Archives May 2026

MRM Health’s Lead Candidate MH002 Granted Fast Track Designation by U.S. FDA for the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis

Business Wire India

  • Recognizes the potential of MH002 to address a serious medical condition with high unmet need
  • Enables accelerated development and increased FDA interactions to streamline review process
  • MRM Health will be presenting at upcoming Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026, taking place from May 2nd – May 5th in Chicago, IL, USA

 

MRM Health, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for immune-mediated diseases, which unlock the power of the microbiome to restore immune balance, today announced that MH002, the Company’s lead rationally designed Live Biotherapeutic Product (LBP) candidate, has been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). MH002 today is the most advanced LBP targeting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-specific mechanisms and is composed of a rationally designed microbial consortium of six well-characterized commensal strains.

 

The FDA’s Fast Track is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. The purpose is to get important drugs to patients earlier. Fast Track designation enables frequent communication with the FDA to discuss the drug’s development plan and ensure collection of appropriate data needed to support drug approval. Products granted Fast Track status may also qualify for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review, and companies may be eligible to submit completed sections of the New Drug Application (NDA) on a rolling basis.

 

 

“The FDA’s decision to grant Fast Track designation to MH002 recognizes the potential of this promising Live Biotherapeutic Product to address the significant unmet need for innovative and more effective therapies for patients with ulcerative colitis, who have become resistant to standard treatments or for whom conventional therapies have little or no effect,” said Dr. Sam Possemiers, CEO of MRM Health. “This designation enables us to work closely with the agency to further accelerate the development of MH002 with the goal of getting it to patients in need of well-tolerated therapies with sustained efficacy as quickly as possible.”

 

 

“Live biotherapeutic approaches are opening entirely new avenues for treating immune-mediated diseases such as ulcerative colitis,” said Professor Geert D’Haens, MD gastroenterologist and investigator at Amsterdam UMC. “While several treatments are available for UC, this is mostly the case for moderate-to-severe UC patients and many patients still fail to achieve durable remission or require treatment escalation, underscoring the need for novel treatment options. The Fast Track designation for MH002 confirms the growing recognition of microbiome-based therapies as a scientifically grounded strategy to restore gut homeostasis and achieve more durable remission in IBD patients.”

 

 

Fast Track designation supported by Phase 2a excellent safety and encouraging efficacy signals

 

 

The designation was supported by results from a completed Phase 2a clinical trial in mild-to-moderate UC. Over eight weeks of treatment, MH002 demonstrated excellent safety and encouraging efficacy signals, consistent with mucosal healing and anti-inflammatory activity, recovery of microbiome balance, and induction of clinical remission. No safety signals or adverse reactions were observed. MH002 also showed positive outcomes in an open-label study in acute pouchitis, further underscoring its broad therapeutic potential.

 

 

MH002 is an orally administered capsule for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis and pouchitis, designed to restore microbiome balance and promote mucosal healing and immune rebalancing without immunosuppression. The product candidate will be evaluated in a clinical Phase 2b study (STARFISH-UC; NCT07296315) in patients with mild-to-moderate UC. The study will enroll approximately 204 patients and includes a 12-week induction phase comparing two MH002 dosing regimens versus placebo, followed by a 40-week open-label extension phase. The trial will be conducted across sites in Europe and the United States, with first results expected in Q4 2027.

 

 

Upcoming event:

 

 

MRM Health will be presenting at the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026, taking place May 2 – 5, 2026 in Chicago, IL, USA.

 

 

Poster Session:

 

 

Date & time

Presenter

Title

Tuesday, May 5th
12:30pm – 1:30pm CDT
Track: Inflammatory
Bowel Diseases

Sam Possemiers, PhD
CEO, MRM Health

Tu1533: Studying treatment of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis with MH002, an optimized live biotherapeutic product: insights from analyzing first clinical data for the design of a confirmatory trial

 

***

 

About MRM Health

 

 

MRM Health is a clinical-stage biotech developing innovative microbiome-based Live Biotherapeutic Products for chronic inflammatory diseases with high unmet need. Its CORAL® platform enables the design and manufacture of disease-focused microbial consortia with enhanced efficacy and scalability. In addition to advancing lead program MH002 into pivotal clinical development in ulcerative colitis and the orphan disease indication, pouchitis, MRM Health has ongoing preclinical programs in other inflammatory diseases and immune-oncology. In September 2025, MRM Health successfully closed a 55M€ Series B round led by Biocodex, with strong support from ATHOS, BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity and existing investors SFPIM, AvH, OMX Europe VF, QBic and VIB.

 

 

For more information, please follow us on LinkedIn or visit the website at www.mrmhealth.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Merck Foundation Announces 124 Winners From 32 Countries for Their “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Awards 2025, in Partnership With the First Ladies of Africa

Business Wire India

 

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, announced the winners of the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 under the categories “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension.” The awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of journalists who are raising awareness about critical social and health issues across Africa and beyond.

The Awards Ceremony was conducted virtually to honour and celebrate the outstanding contributions of all the winning media professionals. The winners were warmly acknowledged by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign.

Congratulating the winners, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, shared, “I am very happy to announce and celebrate the 124 outstanding winners from 32 countries, together with my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, who are also the Ambassadors of the ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’.

I am proud of the remarkable participation we have witnessed in form of entries for the awards. Congratulations to each and every one of our outstanding winners.”

This year, Merck Foundation also recognized and awarded emerging and promising media talents under the Emergent Journalist Award category. All the winners will be acknowledged and celebrated by the CEO of Merck Foundation during a virtual award ceremony.

Dr. Rasha Kelej further emphasized, “I strongly believe in the power of media and the significant role it plays in shaping our society. As I always say, media enters every home, even without an invitation. Therefore, journalists have the unique ability to make a meaningful difference through their day-to-day work by raising awareness and driving a cultural shift in their communities.”

The theme of the “More Than a Mother” Media Awards is to raise awareness about important social issues like: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending Female Genital Mutilation and/or Stopping Gender-Based Violence. The theme of the “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Awards is to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and Raise Awareness about Prevention, Early detection and Management of Diabetes and Hypertension.

The Merck Foundation Media Awards were first launched in 2017 and have been announced annually since then, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia.

Highlighting the long-term impact of the program, Dr. Rasha added, “We launched our Media Awards nine years ago with the aim of empowering journalists to spotlight important health and social issues in their respective communities. I am proud to share that, to date, we have recognized and celebrated more than 760 winners from 52 countries.”

The CEO of Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026.

“I am pleased to invite entries for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension” 2026, in partnership with the African and Asian First Ladies. I look forward to receiving another outstanding round of impactful and inspiring entries this year,” said Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Entries can be submitted here: https://merck-foundation.com/Awards-Online-Application-Form

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2025

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI; The First Lady of Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

  • Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)
  • Mackie Muctarr Jalloh, New Times Daily, Sierra Leone (Second Position)
  • Alao Abiodun, The Nation Newspaper, Nigeria (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Prince Kwame Tamakloe, Rainbow Radio Online, Ghana (First Position)
  • Odimegwu Onwumere, The Nigerian Voice, Nigeria (Second Position)
  • Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Freelancer, Ghana (Second Position)
  • Nyima Sillah, Voice of Gambia, Gambia (Third Position)
  • Never Garmah Lomo, News Public Trust, Liberia (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

  • Hadiza Abdulrahman, Radio Nigeria, Nigeria (First Position)
  • Joyce Kantam Kolamong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana (First Position)
  • Chinasa Ossai, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Nigeria (Second Position)
  • Olufunke Fayemi, Voice of Nigeria, Nigeria (Second Position)
  • Ojo Isaac Olufemi, Splash FM, Nigeria (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, News Central TV, Nigeria (First Position)
  • Marshall Anthoni Ononye, News Central TV, Nigeria (Second Position)
  • Grace Hammoah Asare, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)
  • Maltiti Sayida Sadick, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana (Third Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Mrs. KAONE BOKO; The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Prof. GERTRUDE MUTHARIKA; The First Lady of Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Jessie Ngoma, Times of Zambia, Zambia (First Position)
  • Gresham Ngwira, Nation, Malawi (First Position)
  • Zipporah Mushala, Zambia Daily Mail, Zambia (Second Position)
  • Caroline Somanje, Nation Publications Limited, Malawi (Second Position)
  • Lame Lucas, The Midweek Sun, Botswana (Second Position)
  • Faith Kaunde, Nation Publications Limited, Malawi (Third Position)
  • Daisy Peloewetse, The Voice, Botswana (Third Position)
  • Brenda Nkosi, Malawi News Agency (MANA), Malawi (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

  • June Shimuoshili, Unwrap.online, Namibia (First Position)
  • Fugai Lupande, The Herald, Zimbabwe (First Position)
  • Maria David, Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Namibia (Second Position)
  • Nhau Mangirazi, News Day, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
  • Patricia Mashiri, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Natasha Nyarai Mhandu, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation Classic 263 Radio, Zimbabwe (First Position)
  • Charlotte Nambadja, The Namibian Newspaper, Namibia (Second Position)
  • Doreen Sonani, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Malawi (Third Position)
  • Philis Sitenge, FAITH RADIO, Zambia (Third Position)
  • Yamikani Simutowe, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Malawi (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Keneilwe Pono Patricia Lephoi, YTV, Botswana (First Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H.

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Elizabeth Angira, People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
  • Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)
  • Angeline Ochieng, Nation Media Group, Kenya (Second Position)
  • Agutu Rosa, Standard Media Group, Kenya (Third Position)
  • Francisca Emmanuel, Tanzania Standard Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)
  • Vitus Audax, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position)
  • Francis Dhamira Kajubi, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Mbabazi Joan, The New Times, Rwanda (First Position)
  • Isabella Maua Chemosit, NewsLine, The Times, Kenya (First Position)
  • Irissheel Shanzu, Standard Media Group, Kenya (Second Position)
  • Julius Maricha, The Citizen, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
  • Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM 89.2 Radio, Uganda (Second Position)
  • Mildrine Sabwami, North Rift Radio, Kenya (Third Position)
  • Caren Waraba Sisya, Royal Media Services, Kenya (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

  • Walter Mwesigye, NTV, Uganda (First Position)
  • Eunice Omollo, NTV, Kenya (Second Position)
  • Omary Hussein, Star TV, Tanzania (Third Position)

Here are the winners from African French Speaking Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI; The First Lady of Republic of Senegal, H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

  • Nkurunziza Moïse, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)
  • Issa Moussa, The Niger Times, Niger (Second Position)
  • Guillaume Aimée Mete, Le Jour, Cameroon (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Mapote Gaye, Infomedia27, Senegal (First Position)
  • Azododassi Mêmèdé Ambroisine, Savoir News, Togo (Second Position)
  • Iradukunda Odette, Burundian Press Agency, Burundi (Second Position)
  • Bréhima Traoré, Lettre d’Afrique, Mali (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Harerimana Theobard, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position)
  • Boureima Ouedraogo, Radio la Voix du Paysan, Burkina Faso (Second Position)
  • Moussa Kone, Radio Channel 2, Mali (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Matthias Kabuya, Radio Television Debout Kasaï (RTDK), DRC (First Position)
  • Nadège Omoladé SANNY, Société de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin (SRTB), Benin (Second Position)
  • Chris Irambona, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)
  • Amadou BELLO, Balafon Media Group, Cameroon (Third Position)
  • Joseph Murindajambo, Mashariki TV, Burundi (Third Position)

Here are the winners from African Portuguese Speaking Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO; and The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Sheilla Ribeiro, Expresso das Ilhas, Cabo Verde (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Quinton Nicuete, Moz24h, Mozambique (First Position)

Merck Foundation “Diabetes & Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2025

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA; and The First Lady of Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

  • Annastacia Delali Sika, Daily Graphic, Ghana (First Position)
  • Ochiaka Ugwu, People’s Daily, Nigeria (Second Position)
  • Agnes Opoku Sarpong, Ghanian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Ojoma Akor, Daily Trust, Nigeria (First Position)
  • Nana Ama Asantewaa Kwarko, Modern Ghana, Ghana (First Position)
  • Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Leadership Newspaper, Nigeria (Second Position)
  • Idowu Abdullahi, Punch Nigeria, Nigeria (Second Position)
  • Nelson Manneh, Gambia Press Union, Gambia (Third Position)
  • Dr. Fatoumata S Sarjo, The Standard, Gambia (Emergent Journalist Award)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Yecenu J. Sasetu, Montage 99.7FM, Nigeria (First Position)
  • Vanessa Ukamaka Richard Bassey, Sparkling 92.3FM, Nigeria (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

  • Ezedimbu Karen Ogomegbunem, AIT live, Nigeria (First Position)
  • Sarah Apenkroh, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)
  • Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Arise News, Nigeria (Third Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Mrs. KAONE BOKO; The First Lady of Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

  • Nancy Kefilwe Ramokhua, The Patriot on Sunday, Botswana (First Position)
  • Taati Niilenge, The Namibian, Namibia (Second Position)
  • Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily Mail, Zambia (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
  • Pitso Molemane, Kaya FM, South Africa (Second Position)
  • Bridget McNulty, Sweet Life Diabetes Community, South Africa (Emergent Journalist Award)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Chileshe Kapenda, ZAMCOM Radio, Zambia (First Position)
  • Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H.

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

  • Abeid Othman, Mwananchi, Tanzania (First Position)
  • Christina Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi, Tanzania (First Position)
  • Phillys Chemtai Kirui, KASS Media Group, Kenya (Second Position)
  • Melisa Mong’ina, Talk Africa, Kenya (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Angela Kezengwa, Royal Media Services Ltd, Kenya (First Position)
  • Millicent Kubai, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Kenya (Second Position)
  • Mwanaisha Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

  • Betty Mudondo, NTV, Uganda (First Position)

Here are the winners from African French Speaking Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Arsène Jonathan Mosseavo, LANOCA, Central African Republic (First Position)
  • Astère Nduwamungu, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy and Development, DRC (First Position)
  • Manirakiza Richard, Burundian Press Agency, Burundi (Second Position)
  • Aka Ahoussi, Credochristi, Cote d’Ivoire (Second Position)
  • Kouton Emile, Savoir News, Togo (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

  • Magnus Mfuranzima, Radio Isôko FM, Burundi (First Position)
  • Samuel Niyokwizera, Radio IVYIZIGIRO, Burundi (Second Position)
  • Josiane Clairia Kankundiye, Indundi Culture Radio, Burundi (Third Position)
  • Kabamba Ngalamulume Fabrice, Education Radio and Television, DRC (Emergent Journalist Award)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

  • Ornella Muco, Radio Television Isanganiro, Burundi (First Position)
  • Jean Népomuscène Irambona, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)

Here are the winners from African Portuguese Speaking Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO; and The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

  • Hugo Firmino, STV Notícias, Mozambique (First Position)

Here are the winners from ASIAN Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

  • Mini P Thomas, The Times of India, India (First Position)
  • Vishal Shreshtha, Dainik Jagran, India (Second Position)
  • Parvez Babul, The Daily Observer, Bangladesh (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNER

  • Cristina Eloisa Baclig, Inquirer.net, Philippines (First Position)
  • Puja Awasthi, The Week, India (Second Position)
  • Disha Shetty, Health Watch Policy, India (Third Position)
  • David Dizon, ABS-CBN, Philippines (Third Position)

Here are the winners from LATIN AMERICA Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

  • Leon Ferrari, O Estado de S.Paulo (Estadão), Brazil (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNER

  • Ana Bottallo, Folha de S.Paulo, Brazil (First Position)

The Merck Foundation CEO also announces Call for Applications for the 2026 Media Awards. “I am pleased to announce entries for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026“More Than a Mother” & “Diabetes and Hypertension”, in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa and Asia. I am excited to see the creative and outstanding entries that we will be receiving this year” stated Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2026:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2026

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

 

  1. Southern African Countries
  2. West African Countries
  3. East African Countries
  4. French Speaking African Countries
  5. Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

 

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards 2026

 

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

 

  1. Southern African Countries
  2. West African Countries
  3. East African Countries
  4. French Speaking African Countries
  5. Portuguese Speaking African Countries
  6. Latin American Countries
  7. Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

 

Click the link below to Download Merck Foundation App

https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection

 

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Karnataka Award 2026 Honours Webomindapps for Scalable Digital Platforms and Business Process Automation

Business Wire India

Webomindapps Private Limited has been awarded the Karnataka Award 2026 for Innovation in AI-Powered Digital Transformation & Growth at the Bangalore Town Hall, recognising the company’s contribution to building scalable digital platforms and automation systems that improve measurable business outcomes.

The award was received by Manikanda Pandian, Founder and Director of the company.

Operating as a web development company in Bangalore, Webomindapps builds and optimises digital platforms designed for lead generation, transactions, customer engagement, and operational workflows.

Selection Based on Measurable Outcomes

According to organisers, the award focused on implementation-led innovation and measurable business impact rather than conceptual positioning alone. The evaluation included project documentation, platform performance metrics, and workflow improvements delivered across multiple client engagements.

Across recent projects, the company reported measurable improvements, including:

  • Up to 38% increase in lead generation after restructuring enquiry flows and landing pages
  • Approximately 52% improvement in e-commerce checkout completion through checkout and payment experience optimisation
  • Around 74% increase in returning users following interface and navigation enhancements
  • Nearly 45% reduction in manual operational workload through workflow automation and process optimisation

These improvements were observed across projects in healthcare, e-commerce, SaaS, and service-based industries over extended engagement periods.

Jury Remarks

Speaking during the event, Gopinath Rao said:

“Webomindapps presented project-level evidence demonstrating how improvements in platform structure and workflow design can directly influence business performance metrics.”

The remarks reflected the jury’s emphasis on execution-backed results and long-term operational impact.

Founder’s Perspective

Commenting on the recognition, Manikanda Pandian said:

“Many businesses focus heavily on traffic acquisition, but in most cases, the bigger opportunity lies in improving user flow, usability, and operational efficiency. When digital systems are structured correctly, measurable growth naturally follows.”

The company’s approach focuses on improving platform performance through continuous optimisation rather than relying solely on short-term marketing efforts.

Shift from Websites to Scalable Operational Systems

Webomindapps initially focused on website development projects before gradually expanding into scalable systems supporting broader business operations.

Today, the company develops platforms that support:

  • Customer enquiries and lead routing
  • E-commerce transaction management
  • Internal workflow automation
  • Analytics-driven decision making
  • Admin dashboards and operational tracking systems

As a web design company in Bangalore, the company’s focus extends beyond visual presentation to improving how users navigate platforms, complete actions, and interact with digital systems efficiently.

This includes simplifying user journeys, reducing unnecessary friction points, improving load performance, and reorganising content based on user behaviour insights.

Work on E-commerce Drop-Off Points

A significant portion of the company’s recent work has focused on improving customer journeys across e-commerce platforms.

Over the years, Webomindapps has evolved as an eCommerce web development company in Bangalore, focused on improvements such as:

  • Simplifying checkout journeys
  • Reducing unnecessary form fields
  • Improving mobile responsiveness and load speed
  • Optimising payment-stage experiences
  • Displaying pricing and delivery information earlier in the purchase journey

These optimisations have helped businesses reduce cart abandonment and improve conversion consistency across both emerging and large-scale e-commerce platforms.

Client Feedback

A marketing lead from a digital services firm working with Webomindapps described a noticeable improvement in lead quality following updates to enquiry flow and website structure.

“Traffic levels were consistent, but conversion was low. After restructuring how users moved through the site, we started seeing more qualified enquiries and fewer drop-offs within a few months.”

The feedback reflects how improvements in user experience and navigation can directly influence business outcomes without relying solely on increased traffic acquisition.

Continuous Optimisation Model

Rather than ending projects at launch, the company follows a continuous improvement approach focused on long-term platform performance.

This includes:

  • Monitoring user behaviour through analytics tools
  • Identifying drop-off points and usability gaps
  • Testing variations of important pages and workflows
  • Implementing incremental performance improvements over time

This iterative model allows businesses to adapt digital systems based on actual user behaviour and evolving operational requirements.

Execution Structure

The company operates with an in-house team handling development, design, analytics, and project coordination.

Work is typically organised into stages including:

  • Requirement mapping based on business workflows
  • User flow and platform structure planning
  • Development and system integration
  • Testing, monitoring, and ongoing optimisation

By managing these processes internally, the company is able to implement updates efficiently while maintaining consistency across projects.

Event Overview

The ceremony brought together organisations from sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and digital services.

The award was presented by Shruti alongside Gopinath Rao during the event held at Bangalore Town Hall.

The event reflected a growing emphasis on recognising companies delivering measurable operational improvements through technology-driven execution and practical innovation.

Expansion Focus: Hiring and System Development

Building on more than a decade of project delivery, Webomindapps has outlined its next phase of growth focused on scaling teams, strengthening analytics capabilities, and expanding system-driven digital solutions.

The company plans to increase hiring across development, UI/UX, analytics, and automation-focused roles over the next 6 to 12 months to support a growing number of long-term projects and ongoing optimisation requirements.

The next phase will also involve deeper integration of analytics into decision-making processes, enabling platforms to evolve based on real user behaviour, engagement patterns, and operational insights.

According to Manikanda Pandian:

 

“Earlier, most projects ended when the website went live. Now, most of the work begins after that. The next phase is about building systems that continue to improve based on usage.”

Webomindapps is also increasing its focus on healthcare, e-commerce, and service-oriented businesses where scalable digital infrastructure and automation-driven workflows are becoming increasingly important.

NBA and Budweiser Bring BUDX NBA House to New Delhi With NBA Legends, Live Music and a Celebrity 3-on-3 Game

Business Wire India

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Budweiser India are set to bring BUDX NBA House back to India this weekend. Taking place on May 9–10 at Bharat Mandapam Hall 6, New Delhi, BUDX NBA House is a high-energy, immersive fan experience celebrating the convergence of basketball, music, and culture.

Ahead of the weekend, Budweiser and the NBA welcomed two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, Isaiah Thomas, and four-time NBA All-Star, DeMarcus Cousins, who unveiled the full event line-up and interacted with fans at a press conference in the capital. The immersive showcase builds on the success of last year’s debut in Mumbai and reinforces Budweiser’s commitment to shaping youth culture through sport, music and creative expression while continuing to be the leading premium brand in its category.

Speaking at the press conference, Rajah Chaudhry, Head of Strategy, APAC, NBA said, “The vision behind BUDX NBA House has always been to bring the energy of the NBA experience closer to fans in India. Events like these allow us to bring together the excitement of basketball with music, fashion, sneaker culture and community in a way that feels authentic and locally relevant. Following a successful first edition in Mumbai, we’re excited to bring BUDX NBA House to New Delhi this year alongside our partners at Budweiser, with NBA legends, celebrity game, artist performances, fan experiences and interactive programming that celebrate the many ways fans connect with the game.

Adding to this, Vineet Sharma, Vice President – Marketing & Trade Marketing, AB InBev India said, “Budweiser’s partnership with the NBA is rooted in a shared passion for culture, community, and unforgettable fan experiences. As a brand synonymous with celebration, we’re excited to bring back the second edition of BUDX NBA House in India – building on last year’s momentum with a larger, more immersive platform that brings together basketball, music, lifestyle, and culture. As young audiences increasingly seek experience-led and community-driven engagement, BUDX NBA House is designed to be more than just an event – it’s a space where fans can connect, express themselves, and celebrate the intersection of global and local culture.”

What fans can expect at BUDX NBA House

BUDX Lab: Masterclasses & Workshops

At the core of this year’s edition is Budweiser’s BUDX ecosystem, which champions emerging culture and creators through live music, learning-led experiences and bold collaborations. Fans can expect a series of informal masterclasses and conversations with leading voices from music, visual culture and sport, offering fans a closer look at the creative worlds that shape basketball culture, including a special session featuring Isiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins.

The BUDX Stage: Live Music

The BUDX Stage brings Budweiser’s global music credentials to New Delhi with a high-energy lineup of artists, including NAV, Oppidan, Yashraj, Reble, Fijiana, The Bausa and Chor Bazaar, delivering a genre-spanning celebration of contemporary youth and street culture.

3‑on‑3 Celebrity Game

Blending sport and pop culture, the 3‑on‑3 celebrity basketball game will feature Shanaya Kapoor, Rannvijay Singha, Varun Sood, Sonia Rathee, Simran Kaur, Harman Singha, Shireen Limaye, Lalrina Renthlei, Dhruv Barman and Anant Ahuja, bringing high energy and crossover appeal to the court.

Culture, Fashion & Fan Zones

The experience is rounded out with streetwear showcases, the iconic Bud & Burgers pop-up, exclusive merchandise and interactive fan areas such as the “1876 Avenue” experience zone, all designed around BUDX’s philosophy of celebrating the heritage and culture that surrounds the game.

Tickets for BUDX NBA House are available on District by Zomato HERE

*Consumption is restricted to individuals of legal drinking age.

TACTICA AI Introduces Region’s First AI Platform for Mission-Critical, Real-Time Operational Decisions

Business Wire India

 

Built on deep tech developed by TII, TACTICA AI moves beyond dashboards to help decision-makers turn fragmented intelligence, sensor, and operational data into action

 

Showcased during Make it in the Emirates 2026, the platform has already been validated through real-world deployments in mission-critical environments

 

Built in Abu Dhabi, connected globally, TACTICA AI integrates partnerships with French-based Safran and Polish-based Satim

 

TACTICA AI, an Abu Dhabi-based start-up, today introduced its multi-domain decision-support platform to a wider market during Make it in the Emirates 2026. At a time of increasing operational complexity and pressure to make faster, better-informed decisions, the platform is designed to transform fragmented intelligence, sensor, and operational data into real-time decisions.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260506006177/en/

 

 

TACTICA AI Introduces Region’s First AI Platform for Mission-Critical, Real-Time Operational Decisions (Photo: AETOSWire)

TACTICA AI Introduces Region’s First AI Platform for Mission-Critical, Real-Time Operational Decisions (Photo: AETOSWire)

 

Already active in operational environments, TACTICA AI is believed to be the first publicly known platform of its type developed in the region, creating a new category of operational AI that goes beyond dashboards, data feeds, and analytics tools to support decision-making at the mission layer. The underlying technology was developed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in less than 35 days and has already supported real-world deployments in mission-critical environments. The platform is designed to help organizations move from data to decisions with greater speed, coordination, and confidence.

 

The platform brings together GEOINT, or geospatial intelligence, which uses satellite imagery, radar, maps, and location-based data to understand what is happening on the ground; and OSINT, or open-source intelligence, which draws on publicly available information to provide wider context. It also integrates data from video feeds, sensors, IoT systems, and historical records. TACTICA AI then applies agentic AI orchestration to define the mission outcome first, before dynamically identifying which data sources, tools, models, or workflows are needed to support action. This approach fundamentally changes how operators interact with complex systems.

 

 

Unlike conventional systems that depend on static dashboards or manual analysis, TACTICA AI enables outcome-driven tasking, where the platform helps determine what needs to be achieved, not simply which sensor or provider should be used. This creates a unified operational picture across teams, domains, and data sources, bridging the gap between analysis, decision, and execution, while maintaining human-in-the-loop oversight for critical decisions.

 

 

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: “TACTICA AI reflects the next phase of sovereign AI: systems that do not simply process information, but strengthen the ability to act on it. In complex environments, speed and clarity can define outcomes. By developing a mission-first decision-support platform in Abu Dhabi, TII is advancing technologies that serve real operational needs while reinforcing national capability, resilience, and independence.”

 

 

TACTICA AI has been designed for use across priority sectors, including defense and national security, crisis and emergency response, critical infrastructure, smart cities and mobility, energy and utilities, environment and sustainability, and industrial and logistics operations.

 

 

The platform integrates proprietary AI models originating from TII’s research ecosystem with best-in-class third-party models and technologies. Its architecture is designed to integrate technologies from multiple providers, rather than locking users into one supplier or system. It supports natural-language interaction, reasoning, and action; digitizes and structures standard operating procedures; assists analysts and operators in real time; and enables human-in-the-loop validation for responsible operational decision-making.

 

 

Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, on behalf of TACTICA AI, said: “TACTICA AI changes the operating model from ‘show me the data’ to ‘help me decide what to do next.’ It brings intelligence, tasking, workflows, and AI agents into a single decision layer, while remaining deployable on existing infrastructure. This is not a dashboard or an analytics tool — it is an operational capability designed to support real decisions in demanding environments.”

 

 

The result is a platform that can help organizations reduce manual burden, remove silos, and coordinate action across complex environments.

 

 

TACTICA AI has already established partnerships with leading geospatial imagery analysis players, including French-based Safran and Polish-based Satim, strengthening its ability to integrate advanced capabilities across the global intelligence and operational technology ecosystem.

 

 

The platform can also be deployed with high-performance computing infrastructure in containerized environments, creating a mobile GEOINT decision-support capability designed for operational settings where speed, resilience, and flexibility are critical.

 

 

The public introduction of TACTICA AI reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a testbed for applied intelligence and advanced technology, where frontier research is translated into operational capability. By combining data fusion, AI agents, mission-first tasking, and workflow digitalization, TACTICA AI is designed to help decision-makers act with greater precision in environments where time, coordination, and clarity matter most.

 

 

Source: AETOSWire

 

 

 

 

 

Datang Mobile, KPN, NEC and Wilus are Latest Licensors to Join Sisvel POS Patent Pool as Incentive Deadline Nears

Business Wire India

 

Datang Mobile, KPN, NEC and Wilus have become the latest licensors in the Sisvel point of sale (POS) patent pool. They join seven other patent owners in making their 2G-5G cellular portfolios available through the programme: BlackBerry, Huawei, JVCKENWOOD, LG Electronics, Nokia, Sisvel and SK Telecom.

 

The period for Sisvel POS licensors to benefit from early participation incentives is set to close on 15 May. Cellular patent owners interested in becoming involved should contact Sisvel as soon as possible.

 

 

The pool, which is the first in the market to address the POS vertical, was announced at the beginning of April, with Huawei, LG Electronics and Nokia as founding licensors.

 

 

“We have received a great response from the market so far, and I am pleased to welcome Datang, KPN, NEC and Wilus as the latest licensors,” says POS programme manager Sven Törringer. “We have put together a formidable group of cellular technology innovators, and there are many more companies in the pipeline. I am confident that the licensing programme we are developing will be an attractive value proposition for licensees in the POS vertical.”

 

 

“Cellular standards help enable the connected payment experiences consumers rely on every day. As a leader in wireless connectivity, we are making it simpler for point-of-sale device vendors worldwide to access essential wireless technologies,” says Mika Viertio, Head of IoT Licensing Program, Wireless Technologies at Nokia.

 

 

“POS devices play an increasingly crucial role in the cashless economy and as one of the key contributors to wireless technology, Huawei is pleased to make our relevant standard essential patents available to the POS industry through the Sisvel pool,” says Emil Zhang, Head of Huawei’s Strategic Planning & Key Projects Department. “Doing so facilitates connectivity to better enable and serve business owners and the public alike. We are also pleased to see more patent owners joining the pool, offering a one-stop shop for sharing of connectivity technologies in a more efficient manner.”

 

 

About Sisvel

 

 

Sisvel is driven by a belief in the importance of collaboration, ingenuity and efficiency to bridge the needs of patent owners and those who wish to access their technologies. In a complex and constantly evolving marketplace, our guiding principle is to create a level playing field through the development and implementation of flexible, accessible, commercialisation solutions.

 

 

Sisvel | We Power Innovation

 

 

 

 

 

Chiesi Group to Acquire KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Expanding its Global Rare Disease Portfolio

Business Wire India

 

Highlights:

  • Chiesi agreed to acquire KalVista Pharmaceuticals for $27.00 per share in cash, representing an equity consideration of approximately $1.9bn
  • Acquisition adds to Chiesi’s rare immunology portfolio the first oral, on-demand therapy for hereditary angioedema, strengthening Chiesi’s long-term commitment to people living with rare conditions
  • Transaction expected to close in Q3 2026

 

Chiesi Group (“Chiesi”), an international research-focused biopharmaceutical group and certified B Corp, and KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(“KalVista”) (Nasdaq: KALV), today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Chiesi will acquire KalVista (the “Transaction”). The Transaction was unanimously approved by both Chiesi’s and KalVista’s Boards of Directors and is expected to close in Q3 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260429263104/en/

 

 

• Chiesi agreed to acquire KalVista Pharmaceuticals for $27.00 per share in cash, representing an equity consideration of approximately $1.9bn
• Acquisition adds to Chiesi’s rare immunology portfolio the first oral, on-demand therapy for hereditary angioedema, strengthening Chiesi’s long-term commitment to people living with rare conditions 
• Transaction expected to close in Q3 2026

• Chiesi agreed to acquire KalVista Pharmaceuticals for $27.00 per share in cash, representing an equity consideration of approximately $1.9bn • Acquisition adds to Chiesi’s rare immunology portfolio the first oral, on-demand therapy for hereditary angioedema, strengthening Chiesi’s long-term commitment to people living with rare conditions • Transaction expected to close in Q3 2026

 

Under the terms of the Transaction, Chiesi will commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of KalVista for $27.00 per share in cash. The total value implied by the Transaction at closing is approximately $1.9bn. At Chiesi, initiatives in this area are spearheaded by Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, the Group’s business unit focused on research, development and commercialization of therapies for rare and ultra‑rare conditions.

 

The Transaction is Chiesi’s most substantial acquisition to date in value terms and reflects the company’s long‑term ambitions, and represents an important milestone in its strategy in Rare Diseases, reinforcing its commitment across generations to improving the lives of people living with rare conditions.

 

 

Upon completion of the Transaction, Chiesi will assume responsibility for EKTERLY® (sebetralstat), a differentiated oral, on‑demand treatment for hereditary angioedema (HAE), developed by KalVista, which addresses a significant unmet need for patients requiring effective and accessible therapies. By combining KalVista’s innovation with Chiesi’s Global Rare Diseases capabilities in Rare Immunology, the Transaction aims to accelerate patient access and strengthen medical and scientific engagement, in line with Chiesi’s mission and strategic objectives. Sebetralstat is also expected to meaningfully contribute to Chiesi’s 2030 strategic revenue target of €6bn, while significantly expanding its commercial infrastructure and market presence in the United States.

 

 

Sebetralstat is a novel plasma kallikrein inhibitor and the first oral, on-demand treatment for HAE attacks in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. The therapy is already approved in the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Japan and other regions, with ongoing studies exploring its use for treating HAE attacks in children aged 2 to 11 and multiple regulatory applications under review in key global markets. Following its launch in the United States in July 2025, sebetralstat demonstrated strong market uptake, reaching $49M in 2025 sales.

 

 

Jean-Marc Bellemin, Chiesi Group’s CFO, and Interim Group CEO (from 15 May 2026), said: “This acquisition supports our strategy to accelerate impact in rare diseases by bringing together science, innovation and expertise to address areas of highest unmet need. KalVista’s proven drug discovery and development capabilities, combined with our global footprint and operational excellence, will enable us to deliver innovation to patients at greater scale.”

 

 

Giacomo Chiesi, Executive Vice President, Chiesi Global Rare Diseases said: “This acquisition is a strong strategic fit for our rare disease portfolio and reflects our commitment to people living with rare conditions. In HAE, patients continue to face significant unmet needs, and KalVista’s innovation meaningfully expands our presence in rare immunology by adding a differentiated, on-demand treatment option that can bring meaningful advancement in how the disease can be managed. We look forward to working with KalVista towards a successful closing of the Transaction. From day one, our focus will be on working closely with the HAE community and the scientific community to improve disease management and ensure more patients can benefit from timely, effective treatment.”

 

 

Ben Palleiko, CEO of KalVista said: “I am extremely proud of what KalVista has accomplished over the past decade in advancing solutions for the unmet needs of people living with rare disease. Following a thorough review of strategic opportunities, our Board determined that this Transaction maximizes shareholder value, delivering a meaningful all-cash premium to our shareholders. This Transaction also reflects a shared long-term commitment to patients and a strong alignment in how we translate scientific innovation into meaningful impact. With Chiesi’s global infrastructure, commercial capabilities and long-term commitment to rare diseases, we are confident in their ability to help expand access to sebetralstat for people living with HAE around the world.”

 

 

Transaction Terms and Closing

 

 

  • Tender offer by Chiesi to acquire all KalVista shares for $27.00 per share in cash. The Transaction is not subject to any financing condition.
  • Subject to the satisfaction of the closing conditions, including the tender of at least a majority of the then outstanding KalVista shares, receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary offer conditions, the Transaction is expected to close in Q3 of 2026.
  • Under the terms of a merger agreement entered into in connection with the Transaction, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chiesi will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of KalVista’s common stock for an offer price of $27.00 per share in cash, which represents a 36% premium to KalVista’s 30-day volume-weighted average share price as of 28 April, 2026. If the tender offer is successfully completed, Chiesi will acquire all remaining shares of KalVista not tendered in the offer through a second step merger for the same consideration as paid in the tender offer.

 

Lazard is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP is serving as legal advisor to Chiesi. Centerview Partners LLC is serving as financial advisor to KalVista and Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Fenwick & West LLP are serving as legal advisors. Jefferies LLC also provided financial advice to KalVista.

 

******

 

 

About EKTERLY® (sebetralstat)
Sebetralstat is a novel plasma kallikrein inhibitor approved in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore and Japan for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in people 12 years of age and older. Sebetralstat is the first oral on-demand treatment for HAE, offering efficacious and safe treatment of attacks without the burden of injections. With a US regulatory filing planned for 2026 to expand use to children aged 2–11, and additional filings anticipated in key global markets, sebetralstat has the potential to become the foundational therapy for HAE management worldwide.

 

 

About Hereditary Angioedema
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disease resulting in deficiency or dysfunction in the C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) protein and subsequent uncontrolled activation of the kallikrein-kinin system. People living with HAE experience painful and debilitating attacks of tissue swelling in various locations of the body that can be life-threatening depending on the area affected. Treatment guidelines recommend treating attacks as early as possible to prevent progression of swelling and shorten the time to attack resolution, and to consider treatment for all attacks, regardless of anatomic location or severity.

 

 

About Chiesi Group

 

 

Chiesi is a research-oriented international biopharmaceutical group that develops and markets innovative therapeutic solutions in respiratory health, rare diseases, and specialty care. The company’s mission is to improve people’s quality of life and act responsibly towards both the community and the environment.
By changing its legal status in Benefit Corporation in Italy, the US, France and Colombia, Chiesi’s commitment to creating shared value for society as a whole is legally binding and central to company-wide decision-making. As a certified B Corp since 2019, Chiesi is part of a global community of businesses that meet verified standards of social and environmental impact. The company aims to reach Net-Zero greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by 2035.
With 90 years of experience, Chiesi is headquartered in Parma (Italy), with 31 affiliates worldwide, and counts more than 7,900 employees. The Group’s research and development centre in Parma works alongside 6 other important R&D hubs in France, the US, Canada, China, the UK, and Sweden.
For more information, visit www.chiesi.com or the website of your local Chiesi affiliate.

 

 

About Chiesi Global Rare Diseases

 

 

Chiesi Global Rare Diseases is a business unit of the Chiesi Group established to deliver innovative therapies and solutions for people living with rare diseases. As a family business, Chiesi Group strives to create a world where it is common to have therapy for all diseases and acts as a force for good, for society and the planet. The goal of the Global Rare Diseases unit is to ensure equal access so as many people as possible can experience their most fulfilling life. The unit collaborates with the rare disease community around the globe to bring voice to underserved people in the health care system.

 

 

For more information, visit www.chiesirarediseases.com.

 

 

About KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

 

 

KalVista is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to delivering life-changing oral therapies for individuals affected by rare diseases with significant unmet needs. The KalVista team discovered and developedsebetralstat—the first oral on-demand treatment for hereditary angioedema (HAE)—and continues to work closely with the global HAE community to improve treatment and care for this disease around the world.

 

 

For more information about KalVista, please visit www.kalvista.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

Additional Information and Where to Find It

 

 

The tender offer (the “Offer”) for the outstanding shares of common stock (the “Shares”) of KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), described in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of the Company, nor is it a substitute for the Offer materials that the Company, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., an Italian società per azioni (“Parent”) and Skyline Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Purchaser”), will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). A solicitation and offer to buy outstanding Shares of the Company will only be made pursuant to the Offer materials that Parent and Purchaser intend to file with the SEC. At the time the Offer is commenced, Parent and Purchaser will file Offer materials on Schedule TO with the SEC, and the Company will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the Offer. THE OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTAIN OTHER OFFER DOCUMENTS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9 WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND THE PARTIES THERETO. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THESE DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE (AND EACH AS IT MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME) BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SHARES IN THE OFFER. Free copies of these materials and certain other offering documents will be made available by the Company under the “Investors & News” section of the Company’s website at https://www.kalvista.com/ or by directing requests for such materials to the information agent for the Offer, which will be named in the tender offer materials. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Company’s website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this communication. The Offer materials (including the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other Offer documents), as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9, will also be made available for free on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

 

In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other Offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9, the Company files annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read any reports, statements, or other information filed by Parent and the Company with the SEC for free on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

 

This communication contains forward-looking statements related to the Company, Parent, the Offer, the merger of Purchaser with and into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”), the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 29, 2026, by and among Parent, Purchaser, the Company and KalVista Pharmaceuticals Limited, a private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales (the “Merger Agreement”), and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (collectively, the “Transactions”) that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “position,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” or the negative of these terms or similar references to future periods, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. In this communication, forward-looking statements include statements about the parties’ ability to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Offer and the other conditions to the consummation of the Transactions; filings and approvals relating to the Transactions, statements regarding the expected timetable for completing the Transactions; statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations and intentions; the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and Parent; and post-closing operations and the outlook for the parties’ businesses, including, without limitation, the ability to commercialize current and future product candidates (including further commercialization of EKTERLY®). Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties or other factors that are difficult to predict, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those currently indicated in any such statements due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Those risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ from expectations contemplated by forward-looking statements include, among other things: uncertainties as to the timing of the Offer and the Merger; uncertainties as to how many of the Company’s stockholders will tender their Shares in the Offer and the possibility that the acquisition does not close; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the possibility that various closing conditions for the Transactions may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the Transactions; the effects of the Transactions on relationships with employees, other business partners or governmental entities; the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals or actions, if any; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the risk that, if the Transactions are consummated, the businesses will not be integrated successfully and that Parent may not realize the potential benefits of the Transactions; other business effects, including the effects of industry, economic or political conditions outside of the companies’ control; transaction costs; actual or contingent liabilities; the success of the Company’s efforts to commercialize EKTERLY, including revenues from sales of EKTERLY; the Company’s ability to successfully obtain additional foreign regulatory approvals for sebetralstat; the Company’s expectations about the safety and efficacy of sebetralstat and the Company’s other product candidates; the timing of clinical trials and their results, the Company’s ability to commence clinical studies or complete ongoing clinical studies, including the Company’s KONFIDENT-S and KONFIDENT-KID trials, and the ability of EKTERLY to treat HAE; the timing of regulatory filings and product launches; the Company’s plans for international expansion; expectations regarding market adoption and utilization trends; and the Company’s ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships.

 

 

Further information on potential risk factors that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including in the Company’s transition report on Form 10-KT for the transition period from May 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, as well as the Schedule 14D-9 to be filed by the Company and the Schedule TO and related tender offer documents to be filed by Parent and Purchaser. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and Parent, and the Company and Parent disclaim any obligation to update the information contained in this communication as new information becomes available.

 

 

 

 

 

AB InBev Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

Business Wire India

Anheuser-Busch InBev (Brussel:ABI) (BMV:ANB) (JSE:ANH) (NYSE:BUD):

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260504526109/en/

 

 

 

Regulated information1

 

“Cheers to beer – the strength of the category and the consistent execution of our consumer-centric strategy drove continued momentum across our footprint. We are investing behind our megabrands and innovations to lead and grow the category. With strong execution by our teams and major moments of celebration ahead, we are well positioned for 2026.” – Michel Doukeris, CEO, AB InBev

 

 

Revenue

 

+5.8%

 

Revenue increased by 5.8% with revenue per hl growth of 4.5%.

 

Reported revenue increased by 12.0% to 15 267 million USD, positively impacted by currency translation.

 

8.2% increase in combined revenues of megabrands, led by Corona, which grew by 16% outside of its home market.

 

27% increase in revenue of no-alcohol beer.

 

37% increase in revenue of Beyond Beer.

 

55% increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) from sales of third-party products through BEES Marketplace to reach 1.1 billion USD.

 

 

Volumes 

+0.8%

 

Volumes increased by 0.8%, with beer volumes up by 1.2% and non-beer volumes down by 1.9%.

Normalized EBITDA

 

+5.3%

 

Normalized EBITDA increased by 5.3% to 5 437 million USD, with a margin contraction of 15 bps to 35.6%.

 

 

 

Underlying Profit

 

1 923 million USD

 

Underlying Profit was 1 923 million USD in 1Q26 compared to 1 606 million USD in 1Q25.

 

Reported profit attributable to equity holders of AB InBev was 2 563 million USD in 1Q26 compared to 2 148 million USD in 1Q25, both positively impacted by non-underlying items.

 

 

 

Underlying EPS

 

0.97 USD

 

Underlying EPS increased by 20.8% to 0.97 USD in 1Q26, compared to 0.81 USD in 1Q25.

 

On a constant currency basis, Underlying EPS increased by 8.8%.

 

1The enclosed information constitutes regulated information as defined in the Belgian Royal Decree of 14 November 2007 regarding the duties of issuers of financial instruments which have been admitted for trading on a regulated market. For important disclaimers and notes on the basis of preparation, please refer to page 12.

 

Management comments

 

Consistent and compounding growth with beer volume up by 1.2% and a 20.8% Underlying EPS increase

 

 

Our business delivered a solid start to the year with broad-based volume growth and a 20.8% increase in Underlying EPS to reach 0.97 USD, a record high for the first quarter. Megabrand momentum, innovation in Balanced Choices and acceleration of our Beyond Beer portfolio drove top- and bottom-line growth in 4 of our 5 zones and we estimate to have gained or maintained market share in 75% of our markets.

 

 

Revenue increased by 5.8%, with total volume growth of 0.8% and a revenue per hl increase of 4.5%, driven by revenue management and positive mix from premiumization and Beyond Beer. Beer volumes grew by 1.2%, with record high first quarter volumes in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, South Africa and Peru. In the US, our sales to retailer volumes grew and we continued to outperform the industry.

 

 

EBITDA increased by 5.3% with flattish margins as disciplined overhead management enabled increased sales and marketing investments and offset transactional FX headwinds.

 

 

Some key highlights from our performance this quarter include the following: continued momentum of our global megabrands, Corona, Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra, which grew revenues by 16%, 14% and 39% respectively outside of their home markets; expansion of our no-alcohol beer and Beyond Beer portfolios which grew revenue by 27% and 37% respectively; BEES marketplace GMV increased by 55% and delivered more than 1 billion USD in quarterly GMV.

 

 

Progressing our strategic priorities

 

 

We continue to execute on, and invest in, three key strategic pillars to deliver consistent growth and long-term value creation.

 

 

(1) Lead and grow the category:
We increased our overall portfolio brand power driven by increased marketing investment and effectiveness. In addition, we estimate that we gained or maintained market share in 75% of our markets.

 

 

(2) Digitize and monetize our ecosystem:
BEES Marketplace GMV increased by 55% to reach 1.1 billion USD in GMV from sales of third-party products. Overall BEES GMV increased by 15%, reaching 14.6 billion USD.

 

 

(3) Optimize our business:
Underlying EPS increased by 20.8% to 0.97 USD, reaching a record high for the first quarter.

 

 

(1) Lead and grow the category

 

 

We are executing on our replicable levers to drive category growth. Performance across each of the levers was led by our megabrands which delivered an 8.2% revenue increase.

 

 

  • Core Superiority:Revenue of our mainstream portfolio increased by 0.8%, driven by double-digit growth in Colombia, Peru and the Dominican Republic.
  • Balanced Choices: Our Balanced Choices portfolio of low carb, low calorie, sugar free, gluten free and no-alcohol beer brands delivered a revenue increase of 17%. Our no-alcohol beer portfolio led our performance, delivering a 27% revenue increase and gaining share to now be the global leader in no-alcohol beer by value, according to Nielsen.
  • Premiumization:Our above core beer portfolio delivered an 11% revenue increase. Performance was driven by Corona, Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra which delivered revenue growth of 16%, 14% and 39% respectively outside of their home markets. Corona successfully activated the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and increased volume by double-digits in 32 markets.
  • Beyond Beer:Growth of our Beyond Beer portfolio accelerated, increasing revenue by 37%. Performance was led by the global expansion of Flying Fish and by Cutwater in the US, which increased revenue by triple-digits and was the 3rd largest contributor by brand to our global revenue growth in 1Q26.

 

(2) Digitize and monetize our ecosystem

 

  • Digitizing our relationships with more than 6 million customers globally: As of 31 March 2026, BEES was live in 29 markets with 72% of our revenues captured through B2B digital platforms. In 1Q26,BEES captured 14.6 billion USD in GMV, growth of 15% versus 1Q25.
  • Monetizing our route-to-market; delivering more than 1 billion USD in quarterly GMV: BEES Marketplace growth momentum continued, with GMV increasing by 55% versus 1Q25 and reaching approximately 1.1 billion USD from sales of third-party products.
  • Leading the way in DTC solutions: Our digital DTC megabrands, Zé Delivery, TaDa Delivery and PerfectDraft, served 12 million active consumers and generated 139 million USD in revenue, representing 5% growth versus 1Q25. Sales of third-party products through our DTC marketplace reached 41 million USD in GMV, a 42% increase versus 1Q25.

 

(3) Optimize our business

 

  • Maximizing value creation:EBITDA grew by 5.3% with flattish margins as disciplined resource allocation and overhead management offset transactional FX headwinds. Capex optimization drove increased efficiency in depreciation and amortization expenses, resulting in 7.1% EBIT growth. In recognition of our consistent financial performance and the strength of our balance sheet, our credit rating was recently upgraded from A3 to A2 by Moody’s. As of 1 May 2026, we have completed 1.4 billion USD of our 6 billion USD share buyback program announced on 30 October 2025.
  • Advancing our sustainability priorities: After closing our 2025 sustainability goals, we have set new 2030 goals to strengthen resilience across our value chain, focused on agriculture, water, and energy and emissions. For further details, please refer to our website here.

 

Continued momentum and reliable compounding growth

 

The momentum of our business continued to start the year, with broad-based volume growth, revenue management and positive mix driving a 5.8% revenue increase. Top-line growth, disciplined cost management and translational FX tailwinds drove Underlying EPS growth of 20.8%.

 

 

We are encouraged by our performance in the first quarter and, looking ahead, we are well positioned to activate the category in some of the biggest moments of celebration of the year, including the FIFA World Cup. Our consistent performance and the strength of the beer category reinforce our confidence in our ability to deliver our FY26 outlook and create a future with more cheers.

 

 

2026 Outlook

 

 

(i) Overall Performance: We expect our EBITDA to grow in line with our medium-term outlook of between 4-8%. The outlook for FY26 reflects our current assessment of inflation and other macroeconomic conditions.

 

 

(ii) Net Finance Costs: Net pension interest expenses and accretion expenses are expected to be in the range of 190 to 220 million USD per quarter, depending on currency and interest rate fluctuations. We expect the average gross debt coupon in FY26 to be approximately 4%.

 

 

(iii) Effective Tax Rate (ETR): We expect the normalized ETR in FY26 to be in the range of 26% to 28%. The ETR outlook does not consider the impact of potential future changes in legislation.

 

 

(iv) Net Capital Expenditure: We expect net capital expenditure of between 3.5 and 4.0 billion USD in FY26.

 

 

Figure 1. Consolidated performance

           

in USD Mio, except EPS in USD per share and Volumes in thousand hls

 

1Q25

 

 

1Q26

 

 

Organic

           

growth

Volumes

 

136 268

 

 

136 409

 

 

0.8

%

Beer

 

117 385

 

 

118 480

 

 

1.2

%

Non-Beer

 

18 883

 

 

17 929

 

 

(1.9

)%

Revenue

 

13 628

 

 

15 267

 

 

5.8

%

Gross profit

 

7 583

 

 

8 647

 

 

7.2

%

Gross margin

 

55.6

%

 

56.6

%

 

76bps

Normalized EBITDA

 

4 855

 

 

5 437

 

 

5.3

%

Normalized EBITDA margin

 

35.6

%

 

35.6

%

 

(15)bps

Normalized EBIT

 

3 587

 

 

4 073

 

 

7.1

%

Normalized EBIT margin

 

26.3

%

 

26.7

%

 

33bps

 

           

Profit attributable to equity holders of AB InBev

 

2 148

 

 

2 563

 

   

Underlying Profit

 

1 606

 

 

1 923

 

   

 

           

Basic EPS

 

1.08

 

 

1.30

 

   

Underlying EPS

 

0.81

 

 

0.97

 

 

 

 

Figure 2. Volumes

                       

in thousand hls

 

1Q25

 

Scope

 

Organic
growth

 

1Q26

 

Organic growth

                 

Total

 

Beer

North America

 

19 842

 

(97

)

 

(615

)

 

19 131

 

(3.1

)%

 

(3.2

)%

Middle Americas

 

35 081

 

(728

)

 

1 632

 

 

35 985

 

4.8

%

 

5.6

%

South America

 

40 891

 

 

 

(126

)

 

40 765

 

(0.3

)%

 

0.8

%

EMEA

 

20 752

 

(95

)

 

274

 

 

20 931

 

1.3

%

 

1.5

%

Asia Pacific

 

19 648

 

(18

)

 

(83

)

 

19 548

 

(0.4

)%

 

(0.4

)%

Global Export and Holding Companies

 

54

 

8

 

 

(11

)

 

50

 

(18.4

)%

 

(18.4

)%

AB InBev Worldwide

 

136 268

 

(931

)

 

1 072

 

 

136 409

 

0.8

%

 

1.2

%

Key Markets Performance

 

United States: STR volume growth driven by beer and Beyond Beer share gains and an improved industry

 

 

  • Operating performance: Revenue increased by 1.1% with revenue per hl increasing by 4.4% driven by revenue management and positive brand mix. Sales-to-retailers (STRs) increased by 0.3%, estimated to have outperformed an improved industry. Sales-to-wholesalers (STWs) declined by 3.2% as we cycled a challenging shipment phasing comparable. Our STRs and STWs tend to converge on a full year basis. EBITDA increased by 0.2%, as top-line growth and productivity initiatives were reinvested in increased marketing spend to fuel momentum.
  • Commercial highlights: We were the #1 share gainer in total alcohol as we continued to gain share in both beer and spirits, according to Circana. Our beer performance was led by Michelob Ultra and Busch Light, which continued to be the #1 and #2 volume share gainers in the industry respectively. Our Beyond Beer portfolio delivered revenue growth in the high-sixties, led by Cutwater which grew revenue in the triple-digits and was the #1 share gaining brand in the total spirits industry in 1Q26. We are the leader in no-alcohol beer, with our portfolio gaining share and growing revenue in the low-twenties. Beer category trends improved in 1Q26 as weather patterns normalized and consumer sentiment stabilized, with revenue growth and flattish volumes, according to Circana.

 

Mexico: Record high volumes drove high-single digit top and mid-single digit bottom-line growth

 

  • Operating performance: Revenue increased by high-single digits, with mid-single digit revenue per hl growth driven by revenue management. Volumes increased by mid-single digits, outperforming the industry which grew by low-single digits, benefitting from Easter shipment phasing. EBITDA grew by mid-single digits, as top-line growth was partially offset by transactional FX headwinds and increased marketing investments.
  • Commercial highlights: Our performance was led by our above core beer portfolio, which grew revenue by low-teens driven by Modelo and Michelob Ultra. Our mainstream beer portfolio continued to grow, delivering mid-single digit revenue growth led by Corona. We strengthened our position as the industry leader in no-alcohol beer, with our portfolio growing volume by strong double-digits led by Corona Cero and Modelo Cero. In Beyond Beer, our portfolio grew volume by strong double-digits, led by the Vicky’s brand family.

 

Colombia: Record high volumes drove double-digit top- and bottom-line growth

 

  • Operating performance: Revenue increased by low-teens with mid-single digit revenue per hl growth, driven by revenue management and positive mix. Volumes grew by mid-single digits, with our portfolio gaining share of alcohol beverages. EBITDA grew by low-teens, as disciplined cost management and operational leverage offset transactional FX headwinds.
  • Commercial highlights: Increased brand power and consistent execution drove our momentum with revenue growing across all price segments of our portfolio and our business delivering record high first quarter volumes. Our above core beer brands led our performance with volume growth of high-single digits, led by Corona. Our mainstream beer portfolio continued to grow, delivering a mid-single digit volume increase.

 

Brazil: Record high beer volumes and double-digit bottom line growth driven by market share gain and an improved industry

 

  • Operating performance: Revenue increased by 8.4% with revenue per hl growth of 8.6%, driven by revenue management and premiumization. Beer volumes increased by 1.2%, estimated to have outperformed the industry. Non-beer volumes decreased by 3.9%, resulting in a total volume decline of 0.2%. EBITDA increased by 10.6% with margin expansion of 71bps, as disciplined revenue and cost management more than offset transactional FX headwinds.
  • Commercial highlights: Our premium and super premium beer brands led our performance, delivering low-twenties volume growth and strengthening our leadership position of the premium segment. Our mainstream beer performance improved sequentially, estimated to have gained share of the segment. We are leading the industry in no-alcohol beer, with our portfolio growing volumes by low-teens and estimated to have gained share. In Beyond Beer, our portfolio grew volumes by high-teens, led by Beats and the launch of Flying Fish.

 

Europe: Continued market share gains and premiumization offset a soft industry to drive top- and bottom-line growth

 

  • Operating performance: Volumes grew by low-single digits, estimated to have outperformed the industry in the majority of our key markets, and supported by Easter shipment phasing. Revenue and revenue per hl increased by low-single digits driven by revenue management and premiumization. EBITDA grew by low-single digits with flattish margins as we increased marketing investments.
  • Commercial highlights: Our performance was driven by our megabrands, led by Corona which delivered high-single digit volume growth. Our no-alcohol beer portfolio is estimated to have grown market share in 5 of our 6 key markets, led by Corona Cero which delivered strong double-digit volume growth. We successfully activated the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and created golden moments for consumers, with Corona and Corona Cero accounting for 60% of all beverages sold in Olympic venues.

 

South Africa: Record high volumes drove mid-single digit top-line growth

 

  • Operating performance: Revenue increased by mid-single digits with revenue per hl growth of low-single digits. Volumes grew by low-single digits, with beer volumes estimated to have underperformed a low-single digit growing industry, while Beyond Beer outperformed. EBITDA declined by low-single digits, with top-line growth primarily offset by phasing of sales and marketing investments.
  • Commercial highlights: The momentum of our business continued, with the consistent execution of our strategy driving an increase in our portfolio brand power and record high first quarter volumes. Performance was driven by our premium and super premium beer brands, which grew volumes by mid-twenties led by Corona. Our mainstream beer portfolio continued to grow, delivering low-single digit revenue growth led by Carling Black Label. In Beyond Beer, our portfolio grew volumes by high-single digits led by Flying Fish and our spirits-based RTD innovations.

 

China: Improved volume trend as we increased investments to rebuild momentum

 

  • Operating performance: Volumes declined by 1.5%, improving sequentially from 4Q25 but underperforming the industry according to our estimates. Revenue per hl decreased by 2.5%, driven by increased investments to expand our in-home presence, resulting in a revenue decline of 3.9%. EBITDA declined by 11.8%, impacted by top-line performance and increased sales and marketing investments.
  • Commercial highlights: Beer industry volume improved sequentially and was estimated to have grown slightly in 1Q26. Our top priorities are to rebuild momentum and reignite growth. We are investing behind our megabrands and innovations, strengthening our execution, and expanding our in-home channel presence. In 1Q26, we increased sales and marketing investments to activate the Chinese New Year campaign for Budweiser and we launched Harbin 1900, a 100% pure malt classic lager innovation, to increase our participation in the fast growing core plus segment.

 

Highlights from our other markets

 

  • Canada: Revenue was flat with low-single digit revenue per hl growth. Volumes declined by low-single digits, with beer performance estimated to be in-line with a soft industry while we outperformed a growing Beyond Beer segment. Our beer performance was led by Michelob Ultra and Busch which were the top two volume share gainers in the industry. Beyond Beer growth was led by Cutwater and Mike’s Hard Lemonade which were two of the top three share gainers in the category.
  • Peru: Volumes grew by high-single digits to reach a record high for the first quarter. Performance was led by our mainstream beer brands, which grew volumes by high-single digits, and our Beyond Beer portfolio, which grew volumes in the triple-digits. Revenue grew by low-teens with mid-single digit revenue per hl growth, driven by revenue management and positive mix.
  • Ecuador: Revenue grew by low-teens with growth led by our above core beer brands which increased revenues by strong double-digits. Volumes increased by high-single digits, with industry growth driven by an improved consumer environment and supported by cycling a soft industry in 1Q25.
  • Argentina: Volumes declined by low-single digits, with beer volumes estimated to have outperformed the industry in a constrained consumer environment. Revenue grew by high-single digits driven by revenue management.
  • Africa excluding South Africa: In Nigeria, revenue grew by mid-single digits, driven by revenue management. Beer volumes declined by mid-single digits, estimated to have outperformed a soft industry.
    In our other markets in Africa, revenue grew in aggregate by high-single digits and volumes by low-single digits, driven by Tanzania, Mozambique and Uganda.
  • South Korea: Our business cycled a challenging shipment phasing comparable due to our April 2025 price increase, resulting in volumes declining by low-teens. Revenue decreased by high-single digits with low-single digit revenue per hl growth. We estimate that we have continued to gain market share in both the on-premise and in-home channels.

 

Consolidated Income Statement

 

Figure 3. Consolidated income statement

           

in USD Mio

 

1Q25

 

 

1Q26

 

 

Organic

           

growth

Revenue

 

13 628

 

 

15 267

 

 

5.8

%

Cost of sales

 

(6 044

)

 

(6 620

)

 

(3.9

)%

Gross profit

 

7 583

 

 

8 647

 

 

7.2

%

SG&A

 

(4 188

)

 

(4 743

)

 

(6.5

)%

Other operating income/(expenses)

 

192

 

 

170

 

 

(11.6

)%

Normalized EBIT

 

3 587

 

 

4 073

 

 

7.1

%

Non-underlying items above EBIT

 

(49

)

 

56

 

   

Net finance income/(expense)

 

(984

)

 

(1 050

)

   

Non-underlying net finance income/(expense)

 

602

 

 

631

 

   

Share of results of associates

 

52

 

 

52

 

   

Income tax expense

 

(664

)

 

(786

)

   

Profit

 

2 544

 

 

2 977

 

   

Profit attributable to non-controlling interest

 

396

 

 

414

 

   

Profit attributable to equity holders of AB InBev

 

2 148

 

 

2 563

 

   
             

Normalized EBITDA

 

4 855

 

 

5 437

 

 

5.3

%

Underlying Profit

 

1 606

 

 

1 923

 

 

 

 

Non-underlying items above EBIT

 

Figure 4. Non-underlying items above EBIT & Non-underlying share of results of associates

in USD Mio

 

1Q25

 

 

1Q26

 

Restructuring

 

(12

)

 

(23

)

Business and asset disposals (including impairment losses)

 

(37

)

 

79

 

Non-underlying items in EBIT

 

(49

)

 

56

 

 

Normalized EBIT excludes positive non-underlying items of 56 million USD in 1Q26 and negative non-underlying items of 49 million USD in 1Q25.

 

Net finance income/(expense)

 

 

Figure 5. Net finance income/(expense)

in USD Mio

 

1Q25

 

 

1Q26

 

Net interest expense

 

(621

)

 

(613

)

Accretion expense and interest on pensions

 

(167

)

 

(216

)

Other financial results

 

(196

)

 

(220

)

Net finance income/(expense)

 

(984

)

 

(1 050

)

 

Non-underlying net finance income/(expense)

 

Figure 6. Non-underlying net finance income/(expense)

in USD Mio

 

1Q25

 

1Q26

Mark-to-market

 

602

 

631

Non-underlying net finance income/(expense)

 

602

 

631

 

Non-underlying net finance income includes mark-to-market gains on derivative instruments entered into in order to hedge our share-based payment programs and shares issued in relation to the combinations with Grupo Modelo and SAB.

 

The number of shares covered by the hedging of our share-based payment program, the deferred share instrument and the restricted shares are shown below, together with the opening and closing share prices.

 

 

Figure 7. Non-underlying equity derivative instruments

   

1Q25

 

1Q26

Share price at the start of the period (Euro)

 

48.25

 

54.90

Share price at the end of the period (Euro)

 

56.92

 

59.72

Number of equity derivative instruments at the end of the period (in million)

 

100.5

 

94.0

 

Income tax expense

 

Figure 8. Income tax expense

in USD Mio

 

1Q25

 

1Q26

Income tax expense

 

664

 

786

Effective tax rate

 

21.0%

 

21.2%

Normalized effective tax rate

 

25.9%

 

25.2%

 

The 1Q26 and 1Q25 effective tax rates were positively impacted by non-taxable gains from derivatives related to the hedging of share-based payment programs and the hedging of the shares issued in a transaction related to the combination with Grupo Modelo and SAB.

 

The decrease in Normalized ETR in 1Q26 compared to 1Q25 was primarily due to positive country mix.

 

 

Underlying EPS

 

 

Figure 9. Underlying EPS

in USD per share, except number of shares in million

 

1Q25

 

 

1Q26

 

Normalized EBITDA

 

2.43

 

 

2.75

 

Depreciation, amortization and impairment

 

(0.64

)

 

(0.69

)

Normalized EBIT

 

1.80

 

 

2.06

 

Net finance income/(expense)

 

(0.49

)

 

(0.53

)

Income tax expense

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.39

)

Associates & non-controlling interests

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.18

)

Hyperinflation impacts

 

0.01

 

 

0.01

 

Underlying EPS

 

0.81

 

 

0.97

 

Weighted average number of ordinary and restricted shares

 

1 994

 

 

1 978

 

 

Reconciliation of IFRS and Non-IFRS Financial Measures

 

Profit attributable to equity holders and Underlying Profit

 

 

Figure 10. Underlying Profit

in USD Mio

 

1Q25

 

 

1Q26

 

Profit attributable to equity holders of AB InBev

 

2 148

 

 

2 563

 

Net impact of non-underlying items on profit

 

(565

)

 

(667

)

Hyperinflation impacts

 

23

 

 

28

 

Underlying Profit

 

1 606

 

 

1 923

 

 

Basic and Underlying EPS

 

Figure 11. Basic and Underlying EPS

in USD per share, except number of shares in million

 

1Q25

 

 

1Q26

 

Basic EPS

 

1.08

 

 

1.30

 

Net impact of non-underlying items

 

(0.28

)

 

(0.34

)

Hyperinflation impacts

 

0.01

 

 

0.01

 

Underlying EPS

 

0.81

 

 

0.97

 

FX translation impact

 

 

 

(0.09

)

Underlying EPS in constant currency

 

0.81

 

 

0.88

 

Weighted average number of ordinary and restricted shares

 

1 994

 

 

1 978

 

 

Profit attributable to equity holders and Normalized EBITDA

 

Figure 12. Reconciliation of Normalized EBITDA to Profit attributable to equity holders of AB InBev

in USD Mio

 

1Q25

 

 

1Q26

 

Profit attributable to equity holders of AB InBev

 

2 148

 

 

2 563

 

Non-controlling interests

 

396

 

 

414

 

Profit

 

2 544

 

 

2 977

 

Income tax expense

 

664

 

 

786

 

Share of results of associates

 

(52

)

 

(52

)

Net finance (income)/expense

 

984

 

 

1 050

 

Non-underlying net finance (income)/expense

 

(602

)

 

(631

)

Non-underlying items above EBIT (incl. impairment losses)

 

49

 

 

(56

)

Normalized EBIT

 

3 587

 

 

4 073

 

Depreciation, amortization and impairment

 

1 268

 

 

1 364

 

Normalized EBITDA

 

4 855

 

 

5 437

 

 

Normalized EBITDA, Normalized EBIT and Underlying Profit are non-IFRS financial measures used by AB InBev to reflect the company’s underlying performance. Underlying EPS and constant currency Underlying EPS are non-IFRS financial measures that AB InBev believes are useful to investors because they facilitate comparisons of EPS from period to period.

 

Normalized EBITDA is calculated by adjusting profit attributable to equity holders of AB InBev to exclude: (i) non-controlling interest; (ii) income tax expense; (iii) share of results of associates; (iv) non-underlying share of results of associates; (v) net finance income or cost; (vi) non-underlying net finance income or cost; (vii) non-underlying items above EBIT; and (viii) depreciation, amortization and impairment.

 

 

Underlying Profit is calculated by adjusting profit attributable to equity holders of AB InBev to exclude: (i) non-underlying items and (ii) hyperinflation impacts. Underlying EPS is calculated as Underlying Profit divided by the weighted average number of ordinary and restricted shares. Constant currency Underlying EPS is calculated as Underlying EPS excluding the effects of foreign currency translation by translating current period figures using the exchange rates from the same period in the prior year.

 

 

Normalized EBITDA, Normalized EBIT and Underlying Profit are not accounting measures under IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to profit attributable to equity holders as a measure of operational performance, or an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. Underlying EPS and constant currency Underlying EPS are not accounting measures under IFRS and should not be considered as alternatives to earnings per share as a measure of operating performance on a per share basis. These non-IFRS financial measures do not have a standard calculation method and AB InBev’s definition of Normalized EBITDA, Normalized EBIT, Underlying Profit, Underlying EPS and constant currency Underlying EPS may not be comparable to that of other companies.

 

 

Notes

 

 

To facilitate the understanding of AB InBev’s underlying performance, the analyses of growth, including all comments in this press release, unless otherwise indicated, are based on organic growth and normalized numbers. In other words, financials are analyzed eliminating the impact of changes in currencies on translation of foreign operations, and scope changes. Since 1Q24, the definition of organic revenue growth has been amended to cap the price growth in Argentina to a maximum of 2% per month (26.8% year-over-year). Corresponding adjustments are made to all income statement related items in the organic growth calculations through scope changes. Scope changes also represent the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, the start or termination of activities or the transfer of activities between segments, curtailment gains and losses and year over year changes in accounting estimates and other assumptions that management does not consider as part of the underlying performance of the business. Beer volumes and revenue include primarily beer, no-alcohol beer, other malt-based alcohol beverages and spirits-based beverages. Non-beer volumes and revenue include primarily carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks. In addition, beer and non-beer categories include not only brands that we own or license, but also third-party brands that we brew and sell, and third-party products that we sell through our distribution network. The organic growth of our global brands, Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona excludes exports to Australia for which a perpetual license was granted to a third party upon disposal of the Australia operations in 2020. All references per hectoliter (per hl) exclude US non-beverage activities. Whenever presented in this document, all performance measures (EBITDA, EBIT, profit, tax rate, EPS) are presented on a “normalized” basis, which means they are presented before non-underlying items. Non-underlying items are either income or expenses which do not occur regularly as part of the normal activities of the Company. They are presented separately because they are important for the understanding of the underlying sustainable performance of the Company due to their size or nature. Normalized measures are additional measures used by management and should not replace the measures determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Effective 1 January 2026, Cervecería Bucanero S.A., a Cuban company in which we indirectly hold a 50% equity interest through our subsidiary Ambev, is accounted for as an associate using the equity method of accounting. The impact of this change in presentation is reflected as a scope change. We are reporting the results from Argentina applying hyperinflation accounting since 3Q18. The IFRS rules (IAS 29) require us to restate the year-to-date results for the change in the general purchasing power of the local currency, using official indices before converting the local amounts at the closing rate of the period. In 1Q26, we reported a negative impact from hyperinflation accounting on the profit attributable to equity holders of AB InBev of 28 million USD. The impact in 1Q26 Basic EPS was 0.01 USD. Values in the figures and annexes may not add up, due to rounding. 1Q26 EPS is based upon a weighted average of 1 978 million shares compared to a weighted average of 1 994 million shares for 1Q25.

 

 

Legal disclaimer

 

 

This release contains “forward-looking statements”. These statements are based on the current expectations and views of future events and developments of the management of AB InBev and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. The forward-looking statements contained in this release include statements other than historical facts and include statements typically containing words such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “believe”, “intends”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “targets”, “ambition”, “estimates”, “likely”, “foresees” and words of similar import. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the current views of the management of AB InBev, are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties about AB InBev and are dependent on many factors, some of which are outside of AB InBev’s control. There are important factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different, including, but not limited to the risks and uncertainties relating to AB InBev that are described under Item 3.D of AB InBev’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on 3 March 2026. Many of these risks and uncertainties are, and will be, exacerbated by any further worsening of the global business and economic environment, including as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and ongoing geopolitical instability. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included elsewhere, including AB InBev’s most recent Form 20-F and other reports furnished on Form 6-K, and any other documents that AB InBev has made public. Any forward-looking statements made in this communication are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by AB InBev will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, AB InBev or its business or operations. Except as required by law, AB InBev undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The first quarter 2026 (1Q26) financial data set out in Figure 1 (except for the volume information), Figures 3 to 6, 8, 10 and 12 of this press release have been extracted from the group’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements as of and for the three-month period ended 31 March 2026, which have been reviewed by our statutory auditors PwC Bedrijfsrevisoren BV/Réviseurs d’Entreprises SRL in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Financial data included in Figures 7, 9 and 11 of this press release have been extracted from the underlying accounting records as of and for the three-month period ended 31 March 2026. References in this document to materials on our websites, such as www.ab-inbev.com, are included as an aid to their location and are not incorporated by reference into this document.

 

 

Conference call and webcast

 

 

Investor Conference call and webcast on Tuesday, 5 May 2026:
3.00pm Brussels / 2.00pm London / 9.00am New York

 

 

Registration details:
Webcast (listen-only mode):
AB InBev 1Q26 Results Webcast

 

 

To join by phone, please use one of the following two phone numbers:
Toll-Free: +1-877-407-8029
Toll: +1-201-689-8029

 

 

About AB InBev

 

 

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is a publicly traded company (Euronext: ABI) based in Leuven, Belgium, with secondary listings on the Mexico (MEXBOL: ANB) and South Africa (JSE: ANH) stock exchanges and with American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUD). As a company, we dream big to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in the world. We are committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and to brewing the best beers using the finest ingredients. Beer is the drink for moderation, and for over a century, AB InBev has championed responsible drinking. We are committed to providing our consumers with Balanced Choices to enjoy on any occasion. We also invest in marketing that aims to reinforce positive behaviors, and we work with communities, customers, and partners to promote responsible consumption through evidence-based initiatives.

 

 

Our diverse portfolio of well over 400 beer brands includes global brands Budweiser®, Corona®, Stella Artois® and Michelob Ultra®; multi-country brands Beck’s®, Hoegaarden® and Leffe®; and local champions such as Aguila®, Antarctica®, Bud Light®, Brahma®, Cass®, Castle®, Castle Lite®, Cristal®, Harbin®, Jupiler®, Modelo Especial®, Quilmes®, Victoria®, Sedrin®, and Skol®. Our brewing heritage dates back more than 600 years, spanning continents and generations. From our European roots at the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium. To the pioneering spirit of the Anheuser & Co brewery in St. Louis, US. To the creation of the Castle Brewery in South Africa during the Johannesburg gold rush. To Bohemia, the first brewery in Brazil. Geographically diversified with a balanced exposure to developed and developing markets, we leverage the collective strengths of approximately 137 000 colleagues based in more than 40 countries worldwide. For 2025, AB InBev’s reported revenue was 59.3 billion USD (excluding JVs and associates).

 

 

Annex 1: Segment reporting

 

 

AB InBev Worldwide

 

1Q25

 

 

Scope

 

Currency Translation

 

Organic Growth

 

1Q26

 

 

Organic Growth

Volumes

 

136 268

 

 

(931

)

 

 

 

1 072

 

 

136 409

 

 

0.8

%

Revenue

 

13 628

 

 

(100

)

 

961

 

 

778

 

 

15 267

 

 

5.8

%

Cost of sales

 

(6 044

)

 

59

 

 

(400

)

 

(235

)

 

(6 620

)

 

(3.9

)%

Gross profit

 

7 583

 

 

(41

)

 

561

 

 

543

 

 

8 647

 

 

7.2

%

SG&A

 

(4 188

)

 

(7

)

 

(277

)

 

(271

)

 

(4 743

)

 

(6.5

)%

Other operating income/(expenses)

 

192

 

 

(17

)

 

15

 

 

(20

)

 

170

 

 

(11.6

)%

Normalized EBIT

 

3 587

 

 

(64

)

 

300

 

 

251

 

 

4 073

 

 

7.1

%

Normalized EBITDA

 

4 855

 

 

(69

)

 

396

 

 

255

 

 

5 437

 

 

5.3

%

Normalized EBITDA margin

 

35.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35.6

%

 

(15)bps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

1Q25

 

 

Scope

 

Currency Translation

 

Organic Growth

 

1Q26

 

 

Organic Growth

Volumes

 

19 842

 

 

(97

)

 

 

 

(615

)

 

19 131

 

 

(3.1

)%

Revenue

 

3 364

 

 

(30

)

 

20

 

 

32

 

 

3 385

 

 

0.9

%

Cost of sales

 

(1 410

)

 

30

 

 

(7

)

 

32

 

 

(1 356

)

 

2.3

%

Gross profit

 

1 953

 

 

(1

)

 

13

 

 

63

 

 

2 029

 

 

3.2

%

SG&A

 

(1 052

)

 

(5

)

 

(9

)

 

(31

)

 

(1 095

)

 

(2.9

)%

Other operating income/(expenses)

 

14

 

 

(0

)

 

(1

)

 

(10

)

 

2

 

 

(74.2

)%

Normalized EBIT

 

916

 

 

(6

)

 

4

 

 

22

 

 

936

 

 

2.4

%

Normalized EBITDA

 

1 087

 

 

(2

)

 

5

 

 

7

 

 

1 097

 

 

0.7

%

Normalized EBITDA margin

 

32.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32.4

%

 

(9)bps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Middle Americas

 

1Q25

 

 

Scope

 

Currency Translation

 

Organic Growth

 

1Q26

 

 

Organic Growth

Volumes

 

35 081

 

 

(728

)

 

 

 

1 632

 

 

35 985

 

 

4.8

%

Revenue

 

3 784

 

 

(78

)

 

450

 

 

349

 

 

4 505

 

 

9.4

%

Cost of sales

 

(1 350

)

 

40

 

 

(151

)

 

(102

)

 

(1 562

)

 

(7.8

)%

Gross profit

 

2 434

 

 

(37

)

 

299

 

 

247

 

 

2 943

 

 

10.3

%

SG&A

 

(911

)

 

13

 

 

(110

)

 

(72

)

 

(1 081

)

 

(8.0

)%

Other operating income/(expenses)

 

12

 

 

(0

)

 

1

 

 

(6

)

 

6

 

 

(48.1

)%

Normalized EBIT

 

1 535

 

 

(25

)

 

189

 

 

169

 

 

1 869

 

 

11.2

%

Normalized EBITDA

 

1 858

 

 

(24

)

 

224

 

 

149

 

 

2 206

 

 

8.1

%

Normalized EBITDA margin

 

49.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

49.0

%

 

(59)bps

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South America

 

1Q25

 

 

Scope

 

Currency Translation

 

Organic Growth

 

1Q26

 

 

Organic Growth

Volumes

 

40 891

 

 

 

 

 

 

(126

)

 

40 765

 

 

(0.3

)%

Revenue

 

2 978

 

 

3

 

 

192

 

 

267

 

 

3 440

 

 

9.0

%

Cost of sales

 

(1 450

)

 

(3

)

 

(92

)

 

(112

)

 

(1 657

)

 

(7.7

)%

Gross profit

 

1 528

 

 

(0

)

 

100

 

 

156

 

 

1 784

 

 

10.2

%

SG&A

 

(849

)

 

(5

)

 

(47

)

 

(56

)

 

(957

)

 

(6.6

)%

Other operating income/(expenses)

 

97

 

 

(10

)

 

11

 

 

10

 

 

108

 

 

11.4

%

Normalized EBIT

 

776

 

 

(15

)

 

64

 

 

110

 

 

935

 

 

14.4

%

Normalized EBITDA

 

1 007

 

 

(10

)

 

80

 

 

113

 

 

1 190

 

 

11.3

%

Normalized EBITDA margin

 

33.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34.6

%

 

73bps

 

EMEA

 

1Q25

 

 

Scope

 

Currency Translation

 

Organic Growth

 

1Q26

 

 

Organic Growth

Volumes

 

20 752

 

 

(95

)

 

 

 

274

 

 

20 931

 

 

1.3

%

Revenue

 

1 965

 

 

(31

)

 

252

 

 

87

 

 

2 274

 

 

4.5

%

Cost of sales

 

(1 028

)

 

17

 

 

(129

)

 

(13

)

 

(1 153

)

 

(1.3

)%

Gross profit

 

937

 

 

(14

)

 

123

 

 

75

 

 

1 121

 

 

8.1

%

SG&A

 

(607

)

 

(5

)

 

(84

)

 

(44

)

 

(739

)

 

(7.1

)%

Other operating income/(expenses)

 

44

 

 

(6

)

 

4

 

 

(8

)

 

35

 

 

(19.9

)%

Normalized EBIT

 

375

 

 

(25

)

 

43

 

 

23

 

 

416

 

 

6.7

%

Normalized EBITDA

 

624

 

 

(21

)

 

76

 

 

24

 

 

703

 

 

3.9

%

Normalized EBITDA margin

 

31.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30.9

%

 

(18)bps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asia Pacific

 

1Q25

 

 

Scope

 

Currency Translation

 

Organic Growth

 

1Q26

 

 

Organic Growth

Volumes

 

19 648

 

 

(18

)

 

 

 

(83

)

 

19 548

 

 

(0.4

)%

Revenue

 

1 450

 

 

(2

)

 

44

 

 

(19

)

 

1 474

 

 

(1.3

)%

Cost of sales

 

(685

)

 

1

 

 

(19

)

 

11

 

 

(691

)

 

1.7

%

Gross profit

 

766

 

 

(1

)

 

26

 

 

(8

)

 

783

 

 

(1.0

)%

SG&A

 

(420

)

 

0

 

 

(13

)

 

(22

)

 

(455

)

 

(5.1

)%

Other operating income/(expenses)

 

24

 

 

(0

)

 

1

 

 

(6

)

 

18

 

 

(27.3

)%

Normalized EBIT

 

369

 

 

(1

)

 

13

 

 

(36

)

 

346

 

 

(9.8

)%

Normalized EBITDA

 

523

 

 

4

 

 

18

 

 

(48

)

 

497

 

 

(9.2

)%

Normalized EBITDA margin

 

36.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33.7

%

 

(289)bps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Export and Holding Companies

 

1Q25

 

 

Scope

 

Currency Translation

 

Organic Growth

 

1Q26

 

 

Organic Growth

Volumes

 

54

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

(11

)

 

50

 

 

(18.4

)%

Revenue

 

86

 

 

38

 

 

2

 

 

62

 

 

189

 

 

71.3

%

Cost of sales

 

(122

)

 

(26

)

 

(2

)

 

(52

)

 

(202

)

 

(42.4

)%

Gross profit

 

(36

)

 

13

 

 

0

 

 

10

 

 

(13

)

 

29.0

%

SG&A

 

(349

)

 

(6

)

 

(14

)

 

(47

)

 

(416

)

 

(13.6

)%

Other operating income/(expenses)

 

1

 

 

 

 

(0

)

 

(0

)

 

(0

)

 

(70.7

)%

Normalized EBIT

 

(384

)

 

7

 

 

(14

)

 

(38

)

 

(429

)

 

(9.8

)%

Normalized EBITDA

 

(244

)

 

(16

)

 

(7

)

 

11

 

 

(256

)

 

4.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

tesa Selects Kinaxis as the Digital Backbone for Global Integrated Business Planning Transformation

Business Wire India

Kinaxis® (TSX: KXS), a global leader in end‑to‑end supply chain orchestration, today announced that tesa SE, a global manufacturer of adhesive tapes and self-adhesive product solutions, has selected the Kinaxis Maestro™ platform as a core enabler of its global, multi‑year supply chain and integrated business planning (IBP) transformation.

 

Following an extensive evaluation, tesa selected Kinaxis to support its evolution from regionally fragmented planning practices toward a centrally governed, globally orchestrated IBP operating model. Kinaxis will support tesa in improving enterprise-wide transparency, strengthening resilience, and enabling faster, more informed decision making across an increasingly complex and volatile global supply chain network.

 

 

With 130 years of innovation, tesa is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of adhesive tapes and self-adhesive product solutions. Operating across six global regions and serving both complex industrial and fast-moving consumer markets, tesa continues to expand its portfolio and geographic footprint.

 

 

As growth increased complexity across functions, regions, and business units, the company identified the need for a scalable, integrated planning foundation that enables faster and more confident decisions across the enterprise.

 

 

“tesa is operating at a higher level of global scale and complexity than ever before,” said Andreas Rummert, Head of Global Operations at tesa SE. “Our ambition is to establish integrated business planning as a core enterprise capability that enables faster, more confident decision making and helps us respond quickly to changing market and customer needs. To support our growth and innovation agenda, we needed a platform with global visibility, speed and strong scenario capabilities. Kinaxis Maestro, with its powerful orchestration capabilities, was the clear choice to support this ambition.”

 

 

From a technology perspective, collaboration, integration, and future readiness were critical selection criteria.

 

 

“Choosing Kinaxis as our strategic partner accelerates tesa’s AI strategy by embedding advanced analytics and AI-driven decision support directly into our core planning processes,” said Christoph Hummel, Head of DIT at tesa SE. “At the same time, we retain clear ownership of our planning model, decision logic and governance. From a technology perspective, this transformation modernizes our planning architecture and strengthens collaboration between Supply Chain and Digital & IT to sustainably build analytics and AI-enabled planning capabilities across the enterprise.”

 

 

Kinaxis Maestro was selected for its ability to manage real‑world complexity at scale while delivering fast time‑to‑value with lower transformation risk. The platform unifies demand, supply, inventory and sales and operations planning (S&OP) in a single environment, enabling concurrent scenario evaluation and confident decision‑making in real time.

 

 

“tesa had highly complex requirements,” said Fabienne Cetre, EVP EMEA Sales at Kinaxis. “With Maestro, we can support tesa in building a globally consistent and scalable supply chain planning backbone that helps the organization respond faster while building a strong foundation for the future. This collaboration reflects Kinaxis’ continued momentum in Europe, particularly within specialty materials and advanced manufacturing, with Maestro selected for its industry-leading ability to support the most complex organizational transformations.”

 

 

To learn more visit kinaxis.com.

 

 

About Kinaxis

 

 

Kinaxis is a leader in modern supply chain orchestration, powering complex global supply chains, and supporting the people who manage them. Our powerful, AI-infused supply chain orchestration platform, Maestro, combines proprietary technologies and techniques that provide full transparency and agility across the entire supply chain — from multi-year strategic planning to last-mile delivery. We are trusted by renowned global brands to provide the agility and predictability needed to navigate today’s volatility and disruption. For more news and information, please visit kinaxis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

 

 

Source: Kinaxis Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Chance Raises $3M+ in Funding to Unite the World’s TCG Collectors

Business Wire India

Chance Studios Inc., the superapp empowering trading card game (TCG) collectors to collect, connect, and share their collections, has raised $3.2 million in its funding. The round was co-led by Makers Fund and Hashed, with participation from Arbitrum Gaming Ventures, Gam3Girl Ventures, and Digital Elm, bringing together an elite coalition of top-tier consumer, gaming and technology investors in one of the most selective funding environments in recent memory.

 

The TCG market has scaled into a multi-billion dollar category, yet the collector’s biggest pain point is not authenticity risk, lack of liquidity nor fragmented experience. It is finding enjoyment after the point of purchase.

 

 

Chance is the first platform purpose-built by TCG natives for TCG collectors that provides a unified platform to turn their collections into connections. Chance offers instant liquidity, transparent transactions, and a vibrant social layer in an integrated superapp.

 

 

Chance was founded by Jun Park, who brings extensive experience across frontier technology and TCG, alongside Arvin Dabiri, whose brand GoatedPullz has established him as a trusted name in Pokémon TCG buying, selling, and vending over the past five years. The founding team is rounded out by members who are all deeply rooted in TCG culture and community.

 

 

Within just two weeks of launching its open beta, Chance recorded trading volume that exceeded all internal projections, including over $100,000 in volume in a single day, providing a strong and early signal of market demand from the TCG collector community. This momentum builds on Chance’s organic growth across social channels, where Chance’s original content has generated over 500,000 views on Instagram since launching in November.

 

 

“After interviewing more than 200 content creators, institutional players, families, collectors, and streamers, many of whom are close friends, we saw a clear and urgent gap in the market,” said Jun Park, Founder and CEO of Chance. “Collectors need more than a marketplace. They need a home where collecting leads to connecting. And that’s exactly what Chance is building.”

 

 

This vision is shared by leading investors and industry figures closely connected to Chance.

 

 

More information about Chance can be found at Chance.live and their Instagram.

 

 

“Chance is a playground where serious collectors can not only find top chases and instantly trade, but also enjoy a community of like-minded collectors through group chats, shared games, and more,” said Jay Chi, Makers Fund. “We’re excited to back a team that truly lives and breathes this culture and is looking to provide a unique, all-in-one platform to the community.”

 

 

Simon Kim, CEO & Managing Partner of Hashed added, “TCG and collectibles are being redefined faster than any cultural asset class in Asia today, and the winners will be those who love this world most authentically. Chance isn’t just building a platform for collectors. They’re building the platform only collectors could have built. In a market where authenticity is the real edge, that love is a moat no fast-follower can replicate.”

 

 

“Chance isn’t setting out to replicate what’s already on the market. The company’s mission is to redefine the collectibles industry itself, building the infrastructure for a future where collectors don’t just buy and flip, but genuinely experience, share, and build community around the cards they love,” said Ethan Sy, Investor at Arbitrum Gaming Ventures.

 

 

About Chance

 

 

Chance Studios, Inc. operates a community-focused collectibles superapp for Pokémon trading card game enthusiasts. The company combines the marketing and sale of physical Pokémon trading card products with a purpose-built digital platform where collectors can discover, collect, trade, and engage with Pokémon cards and the vibrant communities around them. Founded by lifelong TCG collectors, Chance is designed to bridge the gap between collecting and connecting, giving collectors a single destination to manage their collections, access instant liquidity, and share their passion with a global community of like-minded enthusiasts.

 

 

About Makers Fund

 

 

Makers Fund is a global interactive entertainment venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments. Makers is dedicated to furthering growth and innovation in the interactive entertainment industry. With more than 90 portfolio companies to date, Makers provides founders strategic value that is deeply catered to companies across the value chain in the industry. For more information, visit makersfund.com.

 

 

About Hashed

 

 

Founded in 2017, Hashed is a global venture capital firm focused on early-stage investment and research across frontier innovation. With offices in Seoul, San Francisco, Singapore, Bangalore, and Abu Dhabi, Hashed has been one of the earliest supporters of pioneering blockchain teams and continues to back exceptional founders as their “second team,” helping them drive global mass adoption.

 

 

About Arbitrum Gaming Ventures

 

 

Arbitrum Gaming Ventures (AGV) is a strategic venture capital initiative dedicated to accelerating gaming and entertainment on the Arbitrum platform. AGV connects founders with capital, ecosystem tools, and hands-on support, backing both proven builders and emerging teams with the greatest potential to drive the network forward.