Cognitus to further strengthen IBM’s SAP capabilities in complex and regulated industries, including Aerospace and Defense, Energy and Utilities and Manufacturing

ARMONK, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cognitus, a leading SAP S/4HANA services provider, with industry-specific, AI-powered solutions. Cognitus will bring mission-critical SAP skills, including in RISE and GROW with SAP, as well as an extensive portfolio of software assets. This combination of services, software and industry expertise, aligns with IBM’s asset-based approach to digital transformation, driving increased productivity and operational efficiency for clients around the world.

IBM Corporation logo.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Cognitus brings more than 20 years of SAP expertise, helping enterprise clients with end-to-end SAP S/4HANA implementations and application maintenance services. As an SAP Gold & Co-innovation partner, Cognitus has been recognized for pioneering industry-tailored SAP services and solutions that empower the data-driven enterprise and fuel sustainable growth.

Cognitus’ services capabilities are boosted by its suite of proprietary, SAP-endorsed and AI-enabled software assets. These assets include Cognitus CIS-GovCon which supports end-to-end government contracting requirements; Cognitus CLM, an AI-powered contract lifecycle management solution built specifically for government contractors; Cognitus Data Migration, a low-code, AI solution that simplifies the migration of data from legacy systems to SAP S/4HANA; and Cognitus Real-Time Billing, which accelerates high-volume, project-based billing by processing transactions in real time.

Cognitus’ services and software capabilities throughout the entire project lifecycle of SAP transformation projects enable faster decision-making, reduce risk, and support compliance. This helps organizations in complex and regulated industries simplify operations and achieve greater consistency with a single provider.

“SAP is the foundation for so many digital transformations around the world. Clients are turning to trusted partners that know their industries inside and out and can deploy AI-powered solutions to their enterprise operations,” said Neil Dhar, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting Americas. “Cognitus brings deep industry expertise and proprietary AI technology that improves the efficiency of SAP implementations and will extend the functionality of tools across our SAP portfolio.”

IBM has extensive skills in SAP technology and transformations, complemented by its AI-led delivery platform, IBM Consulting Advantage. The acquisition of Cognitus strengthens IBM’s industry expertise, portfolio of AI solutions, and capabilities in RISE and GROW with SAP, bolstering its ability to deliver modern SAP solutions faster and more effectively for global clients.

“Becoming part of IBM enables Cognitus to amplify what we do best – accelerating SAP transformation through innovation,” said Pat Sathi, CEO of Cognitus. “It creates new opportunities for our people while strengthening how we serve our customers. Our clients will continue to benefit from our proven SAP-Endorsed solutions and accelerators, backed by Cognitus’ deep industry expertise in regulated industries and now supported by IBM’s global scale and advanced technology capabilities.”

Nitin Khanna, Managing Director, and Amit Baid, President, at Cognitus, added, “Our software-first approach has always been central to how we deliver value. With IBM, we’ll be able to accelerate software innovation, enhance our portfolio, and expand these capabilities to serve an even broader global customer base.”

The acquisition of Cognitus strengthens IBM’s SAP portfolio and represents IBM’s continued investment in skills for strategic partners like AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, Palo Alto Networks, SAP, and more.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, and IBM’s acquisition of Cognitus is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

About Cognitus
Cognitus, an SAP Gold and Co-Innovation Partner, is a recognized leader in delivering GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP programs for complex and regulated industries. The company combines deep industry expertise with a portfolio of SAP-Endorsed Apps and industry accelerators that extend SAP Cloud ERP to meet compliance and operational requirements. With proven experience across Aerospace and Defense, Utilities, Manufacturing, Consumer Products, Professional Services, Wholesale Distribution, and more, Cognitus enables rapid, fit-to-standard SAP implementations that help customers modernize with confidence and achieve measurable value.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Brophy
Elizabeth.Brophy@ibm.com

WUHU, China, Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the 2025 Chery International User Summit draws near, Chery International launched a deep-dive dialogue on future mobility with global users on October 15, marking the start of its endurance journey across three cross-regional routes. Centered on the philosophy of “CO-CREATE • CO-DEFINE,” this technological expedition aims to deliver authentic driving experiences and real-world technical feedback ahead of the summit.

As a key prelude to the event, media and dealer representatives from around the world joined as “Co-Creation Experience Officers,” driving multiple models — including CHERY’s T7, T8, and T9; OMODA & JAECOO’s O5, J5, and O7; and LEPAS’s L8 — across three endurance routes totaling more than 2,300 kilometers. Their journey will culminate in Wuhu, the main venue of the User Summit, symbolizing a collective exploration of technology, innovation, and shared mobility.

Comprehensive Validation: Diverse Routes, Unified Strength

In this endurance campaign, each of the three brands has undertaken a uniquely designed route, providing a comprehensive real-world validation of Chery’s hybrid technology reliability and adaptability.

CHERY’s “Endless Horizons” begins in Taiyuan, Shanxi, spanning over 1,400 kilometers through Luoyang, Shangqiu, and Suzhou before reaching Wuhu. Traversing multiple terrains and climates, this route tests the T7 PHEV, T8 PHEV, and T9 PHEV models for long-distance reliability and adaptability — underscoring Chery’s unwavering commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and intelligent mobility experiences for users worldwide.

OMODA & JAECOO’s “Super Hybrid Marathon” starts and ends in Wuhu, spanning about 600 kilometers through the challenging mountain roads of Huangshan. The O5, J5, and O7 models showcase the SHS Hybrid System’s superior efficiency and dynamic control, reflecting the brands’ youthful energy and engineering appeal to new-generation consumers.

LEPAS’s “Global Journey of Elegant Drive” departs from Shanghai, traveling through Suzhou, Moganshan, and Xuancheng before arriving in Wuhu — a nearly 1,000-kilometer journey. The L8 faces diverse real-world conditions including night driving, high-speed cruising, and winding mountain roads, fully demonstrating its intelligent technology, refined handling, and all-round mobility performance.

Value Co-Creation: Building a Deeply Interactive Ecosystem

This multi-brand endurance campaign continues Chery International’s spirit of openness and innovation, refined through past endurance experiences. Throughout the thousand-kilometer journey, Co-Creation Experience Officers from diverse markets tested Chery’s hybrid systems under real-world conditions. Their insights and feedback provide valuable input for future product refinement and technological evolution.

The initiative aligns closely with the “CO-CREATE • CO-DEFINE” vision of the 2025 Chery International User Summit, embodying how Chery’s technological and user experience goals are shaped through real-world collaboration. As a key step in ecosystem co-creation, the endurance campaign demonstrates how Chery’s future technology and user experience directions are being shaped through real-world collaboration with global partners.

Through three distinctive routes, CHERY, OMODA & JAECOO, and LEPAS showcase Chery Group’s ability to meet diverse global mobility needs: CHERY’s T-series PHEV models combine reliable long-distance performance with intelligent comfort features, delivering a safe and emotionally connected driving experience. OMODA & JAECOO’s O5, J5, and O7 deliver strong control and hybrid performance across complex terrains, appealing to younger, performance-driven users. LEPAS’s L8 blends technology, culture, and scenery, embodying the elegance of intelligent mobility and a refined lifestyle.

Upon completing the journey, participants will head directly to Wuhu, bringing real-world data and first-hand experiences that will serve as a foundation for Chery and its global partners to jointly define the future of intelligent mobility.

Ecosystem Co-Building: Leading Industry Innovation Through Technology

Their first-hand experiences and professional feedback will provide invaluable real-world insights for the upcoming 2025 Chery International User Summit. The three distinctive test routes, each spanning different geographies and driving conditions, have thoroughly validated the versatility and reliability of Chery Group’s hybrid technologies. From the technical perspectives of media professionals to the market insights of dealer partners, this multi-dimensional participation has enriched the process of defining product value and user experience.

Spanning more than 2,300 kilometers, this endurance campaign is not only a comprehensive validation of hybrid performance, but also a showcase of Chery Group’s engineering strength and innovation capability. Guided by a philosophy of practical innovation, Chery continues to advance technology through real-world data and user-driven development. Amid profound transformation across the global automotive industry, Chery Group remains committed to innovation-led, user-centered growth, working with global partners to co-create a smarter, more connected mobility future.

As the endurance campaign progresses, anticipation builds for the 2025 Chery International User Summit, officially opening on October 17. Drawing on the valuable data and insights gathered throughout the journey, the summit will explore the boundless potential of hybrid technology and user ecosystem co-creation. What awaits is not only a celebration of technological achievement, but also a milestone moment where Chery, global users, and industry partners come together to co-create a new ecosystem for smart mobility.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bank of America reported its third quarter 2025 financial results today. The news release, supplemental filing and investor presentation can be accessed at Bank of America’s Investor Relations website at https://investor.bankofamerica.com/quarterly-earnings.

A Form 8-K containing Bank of America’s financial results is also available at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

Investor Conference Call information
Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Alastair Borthwick will discuss the financial results in an investor conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET today. For a listen-only connection to the conference call, dial 1.877.200.4456 (U.S.) or 1.785.424.1732 (international), and the conference ID is 79795. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.

Investors can listen to live audio of the conference call and view the presentation slides by visiting the “Events and Presentations” section of the company’s Investor Relations website.

Replay information for Investor Conference Call
Investors can access replays of the investor conference call by visiting the Investor Relations website or by calling 1.800.934.4850 (U.S.) or 1.402.220.1178 (international) from noon on October 15 through 11:59 p.m. ET on October 24. 

Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Investors may contact

Lee McEntire, Bank of America
Phone: 1.980.388.6780
lee.mcentire@bofa.com 

Jonathan G. Blum, Bank of America (Fixed Income)
Phone: 1.212.449.3112
jonathan.blum@bofa.com

Reporters may contact

Jocelyn Seidenfeld, Bank of America
Phone: 1.646.743.3356
jocelyn.seidenfeld@bofa.com 

HONG KONG, Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The GITEX Global 2025 kicked off at the Dubai World Trade Centre on October 13. Under the theme “Connecting the Intelligent Future, Empowering the Digital Ecosystem,” China Telecom showcased its comprehensive solutions and benchmark practices aimed at enabling digital transformation in the Middle East and Africa. Through four core exhibition zones, the company highlighted cutting-edge technological achievements, attracting large crowds of international visitors for hands-on experiences and exchanges.

Consul General’s Inspections and Vision for the Future
On the second day of the event, Ms. Ou Boqian, Consul General of Chinese Consul General in Dubai, visited the China Telecom exhibition booth for an inspection and guidance session. Accompanied by Mr. Dong Ziyu, General Manager of China Telecom Africa & Middle East, Ms. Ou toured various exhibition zones and received a detailed briefing on the company’s innovative achievements in areas such as the IoT (Internet of Things), vision network, digital security, and cloud computing. Ms. Ou highly acknowledged China Telecom’s achievements in advancing digital transformation across the Middle East and Africa and expressed strong confidence in its future development.

Innovation Zones: A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Technology
This year, China Telecom meticulously designed four core exhibition zones, allowing clients to experience the appeal of technology up close. At the “Intelligent Connectivity” booth, visitors conversed with Tele AI Bear and watched dynamic demonstrations of robotic dogs. The “eSurfing SeeLink Smart Experience” zone showcased how vision network helps ensure food safety and unveiled smart city applications. In the “Secure & Smart Networks” section, attendees tried smart helmets capable of real-time monitoring and remote coordination. Meanwhile, at the “Cloud-Powered Future” of eSurfing Cloud zone, guests interacted playfully with cloud-based robots and saw firsthand how computing power enables the future.

Three Major Events Concluded with Success, Strategic Vision Draws Wide Attention:

• A Landmark Moment: The “UAE Office, Spatio-temporal Intelligence Technology Cooperation Consortium” was officially inaugurated. This milestone underscores China Telecom’s firm commitment to promoting high-quality development under the Belt and Road Initiative. The office will serve as a key platform for deepening collaboration and sharing outcomes between China and the Middle East in areas including BeiDou Navigation, remote sensing, IoT, and digital twin technologies, injecting robust momentum into regional sci-tech innovation and industrial upgrading.
• Redefining Robotic Services: As a flagship event during the expo, China Telecom unveiled its global Robotic as a Service (RaaS) platform. This innovative solution deploys robotic “brains” in the cloud, leveraging the massive computing power, big data analytics, and AI algorithms of China Telecom Cloud to deliver intelligent scheduling, task management, data analysis, and skill-sharing services for various offline robotic terminals. Designed for applications such as smart campuses, intelligent inspections, smart healthcare, and security patrols, the platform aims to drive scalable and intelligent adoption of robotics, positioning itself as a key enabler for intelligent transformation across industries.
• New Product Launch: In response to market demands across the Middle East and Africa, China Telecom unveiled a series of new products, including the “OneSolutions Cloud Marketplace,” “eSurfing Cloud Laptop,” and “BeiDou Safety Helmet.” These innovations stand out by offering exceptional localized service capabilities and integrated solutions, effectively addressing key pain points for both Chinese companies expanding overseas and local customers. The launch provides a robust response to regional digital development needs.

Moving forward, China Telecom will continue to spearhead technological innovation and empower the digital ecosystem across industries. By sharing innovative achievements, facilitating the flow of production factors, and building collaborative networks, the company will further expand its presence in fields such as unmanned systems, AI, and industrial digitalization. Together with its Belt and Road partners, China Telecom is committed to jointly shaping a new landscape for the digital economy.

NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nobu Hospitality, the globally renowned luxury lifestyle and iconic hotel, dining, and residences brand proudly announces the debut of Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences Baku, along with the upcoming Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences Montenegro, developed in partnership with Sea Breeze Resort.

Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences Baku

Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences Baku
Located along the Caspian coast in the prestigious Sea Breeze Resort area, this landmark development marks Nobu’s entrance into Azerbaijan, bringing the brand’s celebrated blend of contemporary luxury, signature dining, and elevated lifestyle to the region.

The project will feature an 80-room Nobu Hotel and a collection of 100 exclusive Nobu Residences, including five exceptional villas, designed to reflect Nobu’s signature aesthetic of elegant simplicity, natural materials, and a harmonious balance of comfort and sophistication.

At the heart of the property, the Nobu restaurant will showcase Chef Nobu’s world-renowned Japanese Peruvian cuisine, complemented by a stylish bar and lounge for guests and residents to gather and connect.

A curated selection of amenities will enhance the experience, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, wellness spa, extensive meeting and event space, and recreational facilities tailored to both relaxation and active lifestyles. With direct beach access on the Caspian Sea, guests and residents will enjoy a tranquil setting that seamlessly blends leisure, wellbeing, and Nobu’s signature hospitality.

Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences Montenegro
Expanding Nobu’s footprint, the brand also announces Nobu Residences, Hotel, and Restaurant in Sea Breeze Resort Montenegro, set along the Adriatic coast in a prestigious resort area.

This highly anticipated development will feature an 80-room Nobu Hotel, 100 private residences with five bespoke villas, centered around a signature Nobu restaurant that offers owners and guests an unmatched lifestyle experience.  With panoramic sea views, private waterfront access, and proximity to the region’s most exclusive destinations, Nobu Montenegro will embody the perfect balance of serenity and sophistication.

Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer of Nobu Hospitality, said:
“We are incredibly excited to introduce Nobu to Azerbaijan and to make our return to Montenegro — two stunning destinations that are steeped in culture and natural beauty. This partnership with Sea Breeze Resort reflects our commitment to delivering not just one, but two exceptional Nobu projects that embody our vision. These remarkable developments exemplify our unwavering dedication to crafting unique experiences where exceptional hospitality, innovative design, and world-class dining converge in perfect harmony.”

Emin Agalarov, Founder and Owner of Sea Breeze Resort, added:
“We are delighted that the world-renowned brand Nobu will soon be present in Sea Breeze in Azerbaijan as well as in Sea Breeze in Montenegro. This is a new chapter in the development of оur resort city and destination for tourists from all over the world. My sincere gratitude to our partners for many years of cooperation and trust.”

From left to right: Meir Teper, Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Emin Agalarov