SMART Technologies and the University of Melbourne’s collaborative research promise impactful ways to engage neurodivergent students.

CALGARY, AB, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SMART Technologies, a global leader in interactive education technology, has partnered with the University of Melbourne to launch the first-of-its-kind research initiative exploring how classroom environments can better support neurodivergent learners. The study identified key strategies and tools that promote engagement, reduce barriers, and empower these students to succeed. By bringing the voices of neurodivergent students to the forefront, SMART is fostering inclusive classroom practices and developing research-backed technology that facilitates authentic inclusion.

University of Melbourne and SMART Technologies partner in groundbreaking global research on technology supports for neurodivergent learners

It’s estimated that over 20% of the global population is neurodivergent, but traditional classrooms often exclude these students by prioritizing norms designed for neurotypical learners. These environments create significant challenges, forcing neurodivergent students to expend energy masking their differences rather than focusing on learning. This research tackles these barriers head-on, reshaping how we think about inclusion and engagement for all.

“A learning space where everyone feels safe, happy, and part of the community”—that’s the vision of Matt Harrison, lead researcher at the University of Melbourne and co-founder of the University of Melbourne Neurodiversity Project. Identifying a significant gap in education, Harrison’s collaboration with SMART set out to amplify the voices of neurodivergent students.

“Our extensive literature review found that only a very small number of studies actually included the voices of neurodivergent students. By engaging directly with these learners, we gathered authentic insights into strategies and tech tools that make a real difference,” said Harrison. This groundbreaking, student-centered approach delivers unparalleled data to empower educators with evidence-based solutions for fostering inclusive classrooms.

The research identified 36 actionable recommendations tailored for education leaders and teachers. These insights provide a roadmap for implementing technology and designing inclusive spaces that support diverse student needs. From specific tech tools to enhancements of existing classroom practices, the findings offer practical, scalable steps that educators can use immediately to increase inclusion and engagement.

Among the actionable steps emerging from this research are:

• Transforming Engagement: Adopt specific EdTech tools that affirm student voices, identities, and self-identified needs.
• Empowering Student Voice: Involve students as collaborators in choosing and implementing tools and other classroom options.
• Child-Centered Practices: Shift away from traditional behavior-based approaches and focus on each student’s strengths and needs.

This research highlights technology’s transformative role in creating equitable learning environments in classrooms around the world. “These recommendations offer educators and education leaders a clear pathway to designing classrooms that prioritize inclusivity,” said Jeff Lowe, SMART Technologies Executive Vice President. “By listening to the voices of neurodivergent students and understanding their needs, we can ensure our technology considers those needs, creates meaningful change and success for all students.”

For SMART, inclusion has always been a priority. This collaboration not only validates the positive impact of its current products but also drives future innovations designed to meet the needs of all learners. By incorporating neurodivergent perspectives into future product design and development, SMART is setting a new standard for inclusive technology that supports every student’s success.

Connect with the lead researchers at the University of Melbourne and explore the full findings here. Plus, discover resources from SMART to help you bring these strategies to life in your school or classroom.

About SMART Technologies

SMART Technologies is a pioneering force in the development of interactive technology solutions. Renowned for SMART Board® interactive displays and comprehensive software offerings, the company is dedicated to creating engaging and collaborative learning and working environments, creating connections that matter for users worldwide since 1987. With a focus on quality, innovation, and inclusion, SMART Technologies continues to drive advancements in education and business technology worldwide. To learn more, visit www.smarttech.com.

About the University of Melbourne

As a place of discovery and enquiry, the University of Melbourne’s purpose is to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Established in 1853, it is one of Australia’s oldest universities and the first in Victoria. Today, the University’s vibrant community comprises over 53,000 students, including 45 per cent international students from more than 150 countries. Our students are supported by over 10,000 academic and professional staff, who play a vital role in fulfilling the University’s mission. The University’s commitment to excellence has earned it its place among the world’s best universities, delivering education and research that are global in reach, ambition and impact.

Media Contact
Audrey Hartman
smarttech@5wpr.com

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• Almost 60% of CEOs expect global growth to increase over the next 12 months, up from 38% last year and 18% two years ago
• 42% expect to increase headcount over the next 12 months – more than twice the number expecting to decrease it. CEOs more likely to say GenAI led to headcount increases than decreases
• CEOs are seeing tangible impacts from GenAI: 56% reported efficiency gains, while one-third saw profitability (34%) and revenue (32%) increases
• 42% of CEOs believe their company will not be viable beyond the next 10 years without reinvention, as nearly four in ten say they have begun competing in new sectors in the last five years
• Climate related investments six times more likely to have resulted in increased revenue than decreased revenue

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Almost 60% of CEOs around the world expect global economic growth to increase over the next 12 months, according to PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey, launched today during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.

The report, which surveyed 4,701 CEOs across 109 countries and territories, also finds that 42% expect to increase headcount by 5% or more in the next 12 months – more than double the proportion who expect headcount decreases (17%), and up from 39% last year. The percentage is highest (48%) among smaller companies (less than US$100 million) and those in the technology (61%), real estate (61%), private equity (52%) and pharma and life sciences (51%) sectors.

While CEOs are optimistic about the global economy, macroeconomic volatility (29%) and inflation (27%) nevertheless remain the top risks for the year ahead cited by CEOs globally, but with clear differences between regions. Geopolitical conflict is seen as the biggest risk in the Middle East (41%) and Central and Eastern Europe (34%). In Western Europe, cyber risk (27%) is a marginally higher concern than a lack of skilled workers (25%) and inflation (24%) – with macroeconomic volatility topping the list at 29%. Inflation is the top concern in Africa (39%), while North America and Asia-Pacific prioritise risks largely in line with the global averages.

Mohamed Kande, Global Chairman, PwC, said:

“This year’s CEO Survey findings highlight a stark juxtaposition – business leaders around the world are optimistic about the year ahead, but also know they must reinvent how they create, deliver and capture value. Emerging technologies such as GenAI, shifts in geopolitics, and the climate transition are all revolutionising how the economy works. New business ecosystems are forming, transforming how companies compete and create value. To thrive, business leaders must act now and take bold decisions around their strategy – ranging from people, footprint and supply chain, right through to reinventing their business model.”

The reinvention imperative

Consistent with the last two years, four in ten (42%) CEOs believe their company will not be viable beyond the next decade if it continues on its current path. Among those that do not expect to last without significant change, 42% cite shifts in the regulatory environment as having the biggest influence on their economic viability.

But CEOs are taking action – across all sectors, almost two-thirds (63%) have taken at least one significant action to change how their company creates, delivers, and captures value in the last five years, with CEOs that have taken more reinvention actions in the last five years reporting higher profit margins in the last 12 months.

As companies look to reinvent their business models, almost four in ten (38%) say they have begun competing in at least one new sector in the last five years – with about one-third (34%) noting this has represented over 20% of company revenue over this period.

However, the pace of reinvention is slow and a large majority of companies lack agility. When it comes to moving budget and people between projects and business units, around half of CEOs told us that they reallocate 10% or less of financial and human resources from year to year. More than two-thirds reallocate less than 20%. On average, only 7% of revenue over the last five years has come from distinct new businesses.

CEOs are optimistic about the potential of GenAI, but are looking for stronger results

CEOs are reporting tangible impact from GenAI. More than half (56%) report seeing efficiency gains in their employees’ time over the last 12 months, and one-third saw revenue (32%) increases.

However, performance is somewhat below expectations expressed last year. In 2024, 46% said they expected to see profitability improvements. A year later, when we asked if they had seen those gains, only 34% said they had. Trust in AI remains a hurdle to more widespread adoption. Only a third of CEOs said they have a high degree of trust in embedding the technology into key processes in their company.

Despite this, optimism about GenAI’s impacts on profitability is slightly up on last year – with 49% expecting an increase in the next 12 months. Roughly half (47%) expect to integrate AI (including GenAI) into their technology platforms over the next three years, 41% plan to integrate it into core business processes and 30% have plans for new products and service development.

While it is early days, there is nothing in our data to suggest a widespread reduction in employment opportunities across the global economy as a result of GenAI. More CEOs say GenAI has increased headcount than decreased it (17% v 13%).

Matt Wood, Global & US Commercial Technology & Innovation Officer (CTIO), PwC, said:

“This year’s survey shows a more mature view of GenAI in the enterprise. CEOs are convinced it has the power to unlock new opportunities – in fact they are more optimistic than last year. At the same time, they are more aware of the challenges they need to navigate to realise that value. They see the importance of building trust into the way their AI systems are designed, and for now are prioritising integration into core business processes. It is important that they also see the potential GenAI has to generate growth through new products and services and create value in new ways.”

Climate investments are paying off

As the climate transition continues to impact businesses, CEOs continue to take action. When we asked CEOs to take stock of the financial impact of climate related investments over the last five years, we found that these moves were six times more likely to have resulted in increased revenue (33%) than decreased revenue (5%). In addition, nearly two-thirds of CEOs reported that climate related investments had either reduced costs or had no significant impact on costs.

However, challenges remain around initiating climate related investments: CEOs that made such investments cite regulatory complexity as the top factor (24%) inhibiting their companies’ ability to initiate those investments, as opposed to lower returns on investment (18%) or lack of buy-in from management or the board (6%).

Carol Stubbings, Global Chief Commercial Officer, PwC, said:

“Three-plus decades of digitisation have started to break down formerly impermeable boundaries between sectors, while the combined impact of the climate transition, AI, and other megatrends will hasten the process of reconfiguration. This survey shows that business leaders are facing this future with a combination of optimism about the economy and realism that business needs to fundamentally reinvent how it creates value if it is to thrive in the future.”

Notes to Editors

About the 28^th Annual PwC Global CEO Survey

PwC surveyed 4,701 CEOs across 109 countries and territories from 1 October through 8 November 2024. The global and regional figures are weighted proportionally to country nominal GDP. The industry and country-level figures are based on unweighted data from the full sample of 4,701 CEOs. The full findings can be accessed on pwc.com/ceosurvey.

About PwC

At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We’re a network of firms in 149 countries with more than 370,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MicroAire Surgical Instruments, the global leader in power-assisted liposuction, is pleased to announce the acquisition of NEOSYAD, an innovative medical device company that developed a breakthrough technology for adipose tissue engineering. This strategic move reinforces MicroAire’s commitment to advancing medical innovation and strengthening its leadership in the adipose tissue market.

NEOSYAD recently received EU MDR approval for their AdiMate^® device and Adipure^® single-use kit. Thanks to its patented “all-in-one” concept and integrated proprietary software, AdiMate optimizes operating times by combining the infiltration, liposuction, and adipose tissue preparation (lipofilling) functions. The protocol integrated in the machine allows tissue purification in less than 10 minutes in a completely automatic way, while guaranteeing unmatched adipose tissue quality and viability.

Strengthening MicroAire’s Adipose Tissue Leadership

MicroAire’s PAL^® handpiece is the #1 power-assisted liposuction device in the United States and a global leader among plastic surgeons. The acquisition of NEOSYAD marks a significant step forward in MicroAire’s vision to strengthen its leadership in the global adipose tissue market. Jerome Barrillon, President of MicroAire, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to welcome the NEOSYAD team into the MicroAire family. Their expertise, innovative products, and dedication to advancing adipose tissue technologies perfectly align with our mission to enable better patient outcomes and support plastic surgeons worldwide.”

Barrillon further emphasized the strategic fit: “NEOSYAD’s advanced adipose tissue technology complements MicroAire’s existing portfolio and will help us accelerate our vision of expanding our leadership in the adipose tissue market. Together, we are poised to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and drive innovation in this growing field.”

Regis Roche, NEOSYAD’s co-founder and President, commented: “We are delighted to join forces with MicroAire, a company that shares our commitment to innovation and excellence in adipose tissue processing. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to scale our groundbreaking solutions and bring the benefits of AdiMate and Adipure to a broader global audience.”

Roche continued: “Our technology has already demonstrated excellent results in enhancing outcomes for patients, particularly in breast reconstruction procedures. By ensuring a higher quality of purified fat and significantly reducing operating times, we enable surgeons to perform procedures with greater precision and efficiency. Together with MicroAire, we aim to make these advanced solutions more accessible to patients worldwide, offering them a safer, more effective option for restoring their confidence and well-being.”

Media Contact:
David Kraus
Senior Director, Strategy & Customer Excellence
MicroAire Surgical Instruments
david.kraus@microaire.com

GORINCHEM, Netherlands, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a groundbreaking step for the horticultural industry, ISO Horti—a specialist in horticultural robotics and automation—and TTA—experts in transplanting and sorting solutions—are merging. Operating under the name TTA-ISO, this partnership directly addresses the booming demand for automation in global horticulture and food production.

Jan Bakker, CEO of TTA (left), and Martin Maasland, CEO of ISO (right)

Meeting growing worldwide demand

The international horticulture market is expanding rapidly. While this growth presents ample opportunities, the sector also faces urgent challenges such as labor shortages, stringent sustainability regulations, and rising quality standards. By combining their complementary expertise, TTA-ISO is better equipped to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions, including AI and robotics, helping growers worldwide adapt and thrive.

New markets, strong growth outlook

TTA-ISO envisions a promising future for horticulture, with annual sector growth projected at 8–10%. Leveraging their innovative tech and AI-driven vision solutions, they focus on expanding in the Americas, Middle East, and Oceania, while exploring opportunities in global food markets and the carbon and fiber industries.

Unified R&D and innovation capacity

This merger centers on bringing together R&D resources, accelerating automations to market, and offering clients a broader range of products and services. Greater innovation capacity will pave the way for customized solutions tailored to the customer’s unique needs.

Martin Maasland, CEO of ISO:
“This merger empowers us to help our customers push boundaries, transform their operations, and achieve the extraordinary. By optimizing their processes and enabling more efficient use of resources, we’re reducing waste and environmental impact—vital for the sector’s future and a powerful opportunity to shape horticulture worldwide.”

Jan Bakker, CEO of TTA:
“Bringing TTA and ISO together allows us to meet the surge in demand for innovative automation. Automation is the future of horticulture, and TTA-ISO is at the forefront of this movement. Our combined expertise helps growers worldwide increase productivity, improve yields, and grow more sustainably.”

Backed by Rabobank and Shareholders

This merger is backed by Rabobank and existing shareholders, highlighting their trust in the vision and alignment of both organizations. Their support underscores confidence in TTA-ISO’s potential for growth and success.

Rooted in Dutch innovation and backed by a global team, TTA-ISO is primed to redefine the global horticulture and food production landscape, delivering high-impact automation solutions and setting new standards for a more efficient, sustainable future.

More information: tta-iso.com.

GORINCHEM, Netherlands, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a groundbreaking step for the horticultural industry, ISO Horti—a specialist in horticultural robotics and automation—and TTA—experts in transplanting and sorting solutions—are merging. Operating under the name TTA-ISO, this partnership directly addresses the booming demand for automation in global horticulture and food production.

Jan Bakker, CEO of TTA (left), and Martin Maasland, CEO of ISO (right)

Meeting growing worldwide demand

The international horticulture market is expanding rapidly. While this growth presents ample opportunities, the sector also faces urgent challenges such as labor shortages, stringent sustainability regulations, and rising quality standards. By combining their complementary expertise, TTA-ISO is better equipped to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions, including AI and robotics, helping growers worldwide adapt and thrive.

New markets, strong growth outlook

TTA-ISO envisions a promising future for horticulture, with annual sector growth projected at 8–10%. Leveraging their innovative tech and AI-driven vision solutions, they focus on expanding in the Americas, Middle East, and Oceania, while exploring opportunities in global food markets and the carbon and fiber industries.

Unified R&D and innovation capacity

This merger centers on bringing together R&D resources, accelerating automations to market, and offering clients a broader range of products and services. Greater innovation capacity will pave the way for customized solutions tailored to the customer’s unique needs.

Martin Maasland, CEO of ISO:
“This merger empowers us to help our customers push boundaries, transform their operations, and achieve the extraordinary. By optimizing their processes and enabling more efficient use of resources, we’re reducing waste and environmental impact—vital for the sector’s future and a powerful opportunity to shape horticulture worldwide.”

Jan Bakker, CEO of TTA:
“Bringing TTA and ISO together allows us to meet the surge in demand for innovative automation. Automation is the future of horticulture, and TTA-ISO is at the forefront of this movement. Our combined expertise helps growers worldwide increase productivity, improve yields, and grow more sustainably.”

Backed by Rabobank and Shareholders

This merger is backed by Rabobank and existing shareholders, highlighting their trust in the vision and alignment of both organizations. Their support underscores confidence in TTA-ISO’s potential for growth and success.

Rooted in Dutch innovation and backed by a global team, TTA-ISO is primed to redefine the global horticulture and food production landscape, delivering high-impact automation solutions and setting new standards for a more efficient, sustainable future.

More information: tta-iso.com.

GORINCHEM, Netherlands, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a groundbreaking step for the horticultural industry, ISO Horti—a specialist in horticultural robotics and automation—and TTA—experts in transplanting and sorting solutions—are merging. Operating under the name TTA-ISO, this partnership directly addresses the booming demand for automation in global horticulture and food production.

Jan Bakker, CEO of TTA (left), and Martin Maasland, CEO of ISO (right)

Meeting growing worldwide demand

The international horticulture market is expanding rapidly. While this growth presents ample opportunities, the sector also faces urgent challenges such as labor shortages, stringent sustainability regulations, and rising quality standards. By combining their complementary expertise, TTA-ISO is better equipped to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions, including AI and robotics, helping growers worldwide adapt and thrive.

New markets, strong growth outlook

TTA-ISO envisions a promising future for horticulture, with annual sector growth projected at 8–10%. Leveraging their innovative tech and AI-driven vision solutions, they focus on expanding in the Americas, Middle East, and Oceania, while exploring opportunities in global food markets and the carbon and fiber industries.

Unified R&D and innovation capacity

This merger centers on bringing together R&D resources, accelerating automations to market, and offering clients a broader range of products and services. Greater innovation capacity will pave the way for customized solutions tailored to the customer’s unique needs.

Martin Maasland, CEO of ISO:
“This merger empowers us to help our customers push boundaries, transform their operations, and achieve the extraordinary. By optimizing their processes and enabling more efficient use of resources, we’re reducing waste and environmental impact—vital for the sector’s future and a powerful opportunity to shape horticulture worldwide.”

Jan Bakker, CEO of TTA:
“Bringing TTA and ISO together allows us to meet the surge in demand for innovative automation. Automation is the future of horticulture, and TTA-ISO is at the forefront of this movement. Our combined expertise helps growers worldwide increase productivity, improve yields, and grow more sustainably.”

Backed by Rabobank and Shareholders

This merger is backed by Rabobank and existing shareholders, highlighting their trust in the vision and alignment of both organizations. Their support underscores confidence in TTA-ISO’s potential for growth and success.

Rooted in Dutch innovation and backed by a global team, TTA-ISO is primed to redefine the global horticulture and food production landscape, delivering high-impact automation solutions and setting new standards for a more efficient, sustainable future.

More information: tta-iso.com.

GORINCHEM, Netherlands, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a groundbreaking step for the horticultural industry, ISO Horti—a specialist in horticultural robotics and automation—and TTA—experts in transplanting and sorting solutions—are merging. Operating under the name TTA-ISO, this partnership directly addresses the booming demand for automation in global horticulture and food production.

Jan Bakker, CEO of TTA (left), and Martin Maasland, CEO of ISO (right)

Meeting growing worldwide demand

The international horticulture market is expanding rapidly. While this growth presents ample opportunities, the sector also faces urgent challenges such as labor shortages, stringent sustainability regulations, and rising quality standards. By combining their complementary expertise, TTA-ISO is better equipped to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions, including AI and robotics, helping growers worldwide adapt and thrive.

New markets, strong growth outlook

TTA-ISO envisions a promising future for horticulture, with annual sector growth projected at 8–10%. Leveraging their innovative tech and AI-driven vision solutions, they focus on expanding in the Americas, Middle East, and Oceania, while exploring opportunities in global food markets and the carbon and fiber industries.

Unified R&D and innovation capacity

This merger centers on bringing together R&D resources, accelerating automations to market, and offering clients a broader range of products and services. Greater innovation capacity will pave the way for customized solutions tailored to the customer’s unique needs.

Martin Maasland, CEO of ISO:
“This merger empowers us to help our customers push boundaries, transform their operations, and achieve the extraordinary. By optimizing their processes and enabling more efficient use of resources, we’re reducing waste and environmental impact—vital for the sector’s future and a powerful opportunity to shape horticulture worldwide.”

Jan Bakker, CEO of TTA:
“Bringing TTA and ISO together allows us to meet the surge in demand for innovative automation. Automation is the future of horticulture, and TTA-ISO is at the forefront of this movement. Our combined expertise helps growers worldwide increase productivity, improve yields, and grow more sustainably.”

Backed by Rabobank and Shareholders

This merger is backed by Rabobank and existing shareholders, highlighting their trust in the vision and alignment of both organizations. Their support underscores confidence in TTA-ISO’s potential for growth and success.

Rooted in Dutch innovation and backed by a global team, TTA-ISO is primed to redefine the global horticulture and food production landscape, delivering high-impact automation solutions and setting new standards for a more efficient, sustainable future.

More information: tta-iso.com.

DOHA, Qatar, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Power International Holding (PIH), a globally recognized Qatari-based conglomerate, has officially completed the acquisition of a 100% participatory interest in Mobile Telecom-Service LLP (MTS) from Kazakhtelecom JSC.

This acquisition follows the initial agreement signed on February 14, 2024, in Doha between PIH, Kazakhtelecom, and the sovereign wealth fund Samruk- Kazyna as well as the signing of the definitive sale and purchase agreement on June 4, 2024.

MTS, known for its prominent brands Altel and Tele2, is the country’s leading provider of ultrafast 5G connectivity. Established in 2004, MTS employs around 2,000 staff and operates over 140 retail stores. The company offers a comprehensive range of telecommunications and digital services, making it a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s telecommunications landscape.

This financing was led by Citi and QNB as Coordinators, Bookrunners, and Mandated Lead Arrangers, with Halyk Bank JSCas a Mandated Lead Arranger, and ICBC Standard Bank Plc, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait B.S.C, and Commercial Bank International PJSC  as Arrangers.”

Mr. Ramez AlKhayyat President of Power International Holding, commented:  “Power International Holding’s telecommunications group is a key component of the Company’s strategic growth. Through this acquisition, we aim to significantly contribute to the development of the telecommunications and technology sectors, offering innovative solutions that will enhance the digital experience in Kazakhstan and empower the digital transformation of the country.

He added : “The closing of this transaction is an important step for us and marks the strong trust and confidence that renowned financial institutions have placed in us. With this acquisition, we are poised to further strengthen our expansion strategy, in the telecomunication and digital sector, in several countries of the world.”

QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, the leader on the landmark transaction, has played a vital role in leading the conglomerate towards closing the deal. Mr. Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, QNB Group Chief Executive Officer commented: “We are proud to have played a pivotal role in facilitating the acquisition of Mobile Telecom-Service LLP by Power International Holding. This strategic financing not only underscores QNB’s commitment to supporting key investments in the telecommunications sector but also demonstrates our dedication to fostering growth and innovation. We believe that this acquisition will enhance connectivity and drive economic development, aligning with our vision of empowering businesses.”

“We are delighted to have led this landmark acquisition financing for PIH in partnership with QNB. The transaction demonstrates Citi’s unparalleled capabilities in emerging markets with on ground presence in Qatar and Kazakhstan, our industry expertise with telecom clients globally and Loans & Acquisition Finance structuring expertise to deliver a successful outcome.” Ebru Pakcan, Citi Middle East and Africa Cluster and Banking Head stated.

The acquisition inaugurates Power International Holding’s expansion in Kazakhstan, achieving the company’s active plan to diversify its investment streams.

On this occasion Mr. Eyad Abdulrahim PIH Group Chief Finance and Investment Officer commented:

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Power International Holding as we expand into Kazakhstan’s rapidly growing telecommunications sector. The deal involved navigating complex regulatory and financial landscapes, requiring extensive collaboration and coordination with global partners. Securing funding through an international syndicate of leading financial institutions was a key part of the process, reflecting strong confidence in the our acquisition’s long-term potential. We are committed to using this investment to enhance infrastructure, including the deployment of 5G technology, to improve service quality and delivering advanced communication solutions to meet the evolving needs of Kazakhstan’s population”

Mr. George Barakat, PIH Group Chief Treasury Officer, commented: “We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our leveraged buyout acquisition, marking a significant advancement in our strategic growth initiatives. The strong demand and support from both regional and international banks, resulting in an oversubscription of the financing, underscores the market’s confidence in our strategic vision. The positive response from the banking sector further reinforces our financial strength and the trust placed in the Group’s ability to execute complex transactions.

About Power International Holding:

Power International Holding (PIH) is a premier global enterprise headquartered in Qatar, recognized for its diversified portfolio and strategic contributions across 14 key sectors. With operations spanning Energy and Natural resources , Concessions power and infrastructure, Construction; Healthcare and Professional Services; Real Estate Development; Telecommunications, Media, and Technology; Agriculture and Food Industries; and Lifestyle.

PIH is committed to driving innovation and delivering sustainable value worldwide.

Supported by over 65,000 professionals representing 91 nationalities, PIH has successfully delivered more than 1,250 projects in 19 countries, shaping industries and advancing global development.

Guided by its vision to create a brighter future from Qatar to the world, PIH upholds the highest standards of quality, resilience, and leadership in every endeavor. The group remains dedicated to fostering innovation, developing future leaders, and preserving its legacy of excellence.

For more information, visit www.powerholding-intl.com 

About QNB Group:

QNB Group is one of the leading financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa region and among the most valuable banking brands in the regional market. Present in over 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa, it offers tailored products and services supported by innovation and backed by a team of over 31,000 professionals dedicated to driving banking excellence worldwide.

About Citi:

Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi