News Release
MP Evans reports significant growth and sustainable advances in 2023
MP Evans Group PLC
MP Evans Group PLC (AIM:MPE) CEO Matthew Coulson discusses the company's 2023 achievements and future outlook in an interview with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion. In 2023, MP Evans notably increased its planted area by over 10,000 hectares and inaugurated its sixth mill at the Musi Rawas plantation, enhancing production capabilities significantly. It surpassed its initial planting target at Musi Rawas, reaching 10,300 hectares, with aspirations to expand to 11,000 hectares in 2024. MP Evans also opened its sixth mill, contributing to a more than 22% increase in production from its own mills with 95% of the company's crop now processed in-house. Despite reduced crude palm oil prices affecting revenue, Coulson noted that MP Evans maintained strong cash generation, leading to an increase in dividends and the extension of a share buyback programme. The strategic priorities remain focused on responsibility, excellence, growth, and yield. Early 2024 saw stable, if not slightly stronger, palm oil prices, with early March prices reaching over $800 per tonne. Coulson said MP Evans continues to seek sustainable development opportunities and aims to further increase planted acreage, focusing on delivering sustainable crop production and enhanced shareholder returns. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
March 21, 2024 11:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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News Release
Coinsilium CEO Eddy Travia discusses Byzant and the future of Web3 social media
Coinsilium Group Ltd
Coinsilium Group Limited (AQSE:COIN, OTCQB:CINGF) Eddy Travia provides an update on Byzance, a Web3 social network ecosystem project, in an interview with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion. Travia explained that Web3 represents the next stage of the internet, aiming to decentralise social media, offering users control over their content and private data, differing from the centralised nature of current Web2 platforms. Byzant focuses on enhancing user control and monetisation methods for content creators. Travia said Coinsilium is collaboratively actively with portfolio company Indorse, a blockchain technology studio, and A-ADS, a pioneering crypto advertising network, to address the challenges of Web2 and transition to Web3. The project includes Adbazaar, a platform concentrating on smart contract-powered advertising, enabling more user benefits. Adbazaar aims to facilitate on-chain targeting, an innovative approach in advertising that utilises publicly visible wallet assets to tailor advertisements. This collaboration extends to Singapore-based company, Linkko, highlighting Byzant as an ecosystem comprising various applications to support Web3 companies. Advertising, pivotal in Web2's social media industry, is seen as underdeveloped in Web3, with platforms like Adbazaar positioned to pioneer this sector. Travia also touched on the progression of Byzant, mentioning that several applications are in development or test mode, with a focus on Adbazaar as the next significant phase. Contact Details Proactive UK +44 20 7989 0813 UKEditorial@proactiveinvestors.com
March 21, 2024 11:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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HANetf founder and co-CEO discusses shift to active management in ETF market
HANetf Holdings Limited
HANetf founder and co-CEO Hector McNeil tells Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about shifting trends in the exchange-traded fund (ETF) market in the United States, indicating a big move towards active management within ETFs. Despite the European market lagging behind the US by three to five years, with a significant gap in market size—$2 trillion in Europe versus $8 trillion in the US—there is a notable increase in the proportion of active ETFs. In the US, approximately 75% of new ETFs are active, issued by major firms and new players like Ark's Cathy Wood, marking a significant growth area. This shift towards active ETFs is also reflected in the flow of investments, with active ETFs accounting for 25% of the flows over the last 18 months. McNeil highlighted the evolution of ETFs from passive instruments to including smart beta and now fully active management, especially within the fixed income sector. The trend towards transparency, despite initial concerns, has become more accepted, leading to increased interest from asset managers in active ETFs. He said HANetf's white label ETF service has seen a rise in enquiries from active managers, indicating a broader acceptance and integration of active strategies within the ETF framework. Examples of strategies for these new active ETFs range from global equity with specific screens, like Shariah compliance, to niche areas such as convertible bonds and thematic investments. The discussion also touched on defined outcome ETFs and options-based strategies, showcasing the diversity and innovation within the ETF space. McNeil argues that ETFs offer advantages over mutual funds in terms of technology, liquidity, and access, suggesting a continued shift towards ETFs for a variety of investment strategies. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
March 21, 2024 11:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Awale Resources reports more significant assay results at Odienné project in Côte d'Ivoire
Awalé Resources Ltd
Awale Resources Ltd (TSX-V:ARIC) CEO Andrew Chubb shares positive assay results from follow-up drilling at the new gold-copper discovery at the BBM Target within the Odienné Project in Côte d'Ivoire with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion. Initially discovered in January with four initial drill holes spaced 500 metres apart, subsequent drilling improved results, tracking down a plunge with broader intercepts. The most notable result was 75 metres at 2.4 grams per tonne equivalent, among other similarly promising findings. The company now plans to pursue further drilling to explore the shear zone-hosted target's potential, aiming to scope out grade and geology continuity in preparation for resource drilling later in the year at BBM, as well as the Charger and Sceptre targets, promising an exciting year ahead. In addition to BBM, 4,000 metres were drilled in the current programme, with results from Charger and Sceptre pending. Chubb announced a significant drilling plan of 25,000 metres for the year, which will focus on both advancing current discoveries and exploring new targets. This ambitious drilling programme is fully funded by Awalé's joint venture partner, Newmont, allowing the company to progress without needing to raise additional funds from the market. Contact Details Proactive +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com
March 21, 2024 11:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Immunic secures key patent, boosting MS drug exclusivity and global IP strategy
Immunic Inc
Immunic Inc CEO Dr Daniel Vitt joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with news the company has received a Notice of Allowance from the US Patent and Trademark Office for a new patent application, marking a significant step in the company's intellectual property (IP) strategy. This latest patent is distinct from two others granted last year, focusing on the composition of matter protecting a specific polymorph of vidofludimus calcium. The company aims to ensure broad protection and exclusivity for vidofludimus calcium, especially as it approaches the final development stage. Vitt highlighted Immunic's global patent strategy, aiming to cover all important territories and build multiple protection layers around their inventions. The strategy includes securing patents not only for the medical use of their discoveries but also for the materials themselves. The newly allowed patent extends until 2039, with potential for extension. For the use of vidofludimus calcium in MS, Vitt estimates exclusivity extending into 2041, Vitt estimates exclusivity extending into 2041, ensuring a significant period for exclusive marketing in major markets, particularly the US. Immunic now has eight families of patents in the US, with three major patents granted or allowed in the past three months, significantly enhancing their IP portfolio for vidofludimus calcium. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com
March 21, 2024 11:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Versarien advances in global graphene market with strategic asset sale and partnerships
Versarien PLC
Versarien PLC (AIM:VRS, OTC:VRSRF) CEO Stephen Hodge speaks to Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the significant steps the company has taken to refine its business strategy and focus on its core technologies and intellectual properties (IP). In a notable move, the company has sold its Korean assets, including equipment and IP related to graphene manufacturing by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), to MCK Tech, a South Korean graphene company. This sale, valued at approximately £604,000, includes the equipment and exclusive licensing of five patents to MCK Tech, alongside future royalties. Hodge emphasized the company's shift towards a manufacturing-light operation, seeking to monetize its developed IP and know-how by collaborating with strategic partners globally, leveraging local resources to produce graphene sustainably. Hodge said a just-announced five-year licensing deal with Brazilian-headquartered multinational business Montana Quimica for Versarien's Graphinks branded goods will help the company capitalise on Brazil's abundant natural graphite, circumventing Brazil's high import restrictions and utilising local materials cost-effectively. The company's global strategy includes expanding its licensing and royalty agreements with various partners across the UK, USA, Middle East, and Asia, with current agreements including companies like Graphene Lab and MCK Tech in South Korea, and Flux Footwear in the USA. Additionally, Ben Harries returns to Versarien as head of 3D Construction Printing, bringing valuable experience from the water sector to bolster the company's sales and business development efforts. Contact Details Proactive UK Proactive UK +44 20 7989 0813 UKEditorial@proactiveinvestors.com
March 21, 2024 11:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Prominence Energy: diversifying into the future of energy
Prominence Energy Ltd
Prominence Energy (ASX:PRM) CEO and Managing Director Alex Parks joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with more on how the company is expanding its footprint in the global energy market. The Perth, Australia-based company has a diversified portfolio that includes oil and gas projects primarily in the US, alongside ventures in underground salt cavern storage in Australia, and a uranium rehabilitation project in Kazakhstan through an investment in startup company Umine. The company is actively seeking partnerships to develop its large Big Apple gas prospect in the Gulf of Mexico and a small oil project in Louisiana, aiming to transition towards a lower carbon future. It has invested in Ecossaus, a pre-IPO company focusing on creating salt caverns for hydrocarbon or hydrogen storage, and has taken a 20% stake in Umine, which aims to rehabilitate uranium stockpiles left from the Soviet era in Kazakhstan. The recent capital raise of $1.55 million will further support these initiatives, particularly the development of the Big Apple gas prospect in the Gulf of Mexico. Prominence Energy's strategy reflects a blend of developing traditional energy resources while positioning itself for the future energy transition. Contact Details Proactive Australia Pty Ltd Proactive Australia Pty Ltd +61 431 597 771 writers.australia@proactiveinvestors.com
March 21, 2024 11:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Vobile CEO Yangbin Wang discusses revolutionizing IP and monetizing content in the digital age
Vobile Group Ltd
Vobile Group Ltd (OTCQX:VOBIF, HKG:3738) CEO Yangbin Wang tells Stephen Gunnion how the Software as a Service (SaaS) company is embracing AI as it provides intellectual property (IP) protection and content monetization solutions for the media industry, including major studios, TV networks, and sports leagues. Since its inception in 2005, coinciding with the rise of YouTube and affordable streaming, Vobile has addressed the dual challenge of enabling content sharing while combating piracy. The company developed Video DNA fingerprinting technology, an early application of AI for content tracking rather than generation, and later introduced watermarking technology. This suite of tools aids content owners in managing and monetizing their digital media across the internet. Wang highlights the vast market potential for Vobile's services, emphasizing the central role of IP in generating value within the media and entertainment sectors. With a client base comprising Hollywood studios and major media companies, Vobile stands as the largest provider in its niche. The company's expansion into the Asian market post-IPO on the Hong Kong mainboard has balanced its revenue sources between Asia and its US home base, where it trades on the OTCQX to make its stock available to US investors. Wang envisions leveraging AI to enhance the value of creative content further, viewing technological advances as tools that democratize content creation and distribution, thus potentially expanding Vobile's market. Contact Details Proactive North America Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com
March 21, 2024 11:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems Spearheads Technological Revolution to Elevate Manufacturing Competitiveness
Rev Up Marketers
Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems, a high-tech enterprise specializing in robot technology and intelligent manufacturing solutions, has enhanced automation and intelligence to deliver precise and efficient welding technology. This advancement drives industrial upgrades, helping enterprises reduce costs and increase benefits. With intelligent manufacturing solutions, Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems has provided a foundation for customers in the fierce market competition. By using cutting-edge 3D vision technology and flexible mobile platforms, Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems enhances product competitiveness. The application of these core technologies not only improves operational precision but also injects momentum into the transformation and upgrading of traditional manufacturing. Meanwhile, Smart Robot Factory Solutions further promotes the automation and informatization of production processes, helping customers develop steadily in the new era. Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems has significantly improved the core competitiveness of China's manufacturing industry in cooperation with various state-owned enterprises and companies, achieving the transition from a "big manufacturing country" to a "strong manufacturing country". Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems, led by Hu Haojie, has taken on the mission of driving breakthroughs in China's robot industry, moving from academic concepts to industrial practice, breaking foreign monopolies, and promoting Chinese robot products from the laboratory to the market. With economic growth and an aging population, labor costs are rising, and robot technology is becoming increasingly important in China. "In the field of robot technology, foreign brands are often seen as advanced and leading. Does China still need to develop its robots? We Chinese need our own robots!" stated, Hu Haojie, the CEO of Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems, who believes that improving the level of manufacturing and developing domestic robot technology is key. Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems focuses on technological innovation and product upgrades to achieve self-reliance in robot technology. This thoughtful investment in the future allows Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems to create value beyond the era, proving China's strength and potential in the field of robot technology. Gathering top industry talent and continuously focusing on core technology R&D, Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems constructs industrial towers with craftsmanship and expertise, achieving a leap from theoretical exploration to practical application and resolutely breaking the monopoly of foreign technology. Through continuous technological innovation and product upgrades, Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing China's manufacturing industry. For more information, please visit the relevant website: https://www.lerobotics.com/en/ About Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems: Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems is fully advancing technological upgrades, product iterations, and market expansion, achieving excellence through comprehensive innovation. On the journey of technological innovation, the company will focus on developing more advanced intelligent control systems and integrating robot learning and AI algorithms, aiming to utilize advanced sensor technology and expanded big data analysis to strengthen real-time tracking and quality control of the welding process. Contact Details Loyalty Robotics Welding Systems (Chengdu) Corporation Haojie Hu (Aaron) info@lerobotics.com Company Website https://www.lerobotics.com/en/
March 21, 2024 10:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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