NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The mining sector is at the forefront of the energy transition due to its role in extracting essential materials and minerals necessary for green technologies. As demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other sustainable technologies increases exponentially, so will the demand for these necessary materials. According to a new report from global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, demand for critical materials is expected to grow from 8,253 Kilotonnes (kt) in 2023 to 17,711 kt in 2030 at a CAGR of 11.5%.

“The rising demand for renewable energy and electrification technologies presents a paradox,” explains Alex McQueen, Sustainable Technologies Analyst at ABI Research. “Increasing demand for materials needed for these technologies will lead to an intensification of mining activities, contributing around 4-7% of global emissions. The challenge for mining companies today centers around meeting emission reduction expectations while increasing output of critical materials and minerals to meet consumer demand.”

The solution to this is the integration of sustainable technologies that support the decarbonization of mining operations. These include:

• Renewables and Energy Storage: Integrating renewable energy is one of the most effective levers to decarbonize the mining sector. With around 40% of mine emissions coming from energy consumption, shifting to solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offers significant potential for emission reduction. Leading solution providers include Honeywell, GE Vernova, and Schneider Electric.

• Digital and Automation Technologies: The mining industry is on the brink of a transformative era driven by digital technologies. Their ability to enhance productivity and safety will boost operational efficiencies and sustainability within mining operations. Technologies such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital twins have become fundamental to reducing emissions at mines. Leading solution providers include Schneider Electric, Siemens, and SAP.

• Electric Equipment and Vehicles: In addition to renewable integration, mining companies can achieve significant emission reductions through the electrification of mine vehicles and equipment and improvements in energy efficiency. Electrification may occur through the purchase of new electric vehicles or by considering retrofit options, which provides a more cost-effective alternative. Leading solution providers include ABB, Hitachi Energy, and Caterpillar.

• Waste Management and Circularity Tools: The mining sector is key to enabling circularity by ensuring that metals and materials are extracted and managed efficiently. Reprocessing and repurposing waste help extend the life of materials, while digital technologies can support efficient waste management practices. Leading solution providers include Rockwell Automation, Dassault Systèmes, and AspenTech.

“Recognizing the critical importance of sustainable mine operations is essential for driving energy transition and sustainable growth. Technology holds significant potential in enhancing operational efficiencies and sustainability. The industry must continue to embrace innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship to ensure the stability and security of essential materials,” concludes McQueen.

These findings are from ABI Research’s Decarbonization Technologies for the Mining Sector report. This report is part of the company’s Sustainability for Industrial Markets research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights. 

About ABI Research

ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers.

ABI Research是一家全球性的技术情报公司，拥有得天独厚的优势，充当终端市场公司和技术解决方案提供商之间的桥梁，通过提供独家研究和专业性指导，推动成功的技术实施和提供经证明可吸引和留住客户的战略，无缝连接这两大主体。

For more information about ABI Research’s services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact Info: 

Global
Deborah Petrara
Tel: +1.516.624.2558
pr@abiresearch.com

Transaction Completely and Definitively Transforms Vialto’s Capital Structure, Delivering a $225 Million New Money Equity Capital Investment in Vialto and a Reduction of Approximately $550 Million of Existing Debt

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vialto Partners (“Vialto” or the “Company”), a premier provider of global mobility, tax, and immigration solutions to the world’s leading companies, announced today that it has completed its previously announced recapitalization transaction with a group consisting of its existing financial sponsor, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (“CD&R”), and certain of its existing debt holders, including funds managed by HPS Investment Partners (“HPS”).

“The completion of this transaction is a vote of confidence by our sponsors and lenders in the kind of company we’re building,” said Neil Masterson, CEO of Vialto. “Vialto helps the world’s leading businesses unlock the potential of their people around the world. We’re home to the industry’s top experts in global workforce mobility, tax, and immigration, and we’ll continue to invest in developing innovative technologies that make us uniquely placed to advise our clients as they navigate a constantly changing world.”

The transaction delivers a $225 million new money equity capital investment in Vialto and an approximately $550 million reduction of existing debt, resulting in a more sustainable capital structure for the group going forward.

Under the transaction, CD&R continues to be the majority shareholder of Vialto and HPS is a minority equity owner.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, and Latham & Watkins LLP provided legal advice to Vialto. Evercore Group L.L.C. served as financial advisor and AlixPartners LLP acted as operational advisor to Vialto. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal advice to CD&R. Moelis & Company served as financial advisor to CD&R. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP provided legal advice to HPS. Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. served as financial advisor to HPS. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Ashurst LLP provided legal advice to the First Lien Ad Hoc Group and Guggenheim Securities, LLC served as financial advisor. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP provided legal advice to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the First Lien Facility Agent, and RPA Advisors, LLC served as financial advisor. Holland & Knight LLP provided legal advice to the Second Lien Facility Agent and Bridge Facility Agent.

About Vialto Partners

Vialto Partners works with the world’s leading companies to provide the global mobility, tax, and immigration solutions that enable cross-border operations. As a trusted advisor of compliance, consulting, and technology services to multinational corporations, the firm solves complex, cross-border workforce mobility challenges to ensure its clients and their employees experience a consistent and compliant global mobility experience through Vialto’s cutting-edge technology and deep domain expertise. To learn more, visit www.vialtopartners.com.

Media Contacts:

Vialto Partners
Kal Goldberg / Kerry Golds
Vialtopartners@fgsglobal.com

Global leader in automotive and industrial solutions announces sixth annual Mechanics Month, dedicating March to celebrating the hard work and hands-on expertise of mechanics around the world.

LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Valvoline™ Global Operations, maker of The Original Motor Oil, today announced its 6^th annual Mechanics Month initiative. Beginning Monday, March 3, the annual campaign celebrates the often-unsung heroes of the mobility industry and beyond – the mechanics who keep the world moving forward.

Valvoline Global Operations, global leader in automotive and industrial solutions, announces sixth annual Mechanics Month, dedicating March to celebrating the hard work and hands-on expertise of mechanics around the world.

This year’s theme, “The Future is in Your Hands”, shines a spotlight on mechanics across the globe, highlighting their expertise, skill, and heart for the critical work they do each day. From independent workshops to dealerships, construction sites to fleets, mechanics solve problems that others can’t. Yet, fixing machinery is only part of the job; mechanics serve as educators and partners to their customers, offering peace of mind when it matters most.

“Valvoline Global is proud to honor the important contributions of mechanics worldwide,” said Jamal Muashsher, Valvoline Global Chief Executive Officer. “Mechanics Month is about recognizing the mechanics in our local communities who not only maintain the present – but also shape the future – by keeping people around the world moving forward.”

Global Recognition of Local Mechanics

As part of Mechanics Month, Valvoline Global teams in over 60 countries will celebrate local mechanics, working with community members to acknowledge their service. Notable celebrations spanning multiple regions include:

• Providing over 100 toolboxes, including safety gear and Valvoline-branded merchandise, to mechanics at workshops throughout Thailand.
• Hosting thank you dinners featuring games, prizes and live entertainment for mechanics and their families throughout Southeast Asia.
• Teaming up with Hendrick Motorsports for surprise deliveries of Valvoline Mechanics Month packages to hardworking team mechanics in the U.S.
• Working with select distributor and school partners to offer dozens of scholarships across Mexico and El Salvador.
• Offering brand and product training to over 200 mechanics and various scholarship programs and initiatives throughout China.

The company will also feature mechanics in global web and social media spotlights during the month of March.

Grand Prix Meets Gratitude

As the Official Lubricant Partner of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® (AMAF1) Team, Valvoline Global will further collaborate with its AMAF1 partner to highlight the importance of continuously building a pipeline of talented mechanics.

For the second year in a row, AMAF1 will participate in Valvoline Global’s Aspiring Mechanics Program as they invite students from Milton Keynes College (United Kingdom) to learn from F1 mechanics.

The Valvoline Global Aspiring Mechanics Program, established in 2024, is focused on educating and supporting future mechanics as they grow their skills. Through this program, the company aims to play a direct role in minimizing the growing shortage of mechanics globally, while raising awareness of the importance of the trade.

Join the Celebration

As a long-time supporter of mechanics throughout its 150+ year history, Valvoline Global is proud to continue its annual celebration of mechanics and invites the public to join them in recognizing these hard-working individuals. Learn more by visiting https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/mechanics-month/ and by following Valvoline Global’s social channels to view stories of industry heroes featured throughout the month.

About Valvoline™ Global Operations

THE ORIGINAL. Inventing the Way Forward.

Valvoline™ Global Operations is a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, creating future-ready products and best-in-class services for partners around the globe. Established in 1866, we introduced the world’s first branded motor oil, claiming our position as The Original Motor Oil.

As The Original, we’ve been innovating to solve problems for over 150 years. With sales in more than 140 countries and territories, our solutions are available for every engine and drivetrain, including high-mileage and heavy-duty vehicles, offered at more than 80,000 locations. And we’re committed to powering the future of mobility for vehicles with electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrains – today and as we move forward. We are now a part of Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies. Our strategic partnership creates a powerful combination to drive unparalleled product innovation and sustainable business solutions.

To learn more visit www.valvolineglobal.com.

Partnership combines Galileo’s technology platform and Ascenda’s loyalty expertise to simplify and power card loyalty programs

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ascenda, the industry leader in loyalty-as-a-service, has partnered with Galileo Financial Technologies, SoFi Technologies, Inc.’s Tech Platform (NASDAQ: SOFI), to deliver seamless and engaging loyalty experiences through card loyalty programs to banks, fintechs and other brands.

This collaboration integrates Ascenda’s loyalty and customer engagement solutions with Galileo’s robust financial technology platform, offering clients an end-to-end path to launch loyalty card programs. Galileo’s advanced financial services infrastructure, combined with Ascenda’s expertise in rewards fulfillment, creates an unparalleled solution for enhancing customer acquisition, engagement, and retention.

“By aligning our expertise in crafting growth-oriented loyalty propositions with Galileo’s technology platform, we’re delivering a compelling solution for brands,” said Josh Berwitz, Chief Commercial Officer of Ascenda. “With this collaboration, our clients can launch compelling programs that seamlessly integrate with top-tier loyalty programs in travel, hospitality, and beyond.”

Together, Ascenda and Galileo are tackling key loyalty challenges for financial institutions, fintechs and other brands by delivering a comprehensive, end-to-end solution. Galileo simplifies card issuing, while Ascenda ensures seamless loyalty integration, creating frictionless reward experiences that boost customer satisfaction and ROI.

“Our collaboration with Ascenda represents an exciting offering for our clients,” said David Feuer, Chief Product Officer, Galileo. “Together, we’re empowering organizations to launch loyalty-driven card programs that engage customers on a deeper level, enable faster time-to-market, and drive meaningful results.”

This partnership continues to accelerate Ascenda’s global loyalty ecosystem, enhancing its ability to drive growth for financial brands worldwide.

About Ascenda: Ascenda delivers loyalty-as-a-service for financial institutions and merchants globally, unlocking superior ROI across customer acquisition, engagement, and retention. With over a decade of proven results, an unrivaled roster of top-tier global clients, and enterprise- grade technology, Ascenda is trusted by leading brands to deliver growth outcomes, eliminate complexity, and create extraordinary customer experiences. For more information, please visit ascenda.com

About Galileo: Galileo Financial Technologies, LLC and certain of its affiliates collectively comprise a financial technology company owned and operated independently by SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFI) that enables fintechs, financial institutions, and emerging and established brands to build differentiated financial solutions that deliver exceptional, customer-centric experiences. Through modern, open APIs, Galileo’s flexible, secure, scalable and fully integrated platform drives innovation across payments and financial services. Trusted by digital banking heavyweights, early-stage innovators and enterprise clients alike, Galileo supports issuing physical and virtual payment cards, mobile push provisioning, tailored and differentiated financial products and more, across industries and geographies. For more information please visit galileo-ft.com. 

©2025 Galileo Financial Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved.

Galileo Financial Technologies, LLC is a technology company, not a bank. Galileo partners with many issuing banks to provide banking services in North and Latin America.

HEFEI, China, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kangpu Biopharmaceuticals, Ltd. (“Kangpu”) today announced that the Company has received IND approval from the CDE (Center for Drug Evaluation) of China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for KPG-818 for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

KPG-818 is a novel oral molecular glue modulator of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex CRL4-CRBN. It demonstrated high cereblon (CRBN) binding affinity and potent degradation of Aiolos (IKZF3) and Ikaros (IKZF1), two members of the Ikaros family of zinc-finger transcription factors associated with B-cell development. KPG-818 possesses immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-tumor effects.

The Phase I clinical trial of KPG-818 in the United States for the treatment of various hematological tumors has been completed. Preliminary results indicate that in RRMM patients who have previously received two immunomodulatory drugs (lenalidomide and pomalidomide), at least one proteasome inhibitor (bortezomib, ixazomib, or carfilzomib), and a CD38 monoclonal antibody (daratumumab or isatuximab), KPG-818 demonstrated good safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and encouraging therapeutic effects.

About Kangpu Biopharmaceuticals

Kangpu Biopharmaceuticals, Ltd. is a clinical-stage company focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics for the treatment of solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory disorders through novel solutions, including targeted protein degradation. Kangpu has developed a robust pipeline of potential first-in-class and best-in-class drug candidates based on proprietary technology platforms, including NeoMIDES^®, gDACs^®, and X-SYNERGY^®.

For more information, please visit www.KangpuGroup.com.

SHANGHAI, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 2171.HK, “CARsgen Therapeutics“), a company focused on innovative CAR T-cell therapies for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, announces reaching agreements with an investment fund managed by Zhuhai Hengqin SB Xinchuang Equity Investment Management Enterprise (Limited Partnership)  (“Zhuhai SB Xinchuang“) to jointly invest in UCARsgen Biotech Limited (“UCARsgen“), a China-based new drug discovery biotechnology company focused on allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.

Under the agreements, UCARsgen has secured the exclusive rights in mainland China for the research, development, manufacture, and commercialization of the following allogeneic CAR-T products from CARsgen Therapeutics: the BCMA-targeted allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia and the CD19/CD20 dual-targeted allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. An investment fund managed by Zhuhai SB Xinchuang (currently undergoing registration and filing procedures) subscribed to the newly increased registered capital of UCARsgen for a consideration of RMB 80,000,000, thus retaining an 8% equity stake in the registered capital of UCARsgen upon completion of the transaction, equity stake of CARsgen Therapeutics in UCARsgen will be diluted from 100% to 92%.

About CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited

CARsgen is a biopharmaceutical company with operations in China and the U.S., focusing on innovative CAR T-cell therapies for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. CARsgen has established a comprehensive CAR T-cell research and development platform that covers target discovery, innovative CAR T-cell development, clinical trials, and commercial-scale production. Internally, CARsgen has developed novel technologies and a product pipeline with global rights to address significant challenges faced by existing CAR T-cell therapies. Efforts include improving safety profile, enhancing the efficacy in treating solid tumors, and reducing treatment costs. CARsgen’s mission is to become a global biopharmaceutical leader that provides innovative and differentiated cell therapies for cancer patients worldwide and makes cancer curable.

Forward-looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not historical fact or that do not relate to present facts or current conditions are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements express the Group’s current views, projections, beliefs and expectations with respect to future events as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and factors beyond the Group’s control. As a result, they are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those detailed under the heading “Principal Risks and Uncertainties” in our most recent annual report and interim report and other announcements and reports made available on our corporate website, https://www.carsgen.com. No representation or warranty is given as to the achievement or reasonableness of, and no reliance should be placed on, any projections, targets, estimates or forecasts contained in this press release.

• SK bioscience’s first mRNA vaccine candidate enters Phase 1/2 clinical trials in Australia and New Zealand, with interim results expected by 2026
• Joint R&D project between SK and CEPI includes up to USD 40 million in initial funding support from CEPI
• SK bioscience will expand its vaccine portfolio and secure global competitiveness by developing mRNA vaccines

SEONGNAM, South Korea, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SK bioscience, a global innovative vaccine and biotech company committed to promoting human health from prevention to cure, today announced the commencement of global Phase 1/2 clinical trials for its mRNA-based Japanese encephalitis vaccine candidate, GBP560.

SK bioscience’s development of vaccine for Japanese encephalitis could not only help to protect against Japanese Encephalitis but also pave the way to the development of an mRNA technology that could be potentially adapted in a matter of weeks to develop a vaccine against a novel as-yet-identified infectious disease ‘Disease X’.

This rapid response approach would support the ‘100 Day Mission’, a global initiative spearheaded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and embraced by the G7, G20 and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the development of new vaccines against pandemic threats to just over three months following the identification of a Disease X.

This project is based on an R&D agreement with CEPI, which committed USD 40 million initial funding, in 2022 to support preclinical and early clinical trials of Japanese encephalitis as well as Lassa fever virus vaccines. A further USD 100 million in funding could be made available later to support late-stage trials/licensure to further validate the mRNA platform and have it ready for use in outbreak situations.

SK bioscience’s leadership in next pandemic preparedness was recognized as a key R&D partner of CEPI in the ‘100 Day Mission Implementation Report 2024’ recently published by the influential International Pandemic Preparedness Secretariat (IPPS), a global body set up to monitor global readiness for widespread disease outbreaks.

Through this project, SK bioscience aims to establish a mRNA vaccine technology capable of addressing not only pandemic threats but also various infectious diseases. By expanding its vaccine pipeline, the company seeks to enhance its competitiveness in the global vaccine industry.

The mRNA vaccine technology, which was first commercialized in the COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic, is available for rapid mass production compared to traditional technologies by utilizing genetic sequences. This capability makes mRNA technology well-suited for pandemic response. Furthermore, the mRNA vaccine technology shows significant potential to be applied to the development of therapeutic drugs, signaling rapid market expansion.

According to global market research firm ‘Nova One Advisor’, the global mRNA therapeutics market is projected to surpass around USD 58.90 billion in 2033, registering a CAGR of 17.06% by 2033.

During the Phase 1/2 trials, the company will evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of GBP560, the company’s first mRNA-based vaccine candidate, in 402 healthy adult participants in Australia and New Zealand. In stage 1, the participants will receive two shots of low, medium, high-dose vaccine, or a control vaccine administered 28 days apart. Based on the stage 1 results, the optimal dosage and regimen will be determined for further assessment of the immunogenicity and safety compared to the control group in stage 2. The company aims to secure interim results by 2026.

Previously, in preclinical studies, the vaccine candidate demonstrated superior safety and immunogenicity through repeated-dose toxicity studies, safety pharmacology tests, and preclinical protective immunity studies.

CEPI and SK bioscience are committed to enabling global equitable access to the vaccines they develop. Under the terms of the funding agreement, SK bioscience has committed to achieving equitable access to the outputs of this project including prioritization of supply for low-income and middle-income countries, production of vaccine volumes required to meet public health needs, and affordable pricing, in line with CEPI’s Equitable Access Policy.

Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, said: “We don’t know when the next Disease X will strike or where – but we know that it is coming. Preparing technologies ahead of time by building on the successes of mRNA allows us to not lose time creating a new vaccine from scratch when a viral threat emerges. This puts us on track to defeating a future outbreak quickly and equitably.”

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience, said, “Expanding our capabilities with the mRNA platform will enable rapid responses to unknown diseases while ensuring equitable access to vaccines and sufficient vaccine supply worldwide. We are committed to successfully advancing this clinical trial, contributing to public health and strengthening our position as a global leader in vaccine R&D.”

About SK bioscience

SK bioscience is an innovative vaccine and biotech company, committed to vaccine development and manufacturing to enable more equitable access to vaccines around the world. Leveraging strengths on cutting-edge technologies, SK bioscience has been dedicated to promoting human health from prevention to cure across the globe. With the cooperation of domestic and international governments, regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, doctors, and medical experts, all of the SK colleagues are passionately committed to providing high-quality vaccines to those who need them and better public healthcare solutions.
– SK bioscience Website
– SK bioscience Linkedin

Contact
Communications Team
Changhyun Jin (jin99@sk.com), Jeannie S. Pak (j.pak@sk.com)