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AL-BAHAR GROUP INCREASES INVESTMENT IN YOTEL

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YOTEL ANNOUNCES PLAN TO DOUBLE PORTFOLIO IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

LONDON, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — YOTEL, the global hotel brand challenging the status quo of the hospitality industry, (‘YOTEL’ or ‘the Company’), announces today that its majority shareholder the Al-Bahar Group (‘the Group’) has acquired an additional 30% stake in the Company. The stake was previously held by a controlled affiliate of Starwood Capital Group (“Starwood Capital”), a global investment firm focused on real estate. The investment increases the Group’s holding in YOTEL to more than 95%.

 

Talal Al Bahar, Chairman, YOTEL and Al-Bahar Group comments:
“I am delighted with the YOTEL team’s incredible achievements over the last 15 years. From humble beginnings, YOTEL is now a global company with an expansive portfolio of properties in prime locations. We are profitable, financially self-sustaining and growing rapidly.

I am truly grateful to Starwood Capital for their contribution to this success and for eight years of strong partnership.

Our investment today underscores our confidence in the future of YOTEL. Going forward, we will be looking for new and diverse opportunities to develop YOTEL’s brand awareness, franchise model and distribution, to support our ambitious growth plans. We are also making additional capital available for exceptional development opportunities. We are building YOTEL’s exciting future on very strong foundations.”

Hubert Viriot, CEO, YOTEL comments:
“Talal’s vision made YOTEL the success we are today. His additional investment is not just an endorsement of our potential, it also makes us more competitive and agile, simplifying our structure and giving us access to additional growth capital.

YOTEL is now one of very few independent, global asset-light hotel brands. Independence and financial stability give us a unique edge: enabling us to focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience and on long-term portfolio development.

In recent years we have significantly strengthened our senior team and built-out a sophisticated operating platform, to support our portfolio and accelerate future growth. YOTEL has an exciting future ahead with a strong development pipeline and, as announced in Berlin today at IHIF 2025, a plan to double the YOTEL portfolio to 15,000 rooms globally by 2030.”

Tim Abram, Managing Director, Global Co-Head of Hotels, Starwood Capital, comments:
“We would like to thank the Al-Bahar Group along with the rest of the Board, the Management team, and all the employees at YOTEL for their partnership and hard work over the last eight years. YOTEL has achieved tremendous growth over this time period, which is something everyone can be proud of.

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We wish the company the best of luck on the next exciting chapter of growth and meanwhile remain an enthusiastic partner of YOTEL as owners of two YOTEL properties.”

Starwood Capital, through its controlled affiliates, has been a powerful development partner, providing capital and expertise, helping to institutionalise the Company and grow the YOTEL portfolio from six to 34 properties (see appendix) in prime locations around the world.

About YOTEL

YOTEL is a global hospitality brand based in London, with regional offices in the US and Asia. It has a portfolio of three brands: YOTEL (city centre hotels), YOTELPAD (extended stay option) and YOTELAIR (airport hotels).

The Company has 23 operating hotels across 16 buzzing cities and airports around the world including New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Miami, Tokyo, Singapore, Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam, Porto, Geneva, Glasgow, Manchester, Paris, and Istanbul. In addition, it has 11 hotels in the pipeline due to open over the next 24 months in Lisbon, London, Belfast, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, New York, NEOM (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and Perth.

NOTE: The Al-Bahar Group’s stake is held through three different entities: United Investment Portugal, Kuwait Real Estate Company (Aqarat) and Med Al-Bahar International Limited.

The Al-Bahar Group has been invested in YOTEL since inception in 2005 and the Company’s major shareholder since 2013.

www.yotel.com 

About Al-Bahar Group

Al-Bahar Group is a diversified conglomerate comprising listed and unlisted companies across multiple sectors in the Gulf and beyond. Under the leadership of Talal Al-Bahar, the group maintains a strong presence in financial services, real estate, insurance and food, while expanding its footprint through strategic investments and subsidiaries.

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In Kuwait’s public market, Al-Bahar Group includes leading financial institutions such as Arzan Financial Group for Finance and Investment, Aldeera Holding, and International Financial Advisors Holding; real estate companies Kuwait Real Estate Company (AQARAT) and IFA Hotels and Resorts; and First Takaful Insurance Company providing Sharia-compliant insurance solutions.

Talal Al-Bahar also represents the group’s interests in Boursa Kuwait, Kuwait’s national stock exchange and in MIAX, a U.S.-based operator of global financial exchanges and execution services.

Al-Bahar Group’s companies also include EFS Facilities Services, United Hospitality Management (UHM), Strive Services Group, and Domus Managed Housing.

EFS is a regional powerhouse in integrated facilities management, operating across 25 countries while managing over 75 million square meters of real estate and a contract backlog exceeding $2.5 billion.

UHM brings +30 years of luxury hospitality expertise as a global management company, partnering with world-class brands including Marriott’s Luxury Collection, IHG’s Vignette Collection, Hyatt, Wyndham, Sheraton, YOTEL, Accor, Mövenpick, Bespoke Hotels, and voco Hotels.

Strive Services Group delivers an integrated facilities management solution for real estate asset owners across the UAE and beyond. Domus Managed Housing, a division of Strive Services Group, specializes in purpose-built corporate housing solutions for clients including Wyndham, Mövenpick, and Millennium Hotels.

Currently, Al-Bahar Group operates in over 25 countries, developed and invested in more than 80 projects, +21,000 keys, +3,000 commercial units, and +46 hotels under +10 international brands.

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Rönesans Holding to Fuel Economic Growth with New $2 Billion Polypropylene (PP) Production Plant and Terminal Investments in Türkiye

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  • Will be one of the largest industrial investments ever undertaken by the private sector in Türkiye and the largest investment in Rönesans’ history, expected to directly contribute $300 million annually to Türkiye’s balance of payments.
  • A total of $1.3 billion in financing, led by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for the PP production plant and Spain’s Export Credit Agency (Cesce) for the PP production plant and terminal, underscoring the project’s global importance.
  • The investments secure landmark partnership with Africa’s largest company, SONATRACH and one of the world’s leading integrated supply chain solution providers for specialty liquid bulk chemicals, Stolt-Nielsen.

ISTANBUL, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rönesans Holding, one of Türkiye’s largest contracting and investment conglomerates, has closed the financing to progress the development of a major new PP production plant and terminal facility, which will be one of the largest private sector investments in Türkiye.

Erman Ilıcak, Honorary President of Rönesans Holding
Rönesans Holding

This landmark undertaking, valued at $2 billion, is expected to boost Türkiye’s industrial self-sufficiency and strengthen its global trade position – reducing the country’s import dependence.

The development is comprised of two distinct components financed separately by international financiers. The first is the PP production plant, being developed by Rönesans and SONATRACH (as a shareholder and feedstock supplier), with an annual production capacity of 472,500 metric tons, meeting roughly 17% of Türkiye’s PP demand.

“This development exemplifies our commitment to sustainable, high-impact investments that support Türkiye’s economic and industrial ambitions,” said Erman Ilıcak, Honorary President of Rönesans Holding. “The Ceyhan PP Plant will not only bring hundreds of new jobs to the region but also secure a more resilient and competitive supply chain for PP, a vital raw material for industries across Türkiye and Europe. Furthermore, the fact that the project is fully financed by foreign resources highlights our ability to attract international investment, strengthening both foreign financing and FDI inflows into Türkiye.”

In this regard, Rachid Hachichi, CEO of SONATRACH also stated as follows: “The decision to invest in Türkiye is mainly driven by the dynamic and expanding market demand for PP. This location proves to be ideal considering its well-established and constantly evolving industry. In-depth studies reveal favourable economic prospects and promising profitability indicators.”

The second component is the terminal facility, which will be developed in partnership with Stolt-Nielsen’s global bulk liquid storage business, Stolthaven Terminals, and provide jetty and feedstock storage services for the new plant and other possible future customers.

Guy Bessant, President of Stolthaven Terminals, added: “We are pleased to partner with Rönesans Holding on this landmark project. Stolthaven Terminals has more than 50 years’ experience in the safe and efficient handling and storage of bulk liquids and gases, and proven expertise in developing complex and large-scale storage projects. This terminal will not only provide storage for the Ceyhan PP Plant but is also part of the DAPEK Industrial Zone which, in future, could provide storage and logistics solutions for local and international companies looking for distribution services in the region.”

Strong Partnerships and Sustainable Practices

The two projects will use environmentally advanced technology to ensure production efficiency and sustainability. The PP production plant aims to achieve the world’s lowest GHG emissions per tonne of PP produced globally, benefiting from 100% renewable electricity and high-efficiency production methods.

The projects have collectively attracted strong international financial backing with a loan package totalling $1.3 billion from international financiers, including, for the production plant, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) together with a consortium of international commercial lenders under Cesce coverage, including ING (also acting as Global Coordinator and Documentation Bank), BBVA, Denizbank AG – Austria, DZ BANK and TAEF (formerly Apicorp), with Deutsche Bank as Cesce Facility Agent and, for the Terminal, ING and BBVA under Cesce coverage along with Vakıfbank as commercial lender.

Economic Impact and Commitment to Regional Development

Türkiye is one of the world’s largest PP importers, with demand led by key sectors including automotive, textiles and packaging. Currently, the total annual PP consumption in Türkiye is approximately 2.7 million metric tons, with domestic production able to supply only around 100,000 metric tons of material to the market.

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The Ceyhan PP production plant will be strategically located within Türkiye’s DAPEK Industrial Zone, providing logistical and financial advantages that are set to support the local economy and reduce Türkiye’s trade deficit by approximately $300 million annually. The project is expected to create 4,500 construction jobs at its peak and provide 300 permanent jobs once operational.

Aligned with Rönesans Holding’s core values, the project includes initiatives to enhance local skills and employment opportunities. Programmes, including a welding school established for the plant, will support education and skill-building within the region, bringing long-term benefits to the Ceyhan community and contributing to Türkiye’s socio-economic development.

About Rönesans Holding

Rönesans Holding, the conglomerate’s leading investment entity headquartered in Ankara, is the 53rd largest international contracting company globally and one of the largest in Europe. With operations spanning 30 countries across Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, including subsidiaries such as Ballast Nedam in the Netherlands and Heitkamp Industrial Solutions GmbH in Germany, Rönesans has been operating as the main contractor and investor successfully for more than 30 years in construction, real estate, concession, renewable energy and industrials. Putting resilience and growth through innovation at the core of the company, with a priority on sustainability and social development, Rönesans has developed projects supporting students with scholarships, academic platforms and initiatives; been a signatory of the UN Global Compact since 2015; and a signatory of the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles since 2016.

Under the leadership of its Honorary President, Erman Ilıcak, Rönesans, along with its partners GIC, Meridiam Infrastructure, Sojitz, Samsung C&T, TotalEnergies, and IFC of the World Bank Group (minority shareholder in the group), has invested more than EUR 8 billion into pioneering projects globally.

About SONATRACH

Since 1963, SONATRACH has been the unwavering driving force behind the national economy, masterfully developing Algeria’s hydrocarbon reserves, known as the African major, this player in the oil and gas industry derives its strength from its ability to be fully integrated group across the entire hydrocarbon value chain.

SONATRACH operates either independently or in partnership with foreign oil firms some of world’s largest oil & gas fields in different regions of Algerian Sahara, Downstream activities include six active refineries, two petrochemical complexes, four LNG plants, and two LPG separation units. These production activities are fully supported and ensured by a 22,000-kilometre length network and four oil ports developed for loading and unloading large tankers with a capacity of 80,000 up to 320,000 MT.

SONATRACH aims to position itself among the top five national oil firms in the global energy industry, focusing on efficiency and profitability whilst maintaining its role as a cornerstone of the Algerian economy.

The group plan to invest over $59 billion as part of its strategy to develop its operation. This investment is expected to generate more than $68 billion in additional revenue, with 50% of with to be reinvested into renewing reserves, expending production capacity, and employee training.

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About Stolthaven Terminals

With a global network of 15 owned and joint-venture terminals, Stolthaven Terminals provides five million cbm of storage and distribution services for bulk liquids including chemicals, clean petroleum products, liquified petroleum gases, vegetable oils, biofuels and oleochemicals. Stolthaven’s mission is to deliver value to its customers through operating state-of-the-art terminals which complement the capabilities of its sister companies Stolt Tankers and Stolt Tank Containers, ensuring an efficient ship-to-shore interface with the aim of reducing potential demurrage costs and facilitating agile and competitive supply chains. All within an environment of assured quality, safety and environmental protection.

Stolthaven Terminals is a division of Stolt-Nielsen Limited (SNL). A long-term investor and manager of businesses focused on opportunities in logistics, distribution and aquaculture. The Stolt-Nielsen portfolio consists of its three global bulk-liquid and chemicals logistics businesses – Stolt Tankers, Stolthaven Terminals and Stolt Tank Containers – Stolt Sea Farm and investments in LNG. Stolt-Nielsen Limited is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo Børs: SNI).

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PHBS Think Tank Releases Q1 2025 Macroeconomic Report

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Stable Real Estate Recovery and Steady Growth in the New Economy

SHENZHEN, China, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The PHBS Think Tank at Peking University HSBC Business School released its Macroeconomic Analysis Report for the First Quarter of 2025, highlighting a strong start to the year for the Chinese economy. In January and February, production exceeded expectations, and the cumulative trade surplus reached a historical high for the period. However, consumption and investment grew at a slower pace.

The report outlines four key macroeconomic trends from the first quarter:

  1. Real Estate Market Stabilizes with Policy Support
    Policy-driven measures have helped stabilize the real estate sector, with major markets showing signs of gradual recovery.
  2. Positive Feedback Loop in Auto Exports
    Investment, production, and expectations in overseas automobile markets reinforced each other in a positive cycle. Based on available data, leading enterprises remained optimistic about the impact of tariffs on new energy vehicles.
  3. Support for the Development of New Economy
    Domestic industrial policies supported investment, production, and retail in sectors such as electronics and transport equipment, helping sustain a growth cycle in new economy.
  4. Rush to Export, with Tariff Uncertainty Ahead
    A surge in exports drove temporary growth in labor-intensive goods and home appliance production. However, this momentum faces risks from future U.S. tariffs. Many enterprises have already taken steps to mitigate potential disruptions.

Looking ahead to the first half of 2025, GDP growth is projected to reach 5.0%. Export pressure may intensify in Q2 2025, and current policies may not be strong enough to significantly boost consumption. The real estate market is expected to continue its steady recovery, while manufacturers will likely expand their use of automation and smart technologies to reduce costs.

The report offers several policy recommendations: strengthen support for enterprises expanding globally through vertical specialization; boost the effectiveness of fiscal policies to stimulate consumption; ensure this year’s land reserve special bond issuance reaches at least 700 billion yuan; and accelerate fiscal and tax reforms to address structural unemployment driven by technological change.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/phbs-think-tank-releases-q1-2025-macroeconomic-report-302431164.html

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HTX Completes Fireblocks Off-Exchange Integration, Advancing Institutional Trading Security and Efficiency

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SINGAPORE, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has successfully integrated and launched Fireblocks Off-Exchange, a next-generation solution for institutional trading.

“This integration represents a strategic expansion of HTX’s institutional offerings,” said Justin Sun, Advisor to HTX. “Fireblocks’ state-of-the-art technology enhances our platform’s security infrastructure while streamlining institutional operations within a compliant framework. Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that make HTX the preferred gateway for institutions entering the digital asset market.”

This milestone reinforces HTX’s commitment to delivering a secure, compliant, and seamless trading environment for its global institutional clientele.

Fireblocks Off-Exchange: Revolutionizing Institutional Asset Security

Fireblocks Off-Exchange enables institutions to securely trade digital assets by maintaining funds in self-custodied, off-exchange collateral accounts, while simultaneously receiving 1:1 credit on the exchange. This dramatically reduces counterparty risk while maintaining the speed and capital efficiency of centralized trading.

The solution facilitates rapid, low-cost settlement across platforms, ensuring assets remain under institutional-grade security throughout the trade lifecycle. A robust disaster recovery mechanism guarantees recoverability of funds even under extreme conditions, enabling institutional clients to retain control over private keys while accessing deep exchange liquidity.

HTX: Reinforcing Institutional Confidence in the Crypto Market

By deploying Fireblocks Off-Exchange, HTX strengthens its platform’s regulatory posture and operational resilience—critical factors in today’s evolving digital asset landscape. The integration aligns with HTX’s broader mission to advance institutional participation through enhanced asset protection and compliance infrastructure.

Since the launch, HTX has onboarded numerous institutional clients and recorded a 200% increase in trading volume, validating market demand for secure off-exchange settlement models.

A Step Toward the Future of Compliant Institutional Trading

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As the crypto industry continues to mature, HTX remains committed to innovation in asset protection, regulatory alignment, and institutional services. The Fireblocks Off-Exchange integration marks another key milestone in HTX’s journey to provide a best-in-class, compliant trading experience tailored to institutional needs—positioning the exchange as a global leader in secure digital asset trading.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

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