34 C
Vientiane
Sunday, April 27, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 426

SKF: Notice of Annual General Meeting

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Aktiebolaget SKF will be held at Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Södra Hamngatan 59, Gothenburg, Sweden, at 14.00 on Tuesday, 1 April 2025. The doors are open from 13.00. Light refreshments will be served prior to the Annual General Meeting between 13.00 and 14.00.

A summary of the President’s address will be available at the company’s website, www.skf.com, after the Annual General Meeting.

Preconditions for participation

A. Shareholders who wish to participate at the Annual General Meeting by postal voting must

  • be recorded in the shareholders’ register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB as per Monday, 24 March 2025, and
  • notify its intention to participate by casting its postal vote in accordance with the instructions under the heading Postal voting below so that the postal voting is received by Computershare AB no later than Wednesday, 26 March 2025.

B. Shareholders who wish to participate at the Annual General Meeting in person or by proxy in the meeting room must

  • be recorded in the shareholders’ register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB as per Monday, 24 March 2025, and
  • notify the company of its intention to participate no later than Wednesday, 26 March 2025,
    • via the company’s website, www.skf.com, or
    • by phone +46 31 337 25 50 (weekdays between 09.00 and 16.00), or
    • via e-mail to proxy@computershare.se (use “AGM 2025 of AB SKF” as subject), or
    • by letter to Computershare AB, “AGM 2025 of AB SKF”, Gustav III:s Boulevard 34, SE- 169 73 Solna, Sweden.

When notifying the company include details of name, address, telephone number, social security number and number of advisors, if any.

To be entitled to participate in the Annual General Meeting, a shareholder whose shares are held in the name of a nominee must, in addition to providing notification of participation, register its shares in its own name so that the shareholder is recorded in the shareholder’s register as per Monday, 24 March 2025. Such registration may be temporary (so-called voting right registration) and is requested from the nominee in accordance with the nominee’s procedures and in such time in advance as the nominee determines. Voting right registrations completed by the nominee not later than Wednesday 26 March 2025 are taken into account when preparing the shareholder’s register.

Participation in person or by proxy

Shareholders who wish to attend in person in the meeting room, in person or by proxy, must notify its intention in accordance with B) above. This means that notice by postal voting only is not enough for anyone who wishes to attend in the meeting room.

Where representation is being made by proxy, the proxy form shall be sent to the company to the above address or by e-mail to proxy@computershare.se before the Annual General Meeting. If the shareholder is a legal entity, a certificate of incorporation or a corresponding document of authority shall be enclosed.

Postal voting

A special form shall be used for postal voting. The form is available on the company’s website, www.skf.com.

The completed and signed voting form must be received by SKF through Computershare AB no later than Wednesday, 26 March 2025. Shareholders may cast their postal votes electronically through Swedish BankID verification via SKF’s website www.skf.com. The form may also be submitted by post to Computershare AB, “AGM 2025 of AB SKF”, Gustav III:s Boulevard 34, SE- 169 73 Solna or via e-mail to proxy@computershare.se. Shareholders who are represented by a proxy holder shall submit a proxy form enclosed to the voting form. If the shareholder is a legal entity, a certificate of incorporation or a corresponding document of authority shall be enclosed to the form. 

Shareholders are not permitted to add special instructions or conditions to their postal votes. If this is done, the vote (i.e. the postal vote in its entirety) will be invalid. Further instructions and conditions can be found on the postal voting form.

For questions about the meeting or to have the postal voting form sent by post, please contact Computershare AB on telephone +46 31-337 25 50 or via e-mail to proxy@computershare.se

Agenda

  1. Opening of the Annual General Meeting
  2. Election of a Chair for the Annual General Meeting
  3. Drawing up and approval of the voting list
  4. Approval of agenda
  5. Election of persons to verify the minutes
  6. Consideration of whether the Annual General Meeting has been duly convened
  7. Presentation of annual report and audit report as well as consolidated accounts and audit report for the Group
  8. Address by the President
  9. Matter of adoption of the income statement and balance sheet and consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet for the Group
  10. Resolution regarding distribution of profits and record date
  11. Matter of discharge of the Board members and the President from liability
  12. Determination of number of Board members and deputy members
  13. Determination of the fee to the Board members
  14. Election of Board members and deputy Board members
    The Nomination Committee’s proposal for Board members:
    14.1 Hans Stråberg
    14.2 Hock Goh
    14.3 Geert Follens
    14.4 Håkan Buskhe
    14.5 Susanna Schneeberger
    14.6 Rickard Gustafson
    14.7 Beth Ferreira
    14.8 Therese Friberg
    14.9 Richard Nilsson
    14.10 Niko Pakalén
    14.11 Mats Rahmström
  15. Election of Chair of the Board of Directors
  16. The Board of Director’s proposal for amendment of the Articles of Association
  17. Determination of number of auditors and deputy auditors
  18. Determination of the fee to the auditors
  19. Election of auditors and deputy auditors
  20. Presentation and approval of the Board of Directors’ remuneration report
  21. The Board of Directors’ proposal for a resolution on SKF’s Performance Share Programme 2025

Proposal under item 10

The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 7.75 per share. It is proposed that shareholders with holdings recorded on Thursday, 3 April 2025 be entitled to receive the proposed dividend. Subject to resolution by the Annual General Meeting in accordance with this proposal, it is expected that Euroclear will distribute the dividend on Tuesday, 8 April 2025.

Proposals under items 2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19

The Nomination Committee formed according to a resolution of the Annual General Meeting 2020 to represent all shareholders of the company consists of, besides the Chair of the Board of Directors, members elected by FAM, Cevian Capital, AFA Försäkring and Skandia, shareholders who together represent around 40% of the total number of votes in the company. The Nomination Committee proposes the following:

  • Item 2 – that advokat Erik Sjöman is elected Chair of the Annual General Meeting;
  • Item 12 – that the Board of Directors shall consist of eleven members and no deputy members;
  • Item 13 – that the Board members elected by the Annual General Meeting and not employed by the company, for the period up to the end of the next Annual General Meeting, receive a fee according to the following:
  1. a. SEK 3,025,000 to the Chair of the Board of Directors,
        SEK 1,515,000 to the Vice Chair(s) of the Board of Directors, and
        SEK 990,000 to each of the other Board members; and
  1. b. SEK 385,000 to the Chair of the Audit Committee,
        SEK 275,000 to each of the other members of the Audit Committee,
        SEK 220,000 to each of the Chairs of the other Committees, and
        SEK 165,000 to each of the other members of the other Committees;

The Nomination Committee proposes that 30 percent of the above Board fee (excluding the Committee fees) should be converted and consist of a variable Board fee (so-called synthetic shares). The purpose is to strengthen the connection between the Board and the shareholders, and the possibility for the Board members to influence the size of the Board fee through the company’s value development. A synthetic share refers to a non-transferable right to, four years after the Board election, receive payment of an amount based on the stock price at the time of payment of a Series B share in the company. The payment amount is determined based on the average stock price of the Series B share during the five trading days immediately following the publication of the quarterly report for the first quarter 2029. Proposed complete terms for the variable Board fee (synthetic shares) 2025 are available on the company’s website www.skf.com, among the Board’s complete proposals.

The Nomination Committee proposes that a special meeting fee be paid to Board members residing outside Sweden for travel to a physical Board meeting in Sweden, of EUR 2,000 for travel within Europe and EUR 5,000 for intercontinental travel, as compensation for time spent. For travel to physical board meetings outside of Sweden, it is proposed that the aforementioned meeting fees also apply to Board members residing in Sweden.

  • Item 14 – that Hans Stråberg, Hock Goh, Geert Follens, Håkan Buskhe, Susanna Schneeberger, Rickard Gustafson, Beth Ferreira, Therese Friberg, Richard Nilsson and Niko Pakalén are re-elected as members of the Board of Directors. It is proposed that Mats Rahmström is newly elected.
  • Item 15 – that Hans Stråberg is re-elected as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
    A presentation of the proposed Board can be found at the company’s website www.skf.com.
  • Item 17 – that, which under item 16 is proposed to be the rule of the Articles of Association, one auditor without deputy auditor shall be appointed;
  • Item 18 – that the auditor is paid for work performed according to approved invoice; and;
  • Item 19 – that, in accordance with the Audit Committee’s recommendation and the Nomination Committee’s proposal, the registered firm of auditors Deloitte AB is appointed as auditor for a period of one year until the close of the Annual General Meeting 2026.

Proposal under item 16

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolve to amend the Articles of Association to adjust the term of office for the appointed auditor through adjustments to § 9. Furthermore, a number of minor, primarily editorial, amendments are proposed, to modernize the Articles of Association and to reflect certain legislative changes. Among the proposed amendments is the exclusion of the possibility to appoint Board deputies, since the Swedish Corporate Governance Code states that deputies for directors elected by the shareholders’ meeting are not to be appointed. All proposed changes are outlined in the proposal for the new Articles of Association, which is available on the company’s website, www.skf.com, among the Board’s complete proposals.

Proposal under item 20

The Board of Directors has prepared a Remuneration report which is presented and proposed to be approved by the Annual General Meeting. The Remuneration report is available on the company’s website, www.skf.com.

Proposal under item 21

The main contents of the Board of Directors’ proposal are stated below. The complete proposal is available at the company’s website, www.skf.com.

At the Annual General Meeting in 2008 the SKF Group introduced a long-term performance share programme for senior managers and key employees. Since then, the Annual General Meeting has resolved each year upon a performance share programme.

The Board proposes – in order to continue to link the long-term interests of the participants and the shareholders, strengthening the SKF Group’s ability to attract and retain the best people and to contribute to the SKF Group’s business strategy, its long-term interests and sustainability – that a decision be taken at the Annual General Meeting 2025 on SKF’s Performance Share Programme 2025.

The programme is proposed to cover senior managers and key employees in the SKF Group with an opportunity to be allotted, free of charge, SKF B shares in accordance with the following principal terms and guidelines. Under the programme, not more than in total 1,000,000 SKF B shares may be allotted.

The allotment of shares shall be related to the level of achievement of the Total Value Added (TVA) target, as defined by the Board, and SKF’s CDP Climate Change score target. The TVA performance measure is weighted 80% and the CDP Climate Change score performance measure is weighted 20%.

TVA performance measure

TVA is a simplified, economic value-added model promoting greater operating profit, capital efficiency and profitable growth. TVA is the operating profit, less the pre-tax cost of capital.

Over the three-year programme period (2025-2027), the TVA performance target range is set annually by the Board against the baseline of the actual TVA achieved in the previous year. The overall performance achievement for the TVA performance measure of the programme is the average of achievements of the annual TVA targets. In order for allocation of shares to take place, the average TVA development must exceed a certain minimum level (the threshold level). In addition to the threshold level, a target level is set. Maximum allotment is awarded if the target level is reached or exceeded. By way of example, if the TVA achievement year 1 is 80%, year 2 is 100% and year 3 is 0%, the overall performance achievement of the programme would then be 60% (80%+100%+0% / 3).

CDP Climate Change score performance measure

CDP is a global non-profit organization known for its assessments and scoring methodology to evaluate companies’ disclosure and performance relating to climate change and environmental impact. The CDP Climate Change score is based on an extensive questionnaire requiring disclosure and performance in the following categories: Business strategy, Financial planning & scenario analysis, Emissions reduction initiatives, Energy, Governance, Opportunity disclosure, Risk disclosure, Risk management processes, Scope 1 & 2 emissions, Scope 3 emissions, Targets and Value chain engagement.

This comprehensive assessment and the resulting score is known across the investor and customer communities as a credible third-party view on companies’ approaches to climate change. The score ranges from A (leadership level) to D- (disclosure level). SKF received an A- score in 2024. The score is set annually, and the bar is raised every year, reflecting increasing stakeholder expectations. SKF’s performance achievement and CDP score will therefore require continuous improvements.

The overall performance achievement for the CDP Climate Change score is the weighted average of the annual performance achievement, based on the following criteria: 

SKF’s CDP Climate Change score

Performance achievement

A

100 %

A-

75 %

B

50 %

0 %

For example, if SKF’s CDP score is B year 1, A- year 2 and A year 3, the overall performance achievement for the full programme period is 75% (50%+75%+100% / 3). 

Provided that the performance measures of the programme are fully met, the participants of the programme may be allotted up to the following maximum number of shares per person within the various key groups:

  • CEO and President –shares corresponding to a value of 75% of the fixed base salary
  • Other members of Group Management – shares corresponding to 55% of the fixed base salary or 13,000 shares, whichever is higher
  • Managers of large business units and similar – 4,500 shares
  • Other senior managers – 3,000 shares
  • Other key persons – 1,250 shares

If the total outcome of the programme exceeds the threshold level for allotment of shares but the final allotment is below 5% of the target level, payment will be made in cash instead of shares, whereupon the amount of the cash payment shall correspond to the value of the shares calculated on the basis of the closing price for SKF’s B share the day before settlement.

If all the conditions included in SKF’s Performance Share Programme 2025 are met, allotment of shares shall be made free of charge following the expiry of the three-year calculation period, i.e. during 2028.

Before the number of shares to be allotted is finally determined, the Board shall examine whether the allotment is reasonable considering SKF’s financial results and position, the conditions on the stock market as well as other circumstances, and if not, as determined by the Board, reduce the number of shares to be awarded to the lower number of shares deemed appropriate by the Board.

The Board is furthermore entitled to introduce an alternative incentive solution for employees in countries where participation in SKF’s Performance Share Programme 2025 is not appropriate. Such alternative incentive solution shall, as far as practicable, be formulated employing the same conditions as SKF’s Performance Share Programme 2025.

The company has 455,351,068 shares in issue when this notice is issued. In order to comply with the obligations of SKF’s Performance Share Programme 2025, a maximum number of 1,000,000 B shares are required, corresponding to approximately 0.2% of the total number of outstanding shares.

Assuming maximum allocation under the Performance Share Programme 2025 and a share price of SEK 200, the cost, including social security cost, is estimated at approximately MSEK 240. On the basis of a share price of SEK 315 the cost, including social security cost, is estimated at approximately MSEK 378. In addition, the administrative costs are estimated at approximately MSEK 2. For information on allotment under previous programmes, please see the Board’s full proposal on the company’s webpage www.skf.com.

The Board does not propose for the time being to take any action to hedge SKF’s obligations under the programme. Delivery of shares under the programme shall not take place until 2028.

Number of shares and votes, and documentation

When this notice is issued, the total number of shares in the company are 455,351,068, represented by 28,938,999 series A shares and 426,412,069 series B shares, with a total number of votes of 71,580,205.9. The company holds no own shares.

The annual report including the sustainability report, the audit and assurance report, the remuneration report, statements of the auditor, the Board of Directors’ complete proposals according to items 16, 20 and 21 of the agenda together with the Nomination Committee’s reasoned statement and terms for variable Board fees (synthetic shares) will be available at the company’s headquarters at Sven Wingquists gata 2, 415 50 Gothenburg, and at the company’s website, www.skf.com, no later than from 11 March 2025 and will be sent to shareholders who request this and state their address. Such request shall be made to Computershare AB by phone, email, or letter as set out under the heading “Preconditions for participation”, section B) above.

Information at the Annual General Meeting, etc.

The Board of Directors and the President shall, upon request by any shareholder and where the Board of Directors believes that it may take place without significant harm to the company, provide information in respect of any circumstances which may affect the assessment of a matter on the agenda, any circumstances which may affect the assessment of the company’s or a subsidiary’s financial position and the company’s relationship to other group companies. Anyone who wishes to dispatch questions in advance may do so to AB SKF, Att. General Counsel, SE-415 50 Gothenburg, Sweden, or by e-mail: chair@skf.com.

SKF’s web-based annual report in English will be made public on 7 March 2025.

Proxy forms will be available at the company’s website, www.skf.com, and may also be requested by letter to Computershare AB, “AGM 2025 of AB SKF”, Box 5267, SE-102 46 Stockholm, Sweden or by phone +46 31-337 25 50.

Gothenburg, February 2025
Aktiebolaget SKF
(publ)
Reg. no 556007-3495
The Board of Directors

Visit to SKF’s factory in Gamlestaden, Gothenburg

Shareholders are welcome to visit SKF’s factory in Gamlestaden, Gothenburg, in connection with the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 1 April 2025 at 10.00. Shareholders that wish to participate shall notify his/her name and contact details (preferably email address alternatively a cell phone number) to: SKF Sverige AB, Att: Lars Werner, 415 50 Gothenburg alternatively via email to: Lars.Werner@skf.com. Please note that the number of participants is limited.

Processing of Personal Data

Personal data related to a shareholder which is gathered from the shareholders’ register, notification on participation in the Annual General Meeting and information about advisors that are to participate or any other information that is otherwise given as set out above, will be processed mainly to register the shareholder, form part of the voting list at the Annual General Meeting and if necessary, the minutes from the Annual General Meeting. The personal data is processed in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council. For complete information on the company’s processing of your personal data in connection with the Annual General Meeting and your rights, see SKF’s website www.skf.com under the heading “About AGM” (which is located under the section “Investors” and “Corporate Governance”). 

For further information, please contact:
PRESS: Carl Bjernstam, Head of Media Relations
tel: 46 31-337 2517; mobile: 46 722-201 893; e-mail: carl.bjernstam@skf.com 

INVESTOR RELATIONS: Sophie Arnius, Head of Investor Relations
tel: 46 31-337 8072; mobile: 46 705-908 072; e-mail: sophie.arnius@skf.com 

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

https://news.cision.com/skf/r/notice-of-annual-general-meeting,c4111169

The following files are available for download:

 

AI and Blockchain Innovations Propel Singapore’s Fintech Evolution Amid Investment Recalibration: KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech H2’24

  • Singapore’s fintech investment recalibrated to US$1.3 billion in 2024, in line with global shifts toward sustainable growth.
  • Crypto and blockchain investment increased 22 percent in H2’24 to US$267 million, driven by AI-integrated solutions.
  • AI-powered fintech surged, with investment jumping from US$24 million in H1’24 to US$160 million in H2’24, reflecting demand for regtech and automation.
  • H2’24 fintech deal value grew 41 percent, reflecting a shift toward high-value, early-stage investments.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Singapore’s fintech sector recalibrated in 2024, with investment totaling US$1.3 billion, the lowest level since 2020. This strategic pivot reflects a global trend as fintech investment reached a seven-year low of US$95.6 billion. Despite reduced funding levels, Singapore’s focus on innovation and sustainability positions it as a leader in AI-driven solutions and blockchain advancements, according to KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech H2’24 report.

Singapore’s Resilience in Fintech Innovation

While the cautious investment environment slowed overall funding, Singapore remains a hub for fintech innovation. Crypto and blockchain investment rose 22 percent in H2’24, reaching US$267 million, fuelled by AI-powered digital asset solutions and blockchain-based financial infrastructure. Strong regulatory frameworks and institutional interest have solidified Singapore’s role as a strategic leader in these emerging sectors.

AI-powered fintech also made significant gains, with investment soaring from US$24 million in H1’24 to nearly US$160 million in H2’24. Investor interest was particularly strong for regtech, business automation and agentic AI solutions.

“If what we’ve seen in the broader investment space is any indication, AI could be a sleeping giant for fintech investment,” said Anton Ruddenklau, Lead of Global Innovation and Fintech, Financial Services, KPMG International. “However, right now, it’s still very early days. There’s definitely a lot of interest in AI, generative AI, agentic AI and automation, but there’s a lot of caution too. Over the next year, AI-focused regtechs will likely see the most traction among investors as financial services companies look for better ways to respond to the increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Shifting Dynamics in Investment Focus

H2’24 saw the total value of Singapore’s fintech deals rise 41 percent, hitting US$781 million, even as deal volume dropped 36 percent. This underscores a growing emphasis on later-stage deals with high scalability and near-term profitability. Early-stage VC interest remains strong as quality-driven investments gain traction.

Globally, fintech investment also trended towards practical solutions, with funding focused on blockchain infrastructure, climate tech and compliance-driven technologies. This alignment with global priorities underscores Singapore’s adaptability and competitive edge.

The Role of Regulatory Clarity in Blockchain Growth

The blockchain and crypto space in Singapore benefitted significantly from regulatory stability, with H2’24 blockchain investment rising by over 20 percent to reach US$267 million. This growth was spurred by AI-powered blockchain applications, blockchain-as-a-service platforms and notable funding rounds such as Partior’s US$80 million raise for its blockchain-based interbank settlement network—the largest in the Asia-Pacific region.

These advancements position Singapore for continued leadership in the digital assets space while aligning with international regulatory trends.

Global investment in digital assets reached US$9.1 billion in 2024—the highest total ever outside of the outlier years of 2022 and 2023, focusing on market infrastructure, tokenisation, and stablecoins. During H2’24, four of the five largest deals occurred in the Americas, including Stripe’s US$1.1 billion acquisition of stablecoin infrastructure company Bridge, a US$525 million raise by Praxis, and a US$200 million raise by Current—all based in the US—and a US$210 million raise by Canada-based Blockstream. A US$100 million raise by UK-based Crytocoin accounted for the largest deal in the EMEA region.

Payments sector in Singapore faces maturity challenges

Singapore’s payments sector, ranked third among fintech verticals, showcased resilience despite operating in a mature ecosystem. H2’24 witnessed a rise in deal count, with nine transactions totalling US$57.4 million. Innovations like FAST, PayNow, and SGQR provide a robust foundation for the sector, enabling further growth in tailored and scalable payment solutions. Opportunity in this fintech segment lies in cross-border and regional expansion, positioning Singapore as a hub for Asia’s payment growth.

On the global stage, the payments sector demonstrated strong momentum in 2024, with funding nearly doubling year-on-year to reach US$31 billion. While this funding surge was heavily influenced by consolidation and strategic transactions, it highlighted the sector’s critical role in the fintech ecosystem. Landmark deals included GRCR’s US$12.5 billion acquisition of Worldpay and Advent International’s US$6.3 billion privatisation of Nuvei, alongside other notable activities such as Mynt’s US$788 million VC raise in the Philippines.

A Forward-Looking Market Outlook

Amid a recalibrating investment landscape, Singapore’s focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and emerging technologies positions the country at the forefront of fintech evolution. With declining interest rates and easing global election uncertainties, 2025 offers opportunities for increased fintech deal activity and new momentum in AI, blockchain, and digital payments. The Singapore Budget 2025 further accelerates this momentum, introducing initiatives to help businesses access and integrate AI at scale and to attract entrepreneurial talent to establish and grow ventures in Singapore.

H2 2024 H1 2024
Fintech verticals Total value

US$ (million)

No of deals Total value

US$ (million)

No of deals
Reg Tech $1.5 4 $2.2 4
Insur Tech $100.0 2 $41.5 2
Cybersecurity $3.0 1 $3.0 1
Payments $57.4 9 $66.2 6
Digital assets and currencies (crypto/blockchain) $267.0 53 $219.1 82
AI & ML

*these deals are also tagged with other fintech verticals

$159.9 12 $24.1 15

Figure 1: Singapore’s fintech verticals deal values and volume for H1 2024 and H2 2024

Singapore Global
Fintech verticals Ranking Deal Size Ranking Deal Size
US$ (million) US$ (billion)
Digital assets and currencies (crypto/blockchain) #1 $486.09 #2 $9.10
Insurtech #2 $141.50 #4 $3.10
Payments #3 $123.60 #1 $31.00
Cybersecurity #4 $6.00 #5 $0.90
Regtech #5 $3.71 #3 $7.40
Wealthtech #6 0 #6 $0.40

Figure 2: Ranking of top Singapore and Global’s fintech verticals in deal values for 2024

Global fintech investment

Regionally, the Americas attracted the largest share of fintech investment in 2024—US$63.8 billion across 2,267 deals, including US$50.7 billion across 1,836 deals in the US. The EMEA region attracted US$20.3 billion across 1,465 deals, while the ASPAC region saw US$11.4 billion across 896 deals. At a sector level, the payments space attracted the largest share of investment (US$31 billion), followed by digital assets and currencies (US$9.1 billion), and regtech (US$7.4 billion).

“It’s been a rough year for nearly everyone—fintechs, corporates, VC and PE firms—given the breadth of challenges and uncertainties in the global market. With only a handful of exceptions, no one wanted to pull the trigger on the largest deals—which have long been a mainstay in fintech investment,” said Karim Haji, Global Head of Financial Services, KPMG International. “But there’s a lot to be positive about heading into 2025. Many critical elections are behind us and investment and deal activity is beginning to pick up. We are starting to see more deals coming through because of interest rate cuts in different jurisdictions and the lower cost of funding. However, we will have to wait and see if the changing world trading conditions impact inflation, interest rates and consequently these positive signs of market change.”

Global Key Highlights for 2024

  • Global fintech investment fell from US$119.8 billion across 5,382 deals in 2023 to US$95.6 billion across 4,639 deals in 2024.
  • The Americas attracted US$63.8 billion in fintech investment across 2,267 deals in 2024, of which the US accounted for US$50.7 billion across 1,836 deals; the EMEA region attracted US$20.3 billion across 1,4645 deals, while the ASPAC region attracted US$11.2 billion across 896 deals.
  • Global M&A deal value fell from $60.2 billion to US$49.6 billion between 2023 and 2024; while H2’24 was softer than H1’24, M&A deal value rose from US$7.4 billion to US$14.2 billion between Q3’24 and Q4’24.
  • PE investment declined significantly, falling from US$10.5 billion in 2023 to just US$2.6 billion in 2024, while VC investment saw a modest drop from US$49.2 billion in 2023 to US$43.4 billion in 2024.
  • Payments was the strongest area of fintech investment globally in 2024, with US$31 billion in investment compared to just US$17.2 billion in 2023; other sectors that saw investment rise year-over-year included digital assets and currencies —from US$8.7 billion to US$9.1 billion, regtech—from US$4.4 billion to US$7.4 billion, proptech—from US$1.9 billion to US$3 billion, and wealthtech—from US$190 million to US$400 million.
  • Corporate VC-participating investment globally fell from US$26 .9 billion in 2023 to US$19.6 billion in 2024; only the EMEA region saw corporate investment in VC deals rise—from US$5.1 billion to US$5.8 billion year-over-year. The Americas saw CVC drop from US$13.8 billion to US$9.9 billion, while ASPAC saw CVC investment drop from US$8.0 billion to US$3.9 billion.

Global: Americas sees VC investment drop to six-year low despite record high in Canada

The Americas saw total fintech investment drop from US$77.6 billion in 2023 to a six-year low of US$63.8 billion in 2024. The US accounted for $50.7 billion of this funding—a decline from US$72.8 billion in 2023. Outside of the US, Canada saw a record high of US$9.5 billion in fintech investment during 2024—driven in large part by the buyout of Nuvei—while investment in Brazil softened from US$2.3 billion to US$1.4 billion. Fintech investment dropped slightly from US$32.8 billion to US$31 billion between H1’24 and H2’24. On a more positive note, investment almost doubled between Q3’24 and Q4’24, rising from US$10.8 billion to US$20.2 billion. Within the US, fintech investment dropped from US$28.8 billion to US$21.9 billion between H1’24 and H2’24, although it also rose from US$9.9 billion to US$11.9 billion between Q3’24 and Q4’24.

Global: Fintech investment in EMEA region sinks to US$20.3 billion—lowest total since 2016

Fintech investment in the EMEA region fell from $27.6 billion across 1,833 deals in 2023 to just US$20.3 billion across 1,465 deals in 2024. H2’24 also saw a significant drop compared to H1’24—from US$13 billion across 820 deals to just US$7.3 billion across 645 deals. While the UK accounted for nearly half of all fintech investment in the EMEA region during 2024 (US$9.9 billion), the total was a significant decline compared to 2023 (US$13.6 billion). Germany also saw fintech investment drop between 2024 and 2025—from US$961 million to a ten-year low of US$815 million. The Middle East saw the most positive results in EMEA during 2024, with fintech investment rising from US$1.2 billion to US$2.2 billion year-over year.

Global: Asia-Pacific region sees lowest level of fintech investment in a decade

Total fintech investment in the ASPAC region fell from US$14.6 billion in 2023 to US11.4 billion in 2024—the lowest level of fintech funding seen in the region since 2014. India accounted for the largest share of this total (US$4.1 billion), led by a US$.5 billion raise by WSB Real estate partners in H1’24. Total fintech investment in China dropped from US$2.6 billion to just US$687 million between 2023 and 2024, while Australia saw fintech investment nearly double from US$840 million to US$2.1 billion; fintech investment in Japan held nearly steady year-over-year at US$660 million.

A sense of optimism for 2025

With interest rates declining in many jurisdictions and election uncertainties finally easing, there’s a cautious sense of optimism within the fintech market heading into 2025. The average time between deals has also lengthened significantly, from approximately fifteen months in 2022 to twenty-four months in 2025—the longest it has been in the last decade—which could make 2025 a critical year for deal-making as fintechs look to ensure their continued operations.

While the payments space will likely remain the biggest ticket of investment globally, digital assets and currencies are well positioned for an upswing in investment—particularly when it comes to market infrastructure, digital tokenisation, and stablecoins. AI is also expected to remain a key priority for investors, with regtech and cybersecurity-related solutions likely to see the most interest in H1’25.

Hashtag: #KPMG’

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About KPMG International

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 273,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

Clarivate Report Explores Opportunities for Innovation and Market Expansion in Latin America

New insights from Clarivate examine strategic partnerships, API production, and innovation in the region

LONDON, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT) a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, has released a new white paper, How is Latin America Growing?, shedding light on the pharmaceutical industry’s evolution in the region. The report explores critical challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships, local API production, and regulatory modernization to drive sustainable growth.

Latin America’s pharmaceutical market, valued at $98 billion, is projected to grow by 10.1% between 2021 and 20251. Discussions at the 2023 Summit LATAM in Barcelona and the 2024 Summit LATAM at CPhI Milan underscored the need for collaboration among industry stakeholders, government agencies, and academia to strengthen regional innovation and competitiveness. With increasing global demand for pharmaceuticals, Latin America has the potential to become a key player in the industry by leveraging its manufacturing capabilities and investing in research and development. Addressing regulatory challenges and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem will be essential in ensuring long-term success and sustainability for the region.

Henry Levy, President, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Clarivate, said: “The Latin American pharmaceutical sector is at a pivotal moment. By fostering collaboration across key stakeholders—including regulators, manufacturers, and researchers—we can unlock new opportunities for growth and development in the region. Strengthening the local pharmaceutical ecosystem through strategic partnerships and data-driven insights will not only enhance supply chain resilience but also ensure that life-changing therapies reach patients more efficiently. At Clarivate, we are committed to providing the necessary intelligence to support this transformation.”

The Brazilian Pharmaceutical Industry Association (ABIQUIFI), a non-profit organization uniting pharmaceutical companies to advance the development and production of pharmaceutical ingredients in Brazil, plays a pivotal role as a key partner in these discussions. Norberto Prestes, CEO, ABIQUIFI, stated, “The industry’s evolution in Latin America depends on fostering transparency and trust in partnerships. By investing in local API production and strengthening regional supply chains, we can reduce dependency on external markets and drive economic growth. Moreover, innovation and regulatory modernization are crucial to positioning Latin America as a competitive player in the global pharmaceutical industry. These efforts will require sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors, and we look forward to continuing to lead these critical discussions. We’ll continue working closely with Clarivate to drive innovation, leveraging valuable data to build the right path for sustainable growth and advancement.”

The report highlights key findings from recent discussions, including:

  • The need for greater transparency and collaboration in strategic partnerships
  • The potential of local API production to reduce reliance on imports and enhance supply chain security
  • The role of artificial intelligence in modernizing regulatory processes and improving efficiency
  • The importance of consistent, long-term policies to encourage investment and innovation

Clarivate remains committed to supporting the region’s life sciences and healthcare sectors by providing reliable, data-driven insights. By fostering industry-wide dialogue and collaboration, the company aims to contribute to an ecosystem of sustainable innovation in Latin America.

To access the full Clarivate report, How is Latin America Growing?, visit here.

To learn more about how Clarivate can help healthcare companies inform and shape the drug discovery, development and delivery process, visit here.

About Clarivate
Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com

Media Contact:
Catherine Daniel
Director External Communications, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Clarivate
newsroom@clarivate.com

1 Source: InFigures: Latin America 2022. Pharma Boardroom. https://pharmaboardroom.com/country-reports/infigures-latin-america-2022/

 

Kia and Samsung Partner to Integrate SmartThings Pro into Kia PBVs

–          Kia and Samsung collaborate to enhance the digital ecosystem of Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs) for business
–          Samsung’s B2B IoT platform – ‘SmartThings Pro’ – will be integrated into Kia PBVs for seamless connectivity between vehicles and business environments
–          The ‘Plug & Play’ business model will allow small business owners to quickly and flexibly customize their PBVs to suit their specific needs
–          Kia and Samsung plan to explore new IoT solutions and global expansion, building on Korea’s reputation for smart technology

SEOUL, South Korea and TARRAGONA, Spain, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kia Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. to introduce next-generation ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) solutions for its Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs) offerings.

Kia and Samsung Partner to Integrate SmartThings Pro into Kia PBVs
Kia and Samsung Partner to Integrate SmartThings Pro into Kia PBVs

The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding during Kia’s 2025 EV Day in Spain, marking a significant step toward redefining both the ‘In-Vehicle’ and ‘Out-of-Vehicle’ experience for PBV customers. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division, and Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President of B2B Integrated Offering Center at Samsung Electronics.

The collaboration aligns with Kia’s wider Platform Beyond Vehicle strategy, which seeks to expand the role of PBVs beyond transportation into customized business solutions that can be integrated into broader digital ecosystems.

“Kia PBVs are designed to be more than just vehicles, they are intelligent business solutions that connect seamlessly with digital ecosystems,” said Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division. “We anticipate that our business collaboration with Samsung, leveraging its AI B2B solution SmartThings Pro, will extend the vehicle user experience for our business customers beyond PBVs into the broader IoT ecosystem. This partnership is expected to create new opportunities for discovering customer value.”

Kia will integrate Samsung’s IoT platform, ‘SmartThings Pro’, into its PBVs, enabling wireless control of connected devices and technologies through a ‘Plug & Play’ service. This solution allows business customers to integrate and manage IoT-enabled appliances without complex installations, simply by attaching a smart connector.

“By integrating SmartThings Pro into Kia PBV, we plan to present an intelligent new way for businesses to be connected to their customers,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President of B2B Integrated Offering Center at Samsung Electronics. “We will provide an optimized integrated store management experience based on customized solutions to cater for a range of B2B customers including the self-employed and small business owners.”

Connectivity between PBVs and business environments

By integrating SmartThings Pro into its PBVs, Kia is enabling automated connectivity between vehicles and business spaces. This integration allows B2B customers to configure business routines, activating the appropriate routine based on the destination entered in the PBV’s ‘In-Vehicle Infotainment’ (IVI). This allows for seamless and secure management and monitoring of external business operations, even while on the road.

Expanding PBV business solutions for global B2B customers

Alongside SmartThings Pro integration, Kia and Samsung plan to develop specialized IoT solutions tailored to the unique needs of PBV business customers across various industries.

The two companies will first launch pilot services for small business owners and self-employed customers as part of this partnership. Moving forward, they will work on developing IoT product lines specifically for PBVs and bundled solutions tailored to the needs of B2B clients. They also aim to create new business models and extend their services to B2B customers globally.

– END –

Kia Corporation – about us 
For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com

Gravity Sets to Strengthen Ragnarok IP’s Dominance in Southeast Asia in 2025

Four Ragnarok Titles Poised to Captivate Gamers Across the Region!

SINGAPORE, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global gaming company Gravity is set to expand its presence in Southeast Asia by introducing four new Ragnarok IP titles in 2025, further energizing the region’s gaming market and reinforcing the franchise’s lasting popularity.

Gravity first entered the Southeast Asian market in 2003 with the launch of its flagship PC online game, Ragnarok Online, in Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The success continued in 2018 with the introduction of the mobile MMORPG Ragnarok M: Eternal Love, which quickly soared to the top of sales charts across multiple regions, sparking a renewed Ragnarok phenomenon.

Since 2021, every Ragnarok title released—including Ragnarok X: Next Generation, Ragnarok Origin, Ragnarok: Rebirth, and The Ragnarok—has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, further solidifying the franchise’s legacy in Southeast Asia. In the first half of 2025, Gravity and its overseas branches will captivate players once again by introducing four highly anticipated Ragnarok IP titles, each offering unique gameplay experiences: Ragnarok M: Classic, Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus, Ragnarok V: Returns, and Ragnarok: Back to Glory.

  • ‘Ragnarok M: Classic’ Supports Character Growth and Delivering Classic Fun

First, ‘Ragnarok M: Classic’, which was released on February 14, encouraged fair competition among users through a play style that allowed self-sufficiency in equipment and items without purchasing from stores, using only the in-game currency, Zeny. Players can continuously earn rewards through automatic hunting 24 hours a day even when offline. To further enhance character progression, the game offers a free monthly pass packed with 17 exclusive benefits.

Following the pre-download launch in Southeast Asia, it achieved the top 1 in popular games in the Apple App Store in Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia, while ranked 2nd in Singapore and 3rd in Indonesia. Upon its official launch, the game ranked 2nd and 4th in the top sales rankings on the Apple App Store in Thailand and the Philippines, respectively. It continues to perform strongly, maintaining the No.2 spot in popular games in Thailand and No.5 in Singapore on Google Play, reflecting its growing popularity in the region.

  • ‘Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus’ Delivers Efficient Idle Play with Exciting New Content 

Gravity has officially launched Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus, a vertical idle RPG, on February 20th across global markets, excluding select regions. It combines automatic battle and an idle growth system, allowing you to grow your character and acquire resources even when offline. Featuring modern graphics, the game’s UI and UX have been optimized for an enhanced user experience. Various contents such as 5 job groups, team composition system, various dungeons, seasons, and theme events were also planned to double the fun of the game.

Following the pre-download launch in global regions, it ranked 4th in popular games on the Singapore Apple App Store, 5th in the Philippines and Malaysia, and 6th in Thailand, reflecting strong user interest even before the official release. After the official launch, it ranked 1st in popular games on Google Play in Brazil and Singapore, 2nd in Thailand and the Philippines, and 5th in Malaysia, achieving initial success and raising expectations for future performance.

  • ‘Ragnarok V: Returns’—A Multi-Platform MMORPG Unveiling a Valkyrie’s Unique Story 

‘Ragnarok V: Returns’ is an MMORPG that is the official sequel to ‘Ragnarok Valkyrie Uprising’ that has captivated over 5 million users worldwide. The game captures the cute and adorable charm unique to Ragnarok in its graphics, and offers a variety of content such as a solid story, various occupations and character customization, battle support mercenaries, and a pet system to provide a unique kind of fun. Notably, players can set up their personal stores, similar to Ragnarok Online, with a secure transaction system using passwords. Ragnarok V: Returns enhances accessibility by supporting multiple platforms, allowing players to seamlessly enjoy the adventure on both PC and mobile.

  • ‘Ragnarok: Back to Glory’—A Next-Generation 3D Ragnarok Fantasy Adventure 

Gravity is set to elevate the Ragnarok experience with Ragnarok: Back to Glory, an upgraded 3D MMORPG that builds upon the success of Ragnarok: Rebirth, which launched in Southeast Asia in June 2024. It has all the advantages of existing adventure game production, graphics implemented with 3D backgrounds of various colors, and horizontal and vertical play methods, and has optimized tutorials, character balance, interface, and UI. It offers diverse content with varying difficulty levels, equipment training, and a pet system. One of Ragnarok: Back to Glory’s most exciting innovations is its new server exchange system, which unites players from Korea, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, allowing seamless item trading across regions.

Gravity Business Director Kim Jin-hwan said, “In the first half of 2025, we are introducing four distinct Ragnarok IP titles to Southeast Asia, each offering a unique experience. We are confident that players will enjoy the variety and excitement of exploring multiple titles at once, as each title has its own charm.” He added, “We ask for your interest and love for the four attractive Ragnarok IP titles that will be launched in the first half of the year. We have also prepared generous benefits for each title, so we hope you enjoy all four games and immerse yourself in the world of Ragnarok.”

For more details on the four Ragnarok IP titles launching in Southeast Asia in the first half of 2025, visit the official introduction pages: (https://www.ragnarokland.com/sea).

4 new Ragnarok IP titles in 2025
4 new Ragnarok IP titles in 2025

[Gravity official website] http://www.gravity.co.kr 

[Introduction page for 4 Southeast Asia region launch titles] https://www.ragnarokland.com/sea

[About Gravity]

Founded in April 2000, Gravity is a South Korean game company and a global gaming leader listed on NASDAQ. Its flagship Ragnarok IP has surpassed 203 million global accounts as of August 31, 2024, and has ranked as the second most preferred Korean game in the global Hallyu trend for five consecutive years. Ragnarok Online has also demonstrated its worldwide popularity, securing the No. 1 spot in the “‘Korean Game Users in Overseas Market‘” category across multiple regions, including Brazil, Indonesia, the UK, and the US.

Gravity currently has a strong global network with its subsidiary ‘Gravity Neocyon (Korea)’ and overseas branches ‘Gravity Communications (Taiwan), Gravity Game Link (Indonesia), Gravity Interactive (USA), Gravity Game Arise (Japan), Gravity Game Tech (Thailand), Gravity Game Hub (Singapore), and Gravity Game Vision (Hong Kong).’ Together with the subsidiaries, Gravity is carrying out global publishing business that discovers and distributes not only Ragnarok IP games but also games on various platforms and genres such as PC, mobile, console, and IPTV, thereby expanding awareness and influence worldwide. In addition, along with the expansion into MD, animation, and screen golf business using the Ragnarok IP, content business is also currently being develop, including webtoon production and brand collaboration to discover new IP.

-. Representative title

MMORPG ‘Ragnarok Online’ (launched in 2002), ‘Ragnarok M’, ‘Ragnarok Origin’, ‘Ragnarok X: Next Generation’, ‘THE Ragnarok’, etc.

 

Oudomxay Explosion Causes USD 1.1 Million in Damages

Oudomxay Explosion Causes USD 1.1 Million in Damages
Oudomxay Explosion Causes USD 1.1 Million in Damages

An explosion at a Chinese-owned auto parts shop in Namy village, Xay district, Oudomxay Province, on 14 February that claimed the lives of four people, resulted  in an estimated LAK 22.5 billion (USD 1.1 million) in damages, according to the provincial Department of Labour and Social Welfare.

The fire reportedly broke out before the explosion, with the shop owner and employees attempting to extinguish the flames. Moments before firefighters arrived, a massive blast occurred, causing widespread destruction across multiple villages.

The explosion damaged numerous properties, including shops, temples, and houses in Namy, Nalao, and Nasao villages. Provincial and district authorities have since appointed a steering committee and a resolution committee to mediate the situation and assess the damage.

The blast affected a total of 142 houses, 133 families, two temples, eight shops, and two large vehicles, with estimated losses amounting to LAK 15.5 billion (USD 760,000).

In Namy village, 119 houses, a temple, and two large vehicles were damaged, with costs estimated at LAK 14.9 billion (USD 730,000). In Nalao village, 19 houses, a temple, and two shops suffered damage, with losses estimated at LAK 616.8 million (USD 30,000). In Nasao village, four houses and two shops were damaged, with repair costs estimated at LAK 27.4 million (USD 1,300).

Following the disaster, provincial and district officials visited the injured and affected families, providing support and assistance. Police believe the fire was caused by a large amount of flammable material stored on the premises.

The explosion was followed by several other fire incidents in Laos later that month.

On 25 February, a fire broke out in a luxury home in Xaythany district, Vientiane, where a woman lost her life while her husband sustained injuries. Despite the arrival of five fire engines and a crew of 20 firefighters, they were unable to save her.

The next day, on 26 February, another fire erupted in the early hours in Xaysettha district, Vientiane, claiming the life of an elderly man. Authorities are currently investigating the causes of both fires.

Government of the Republic of Botswana And De Beers Group Confirm Diamond Partnership For The Next Generation

Transformational agreements boost Botswana’s economic development potential and secure De Beers’ long-term share in world’s greatest diamond resources


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Botswana (the “Government of Botswana”) and De Beers Group (“De Beers”) announced that, following the conclusion of negotiations announced on 3 February 2025, the two partners have now signed the formal new agreements for a 10-year Sales Agreement (which may be extended by a further 5 years) and a 25-year extension of the Mining Licences (from 2029 through to 2054) for the 50:50 Debswana mining joint venture.

.

Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy for Botswana, said: “We are proud to announce the signing of this landmark new agreement, which will underpin the success of our diamond industry as we enter an exciting new phase of Botswana’s sustainable economic development. We hope that these agreements will bring some level of stability and rebuild market confidence in the diamond industry. We are looking forward to our renewed partnership with De Beers; together we will drive development through diamonds and build a brighter future for Batswana.”

Al Cook, Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Group, said: “These are groundbreaking agreements. The half-century partnership between the Government of Botswana and De Beers is considered the greatest public-private partnership in the world. Now we are both extending and improving it. For De Beers, it is a privilege to secure our ongoing participation in the world’s greatest diamond resources for decades to come. I am also extremely proud that through the Diamonds for Development Fund, we can further transform opportunities for the people of the world’s leading diamond country.”

In summary, the formal agreements represent:

  • A 25-year extension of the Debswana mining licences from August 2029 to July 2054. This will enable the Debswana joint venture to deliver long-term value from its existing mining assets and mine life extension projects beyond the current mining licence period. Mine life extension projects include Jwaneng Cut-9, Jwaneng Underground and Orapa Cut-3.
  • A renewed 10-year Sales Agreement for Debswana’s rough diamond production, with a further five-year extension period where certain criteria are met. Under the renewed Sales Agreement, the Government of Botswana’s rough diamond sales company, Okavango Diamond Company (“ODC”), will sell 30% and De Beers will sell 70% of Debswana’s production for the first five years; for the subsequent five years ODC will sell 40% and De Beers will sell 60% of Debswana’s production; and both parties will sell a 50% share for the five-year extension period. As part of this arrangement, De Beers and ODC have also both committed to supply diamonds for beneficiation in Botswana in line with their share of Debswana supply.

In addition, a transformational package of commitments focused on supporting Botswana’s economic development objectives and advancement of the diamond industry has been agreed, including:

  • The creation of the Diamonds for Development Fund to support economic growth, diversification and jobs in Botswana in line with Botswana’s Vision 2036 and National Development Plan. De Beers has committed to an upfront investment of BWP 1 billion (c. $75 million) and further annual contributions from its dividends from Debswana, based on Debswana’s performance.
  • A package of initiatives to be undertaken by De Beers designed to enhance local beneficiation of diamonds and increase participation of the people of Botswana in the diamond industry. These include investment in a diamond jewellery manufacturing facility, establishment of a De Beers Institute of Diamonds grading laboratory and starting up a diamond vocational training institute in collaboration with industry partners.
  • Co-investment by the Government of Botswana and De Beers in marketing initiatives to boost diamond demand. The marketing investments will be for category and other marketing programmes, agreed annually, aimed at stimulating rough diamond sales, protecting the ethical integrity of diamonds, and to maintain and build consumer confidence in the product. De Beers and the Government of Botswana have committed to co-invest over the life of the Sales Agreement and in proportion to their relative shares of Debswana supply.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #Debswana #Botswana





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Botswana

Botswana, a thriving democracy, is located in Southern Africa. It is the topmost producer of diamonds by value. Botswana is renowned for the rule of law, including respect for property rights. Heralded for its ease of doing business in the mining sector, it is by no coincidence that it is a premier investment destination for mining.

The Botswana government has placed a strong emphasis on effective management of its diamond resources, recognizing their pivotal role in the nation’s economic development. By exercising careful oversight and strategic partnerships, Botswana maximises revenue from diamond sales, strengthening its position as a key player in the global diamond market and ensuring that these valuable resources drive sustainable socio-economic growth. With a focus on sustainable practices, the government is dedicated to ensuring that the wealth generated from diamond mining contributes significantly to the welfare of its citizens. Revenue from these sales is strategically reinvested to foster growth, infrastructure development, and social programmes, ultimately positioning Botswana as a stable and prosperous socio-economic hub in the region. This commitment underscores the government’s vision of enhancing the livelihoods of its people while promoting overall national prosperity, thereby solidifying Botswana’s reputation as a forward-thinking and resilient nation in the face of global economic challenges.

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit .

World Wisdom Agriculture Technology Exploration, 25 March focus on the World Irrigation Science and Technology Exhibition

BEIJING, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From March 31 to April 2, 2025, the 11th Beijing International Wisdom Agriculture and Irrigation Technology Expo and World Irrigation Technology Conference will be held in Beijing National Convention Center. At the same time, the third Beijing International Water Conservancy Science and Technology Expo was held.

The conference is an innovation highland linking digital agriculture and irrigation technology at home and abroad, and is also the most professional and largest wisdom agriculture and irrigation exhibition in China. With an exhibition area of 30,000 square meters, 800 enterprises from 33 countries and regions around the world will display the world’s leading advanced equipment and technology, including 20 of the world’s top 500 enterprises and listed companies.

15,000 buyers from more than 10 countries and regions such as the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel, Australia, Spain, France, Turkey, Cyprus, Japan and South Korea will visit and purchase.

In the same period, the Southeast Asia Agricultural Irrigation System Promotion Conference, the Silk Road-countries and Russia Agricultural Irrigation System Promotion Conference, the Beijing International Wisdom Agriculture Conference, the world’s first new technology and new products promotion conference, the global intelligent agricultural equipment innovation Ceremony and other activities were held, bringing together the world’s agricultural cutting-edge technology and promote international trade cooperation.

If you want to know about this exhibition, welcome to visit our website:www.chinaite.com.cn

Media Contact:
Taoran Hu, 463611470@qq.com