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Heidrick & Struggles Enters into Definitive Agreement with Investor Consortium Led by Advent International and Corvex to Become a Private Company

$1.3 Billion All-Cash Transaction
Heidrick Stockholders to Receive $59.00 per Share in Cash

CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSII) (“Heidrick” or the “Company”), a premier global leadership advisor, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement whereby a consortium of investors led by Advent International (“Advent”) and Corvex Private Equity (“Corvex”), and including several leading family offices, will acquire all of the Company’s outstanding public shares. This new investor consortium will include significant investment from many Heidrick leaders. The all-cash transaction values the Company’s equity at approximately $1.3 billion and will enable the Company to return to private ownership, with significantly more equity participation by current and future partners and leaders, enabling faster growth and greater client impact.

Under the terms of the agreement, Heidrick stockholders will receive $59.00 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately 26% to Heidrick’s 90-day volume-weighted average price per share.

Upon completion, Heidrick will become a private company and focus on rapidly advancing its global leadership positions in executive search, interim talent solutions, leadership assessment and development, as well as purpose, culture, and performance consulting. As Heidrick’s partners, the consortium will enable the Company to invest in the people, technologies, and innovative solutions needed to create unrivaled value for current and future clients. As an immediate example, the Company will implement a new equity plan for current and future partners and leaders. This plan, fully incremental to current Heidrick compensation programs, will allow the Company to retain, attract, and develop the industry’s top talent.

Heidrick will continue to be led by Chief Executive Officer Tom Monahan, President Tom Murray, and the Company’s current leadership team following the conclusion of the transaction.

“This pivotal moment represents an exciting new chapter in Heidrick’s growth story, and a tremendous opportunity for us to join forces with an investment consortium led by two highly regarded and successful partners. Advent and Corvex know Heidrick well and bring a unique set of financial and strategic resources that will allow us to create even more value for clients and colleagues,” said Tom Monahan, Chief Executive Officer, Heidrick & Struggles. “We know the collective expertise and resources of the consortium will further accelerate our ability to develop differentiated, deep and durable global client relationships by ensuring Heidrick is the company where the best people do their best work.”

“This transaction is the culmination of a comprehensive and strategic process led by the Heidrick Board of Directors, including engagement with multiple parties,” said Chairman of the Board, Adam Warby. “We are pleased to have reached this agreement with the consortium, which provides significant and immediate cash value to our stockholders while positioning the company to attract, retain, and develop exceptional talent to deliver unrivaled client impact.”

“Heidrick & Struggles has long been trusted by boards and C-suites because of its history of strong leadership advisory and management services, as well as its ability to attract and engage the best talent,” said John DiCola, Managing Director at Advent. “Along with the Company’s partners and Corvex, we see significant opportunities to help strengthen the firm’s market position by growing its product offerings and expanding further globally.”

“We are excited to partner with Advent, management, and the entire Heidrick team, to return the Company to private ownership and build on Heidrick’s exceptional foundation to accelerate growth and continue driving superior value for clients,” said Joe Costa, Managing Partner of Corvex Private Equity.

“Heidrick & Struggles has a strong brand and reputation for acting as a trusted advisor to high performing organizations as they make their most important leadership and talent decisions,” said Carmine Di Sibio, former Chairman and CEO of EY and Advent Operating Partner who advised the consortium on the transaction. “As a private company the team will continue to build on that legacy, expand the firm’s capabilities, and deliver for their clients worldwide.”

Transaction Details

The transaction, which was unanimously approved by the Heidrick Board of Directors, is expected to close by the first quarter of 2026, subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders and the satisfaction of required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Upon closing of the transaction, Heidrick will be a private company, and its common stock will no longer be listed nor traded on the Nasdaq stock market or any public exchange. Following the close of the transaction, the Company will  continue to maintain its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, and will continue to operate under the Heidrick & Struggles name and brand.

Advent and Corvex have secured committed debt financing for the transaction from Deutsche Bank, UBS Investment Bank, and Santander. In addition to Advent and Corvex, the consortium of investors acquiring Heidrick will include a significant investment from many Heidrick leaders and several prominent family offices.

Advisors

BofA Securities is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Heidrick, and Paul Hastings LLP is serving as legal counsel to Heidrick. William Blair & Company, L.L.C., Deutsche Bank, and UBS Investment Bank are serving as financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as legal counsel to the investor consortium. Ropes & Gray LLP is additionally serving as legal counsel to Advent.

About Heidrick & Struggles
Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII) is a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, serving the senior-level talent and consulting needs of the world’s top organizations. In our role as trusted leadership advisors, we partner with our clients to develop future-ready leaders and organizations, bringing together our services and offerings in executive search, inclusion, leadership assessment and development, organization and team acceleration, culture shaping, and on-demand, independent talent solutions. Heidrick & Struggles pioneered the profession of executive search more than 70 years ago. Today, the firm provides integrated talent and human capital solutions to help our clients change the world, one leadership team at a time. ® www.heidrick.com 

About Advent International
Advent is a leading global private equity investor committed to working in partnership with management teams, entrepreneurs, and founders to help transform businesses. With 16 offices across five continents, we oversee more than USD $100 billion in assets under management* and have made 435 investments across 44 countries.

Since our founding in 1984, we have developed specialist market expertise across our five core sectors: business & financial services, consumer, healthcare, industrial, and technology. This approach is bolstered by our deep sub-sector knowledge, which informs every aspect of our investment strategy, from sourcing opportunities to working in partnership with management to execute value creation plans. We bring hands-on operational expertise to enhance and accelerate businesses.

As one of the largest privately-owned partnerships, our 675+ colleagues leverage the full ecosystem of Advent’s global resources, including our Portfolio Support Group, insights provided by industry expert Operating Partners and Operations Advisors, as well as bespoke tools to support and guide our portfolio companies as they seek to achieve their strategic goals.

To learn more, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.

*Assets under management (AUM) as of June 30, 2025. AUM includes assets attributable to Advent advisory clients as well as employee and third-party co-investment vehicles.

About Corvex Private Equity
Founded in 2010 by Keith Meister, Corvex Management LP invests in high-quality businesses with positive secular tailwinds, partnering with management and boards to support long-term shareholder value. Corvex takes an owner-operator mindset, engaging collaboratively with key stakeholders and brings deep corporate governance expertise from experience serving on dozens of public boards, including MGM Resorts, Illumina, Yum! Brands, and Motorola Solutions, among others. Corvex Private Equity (“Corvex PE”) was co-founded in 2024 by Joe Costa to make concentrated investments in small to medium-sized companies. Corvex PE seeks to invest in durable franchises with deep customer relationships, partnering with management teams and aligned investors to drive long-term value.

Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains not only historical information, but also forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including the timing of the proposed transactions contemplated by that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 5, 2025 (the “Merger Agreement“), by and among Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (the “Company“), Heron BidCo, LLC (“Parent“) and Heron Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub“) and other information relating to the proposed transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Transaction“). Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company, the expected completion and timing of the proposed Transaction and other information relating to the proposed Transaction. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “forecasts,” “should,” “estimates,” “contemplate,” “future,” “goal,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “projection,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “assuming” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. Where, in any forward-looking statement, the Company expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to be reasonable at the time such forward-looking statement is made. However, these statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company’s control. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in the forward-looking statements. Those following important factors and uncertainties, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: (i) the risk that the Transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the Company’s business and the price of the common stock of the Company, (ii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Transaction, including the adoption of the Merger Agreement by the stockholders of the Company and the receipt of regulatory approvals from various governmental entities (including any conditions, limitations or restrictions placed on these approvals) and the risk that one or more governmental entities may deny approval, (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, (iv) the risk that the Merger Agreement may be terminated in circumstances that require the Company to pay a termination fee; (v) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Transaction on the Company’s business relationships, operating results and business generally, including the Company’s ability to attract, integrate, develop, manage, retain and motivate qualified consultants and senior leaders as a result of such effects, (vi) risks that the proposed Transaction disrupts current plans and operations, (vii) risks related to diverting management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations, (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company related to the Merger Agreement or the Transaction, (ix) the Company’s ability to fill or obtain new executive search assignments, which could impact demand for services and affect results of operations or financial conditions, (x) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the proposed Transaction; (xi) the ability to obtain the necessary financing arrangements set forth in the commitment letters received in connection with the proposed Transaction; (xi) the impact of adverse macroeconomic or labor market conditions, including the impacts of inflation and effects of geopolitical instability, on demand for services, (xii) risks caused by delays in upturns or downturns being reflected in the Company’s financial position and results of operations, (xiii) risks that the benefits of the Transaction are not realized when and as expected, (xiv) uncertainty as to timing of completion of the proposed Transaction, and (xv) other factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in other reports and filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication or the date of any document incorporated by reference in this document. The Company cautions you that the important factors referenced above may not contain all of the factors that are important to you. In addition, the Company cannot assure you that the Company will realize the results or developments expected or anticipated or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect the Company or the Company’s operations in the way the Company expects. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Additional Information About the Acquisition and Where to Find It
This communication is being made in respect of the proposed Transaction involving the Company, Parent, and Merger Sub.  The Company expects to seek, and intends to file with the SEC a proxy statement and other relevant documents in connection with a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders for purposes of obtaining, stockholder approval of the proposed Transaction. The Company may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed Transaction. This communication is not a substitute for the proxy statement or any other document that the Company may file with the SEC. The definitive proxy statement (when available) will be sent or given to the stockholders of the Company and will contain important information about the proposed Transaction and related matters. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC BY THE COMPANY, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors will be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement and other documents containing important information about the Company and the proposed Transaction, once such documents are filed by the Company with the SEC at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or from the Company at its website at https://investors.heidrick.com/.

Participants in the Solicitation
The Company, and certain of its directors and executive officers, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed Transaction. Information about the Company’s directors and executive officers is set forth in (i) the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, including under the headings “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance”, “Item 11. Executive Compensation”, “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, which was filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025, (ii) the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 11, 2025, under the headings “Directors”, “Non-Employee Director Compensation”, “Executive Officers”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Executive Compensation”, “Stock Ownership Information”, and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions”, (iii) to the extent holdings of Company securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in the Company’s proxy statement for its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, such changes have been or will be reflected on Forms 3, 4 and 5, filed with the SEC, (iv) the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed on May 22, 2025, and (v) in subsequently filed Current Reports on Form 8-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Other information regarding the participants in the solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the Company’s definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed Transaction when such materials become available. Investors should read the proxy statement carefully when it becomes available. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company will be available free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at sec.gov and the Company’s website at https://investors.heidrick.com/.

No Offer
No person has commenced soliciting proxies in connection with the proposed Transaction referenced in this communication, and this communication is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities.

Contact

Bianca Wilson, Global Director, Public Relations
Bwilson@heidrick.com

Halia Therapeutics Strengthens Global Genomics Leadership with Appointment of Paul Jones as Chief Strategy Officer & GM, International Markets

New CSO & GM role underscores Halia’s commitment to resilience-based therapeutic development and advances collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

LEHI, Utah, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Halia Therapeutics (The Genetic Resilience Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class anti-inflammatory therapies, today announced the appointment of Paul Jones as Chief Strategy Officer & GM, International Markets. In this newly created role, Jones will focus on accelerating GENMOR-AI, the company’s proprietary platform for identifying genetic modifiers of disease using artificial intelligence. His appointment also further strengthens Halia’s expanding partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, which is leveraging the Emirati Genome dataset to discover genetic resilience factors that protect individuals from disease.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul to Halia. His proven track record in large-scale genomics initiatives—from the UK’s 100,000 Genomes Project to the Emirati Genome Programme—makes him an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” said David Bearss, Ph.D., CEO of Halia Therapeutics. “His expertise in translating genomic insights into healthcare solutions directly aligns with our mission to develop transformative medicines based on resilience biology.”

Jones brings over 30 years of experience in life sciences, with deep expertise in genomics, digital health transformation, precision medicine, and scaling innovation across the public–private health continuum.

Most recently, he served as CEO of the Omics Centre of Excellence at M42, a global tech-enabled health company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, where he played a pivotal role in delivering the Emirati Genome Program—one of the most significant national genomics initiatives in the world—while steering collaborations across governments, academia, and industry.

His previous roles include CEO of Omics at M42, Global Head of Population Genomics at Illumina, and CEO of Genomics Enterprises at Genomics England, where he played a key role in delivering the landmark 100,000 Genomes Project. Jones has also held senior positions at Cisco, Novartis, IMS Health, and PwC, advising governments and companies worldwide on integrating genomics into healthcare systems.

Jones’s appointment strengthens Halia’s APOE4 program in Alzheimer’s disease, which studies individuals who carry the highest-risk genetic variant but never develop the condition. Using GENMOR-AI on population-scale genomic datasets, Halia aims to identify resilience mechanisms that can inform the development of new therapies for neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

“I’m excited to join Halia at this pivotal moment,” said Paul Jones. “The company’s unique focus on genetic resilience—rather than just disease risk—represents the next frontier in precision medicine. By combining cutting-edge AI with strategic global partnerships, Halia is positioned to revolutionize drug discovery and patient outcomes.”

About Halia Therapeutics

Halia Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on treating the root causes of inflammation. Leveraging genetic insights and AI-enabled discovery, Halia is building a robust pipeline of novel therapeutics based on genetic resilience that targets inflammatory pathways in diseases ranging from metabolic disorders to neurodegeneration and hematologic malignancies.

Halia’s mission is to create data-driven therapies that not only extend life but also improve its quality. The company is headquartered in Lehi, Utah, and is actively advancing global partnerships in clinical research, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.

To learn more, visit www.haliatx.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @HaliaTx.

Contact Information

Taylor Avei Director of Business Development
Halia Therapeutics
info@haliatx.com
+1 (385) 355-4315

Leigh Salvo 
New Street Investor Relations
leigh@newstreetir.com

 

BitMine Immersion (BMNR) Announces ETH Holdings Exceeding 2.83 Million Tokens and Total Crypto and Cash Holdings of $13.4 Billion

BitMine now owns greater than 2% of the ETH token supply as it moves towards the ‘Alchemy of 5%’

BitMine leads Crypto treasury peers by both the velocity of raising crypto NAV per share and by the high trading liquidity of BMNR stock

BitMine Crypto + Cash Holdings + “Moonshots” total $13.4 billion, including 2.83 million ETH Tokens, unencumbered cash of $456 million, and other crypto holdings

BitMine is the 28th most traded stock in the US, trading $2.5 billion per day (5-day avg)

BitMine remains supported by a premier group of institutional investors including ARK’s Cathie Wood, MOZAYYX, Founders Fund, Bill Miller III, Pantera, Kraken, DCG, Galaxy Digital and personal investor Thomas “Tom” Lee to support BitMine’s goal of acquiring 5% of ETH

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — (NYSE AMERICAN: BMNR) BitMine Immersion Technologies (“BitMine” or the “Company”) a Bitcoin and Ethereum Network Company with a focus on the accumulation of Crypto for long term investment, today announced crypto BitMine crypto + cash + “moonshots” holdings totalling $13.4 billion.

As of October 5th at 1:00pm ET, the Company’s crypto holdings are comprised of 2,830,151 ETH at $4,535 per ETH (Bloomberg), 192 Bitcoin (BTC), $113 million stake in Eightco Holdings (NASDAQ: ORBS) (“moonshots”) and unencumbered cash of $456 million.

BitMine crypto holdings reigns as the #1 Ethereum treasury and #2 global treasury, behind Strategy Inc (MSTR), which owns 640,031 BTC valued at $79 billion. BitMine remains the largest ETH treasury in the world. 

“We spent the past week in Singapore at Token2049 meeting with many leaders in the crypto and blockchain industry. The BitMine team sat down with Ethereum core developers and key ecosystem players and it is clear the community is focused on enabling Wall Street and AI to build the future on Ethereum. We remain confident that the two Supercycle investing narratives remain AI and crypto. Naturally, Ethereum remains the premier choice given its high reliability and 100% uptime. These two powerful macro cycles will play out over decades. Since ETH’s price is a discount to the future, this bodes well for the token and is the reason BitMine’s primary treasury asset is ETH,” said Thomas “Tom” Lee of Fundstrat, Chairman of BitMine. “As we mentioned in our August Chairman’s message, the power law benefits large holders of ETH, hence, we pursue the ‘alchemy of 5%’ of ETH.”

The GENIUS Act and SEC’s Project Crypto are as transformational to financial services in 2025 as US action on August 15, 1971 ending Bretton Woods and the USD on the gold standard 54 years ago. This 1971 event was the catalyst for the modernization of Wall Street, creating the iconic Wall Street titans and financial and payment rails of today. These proved to be better investments than gold.

“We continue to believe Ethereum is one of the biggest macro trades over the next 10-15 years,” continued Lee. “Wall Street and AI moving onto the blockchain should lead to a greater transformation of today’s financial system. And the majority of this is taking place on Ethereum.”

BitMine is now one of the most widely traded stocks in the US. According to data from Fundstrat, the stock has traded average daily dollar volume of $2.5 billion (5-day average, as of October 3, 2025), ranking #28 in the US, behind JPMorgan (rank #27) and ahead of Nike (rank #29) among 5,704 US-listed stocks (statista.com and Fundstrat research).

“At BitMine, we are leading our crypto treasury peers by both the velocity of raising crypto NAV per share and by the high trading liquidity of our stock,” said Lee.

The company recently released a corporate presentation, which can be found here: https://bitminetech.io/investor-relations/

The Chairman’s message can be found here:
https://www.bitminetech.io/chairmans-message

To stay informed, please sign up at: https://bitminetech.io/contact-us/

About BitMine
BitMine is a Bitcoin and Ethereum Network Company with a focus on the accumulation of Crypto for long term investment, whether acquired by our Bitcoin mining operations or from the proceeds of capital raising transactions. Company business lines include Bitcoin Mining, synthetic Bitcoin mining through involvement in Bitcoin mining, hashrate as a financial product, offering advisory and mining services to companies interested in earning Bitcoin denominated revenues, and general Bitcoin advisory to public companies. BitMine’s operations are located in low-cost energy regions in Trinidad; Pecos, Texas; and Silverton, Texas.

For additional details, follow on X:
https://x.com/bitmnr
https://x.com/fundstrat
https://x.com/bmnrintern

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” The statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This document specifically contains forward-looking statements regarding progress and achievement of the Company’s goals regarding ETH acquisition and staking, the long-term value of Ethereum, continued growth and advancement of the Company’s Ethereum treasury strategy and the applicable benefits to the Company. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including BitMine’s ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; BitMine’s ability to finance its current business, Ethereum treasury operations and proposed future business; the competitive environment of BitMine’s business; and the future value of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Actual future performance outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond BitMine’s control, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of BitMine’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 3, 2025, as well as all other SEC filings, as amended or updated from time to time. Copies of BitMine’s filings with the SEC are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. BitMine undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Jetcraft grows US footprint with new Sales Director appointment

 RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jetcraft, the global leader in business aircraft sales, acquisitions and trades, is today announcing the appointment of Matt Pfaeffli as Sales Director in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah, further reinforcing the company’s US team.

Matt Pfaeffli, Sales Director, Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah, Jetcraft
Matt Pfaeffli, Sales Director, Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah, Jetcraft

Based in Orange County, California, Pfaeffli brings extensive experience in aircraft sales and client management to Jetcraft, following fifteen years with NetJets where he developed new business while managing a large portfolio of long-term clients.

Chad Anderson, CEO at Jetcraft, says: “North America is a key market for business aviation and Matt’s tenure across Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego makes him well-placed to support our clients in the region. His ability to build trusted relationships and deliver consistent results will be a huge asset to our team.

“Our clients want advisors who can navigate the changing market climate. Strengthening our South-West US presence allows us to meet that need for tailored guidance, backed by our global network of experts.”

Pfaeffli’s appointment as Sales Director in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah will see him lead aircraft transactions and client engagement throughout the market’s largest region. His appointment follows that of Jeremi Austin and Ricky Gioconda as Sales Directors earlier this year.

About Jetcraft      

More than brokers, Jetcraft® is a network of global aircraft advisors, offering unmatched international reach and unrivalled local knowledge. The company’s market leading intelligence, strategic financing solutions and extensive inventory support even the most intricate of transactions. For over 60 years Jetcraft has led the way, setting standards that continue to shape the industry. Today, a team of 100+ dedicated aviation specialists across 30+ locations deliver worldwide aircraft sales, acquisitions and trading at the speed of life.     

www.jetcraft.com

Boqii Holding Limited Provides Response to Unusual Market Action

SHANGHAI, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Boqii Holding Limited (“Boqii” or the “Company“) (NYSE American: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, announced today that the Company had become aware of unusual trading activity in its Class A ordinary shares on the NYSE American LLC (the “NYSE American“) on September 29 and October 2, 2025. The Company is issuing this press release pursuant to Section 401(d) of the NYSE American Company Guide. Following appropriate internal review and consultation, the Company confirms that it is not aware of any material developments in its business or affairs beyond those previously disclosed publicly.  Investors should rely solely on the Company’s official filings and press releases for any developments.

About Boqii Holding Limited

Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE American: BQ) is a leading pet-focused platform in China. Boqii is the leading online destination for pet products and supplies in China with its broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and its own private label, Yoken and Mocare, offered at competitive prices. Boqii’s online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and its flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. The Boqii Community provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets.

Forward-looking Statements

This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give the Company’s current expectations, opinion, belief or forecasts of future events and performance. A statement identified by the use of forward-looking words including “will,” “may,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimate,” “should,” and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including market and other conditions. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC“). Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform to actual results or changes in expectations, except as required by law.

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Boqii Holding Limited
Investor Relations
Tel: +86-21-6882-6051
Email: ir@boqii.com

Quhuo’s Hotel and Home Services Sector Collaborates with Trust Plan to Explore Industry-Finance Synergies and Enhance Long-Term Rental Property Value

BEIJING, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Quhuo Limited (NASDAQ: QH) (“Quhuo” or the “Company”), a leading gig economy platform focusing on local community-centered services in China, today announced that its subsidiary, Lailai Information Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (“Lailai”), specializing in hotel and home services, has entered into a collaboration with the “Better Life No.1 Collective Fund Trust Plan” managed by China Foreign Economy and Trade Trust Co., Ltd. (“FOTIC”), a Chinese trust company, by providing housing upgrades and end-to-end asset management for the underlying properties, aiming to support the growth of high-quality rental services.

Quhuo expects that this project will generate over RMB 10 million in additional monthly revenue for Lailai by the end of 2025, adding new growth momentum to Quhuo’s overall performance.

In recent years, the long-term rental apartment market has faced an oversupply of homogeneous products and intensifying competition. The industry has gradually shifted from the early stage of rapid expansion to a phase of “refined operations.” In response to this trend, Lailai has adopted a standardized and digitalized management system, aiming to deliver tailored upgrades and services for rental properties and enhance both living quality and overall competitiveness. This collaboration is being supported by FOTIC. Through its “Better Life No.1 Collective Fund Trust Plan,” FOTIC provides a sustainable mechanism to advance standardized and large-scale development focused on the housing rental sector.

In this project, Lailai, as an asset manager, not only oversees end-to-end rental property management but also plays a critical role in improving housing quality. Its services cover regular cleaning, facility maintenance, property upgrades, and ongoing operations, ensuring rental units remain in good conditions. Lailai also focuses on enhancing landlord returns and improving tenant experience and aims to transform more properties into high-quality long-term rentals, which help landlords secure more stable, attractive returns while providing tenants with a more comfortable and satisfying living experience.

Lailai leverages its refined operational expertise and digital capabilities in the local life services sector to ensure efficiency and service quality. Through its self-developed digital dispatch and task-splitting system, workflows are broken into standardized work packages with real-time visibility and clear accountability. In funding and settlement, Lailai’s direct payment mechanism links work orders, labor hours, and compensation in real time, ensuring payments go directly to workers. This approach reduces intermediaries, prevents wage arrears, motivates workers, and supports on-time, high-quality service delivery across the full property life cycle.

The collaboration aims to establish a “Growth System for Service Providers” and promote the “High-Quality Housing” standard in the rental market. For the industry, such standardized asset management helps enhance property value and returns; for Lailai, this project expands its business from cleaning and home services to renovation and asset management; and for tenants, this  project aims to provide a higher-quality and more transparent rental experience.

Haizhou Luo, Head of Lailai, said, “Through our asset management services, we aim to extend our standardized and digital capabilities into the rental process, creating win-win value for landlords, tenants, and service providers.”

Leslie Yu, CEO of Quhuo, stated, “With FOTIC’s strong support, we believe Quhuo’s expansion in local life services is firmly backed. Lailai’s exploration in asset management will deliver more efficient rental services and open new opportunities for Quhuo’s diversified growth.”

About Quhuo Limited

Quhuo Limited (NASDAQ: QH) (“Quhuo” or the “Company”) is a leading gig economy platform focusing on local life services in China. Leveraging Quhuo+, its proprietary technology infrastructure, Quhuo is dedicated to empowering and linking workers and local life service providers and providing end-to-end operation solutions for the life service market. The Company currently provides multiple industry-tailored operational solutions, primarily including on-demand delivery solutions, mobility service solutions, housekeeping and accommodation solutions, and other services, meeting the living needs of hundreds of millions of families in the communities.

With the vision of promoting employment, stabilizing income and empowering entrepreneurship, Quhuo explores multiple scenarios to promote employment of workers, provides, among others, safety and security and vocational training to protect workers, and helps workers plan their career development paths to realize their self-worth.

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding Quhuo’s business development, financial outlook, beliefs and expectations. Forward-looking statements include statements containing words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “will” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Quhuo’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Quhuo’s actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to Quhuo’s abilities to (1) manage its growth and expand its operations, (2) address any or all of the risks and challenges in the future in light of its limited operating history and evolving business portfolios, (3) establish in its competitive position in the life service market or further diversify its solution offerings and customer portfolio, (4) maintain relationships with major customers and to find replacement customers on commercially desirable terms or in a timely manner or at all, (5) maintain relationships with existing industry customers or attract new customers, (6) attract, retain and manage workers on its platform, and (7) maintain its market shares in relation to competitors in existing markets and its success in expansion into new markets. Other risks and uncertainties are included under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the Company’s latest annual report on Form 20-F. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Quhuo undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Department of Culture and Tourism – Experience Abu Dhabi: Celebrities Spotted at NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025

From Hollywood A-lister Adrien Brody to Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh, here are all the celebrities spotted in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The NBA Abu Dhabi Games presented by ADQ returned to Abu Dhabi on 2 and 4 October, bringing world-class basketball and global stars to Etihad Arena, Yas Island. Fans enjoyed preseason matchups between longtime rivals, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, making their first-ever appearance in the region.

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, singer Badshah, and cricketer Rashid Khan brought star power courtside at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025.
Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, singer Badshah, and cricketer Rashid Khan brought star power courtside at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025.

Courtside buzz matched the on-court action, with celebrities filling the front rows. American favourites included actor Patrick Schwarzenegger, model Abby Champion, Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Award–winning actor Kiefer Sutherland, Victoria Justice, actors Adrien Brody & Barry Keoghan, and TV host & director Steve Harvey. British rapper Central Cee and England football legend John Terry also joined the crowd.

Adding to the global lineup, Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh brought his trademark energy to Etihad Arena, greeting fans and cheering courtside, while singer Badshah and cricketer Rashid Khan were also spotted enjoying the games. K-pop idols Chenle and WINWIN delighted their fans with appearances, and regional stars added to the star-studded atmosphere, including Emirati actor Ahmed Sharif and Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim.

The arena also welcomed basketball personalities, including streetball legend The Professor, YouTube basketball creator Jesser, and basketball influencer MK, who engaged with fans courtside and added an extra layer of basketball excitement to the event.

Beyond the arena, Abu Dhabi set the scene for some downtime. Adrien Brody explored Louvre Abu Dhabi, taking in the city’s art and architecture, while Victoria Justice has shared moments from her visit, exploring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Fans also enjoyed interactive zones, city-wide events, and appearances by NBA players and Legends at the NBA District. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games is part of a wider year-round calendar of global sporting events taking place in the emirate.

With the arena buzzing, global stars courtside, and fans treated to world-class basketball, the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 delivered a week to remember. For more information on global sporting events in Abu Dhabi, visit visitabudhabi.ae/en/events.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae/ 

K-pop idols Chenle and WINWIN at NBA Abu Dhabi games
K-pop idols Chenle and WINWIN at NBA Abu Dhabi games

 

Patrick Schwarzenegger & Abby Champion at NBA Abu Dhabi games
Patrick Schwarzenegger & Abby Champion at NBA Abu Dhabi games

 

 

OTCX Announces Strategic Partnership with BlackRock’s Aladdin Platform to Digitise OTC Derivative Trading and Expand Market Choice

LONDON, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OTCX, a leading regulated fintech transforming the way OTC derivatives are traded, today announced a multi-year partnership with Aladdin®, BlackRock’s technology platform that unifies the investment management process. This collaboration will digitise dealer-to-client “voice” derivative trading and increase the set of options clients have to trade derivatives electronically.

The partnership aims to address the heavy reliance on manual, voice-based workflows in complex derivatives – a long-standing industry challenge – and provide more choice in electronic trading alternatives for more vanilla derivatives. By integrating OTCX’s execution venues into the Aladdin platform ecosystem, the collaboration will provide Aladdin clients with more efficient, transparent, and cost-effective ways to discover prices, manage risk, and execute trades across a broad set of OTC derivatives.

Through this integration, Aladdin clients will benefit from end-to-end workflow support – from price discovery and request-for-market to execution and post-trade processing. The integration will provide connectivity across a comprehensive set of OTC derivatives.

“Integrating with the Aladdin platform is a pivotal step for OTCX and for the OTC derivatives market as a whole,” said Nicolas Koechlin, CEO of OTCX. “Our goal is to give market participants more choice, lower costs, and more efficient workflows in markets that have historically been complex and fragmented. Together with BlackRock Aladdin, we are excited to accelerate the industry’s shift from manual voice trading to seamless digital execution, delivering transformative value for buy-side firms and dealers globally.”

About OTCX

OTCX is a leading provider of price discovery and execution for OTC derivatives, operating regulated execution venues that connect buy-side and sell-side participants. Leveraging deep expertise in cleared and uncleared derivatives, OTCX delivers innovative solutions that digitise complex workflows, enhance transparency, and create greater choice for market participants across the globe.

For more information, visit OTCX website.