BORTALA, China, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On January 26, employees from the State Grid Bortala Power Supply Company conducted a comprehensive electrical inspection at Xinjiang Eurasia Copper Industry Co., Ltd. to ensure reliable power supply for copper production ahead of the Spring Festival.

Eurasia Copper Industry is one of the key investment projects in the autonomous region. Leveraging its strategic location near the port, it imports concentrated raw materials from Kazakhstan and neighboring countries for production and processing. The finished products are then distributed directly to the five Central Asian countries and the five northwestern provinces of China for sale.

The State Grid Bortala Power Supply Company has meticulously designed a specialized power supply plan, completing a 110 kV integrated protection zone transmission and transformation project. This initiative optimizes the power grid structure and extends the 10 kV Zongyou Line to meet the dual power supply requirements of Eurasia Copper Industry, thereby promoting the development of the non-ferrous metal industry chain in Bortala Prefecture.

The renowned wind area of Alashankou City, situated in the narrow corridor between the Altai Mountains and the Baluruk Mountains, facilitates green electricity trading for 86 users.

The power supply company has assigned dedicated customer service managers to closely monitor the production readiness of the enterprise. They conduct monthly evaluations and analyses of power consumption and electricity costs for Xinjiang Eurasia Copper Industry Co., Ltd., providing guidance and recommendations on energy use. This ensures uninterrupted power supply during the company’s capacity expansion and process improvement efforts, delivering seamless service to customers.

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The global gaming company Gravity officially released the new PC and console game ‘KAMiBAKO (KAMiBAKO – Mythology of Cube -, hereinafter referred to as KAMiBAKO)’ in global regions excluding Japan on the 30th.

KAMiBAKO is a world craft RPG that combines unique genres such as map crafting, puzzles, battles, and RPGs, providing a unique experience. In a world fragmented by a great division, where the land is riddled with cubic holes, the journey to restore the land and revive the world’s vitality unfolds.

As a restorer, the player can solve the fragmentation puzzle, and on lands that are not fragmented, crops and produced materials can be obtained through farming, building construction, and other activities. Players can defeat the monsters that appear on the land to collect cubes, which can be used to summon spirits and use the mana within the cubes to unleash powerful special moves during battles.

KAMiBAKO is available for digital purchase on Steam®, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, and Nintendo Switch™ platforms in global regions. Players can download the game immediately after purchasing from the KAMiBAKO sales page from each platform. The game supports Korean, English, Japanese, and Simplified/Traditional Chinese. In August 2024, KAMiBAKO was pre-released in Japan as both a package and digital version for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, and Nintendo Switch™.

Yoo Joon, the business team leader at Gravity, stated, “KAMiBAKO boasts an overwhelming scale set in a vast open-world map, offering a unique genre of world-crafting RPG that provides unique entertainment. For those seeking a different game experience not easily encountered before, it is for sure that players will be satisfied. Hope for significant interest from users.”

Details about the digital versions of KAMiBAKO for Steam®, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, and Nintendo Switch™ can be found on the respective KAMiBAKO sales pages.

[Gravity Official Website] http://www.gravity.co.kr

[KAMiBAKO(KAMiBAKO – Mythology of Cube -) Official Steam Page] https://store.steampowered.com/app/2081340/KAMiBAKO__Mythology_of_Cube/ 

[KAMiBAKO (KAMiBAKO – Mythology of Cube -) Official PlayStation Page]
https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10008937 

[KAMiBAKO (KAMiBAKO – Mythology of Cube -) Official Nintendo Switch Page]
https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/kamibako-switch/ 

Contacts
Gravity Co., Ltd.
Wonjin Park, Director of the Unit
wj.park@gravity.co.kr
Hyoyoung Kim, Assistant Manager
hykim@gravity.co.kr

STOCKHOLM, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Highlights of the full-year of 2024

• In full-year 2024, net sales increased to SEK 136,150m (134,451) and operating income excl. non-recurring items was SEK 1,666m (414). Higher sales volumes and positive mix contributed positively to earnings, driven by the attractive product offering. Cost reduction measures contributed to a SEK 4.0bn positive impact from cost efficiency.

Highlights of the fourth quarter of 2024

• In the fourth quarter, net sales amounted to SEK 37,968m (35,636) and organic sales increased by 11.5% driven by higher volumes and positive mix. Operating income was SEK 1,052m (-3,215), corresponding to a margin of 2.8% (-9.0). Operating income included a non-recurring item of SEK -198m (-2,491) related to business area Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and the divestment of the water heater business in South Africa.
• Operating income excl. non-recurring items amounted to SEK 1,249m (-724), corresponding to a margin of 3.3% (-2.0). Higher volumes contributed positively to earnings and favorable mix offset negative price. The positive impact from cost efficiency was SEK 2.0bn. Currency headwinds had a significant negative impact.
• Operating margin excl. non-recurring items in business area Latin America was 8.0% (8.1). In business area Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa the operating margin excl. non-recurring items increased to 4.8% (1.9). Operating income improved in business area North America.
• In the fourth quarter, Electrolux Group divested all of its potential legacy asbestos exposure in the U.S. The transaction had a positive earnings impact of SEK 185m in business area North America in the quarter.
• Income for the period amounted to SEK 150m (-4,113) and earnings per share were SEK 0.56 (-15.23).
• Operating cash flow after investments was SEK 2,660m (3,871). Operating cash flow after investments for the full year was SEK 2,254m (3,064).
• The Board of Directors proposes that no payment of dividend will be made for 2024.

President and CEO Yannick Fierling’s comment

After having spent 3 months getting to know Electrolux Group and its stakeholders, I assumed the position as CEO on January 1, 2025. In the fourth quarter, we continued to make good progress on our cost reduction initiatives, and the Group’s attractive product offering contributed to an organic growth of 11.5%. Operating margin excluding non-recurring items improved to 3.3% with an operating cash flow after investments of SEK 2.7bn.

Enhanced consumer experiences, agility and speed

Key takeaways from my initial time with Electrolux Group are the strength of our product offering and the clear identity of our brands Electrolux, AEG and Frigidaire. We really know our consumer, evidenced by the high online consumer star ratings for our products. It is essential to truly nurture the local strengths and what differentiates us in the market, while further leveraging our global scale to drive innovation and mix – all in a cost-efficient manner. In addition to offering great products that help consumers make more sustainable choices at home, we need to move even further to experiences, by expanding our customized solutions throughout the consumer journey.

Electrolux Group has a unique culture and legacy that is important to safeguard, while at the same time further increasing speed and agility. A key element of the Group’s culture that I aim to support and develop is entrepreneurship. By promoting ownership and accountability, we can empower the entire team, enhance operational efficiency, and improve financial performance.

Sales growth and cost reductions drove earnings improvement

In the fourth quarter, operating income improved significantly supported by a SEK 2.0bn contribution from cost efficiency and organic growth of 11.5%.

Business area Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa reached an operating margin, excluding non-recurring items, of 4.8% (1.9) despite continued subdued discretionary consumer spending in Europe.

In North America good momentum from our new products and improved productivity contributed to an improvement in operating income. I am also very pleased that all of the Group’s potential legacy asbestos exposure in the U.S. was divested in the fourth quarter. This transaction provides improved long-term financial visibility for our investors and frees up operational resources. In Latin America performance remained strong in the quarter with an operating margin of 8.0%.

For the Group, the seasonal pattern of our earnings has started to normalize, with the fourth quarter being the strongest during the year. With that in mind, the first quarter is normally weaker than the other quarters.

Demand mainly driven by replacements

The market in Europe continued to be replacement driven and was relatively stable in the fourth quarter, with high promotional intensity. The built-in kitchen market in Europe stabilized at a low level. Promotional activity was high in North America, but Black Friday promotions did not continue throughout December as they did the year before. Despite weak housing markets and with some quarterly volatility, the market increased slightly in 2024, supported by the aggressive pricing environment. The main markets in Latin America grew in the quarter although growth in Brazil slowed somewhat as consumer demand started to accelerate in the fourth quarter 2023.

Outlook for 2025

Looking at 2025, there is an uncertainty stemming from potential impact on demand for home appliances from possible new trade policies in North America. In Europe demand has started to stabilize, but there is a time-lag before lower interest rates and potential improvements in disposable income support an increase in discretionary purchases. Following strong growth in Brazil during 2024 we expect market demand to stabilize in 2025.

On the back of this we expect market demand for core appliances to be relatively neutral in all regions in 2025 compared to 2024.

Organic earnings contribution from volume, price and mix combined for the Group is expected to be relatively neutral in full-year 2025. We anticipate that a high degree of demand will continue to be driven by replacement purchases, which are more price sensitive. Negative price is anticipated to be offset by growth in our focus categories such as premium laundry and kitchen products. Similar to 2024, investments in Innovation and marketing are projected to increase in full year 2025. The intent is to capitalize on the product and services leadership, supported by brand-building, to create value long term.

External factors are expected to be negative for the year, with significant headwinds from currencies. The impact from raw material costs is expected to be essentially neutral.

With reduced product cost across the value chain as the main driver, we anticipate SEK 3.5-4.0bn earnings contribution from cost efficiency in 2025.

Profitability and cash flow in focus

With a robust cash flow in the fourth quarter, a strong liquidity, and a well-balanced maturity profile, the Group’s financial situation is stable. Improving earnings and cash flow are top priorities. In North America focus is to improve productivity and reduce cost further while continuing to support the strong product offering.

We will continue to develop and strengthen Electrolux Group for the years to come. Our attractive offering and strong brands together with effectively executed cost-reductions and high-performing organizational set-up, position us well for the future.

Telephone conference 09.00 CET

A telephone conference is held at 09.00 CET today, January 30. Yannick Fierling, President and CEO, and Therese Friberg, CFO, will comment on the report.

To only listen to the telephone conference, use the link:
https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/t5j746u2

OR

To both listen to the telephone conference and ask questions, use the link:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BIf2eec702a54847a6abf57e788d2c218c

Presentation material available for download

www.electroluxgroup.com/ir

This disclosure contains information that Electrolux Group is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person, on 30-01-2025 08:00 CET.

For more information:
Maria Åkerhielm, Investor Relations, +46 70 796 3856
Electrolux Group Press Hotline, +46 8 657 65 07

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/electrolux-group/r/electrolux-group-year-end-report-q4-2024,c4098064

The following files are available for download:

The acquisition marks an important step in Akkodis’ strategy to expand its capacity and capabilities across Australia, enhance its Microsoft solution portfolio, and deliver greater value and opportunities to its clients.

ZURICH, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akkodis, a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader, is proud to announce the acquisition of Barhead Solutions, a globally recognized Microsoft Business Applications partner with cross industry expertise based in Australia. This acquisition marks a key step in Akkodis’ strategy to expand its national presence, enhance its Microsoft capabilities and deliver greater value and opportunities to its clients.

Akkodis Acquires Barhead Solutions, a Microsoft Technology Consultancy

In Australia and globally, Akkodis has pursued a strategy of deepening its expertise in tech practices and consulting solutions in its key markets. This acquisition aligns strongly with this strategy, providing extended expertise in Consulting Services, ICT, Project Delivery and Managed Services.

Barhead Solutions brings award-winning expertise and a shared commitment to purpose and excellence. The combination of Akkodis’ global capabilities and Barhead’s specialized Microsoft expertise unlocks significant opportunities. Akkodis will be positioned to offer clients an expanded range of CRM, ERP, and Low-Code Solutions to complement existing Digital & AI Transformation, Data & Analytics, Application Modernization, Cloud & Infrastructure, Business Applications and world-leading consulting services. Together, Akkodis and Barhead are well positioned to deliver expanded services and solutions that accelerate digital transformation for their clients.

“By bringing Barhead into the Akkodis family we are creating an unparalleled powerhouse of Microsoft expertise. This is a significant milestone in our strategic journey and reinforces our commitment and capacity to deliver innovative, scalable solutions to our clients, nationwide,” said Peter Hawkins, Managing Director & SVP of Akkodis Australia.

“The combination of Barhead and Akkodis offers the market a modern consulting firm servicing Microsoft business apps, data, and AI services. To capitalize on growing demand, we recognized that expanding our capabilities through a strategic partnership was essential. The timing was perfect, and Akkodis is the ideal firm to amplify Barhead’s Microsoft partnership.” said John Orrock, Co-founder & Head of Capability of Barhead.  Ken Struthers, CEO & Co-founder of Barhead added, “Joining Akkodis amplifies our expertise and broadens the outcomes we can deliver for clients, all whilst maintaining our commitment to innovation and personalized customer service.”

Akkodis sees a very strong cultural fit with Barhead. For example, both teams have long-standing commitments to delivering Tech for Social Impact. In 2022, Akkodis won the global ‘Inclusion Changemaker’ category for the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for Social Impact. Barhead won the same prestigious award in 2020 and in 2022 in the ‘Community Response’ category.

Media contacts

Anne Friedrich
SVP, Global Head of Communications, Akkodis
E. anne.friedrich@akkodis.com

Lisa Collins
VP Marketing & Head of Communications Australia, Akkodis
E. lisa.collins@akkodisgroup.com

Lisa Bushka
VP, External Communications, Akkodis
E. lisa.bushka@adeccogroup.com

About Akkodis 

Akkodis is a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader. We enable clients to advance in their digital transformation with Consulting, Solutions, Talent, and Academy services. Headquartered in Switzerland and part of the Adecco Group, Akkodis is a trusted tech partner to the world’s industries. We co-create and pioneer solutions that help to solve major challenges, from accelerating the clean energy transition and green mobility, to improving user and patient centricity. Empowered by a culture of inclusion and diversity, our 50,000 tech experts across 30 countries combine best-in-class technologies and cross industry knowledge to drive purposeful innovation for a more sustainable tomorrow. We are passionate about Engineering a Smarter Future Together. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X 

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units – Adecco, Akkodis and LHH – across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering solutions to power the Smart Industry transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). www.adeccogroup.com

TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kinectrics and Isotopia have announced a groundbreaking agreement under which Kinectrics will provide Isotopia with a reliable supply of Gadolinium-160 (Gd-160). This critical isotope will enable Isotopia’s production of Terbium-161 (Tb-161), a medical isotope showing great promise and superiority for use in radiotherapeutics, including therapies targeting prostate and neuroendocrine tumors.

This partnership represents a significant step forward in addressing the limited access to Gd-160, a barrier that has long restricted the advancement of Tb-161-based treatments into clinical trials.  Kinectrics’ brings proven expertise in isotope enrichment for Ytterbium-176 (Yb-176) and now is leveraging that technology to bring forward Gd-160.  Isotopia has consistently produced high-quality, commercial-scale quantities of Lu-177 and for the last two years produced Tb-161 on a weekly basis for its own clinical trial.  With access to Gd-160 secured, this agreement is expected to accelerate the development of Tb-161-based radiotherapeutics, moving them one step closer to commercial availability.

David Harris, President and CEO of Kinectrics, expressed his excitement about the new agreement: “We are extremely pleased to partner with Isotopia in providing the critical isotope Gadolinium-160 to support their production of Terbium-161. After years of research and development as well as significant investment, Kinectrics is proud to be producing highly enriched stable isotopes for the radiopharmaceutical industry. This agreement removes a key bottleneck to advancing Tb-161-based therapies, and we look forward to contributing to the progression of these treatments into late-stage clinical trials.”

Dr. Eli Shalom, CEO of Isotopia, had this to say about this long-term partnership: “Terbium-161 has long been considered a promising radioactive isotope for targeted cancer therapy, as it has two different mechanisms for cancer cell destruction.

Tb-161 offers a potential advantage over Lu-177 due to its emission of Auger electrons, which are highly effective in targeting micro-metastases by causing double-strand DNA breaks. This mechanism may deliver precise therapeutic benefits while reducing side effects compared to alpha-emitting isotopes.

We are excited about this partnership with Kinectrics, as it will enable Isotopia to deliver on its promise to bring Tb-161 to the marketplace and allow us to advance our own Tb-161-labeled drug products. 

Radiotherapeutics are gaining increasing attention in the medical community due to their ability to deliver highly targeted treatment to cancer cells while minimizing collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissue. 

About Kinectrics
Kinectrics is a category leader in providing lifecycle management services for the electricity industry. Trusted by clients worldwide, our expertise in engineering, testing, inspection, and certification is backed by our independent laboratory and testing facilities, a diverse fleet of field inspection equipment and an award-winning team of over 1,300 engineers and technical experts. From initial design and type testing to operational deployment and maintenance services, Kinectrics collaborates closely with customers to ensure that utility assets perform safely, reliably, and efficiently throughout their entire lifecycle. Kinectrics is a founding member of the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) and the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC).

About Isotopia
Isotopia Molecular Imaging Ltd. is a leader in the supply of Lu-177 and Tb-161, with a global manufacturing footprint in Israel, Europe, and the United States. Its development team includes nuclear pharmacists, radiochemists, nuclear engineers, and physicists.  Combined with its nuclear pharmacy, cyclotron facility, ¹⁷⁷Lu / ¹⁶¹ Tb production sites, and sterile manufacturing plant, Isotopia provides a well-established platform for manufacturing and industry collaborations. Isotopia’s collaborations with the scientific and medical communities allow it to further develop and experiment with new markers for imaging applications and molecular therapy.

Contact:
eshalom@isotopia-global.com

BEIJING, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — JA Solar, a global leader in the PV industry, proudly launched its latest innovation, the DeepBlue 5.0 PV module in January. With its significant advancements in efficiency, reliability, and adaptability, the DeepBlue 5.0 marks a transformative step forward in PV technology.

Leveraging the advanced Bycium+ 5.0 cell technology, the DeepBlue 5.0 integrates multiple cutting-edge technologies, such as upgraded electrical architecture, optimized material enhancements, and structural refinements. These innovations enable a module power up to 670W and module efficiency up to 24.8%. The module also boasts superior performance in low-light environments and complex weather conditions, ensuring stable energy output across diverse applications.

“At JA Solar, innovation is at the core of our mission to accelerate the global transition to clean energy,” said Aiqing Yang, Executive President of JA Solar. “The DeepBlue 5.0 represents our commitment to delivering products that combine exceptional performance, cost efficiency, and reliability, empowering our customers to achieve their sustainability goals.”

The DeepBlue 5.0 is built on innovative optical absorption and electrical optimization techniques, reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy by up to 4.3% compared to its predecessor, DeepBlue 4.0 Pro. JA Solar has enhanced the module across three critical areas. The wafer offers improved resistivity uniformity, ultra-low oxygen content (3 ppma), and superior minority carrier lifetime. The Bycium+ 5.0 cell features high-efficiency n-type passivated contact technology, optimized light absorption, and an ultra-high open-circuit voltage of 749 mV. The module incorporates innovations such as PII, HDP, UTG, and CSE technologies, ensuring exceptional durability and reliability in extreme conditions. With a first-year degradation rate of ≤1% and annual linear degradation of ≤0.4%, the DeepBlue 5.0 sets a new benchmark for efficiency and performance.

The DeepBlue 5.0 modules are scheduled for mass production in Q4 2025, with initial power ratings ranging from 640W to 670W. Designed to meet the growing demand for high-efficiency modules in premium markets, the DeepBlue 5.0 aims to deliver unparalleled value for utility-scale, commercial, and residential PV projects worldwide.