Upscale Retail, Michelin-Starred Restaurants, and Luxury Real Estate, including Naftali Group’s One Williamsburg Wharf, Call Williamsburg Home

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Situated along New York City’s iconic East River waterfront, Williamsburg is now one of Brooklyn’s most popular neighborhoods, evolving from its creative, culturally driven roots into one of New York’s most exclusive enclaves, with a new wave of luxury retail, award-winning restaurants, and high-end real estate. Well known to New Yorkers but increasingly recognized by international tourists and real estate buyers, Williamsburg continues to cement its reputation as a luxury destination while commanding real estate prices that rival those in Manhattan. Fueled by a thriving cultural scene and record-setting real estate sales, Williamsburg is now synonymous with luxury living in New York City, featuring beautifully designed waterfront homes, award-winning dining, and high-end retail brands.

One Williamsburg Wharf rises along Brooklyn’s East River, offering sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.

Williamsburg’s luxury appeal has strengthened in recent years with a wave of upscale retail storefronts and luxury designers, including Chanel, Hermès, and Rolex, as well as globally recognized brands such as Reformation, Aesop, Glossier, Kith, Le Labo, Alo Yoga, Sandro, and Maje. The neighborhood’s culinary scene has amplified this momentum, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants such as Aska, The Four Horsemen, Francie, Meadowsweet, and Misi, contributing to a lively, dynamic, and continually evolving dining landscape. Several A-list celebrities have also called Williamsburg home, including Justin and Hailey Bieber and notable actors Jeremy Allen White and Zoë Kravitz. All of these aspects are supported by a resilient residential real estate market that continues to outperform the broader borough, with Williamsburg now widely recognized as one of Brooklyn’s most desirable and rapidly expanding luxury neighborhoods among both New Yorkers and international buyers.

According to the latest market report from SERHANT., the leading real estate company founded by top real estate broker, best-selling author, and producer Ryan Serhant, and who recently debuted the latest season of his hit Netflix show ‘Owning Manhattan’, Brooklyn’s luxury new development sector is experiencing one of its strongest periods in recent years, with closings rising 68.2% year over year. Amid this momentum, Williamsburg stands out with a 71.9% sales increase, underscoring its role as the center of buyer activity in North Brooklyn. For investors, this surge reflects a market supported by steady absorption, limited new supply, and leasing fundamentals that help well-located homes consistently outperform. Over the past several years, Williamsburg has also demonstrated exceptional price stability and long-term upside, with average sale prices rising by more than 100% and rents increasing by nearly 50% since 2019. As this momentum continues, the neighborhood’s blend of lifestyle appeal and sustained value growth has made Williamsburg a clear indicator of how lifestyle and long-term value now intersect in New York City.

“Interest in the Williamsburg real estate market continues to strengthen, and we are seeing a meaningful shift in how people evaluate long-term value in New York City and in Brooklyn in particular,” said Ryan Serhant, Founder, CEO, and Broker, SERHANT. “Buyers today are looking for thoughtful design, quality construction, and a lifestyle that feels connected to the neighborhood, and Williamsburg delivers on all of those priorities, with easy access to Manhattan. The depth of international demand, combined with steady absorption and limited new supply, has reinforced Williamsburg’s position as a market where buyers feel confident investing for the future.”

Impressive luxury-lifestyle offerings and increased buyer activity have strengthened demand for best-in-class waterfront product in Williamsburg, and design-forward, amenity-rich developments continue to outperform the broader market as buyers seek long-term value anchored in quality and location. SERHANT., which leads sales for One Williamsburg Wharf, a recently completed luxury condominium tower on Williamsburg’s East River waterfront, notes that the strength of Williamsburg’s price performance reflects sustained global demand and a maturing luxury market segment. One Williamsburg Wharf has played a significant role in this shift thanks to New York-based developer Naftali Group‘s broader master-planned vision for the site. The project reflects many qualities shaping today’s buyer preferences, such as design-forward architecture and interiors, sweeping skyline views, and resort-style amenities. With one-bedroom homes priced from $1,175,000, many units at One Williamsburg Wharf also offer smart investment opportunities.

“Williamsburg has reached an exciting point in its evolution, and the level of interest we are seeing at One Williamsburg Wharf reflects how deeply the neighborhood resonates with today’s buyers,” said Danielle Naftali, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Design, Naftali Group, the developer of One Williamsburg Wharf. “People are looking for homes that feel intentional, from the architecture to the way a building engages with the waterfront, and Williamsburg has become a place where that standard is understood and embraced, and we’re excited to see the attention the neighborhood and our project are receiving from buyers around the world.”

In addition to its high-end real estate, award-winning dining, and luxury retail offerings, Williamsburg is conveniently located in North Brooklyn, with easy access to the iconic East River waterfront and its green spaces, including Domino Park and Bushwick Inlet Park. Quick connections to Manhattan on the L train, the J, M, and Z subway lines, and the NYC Ferry reinforce the neighborhood’s appeal for those seeking convenience alongside quality of life. Taken together, these elements have positioned Williamsburg as a global lifestyle destination, a place where cultural richness, design excellence, and long-term value continue to resonate with buyers around the world, and a neighborhood whose momentum offers a compelling moment for those looking to enter the New York City real estate market.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/naftali_group_one_williamsburg.jpg 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Riello business to Ariston Group.

“After completing a comprehensive and competitive bidding process, we determined that Ariston Group is the right owner to guide Riello’s next phase of growth,” said Carrier Chairman & CEO David Gitlin. “Riello has a proud legacy and talented teams, and this agreement reflects our disciplined portfolio management as we continue sharpening our focus on differentiated climate and energy solutions. I am deeply appreciative of our teams’ exceptional work throughout this process.” 

“We are honored to welcome Riello into our organization,” said Paolo Merloni, Executive Chairman of Ariston Group. “Riello’s respected brands, technical expertise and strong positions in its core markets make it highly complementary to Ariston Group. We are committed to building on Riello’s legacy and together, creating meaningful value for all stakeholders.”

Carrier expects gross proceeds from the transaction of approximately $430 million and intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including share repurchases, consistent with its capital allocation priorities. 

The transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and works council consultation processes. 

BofA Securities is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Carrier, and Linklaters LLP is acting as external legal counsel.

About Carrier 
Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, is committed to creating innovations that bring comfort, safety and sustainability to life. Through cutting-edge advancements in climate solutions such as temperature control, air quality and transportation, we improve lives, empower critical industries and ensure the safe transport of food, life-saving medicines and more. Since inventing modern air conditioning in 1902, we lead with purpose: enhancing the lives we live and the world we share. We continue to lead because of our world-class, inclusive workforce that puts the customer at the center of everything we do. For more information, visit www.corporate.carrier.com or follow Carrier on social media at @Carrier. 

Carrier. For the World We Share. 

About Ariston Group
Ariston Group (Bloomberg: ARIS IM) is a global leader in sustainable climate and water comfort, listed on Euronext Milan. In 2024 the group reported 2.6 billion-euro revenues, with over 10,000 employees, direct presence in 40 countries in 5 continents, 29 production sites and 28 research and development centers. The group demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through renewable and high-efficiency solutions, including heating heat pumps, water heating heat pumps, hybrids, domestic ventilation, air handling, electric components and solar thermal systems, while continuously investing in technological innovation, digitalization and advanced connectivity solutions. The group operates under global strategic brands Ariston, Elco and Wolf, and brands such as Calorex, NTI, HTP, Atag, Brink, Chromagen, Racold, as well as Thermowatt and Ecoflam in the components and burners business.

Cautionary Statement
This communication contains statements which, to the extent they are not statements of historical or present fact, constitute “forward-looking statements” under the securities laws. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management’s current expectations or plans for Carrier’s future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “expectations,” “plans,” “strategy,” “prospects,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “will,” “should,” “see,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “confident,” “scenario” and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements may include, among other things, statements relating to the sale of Carrier’s Riello business, expected uses of the net proceeds therefrom, strategies or transactions of Carrier, Carrier’s plans with respect to its indebtedness and other statements that are not historical facts. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. For additional information on identifying factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from those stated in forward-looking statements, see Carrier’s reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and Carrier assumes no obligation to update or revise such statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

CARR-IR

SYDNEY, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SDS Australia has confirmed it will release its new Canadian Cedar Ice Baths in January 2026, following months of development prompted by sustained customer demand and the growing popularity of cold-water immersion as part of at-home wellness routines.

The leading wellness company says enquiries for a more accessible ice bath – one that balances premium materials with everyday usability – have become increasingly common across its showrooms and digital channels. Many customers, SDS Australia noted, were looking for a product that delivered genuine recovery performance without the scale or cost typically associated with commercial or ultra-luxury cold-plunge systems.

After an extended period of design and testing, SDS Australia is now preparing to bring the range to market. The new ‘Eira’ Canadian Cedar Ice Baths feature solid Canadian Red Cedar cladding and are built around a hand-welded 316 marine-grade stainless steel tub, a construction method more often seen in higher-end recovery installations.

On release, the range will be offered in two finishes: a Natural Cedar edition, designed to highlight the character of the timber, and a Black Cedar edition, intended for more contemporary architectural settings. Both models are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

According to SDS Australia CEO Michael Doubinski, the range was shaped directly by customer feedback.

“This is something customers have been asking for over a long period of time,” Doubinski said. “The brief was clear – maintain premium material quality and performance, but deliver a more approachable entry point than our most premium systems.”

Each unit will incorporate an integrated 1HP cooling system capable of delivering water temperatures between 3–42°C, allowing users to move between cold immersion and warmer recovery sessions without the use of ice. Wi-Fi control, alongside ozone sanitisation and multi-stage filtration, will support straightforward operation and consistent water quality.

Doubinski added that the engineering approach was deliberately elevated beyond what is typically seen in the category.

“We’ve engineered the internal cooling and water-management systems to a much higher standard than what’s typically found in the ice bath market,” he said.

“Rather than relying on lightweight, self-contained units commonly used in entry-level ice baths, we’ve taken a more robust, swimming-pool-grade approach to cooling, filtration and sanitation. The result is a system designed for longevity, stability and consistent performance over time.”

Cold-water immersion continues to gain momentum among athletes, wellness practitioners and the broader public, driven by growing interest in recovery, resilience and preventative health. With the launch of the ‘Eira’ range, SDS Australia is responding directly to this shift in the market.

The ‘Eira’ Canadian Cedar Ice Bath – available in Natural and Black editions – is now available for pre-order from SDS Australia, with deliveries expected to commence in January 2026.

CONTACT: Ben Pollett, benpollett@sdsaustralia.com 

DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Years of Culture initiative announced plans for a new slate of cultural partnerships with countries across the globe, celebrating mutual respect, cultural exchange, and global collaboration. The upcoming partnerships will include Canada and Mexico (2026) and Egypt and Greece (2027).

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Years of Culture, said, “Years of Culture is one of our most rewarding programmes. As a legacy built for the FIFA World Cup 2022, it has been building understanding across borders for more than a dozen years. It was designed to bring our culture to different continents and introduce our values and talent to new audiences, while celebrating other countries in exchange here in Qatar. This year, we host Argentina and Chile. Next year will bring us into exchange with Mexico and Canada, followed by Egypt and Greece in 2027.”         

Launched in 2012, Years of Culture builds long-term relationships between Qatar and partner nations through a series of cultural, educational, business and creative exchanges. The initiative reflects Qatar’s belief that cultural collaboration supports dialogue, strengthens international ties, and promotes understanding across borders.

The 2026 Year of Culture with Canada and Mexico carries a special symmetry. The FIFA World Cup 26™, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is the same tournament that inspired the creation of the Years of Culture initiative when Qatar won the hosting bid.

Echoing the spirit of global unity represented by the games, this collaboration with the next World Cup hosts will highlight football’s ability to connect cultures. Additional programmes will be presented as legacy projects of Year of Culture Qatar-USA 2021.

In 2027, Qatar will honour the cultural legacies of Egypt and Greece, two civilisations that have shaped world history and continue to influence contemporary culture, philosophy, and art.

Throughout each Year of Culture, Qatar collaborates closely with cultural institutions, embassies, artists, and educators to present a diverse calendar of exhibitions, festivals, trade fairs, residencies, academic exchanges, and public events in both countries. Programming often begins in the lead-up to the official year and continues well beyond, creating long-term legacies and relationships.

Since its founding, Years of Culture has established partnerships with Japan (2012), the United Kingdom (2013), Brazil (2014), Türkiye (2015), China (2016), Germany (2017), Russia (2018), India (2019), France (2020), the United States (2021), the MENASA region (2022), Indonesia (2023), and Morocco (2024). Qatar is currently celebrating a Year of Culture with both Argentina and Chile (2025).

For more information, visit www.yearsofculture.qa or follow @yearsofculture on social media.

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IAAPA, the premier association representing the global attractions industry, has announced a new global partnership with Expression Capital Partners LLP, marking a significant investment in the long-term success, financial health, and innovation capacity of IAAPA members around the world.

IAAPA Announces Global Partnership with Expression Capital Partners to Support Growth and Investment Across the Attractions Industry

As IAAPA’s exclusive private equity and M&A advisory partner and Platinum Sponsor of all IAAPA Expos, Expression Capital Partners will bring expanded financial expertise, investment resources, and strategic guidance to attraction owners, developers, and operators across all global regions.

Expression Capital Partners – authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority – brings a uniquely deep connection to the leisure and entertainment industry. Unlike traditional private equity firms, most of Expression Capital’s founders were born into the entertainment industry, representing generations of building, operating, financing, and innovating within attractions, hospitality, and live entertainment.

“IAAPA is thrilled to welcome Expression Capital Partners as our global private equity and M&A advisory partner,” said Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA. “Their multigenerational expertise and deep understanding of our industry bring tremendous value to IAAPA members. This partnership opens the door for members to access high-level investment guidance, strategic financial support, and opportunities to bring bold ideas to life. We look forward to working together to strengthen and advance the attractions industry worldwide.”

During IAAPA Expo 2025. Elliot Hall, a founding partner at Expression Capital Partners LLP. shared Expression Capital’s vision for supporting the global attractions community. 

“We are proud to serve as IAAPA’s exclusive private equity and M&A advisory partner. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, our team understands this sector in a unique way.

“Whether members are looking to invest, raise capital, bring a new concept to life, or navigate a buy, sell, or merge opportunity, we’re here as a trusted resource to support long-term growth across the attractions industry.”

How IAAPA Members Will Benefit

Through this global partnership, IAAPA members will gain:

• Direct access to specialized investment expertise from a firm deeply rooted in the attractions and entertainment sectors.
• Support with buying, selling, merging, or raising capital, including guidance through complex transactions.
• Opportunities to explore strategic investments through Entertainment Investments 1 LP and other capital channels.
• Advisory services for emerging concepts, helping visionary ideas evolve into fully funded, operational attractions.
• Stronger global financial connections, enabling companies of all sizes – from start-ups to major operators – to pursue transformative growth.

This collaboration ensures that IAAPA members have a trusted partner ready to help them innovate, expand, and build sustainable futures for their businesses.

www.expressioncapitalpartners.com