• CBC Group and Mubadala acquire UCB’s mature neurology and allergy business in China for US$680 million.
• New company is named NeuroGen Pharma, led by an experienced management team with a strong track record in the biopharma industry.
• Strategic acquisition under CBC’s buyout strategy expected to drive significant value creation and positive patient outcomes through CBC’s proven investor-operator approach and solution.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — CBC Group (“CBC”), Asia’s largest healthcare-dedicated asset management firm headquartered in Singapore, has completed the strategic acquisition of global biopharmaceutical company UCB’s mature neurology and allergy business in China, in partnership with Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi based global investment company. The acquisition marks another successful transaction under CBC’s buyout strategy of acquiring key assets from global pharmaceutical companies and a significant step in establishing a market-leading neurology company in China while expanding CBC’s portfolio within the region’s dynamic pharmaceutical market. The transaction, valued at US$680 million, includes UCB’s well-known brands Keppra®, Vimpat®, Neupro®, Zyrtec®, Xyzal®, and the Zhuhai manufacturing site.

The well-established and trusted medicine portfolio will serve as an anchor asset as CBC builds out a leading integrated central nervous system (CNS) biopharma platform in China, where the market size has reached US$33 billion¹. Beyond strengthening CBC’s presence in the rapidly growing Chinese healthcare market, the acquisition also enhances the firm’s capabilities in meeting the rising demand for neurology and allergy treatments in the wider region. In collaboration with Mubadala, CBC will tap on its proprietary investor-operator approach, deep healthcare expertise and platform synergies to drive operational efficiencies, innovation and scale to benefit more patients across the region.

Fu Wei, Chief Executive Officer of CBC Group, said, “There is clear potential within the regional healthcare space to better serve patients with unmet medical needs in this growing CNS therapeutics market, and we are delighted to partner with Mubadala once again. This acquisition complements our existing healthcare ecosystem and aligns with our robust buyout strategy, which is strategically positioned to drive long-term, sustainable value in today’s healthcare investing market. Together, we are making a profound impact on the industry by harnessing our combined expertise and capital to not only enhance patient outcomes but also build value for our stakeholders. Leveraging our joint strengths, we are poised to capitalize on synergies and deploy hands-on strategic guidance to make significant strides in CNS market access and innovation.”

Named “NeuroGen Pharma”, the new company embodies what CBC and Mubadala envision for neuro healthcare innovation. The company will be led by a deep and experienced management team with an extensive track record in the biopharma industry, ensuring a smooth transition to propel into the next phase of growth. NeuroGen Pharma is expected to deliver quality treatments to a wider reach of patients and play an important role in addressing the evolving neurology treatment needs in China. The company aims to leverage innovative therapies and cutting-edge research to enhance patient outcomes and shape the future of neurology care in the region.

Combined net sales for the acquired portfolio in this transaction were Euro131 million in 2023. The strategic acquisition builds on CBC’s collaboration with Mubadala, which includes their investment in CBC Healthcare Infrastructure Platform’s (HIP) first life science real assets venture and the joint investment in the US$315 million fundraising round for CBC-backed Hasten, a leading pharmaceutical company.

Mohamed Albadr, Head of Asia at Mubadala, said, “We are thrilled to partner with CBC Group to support the growth and development of NeuroGen Pharma as it scales to a leading entity in China and delivers transformative medicines to patients. Built on a strong foundation of proven therapies and driven by innovation and cutting-edge research, the company is uniquely positioned to address the growing need for advanced neurology and allergy treatments while aligning with our commitment to enhancing access to care and growth in the healthcare system.”

Jean-Christophe Tellier, CEO at UCB, said, “In the short term, UCB is exploring the launch of novel medicines in immunology, neurology, and rare diseases in China. Our dedication to serving patients with unmet needs in China remains steadfast. Building on our 28-year presence in the country, we are committed to driving patient outcomes through continued collaboration with local partners and fostering innovation. We are convinced that the CBC Group and Mubadala are the ideal partners to advance the medicine portfolio and continue to improve the lives of people living with neurology and allergy diseases in mainland China.”

About CBC Group

Headquartered in Singapore, CBC Group is Asia’s largest healthcare-dedicated asset management firm, with an AUM of US$9 billion. With a diversified, multi-product strategy, CBC Group is focused on platform-building, buyout, private credit and royalties, and real estate, across the healthcare space, including pharmaceutical, biotech, medical technology, and healthcare services.

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We are committed to creating lasting value by integrating global innovations and talents. Partnering with the world’s top entrepreneurs and scientists, our unique “investor-operator” approach has empowered leading healthcare companies to widen access to affordable medical care, catalyse innovations, and improve efficiencies in fulfilling unmet medical needs worldwide.

For more information on CBC Group, please visit www.cbridgecap.com/.
Connect with us on LinkedIn (CBC Group).

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With approximately 9,000 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of €5.3 billion in 2023. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCB_news.

About Mubadala

Mubadala Investment Company is a sovereign investor managing a global portfolio, aimed at generating sustainable financial returns for the Government of Abu Dhabi. 

Mubadala’s $302 billion (AED 1,111 billion) portfolio spans six continents with interests in multiple sectors and asset classes. We leverage our deep sectoral expertise and long-standing partnerships to drive sustainable growth and profit, while supporting the continued diversification and global integration of the economy of the United Arab Emirates. 

For more information about Mubadala Investment Company, please visit: www.mubadala.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cbc-group-completes-strategic-acquisition-of-ucbs-mature-product-portfolio-in-china-302319018.html

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SUGAR LAND, Texas, Nov. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Noble Corporation plc (“Noble”) (NYSE: NE, CSE: NOBLE) today announces changes to its share capital. During the month of November, Noble has repurchased approximately USD 36.6 million of A ordinary shares under its previously announced share repurchase plan at a weighted average price of approximately USD 33.85 per A ordinary share.

During the period since October 31, 2024, 12,536 new A ordinary shares each with a nominal value of USD 0.00001 have been issued.

6,992 new A ordinary shares have been issued to certain holders of warrants as a consequence of the exercise of warrants. The exercise price was USD 19.27 per A ordinary share for 5,845 of the new A ordinary shares, USD 23.13 per A ordinary share for 465 of the new A ordinary shares, USD 124.40 per A ordinary share for 24 of the new A ordinary shares, USD 29.22 per Diamond Offshore Common Stock delivered as Merger Consideration for 648 of the new A ordinary shares and 10 new A ordinary shares were issued as a result of a cashless exercise. The total proceeds to Noble from the warrant exercises amount to approximately USD 0.1 million.

Additionally, 5,544 new A ordinary shares have been issued to certain employees of Noble at no cost as a result of the vesting of restricted stock units.

The new A ordinary shares carry the same rights as the existing A ordinary shares of Noble. The new A ordinary shares will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange as well as admitted to trading and official listing on Nasdaq Copenhagen. 

As a result of the changes, there are a total of 160,382,900 A ordinary shares of Noble issued and outstanding with a nominal value of USD 0.00001 each.

Pursuant to section 32 of the Danish Capital Markets Act, Noble also hereby announces the total nominal value of its issued share capital and the total number of voting rights:

	Number of shares	Number of voting rights	Share capital Advertisement
A ordinary shares of USD 0.00001	160,382,900	160,382,900	1,603.82900
Total	160,382,900	160,382,900	1,603.82900

Noble has received approval from Nasdaq Copenhagen for a voluntary delisting of its shares on Nasdaq Copenhagen 

Noble has on November 18, 2024 received approval from Nasdaq Copenhagen for a voluntary removal from trading and official listing of its shares (in the form of share entitlements) (the “Danish Shares“) on Nasdaq Copenhagen (the “Delisting“).

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The last day of trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen will be December 16, 2024 and the Delisting will be effective on December 17, 2024. Following the Delisting, the Danish Shares will no longer be tradable on Nasdaq Copenhagen.

In connection with the Delisting, holders of Danish Shares may:

• Dispose of their Danish Shares on Nasdaq Copenhagen before the Delisting is effective; or
• Convert their Danish Shares to an equivalent number of Noble shares tradeable on the New York Stock Exchange.

Alternatively, holders of Danish Shares may do nothing but will hold an illiquid asset following the Delisting.

For further information about the Delisting or the options available to holders of Danish Shares, see Noble’s announcement of November 14, 2024 regarding the submission of request for removal from trading and official listing on Nasdaq Copenhagen.

Additional information regarding the Delisting can be found on our website at www.noblecorp.com.

About Noble Corporation 
Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry.  The Company owns and operates one of the most modern, versatile, and technically advanced fleets in the offshore drilling industry.  Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.  Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of offshore drilling units focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide.  For further information visit www.noblecorp.com or email [email protected].

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 
This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute or contain any invitation, solicitation, recommendation, offer or advice to any person to subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of Noble.

Certain statements in this announcement, including any attachments hereto, may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements (other than statements of historical fact) relating to future events and Noble and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Noble Group”) anticipated or planned financial and operational performance. The words “targets”, “believes”, “continues”, “expects”, “aims”, “intends”, “plans”, “seeks”, “will”, “may”, “might”, “anticipates”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “estimates”, “projects”, “potentially” or similar expressions or the negatives thereof, identify certain of these forward-looking statements. The absence of these words, however, does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. Other forward-looking statements can be identified in the context in which the statements are made.

Although Noble believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date of this announcement, such forward-looking statements are based on Noble’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, assumptions and projections about the Noble Group’s business and the industry in which the Noble Group operates and/or which has been extracted from publications, reports and other documents prepared by the Noble Group and are not guarantees of future performance or development and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors beyond the Noble Group’s control that could cause the Noble Group’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statements included in this announcement, including any attachment hereto, speak only as of today. Noble does not intend, and does not assume, any obligations to update any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as may be required by law or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq Copenhagen. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Noble or to persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements referred to above and contained in this announcement, including any attachment hereto.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/noble-corporation-plc-announces-changes-to-its-share-capital-including-share-repurchases-for-the-month-of-november-2024-302318998.html

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Curated in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The global financial industry stands at a pivotal juncture, facing a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by technological disruption, sustainability mandates, and geopolitical uncertainties. The end of prolonged accommodative monetary policies has ushered in an era of increased scrutiny, regulatory tightening, and heightened demand for innovation. At the same time, financial technology (fintech) continues to transform the sector, driving new opportunities and challenges for traditional banking systems.

This article delves into the strategic issues currently defining Banking and Capital Markets. Drawing from expert insights curated by Lutfey Siddiqi, Visiting Professor-in-Practice at LSE, it examines the dynamic risk environment, emerging technology trends, shifts in banking business models, and the growing focus on sustainability and talent development.

Key Issues Influencing Banking and Capital Markets

• The Financial Risk Landscape: Heightened geopolitical tensions and regulatory demands are reshaping the industry.
• Financial Technology: Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain offer potential but also pose significant implementation challenges.
• Banking Business Models: Institutions are adopting diverse strategies to navigate competition and shifting market demands.
• Financial Talent: Attracting the next generation of banking professionals requires a clear purpose and forward-thinking policies.
• Sustainability and Finance: Balancing environmental and social goals with immediate business priorities is a growing challenge.

1. Latest Insights: Shifting the Banking Paradigm

Experts highlight the profound challenges and opportunities facing financial institutions today. From geopolitical volatility to advances in fintech, the banking landscape demands unprecedented agility. Recent developments include:

• Monetary Policy Adjustments: China’s central bank explores easing policies to boost investment.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Global banking rules, such as Basel 3.1 reforms, are under review, signaling potential shifts in global supervision.
• Financial Inclusion: Updates from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) aim to balance anti-money laundering standards with broader access to financial services.

These trends emphasize the need for financial institutions to anticipate disruptions while fostering resilience and innovation.

2. Strategic Context: Transforming Banking in a High-Stakes Era

2.1 The Financial Risk Landscape

Banks are grappling with an increasingly volatile environment characterized by geopolitical tensions, regulatory reforms, and market disruptions. The end of ultra-loose monetary policies has highlighted weaknesses in traditional funding models, exemplified by the high-profile collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse in 2023.

Regulators are tightening oversight, expanding their focus to include non-bank institutions and fintech companies. Additionally, rising geopolitical tensions demand localized data operations, robust cybersecurity measures, and new approaches to global strategy.

Key takeaway: In an age of uncertainty, resilience and stability are essential.

2.2 Financial Technology

The Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to reshape banking through advancements like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing. However, challenges remain, such as limited real-world blockchain applications and increasing cybersecurity risks tied to digitalization.

Financial institutions must adopt technology thoughtfully, focusing on solutions that address specific operational pain points and align with organizational goals. Balancing efficiency with contingency planning for outages and cyber threats is paramount.

Key takeaway: Tech adoption must prioritize practicality, security, and alignment with purpose.

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2.3 Banking Business Models

Global trends are driving a diversification of banking models. Some institutions are scaling back operations in unprofitable markets, while others are leveraging acquisitions or digital innovation to expand. The rise of big tech competitors—armed with vast behavioral data—adds a new layer of complexity to the competitive landscape.

Emerging trends include:

• Consolidation of corporate and private banking services.
• Strategic retreats from costly markets, such as HSBC’s exit from US retail banking.
• Big tech firms offering financial services as data-driven loss leaders.

Key takeaway: Differentiation and adaptability are critical in a fragmented, competitive market.

2.4 Financial Talent

The banking sector faces a mounting talent crisis, particularly among younger generations who view the industry as outdated or misaligned with their values. To attract top talent, banks must redefine their purpose and emphasize their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and career growth opportunities.

Surveys indicate that young professionals seek workplaces offering training, flexibility, and inclusive leadership. Reskilling initiatives and a focus on digital expertise will also be key to preparing employees for the future.

Key takeaway: A compelling vision for the future of banking is essential to attract and retain top talent.

2.5 Sustainability and Finance

Sustainability has become a focal point for the financial industry, driven by growing demand for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. However, backlash against greenwashing and tokenism has led banks to reevaluate their approaches.

Balancing short-term priorities like energy security with long-term goals like combating climate change requires bold leadership. Opportunities abound in areas such as carbon trading, green bonds, and sustainability-linked investment products. However, success demands authenticity and a commitment to systemic change.

Key takeaway: Embedding sustainability into core operations is vital for long-term success.

Transformation Maps: A Strategic Tool for Leaders

This analysis leverages the World Economic Forum’s Strategic Intelligence Transformation Maps, which provide an interconnected view of global trends and challenges. These tools enable leaders to explore key topics, such as cybersecurity, fintech, and sustainability, and understand how they shape the future of Banking and Capital Markets.

Conclusion

The financial industry’s journey through this transformative era requires agility, innovation, and a deep commitment to purpose. From adapting to geopolitical tensions to embracing sustainability and nurturing top talent, financial institutions must strike a delicate balance between tradition and progress.

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By leveraging technology, redefining business models, and embedding ESG principles into their strategies, the sector can navigate today’s challenges and build a resilient, forward-thinking future.

For more insights and resources, visit the World Economic Forum’s Strategic Intelligence platform.

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