Fintech PR
EQT to acquire KJ Environment and affiliated companies to establish a leading waste treatment platform in South Korea
- KJ Environment and affiliated companies to form an end-to-end business portfolio in the waste treatment value chain specialized in plastic recycling and waste-to-energy
- Global demand for recycled plastic is expected to accelerate due to strengthened regulations as well as voluntary commitments by companies in the private sector
- EQT will help establish a scaled and diversified end-to-end waste treatment platform with a focus on circular economy infrastructure
STOCKHOLM, Aug. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — EQT is pleased to announce that EQT Infrastructure VI (“EQT”) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KJ Environment and affiliated companies (collectively the “Platform”) from Genesis Private Equity, an environmental and energy infrastructure specialist, to establish a scaled and diversified end-to-end waste treatment platform focused on plastic recycling and waste-to-energy in South Korea.
The Platform comprises an end-to-end business portfolio in the waste treatment value chain, with core competencies in recyclable waste sorting, plastic recycling and waste-to-energy capabilities. It has strategically located sites in the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area, serving catchment areas covering more than 50% of the country’s population and its GDP.
The Platform is a leading plastic recycler in South Korea in terms of treated volume, with stable access to high-quality waste plastic feedstock and cutting-edge technology to produce advanced recycled plastics suitable for food and beverage products that involve human contact. As a result, the Platform is well-positioned to advance its leadership in waste treatment with a focus on circular economy infrastructure.
Global demand for recycled plastic is expected to accelerate due to strengthened regulations mandating its use across a myriad of products and applications as well as voluntary commitments in the private sector, most notably in consumer-packaged goods. Sorting plays a particularly critical role in South Korea’s waste treatment value chain as all recyclable waste is aggregated and processed at sites before being transferred to recycling facilities.
The acquisition marks EQT’s second infrastructure investment in South Korea, and is aligned with EQT’s thematic approach to investing in climate-related infrastructure opportunities, supporting resource efficiency and a more circular economy. EQT is committed to working closely with KJ Environment and the affiliated companies to provide both capital and operational support to deepen and expand its customer partnerships, introduce automated machinery and digital solutions, and continue to build trust within the communities it serves.
Sang Jun Suh, Partner in the EQT Infrastructure Advisory Team, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with KJ Environment and its talented management team. We look forward to applying EQT’s extensive experience investing in sustainable waste and recycling solutions across geographies, combined with our strong local footprint and industrial network, to help KJ Environment elevate into a true market leader in the waste treatment space. This investment also marks EQT’s latest milestone in South Korea, a market we believe holds tremendous potential and is strategically important to our regional investment strategy.”
The Platform adds to EQT’s global portfolio of companies which engage in waste-related business and builds on EQT’s track record of supporting infrastructure companies in the Asia Pacific region. Since 2020, EQT Infrastructure has committed EUR 5 billion of equity, including co-investment, in Asia Pacific companies. The portfolio managed by EQT’s infrastructure team in Asia Pacific employs approximately 11,000 people.
EQT has been investing in South Korea since 2009 and views the market as a key part of the firm’s Asia Pacific strategy across infrastructure, private equity, and real estate investing. EQT Infrastructure looks to support South Korean businesses in achieving their growth and operational objectives by leveraging the expertise of EQT’s global sector teams, in-house expert capabilities within sustainability and digitalization, and global network of Industrial Advisors.
The transaction is subject to customary conditions and approvals. It is expected to close in Q4 2024.
EQT was advised by JP Morgan (financial), Kim & Chang (legal), and PwC (financial and tax).
With this transaction, EQT Infrastructure VI is expected to be 45-50 percent invested (including closed and/or signed investments, announced public offers, if applicable, and less any expected syndication) based on target fund size and subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Contact
EQT Press Office, [email protected]
The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security, and may not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or solicitation. Any offer or solicitation in respect of EQT Infrastructure VI will be made only through a confidential private placement memorandum and related documents which will be furnished to qualified investors on a confidential basis in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution to persons in the United States of America. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold without registration thereunder or pursuant to an available exemption therefrom. Any offering of securities to be made in the United States would have to be made by means of an offering document that would be obtainable from the issuer or its agents and would contain detailed information about the issuer of the securities and its management, as well as financial information. The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration.
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The following files are available for download:
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KJ Environment |
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https://mb.cision.com/Public/87/4023436/9e267f79e5ea1c1f.pdf |
KJ Environment and affiliated companies – EQT Press Release 15082024 |
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/eqt-to-acquire-kj-environment-and-affiliated-companies-to-establish-a-leading-waste-treatment-platform-in-south-korea-302224136.html
VILNIUS, Lithuania, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The ARMswap team is thrilled to announce the launch of its 1st version of its DeFi protocol. The web3 world is booming with numerous layer-1 and layer-2 blockchains, each having their unique algorithms and capabilities. However, their closed architecture hinders seamless interaction and information flow between networks, creating inefficiencies. ARMswap’s launch addresses this fundamental inefficiency in the current blockchain architecture and introduces a more optimized version of the multi-directional cross-chain swaps and bridges.
Simplifying Cross-Chain Transactions
“The fragmentation of blockchain networks has been a critical issue, and users were compelled to navigate through various DEXs and third-party bridges to perform a single cross-chain transaction,” notes the CTO of ARMswap. “ARMswap’s launch represents a watershed moment in addressing this fragmentation that has constrained Defi’s evolution.”
ARMswap’s architecture, validated through rigorous security audits by the leading Blockchain security firm Hashlock, combines advanced cryptographic protection for user funds. ARMswap’s protocol delivers secure and rapid swap/bridge operations, setting new industry benchmarks for transaction processing efficiency.
The platform supports 31 blockchains and their native coins in its V1 launch in Jan 2025, with plans for expansion to include more blockchains every quarter.
In V2, ARMswap will integrate with protocols like Chainlink, Axelar network, Layer zero, Wormhole, etc., to provide extensive coverage of EVM & non-EVM chains. In V3, Armswap will introduce its own framework for relayers and oracles for seamless interoperability across Web3.
ARMSP Fair Launch
ARMswap is launching its utility token, ARMSP, in Jan 2025, incentivizing liquidity providers to actively participate in the ecosystem and to share platform and pool returns with the platform participants.
ARMswap is also releasing its DeFi Mobile App (IOS & Android) in March 2025, enabling users to connect their existing wallets and perform swap transactions and participate in liquidity pools and rewards.
Limited Supply
Join the ARMswap V1 platform and participate in the ARMSP token Fair Launch on 13th Jan 2025, with a limited supply of 400 million tokens out of 1.25 billion max supplies. Early participants can enjoy bonuses and earn rewards through the ARMswap MVP program. After a 12-month vesting period, ARMSP will be listed on all major exchanges globally.
About ARMswap:
ARMswap UAB simplifies cross-chain asset transfers and brings the power of Web3 and the de-centralization of blockchains into our daily lives and businesses.
Website: www.armswap.com
For Media Inquiries:
Contact Name: Husnain Aslam
Title: Chief Technology Officer
Email: [email protected]
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Fintech PR
Pricer and Focal Systems Announce Strategic Collaboration to Drive the Next Step in Physical Store Digitalization
Pricer, a global leader in digital shelf-edge solutions, and Focal Systems, a leader in shelf-edge AI, today announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate the digitization and optimization of the physical store for retailers worldwide.
STOCKHOLM, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This collaboration brings together Pricer’s innovations in dynamic pricing and shelf-edge communication with Focal Systems’ advanced computer vision and product availability solutions to maximize shopper satisfaction while optimizing retail operations.
As a pioneer in enabling dynamic pricing and digitizing shelf-edge shopper communication, Pricer has led the first step of the retail digitalization journey. Focal Systems has pioneered the application of computer vision to digitizing what products are available on-shelf or not in near real-time. Together, Pricer and Focal Systems will empower retailers to improve labor efficiency, reduce out-of-stocks, increase sales, and enhance shopper satisfaction like never before.
Enhancing the Shelf Edge Through Collaboration
By integrating Focal Systems’ AI-powered shelf vision cameras with Pricer’s leading electronic shelf label (ESL) platform, retailers will benefit from:
- Real-Time Shelf Insights: Automated detection and alerting of out-of-stock or low items powering rapid replenishment and increased shopper satisfaction
- Dynamic Task Automation: Streamlined workflows and prioritized tasks to improve operational efficiency for store staff.
- Patented Innovation: Camera-based out of stock detection and communication, flashing ESLs, alternate location communication.
- Seamless Integration: Standardized API connections that deliver out-of-the-box value, offering synchronized ESL flashes, messaging updates, and shelf-edge intelligence.
Together, Pricer and Focal Systems demonstrate that the combined offerings deliver measurable value for the retailers by enabling a fully digitalized shelf-edge ecosystem.
Strategic Collaboration for the Future of Retail
“We are proud to combine our leadership in ESL technology with Focal Systems’ AI-powered shelf vision,” said Chris Chalkitis, CDO at Pricer. “Both companies share a belief in the digitalization of the physical store. Pricer has been a pioneer in dynamic pricing and shelf-edge communication. With Focal Systems, we take the next step, digitizing what’s on the shelf – and what’s not – to drive greater efficiency and performance for retailers.”
Focal Systems’ AI technology transforms retail operations through real-time shelf monitoring and replenishment task optimization.
“Partnering with Pricer, a global leader with groundbreaking ESL technology and innovation, creates tremendous value for retailers,” said Kevin H. Johnson, CEO at Focal Systems. “Together, we deliver an integrated, data-driven solution that reduces operational complexity, automates workflows, and enhances the in-store experience. We look forward to demonstrating this powerful collaboration to retailers and their customers.”
Showcasing the Future at NRF 2025
The collaboration will officially debut at the National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show in January 2025, where Pricer and Focal Systems will showcase the integrated solution at Pricer’s booth. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey to redefine the shelf edge and set new standards for retail innovation.
For further information, please contact:
Chris Chalkitis, Chief Digital Officer, +46 70 4849812
Finn Wikander, Chief Product Officer, +46 705 233077
[email protected]
About Pricer
Pricer is a leading global provider of digital shelf-edge solutions, helping retailers optimize pricing, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the customer experience. With patented innovations like camera-based product identification by ESL, Pricer continues to set the standard for dynamic, intelligent shelf-edge solutions. For more information, visit www.pricer.com.
About Focal Systems
Focal Systems is a leading provider of AI-powered computer vision solutions, helping retailers automate operations and optimize product availability through real-time shelf monitoring. Its advanced technology delivers actionable insights that drive efficiency and profitability. For more information, visit www.focal.systems.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
The following files are available for download:
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2025-01-12_Pricer_Focal_ENG |
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pricer-and-focal-systems-announce-strategic-collaboration-to-drive-the-next-step-in-physical-store-digitalization-302349036.html
– Office to corporation conversion reinforces local operations heightening global competitiveness
SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KT&G (KRX : 033780) is establishing a corporation in Uzbekistan handing local operations for earnest market expansion and increased profitability, aiming to strengthen competitiveness in the Eurasian region.
In 2023, KT&G set up an office in Uzbekistan and entered the market with the superslim brand “ESSE”.
Through the corporation conversion of the Uzbekistan office, KT&G plans to reinforce long-term competitiveness in the Eurasian region. To increase market presence, KT&G will increase the size of the local workforce by four times, and continue to widen distribution coverage by establishing detailed operational networks.
KT&G also plans to grow “ESSE” as a major brand in the Uzbekistan market, anticipating revenue and profit growth from market expansion.
KT&G has established regional CIC’s (Company-In-Company) in Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific regions to facilitate global business expansion. KT&G currently is operating in 132 countries across the globe through six sales corporations and three branches. Going forward, KT&G will continue to expand its global corporations to support direct global operations and continue efforts to increase profitability.
A KT&G spokesperson said that “the establishment of the Uzbekistan corporation is part of the ongoing investment and innovation for the leap to a ‘Global Top-Tier.’ KT&G will continue its global growth trends by reinforcing local operations.”
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ktg-establishes-uzbekistan-corporation-strengthening-eurasian-market-competitiveness-302348712.html
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