government agency overseeing industrial technology, R&D, commerce, and trade. Under its national vision of becoming the “World’s Leading Manufacturing Power by 2030,” the ministry launched the AI Factory M.AX (AI Transformation) Alliance, selecting leading companies from each sector to drive AI innovation in manufacturing. Kolmar Korea was chosen as the sole cosmetics company to lead the initiative, recognized for its technological excellence and manufacturing capabilities that have positioned it at the forefront of the K-beauty industry.
Kolmar Korea plans to modularize each manufacturing stage and apply advanced AI models to achieve over 95% process accuracy, one of the highest standards in the industry. This will significantly reduce rework caused by defects and maximize production efficiency. The transition to an AI factory will also enable high-mix, low-volume production, allowing rapid response to diverse customer demands.
The project will run for four years and four months, from September 2025 to December 2029. As the lead company in the Bio Division of the AI Factory Alliance, Kolmar Korea will spearhead the AI Transformation (AX) of the cosmetics manufacturing sector. Key initiatives include:
Building an integrated data platform that connects all cosmetic production processes
Developing autonomous process-control AI models to enhance product quality and precision
With the global cosmetics market increasingly emphasizing personalization and speed, AI-driven manufacturing has become essential to sustaining K-beauty’s global leadership. Many production processes in the industry still rely heavily on manual labor, especially for customized product designs and packaging. Kolmar Korea intends to share best practices from its AI Factory implementation to accelerate digital innovation across Korea’s cosmetic manufacturing ecosystem.
Kolmar Korea has already laid the groundwork for AI-based manufacturing through its smart factory system, established in 2019, which reduced defect rates by 42%. The new AI Factory will build on that success, creating a next-generation manufacturing system optimized for flexible, small-batch production.
A Kolmar Korea official stated, “Being selected as the only cosmetics company for the government’s AI Factory project recognizes our technological leadership in AI-driven manufacturing. We will leverage our autonomous AI systems to advance Korea’s cosmetic manufacturing standards and strengthen K-beauty’s global competitiveness.”
Kolmar Korea operates manufacturing bases in Korea, the United States, Canada, and China, and plans to roll out the new AI systems across all global production sites. The company also intends to expand the application of AI Factory technology to other Kolmar Group affiliates, including Kolmar BNH (health supplements), HK inno.N (pharmaceuticals), and Yonwoo (cosmetic packaging).
GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As China accelerates its transition toward high-quality development, a new focus on sustainable productive forces are reshaping industries. At the 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), the Building and Decorative Materials section in Phase 2 highlights how the construction sector is advancing this transformation. Exhibitors are presenting new generations of green and functional materials that meet evolving global demands.
One long-standing exhibitor, represented by a sales professional from its international trade center, showcased a diverse portfolio spanning architectural ceramics, environmentally friendly materials, and smart home solutions. This year’s highlights include ceramic tiles inspired by natural cave stone textures and foamed ceramic products made from recycled solid waste. These materials offer enhanced fire resistance, waterproofing, and sound insulation, while remaining lightweight and cost-effective, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. Their use promotes circular production and helps reduce construction waste.
Another exhibitor, led by its general manager, has participated in over 40 editions of the fair and maintains a presence in more than 50 countries. The company continues to view the Canton Fair as a strategic gateway to global markets. Its featured offerings include wall panels made from medical-grade PVC and bamboo fiber, designed for moisture resistance, mold prevention, and easy installation. The exhibitor also introduced WPC outdoor flooring, combining the natural appearance of wood with the strength and durability of plastic, making it well-suited for balconies and poolside areas. Additionally, its soft ceramic tiles stand out for consuming only one-third the energy of traditional ceramics while meeting top fire safety standards. These tiles are flexible, impact-resistant, and recyclable, aligning with principles of sustainable design.
A third exhibitor, recognized for its high-end ceramic innovations, returned to the Canton Fair to strengthen global connections and demonstrate its latest advancements in building materials. This year’s presentation revolves around the concept of “high, refined, and new,” highlighting breakthroughs in original design, material innovation, and advanced manufacturing. Key developments include product systems featuring textured surface technologies, digital molding, adhesive positioning for dry grains, and crystal-grain digital processing. The exhibitor also unveiled a new series that blends Eastern aesthetics with contemporary global design trends. Developed using proprietary technologies, these products exemplify how technological progress and creative artistry can converge to redefine modern living environments.
As the Canton Fair continues to connect Chinese manufacturers with global buyers, the growing presence of green technologies and design-driven solutions in the building and decorative materials sector reflects a steady shift toward new productive forces. Rather than a sudden transformation, this evolution is unfolding through practical innovation, sustainable practices, and a deeper understanding of market needs, laying the groundwork for more responsible and resilient development in the years ahead.
Bevacizumab is a targeted therapy used to treat lung and colorectal cancers, both among the top three cancers ranked by death in Colombia[1].
This inaugural shipment—dispatched around two months after Colombia’s marketing approval—demonstrates the company’s efficiency, while validating its antibody commercialization platform, as well as robust production quality and supply chain management systems.
SUZHOU, China, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BioDlink announced the first international shipment of its bevacizumab injection biosimilar to Colombia in partnership with Kexing BioPharm. Both companies marked this milestone with a special ceremony when specially-decorated transport vehicles arrived.
Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is widely used in the treatment of various cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and metastatic or recurrent non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (nsNSCLC). According to industry estimates, bevacizumab injection achieved global sales of USD 8.5 billion in 2023[2].
In July 2025, the company announced that its bevacizumab injection has received marketing approval from Colombia’s National Institute for Surveillance of Medicines and Foods (INVIMA). This inaugural shipment—dispatched around two months after marketing approval—demonstrates BioDlink’s efficiency, while validating its antibody commercialization platform, as well as robust production quality and supply chain management systems. BioDlink’s 50,000-square-meter manufacturing facilities have successfully undergone EU Qualified Person (QP) audits for antibody drugs and ADCs five times in the past four years, with zero critical defects noted. BioDlink’s global-quality system is robust, delivering over 100 clinical projects with development, clinical filings, and manufacturing services worldwide, including Europe and the U.S.
Following GMP certification in China, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan and Thailand, Kexing BioPharm, the global licensee for bevacizumab injection in emerging markets, has initiated regulatory filings in 35 countries in close collaboration with BioDlink. GMP certification in Brazil, Colombia and Argentina covers the top three most populous countries in South America, representing 71.4 % of the continent’s population[3].
Colombia’s ongoing cancer burden patterns (117,620 new cases in 2022, with 11,163 colorectal and 7,196 lung cases[1]) aligns closely with bevacizumab’s treatment areas of metastatic colorectal and non-squamous non-small cell NSCLC among others, making this initial international shipment both strategically important and timely.
Since BioDlink signed an international commercialization agreement with Kexing BioPharm in early 2022, both two companies have achieved a complementary and efficient closed-loop “R&D-manufacturing-access” model, laying the foundation for the future international launch of additional products. BioDlink focuses on ensuring international manufacturing and supply chain robustness, while Kexing BioPharm leverages its global channels to drive localized market access.
BioDlink and Kexing BioPharm are committed to deepening their global collaboration to fulfill a shared mission of advancing global healthcare. BioDlink remains aligned with its “Quality First, Innovation Driven, Success Together” service philosophy to focus on emerging markets such as South America, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa, benefiting an even broader global patient population in the future.
BioDlink (1875.HK) is a leading global CDMO specializing in biologics and bioconjugates (ADCs/XDCs). Headquartered in Suzhou with centers in Shanghai and Beijing, the company provides fully integrated, end-to-end services spanning early R&D through commercial manufacturing.
With its one-base integrated platform and proprietary technologies—such as BDKcell® for rapid cell line development and GL-DisacLink® for site-specific conjugation—BioDlink helps partners accelerate development, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
The company operates four commercial manufacturing lines with large-scale sterile fill-finish capabilities, backed by a global GMP-aligned quality system that has earned PMDA accreditation in Japan and supported product approvals across China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Colombia.
Guided by the philosophy of “Quality First, Innovation Driven, Success Together,” BioDlink is committed to advancing global access to next-generation biologics and building trusted partnerships worldwide. For more information, please visit: https://www.biodlink.com/
About Kexing Biopharm Co., Ltd.
Kexing Biopharm is an innovative biopharmaceutical enterprise mainly engaged in the integration of R&D, production and sales of recombinant protein drugs and microecological preparations. It focuses on antiviral, tumor and immune, blood, digestion, degenerative diseases and other therapeutic fields, builds cutting-edge biotechnology platforms such as new protein, new antibody, nucleic acid drugs, and adheres to the platform driven development model of “innovation+internationalization”, At the same time, it explores the extensive application of biotechnology in the field of general health, actively cultivates and incubates new industries, the world’s leading industrial platforms such as animal vaccines and synthetic organisms have been distributed, and is committed to becoming a leader in high-quality biopharmaceutics and serving global patients.
XUZHOU, China, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, on the 8th tower of the 500kV Baoren 523 Line in Xuzhou, a camera accurately captured a potential safety hazard and completed identification, upload, and alarm notification within 15 minutes. This efficient closed-loop process is supported by the newly upgraded intelligent preliminary screening function for image materials developed by State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company.
In recent years, cameras installed on transmission towers have been able to capture clear images, facilitating back-end staff in identifying safety hazards and significantly improving the efficiency of transmission line operation and maintenance. However, these cameras need to regularly transmit massive amounts of raw images to the cloud for analysis, which not only consumes a large amount of network bandwidth but also imposes a heavy load on cloud computing power. To address this issue, Xuzhou Power Supply Company independently explored a technical upgrade path: by adding an intelligent preliminary screening step before cameras upload images to the cloud, it performs real-time preprocessing and feature extraction on captured images. Additionally, a comparison mechanism for feature values of common foreign objects and external damages has been introduced to filter out images with repetitive frames and other redundant features. This has significantly reduced the bandwidth pressure of image uploads and improved the efficiency of image processing for operation and maintenance personnel.
“It’s equivalent to conducting a secondary review of the images. Taking the Xuzhou 500kV Baoren Line as an example, before the function upgrade, an average edge device uploaded about 3,300 images per month. After the pilot upgrade, a single edge device only uploaded approximately 1,100 images in September, reducing the total number of uploaded images by more than 65%,” said Yang Tengteng, a specialist in the transmission business of the Equipment Department at State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company. Up to now, this function has been pilot-deployed on 5 key transmission lines in Xuzhou, covering nearly 30 visualized towers, shortening the transmission alarm delay by about 70%. It is planned to be promoted across the entire Xuzhou area by the end of this year.
NEW COMPANY WILL BE A GLOBAL LEADER IN ADVANCED CATALYSTS AND ADDITIVES FOR THE REFINING AND PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRIES
NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”) announced today that, through a newly formed affiliate, it has entered into a definitive agreement with Albemarle Corporation (“Albemarle”) (NYSE: ALB) to acquire a controlling stake in Ketjen Corporation’s refining catalyst solutions business (collectively, “Ketjen” or the “Company”). KPS and Albemarle, through affiliates, will own approximately 51% and 49% of Ketjen at close, respectively, with KPS having a majority of the Board of Directors and operational control of Ketjen. Albemarle will retain 100% of Ketjen Corporation’s Performance Catalyst Solutions (“PCS”) business. Completion of the transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2026 and is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals.
Ketjen is a leading global manufacturer of advanced catalyst solutions used to transform, process and de-contaminate crude oil and renewable feedstocks into fuels and chemicals for a wide range of applications, including petrochemicals, transportation, building and agriculture, among others. The Company’s catalysts and additives enhance customers’ profitability through improvements in reliability, quality and yield of fuels and chemicals refined from a variety of traditional and renewable feedstocks. Ketjen is headquartered in Houston, Texas, has approximately 840 employees and operates two manufacturing facilities, two research and technology centers and two joint ventures across North and South America, Europe and Asia.
Raquel Vargas Palmer, Managing Partner of KPS, said, “We are thrilled to make a controlling investment in Ketjen, a leading global provider of mission-critical catalysts and additives for petrochemical and fuel producers. The Company’s solutions are essential to manufacturing a wide range of products, including sustainable fuels and chemicals, ensuring safety, quality and emissions standards while enhancing production yields and producer profitability. We will leverage KPS’ decades of global manufacturing experience to create an entrepreneurial culture centered on innovation and continuous improvement, while providing strategic support and capital to accelerate the Company’s growth opportunities. Ketjen remains committed to supporting its customers in the refinery industry and delivering industry-leading solutions, service and quality. We look forward to partnering with Ketjen’s talented employees, senior management team and Albemarle to drive the Company’s growth and profitability.”
Michael Simmons, President of Ketjen, said, “The Ketjen team is excited to partner with KPS as we begin our next chapter as an independent company. KPS has an exceptional track record of investing in and strengthening industrial and specialty materials businesses, and we are confident they are the right partner to support our long-term growth. Their commitment to manufacturing excellence, operational improvement and innovation will enable us to build on Ketjen’s strong market position and deepen our partnerships with customers around the world.”
Kent Masters, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Albemarle, said, “We have been impressed with KPS and their proven expertise in managing large, global manufacturing and industrial businesses. Albemarle’s retained stake in Ketjen highlights our belief in the Company’s earnings growth and value creation potential under KPS’ direction, and we look forward to partnering with KPS in driving Ketjen’s next phase of growth.”
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal counsel and Raymond James served as lead financial advisor to KPS. Committed debt financing to support the transaction has been provided by Barclays, Jefferies, BNP Paribas and Santander.
About Ketjen Ketjen’s refining catalyst solutions business provides advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical and refining industries. From fluidized catalytic cracking to clean fuels solutions and hydro-processing, Ketjen delivers safe and reliable solutions that maximize production performance and business value. Ketjen is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and serves global customers in 25 markets. For more information, visit www.ketjen.com.
About Albemarle Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) leads the world in transforming essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. We partner to pioneer new ways to move, power, connect and protect with people and planet in mind. A reliable and high-quality global supply of lithium and bromine allows us to deliver advanced solutions for our customers. Learn more about how the people of Albemarle are enabling a more resilient world at Albemarle.com, LinkedIn and X.
About KPS Capital Partners KPS, through its affiliated management entities, is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $19.4 billion of assets under management (as of June 30, 2025). For over three decades, the Partners of KPS have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment, and general manufacturing. KPS creates value for its investors by working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better and generates investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness, and profitability of its portfolio companies, rather than primarily relying on financial leverage. The KPS Funds’ portfolio companies currently generate aggregate annual revenues of approximately $21.6 billion, operate 211 manufacturing facilities in 21 countries, and have approximately 55,000 employees, directly and through joint ventures worldwide (as of June 30, 2025). The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com.