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Ministry Warns of Norovirus and HMPV, Urges Caution in Vientiane Capital

Human lung infection and respiratory disease. (Photo: Western Washington Medical Group)

The Lao Ministry of Health warned residents of Vientiane Capital of a series of respiratory diseases that normally come along with the cold season, including Norovirus and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). In the notice, the authorities also mentioned a mild risk of Cholera entering the country through Thailand.

According to the official document from the Lao government, released on 31 January, Norovirus and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) are the most contagious seasonal diseases across the region. Medical experts say these viruses normally spread between November and April.

This notice from the Lao authorities comes shortly after Chinese media reported that over 120 students in Yunnan Province, China, were likely affected by an illness suspected to be linked to norovirus infections. 

While usually found on food, drinks and other objects such as tables, doors and chairs, the investigations on this specific outbreak case resulted in all negatives. Nevertheless, the Chinese authorities believe the virus was spread through feces, vomit and environmental surfaces in school. 

Besides respiratory diseases from China, the notice also mentioned cholera as another potential cause for concern. This came after Thailand reported seven cases of those affected by the virus.

While such cases have not yet emerged in Laos, the government pointed out that the international border checkpoint near Thailand could serve as a channel for the disease to enter Laos. 

Therefore, the ministry has announced that the capital must remain cautious and be ready to handle any potential circumstances that may arise.

Past Cases

The latest reported case of Cholera outbreak in Laos was in December 2007 in Sekong Province, when the virus spread until January 2008 in ten villages. The incident brought upon a total 117 infected cases and two deaths. Authorities suspected that the disease stemmed from the regularly used water. 

Later in August 2018, Laos launched the first ever Cholera vaccination campaign through a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. 

During the campaign, the authorities administered about 5,000 doses to flood-affected communities in Sanamxai district. An additional 19,700 doses were used in the second round. In total, 12,350 people received two doses of the vaccine administered in two phases of the campaign, which lasted until September 2018.

To further strengthen health protection efforts, the ministry has directed local healthcare officials to ensure the availability of nursing equipment for timely patient treatment. Additionally, border crossing authorities have been instructed to immediately report any suspected cases to border health inspectors for rapid action.

Health authorities are also urged to raise awareness about the consequences of these diseases through advertisements, news reports, and other media channels to strengthen public understanding and prevent outbreaks.  

Understanding HMPV and Norovirus

HMPV is a virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms but can sometimes lead to severe illness. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces with the virus and then touching your face. The virus has been around for many years and is found worldwide.

The symptoms include cough fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and headache. The worst symptoms will be difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, and dehydration.

On the other hand, Norovirus is a virus that involves gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines that can spread easily from one person to another. It leads to symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. The patient usually gets an infection in 12 to 48 hours. 

Hollywood Meets the Art of Design and Engineering: Orlando Bloom Presents Porsche Design Timepieces and Eyewear


STUTTGART, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 6 February 2025 – Porsche Design is proud to announce that Orlando Bloom will be the new Brand Ambassador for the brand’s Timepiece and Eyewear collections. Known for his celebrated roles in numerous films and regarded as one of Hollywood’s most stylish leading men, Orlando Bloom is also a long-time Porsche enthusiast. His appreciation for the exceptional design, technical innovation and functionality that define Porsche Design makes this an ideal partnership. In the new image campaign for Porsche Design, Orlando Bloom wears the iconic Chronograph 1 timepiece, along with seven selected models of the brand’s innovative sunglasses and prescription eyewear.

Orlando Bloom is the new Face of Porsche Design Timepieces
Orlando Bloom is the new Face of Porsche Design Timepieces

“It’s a great honor to represent Porsche Design as Brand Ambassador. From our first conversation, I was excited about the idea of a partnership. I immediately sensed that the Porsche Design team and I share a mutual passion for great design and a similar mindset. The brand has a unique way of translating the unmistakable design and timeless elegance of icons like the Porsche 911 into lifestyle products. This blend of sports car-inspired aesthetics, unique heritage, and exclusive lifestyle truly fascinates me. It’s exciting to now be part of this success story,” says Bloom.

“Orlando Bloom is a perfect match for Porsche Design because he truly embodies our lifestyle, as well as our shared values of authenticity, style, and a passion for perfection, all of which are reflected in the commitment he’s made to his craft. As an acclaimed actor with international appeal and popularity around the world, Orlando will further enhance Porsche Design’s global awareness and positive perception of our brand. We are so proud to have him on our team and look forward to partnering on many inspiring and innovative projects together,” says Stefan Buescher, CEO of Porsche Lifestyle Group.

Orlando Bloom is the new Ambassador of Porsche Design Eyewear
Orlando Bloom is the new Ambassador of Porsche Design Eyewear

The 911 Among Watches

The highlight of the Timepiece campaign is the Chronograph 1 – All Black Numbered Edition. This model draws on the heritage of the iconic Chronograph I, designed in 1972 by F. A. Porsche, the designer of the legendary Porsche 911. As the first all-black chronograph, it revolutionized the watch industry and was directly inspired by the dashboard of the Porsche 911. In 2022, it was completely re-engineered before being reissued by Porsche Design. Like all Porsche Design Timepieces, it is crafted by hand in Porsche’s watch manufactory in Solothurn/Switzerland where excellence in automotive engineering fuses with the art of Swiss watchmaking. The campaign visuals, designed in the style of the current Timepiece campaign, are presented in the brand’s signature colors of black and red, and were staged alongside the watch’s source of inspiration, the Porsche 911.

A Visionary Collaboration

One of the world’s most unique eyewear designs, the iconic P’8478 model takes center stage in the Eyewear campaign, along with six other sunglasses and prescription styles from the new 2025 Porsche Design Eyewear Collection. In 1978 and designed by F. A. Porsche, the Porsche Design P’8478 made its mark in history as the first-ever sunglass model to feature an interchangeable lens system. Thanks to this innovative quick-release mechanism, the teardrop-shaped 6-base curve lenses, supplied in various colors, can be swapped easily, allowing for seamless adaptation to different light conditions. Crafted from extremely lightweight titanium and scratch-proof, virtually unbreakable polycarbonate, the P’8478 combines innovative design with maximum performance and durability.

For regular updates on Porsche Lifestyle, please follow:
Instagram: instagram.com/porschedesign
Facebook: facebook.com/porschedesign
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/porschelifestylegroup
YouTube: youtube.com/@porschedesign

– Picture is available at AP

Hashtag: #PorscheLifestyleGroup

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

S.PELLEGRINO YOUNG CHEF ACADEMY: THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO CROWN THE WORLD’S BEST YOUNG CHEF UNDER 30

The Grand Finale of S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25 will take place in Milan on 28 and 29 October, 2025.

MILAN, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Anticipation is building as the search for the world’s best young chef approaches its climax. The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is thrilled to announce that the Grand Finale of the 2024-25 Competition will be held in Milan on 28 and 29 October. This global event not only celebrates the extraordinary creativity, vision and skill of young chefs but also underscores their potential to drive positive change and make the world a better place through food.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:  
https://www.multivu.com/s_pellegrino/9316651-en-countdown-begins-to-crown-worlds-best-young-chef-under-30

Over the past months, the competition has travelled across the globe, with 164 promising young chefs competing in Regional Finals judged by distinguished local juries. These events showcased extraordinary skill, creativity and personal vision, producing 15 finalists who will vie for the prestigious title during the Grand Finale.

The event will bring together these 15 regional champions as they present their signature dishes to an international jury of acclaimed culinary masters: Christophe Bacquié, Jeremy Chan, Antonia Klugmann, Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura, Niki Nakayama, Elena Reygadas and Julien Royer. These esteemed judges will evaluate the dishes based on technical expertise, creative flair, and the potential to drive positive change through gastronomy.

Among the highlights of the Grand Finale will be the presentation of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award, alongside other significant recognitions: the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award, the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award and the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award.

The story of Nelson Freitas, winner of the 2022-23 edition, exemplifies the unique opportunities the Academy offers. Under the mentorship of Virgilio Martínez, chef of Central (World’s Best Restaurant 2023), Nelson solidified his career and became part of the Central team. His journey, documented in Afuera Hay Más – A Young Chef’s Journey, underscores how the Academy nurtures emerging talent while shaping the future of gastronomy.

The Grand Finale will be a celebration of culinary excellence, with the finalists collaborating closely with their mentors to refine their recipes and elevate their presentations ahead of the competition.

The 15 finalists and their signature dishes are:

  1. Gabriela Sarmiento with the signature dish, ‘La Malquerida’, who will represent Latin America & Caribbean;
  2. Ben Miller is the winner for the UK region with the signature dish, ‘Ode to Sam Yee‘;
  3. Garrett Brower with the signature dish, ‘Quail Stuffed with Chesapeake Oysters’, is the winner of the USA Regional Final;
  4. Antonis Avouri will represent France with the signature dish, ‘The Consequences of Our Actions’;
  5. Kyongho Choi, with the signature dish, ‘Bacon and Cabbage or Pork and Kimchi’, is the winner of the Pacific Regional Final;
  6. Victoria Rinsma will represent Canada with the signature dish, ‘Across the Sea and Home Again’;
  7. Ya Min Liu with the signature dish, ‘Symphony of Layered Flavours’, is the winner of the Mainland of China Regional Final;
  8. Ardy Ferguson will represent the Asia region with the signature dish, ‘Archipelago Celebration’;
  9. Noah Wynants will represent North Europe with the signature dish, ‘Dutch “Rendang”‘;
  10. José María Borrás is the winner for the Iberian Countries region, triumphing with the signature dish, ‘Langosto y Cochinillo Balear’;
  11. Emilia Montz with the signature dish, ‘Russian Ballet’, will represent Central Europe;
  12. Luckson Mare is the winner for the Middle East and South Asia region, triumphing with the dish, ‘Duck, Sweet Potato, Matungulu’;
  13. Theo Kopp with an interpretation of ‘Potée Lorraine’, will represent West Europe;
  14. Pablo Donadío Falcón, representing South East Europe & Mediterranean with the signature dish ‘Haiku to the Mountain’;
  15. Edoardo Tizzanini, with the signature dish, ‘An Artichoke Heart’, will represent Italy;

To discover the full list of finalists and learn more about the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, please visit www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries through branches and distributors on all five continents, these products represent quality excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being. Founded in 1899, Sanpellegrino S.p.A. is the leading company in the beverage sector in Italy with its range of mineral waters, non-alcoholic aperitifs, drinks and iced teas. As a major Italian producer of mineral water, it has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future.

 

The Grand Jury for S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25: the world-renowned chefs who will choose the next winner.
The Grand Jury for S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25: the world-renowned chefs who will choose the next winner.

 

 

 

Linklogis Expands Leadership Team with Key Appointments in the US and UK Markets

SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – Linklogis, a leading provider of technology-driven supply chain finance solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt St. Louis as Vice President of Sales & Operations for the US and UK and Milan Petrovic as Director of Sales UK. In addition to these key hires, Linklogis International, the international arm of Linklogis, has made significant investments into critical business functions including: Revenue Operations, Marketing, Risk, Legal, and HR. These strategic moves demonstrate Linklogis’ commitment to accelerating growth and strengthening its presence in key global markets.

Matt St. Louis brings extensive experience scaling high-growth fintech companies. In his new role he will oversee sales, operations, and business development strategies across the US and UK markets. His proven track record in sales leadership and operational excellence will be instrumental in driving revenue growth and deepening relationships with clients and partners. A core focus will be expanding Linklogis’ services to underserved mid-market businesses, providing tailored financial solutions to companies that traditionally face challenges in accessing efficient trade finance.

Milan Petrovic will head the UK operation and will focus on expanding Linklogis’ footprint by developing new business acquisition and portfolio growth strategies. His expertise in financial technology and B2B sales will support Linklogis’ mission to transform global trade finance, with a particular emphasis on helping mid-market enterprises optimize their working capital, while delivering best in class customer solutions.

Additionally, Linklogis International has recently announced its expansion into the Indian market by hiring Priyesh Rajan and the local team there. These moves aim to strengthen Linklogis’ position in critical global trade corridors, particularly in the export of goods from India-to-US & UK and China-to-US & UK. These trade routes are vital for businesses looking to expand their international operations, and Linklogis’ advanced supply chain finance solutions will provide companies with greater access to liquidity, improved cash flow, and reduced transaction friction.

“We are excited to welcome Matt and Milan to our leadership team,” said Mr Charles Song, Founder & Chairman of Linklogis. “Their extensive experience and strategic vision will help drive our expansion efforts and enhance our ability to serve businesses in the US and UK markets. By focusing on mid-market companies and key trade lanes, we aim to bridge financial gaps and fuel global trade growth.”

Hashtag: #Linklogis

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

About Linklogis International

Headquartered in Singapore, Linklogis is a technology-driven supply chain finance platform dedicated to optimizing working capital solutions for enterprises and financial institutions. Leveraging AI, blockchain, and cloud-based technology, Linklogis delivers seamless financing solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility across global supply chains. Linklogis is listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as the first listed supply chain finance technology SaaS enterprise.

ADNOC Gas Delivers Record $5 Billion Net Income For 2024, Propelling Sustainable Growth Ambitions

$8.65 billion EBITDA for full year 2024, sees a rise of 14% year-on-year (YoY)

Full year 2024 dividend of $3.41 billion confirmed, growing by 5% per annum

Full year 2024 adjusted revenue of $24.43 billion up 7% YoY driven by greater diversified growth in the UAE economy

ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ADNOC Gas plc and its subsidiaries (together referred to as “ADNOC Gas” or the “Company”) (ADX: ADNOCGAS) (ISIN: AEE01195A234), a world-class integrated gas processing company, today announced record earnings for the full year (FY) 2024 of $5 billion, and its highest quarterly income of $1.38 billion since its IPO, significantly ahead of the Bloomberg consensus for both periods.

ADNOC Gas Delivers Record $5 Billion Net Income For 2024, Propelling Sustainable Growth Ambitions
ADNOC Gas Delivers Record $5 Billion Net Income For 2024, Propelling Sustainable Growth Ambitions

Fatema Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Gas, said: “Our record-breaking fourth quarter results demonstrate our ability to deliver on our ambitious growth strategy as we seek to realize EBITDA growth of over 40% by 2029. ADNOC Gas’ evolution into one of the highest income generating companies listed in the UAE, which is a testament to our commitment to create long-term and sustainable value for our shareholders, as we invest in growth projects to meet the growing demand for lower carbon Domestic Gas, LPG and LNG, both locally and globally as key fuels in the energy transformation.”

FY and Q4 2024 Results

For the full year period, adjusted net income increased by an impressive 13% year-on-year to $5 billion. The company’s strong performance was underpinned by robust demand for domestic gas which supported volume growth and improved pricing. Total sales volumes in FY 2024 increased by 2% to 3,616 million MMBTU. This increase in volume was enabled by a 13% increase in the ADNOC LNG (ALNG) joint venture contribution.

Adjusted revenues increased by 7% YoY in FY 2024 to $24.43 billion driven by a 2% increase in sales volume and improved pricing. The company’s strong top line performance for 2024 translated into a strong EBITDA growth of 14% to $8.65 billion with a high, stable margin of 35%. Free cash flow for the period reached an impressive $4.58 billion, reflecting the company’s strong cash conversion capabilities.

The company’s stellar fourth quarter results reflect the ongoing disciplined execution of its updated strategy that was unveiled after Q3 2024. The plan targets an increase of over 40% in EBITDA by 2029 and entails capital expenditure (CAPEX) of up to $15 billion for the 2025-2029 period, which includes the acquisition of ADNOC’s 60% share of the lower-carbon intensity Ruwais liquefied natural gas (LNG) project at cost in H2 2028.

ADNOC Gas delivered adjusted revenues of $6.06 billion, EBITDA of $2.28 billion and net income of $1.381 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024. The robust improvement was driven by several factors including a richer mix of gas, producing more liquids, and improved commercial terms in the domestic market.

Full year dividend confirmed

For the financial year 2024, ADNOC Gas confirms its dividend of $3.412 billion, of which an interim cash dividend of $1.706 billion was paid in September 2024 and an additional $1.706 billion is expected to be paid in April 2025, pending approval at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The final dividend for FY 2024 is in line with the company’s robust policy to increase the annual dividend by 5% annually and reflects the company’s strong free cash flow, which exceeds the dividend commitment by over $1 billion.

$ Million

FY 23

FY 242

YoY%FY24
vs. FY23

Q4 23

Q3 242

Q4 242

YoY %

QoQ %

Q4 24 vs.
Q4 23

Q4 24 vs.
Q3 24

Adjusted Revenue

22,731

24,428

7 %

6,301

6,281

6,060

-4 %

-4 %

COGS

-13,079

-13,770

5 %

-3,598

-3,581

-3,299

-8 %

-8 %

Opex

-2,037

-2,009

-1 %

-491

-495

-479

-2 %

-3 %

EBITDA

7,614

8,648

14 %

2,212

2,205

2,282

3 %

3 %

Net Income

4,4211

5,001

13 %

1,345

1,243

1,381

3 %

11 %

EBITDA Margin

33 %

35 %

191bps

35 %

35 %

38 %

255 bps

255bps

Net Income Margin

19 %

20 %

102bps

21 %

20 %

23 %

143bps

299bps

Free Cash Flow2

4,460

4,584

3 %

834

1,184

1,215

46 %

3 %

1.   Adjusted net income that exc. Prior year deferred tax; 2. 2024 as per unaudited financial statements

 

About ADNOC Gas

*ADNOC Gas which refers to ADNOC Gas Plc and its subsidiaries (ADX: ADNOCGAS), listed on the ADX (ADX symbol: “ADNOCGAS” / ISIN: “AEE01195A234”), is a world-class, large-scale integrated gas processing company. We operate across the gas value chain, from receipt of feedstock from ADNOC (through large, long-life operations for gas processing and fractionation) to the sale of products to domestic and international customers. ADNOC Gas supplies approximately 60% of the UAE’s sales gas needs and supplies end-customers in over twenty countries. To find out more, visit: www.adnocgas.ae 

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Christian Audi
Vice President, Investor Relations
971 (2) 6017087
ir@adnocgas.ae  

 

BrightNight Announces Key Appointments to Drive Growth in Australia

Appoints Brian Morris as CCO and Katie Barnett as CFO

MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BrightNight, the next-generation global renewable power producer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Morris as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Katie Barnett as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of its Australia platform. These strategic appointments come as BrightNight accelerates its expansion in the Australian renewable energy sector.

Brian Morris, CCO, Australia
Brian Morris, CCO, Australia

BrightNight is soon to commence construction of Mortlake Energy Hub, Victoria’s largest integrated hybrid renewable energy project, after receiving grid and development approval in 2024. Further, the company plans to expand its portfolio of large-scale, multi-technology renewable power projects to serve the Australian market. 

Leadership Appointments to Strengthen BrightNight Australia’s Capabilities

Brian Morris brings more than 30 years of experience in energy trading, renewable energy strategy, and risk management to the role of CCO. He has a proven track record of securing long-term revenue contracts and building strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. As an advocate for sustainability, Brian’s values align closely with BrightNight’s mission to deliver reliable and affordable renewable power. He currently serves on the board of the Energy Users Association of Australia and previously the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity, further demonstrating his leadership in the industry. Brian joins us from Macquarie Group where he served as Director with the Green Investments business. He holds a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.

Katie Barnett joins BrightNight with over two decades of experience in power markets, energy finance, and energy Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). She has an impressive track record of leading over 50 transactions exceeding A$18 billion (about $12 billion). As CFO, Katie will play a pivotal role in securing capital for BrightNight’s multi-gigawatt portfolio expansion in Australia. Her leadership and expertise in large-scale project financing and M&A transactions will be critical as BrightNight scales its operations. Prior to joining BrightNight, she was with PwC as a partner in their Energy Transition, Deals and M&A department, helping advance their utility-scale storage practice. Katie has also held senior roles at Origin Energy in renewable energy and corporate development and was the founding CEO and CFO of PowAR (now Tilt Renewables), overseeing an A$1.5 billion (roughly $1 billion) portfolio of onshore wind and solar projects. Katie earned a Master in Applied Finance from Macquarie University and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Strategic Growth and Vision for Australia

Jerome Ortiz, CEO of BrightNight APAC, said: “Brian and Katie’s wealth of experience and industry track record will be invaluable in the execution and growth of our business in Australia. As Australia transitions towards more complex dispatchable energy solutions to meet its 2050 net-zero target, BrightNight aims to play a key role in enabling clean and reliable round-the-clock power.” 

Brian Morris commented: “I am excited to join BrightNight at this critical time in the energy transition. BrightNight’s cutting-edge technology and analytical capability, combined with a team of industry leaders, has already set the stage for a gigawatt-scale portfolio of world-class energy solutions. I look forward to helping steer the company’s growth in Australia as we continue to deliver firm, renewable baseload power for customers.”

Katie Barnett added: “I’m thrilled to join BrightNight during this pivotal phase of its growth. With the company’s proven ability to deliver transformative energy solutions, I am keen to apply my extensive Australian power and capital markets experience to contribute to the expansion of BrightNight’s global portfolio and bring their Australian projects to fruition. The future of renewable energy is here, and BrightNight is well-positioned to lead the charge.”

Brian is based in Melbourne, Victoria, and Katie lives in Sydney in New South Wales.

ABOUT BRIGHTNIGHT

BrightNight is the first global renewable integrated power company designed to provide utility and commercial and industrial customers with clean, dispatchable renewable power solutions. BrightNight works with customers across the U.S. and Asia Pacific to design, develop, and operate safe, reliable, large-scale renewable power projects optimised to better manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy. Its deep customer engagement process, team of proven power experts, and industry-leading solutions enable customers to overcome challenging energy sustainability standards, rapidly changing grid dynamics, and the transition away from fossil fuel generation. To learn more, visit: www.brightnightpower.com

Katie Barnett, CFO, Australia
Katie Barnett, CFO, Australia

 

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/brian_morris__cco__brightnight_au.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/katie_barnett__cfo__brightnight_au.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/brightnight_logo.jpg

Heinbro Announces Strategic Alliance with FAS Limited to Transform Compliance & Accounting Services in Hong Kong


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – Heinbro Consulting (Heinbro), a leading provider of legal compliance, immigration, recruitment, company secretarial, and business services, is excited to announce a strategic alliance with Financial Accounting Services (FAS) Limited, a prominent player in specialised support services for fund managers. This alliance aims to create a one-stop-shop for compliance, specialised accounting and support services offered to clients in the financial sector in Hong Kong.

Heinbro has established itself as a trusted compliance partner in Hong Kong, advising more than 400 SFC licensed firms. With over 18 years of experience, including 13 years of dedicated service in Hong Kong, Heinbro’s clientele range from small start-ups to the world’s largest banks. Heinbro also has extensive experience working closely with private and publicly listed companies, regulators, and foreign governments in numerous jurisdictions worldwide.

Spending 28 years in the hedge fund industry, FAS Limited founder and managing director, Jonathan Coleman, understands the challenges faced by professionals in the financial services space plus the need to allow a business to comply with regulations whilst being cost-effective to its stakeholders.

“Partnering with Heinbro opens new avenues for us in the support services we can offer clients in the license regulatory space,” said Jonathan Coleman, MD at FAS Limited. “Together, we are poised to provide unparalleled support that will empower businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape.”

This alliance will use Heinbro and FAS Limited’s extensive expertise and market presence to offer clients a comprehensive range of compliance, accounting support, and business services.

“We truly love a challenge at Heinbro, and being a complete professional services firm is our goal. We are excited to partner with an organization that shares our vision, enabling us to continually evolve and ensuring that both our clients thrive, as their success is our success.” – Mitchell Brown, CEO at Heinbro Consulting.

The strategic alliance will focus on streamlining compliance processes, enhancing advisory capacity, and expanding product lines to better serve clients across various sectors. By combining resources and knowledge, both firms aim to create synergies that will significantly benefit clients navigating the complexities of business in Hong Kong. The alliance between Heinbro and FAS Limited is a testament to their commitment to delivering exceptional, cost-effective service, reinforcing their positions as industry leaders in Hong Kong.
Hashtag: #Heinbro


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

About Heinbro Group

Heinbro specializes in legal compliance, immigration, recruitment, company secretarial and business services, providing our clients with a one-stop-shop solution.

Heinbro’s head office is based in Australia and has operated for over 18 years. It expanded its operations 13 years ago into the Hong Kong market. Since its Hong Kong inception, Heinbro has cemented itself as one of the leading compliance firms, having proudly advised and successfully applied to more than 400 licensed firms.

The clients range from small start-ups to the world’s largest banks as well as private banks. We also have extensive experience working closely with private and publicly listed companies, regulators, and foreign governments in numerous jurisdictions worldwide.

For more information on Heinbro: www.heinbroconsulting.com

Follow Heinbro on

About FAS Limited

FAS Limited provides accounting, FRR preparation, company secretary services, payroll support including MPF and tax filing, and IT advisory services for entities regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission or looking to get SFC-licensed in Hong Kong. FAS Limited has a team of 10 office personnel, including accountants, a company secretary team, IT consultants, and administrative support. The team works with legal and compliance units, lawyers, and internal and external auditors to provide unparalleled specialised support fund services.

FAS Limited was set up by managing director Jonathan Coleman and incorporated FAS Limited in Hong Kong in July 2002. Jonathan Coleman is a UK-qualified Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA UK) with over 28 years’ experience in the hedge fund industry in Hong Kong.

For more information on FAS Ltd: www.faslimited.com

Follow FAS Ltd on

Volvo Cars reports second consecutive year of record sales, revenue and profits in 2024, anticipates challenging 2025

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Full Year 2024

  • 2024 revenue was SEK 400.2 bn (SEK 399.3 bn in 2023)
  • 2024 operating income (excl. JVs and associates) was SEK 27.0 bn (SEK 25.6 bn in 2023)
  • 2024 operating income was SEK 22.3 bn (SEK 19.9 bn in 2023)
  • 2024 EBIT margin (excl. JVs and associates) was 6.8 per cent (6.4 per cent in 2023)
  • 2024 EBIT margin was 5.6 per cent (5.0 per cent in 2023)
  • 2024 basic earnings per share was SEK 5.17 (SEK 4.38 in 2023)
  • 2024 fully electric car sales share at 23 per cent (16 per cent in 2023)
  • 2024 free cash flow of SEK 1.1 bn (SEK –9.0 bn in 2023)

Quarter 4, 2024

  • Q4 revenue was SEK 112.1 bn (SEK 109.4 bn SEK in Q4 2023)
  • Q4 operating income (excl. JVs and associates) was SEK 6.3 bn (SEK 6.7 bn in Q4 2023)
  • Q4 operating income was SEK 3.9 bn SEK (SEK 5.4 bn in Q4 2023)
  • Q4 EBIT margin (excl. JVs and associates) was 5.6 per cent (6.1 per cent in Q4 2023)
  • Q4 EBIT margin was 3.4 per cent (4.9 per cent in Q4 2023)
  • Q4 basic earnings per share was SEK 0.84 (SEK 1.04 in Q4 2023)
  • Q4 fully electric car sales share at 21 per cent (16 per cent in Q4 2023)
  • Q4 free cash flow of SEK 13.6 bn (SEK 6.1 bn in Q4 2023)

Volvo Cars had a second consecutive record-breaking year in 2024 and today reports the highest full-year retail sales, revenues and core operating profit in its 98-year history. However, the company anticipates a turbulent 2025 due to challenging market conditions.

Full-year revenues exceeded SEK 400 billion for the first time in the company’s history, due to a new all-time sales record of 763,389 cars. Its full-year core operating profit of SEK 27 billion, excluding joint ventures and associates, was another record and up 6 per cent compared to 2023. The core operating margin came in at 6.8 per cent, up from 6.4 per cent in 2023.

Group operating income in the fourth quarter was affected by a SEK 1.7 bn write-down related to assets in the NOVO joint venture, before the company took full financial control of NOVO from an accounting perspective.

Gross margins for the fourth quarter came in at 17.1 per cent, impacted by a one-time effect from the sale of on-balance sheet cars. This increased both revenue and cost of sales and lowered the Q4 gross margin. Volvo Cars also saw a considerably larger decrease in inventory during Q4 compared to the previous year, which further impacted gross margins. Margins were also affected by car line and sales channel mix as well as pricing pressure in the market, but this was partially offset by a more efficient cost structure for new car sales.

The company’s cash flow improved considerably in the latter part of the year and full-year free cash flow ended up positive at SEK 1.1 billion, thanks to diligent and disciplined cash management.

“2024 was a year of two halves,” said Jim Rowan, chief executive for Volvo Cars. “For the first six months, we recorded strong double-digit volume growth. But like the rest of the industry, we experienced a more challenging second half. Demand slowed down and this had an impact on both our sales pace and underlying profitability. Nevertheless, we can look back at 2024 with a sense of achievement in several areas and we are positioned well to achieve our long-term ambitions.”

The company’s 2024 results show that despite challenges, Volvo Cars performed better than most of its peers in the premium segment in terms of volume growth and demonstrated resilience. This also underlines the strength of its balanced product portfolio, which contains both electric cars as well as plug-in and mild hybrid models.

The company sold 175,194 fully electric cars in 2024, an increase of 54 per cent versus 2023 and representing 23 per cent of its total global sales volume, which was the highest share among all legacy premium carmakers. Sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid models amounted to 46 per cent of all Volvo cars sold in 2024. This strong performance enabled Volvo Cars to exceed its CO2 targets as set by the EU, giving it a surplus of EU carbon credits in 2025.

The full CEO letter by Jim Rowan, with more details on the past year and the years ahead, is included in the interim report for the period and can be found here.

Looking ahead to 2025

While the company expects the market to remain weak in 2025, due to the multitude of competitive and geopolitical challenges, Volvo Cars is coming into 2025 in a solid position with strong liquidity, on the back of two record years of sales and profits.

The company’s focused strategy, balanced footprint, technological development and diversified line-up will help it navigate challenges and pave the way for its long-term future growth. It will continue to invest in and strengthen its diversified and balanced product line-up, with five new or refreshed versions of existing models coming on the market in 2025. Volvo Cars expects that these cars will help it partly mitigate the challenging market conditions in 2025.

Volvo Cars continues to double down on internal cost actions and efficiency with heightened focus on protecting cash and efficiently managing its inventories, while continuing to invest in its future. Volvo Cars is currently at the peak of its investment cycle, which will decline as planned from 2026 onwards and unlock strong, positive free cash flows.

Nevertheless, competitive pressures have increased considerably. Additionally, the strong orderbook the company developed in the last two years has now returned to pre-pandemic levels. While a smaller order book is good for customers as it results in shorter lead times, it does present the company with a challenge, particularly for the first six months of 2025, which it will manage.

This means that while Volvo Cars maintains its guidance on outgrowing the market between 2023-2026 on a CAGR basis, delivering a core EBIT margin of 7-8 per cent and generating a strong positive free cash flow in 2026, it anticipates that 2025 will be a challenging and transition year on the path to its long-term growth ambitions. The company does not anticipate the market to grow at the rate of previous years, coupled to a highly likely increase in discounts across the industry due to increased competition.

As a result, Volvo Cars anticipates it will be challenging to reach the volumes and profitability level it achieved in 2024. It also sees effects on profitability from higher amortisations as it continues to ramp up its new cars, such as the EX90 and the ES90 in 2025. However, Volvo Cars continues to focus on cash preservation and anticipates it can deliver a positive free cash flow for the full year 2025, compared to its previous guidance of neutral free cash flow.

“2025 will be a year of transition,” said Jim Rowan. “The global car industry is facing several uncertainties: cyclical, structural, transformational and geopolitical. We have navigated this environment better and faster than many of our peers, but we and the rest of the industry will be severely tested this year. At the same time, we must keep our eyes firmly on the road ahead and not sacrifice the future on the altar of the present. In other words, we must be prudent, diligent and disciplined during a turbulent 2025, while paving the way for our long-term ambitions.”

Note to editors

Jim Rowan, chief financial officer Johan Ekdahl and chief engineering and technology officer Anders Bell will host a livestream on Volvo Cars’ 2024 results for media, investors and analysts at 08:00 CET today. The presentation will be held in English and followed by a Q&A session.

Link for livestream: https://live.volvocars.com

China-only link for livestream: https://live.volvocars.com.cn

It will be possible to ask questions during the Q&A session following the main presentation. To participate, you can either use the chat function online to type your question or you can call in. To call in, participants need to register via the link below and will then receive the dial-in details and individual PIN.

Link to register

This disclosure contains information that Volvo Car AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person, on 06-02-2025 07:00 CET.

For further information please contact:
Volvo Cars Media Relations
+46 31-59 65 25
media@volvocars.com

Volvo Cars Investor Relations
John Hernander
+46 31-793 94 00
investors@volvocars.com

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