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Business Wire India

Toshiba, the globally trusted Japanese brand in home appliances, proudly announces the launch of its latest Side-by-Side Refrigerator range in India, setting a new benchmark in premium cooling solutions for modern, design-conscious homes.

As Indian consumers increasingly seek appliances that combine elevated aesthetics with intelligent performance, Toshiba continues to lead with purposeful innovation. The new Side-by-Side series reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering technologically advanced, high-quality home appliances engineered to complement evolving lifestyle aspirations.

Siddharth Saxena, Country Head, Midea India, said:

“The launch of this new range is not just about a product—it is about brand philosophy. With our new Side-by-Side refrigerator range, we are bringing together Japanese precision, intelligent engineering, and contemporary design for the evolving Indian home. This range reflects our commitment to delivering appliances that not only perform exceptionally but also elevate everyday living experiences.”

The Side-by-Side range is available in three premium variants, Morandi Grey, Black Glass, and Morandi Grey with Water Dispenser, each designed to suit distinct lifestyle needs while delivering superior performance and reliability.

Powered by an Origin Inverter system for energy savings and low-noise operation, the range ensures efficient, consistent cooling. Fresh Preservation with Multi Air Flow maintains uniform temperature for long-lasting freshness, while the Smart Digital Control Panel ensures effortless access and easy operation, along with features like Child and Vacation Modes, which add everyday convenience and flexibility.

The large-capacity refrigerator is available in two elegant finishes, Morandi Grey and Black Glass trio blends intelligent performance with refined aesthetics, ensuring the perfect balance of style and substance.

Unveiling the Range Through a Brand Film

Marking this milestone, Toshiba also released a brand film on 5^th March that captures the philosophy behind the new Side-by-Side range. The film celebrates the harmony between thoughtful design and everyday life, reinforcing the idea that innovation is most meaningful when it enhances daily experiences. Rooted in the belief that technology should seamlessly support modern living, the film brings alive Toshiba’s promise of being #RightByYourSide in every moment that matters.

Availability

The new Side-by-Side Refrigerator range will be available across leading outlets in India. All Toshiba refrigerators come with a 10-year compressor warranty. The brand also ensures robust after-sales services through a wide network of service centers to ensure ease and availability for its customers. At present, the company has a strong network of dealers across India and robust after-sales services through its strong service footprint in the country. The brand has a toll-free service support where customers can directly connect on the number – 18004191111.

Business Wire India

Following Minority Investment, The Estée Lauder Companies to Acquire Remaining Shares in Forest Essentials

 

Mira Kulkarni to Continue to Oversee Brand with Headquarters Remaining in New Delhi

 

The Estée Lauder Companies Committed to Bringing Luxurious Ayurveda to the World

 

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) announced today that it has entered into an agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, to acquire the remaining interests in Forest Essentials, the Indian beauty brand grounded in the science of modern Luxurious Ayurveda. Building on a trusted 18-year partnership, this milestone celebrates The Estée Lauder Companies’ long-term commitment to nurturing and growing this extraordinary Indian brand and to expanding its consumer reach globally. Today’s announcement reflects the company’s strong confidence in Forest Essentials’ highly trusted brand equity, its vertically integrated capabilities, and its sustainability ethos. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2026 and follows The Estée Lauder Companies’ minority investment in Forest Essentials, initially made in 2008 and increased to 49% in 2020.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304943103/en/

 

 

Founded in 2000 by visionary entrepreneur Mira Kulkarni, Forest Essentials represents the soul and artistry of Indian beauty. The brand has redefined modern Luxurious Ayurveda for today’s world, transforming time-honored beauty rituals into exquisitely crafted formulations, immersive retail experiences with nearly 200 freestanding stores, and sensorial indulgences rooted in purity and craftsmanship. Its uncompromising commitment to authenticity has resonated deeply with consumers, establishing it as the top-ranked brand in prestige Skin Care in India¹. The brand, which is forecasted to grow net sales low double digits, combined with The Estée Lauder Companies’ existing brand portfolio will make India the company’s largest emerging market. With this acquisition, The Estée Lauder Companies is well-positioned to gain prestige beauty share in one of the most dynamic beauty markets in the world.

 

Under the continued guidance and direction of Mrs. Kulkarni and her son, Executive Director Samrath Bedi, Forest Essentials will remain headquartered in New Delhi. The brand will maintain its fully integrated operational ecosystem in India, spanning Research & Development that is grounded in Ayurveda, responsible and local botanical sourcing, and in-house manufacturing. This Indian end-to-end model will continue to enable the brand to innovate with integrity, uphold exceptional quality, reduce its environmental impact, and continue cultivating enduring consumer trust.

 

Through this partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies, Forest Essentials will leverage global brand-building capabilities, a prestige distribution network, and operational expertise to drive long-term, sustainable growth while preserving the brand’s distinctive Luxurious Ayurvedic DNA and Indian heritage. The collaboration is a strategic investment in Forest Essentials’ future,

creating a scalable platform that will broaden consumer reach and bring modern Luxurious Ayurveda to new audiences all over the world.

 

Stéphane de La Faverie, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies, said: “Today marks a meaningful new chapter in a partnership built over the past 18 years on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. Forest Essentials is an exceptional brand, beloved in India and created and nurtured by its founder, Mira Kulkarni. Entrepreneurial spirit lives at the heart of The Estée Lauder Companies, and we have a deep, inherent appreciation for the vision and tenacity required to build a brand of this caliber. We are honored to strengthen our partnership with Mira, who, like Mrs. Estée Lauder, has elevated the prestige beauty industry through a clear vision of authenticity and purpose.

 

“This next phase of partnership reflects our long-term commitment to India—one of our largest and most significant emerging markets—and our conviction in the global resonance of this remarkable brand. Together, our ambition is clear: to further strengthen the brand’s leadership at home while thoughtfully introducing it to a global audience. We are committed to expanding this reach without compromising the integrity, craftsmanship, and cultural soul that define Forest Essentials, and look forward to supporting Mira and her son Sam in the brand’s exciting future.”

 

Mira Kulkarni, Founder and Managing Director, Forest Essentials, said: “Over the past 25 years, we have built this brand with an uncompromising commitment to the authenticity, craftsmanship and wisdom of our heritage. For me, what has always set The Estée Lauder Companies apart is their profound respect for a founder’s vision; they understand how to preserve a brand’s soul while providing the global expertise needed to scale.

 

“Our shared mission has always been to establish Luxury Ayurveda as a globally respected pillar of modern beauty. Ayurveda is not folklore; it is a sophisticated system of science, ritual, and holistic wellbeing. By combining our heritage with the operational strength of The Estée Lauder Companies, we have the opportunity to bring this wisdom to a global audience—presented with the same integrity, elegance, and uncompromising standards that define Forest Essentials today. This next phase is about continuity and growth. We continue to lead the brand from India, strengthening our operational excellence and commitment to our Indian consumers, while thoughtfully expanding internationally.”

 

For more than two decades, The Estée Lauder Companies has played a meaningful role in contributing to India’s prestige beauty landscape, with 14 of its brands across Skin Care, Makeup, Fragrance, and Hair Care serving consumers nationwide. This milestone acquisition further reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the market’s high-growth prestige beauty industry and reflects its founder-first strategy that champions distinctive, culturally rooted brands with global resonance. This strategy is also reflected in the Company’s BEAUTY&YOU India initiative, which discovers, propels, and supports the next generation of India-focused beauty entrepreneurs.

 

The company has also prioritized social investments in the market, with more than $14 million dedicated to strengthening health, education, leadership, and life skills through partnerships with local NGOs. Together, these strategic and social investments reinforce The Estée Lauder Companies’ long-term commitment to India, strengthening the company’s leadership in one of the world’s most dynamic beauty markets while bringing Indian innovation to a global audience.

 

Forward-Looking Statement

 

The forward-looking statements in this press release, including those in the quoted remarks and those relating to the closing of the transactions and benefits and other expectations for Forest Essentials involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those forward-looking statements include current economic and other conditions, including volatility, in the global marketplace, actions by retailers, suppliers and consumers, competition, the transition and ongoing success of the collaborative relationship of the parties, contingencies set forth in the various transaction agreements, the abilities to implement the forward business plans, and those risk factors described in ELC’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2025.

 

About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.

 

ELC-C
ELC-B

 

¹Source: Euromonitor International Limited 2024 © All rights reserved

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304943103/en/

 

Business Wire India

 

• Cielo, one of Brazil’s leading payment service providers, is piloting remote connectivity management for its point-of-sale (POS) terminals across the country, in partnership with Thales.

• By deploying Thales’s eSIM connectivity management platform based on the latest GSMA SGP.32 IoT standard, Cielo is accelerating its transition from manual, on-site SIM management to fully remote, secure and resilient connectivity.

 

For Cielo, connectivity is mission critical. When payment terminals lose network access, transactions stop. To strengthen operational resilience and enhance merchant experience, Cielo is modernizing its connectivity architecture across its terminal fleet.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304089321/en/

 

 

 

Using Thales’s eSIM technology as part of this strategy, Cielo can remotely switch mobile network operators over the air in just a few seconds, without sending a technician and with minimal disruption to merchants’ activity.

 

For merchants, the experience is seamless: if a network becomes unstable, the payment terminal can automatically reconnect to another available network, often without the merchant even noticing.

 

 

This deployment represents one of the first large-scale implementations of the SGP.32 eSIM specification in the POS sector in Brazil. By leveraging Thales’s GSMA-compliant solution within its broader technology roadmap, Cielo enables:

 

 

• Remote lifecycle management at scale, allowing connectivity profiles to be switched across thousands of terminals simultaneously

 

• Simplified manufacturing and logistics, enabling devices to be activated locally in Brazil regardless of where they are produced

• Enhanced reliability and redundancy, supporting business continuity even when networks fail or commercial conditions change

 

“By minimizing connectivity redundancy with transparency, we ensure that retailers don’t lose sales due to connectivity issues. We are raising the standard of reliability and scalability in the payments industry, making sure every transaction happens securely and without interruption,” says Carlos Alves Cielo’s CTO. “This efficiency directly protects our clients’ revenue and strengthens the trust they place in Cielo’s technology.”

 

“This partnership proves that IoT connectivity is about more than just being connected, it’s about business resilience,” said Eva Rudin, VP Mobile Connectivity Solutions at Thales. “By leveraging the SGP.32 standard and our leadership in eSIM management, we are helping Cielo secure uptime, protect revenue, and deliver a better experience to merchants across Brazil.”

 

 

About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

 

 

The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies.

 

 

Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304089321/en/

 

Business Wire India

Galderma Group AG (SIX:GALD), the pure-play dermatology category leader, today announced its financial results for the full year 2025.

 

• Record net sales of 5,207 million USD, surpassing 5 billion USD in a year for the first time and representing 17.7% year-on-year growth on a constant currency¹ basis, primarily driven by volume.
• Broad-based net sales growth, growing double-digits in both International markets and the U.S.
• Outperforming the market in each product category, with strong net sales growth in Injectable Aesthetics (11.5%), Dermatological Skincare (9.3%) and Therapeutic Dermatology (50.2%), all year-on-year at constant currency.
• Strong launch momentum across future growth drivers, including Nemluvio^® (nemolizumab) delivering 452 million USD in net sales; Relfydess™ (RelabotulinumtoxinA) outperforming expectations in 17 International markets; Sculptra^® gaining significant market share in its first year in China; and continued new product launches across Galderma’s full portfolio of flagship brands.
• Significant progress and strategic investments across a robust innovation pipeline, highlighted by key submissions and approvals from the broadest pipeline in the industry in Injectable Aesthetics, the introduction of scientifically-differentiated products in Dermatological Skincare, and the initiation of clinical trials for new nemolizumab indications in Therapeutic Dermatology.
• Extended scientific leadership in dermatology, with a strong presence at key congresses and industry events as well as market leadership in education.
• Core EBITDA grew to 1,211 million USD, up 18.9% year-on-year at constant currency, ahead of net sales growth. Reported Core EBITDA margin was 23.3%, representing a year-on-year margin expansion of 24 basis points at constant currency, which exceeded initial expectations in a year of major launches and reinvestments in growth.
• Core EPS³ grew to 3.69 USD, up 76.7% year-on-year, driven by strong Core EBITDA growth, reduced financing and tax expenses, as well asshare repurchases.
• Strengthened balance sheet and cash flow generation, with net leverage⁴ reduced to 1.5x at the end of December 2025, alongside lowered interest payments and improvements in net working capital.
• 2026 full-year guidance with attractive top- and bottom-line growth, expecting net sales growth of 17-20% at constant currency and a Core EBITDA margin of approximately 26% at constant currency.
• Sustained confidence in the mid-term outlook, specifying 2023-2027 guidance within or above the previously communicated ranges and raising the peak sales guidance for Nemluvio from above 2 billion USD to above 4 billion USD for prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis globally.

 

“2025 was an outstanding year for Galderma and a defining step in our journey towards becoming the undisputed dermatology powerhouse. We delivered record financial results with broad-based net sales growth across all product categories and geographies, driven by clear strategic focus, disciplined execution, science-driven innovation and the successful scaling of our proven Integrated Dermatology Strategy. With a strengthened financial profile, global scale and the world’s broadest dermatology portfolio, we enter our next phase of growth with clarity, confidence and ambition.”

 

FLEMMING ØRNSKOV, M.D., MPH
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
GALDERMA

Commercial performance

 

For the full year 2025, Galderma delivered record net sales of 5,207 million USD, exceeding 5 billion USD for the first year. Year-on-year net sales growth for the year was 17.7% at constant currency. Growth overall was predominantly volume-driven, with a favorable product mix more than offsetting pricing effects from the competitive environment. In the fourth quarter, net sales grew 25.2% year-on-year at constant currency, reflecting an acceleration in each product category.

 

Net sales growth for the year was widespread across geographies and product categories. Both geographies’ net sales grew double-digits while all product categories outpaced their respective markets.

 

International sustained its strong net sales growth momentum in highly attractive, largely underpenetrated markets. Injectable Aesthetics delivered double-digit net sales growth and outperformed the market in both Neuromodulators and Fillers & Biostimulators. Both Restylane and Sculptra delivered net sales growth with market share gains in most key countries despite continued softness in the Filler market. Dermatological Skincare also delivered double-digit net sales growth, with outstanding growth particularly in India and China. Therapeutic Dermatology net sales growth was driven by Nemluvio, with strong launch trajectories also in its first European markets.

 

The U.S. delivered net sales growth in each product category. Net sales growth was especially strong for Neuromodulators as well as for Therapeutic Dermatology, driven by Nemluvio. Injectable Aesthetics outgrew a soft market and gained share in both Neuromodulators and Fillers & Biostimulators. Neuromodulators and Biostimulators net sales grew double-digit while Fillers continued to be impacted by market softness. Dermatological Skincare net sales growth was mainly driven by Alastin, growing double-digits, while Cetaphil had a strong fourth quarter from the ramp-up of recent launches and year-end activations. Therapeutic Dermatology had outstanding net sales growth driven by Nemluvio’s strong trajectory in prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis, more than offsetting the anticipated decline in mature products.

 

Overall, Galderma capitalized on its five key opportunity areas for 2025, including 1) significant launches, including the strong uptake of Nemluvio and Relfydess in first markets and of Sculptra in China, 2) market share gains, 3) a strengthened financial profile, 4) a shift to long-term growth, and 5) dynamic commercial investments to continue to drive growth.

 

Injectable Aesthetics

 

Injectable Aesthetics net sales for the full year were 2,572 million USD, up 11.5% year-on-year at constant currency. Galderma remained on a strong growth trajectory, consistently outpacing the market, driven by focused execution, new product launches and further geographic penetration.

 

Neuromodulators net sales were 1,471 million USD, up 14.3% year-on-year at constant currency. Both geographies delivered double-digit growth and continued to gain market share. Dysport^® continued to outperform globally, with strong growth in top markets. Relfydess had a strong year of launches, gaining significant share as a next generation neuromodulator recognized for its superior profile, while setting a high comparable base for 2026. Demonstrating focused execution of its Neuromodulator portfolio strategy, with net sales increasing for both Relfydess and Dysport in markets where Relfydess was launched.

 

Fillers & Biostimulators net sales were 1,101 million USD, up 8.0% year-on-year at constant currency. Both geographies continued to gain market share, driven especially by Sculptra and the uptake of new launches, including Sculptra in China and Restylane^® SHAYPE™ in Brazil. Fillers globally continued to be impacted by market softness with important pricing pressures, as a result of lower consumer demand and aggressive promotional activity from competitors in the mid-face. Biostimulators maintained its double-digit net sales growth momentum in both geographies, as Sculptra continued to strengthen its position as the leading brand with proven regenerative capabilities. Sculptra growth was particularly high in key International markets and especially in China thanks to a strong launch trajectory.

 

Galderma also made progress in preparing the next frontier of growth in Injectable Aesthetics, maintaining its commercial and regulatory momentum.

 

In Neuromodulators, Relfydess is quickly ramping up and is now approved in 23 International markets. On February 2, 2026, Galderma announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) accepted the resubmission of Relfydess’ Biologics License Application (BLA) for the temporary improvement of moderate‑to‑severe glabellar lines (frown lines) and lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet) in adults.

 

In Fillers, the U.S. FDA approved Restylane Lyft™ with Lidocaine in November 2025 for augmentation of the chin region to improve the chin profile in patients over the age of 21 with mild-to-moderate chin retrusion. In Biostimulators, Galderma continues to demonstrate leadership in regenerative aesthetics. Beyond the important launch of Sculptra in China, a new chapter opened for the brand in December 2025, with the European Union (EU) Medical Device Regulation (MDR) certification expanding its approved clinical applications beyond the face to include the gluteal area, posterior thighs, décolletage, and upper arms.

 

Galderma is also shaping the aesthetics journey for patients undergoing medication-driven weight loss, based on its proven Restylane and Sculptra portfolio. With its dedicated scientific agenda for market-leading education and training activities with healthcare professionals, Galderma also saw strong conversion of new patients to its portfolio in the U.S. from its SCULPT & LIFT™ direct-to-consumer campaign.

 

Dermatological Skincare

 

Dermatological Skincare net sales for the full year were 1,449 million USD, up 9.3% year-on-year at constant currency. Both Cetaphil and Alastin continued on their strong growth trajectories, outpacing their respective segments globally.

 

Growth was very strong in International markets, with Cetaphil gaining share and delivering exceptional performance in Asia. Notably, China and India continued to deliver outstanding net sales growth, with particularly strong performance from year-end activations. Alastin continued to ramp-up in International markets. In the U.S., growth was driven by Alastin, which continued to deliver double-digit growth and to be the fastest growing top physician-dispensed skincare brand. Cetaphil in the U.S., in a year of constrained consumer spending, had a strong fourth quarter from the ramp-up of recent launches and year-end activations.

 

Galderma’s digital-first strategy remained a powerful growth engine for Cetaphil, with e-commerce its fastest growing channel. Growth was particularly strong in the fourth quarter for Cetaphil in China, with strong year-end activations. This included another record performance during the Double 11 shopping festival, outperforming the skincare market online, a major Zootopia 2 campaign, and celebrity endorsements. Globally, Cetaphil also had over 100 million impressions from key global activations, including CetaSphere – one of the world’s largest skincare advocacy networks – and Derm on Tour – an immersive, science-driven pop-up experience offering free dermatology consultations in select cities. Alastin grew across channels, with a focus on physician-first engagement.

 

Galderma also launched differentiated innovation in Dermatological Skincare to drive further growth, starting in the U.S. with the opportunity to expand in International markets. Among key Cetaphil launches were the Skin Activator Hydrating & Firming line for aging, fragile skin and the Nourishing Oil to Foam Cleanser for sensitive skin, both creating entirely new categories based on strong science delivering breakthrough benefits. Alastin^® also further strengthened its portfolio with the launch of Restorative Skin Complex featuring Next Generation TriHex Technology (TriHex+^TM). This formula includes two groundbreaking additions, proven to help visibly restore facial radiance and plumping by supporting the skin’s own regenerative abilities. In International markets, Galderma continued to roll-out key innovation, such as Cetaphil’s Bright Healthy Radiance or Gentle Exfoliating lines.

 

Therapeutic Dermatology

 

Therapeutic Dermatology net sales were 1,185 million USD, up 50.2% year-on-year at constant currency. Net sales growth was very strong, driven by an outstanding launch trajectory of Nemluvio in prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis. This more than offset the anticipated decline in the mature Therapeutic Dermatology portfolio in the U.S., along with modest growth from the mature portfolio in International markets.

 

For the year, Nemluvio contributed 452 million USD in net sales. The vast majority of Nemluvio sales were recorded in the U.S., split roughly equally between prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis, with the share of the latter increasing quickly. The launch trajectory has been very strong in the U.S., and even stronger in Nemluvio’s first International launch markets despite representing a small share of sales.

 

Nemluvio’s significant market share gains in the U.S. are underpinned by a differentiated profile, salesforce expansion, market-leading education, and enhanced market access. In the U.S., Nemluvio paid new patient starts (NBRx), from the end of December 2025 to the end of January 2026, was trending at about 35% market share in prurigo nodularis and about 8% in atopic dermatitis. The majority of patients starting treatment continue to be new to biologics. Following broad first-line biologic access for Nemluvio across commercial plans in 2025, Galderma secured its first major Medicare access win beginning January 2026. An important gross-to-net impact is expected in the first quarter of the year, driven both by access expansion and typical seasonal copay resets in the period.

 

Beyond launching Nemluvio in five International markets in 2025, Galderma continued to make regulatory progress, with approvals now secured in Canada and South Korea, and additional submissions underway.

 

Scientific leadership and excellence in medical education

 

In 2025, Galderma reaffirmed its leadership in dermatology, supported by an innovative, science‑based portfolio, continued progress on its scientific agenda, and a strong presence at scientific congresses and key industry events.

 

Among the highlights, Galderma presented long‑term Nemluvio data in prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis, reinforcing its consistent safety profile and durable clinical efficacy across both indications up to two years, at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 2025, the Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference, and the XIV International Congress of Dermatology (ICD). In addition, Galderma announced the initiation of two new clinical trials evaluating nemolizumab in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and Chronic Pruritus of Unknown Origin (CPUO), with the first patient enrolled in the CPUO trial in December 2025.

 

As well as presenting new Relfydess data throughout the year, Galderma unveiled final nine-month data from a phase IV first-of-its-kind trial showing lasting efficacy and patient satisfaction with Restylane Lyft or Contour^® in combination with Sculptra when addressing facial aesthetic changes following medication-driven weight loss. This work supported the development of international consensus‑based guidelines.

 

Galderma also had a strong presence at additional major medical congresses, including the IMCAS World Congress 2025, the Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress (AMWC) Monaco, AMWC Dubai, and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) 2025 Annual Meeting.

 

During the year, over 290,000 healthcare professionals were reached through education, training and medical awareness activities,⁵ including the Galderma Aesthetic Injector Network (GAIN) – which celebrated its 10^th anniversary in 2025 – the Global Sensitive Skincare Faculty (GSSF), and the Skin Knowledge and Innovation Network (SKIN).

 

Financial scorecard

 

For the full year 2025, Galderma delivered 1,211 million USD in Core EBITDA, up 18.9% year-on-year at constant currency. The reported Core EBITDA margin was 23.3%, representing a margin expansion of 24 basis points at constant currency compared to 2024. Core EBITDA grew ahead of net sales, in a year of major launches with reinvestments into growth, thanks to ongoing operating leverage as well as a reduced adverse P&L impact from nemolizumab as a result of greater sales. Improvements in operating expenses also offset the impact of pricing effects and unfavorable product mix on gross margin.

 

Galderma delivered even greater growth in Core net income for the full year. Core net income was 871 million USD, up 75.4% year-on-year, driven by strong Core EBITDA growth as well as reduced financing and tax expenses. The latter include a one-time, non-cash benefit on the effective tax rate, from recognizing deferred tax assets on past tax losses in Switzerland.

 

Galderma demonstrated very strong cash generation for the year, due to significant Core EBITDA growth, favorable net working capital movements, and lower interest payments. Net working capital positions improved significantly behind effective net working capital management, structural improvements driven by shifts in market and product mix and phasing benefits.

 

Core CapEx benefitted from improved phasing of project spend as well as continued focus on spend efficiencies and site operating performance. Core CapEx as a percentage of sales continues to come down due to the high net sales growth. Investments significantly increased capacity at all of Galderma’s manufacturing sites, including the build-out of the biologics production site for Relfydess in Uppsala, Sweden. Beyond CapEx, Galderma also committed to spend more than 650 million USD on U.S. manufacturing through 2030, via contract manufacturing partners. Additional technology transfers to the U.S. focused on key growth drivers have also been initiated.

 

Core EPS was 3.69 USD per share, up 76.7% year-on-year, benefitting from the share repurchases executed in the year. Galderma repurchased shares for 363 million USD in the accelerated bookbuild offerings of Galderma shares by Sunshine SwissCo GmbH (“EQT”), Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (“ADIA”) and Auba Investment Pte. Ltd. (“Auba”) which took place throughout the year. Funded from existing liquidity on hand, they are to be held in treasury to support Galderma’s employee participation plans, business development activities and/or treasury management.

 

Continuing on a rapid deleveraging trajectory, net leverage came down to 1.5x at the end of December 2025. For the full year, Galderma’s ambitious deleveraging and refinancing was underpinned by further partial repayment of its Term Loan of 1.5 billion USD. This was based on an early debt repayment of 240 million USD and debt refinancing of 1,260 million USD, which included several CHF and EUR bond issuances.

 

Building on its strengthened financial profile headlined by investment grade ratings from S&P (BBB, positive) and Fitch (BBB, stable), Galderma swiftly replaced in February 2026 its Revolving Credit Facility originally implemented at the time of the IPO in 2024, with significantly improved terms and a size increase from 0.7 to 1 billion USD.

 

Galderma continued to demonstrate its commitment to superior shareholder returns, including through share repurchases and dividend payment. Following another record year, Galderma’s Board will propose, for approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, a dividend payment out of reserves from capital contributions of 0.35 CHF (gross) per share.⁶

 

Galderma continued to diversify and strengthen its long‑term shareholder base. This included an additional 10% equity investment from L’Oréal, bringing their total shareholding in Galderma to 20%, with the transaction closed in February 2026.

 

ESG remains an integral pillar of Galderma’s strategy. In 2025, Galderma focused on strengthening the three constitutive elements of its ESG Strategy. This included streamlining its ESG Framework through an inaugural double materiality assessment, strengthening its ESG Governance to support auditable non-financial reporting, and delivering against a clear ESG Ambition. Galderma’s ESG Strategy has gained external recognition through improvements in key ESG ratings. For instance, in 2025, Galderma received an AA rating (on a scale of AAA-CCC) in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment, up from BBB in 2024.

 

Outlook

 

Galderma expects 2026 to be another year of opportunities, with very strong top-line growth and significant Core EBITDA margin expansion. Galderma expects net sales growth of 17-20% at constant currency and a Core EBITDA margin of approximately 26% at constant currency for the full year.

 

Galderma’s proven integrated dermatology strategy is underpinning net sales growth, expected to be ahead of the market in each product category. It also continues to drive operating leverage, while allocating appropriate level of investments into growth in a competitive environment. Confident in the ability to deliver, the guidance also reflects existing uncertainties. Galderma’s dynamic approach to commercial investments provides resilience and flexibility to capture opportunities, leveraging a broad portfolio and geographic reach.

 

In terms of foreign exchange impacts, while guidance is at constant currency, based on spot rates as of the end of February 2026, USD depreciation is expected to have a positive impact on reported net sales and a negative impact on reported Core EBITDA margin, which is due to headquarter costs denominated mainly in CHF. A table with Galderma’s exposure to key foreign exchange currency pairs is available in the Appendix. As for tariffs, exposure remains manageable, with the guidance assuming a 15% U.S. tariff on the import value of Restylane and Sculptra.

 

Following a stronger than originally anticipated first year on the market in the U.S. and in European markets in prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis, Galderma is raising its peak sales guidance for Nemluvio from above 2 billion USD to above 4 billion USD for both indications globally. This reflects its strong launch trajectory with higher demand than expected based on positive real-world experience in addition to an already differentiated clinical profile.

 

In light of its greater expectation for Nemluvio and confidence in its broad-based growth trajectory, Galderma is specifying its 2023-2027 mid-term guidance to be within or above the previously stated ranges as per the table available in the Appendix, along with additional modelling metrics for 2026. Guidance for the mid-term is based on the same tariff assumption as for 2026⁷, and subject to the same expected impact from foreign exchange.

 

Webcast details

 

Galderma will host its financial results call today at 14:00 CET to discuss the full year 2025 results and respond to questions from financial analysts. Investors and the public may access the webcast by registering on the Galderma Investor Relations website at https://investors.galderma.com/events-presentations.

 

2025 Annual Report

 

Galderma issued its 2025 Annual Report today, and it is available at https://investors.galderma.com/financial-reports.

 

About Galderma

 

Galderma (SIX: GALD) is the pure-play dermatology category leader, present in approximately 90 countries. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that span the full spectrum of the fast-growing dermatology market through Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology. Since our foundation in 1981, we have dedicated our focus and passion to the human body’s largest organ – the skin – meeting individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes in partnership with healthcare professionals. Because we understand that the skin we are in shapes our lives, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information: www.galderma.com.

 

Appendices

 

Appendix 1: Full year 2025 net sales by product category and geography

	Net sales		Year-on-year growth
	FY 2024	FY 2025	Constant currency	Reported
Group total	4,410	5,207	17.7%	18.1 %
By product category
Injectable Aesthetics	2,299	2,572	11.5%	11.9%
Neuromodulators	1,285	1,471	14.3%	14.5%
Fillers & Biostimulators	1,014	1,101	8.0%	8.5%
Dermatological Skincare	1,331	1,449	9.3%	8.9%
Therapeutic Dermatology	780	1,185	50.2%	52.0%
of which Nemluvio	23	452	>100%	>100%
By geography
International	2,600	2,976	13.8%	14.4%
U.S.	1,810	2,231	23.3%	23.3%

 

 

Appendix 2: Q4 2025 net sales by product category and geography

 

	Net sales		Year-on-year growth
	Q4 2024	Q4 2025	Constant currency	Reported
Group total	1,151	1,469	25.2%	27.6%
By product category
Injectable Aesthetics	601	701	14.5%	16.6%
Neuromodulators	358	418	15.0%	16.7%
Fillers & Biostimulators	243	283	13.8%	16.5%
Dermatological Skincare	341	387	12.6%	13.3%
Therapeutic Dermatology	208	381	76.3%	83.0%
of which Nemluvio	21	188	>100%	>100%
By geography
International	686	819	15.3%	19.3%
U.S.	465	650	39.9%	39.9%

 

 

Appendix 3: Reconciliation of FY 2025 P&L from IFRS to Core reporting

 

In million USD	IFRS – as reported	Exceptional & transformation related items	Amortization	Depreciation	Impairment	Core reporting	% Net Sales based on Core reporting
Net sales	5,207	– ​	– ​	– ​	–	5,207	​
Other revenue	34	– ​	– ​	– ​	–	34
Cost of goods sold	(1,632)	-​	​209	24	5	(1,394)
Gross profit	3,609	– ​	​209	24	5	3,847	73.9%​
Research and development	(245)	– ​	-​	2	–	(243)	4.7%​
Sales and marketing	(1,665)	– ​	1 ​	14	–	(1,651)	31.7%​
General and administrative	(575)	-​	​36	36	6	(496)	9.5%​
Medical and regulatory	(116)	-​	– ​	1	–	(115)	2.2%​
Distribution	(132)	– ​	– ​	1	–	(132)	2.5%​
Other income / (expenses)	(48)	43	– ​	– ​	5	-​	-​
Operating profit as reported	829	​	​	​		​	​
Total adjustments	​	43	246	77	16	​	​
Core EBITDA	​					1,211

 

Appendix 4: Reconciliation of FY 2025 of Core EBITDA to IFRS Net Income

 

In million USD	FY 2024	FY2025
Core EBITDA	1,031	1,211
% margin	23.4%	23.3%
Exceptional and transformation related adjustments	(60)	(16)
Other income / (expenses) excl. impairment	(33)	(43)
Total EBITDA adjustments8	(93)	(59)
EBITDA	938	1,152
% margin	21.3%	22.1%
Depreciation	(64)	(77)
Amortization	(229)	(246)
Operating profit	645	829
Net financial expenses (incl. VCB revaluation in FY 2024)	(328)	(190)
Foreign exchange loss on financing activities	(7)	(0)
Income before tax	310	638
Income taxes	(79)	(26)
Net income	231	613

 

Appendix 5: Reconciliation of FY 2025 from IFRS Net Income to Core Net Income

 

In million USD	FY 2024	FY 2025
Net income	231	613
Total EBITDA adjustments8	93	59
VCB financing revaluation9	(28)	–
Amortization	229	246
Foreign exchange loss on financing activities	7	0
Income taxes on above items	(36)	(47)
Core net Income10	496	871
Core EPS in USD	2.09	3.69

 

Appendix 6: FY 2025 Total Net Indebtedness

 

In million USD	December 31 2024	December 31 2025
Total Indebtedness11	2,813	2,602
Cash and Cash Equivalents	(457)	(780)
Total Net Indebtedness	2,356	1,822

 

Appendix 7: Additional modelling metrics

 

	2025 actuals	2026
Non-core adjustments12	40 M USD (59 M USD including Operating Fx)	30 – 40 M USD
Effective tax rate13	4.0%15 (20.8% excluding one-time benefit)	~ 20%
Core CAPEX, as a percentage of net sales	2.5%	~ 3%
Net working capital, as a percentage of net sales	-4.2%	-1 – -3%
Net financial expenses14	190 M USD	180 – 190 M USD

 

Appendix 8: Mid-term guidance, based on assumed tariffs⁷ & all at constant currency (CC)

 

		Prior mid-term guidance, 2023-2027E CC CAGR,   ‘Teens’ defined as numbers greater than 10% & lower than 20%	Updated 2023-2027 guidance
Topline	Group net sales	‘Low to mid-teens16’ CAGR incl. nemolizumab	+15-17% CC CAGR
	Injectable Aesthetics	‘Low to mid-teens16’ CAGR	+10-12%   CC CAGR
	Dermatological Skincare	‘High single- to low-teens16’ CAGR	+8.5-10.5%   CC CAGR
	Therapeutic Dermatology	‘High-teens16’ CAGR incl. nemolizumab	>30%   CC CAGR
Profitability	Core EBITDA margin Incl. nemolizumab	+300 – 500bps Core EBITDA margin expansion (vs. 2023) by 2027E, majority of which delivered in 2026 and 2027	+450-550bpsmargin expansion at CC vs. 2023
Nemluvio	Peak sales (beyond mid-term period guidance horizon)	>2 B USD peak sales	>4 B USD peak sales

 

Appendix 9: Overview of foreign exchange rate exposure

 

FX rates compared to USD	FY 2025 average rate	February 2026 closing rate
CHF	1.206	1.294
EUR	1.130	1.181
BRL	0.179	0.195
AUD	0.645	0.713
CNY	0.139	0.146
MXN	0.052	0.058
Simulation of FX impact for 2026 full-year absolute figures17
	Net sales	+245 bps
	Core EBITDA	+144 bps

 

Notes and references

 

1. Constant currency (CC) year-on-year growth is defined as the annual growth rate of net sales excluding the impact of exchange rates movements and excluding hyperinflation economies. The impact of changes in foreign exchange rates are excluded by translating all reported revenues during the two periods at average exchange rates in effect during the previous year.
2. Core EBITDA is defined as EBITDA excluding the following items that are deemed non-core: acquisition and disposal; integration and carve-out related income and expenses; onerous contracts; business disposal gains and losses; restructuring and reorganization related items; litigation related items; impairment of PPE and intangible assets; IPO-related incentive plans as well as other income and expense items that management deems exceptional and that are expected to accumulate within the year to be over 2 M USD threshold (2024: 1 M USD threshold). These include transformation, carve-out and build-up related project costs as well as post-acquisition related accounting impacts.
3. Core EPS is calculated as Core net income divided by the weighted average number of outstanding shares.
4. Leverage is defined as Total Net Indebtedness divided by Core EBITDA on a twelve-months rolling basis.
5. Single training contact points, one healthcare professional can be trained more than once.
6. Dividend-bearing shares are all shares issued except for treasury shares held by Galderma Group AG or its direct or indirect fully owned subsidiaries as of the record date. The dividend will be paid in CHF. The distribution of 0.35 CHF per share is subject to the overall cap of 135 million USD converted into CHF two business days prior to the Annual General Meeting divided by the number of outstanding shares. Provided that the proposed dividend payment out of reserves from capital contributions is approved, the payment will be made as of April 28, 2026 to holders of shares on the record date April 27, 2026. The shares will be traded ex-dividend as of April 24, 2026 and, accordingly, the last day on which the shares may be traded with entitlement to receive the dividend will be April 23, 2026.
7. Assumes a 15% U.S. tariff on the import value of Restylane and Sculptra.
8. 2024 adjustments include 48 M USD for IPO related incentive plans, 4 M USD for VCB bonus, 12 M USD litigation, 9 M USD restructuring, 8 M USD for platform transformation costs, 6 M USD for IPO, 4 M USD for operating FX. 2025 adjustments include 18 M USD impairment, 13 M USD restructuring, 12 M USD litigation, 7 M onerous items, 2 M USD M&A, 19 M USD for operating FX; offset by income of 12M from pension accounting and 2M impairment reversal.
9. Value Creation Bonus (VCB): Non-cash item, settled and discontinued at IPO: pre-IPO long-term incentive (LTI) plan open to selected management employees. Post IPO: VCB has been replaced by LTI plan, which was included in Galderma’s 2025 and mid-term Core EBITDA margin guidance.
10. Core Net Income is defined as net income adjusted for the same items that are treated as exceptional for purposes of defining Core EBITDA, as well as amortization of intangible assets and foreign exchange gains and losses on financing activities. Taxes on the adjustments between IFRS net income and Core Net Income take into account, for each individual item included in the adjustment, the tax rate that will finally be applicable to the item based on the jurisdiction where the adjustment will finally have a tax impact.
11. Indebtedness includes financial debt and lease liabilities.
12. Includes assumptions for other income and expenses related to tangible asset impairments, ongoing litigation and onerous items, restructuring charges and others, excluding M&A fees and the impact from Operating Fx.
13. On reported profit before tax.
14. Includes interest income and interest expense, excluding Fx impact.
15. Includes a one-time, non-cash benefit from recognizing deferred tax assets on past tax losses.
16. ‘Teens’ defined as numbers greater than 10% and lower than 20%.
17. Factors in the simulation of all foreign exchange rate exposures, including for currencies not listed in the table of exchange rates for significant FX exposures.

 

Forward-looking statements

 

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by words such as “plans”, “targets”, “aims”, ” believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “will”, “may”, “continues”, “should” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect, at the time, Galderma’s beliefs, intentions and current targets/ aims concerning, among other things, Galderma’s results of operations, financial condition, industry, liquidity, prospects, growth and strategies and are subject to change. The estimated financial information is based on management’s current expectations and is subject to change. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial consequences of the plans and events described herein. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors (including, but not limited to, future global economic conditions, changed market conditions, intense competition in the markets in which Galderma operates, costs of compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards, diverse political, legal, economic and other conditions affecting Galderma’s markets, and other factors beyond the control of Galderma). Neither Galderma nor any of their respective shareholders (as applicable), directors, officers, employees, advisors, or any other person is under any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak of the date of this announcement. Statements contained in this announcement regarding past trends or events should not be taken as a representation that such trends or events will continue in the future. Some of the information presented herein is based on statements by third parties, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, reasonableness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of this information or any other information or opinions contained herein, for any purpose whatsoever. Except as required by applicable law, Galderma has no intention or obligation to update, keep updated or revise this announcement or any parts thereof.

 

 

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Business Wire India

India today is ready to move out and settle in another city for better opportunities. However, house shifting has been, and still remains, stressful for many customers. This is because India’s unstructured logistics industry leaves customers worried about damaged goods, delayed deliveries, and a lack of accountability. But this scenario is slowly shifting credit to NoBroker Packers and Movers, who are transforming the sector with a strong customer-first promise. Their motto ‘100% Damage & Delay Protection. Any Damage. Any Delay. We Pay.’ stands by their quality service, transparent pricing and responsible shifting, which is making relocation more predictable and worry-free.

Backed by 10+ years of trusted relocation services, NoBroker Packers and Movers has completed 15 Lakh+ successful movements and earned a 4.8/5 rating from 8.9 Lakh+ customer reviews. With 99.30% of shifts completed with 0 damage & delay and 100% complaint resolution, the platform demonstrates consistent service delivery and complete resolution of customer issues. Today, NoBroker Packers and Movers operates in 100+ cities and 1,5000+ localities, bringing organised and professional house-shifting services to customers at their doorstep.

NoBroker Packers and Movers, reshaping the Indian logistics industry, is a clear example that businesses don’t need to chase fancy ideas or ‘game-changing innovation’. They simply need to understand market gaps and customer pain points and address them. NoBroker addressed ambiguous operating models, standardized inconsistent pricing, improved vehicle utilization, and, most importantly, increased transparency by providing real-time order visibility to its users.

NoBroker Packers and Movers’ successful initiative to reshape relocation services and a structured logistics approach has also received national recognition. The company has won the CII Industry Transformation Award for Logistics & Supply Chain (Startup Category, 2025) for organising and modernising the relocation ecosystem, and the BW Supply Chain Award for Best Collaborative Supplier Partnership(2025) for building logistic-tech that is transforming India’s fragmented packers and movers sector. These rewards are just one aspect of reinforcing NoBroker Packers and Movers’ operational excellence in relocation services. Another is thousands of positive reviews from genuine customers across India.

In a sector where customers have long been plagued by fears of damaged goods and asset losses, NoBroker Packers and Movers’ 100% Damage & Delay Protection sets a new benchmark for accountability. If belongings are damaged or delivery is delayed beyond the committed timeline, customers are compensated. This NoBroker commitment changed the segment and gained the customer’s trust, turning a stressful process into a dependable experience.

Relocation is not just about moving goods; it is about moving homes, memories, and essentials that matter. NoBroker Packers and Movers is redefining what a reliable shifting experience should look like. When NoBroker says, “Any Damage. Any Delay. We Pay.” It is a promise backed by the performance and trust of millions of customers.

Business Wire India

LTM, the Business Creativity partner to the world’s largest enterprises, has been recognized as a Leader in the ‘Overall’ market segment in the NelsonHall NEAT Evaluation for GenAI & Process Automation in Banking 2025.

 

In the NEAT framework, Leaders are vendors that demonstrate high capability relative to peers in delivering immediate client benefit while also meeting future client requirements. The recognition positions LTM among the top-performing vendors evaluated for their ability to deliver both immediate business impact and long-term innovation capability in GenAI and process automation services for the banking sector.

 

 

The evaluation highlights LTM’s depth of experience in financial services, which accounts for a large portion of its overall revenues, and its focused investments in GenAI, agentic AI, and process automation capabilities delivered through its BlueVerse™ platform. LTM has digital agents dedicated to manage GenAI and process automation services, supporting banking clients across consumer banking, commercial banking, capital markets, and financial industry service providers.

 

 

“Banks today are moving beyond experimentation and are focused on operationalizing AI at scale. Our recognition as a Leader in the Overall segment reflects our ability to help clients generate immediate value while building future-ready AI frameworks. Through BlueVerse™ and our expanding library of composable agentic solutions, we are enabling banks to improve compliance, hyper-personalization, payment processing, and operational efficiency in a responsible and scalable way,” said Harsh Naidu, Senior Vice President, Banking and Financial Services, LTM.

 

 

“LTM’s services for GenAI and automation in banking enable clients to utilize a portfolio of AI-enabled tools and industry-specific solution kits to transform their business. Its BlueVerse™ AI ecosystem provides intelligent agents, modular architecture, and AI governance to enable clients to quickly compose and deploy AI solutions,” said Andy Efstathiou, Program Director for Banking, NelsonHall.

 

 

NelsonHall noted LTM’s strengths in building an ecosystem of pre-built AI agents trained on industry-specific data, its AI-enabled compliance tools for monitoring and risk management, and its portfolio of proprietary IP and partnerships supporting emerging AI technologies.

 

 

About LTM

 

 

LTM — a Larsen & Toubro Group Company — is an AI-centric global technology services company and the Business Creativity partner to the world’s largest enterprises. We bring human insights and intelligent systems together to help clients create greater value at the intersection of technology and domain expertise. Our capabilities span integrated operations, transformation, and business AI — enabling new ways of working, new productivity paradigms, and new roads to value. Together with over 87,000 employees across 40 countries and our global network of partners, LTM* owns outcomes for our clients, helping them not just outperform the market, but Outcreate it. Read more at LTM.com.

 

 

*Company name change from LTIMindtree Limited to LTM Limited is currently pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

 

 

About NelsonHall

 

 

NelsonHall is the leading global analyst firm dedicated to helping organizations understand the ‘art of the possible’ in digital operations transformation. With analysts in the U.S., Europe, and India, NelsonHall provides buy-side organizations with detailed, critical information on markets and vendors (including NEAT assessments) that helps them make fast and highly informed sourcing decisions. And for vendors, NelsonHall provides deep knowledge of market dynamics and user requirements to help them hone their go-to-market strategies. NelsonHall’s analysis is based on rigorous, primary research, and is widely respected for the quality and depth of its insight.

 

 

 

 

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Business Wire India

Kindred Labs today announced a strategic partnership with IPX (formerly known as LINE FRIENDS), the globally recognized character brand LINE FRIENDS, BT21, ZO&FRIENDS and more.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303835585/en/

 

 

Through the partnership, Kindred Labs and IPX will create AI-powered companion experiences that bring expressive character personalities into everyday digital life through responsive, emotionally resonant interaction.

 

The companions are being designed in a new form factor: a persistent character presence that lives on top of your screen, showing up in the flow of everyday moments, from desktop and mobile to emerging surfaces like smart glasses over time. Beyond personality and expression, these companions are being built to function as powerful personal assistants, designed to become a primary way people use AI throughout their day, expressed through a friendly and familiar presence.

 

Planned to launch in April 2026 globally excluding China, the partnership aligns with the 15th anniversary of LINE FRIENDS’ iconic character BROWN, introducing a new way for fans to connect with BROWN in daily life.

 

The partnership was negotiated by Beanstalk, a division of CAA Brand Management, which represents IPX as its interactive licensing agent.

 

Quote

 

“The primary way people will experience their personal AI will be through something they genuinely love seeing every day. I can already imagine the delight fans will have when BROWN start showing up in their daily lives, like this familiar presence you’re happy to see. We’re taking these characters into a whole new paradigm, one that brings us closer to why we love them in the first place.”

 

Max Giammario, CEO, Kindred Labs

 

About Kindred Labs

 

Kindred Labs is the character-powered AI network built on Sei, bringing officially licensed iconic IP to life as a constant, emotionally intelligent presence by your side. Kindred is among the world’s fastest-growing AI companion startups, with over 8 million users on its waitlist.

 

To learn more about Kindred labs, visit www.kindredlabs.ai and follow @kindred_AI on X.

 

 

 

 

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Business Wire India

University Living, the global student housing managed marketplace, today announced the release of its 2026 UK Student Accommodation Outlook, presenting structured market findings on rising costs, sustained high occupancy, and widening supply gaps across major UK university cities.

The release adds a data-led perspective to the growing pressure in the UK student housing market, at a time when international enrolment remains strong but purpose-built accommodation supply remains constrained.

 

Key Findings from the 2026 UK Student Accommodation Outlook

• Over 7,00,000 international students are currently enrolled in UK universities, with London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol among the most in-demand destinations. (Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency – HESA, 2024)
• Average annual student accommodation cost in London stands at approximately £13,600, with prime locations commanding significantly higher rents. Rental benchmarks across major UK cities have risen consistently since 2021, with no material reversal in pricing trends. (Source: University Living Market Data, 2025)
• Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) occupancy in prime locations consistently exceeds 97%, with many properties in high-demand cities fully booked by spring, months before the September intake cycle. (Source: Cushman & Wakefield UK Student Accommodation Report, 2025)
• A structural and widening gap persists between total student enrolment and available PBSA beds in several Tier-1 university cities, limiting late-stage availability and reducing pricing flexibility for families booking closer to intake. (Source: University Living Market Research, 2025)

 

The findings indicate that accommodation planning is no longer a post-admission step but an increasingly strategic part of the international study decision process.

Commenting on the release, Saurabh Arora, Co-Founder & CEO, University Living, said:

“Accommodation planning works best when it is treated as part of the admission process, not a separate task to handle later. Families who start early have more options, better pricing, and a clearer picture of what their child is moving into.”

 

Implications for International Families

With premium properties in cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol booking out months in advance, early accommodation planning has become critical for securing both availability and value. Beyond headline rent figures, families must account for security deposits, advance rental payments, and currency conversion costs when transferring funds from overseas. These additional components significantly influence the overall cost of studying in the UK.

 

What to Look for When Booking Accommodation from Abroad

• Ensure property details can be independently verified
• Avoid payment requests outside formal booking systems
• Confirm a signed tenancy agreement before transferring funds
• Review deposit terms and cancellation clauses carefully
• Begin the accommodation search several months before intake

 

Booking through verified platforms with documented agreements and structured payment systems provides families with transparency and a formal paper trail prior to student arrival.

University Living works with verified accommodation providers near major UK universities, offering transparent listings, secure booking systems, and pre-arrival support for international students relocating from overseas. The full 2026 UK Student Accommodation Outlook is available upon request.

Business Wire India

Kinaxis® Inc. (TSX:KXS), a global leader in supply chain orchestration, today announced that Blaine Fitzgerald, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has advisedof his intention to step down from his role to pursue a new career opportunity with a private company outside the supply chain software space. A search will begin for a new CFO immediately. Fitzgerald remains with the company as CFO through May 8, following the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, to support a smooth transition.

 

“We are grateful for Blaine’s leadership and contributions over the past six years. He has played a key role in strengthening our financial foundation, building out the financial leadership team, and advancing our AI strategy. Thanks to the depth and capability of our Senior Leadership Team, we remain well-positioned for continued success as we begin the search for our next finance leader,” said Razat Gaurav, Chief Executive Officer, Kinaxis. “We wish Blaine every success as he embarks on his next chapter.”

 

 

“During my time at Kinaxis, we’ve accelerated growth, achieved record profitability, and built strong business momentum. Under Razat’s leadership, the company will continue to seize the opportunities ahead in supply chain orchestration and AI, which made this a difficult personal decision,” said Blaine Fitzgerald, Chief Financial Officer. “I want to thank the Senior Leadership Team, past and present, for their partnership and for the unique Kinaxis culture we’ve built together. I am also grateful to our shareholders, analysts, and the broader investment community for their support over the years. It has been a privilege to be part of this journey.”

 

 

About Kinaxis
Kinaxis is a global 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.

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” or similar expressions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, general economic and market conditions, industry trends, competitive developments, technological change, customer demand and adoption, the ability to attract and retain key personnel, and other risks described in Kinaxis’ most recently filed Annual Information Form and Management’s Discussion and Analysis available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and Kinaxis undertakes no obligation to update or revise them except as required by applicable law.

 

 

SOURCE: Kinaxis Inc.

 

 

 

 

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Business Wire India

Global smartphone shipments are forecast to decline by around 7% year-on-year in 2026 according to Omdia’s latest outlook. This projection based on Q1 memory price assumptions, which indicate that pricing pressure and constrained supply will begin to ease in the second half of the year. The global smartphone market will face significant challenges in 2026 as tightening memory supply and elevated pricing place increasing cost pressures for vendors. Memory now accounts for a significantly larger share of the smartphone bill of materials (BOM), eroding vendor profitability, particularly in entry-level devices. Since 4Q25, smartphone manufacturers have already begun raising retail prices in order to maintain profit margins. However, sustained price increases are likely to weaken demand, particularly in price-sensitive emerging markets.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304209331/en/

 

 

 

Further memory pressure and geopolitical volatility raise the risk of over 15% smartphone shipment decline in 2026

 

Downside risks to the forecast remain significant. If memory prices continue rising into the second half of 2026 due to tight supply and increasing AI server demand locking in production capacity, smartphone vendors will face further cost escalation across both entry-level and premium devices. At the same time, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could amplify macroeconomic volatility including higher energy prices, freight costs, and foreign-exchange instability, further weakening consumer upgrades in price-sensitive markets. Under this downside scenario, global smartphone shipments are expected to decline by more than 15% in 2026, potentially exceeding the 12% contraction recorded in 2022.

 

 

“Rising memory costs and macro headwinds are expected to impact smartphone demand unevenly across price segments,” said Zaker Li, Principal Analyst at Omdia. “Devices priced below $100 are forecast to decline by nearly 31% year-on-year in 2026, reflecting the severe margin pressure vendors face in ultra-low-cost segments, which are highly sensitive to even modest shifts in the macroeconomic environment. Smartphones in the $100–$399 range, which represent the core volume bands of the global market, are also expected to contract as rising memory prices push retail prices upward in price-sensitive markets. These segments are largely served by entry-focused vendors that rely heavily on LPDDR4X memory, operate with thin margins, and often have lower priority in the memory supply chain, leaving them more exposed to cost inflation and potential supply shortages. As a result, vendors concentrated in these price tiers are expected to face production constraints and shipment reductions, with many projected to experience double-digit declines in 2026.”

 

 

“In contrast, the premium segment is expected to remain relatively resilient despite rising component costs. Devices priced above $800 are forecast to grow by around 4% in 2026, supported by stronger brand positioning and greater pricing flexibility. Apple maintains a dominant presence in the high-end market and benefits from strong supply chain relationships and higher margins that help absorb component cost inflation. Samsung also benefits from vertical integration and internal semiconductor capabilities, which provide greater security of supply and priority access to key components. While Samsung still utilizes LPDDR4X in some models and faces similar cost pressures, its supply chain advantages reduce the risk of significant shortages.”

 

 

“The evolving cost environment is reshaping dynamics across the global smartphone supply chain,” added Li. “As entry-level smartphone demand weakens, suppliers of mid- and low-end components – including chipsets, camera modules, and other key parts – are likely to face declining orders and intensified pricing pressure. Vendors are already responding by simplifying product configurations and tightening BOM costs. At the same time, volatility in memory pricing is pushing brands toward shorter-term production planning and smaller order volumes, increasing operational pressure across the supply chain. Smaller ODMs and specialized component suppliers will also face growing consolidation risks as margins compress and demand becomes more concentrated among leading brands. In this environment, vendors will need to prioritize higher-value product innovation and disciplined production planning, while channel partners strengthen inventory management and demand forecasting to navigate slower replacement cycles and shifting consumer demand.”

 

 

ABOUT OMDIA

 

 

Omdia, part of TechTarget, Inc. d/b/a Informa TechTarget (Nasdaq: TTGT), is a technology research and advisory group. Our deep knowledge of tech markets grounded in real conversations with industry leaders and hundreds of thousands of data points, makes our market intelligence our clients’ strategic advantage. From R&D to ROI, we identify the greatest opportunities and move the industry forward.

 

 

 

 

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