Category: 3. Business

  • Cognizant and Ace Hardware Celebrate 25 Years of Partnership to Advance Next-Generation E-Commerce and Supply Chain Innovation

    Cognizant and Ace Hardware Celebrate 25 Years of Partnership to Advance Next-Generation E-Commerce and Supply Chain Innovation

    Longstanding collaboration supports AI and automation transformation across retail, supply chain and e-commerce

    TEANECK, N.J., Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) and Ace Hardware today celebrate their 25-year partnership, building on their collaboration that aims to advance innovation across the hardware retail cooperative. The longstanding engagement underscores both companies’ commitment to exploring large-scale innovation that supports Ace’s growth and digital acceleration initiatives, enabling the company to keep pace with fast-evolving e-commerce and operational demands.

    Over the past 25 years, Cognizant has supported Ace’s digital transformation of core systems and experiences, beginning with a major transformation from legacy platforms to SAP and continuing with sustained enhancements to e-commerce, supply chain and retailer-facing tools that suit Ace’s unique co-op model. These advancements aid Ace in its mission to provide a unique, small-format, neighborhood footprint and deliver its signature experience as “The Helpful Place,” both in store and online.

    Most recently, Ace and Cognizant partnered to roll out Manhattan Warehouse Management for Open Systems to more than 10 Ace distribution centers across the U.S. over the last two years, with the goal of helping improve warehouse efficiency. The partnership also spans building an enterprise pricing solution, as well as ongoing digitization initiatives designed to improve speed, reliability and operational efficiency in key areas of Ace’s operations.

    Extending beyond core platforms and retailer tools, the teams have applied significant enhancements to high-impact, customer-facing moments. In response to rapidly changing market needs for digital-first experiences, Cognizant and Ace worked together to launch a large-scale digital version of Ace’s annual spring convention within an accelerated timeframe. The remarkable turnaround time underscores the teams’ dedication and ability to provide mission-critical digital experiences together under compressed timelines.

    Together, the companies have shaped key e-commerce capabilities that have supported substantial online growth, with Ace’s e-commerce growing over 450% since 2019.

    “Ace’s partnership with Cognizant has been an important part of our modernization journey,” said Rick Williams, Chief Information Officer, Ace Hardware. “Their ability to flex with our business, co-develop solutions and help us explore business-focused innovation has strengthened our operations and supported the continued growth of our e-commerce channel—all while preserving the personal, helpful experience our retailers deliver every day.”

    “Our 25-year partnership with Ace Hardware is built on trust, delivery excellence and a shared vision for what modern retail experiences can be,” said Sushant Warikoo, Senior Vice President and Retail Business Unit Head, Cognizant. “By combining our deep retail expertise with next-generation technologies, such as agentic AI and advanced automation, we’re proud to be partnering with Ace on their journey to accelerate innovation while strengthening the resilient, community-focused experience that their customers expect.”

    “For a quarter century, we’ve been honored to stand alongside Ace as a trusted partner, supporting the modernization of mission-critical platforms across e-commerce, supply chain, merchandising and retail operations,” said Velu Ekambaram, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Delivery for Cognizant Americas. “This enduring collaboration is a source of immense pride for us. From mobile modernization to distribution excellence, our teams continue to focus on improving the speed, quality and scalability of Ace’s solutions, helping them adapt in a dynamic marketplace.”

    The next decade of retail is likely to benefit those who can both modernize and innovate continuously and rapidly to stay ahead of fluctuating demands and disruptions. Ace is already seeing positive impact from modernization efforts in their goal to advance e-commerce, supply chain agility and retailer experiences. Together with Cognizant’s trusted partnership, Ace is shaping what resilient, AI-enabled retail looks like at scale.

    About Cognizant

    Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

    About Ace Hardware

    Ace Hardware is the largest hardware cooperative in the world, serving more than 8,900 locally owned and operated stores and providing the best products, services, and operating methods to over 5,900 Ace retail stores in approximately 60 countries. Ace Hardware’s family of brands includes Ace Hardware, Emery Jensen Distribution (EJD), and independent retailers worldwide. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace operates an expansive network of U.S. distribution centers, along with international capabilities in Ningbo, China, and Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. Since 1924, Ace has been a part of local communities, known as the place with the helpful hardware folks. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com.

    For more information, contact: 
    Katrina Cheung
    [email protected] 

    SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation

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  • Fitch Upgrades SM Energy to 'BB+'; Off Rating Watch Positive; Outlook Stable – Fitch Ratings

    1. Fitch Upgrades SM Energy to ‘BB+’; Off Rating Watch Positive; Outlook Stable  Fitch Ratings
    2. SM ENERGY CLOSES MERGER WITH CIVITAS RESOURCES  Investing News Network
    3. Mile High Money Move: SM Energy’s $12.8 Billion Stock Swap Pulls Civitas Into Denver Fold  Hoodline
    4. Shareholders at two Denver-based companies approve $12.8B merger  9news.com
    5. SM Energy Company Announces Board and Executive Changes  marketscreener.com

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  • Time to reset? Six developments shaping competition litigation in the UK in 2026 – Dentons

    1. Time to reset? Six developments shaping competition litigation in the UK in 2026  Dentons
    2. UK Class Actions Appear Set For Resurgence In 2026  Law360
    3. Litigation funding: Key updates from 2025 and what’s on the horizon for 2026  Norton Rose Fulbright
    4. UK Government to legislate on litigation funding to mitigate the effects of the 2023 Supreme Court decision in PACCAR  Dechert LLP

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  • Trump nominates Kevin Warsh as new Federal Reserve chair – live updates

    Trump nominates Kevin Warsh as new Federal Reserve chair – live updates

    Warsh is a rare candidate who appears to appease both the president and investorspublished at 12:47 GMT

    Dharshini David
    Deputy economics editor

    Kevin Warsh in sunglasses and a suitImage source, Getty Images

    Kevin Warsh, a Wall Street veteran and a former Federal Reserve member, faces one of the world’s most coveted policymaking jobs – but perhaps also one of the trickiest.

    This selection process has not just been about who gets to be the world’s most powerful banker – but also the future of the central bank’s independence.

    Kevin Warsh is a rare candidate who appears to appease both the president and investors.

    Warsh believes that rates should be lower and that the AI revolution can help contain inflationary pressures – aligning with the president.

    Meanwhile, some investors believe Warsh’s track record on taking a tough line on inflation during his previous stint as Fed Chair hints at a pragmatic approach.

    He now undergoes a Senate confirmation, where there is resistance to appointing a new chair while an investigation into the present chair is ongoing.

    And then, once in post, he will need to prove his credibility to markets, coping with political pressure to cut rates amid a weakening jobs market – while also trying to balance the need to curb inflation.

    President Trump has acknowledged that however amenable candidates may appear beforehand, they tend to pick their own path once in post.

    Economists suggest Warsh may choose not to push for rate cuts immediately, to underscore that independence at America’s central bank has been maintained.

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  • Statement by Governor Christopher J. Waller – Federal Reserve Board (.gov)

    Statement by Governor Christopher J. Waller – Federal Reserve Board (.gov)

    1. Statement by Governor Christopher J. Waller  Federal Reserve Board (.gov)
    2. Fed’s Waller Says ‘Weak’ Job Market Supported Rate Cut  The Wall Street Journal
    3. 2 Committee Members Dissented at the January FOMC Meeting  Barron’s
    4. Waller Wants to Be Fed Chair Sooooo Much  Bloomberg
    5. Fed’s Waller dissents, calls for 25 basis point rate cut  Investing.com

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  • Netherlands watchdog probing Roblox over risks to children | News

    Netherlands watchdog probing Roblox over risks to children | News

    Regulator launches investigation into US gaming platform over potential risks to underage users in the EU.

    The Dutch consumer watchdog has launched an investigation into Roblox to see if the popular online gaming system is doing enough to protect children from exposure to violent and sexual imagery.

    The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) said on Friday its probe would examine “potential risks to underage users in the EU” and would likely last about one year.

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    “The platform regularly makes the news, for example, due to concerns about violent or sexually explicit games that minors are exposed to,” the ACM said in a statement.

    Other concerns include reports of “ill-intentioned” adults targeting children on the platform and the use of misleading techniques to encourage purchases.

    The ACM said that, having received reports of such allegations, it “considers this sufficient reason to launch a formal investigation into possible violations of the rules by Roblox”.

    New measures

    Under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), platforms must take “appropriate and proportionate measures” to ensure a high level of safety and privacy for minors.

    The ACM said it could impose a “binding instruction, fine, or penalty” on Roblox if it concludes the rules have been broken.

    In 2024, the ACM slapped a 1.1-million-euro ($1.2m) fine on Fortnite maker Epic Games, judging that vulnerable children were exploited and pressured into making purchases in the game’s Item Shop.

    A Roblox spokesperson said the company is “strongly committed to complying with the EU Digital Services Act” and referred to the gaming platform’s announcement last November that it would require age verification via facial recognition to limit communication between children and adults.

    “We look forward to providing the ACM with further clarity on the many policies and safeguards we have in place to protect minors,” the spokesperson said.

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  • Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (TNXP)

    Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (TNXP)





    TONMYA demonstrated significant reduction in fibromyalgia pain compared with placebo in the Phase 3 RESILIENT study

    Unique sublingual formulation designed for bedtime dosing bypasses first-pass metabolism, optimizing parent-drug exposure during sleep and decreasing levels of the persistent active metabolite

    Treatment was well tolerated with minimal effects on weight or blood pressure

    CHATHAM, N.J., Jan. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (“Tonix” or the “Company”), a fully integrated, commercial biotechnology company, presented data on TONMYA™, which was investigated as TNX-102 SL, at the 2026 Non-Opioid Pain Therapeutics Summit, on January 29, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts. A copy of the Company’s presentation, titled “TNX-102 SL (Sublingual Cyclobenzaprine HCl): a Centrally Acting Non-Opioid Analgesic for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia,” is available under the Scientific Presentations tab of the Tonix website at www.tonixpharma.com.

    “Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder affecting more than 10 million adults in the U.S., with existing treatments often limited by tolerability and side effects,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “The data presented at the Non-Opioid Pain Therapeutics Summit by our Chief Medical Officer, Gregory Sullivan, M.D. highlight TONMYA’S role as a centrally-acting, differentiated non-opioid treatment. TONMYA’S unique sublingual formulation is designed for bedtime administration and to bypass first-pass metabolism, resulting in a pharmacokinetic profile that favors parent-drug exposure during sleep while limiting daytime exposure to the active metabolite. Since fibromyalgia patients are commonly prescribed opioids off-label, there is a clear need for effective non-opioid alternatives.”

    The data presented at the Summit come from RESILIENT, a 14-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial at 34 U.S. sites, with 456 intent-to-treat participants who met the 2016 American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia. Participants received TONMYA or placebo administered sublingually at bedtime. Treatment with TONMYA resulted in a statistically significant reduction in weekly average pain scores at Week 14 (p<0.0001) versus placebo, with an effect size of 0.38. The study also demonstrated significant improvements in key secondary endpoints, including sleep disturbance (p<0.001), fatigue (p<0.001), and the Symptoms (p<0.001) and Function (p=0.001) domains of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised (p<0.001 for both). TONMYA was well tolerated, with minimal impact on weight and blood pressure, and a rate of adverse event-related discontinuations of 6.1% on TONMYA vs. 3.5% on placebo. The most common adverse events were mild and self-limited oral cavity reactions that rarely led to study withdrawal.

    “TONMYA’S sublingual formulation largely bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism, which reduces formation of norcyclobenzaprine, the persistent active metabolite that we believe otherwise interferes with the duration of the treatment effect,” said Dr. Sullivan. “This results in a distinct pharmacokinetic profile compared to oral cyclobenzaprine, with greater relative bioavailability of the parent drug during sleep and reduced active metabolite exposure during daytime. Bedtime sublingual administration is also designed to target the non-restorative sleep that is central to fibromyalgia pathophysiology, translating to broad-spectrum activity across the core symptoms of fibromyalgia, including pain, sleep disturbance, and fatigue, with a favorable tolerability profile that may reduce the need for polypharmacy.”

    TONMYA was approved on August 15, 2025, by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults. It is the first new prescription medicine approved for fibromyalgia in more than 15 years.

    Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*
    Tonix is a fully-integrated biotechnology company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates. Tonix markets FDA-approved TONMYA™, a first-in-class, non-opioid analgesic medicine for the treatment of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that affects millions of adults. TONMYA is the first new prescription medicine approved by the FDA for fibromyalgia in more than 15 years. TONMYA was investigated as TNX-102 SL. Tonix also markets two treatments for acute migraine in adults: Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray). Tonix’s development portfolio* is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders, immunology, immuno-oncology, rare disease and infectious disease. TNX-102 SL is being developed to treat acute stress reaction and acute stress disorder under an Investigator-Initiated IND at the University of North Carolina in the OASIS study funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). TNX-102 SL is also in development for major depressive disorder. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a Phase 2- ready Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix’s rare disease portfolio includes TNX-2900, intranasal oxytocin potentiated with magnesium, in development for Prader-Willi syndrome and expected to start a potential pivotal Phase 2 study in 2026. Tonix’s infectious disease portfolio includes TNX-801, a vaccine in development for mpox and smallpox, as well as TNX-4800, a Phase 2- ready long-acting humanized monoclonal antibody for the seasonal prevention of Lyme disease. Finally, TNX-4200 for which Tonix has a contract with the U.S. DoD’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for up to $34 million over five years, is a small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agent targeting CD45 for the prevention or treatment of high lethality infections to improve the medical readiness of military personnel in biological threat environments. Tonix owns and operates a state-of-the art infectious disease research facility in Frederick, Md.

    * Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics; their efficacy and safety have not been established and have not been approved for any indication.

    Forward Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including those relating to the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the intended use of proceeds from the offering and other statements that are predictive in nature. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially as a result of a number of factors, including the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions to the closing of the offering and the timing thereof, as well as those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on March 18, 2025, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.

    Investor Contacts
    Jessica Morris
    Tonix Pharmaceuticals 
    investor.relations@tonixpharma.com 
    (862) 799-8599 

    Brian Korb 
    astr partners 
    (917) 653-5122 
    brian.korb@astrpartners.com 

    Media Contacts
    Ray Jordan 
    Putnam Insights 
    ray@putnaminsights.com 

    INDICATION
    TONMYA is indicated for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults.

    CONTRAINDICATIONS
    TONMYA is contraindicated:
    In patients with hypersensitivity to cyclobenzaprine or any inactive ingredient in TONMYA. Hypersensitivity reactions may manifest as an anaphylactic reaction, urticaria, facial and/or tongue swelling, or pruritus. Discontinue TONMYA if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected. With concomitant use of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or within 14 days after discontinuation of an MAO inhibitor. Hyperpyretic crisis seizures and deaths have occurred in patients who received cyclobenzaprine (or structurally similar tricyclic antidepressants) concomitantly with MAO inhibitors drugs.

    During the acute recovery phase of myocardial infarction, and in patients with arrhythmias, heart block or conduction disturbances, or congestive heart failure. In patients with hyperthyroidism.

    WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
    Embryofetal toxicity: Based on animal data, TONMYA may cause neural tube defects when used two weeks prior to conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk and to use effective contraception during treatment and for two weeks after the final dose. Perform a pregnancy test prior to initiation of treatment with TONMYA to exclude use of TONMYA during the first trimester of pregnancy.

    Serotonin syndrome: Concomitant use of TONMYA with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, tramadol, bupropion, meperidine, verapamil, or MAO inhibitors increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes, autonomic instability, neuromuscular abnormalities, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. Treatment with TONMYA and any concomitant serotonergic agent should be discontinued immediately if serotonin syndrome symptoms occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated. If concomitant treatment with TONMYA and other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, careful observation is advised, particularly during treatment initiation or dosage increases.

    Tricyclic antidepressant-like adverse reactions: Cyclobenzaprine is structurally related to TCAs. TCAs have been reported to produce arrhythmias, sinus tachycardia, prolongation of the conduction time leading to myocardial infarction and stroke. If clinically significant central nervous system (CNS) symptoms develop, consider discontinuation of TONMYA. Caution should be used when TCAs are given to patients with a history of seizure disorder, because TCAs may lower the seizure threshold. Patients with a history of seizures should be monitored during TCA use to identify recurrence of seizures or an increase in the frequency of seizures.

    Atropine-like effects: Use with caution in patients with a history of urinary retention, angle-closure glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and in patients taking anticholinergic drugs.

    CNS depression and risk of operating a motor vehicle or hazardous machinery: TONMYA monotherapy may cause CNS depression. Concomitant use of TONMYA with alcohol, barbiturates, or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of CNS depression. Advise patients not to operate a motor vehicle or dangerous machinery until they are reasonably certain that TONMYA therapy will not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities. Oral mucosal adverse reactions: In clinical studies with TONMYA, oral mucosal adverse reactions occurred more frequently in patients treated with TONMYA compared to placebo. Advise patients to moisten the mouth with sips of water before administration of TONMYA to reduce the risk of oral sensory changes (hypoesthesia). Consider discontinuation of TONMYA if severe reactions occur.

    ADVERSE REACTIONS
    The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥2% and at a higher incidence in TONMYA-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients) were oral hypoesthesia, oral discomfort, abnormal product taste, somnolence, oral paresthesia, oral pain, fatigue, dry mouth, and aphthous ulcer.

    DRUG INTERACTIONS

    MAO inhibitors: Life-threatening interactions may occur.

    Other serotonergic drugs: Serotonin syndrome has been reported.

    CNS depressants: CNS depressant effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants may be enhanced.

    Tramadol: Seizure risk may be enhanced.

    Guanethidine or other similar acting drugs: The antihypertensive action of these drugs may be blocked.

    USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
    Pregnancy: Based on animal data, TONMYA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The limited amount of available observational data on oral cyclobenzaprine use in pregnancy is of insufficient quality to inform a TONMYA-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Advise pregnant women about the potential risk to the fetus with maternal exposure to TONMYA and to avoid use of TONMYA two weeks prior to conception and through the first trimester of pregnancy. Report pregnancies to the Tonix Medicines, Inc., adverse-event reporting line at 1-888-869-7633 (1-888-TNXPMED).

    Lactation: A small number of published cases report the transfer of cyclobenzaprine into human milk in low amounts, but these data cannot be confirmed. There are no data on the effects of cyclobenzaprine on a breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for TONMYA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from TONMYA or from the underlying maternal condition.

    Pediatric use: The safety and effectiveness of TONMYA have not been established.

    Geriatric patients: Of the total number of TONMYA-treated patients in the clinical trials in adult patients with fibromyalgia, none were 65 years of age and older. Clinical trials of TONMYA did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.

    Hepatic impairment: The recommended dosage of TONMYA in patients with mild hepatic impairment (HI) (Child Pugh A) is 2.8 mg once daily at bedtime, lower than the recommended dosage in patients with normal hepatic function. The use of TONMYA is not recommended in patients with moderate HI (Child Pugh B) or severe HI (Child Pugh C). Cyclobenzaprine exposure (AUC) was increased in patients with mild HI and moderate HI compared to subjects with normal hepatic function, which may increase the risk of TONMYA-associated adverse reactions.

    Please see additional safety information in the full Prescribing Information.
    To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Tonix Medicines, Inc. at 1-888-869-7633, or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

    Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

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  • Stock market today: Live updates

    Stock market today: Live updates

    Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

    Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images

    Stock futures fell Friday, a day after the S&P 500 posted a second consecutive losing session. The moves followed sharp declines in gold and silver, as the rallies that took the precious metals to record highs lost momentum.

    Futures tied to the broad market index were down 0.8%, and Nasdaq 100 futures lost about 0.9%. Dow futures dropped 355 points, or 0.7%.

    Gold futures dropped more than 4%, while contracts tied to silver plunged 12%. Despite the declines, gold and silver remain higher over the past year by 80% and 209%, respectively.

    Wall Street also turned its eyes to Washington after President Donald Trump said Thursday night that he would announce his choice to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday morning. Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh has emerged as a favorite in prediction markets, but BlackRock’s fixed income chief Rick Rieder and National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett have also been in contention.

    Apple shares inched lower even after the company beat fiscal first-quarter earnings and revenue expectations, aided by a significant surge in iPhone sales. Data storage stock Sandisk popped 19% on the back of strong guidance. KLA Corp lost more than 8% after guidance for non-GAAP gross margin in the fiscal third quarter came in light.

    “This week brought the first wave of major tech earnings, with investors focused on results, guidance, and AI spending as a key market driver. … A clear theme is emerging, in our view,” said Angelo Kourkafas, senior global investment strategist at Edward Jones.

    “Companies are ramping up AI related infrastructure spending, and markets are rewarding those that can turn these investments into earnings,” he added. “Firms without a clear monetization strategy are facing more scrutiny.”

    He added that while the tech sector is still expected to deliver strong profit growth, it’s slowing from earlier quarters as other sectors accelerate. This development supports “what we see as this year’s key theme: a broadening of market leadership,” Kourkafas said.

    Week to date, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have each added nearly 0.8%. The 30-stock Dow is down nearly 0.1% on the week.

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  • Omdia recognises Telefónica Tech’s leadership in private 5G networks

    Telefónica Tech has been recognised as a leading provider of private 5G networks by technology research group Omdia in its report ‘Omdia Market Radar: CSPs Private 5G Networks Strategies and Products 2025-26′. The analyst firm attributes this category to companies with leading solutions and that it considers worthy of inclusion in most technology selection lists.

    Private networks are telecommunications infrastructures dedicated exclusively to a company or organisation for the purpose of interconnecting all its smart devices in a secure, customisable and low-latency manner to drive its digital transformation.

    Omdia recognises that Telefónica Tech has a solid portfolio and credentials, as well as a more industrial focus than most of its competitors. It highlights, in particular, Telefónica Tech’s portfolio of private network products and solutions, its services and applications, and its additional offering for the enterprise segment.

    Darío Cesena, CEO of Geprom part of Telefónica Tech, says: “At Telefónica Tech, we offer specialised services aimed at industrial companies by providing connectivity and being a trusted technology integrator, a value that we have enhanced following the acquisition of Geprom. To offer the best customer service, we have a 5G private network strategy that gives us direct visibility into the needs of each of our customers, and all of our professionals dedicated to private 5G are certified in the technologies of the different providers we work with.”

    Telefónica Tech has a comprehensive private network solution that is vendor-agnostic, as it has the capacity to integrate advanced 4G/5G connectivity with complementary technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud services. This enables it to offer a catalogue of associated industrial solutions, including Intelligent Robotics (autonomous vehicles and drones) and IT-OT integration (digital twin and computer vision).

    The company provides uninterrupted multilingual support and proactively monitors 5G private networks from its Network Operations Centre (NOC) for customers in critical sectors such as Industry, Healthcare and Energy to ensure their proper functioning and to detect and respond to incidents and problems before they affect network systems and users.

    Telefónica Tech also has a visualisation and orchestration tool for private networks, which allows different architectures and products from various manufacturers to be managed.

    About Telefónica Tech
    Telefónica Tech is the leading company in digital transformation. The company offers a wide range of services and integrated technological solutions for Cyber Security, Cloud, IoT, Big Data, AI and Blockchain. For more information, please visit: https://telefonicatech.com/en

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  • PAG Completes Sale of Anyang Nitrogen Fertilizer to Indorama Corporation

    • Transaction marks another milestone in PAG’s divestment of AirPower
    • Indorama’s acquisition strengthens its position in world’s largest fertilizer market


    January 29, 2026 – PAG announced today the completion of the sale of Anyang Nitrogen Fertilizer to Indorama Corporation (“Indorama”). This marks a further milestone for PAG after its divestment of Hangzhou Yingde Gases (formerly “AirPower Technologies”) in January 2025.

    Headquartered in Henan Province, Anyang Nitrogen Fertilizer is a part of AirPower’s clean energy portfolio and is a leading fertilizer producer in China. Its core product is urea, complemented by a diversified range of by-products such as ammonia, automotive-grade urea, and industrial gases.

    Established in 1997, Indorama is a leading global producer of essential materials, including fertilizers, polymers, fibers, yarns, and medical gloves, with a network of manufacturing sites around the world. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Indorama’s presence in China and reinforces its commitment to supporting global food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

    Mr. Amit Lohia, Vice Chairman of Indorama Corporation, commented, “We are excited to welcome Anyang Nitrogen Fertilizer into the Indorama family. This milestone not only solidifies our presence in the world’s largest fertilizer market but also aligns with our strategic focus on investing in high-quality assets that deliver reliable and sustainable solutions. We look forward to building on Anyang’s strong operating base in Henan, leveraging our global expertise to further enhance product offerings and drive long-term growth in China.”

    Mr. David Wong, Partner and Co-Head of Private Equity at PAG, stated: “We are pleased to have supported the development and growth of Anyang Nitrogen Fertilizer. We are confident that under Indorama’s ownership, the company will achieve further success and drive continued innovation.”

    In January 2025, PAG successfully completed the landmark divestment of the onshore industrial gas operations of AirPower Technologies, now known as Hangzhou Yingde Gases Ltd. The transaction marks the largest control buyout exit in China’s private equity industry. PAG acquired 100% of Yingde Gases through a take-private transaction in 2017, later integrating it with Baosteel Gases. After the 2025 divestment, PAG continued to hold AirPower’s clean energy assets in China, including Anyang Nitrogen Fertilizer.

    This sale of Anyang Nitrogen Fertilizer is another example of PAG’s application of long-term strategic vision and deep expertise in the energy and chemical industries, delivering substantial and sustainable value over the long-term.

     

    About PAG

    PAG is a leading alternative investment firm focused on APAC with three core strategies: Credit & Markets, Private Equity, and Real Assets. We manage capital on behalf of nearly 300 institutional fund investors, including some of the most sophisticated global asset allocators. PAG has more than 390 investment professionals in 15 key offices globally, and over USD55 billion in assets under management.

     

    Media contact:

    PR@pag.com

     

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