Category: 3. Business

  • IKEA becoming more affordable, accessible and sustainable – serving more customers and delivering EUR 41.5 billion in revenue

    IKEA becoming more affordable, accessible and sustainable – serving more customers and delivering EUR 41.5 billion in revenue

    Today, Ingka Group* released its FY25** financial performance. In a year marked by economic uncertainty, supply chain challenges, and cost-of-living pressures that impacted consumer confidence across many markets, Ingka Group and its three business areas – IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres, reached EUR 41.5 billion in revenue.

    Throughout the year, Ingka Group continued to meet more customers where they are, expanding beyond its traditional IKEA stores into new formats, pick-up points and digital channels. With total capital expenditure of EUR 3.4 billion, the company continued to invest in building a more sustainable and resilient business. This included investing in responsible forestry and accelerating investments in recycling companies to bring back materials to the IKEA value chain. In addition, the company continued to invest in renewable energy with new solar parks in the Netherlands and Poland. The year also saw the full acquisition of Ikano Bank offering integrated financial services and supporting IKEA affordability.

    IKEA Retail is serving more customers and increasing visits to stores with 1.3% and online visitors by 4.6%. While IKEA Retail delivered sales of EUR 39 billion, a decrease of –1.6% compared with last year (EUR 39.6 billion in FY24), it sold more quantities, up 1.6%, due to a continued focus on keeping prices low. The year brought new customer meeting points in key cities such as Delhi, London and Paris, and fresh ways to blend online and in-store shopping, from the IKEA Pre-owned marketplace to a digitally integrated mixed-use store at IKEA Shanghai Linkong.

    “As we look ahead, our commitment to the many people remains stronger than ever by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. Our resilience depends on how well we adapt to the fast-changing world and retail environment, so speed, low cost and simplicity will be important to keep prices low”, added Maeztu.

    Ingka Group delivered an operating income of EUR 1.5 billion (FY24: EUR 1.3 billion) with FY25 net profit increasing to EUR 1.4 billion (FY24: EUR 0.8 billion), reflecting balanced performance across the business. Enabled by the company’s unique ownership model, 85% of net profit is reinvested back into the business, while the remaining 15% is paid as a dividend to its sole owner, the Stichting INGKA Foundation, which funds the IKEA Foundation, an independent philanthropy that fights global warming with and for the many people.

    In FY25, Ingka Group corporate income tax was EUR 0.7 billion (FY24 EUR 0.8 billion), giving an effective tax rate of 32.8%, globally. The total tax bill, including other taxes and duties such as property, environmental and customs taxes, amounted to approximately EUR 1.2 billion (FY24: EUR 1.2 billion), as outlined in the Ingka Group Tax Report.

    Ingka Centres delivered a strong performance, particularly in Europe and China, supported by strategic moves such as the opening of Livat Shanghai, the acquisition of Pasing Arcaden, a major shopping centre in Munich, the launch of Livli as a new European consumer brand, and the announced development of Lykli Noida in India. Visitation across meeting places reached 320 million in FY25, an 18% increase year-on-year.

    Ingka Investments, which plays an important role in supporting Ingka Group’s long-term growth and sustainability ambitions, has invested and committed EUR 4.3 billion in off-site renewable energy to date, as part of a EUR 7.5 billion programme to 2030. In FY25 it advanced its circularity agenda, such as mattress and plastics recovery through RetourMatras in France and Re-mall in China.

    Reflecting its long-term approach, Ingka Group published its first Net Zero Transition Plan in February 2025, marking an important milestone in its sustainability journey. The plan outlines the company’s roadmap to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its value chain by at least 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050, reinforcing its long-term commitment to climate action while continuing to grow the business.

    The Ingka Group FY25 Annual Summary & Sustainability Report will be published at the end of January 2026 and will include the company’s progress on sustainability targets, evaluated through the four areas of Value Creation: Better homes, Better lives, Better planet and Better company, reflecting its long-term, integrated approach to creating value for people, society and the planet – building a better everyday life for today and future generations.                                                                                                           

    *Ingka Group business areas:

    IKEA Retail: Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer with IKEA retail operations in 31 markets. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies.

    Ingka Centres has 52 years of experience in shopping centres and today works with over 2,600 brands across its portfolio of 37 meeting places in 14 markets.

    Ingka Investments is the investment arm of Ingka Group managing six different portfolios: Real Estate Investments, Renewable Energy Investments, Forestland Investments, Business Acquisition and Venture Investments, Circular Investments, and Financial Markets Investments.

    **Fiscal year 25: 1 September 2024 – 31 August 2025.

     

    About Ingka Group

    With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 88% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com.

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  • MFS Investment Management and Crayola Collaborate to Champion Creativity and Financial Literacy

    MFS Investment Management and Crayola Collaborate to Champion Creativity and Financial Literacy

    Investing in Creativity Sweepstakes and free financial literacy resources
    support educators and parents as part of Crayola Creativity Week 2026

    EASTON, Pa., Nov. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Crayola and MFS® Investment Management announced today a partnership that will leverage the power of creativity to support teaching and learning financial literacy in schools and homes as part of Crayola Creativity Week 2026. Together, the brands will provide free financial literacy resources for educators and families to help children learn creative ways to save, avoid money mishaps, and plan for the future.

    More than 13 million students from over 120 countries and 90,000 learning sites participated in Crayola Creativity Week last year. The collaboration with MFS Investment Management, an official sponsor of Crayola Creativity Week 2026, features the Investing in Creativity Sweepstakes, which runs through Dec. 8 and includes opportunities for educators and parents. In total, 10 educators will receive $2,500, along with $1,000 in Crayola arts supplies, for their schools to host a family engagement event that focuses on creativity and financial literacy. MFS Investment Management is supporting family engagement in schools because student outcomes improve when schools host events for their entire learning community.

    As part of the sweepstakes, one family also will win $4,500 to establish or contribute to a 529 Savings Plan, along with $500 in Crayola art supplies. A 529 Savings Plan is a tax-advantaged investment account that helps families with qualified K-12 and college education expenses.

    “At MFS, we believe financial literacy and creativity are powerful tools for helping young people reach their full potential,” said Maureen Bryan, VP, Director of Corporate Citizenship. “Through our partnership with Crayola Creativity Week, we’re inspiring students to think boldly, build confidence, and make meaningful connections between imagination and their financial futures.”

    In addition to the sweepstakes, educators and parents have access to free financial literacy resources including activity sheets, a family engagement event guide, and a learning video featuring actor Michael Rainey, Jr. As part of the 2026 Creativity Week line-up, Rainey will share creative ways to build financial literacy skills and vocabulary and read aloud a selection of pages from the book A Quick History of Money (published by Quarto). The book’s illustrator, Rob Flowers, will help kids make their thinking visible by showing them how to illustrate the money smart words they’ve learned and imagine themselves as savvy-shopper detectives.

    “Creativity is a critical life skill that helps children reach their full potential. Using creativity to help kids become money smart brightens their future,” said Cheri Sterman, Senior Director of Education, Crayola. “Our partnership with MFS underscores a shared commitment to empowering students with both creative confidence and financial literacy skills.”

    The partnership comes as Crayola approaches the fifth year of Crayola Creativity Week, taking place Jan. 26 through Feb. 1, 2026. The free, week-long educational event provides schools, families, and libraries with inspiring and interactive content delivered by world-renowned creative talent to support creative learning across subject areas. The annual virtual event gives educators and parents resources to help nurture children’s creativity and supplies children with the tools to bring their ideas to life, encouraging imaginative expression and innovative thinking.

    Through engaging, standards-aligned activities and resources, Crayola Creativity Week integrates hands-on experiences with literacy, STEAM, and social-emotional learning. The brand partners with companies, education associations, artists, actors, authors, and entrepreneurs to bring this program to life through hands-on videos from celebrity talent, downloadable handouts to follow and create along, daily prizes, and a livestream virtual school assembly. The daily themes address embracing ideas, reaching goals, empowering communities, and more to make creativity an essential part of the classroom, which extends beyond the week.

    Crayola Creativity Week is a signature activation of Crayola’s Campaign for Creativity, the brand’s advocacy initiative that reframes, champions and celebrates creativity as a mindset essential to lifelong growth and wellbeing, and provides resources and inspiration to encourage more creative moments at home and in school.

    Entries for the Investing in Creativity Sweepstakes are being accepted now. For more information about Crayola Creativity Week, visit Crayola.com/CreativityWeek.

    About Crayola
    Crayola LLC, based in Easton, Pa., and a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Incorporated, is a global leader in creative experiences. Through its innovative and vibrant portfolio of products, content and experiences, the iconic brand has unleashed imaginations and enabled colorful self-expression for more than 120 years. Crayola is committed to nurturing creativity as a lifelong journey. From sparking a child’s first artistic adventure and helping parents and educators raise creatively alive children, to inspiring adults to embrace their creative spirit, the brand empowers individuals of all ages to explore, discover, celebrate and connect through the joy of making. Learn more at www.crayola.com or join the conversation at www.Facebook.com/Crayola.

    About MFS® Investment Management
    In 1924, MFS launched the first US open-end mutual fund, opening the door to the markets for millions of everyday investors. Today, as a full-service global investment manager serving financial advisors, intermediaries and institutional clients, MFS still serves a single purpose: to create long-term value for clients by allocating capital responsibly. That takes our powerful investment approach combining collective expertise, thoughtful risk management and long-term discipline. Supported by our culture of shared values and collaboration, our teams of diverse thinkers actively debate ideas and assess material risks to uncover what we believe are the best investment opportunities in the market. As of September 30, 2025, MFS manages US$658.7 billion in assets on behalf of individual and institutional investors worldwide. Please visit mfs.com for more information.

    SOURCE Crayola

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  • Levi’s to sell $300 jeans in more stores to tap growing demand for premium denim

    Levi’s to sell $300 jeans in more stores to tap growing demand for premium denim

    • Blue Tab line to be expanded to more stores in 2026, CFO says
    • Jeans cost up to 350 euros vs up to 130 euros for Red Tab
    • Premium market growing faster than regular denim
    • Levi’s may outline new revenue timeline next year
    PARIS, Nov 11 (Reuters) – Levi’s (LEVI.N), opens new tab will sell its new line of $300 jeans in more stores next year as it looks to boost growth by tapping into strong demand for premium denim, Chief Financial and Growth Officer Harmit Singh told Reuters.

    Launched in Asia earlier this year, and in around two dozen stores in Europe and the U.S. since September, the Blue Tab range of higher quality jeans and shirts is part of an ongoing push to broaden the Levi’s brand and attract more women.

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    “We’re coming back with a larger scale in ’26, because it’s done really well,” said Singh, dressed in a shirt and jacket from the new line inspired by heavier and stiffer Japanese selvedge denim.

    PREMIUM DENIM GROWING FASTER

    In Europe, Blue Tab jeans sell for between about 250 and 350 euros ($290-410), compared with between 70 and 130 euros for its Red Tab line. Blue Tab jackets sell for around 700 euros.

    Levi’s, which currently sells mostly mid-market denim under its Red Tab range, as well as a mass market range for outlet stores and Walmart, faces a delicate balance to cater to both budget and premium markets.

    While premium denim accounts for about 10% of the roughly $100 billion global denim market, it is growing faster than the mid-single-digits of the regular jeans category, Singh said.

    “The price point is one thing, but it’s also the quality of the product. So Japanese denim inspired, selvedge,” Singh said in an interview in the group’s Paris showroom.

    Selvedge denim is woven on traditional looms that produce self-finished edges and a tightly woven, denser fabric.

    Design is also key with a stronger pipeline planned for next year across men’s and women’s ranges, he said.

    TARIFFS AND INFLATION CAUSE HEADWINDS

    The maker of 501s, which reported sales of $6.4 billion last year, had set a target of reaching $10 billion in revenues and a 15% operating earnings margin by 2027, but scrapped the timeline during the pandemic as high inflation slowed growth.

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs have added further headwinds for the company, but after high-single-digit percentage revenue growth in recent quarters, Singh said the company may be ready to outline a new timeline next year.

    Levi’s is expecting a strong holiday season, said Singh, with the company currently selling more full-priced product this year compared with a year ago.

    “The consumer has largely been resilient. And we’re not seeing any demand contraction,” he said, adding that Levi’s would limit discounts as much as possible.

    Expanding into non-denim fabrics that attract new customers and collaborations with brands like Barbour and Nike is helping to sell at full prices, said Singh, while a lower cotton commodity price this year has helped keep down costs.

    Later on, Levi’s could buy a new brand to drive faster growth, said Singh, adding to its $150 million Beyond Yoga business, acquired in 2021.

    “Right now, we have two brands. We have left the door open for another brand,” said Singh.

    While “anything that could accelerate our tops business faster is something we’d look at,” an acquisition is not needed right now, he said.

    ($1 = 0.8575 euros)

    Reporting by Dominique Patton; Editing by Conor Humphries

    Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

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  • showcasing customer-centric farming innovations across AI, Autonomy, Robotics and Automation

    showcasing customer-centric farming innovations across AI, Autonomy, Robotics and Automation

    CNH (NYSE: CNH) is hosting its 2025 Tech Day today at Agritechnica, the world’s largest tradeshow dedicated to agriculture. Under the banner ‘Every Field Feeds the Future’, the Company presents a robust portfolio of current and upcoming technologies designed to serve and support the world’s farmers.

    CNH is building a connected ecosystem powered by AI and autonomy, with a vision to deliver predictive, sustainable systems that help farmers see ahead, act smarter, and produce more with less. The Company’s intelligent Ag Tech solutions support every phase of the crop cycle from field preparation to seeding and planting, crop protection, and harvesting.

    The world depends on agriculture, and agriculture depends on innovation. Agriculture’s biggest challenge is to feed more people, with less land, under increasingly difficult conditions,” said Gerrit Marx, Chief Executive Officer at CNH. “The transformation underway in this sector is not just necessary, it is strategic, and we believe AI to be one of the biggest enablers for rapid innovation across our products, people and processes.”

    To drive this transformation, CNH is focused on generating incremental value for farmers through its expanding technology portfolio. The Company’s 2030 strategy is focused on nearly doubling Precision Tech sales as a percentage of Agriculture Net Sales.

    CNH’S CURRENT & FUTURE AG TECH SOLUTIONS ACROSS THE CROP CYCLE

    • Prescription Tillage is already solving key challenges from soil erosion and residue management to improving soil health and fertility. Field trials show significant productivity increases, yield improvements, and fuel savings.
       
    • Autonomous Tillage (in development) builds on these technologies, enabling farmers to reallocate labor and maximize efficiency for better agronomic outcomes.
       
    • Planter Automation with Active Implement Guidance (currently available) and Passive Implement Guidance (launching in 2026) ensures over 95% of seeds are placed within 0–5 cm of the intended path, optimizing nutrient placement and root development. This leads to higher yields and savings on seed and fertilizer.
       
    • Next-Generation Planters (by 2030) will feature integrated guidance, enhanced automation for precise seed placement, remote software management, and real-time monitoring via our integrated digital platform FieldOps™, reducing labor needs and maximizing uptime.
       
    • Sense and Act Spraying Portfolio uses AI for targeted Green-on-Brown weed detection and variable rate application, delivering up to 60% in herbicide savings.
       
    • Green-on-Green Spraying (launching 2027 in North America with One Smart Spray) will reduce herbicide use by up to 80%, supporting sustainability and cost savings.
       
    • Combine Automation (2023 Agritechnica Gold Innovation winner) leverages industry leading technologies, using sensors and AI to continuously adjust machine settings, simplifying operations and boosting productivity. In wheat operations, our combine automation delivers €70 more per hectare in net revenue and 7.4% more tons per hour harvested.
       
    • Corn Header Automation (2025 Agritechnica Silver Innovation winner) uses AI and advanced sensing to reduce crop losses, enhance performance, and cut fuel usage.
       
    • Kernel Processing System (2025 Agritechnica Silver Innovation winner) – installed on Forage Harvesters – employs sensors, cameras, and AI to tailor kernel processing for livestock feed, improving meat and milk nutrition.
       
    • FILLAutomation (future proof of concept) is mounted on the spout of a forage harvester. It scans the trailer pulled alongside it and automatically guides the spout for precise, even and efficient filling. This reduces operator fatigue and prevents spillage.
       
    • Advanced Guidance Systems for specialty tractors combine GPS and LIDAR to recognize row ends and automate path planning, supporting less experienced operators and boosting productivity.
       
    • R4 Autonomous Robot Family (a proof of concept debuting at Agritechnica) fully autonomous and cab-less vehicles featuring a hybrid or full electric powertrain. They execute repetitive, lower-value tasks – such as inter-row mowing, tillage, or spraying. This increases efficiency in high-value crops by alleviating labor shortages across the season and can deliver up to 100% CO2 reduction.

    AG TECH THAT THRIVES IN A CONNECTED ECOSYSTEM

    The commercially available CNH technologies listed above are fully integrated and enhanced through the FieldOps™ Digital Farm Management Platform, providing real-time data, fleet management, and remote support for customers of CNH brands Case IH, New Holland, and STEYR. This open digital ecosystem allows users to integrate with third parties such as agronomists and seed suppliers. Furthermore, dealers are equipped with CNH’s AI Tech Assistant to facilitate predictive maintenance and faster issue resolution.

    And all these technologies rely on uninterrupted connectivity. That is why CNH is committed to ensuring full connectivity in even the most remote, and currently under-served, rural areas through collaborations such as its latest satellite connectivity agreement with Starlink™. This open approach to connectivity enables farmers to work with their preferred partners, ensuring flexibility and compatibility across platforms.

    SOIL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

    A farmer’s number one asset is their land – often passed down through generations and vital for future productivity. Soil health determines not only yield but also the quality of the food we eat.

    With only 3% of the Earth’s surface suitable for crop production and 33% of soils already degraded, CNH’s technology is helping farmers increase productivity sustainably to preserve soil through:

    • Nutrient Stratification: Precision tillage and planting technologies ensure nutrients are optimally placed for each crop.
    • Crop Residue Management: Automation systems evenly distribute residue, improving soil fertility and reducing erosion.
    • Water Conservation: Variable rate applications and advanced irrigation management help conserve water and reduce waste.
    • Integrated Pest Management: AI-driven spraying targets only the necessary areas, reducing chemical use and environmental impact.

    As agriculture enters a new era of growth and innovation, CNH is committed to helping farmers protect their legacy and feed the future, one field at a time.

    CONNECT WITH CNH @ AGRITECHNICA

    Hanover, November 11, 2025

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  • Wessex Water agrees £11m package to cut sewage spills

    Wessex Water agrees £11m package to cut sewage spills

    BBC A close up of a piece of toilet paper caught on branches on the banks of the River Avon following Storm Henk in January 2024. BBC

    Wessex Water said the deal means the money will be used to benefit customers rather than going to HM Treasury

    A water company has agreed to fund £11m worth of improvements to cut sewage spills across its network to avoid a fine by the regulator.

    Wessex Water and its shareholders will pay for upgrades to reduce spills at storm overflow sites, extra monitoring equipment, and to help customers better manage rainwater at their properties.

    The company proposed the package to avoid a £10m penalty after an Ofwat investigation found it had failed to adequately maintain and upgrade its waste water network.

    Wessex Water and Ofwat said the deal would mean the money would be used for the benefit of its customers and the local environment, rather than going to HM Treasury.

    None of the sum will be paid by customers or added to bills, Ofwat said.

    A public consultation will now be held on the agreement before Ofwat makes it final decision to give it the go ahead.

    Lynn Parker, senior director for enforcement at Ofwat, said Wessex Water’s lack of investment “meant there were spills from storm overflows when there shouldn’t have been”.

    She added: “To their credit, the company has been one of the more proactive in investigating and rectifying the problems identified.

    “However, there remain breaches which must be accounted for and corrected.”

    Trees on the banks of the River Avon coated with toilet paper and debris following Storm Henk in January 2024.

    Ofwat found Wessex Water failed to adequately invest in its sewage network

    A spokesperson for Wessex Water said: “We regret the impact our waste water performance has had on customers and the environment.

    “When the issues at our treatment sites were identified we were quick to fix them, but we do agree that there is much more to do – particularly in areas where groundwater enters the sewerage network and can result in overflows operating long after rainfall events.”

    “The proposals in this package will tackle the problem directly, sealing pipes on private land that we would not normally have powers over, as well as additional monitoring and initiatives like water butts and rain gardens to help customers treat rainwater as a valuable resource,” they added.

    “This not only prevents pollution but also reduces the risk of sewer flooding for communities.”

    The company said it was planning investment of £300m in its sewerage infrastructure by 2030, including expansion of key wastewater treatment sites.

    It added that a key part of its strategy is to encourage sustainable rainwater management to prevent it overwhelming the sewage system during heavy rain.

    Ofwat is conducting a country-wide investigation into failings by water companies, which has so far seen five providers pay £240m in redress packages.

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  • AMD expected to outline plans for AI chip business at analyst day – Reuters

    1. AMD expected to outline plans for AI chip business at analyst day  Reuters
    2. AMD Stock Surges, Fueled By Taiwan Semi Growth, Shutdown Deal – Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD)  Benzinga
    3. AMD’s First-Ever Analyst Day Is Today. Wall Street Is Watching for Catalysts.  Yahoo Finance
    4. AMD Hosts Analyst Day Today. An AI Forecast Will Be the Focus.  Barron’s
    5. Revenue Surges: Is It Time to Buy AMD Stock?  AOL.com

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  • Unipol Assicurazioni Leverages IBM watsonx to Build a New AI-driven Automation Platform

    Unipol Assicurazioni Leverages IBM watsonx to Build a New AI-driven Automation Platform

    A renewed collaboration agreement to continue the digital transformation process and create an artificial intelligence ecosystem

    Nov 11, 2025

    Milan, November 11th – IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Unipol Assicurazioni, one of Europe’s largest insurance groups and leader in Italy in the non-life sector, are renewing their collaboration to continue the Company’s digital transformation journey they embarked on over a year ago. This journey, starting with the adoption of hybrid cloud by design, is evolving towards strengthening the IT infrastructure with the new z17 technology and expanding AI capabilities directly onto production mainframe data.

    Using IBM’s next-generation mainframe and storage technologies alongside hybrid multi-cloud platforms like Red Hat OpenShift, has enabled the company’s IT division to more effectively meet growing customer needs and facilitate the deployment of an innovative automation project powered by watsonx, IBM’s suite for traditional and generative AI solutions.

    NAMI, meaning ‘wave’ in Japanese, is the new platform created by Unipol’s IT division and designed to modernize how Unipol manages its IT operations. It operates within Unipol’s on-premises infrastructure, blending the security and control of on-premise solutions with the scalability of cloud computing. IBM watsonx was chosen for its open nature as an AI platform, allowing native integration with RedHat OpenShift and compatibility with existing tools like Ansible, in addition to access to a library of foundation models, including specialized models, enabling the selection of the optimal solution for specific use cases while optimizing resources and costs.

    Initially trained on IBM Cloud, the platform was later migrated on-premises for data security and governance purposes. This hybrid approach allows Unipol to leverage cloud resource flexibility while maintaining agile development, high performance, and strict control over sensitive data within its data centers.

    Thanks to these features, Unipol Assicurazioni’s IT has significantly increased operational efficiency, reducing incident handling time by 90% and helping technical teams analyze data more quickly.

    This project is the outcome of close collaboration with IBM, marking a significant step toward our vision of a modern, scalable IT infrastructure that quickly and flexibly responds to business demands“, said Mario Bocca CIO of Unipol. “Our hybrid infrastructure has empowered NAMI and will eventually enable us to create an AI ecosystem available not only for IT operations but also for the rest of the company“.

    Unipol’s strategic growth and modernization journey has effectively leveraged the hybrid cloud by design approach with AI-powered automation features, said Nico Losito, Vice President of IBM Technology Italy. “IBM will continue to collaborate with Unipol to enhance and expand NAMI’s functionalities based on watsonx and to continue our shared path of innovation. This is a crucial milestone for the Italian market, showcasing how an advanced hybrid cloud infrastructure can enable enterprise AI solutions to gain a competitive sector advantage“.

    About IBM

    IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com

    About Unipol

    It is one of the leading insurance groups in Europe and a leader in Italy in the non-life insurance sector (particularly in the auto and health sectors), with total premiums of €15.6 billion, of which €9.2 billion in non-life insurance and €6.4 billion in life insurance (2024 data). It adopts an integrated offering strategy and covers the full range of insurance products, operating primarily through its parent company Unipol Assicurazioni, UniSalute (the leader in health insurance in Italy), Linear (direct auto insurance), Arca Vita and Arca Assicurazioni (life and non-life bancassurance, through branches of BPER, Banca Popolare di Sondrio, and other banks), SIAT (transport insurance), and DDOR (an insurance company operating in Serbia). It also operates in the real estate, hotel (UNA Italian Hospitality), healthcare (Santagostino), and wine (Tenute del Cerro) sectors. The ordinary shares of Unipol Assicurazioni S.p.A. They have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 1990 and are present in the FTSE MIB® and MIB® ESG.

     

    Media contact:

    Claudia Ruffini

    IBM

    cla@it.ibm.com

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  • Unipol Assicurazioni Leverages IBM watsonx to Build a New AI-driven Automation Platform

    Unipol Assicurazioni Leverages IBM watsonx to Build a New AI-driven Automation Platform

    A renewed collaboration agreement to continue the digital transformation process and create an artificial intelligence ecosystem

    Nov 11, 2025

    Milan, November 11th – IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Unipol Assicurazioni, one of Europe’s largest insurance groups and leader in Italy in the non-life sector, are renewing their collaboration to continue the Company’s digital transformation journey they embarked on over a year ago. This journey, starting with the adoption of hybrid cloud by design, is evolving towards strengthening the IT infrastructure with the new z17 technology and expanding AI capabilities directly onto production mainframe data.

    Using IBM’s next-generation mainframe and storage technologies alongside hybrid multi-cloud platforms like Red Hat OpenShift, has enabled the company’s IT division to more effectively meet growing customer needs and facilitate the deployment of an innovative automation project powered by watsonx, IBM’s suite for traditional and generative AI solutions.

    NAMI, meaning ‘wave’ in Japanese, is the new platform created by Unipol’s IT division and designed to modernize how Unipol manages its IT operations. It operates within Unipol’s on-premises infrastructure, blending the security and control of on-premise solutions with the scalability of cloud computing. IBM watsonx was chosen for its open nature as an AI platform, allowing native integration with RedHat OpenShift and compatibility with existing tools like Ansible, in addition to access to a library of foundation models, including specialized models, enabling the selection of the optimal solution for specific use cases while optimizing resources and costs.

    Initially trained on IBM Cloud, the platform was later migrated on-premises for data security and governance purposes. This hybrid approach allows Unipol to leverage cloud resource flexibility while maintaining agile development, high performance, and strict control over sensitive data within its data centers.

    Thanks to these features, Unipol Assicurazioni’s IT has significantly increased operational efficiency, reducing incident handling time by 90% and helping technical teams analyze data more quickly.

    This project is the outcome of close collaboration with IBM, marking a significant step toward our vision of a modern, scalable IT infrastructure that quickly and flexibly responds to business demands“, said Mario Bocca CIO of Unipol. “Our hybrid infrastructure has empowered NAMI and will eventually enable us to create an AI ecosystem available not only for IT operations but also for the rest of the company“.

    Unipol’s strategic growth and modernization journey has effectively leveraged the hybrid cloud by design approach with AI-powered automation features, said Nico Losito, Vice President of IBM Technology Italy. “IBM will continue to collaborate with Unipol to enhance and expand NAMI’s functionalities based on watsonx and to continue our shared path of innovation. This is a crucial milestone for the Italian market, showcasing how an advanced hybrid cloud infrastructure can enable enterprise AI solutions to gain a competitive sector advantage“.

    About IBM

    IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com

    About Unipol

    It is one of the leading insurance groups in Europe and a leader in Italy in the non-life insurance sector (particularly in the auto and health sectors), with total premiums of €15.6 billion, of which €9.2 billion in non-life insurance and €6.4 billion in life insurance (2024 data). It adopts an integrated offering strategy and covers the full range of insurance products, operating primarily through its parent company Unipol Assicurazioni, UniSalute (the leader in health insurance in Italy), Linear (direct auto insurance), Arca Vita and Arca Assicurazioni (life and non-life bancassurance, through branches of BPER, Banca Popolare di Sondrio, and other banks), SIAT (transport insurance), and DDOR (an insurance company operating in Serbia). It also operates in the real estate, hotel (UNA Italian Hospitality), healthcare (Santagostino), and wine (Tenute del Cerro) sectors. The ordinary shares of Unipol Assicurazioni S.p.A. They have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 1990 and are present in the FTSE MIB® and MIB® ESG.

     

    Media contact:

    Claudia Ruffini

    IBM

    cla@it.ibm.com

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  • Zenith gets permit; Georgina buys assets

    (Alliance News) – The following stocks are the leading risers and fallers among London Main Market small-caps on Tuesday.

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    SMALL-CAP – WINNERS

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    Zenith Energy Ltd, up 18% at 3.18 pence, 12-month range 1.45p-17p. The oil company with interests in Italy, Tunisia and the US says regional authorities in Lombardy have accepted its exploration permit applications for Italy’s two largest uranium deposits, Val Vedello and Novazza. The projects, first developed by AGIP Nucleare SPA in the 1960s and 1980s, together contain an estimated 15 million pounds of uranium oxide0., with extensive existing underground infrastructure. Zenith says the decision marks a “major value-generation opportunity”, leaving only environmental impact assessments before final licence approval expected in mid-2026. The company plans to advance the projects through its new Italian subsidiary, Futuro Energetico Italiano Srl, and is exploring options to spin out the uranium assets into a separately listed vehicle.

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    Quantum Data Energy PLC, up 8.0% at 18.15p, 12-month range 5.4p-187p. Says it has signed a partnership agreement with datacentre operator Navon World, strengthening its 1-gigawatt AI datacentre power strategy. Navon will join Quantum’s existing collaboration with Carbon Zero Markets, with the partners working together to develop modular AI datacentre campuses of 25 to 50 megawatts across the UK and internationally. The developer of reserve power generation plants, formerly known as Mast Energy Developments, adds that it is in talks with one of the UK’s largest residential property developers to provide power resilience solutions and explore a joint venture for potential datacentre sites. CEO Pieter Krugel says the deal “bolsters our plans to deliver up to 1GW of AI datacentre-power campuses,” with Bristol identified as an early focus location.

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    SMALL-CAP – LOSERS

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    GSTechnologies Ltd, down 9.4% at 0.725p, 12-month range 0.6p-3.3p. The fintech company says five of six resolutions were passed at its annual general meeting on Tuesday, but shareholders voted against the disapplication of pre-emption rights. Resolution six, which sought authority to issue new shares without offering them first to existing shareholders, was not carried. All other resolutions, including the adoption of accounts, reappointment of directors Bai Guojin and Shayne Tan, and auditor approval, were carried.

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    Georgina Energy PLC, down 8.2% at 4.91p, 12-month range 4.25p-11p. The helium and hydrogen exploration company says it has agreed to acquire three subsidiaries of Central Petroleum Ltd that hold interests in major exploration permits across Australia’s Amadeus Basin. The assets include the Mt Kitty, Dukas, and Mahler prospects, which contain high concentrations of helium, hydrogen and hydrocarbons, with Mt Kitty already hosting 2C contingent resources. Upon completion, Central Petroleum will hold 25% of Georgina’s share capital. The deal remains subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, a GBP7 million fundraise, and publication of a prospectus. CEO Anthony Hamilton says the transaction is “transformational,” adding valuable production potential.

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    By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter

    Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

    Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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  • German investor morale declines unexpectedly in November, ZEW finds – Reuters

    1. German investor morale declines unexpectedly in November, ZEW finds  Reuters
    2. One third of companies in Germany to cut jobs in 2026  IamExpat in Germany
    3. When is the German ZEW Survey and how could it affect EUR/USD?  FXStreet
    4. German businesses see economic stagnation this year, 0.7% growth next  The Mighty 790 KFGO
    5. German economy remains stagnant despite new government  AnewZ

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