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Key updates from the French market include Airbus’s delivery of 766 aircraft and 826 net orders in 2024, Saint-Gobain’s commitment to retain its automotive glass division, and Safran’s €350 million share buyback initiative. Other notable announcements involve TotalEnergies’ $5 million settlement in a natural gas case, Ubisoft’s capital restructuring plans, and Abivax’s enrollment of 1,000 patients for clinical trials. Global highlights feature BBVA’s revised takeover strategy and GSK’s FDA approval for a new shingles syringe.
Key Announcements in France
In the rapidly changing landscape of the French market, several significant updates have emerged ahead of the trading session. Here’s a summary of the noteworthy news:
- Airbus has successfully delivered 766 aircraft in 2024, alongside securing 826 net orders.
- Saint-Gobain’s CEO has confirmed that the company has no intentions of divesting its automotive glass division.
- Safran has initiated a share buyback program, launching with an initial tranche of €350 million, part of a larger €5 billion plan extending to 2028.
- TotalEnergies agrees to pay $5 million to resolve a natural gas manipulation case with the FERC in the United States.
- Spie has also kicked off its own share buyback initiative.
- Ubisoft is contemplating a capital restructuring while announcing a delay in the release of the next Assassin’s Creed title.
- Ipsos has received a long-term credit rating of Baa3 from Moody’s and BBB from Fitch.
- Viridien reports improved performance for 2024, targeting $100 million in net cash generation this year.
- Bilendi has launched a new panel in the United States as part of its growth strategy.
- Abivax has successfully enrolled 1,000 patients for its ulcerative colitis treatment trials.
- Hydrogen Refueling Solutions has installed a new refueling station in Saudi Arabia.
- Innate Pharma has revealed its updated strategic direction.
- Ikonisys is repaying part of its Cambria debt through claims offset against funds raised from a reserved capital increase.
- Hopium is seeking alternative financing options due to inadequate guarantees for a conventional capital increase.
Global Market Updates
Shifting our focus beyond France, here are some significant announcements from around the globe:
Europe
- BBVA has revised its hostile takeover strategy for Banco de Sabadell, now aiming for a shareholding that grants at least a majority of effective voting rights, rather than the previously targeted 50.1%.
- Delfin, the Del Vecchio family holding company, has increased its ownership in Banca Monte dei Paschi from 3.5% to 9.78%.
- Volkswagen is working on a new salary structure aimed at reducing long-term wage costs.
- Prada is reportedly considering the acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings.
- Several firms are interested in forming partnerships with ThyssenKrupp’s marine division TKMS, following interest from Deutz, Luerssen, and Rheinmetall.
- GSK has received FDA approval for review of its new pre-filled syringe for shingles vaccination.
- Warehouses de Pauw has acquired the former Renault site in Vilvorde for €100 million.
- Holcim has appointed Jan Jenisch as CEO and chairman of its North American subsidiary.
- J Sainsbury reported a 2.8% increase in sales during the Christmas quarter.
- Ambu has raised its financial forecasts.
- Skanska has secured a €40 million contract for the modernization of Slovak stations.
- Shell and Chevron have commenced production at the Whale platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
North America
- Nvidia has voiced concerns regarding the Biden administration’s new restrictions on AI chip exports.
- Kroger will pay $110 million to settle lawsuits related to Kentucky’s opioid crisis.
- Clear Channel Outdoor has sold its North Europe segment to Bauer Media for $625 million.
- Tammy Romo, CFO of Southwest Airlines, is set to retire on April 1.
Asia Pacific and Beyond
- Apollo is reportedly looking to invest $9.5 billion in the management buyout of Seven & i, according to Bloomberg.
- TSMC has experienced a significant surge in sales for December.
- Chinese company Zijin Mining is in discussions to acquire a majority stake in Zangge Mining.
For further insights and additional publications from around the globe, stay tuned.
Recommended Readings
- How Trump could wipe out 40% of Tesla’s profits (Bloomberg, in English).
- 13 Observations on France (YM, in English).
- Greenland’s resources, between environmental protection and profit temptation (The Conversation).
- Are love songs doomed? (The Pudding, in English).
- The death and rebirth of Europe (Noema, in English).