Interim Data From Two Ongoing Investigator-initiated Trials Highlight the Role of Sculptra® and Restylane® in Addressing Aesthetic Changes Associated With Weight Loss Medications and Menopause

Business Wire India

  • New interim results from a six-month investigator-initiated trial (IIT) supported by Galderma, regarding the clinical sequencing of women in menopause, show the combination of Restylane Skinboosters™ and Sculptra drove meaningful improvements in skin barrier function, hydration and patient satisfaction, with the most pronounced gains in hydration – a critical factor for perimenopausal skin health – observed when using Restylane Skinboosters first1
  • New interim data from a separate IIT show the cellular composition of adipose (fat) tissue may be altered in patients experiencing aesthetic changes in the abdomen following medication-driven weight loss, offering a biological explanation for clinician‑reported volume loss beyond weight reduction alone, and underscoring the importance of including regenerative aesthetic treatments as part of the patients’ weight loss journey2
  • These data reinforce Galderma’s continuous support of independent research, in order to deliver holistic, individualized and science-led solutions that address growing patient needs, such as aesthetic changes related to menopause and medication-driven weight loss

 

Galderma (SIX: GALD), the pure-play dermatology category leader, today welcomes new data from two IITs, demonstrating the power of Sculptra – the first proven regenerative biostimulator – and the company’s versatile hyaluronic acid injectable Restylane range, in addressing the aesthetic changes associated with menopause and medication-driven weight loss, for the face and body.1-7 Data includes an analysis from a first-of-its-kind study evaluating optimal treatment sequencing to enhance women’s skin during menopause, and an evaluation of the cellular makeup of fat in the abdomen following medication-driven weight loss.1,2

 

The two IITs were designed and executed by Dr. Andreas Nikolis and Dr. Sabrina Fabi respectively.1,2 Galderma proudly supported the IITs as part of its long‑standing commitment to understanding patients’ evolving needs and supporting to deliver the best solutions for optimal patient outcomes. This approach to evidence generation, informed by real‑world needs, and enabled by the broadest Injectable Aesthetics portfolio in the industry, is designed to support advancements at every stage of the patient journey.

 

 

Menopause: Dual‑sequence study shows meaningful skin quality improvements and growing patient satisfaction with both Restylane Skinboosters and Sculptra

 

 

New interim results from a nine‑month clinical sequencing IIT of women in menopause conducted by Dr. Andreas Nikolis, both on the face and the décolletage, demonstrated that the combination of Restylane Skinboosters and Sculptra drove progressive and meaningful improvements in skin quality, with the most pronounced gains in hydration seen when using Restylane Skinboosters first.1 Hydration is a critical factor in menopausal skin health, as highlighted in an international survey of peri- and post-menopausal women as within their top five skin concerns for face and their number one concern for body.1,8,9

 

 

The data reinforce the relevance and synergistic effects of the two products, with Skinboosters driving faster extra-cellular matrix and elastin-associated effects to quickly deliver hydration and improvements in skin roughness, fine lines and other imperfections, and Sculptra delivering regenerative benefits across all three skin layers, helping to gradually restore volume, firmness, radiance and skin quality, and smoothing wrinkles and folds over time.1,3-7,10-12

 

 

Results showed that facial hydration and measures of skin‑barrier function improved over time in both groups, and the improvements were mirrored by patient‑reported outcomes, with satisfaction scores rising consistently across the study and reaching high levels by Month 6.1 Together, these data show that both treatment sequences contribute to measurable improvements in skin health in women during menopause, and they provide insight into how the treatment protocol may be optimized for this specific patient group.1

 

 

 

 

“Menopause is associated with a distinct and often under-recognized set of skin changes, including dryness, barrier dysfunction, and progressive declines in skin quality. This first-of-its-kind clinical study is helping address an important unmet need by generating objective data in a population that has historically been overlooked in aesthetic research. The interim findings are highly encouraging, demonstrating meaningful improvements in skin hydration and collagen-related skin quality over time. Equally important, these measurable clinical benefits are mirrored by rising patient satisfaction throughout the study. For clinicians, these early results offer valuable evidence-based insight into how we can better support aging menopausal patients with treatment strategies that are tailored to the biologic changes of this stage of life.”

 

 

 

DR. ANDREAS NIKOLIS

 

STUDY LEAD INVESTIGATOR AND BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

 

MONTREAL, CANADA

 

Aesthetic changes associated with medication-driven weight loss: New insights on cellular changes underscore importance of regenerative treatments that work across skin layers

 

New interim IIT data show that in patients experiencing aesthetic changes in the abdomen associated with medication-driven weight loss, the cellular composition of adipose tissue is altered, offering a biological explanation for the volume changes increasingly reported by clinicians.2 This underscores the value of regenerative treatment approaches, to support a healthy-looking appearance following medication-driven weight loss.2 The IIT, conducted by Dr. Sabrina Fabi, evaluated 20 female patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity on their abdomen.2

 

 

Interim results demonstrated a statistically significant, four‑fold reduction in adipose‑derived stem cells (ADSCs), the regenerative cell population responsible for maintaining healthy fat tissue, when compared to those who were not taking prescription weight loss medication.2 Fibroblasts were preserved. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of how the skin profile in individuals experiencing aesthetic changes associated withmedication-driven weight loss differs from those where changes are occurring naturally with age without having taken prescription weight loss medications, and highlight why patients may benefit from treatment plans that focus not just on replacing lost volume, but on supporting the tissues’ underlying regenerative capacity.2,13 Galderma is well‑positioned to address these alterations across the face and body, given its expertise in dermatology, specialized range of injectable treatments and skincare products, and patient‑centric approach developed in close collaboration with leading healthcare professionals. Sculptra is the first proven regenerative biostimulator, backed by over 25 years of clinical use.3-7 With a unique poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA™) formulation, Sculptra re-engages the skin’s renewal process, stimulating adipose tissue, collagen and elastin for healthy looking skin.3-7 Over the decades, it has evolved into a versatile treatment that delivers regenerative benefits across all three skin layers, helping to gradually restore volume, firmness, radiance and skin quality, and smoothing wrinkles and folds over time.3-7,12

 

 

 

 

“Many people experiencing medication-driven weight loss report aesthetic changes that seem disproportionate to weight loss alone, and until now, we haven’t fully understood why. The findings from this IIT suggest shifts in the skin and adipose‑tissue profile that may help explain the volume‑related changes clinicians are seeing. By clarifying the biological underpinnings, we can better guide treatment planning, and the available science indicates that regenerative and adipose tissue‑stimulating treatments such as Sculptra, can play a critical role in supporting healthy‑looking volume and appearance. This insight gives clinicians a stronger, evidence‑based foundation for thoughtful, individualized treatment discussions with their patients across their weight loss journey.”

 

 

 

DR. SABRINA FABI
STUDY LEAD INVESTIGATOR AND COSMETIC DERMATOLOGIST

 

SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES

 

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.

 

 

References

 

 

  1. Nikolis A, et al. A comprehensive interim analysis of skin hydration, barrier function (TEWL), elasticity, and patient satisfaction across two treatment arms. Interim Data on File. April 2026
  2. Fabi S, et al. Investigating the Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Interim Data on File. April 2026
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sculptra summary of safety and effectiveness data. Available online. Accessed April 2026.
  4. Zhang Y, et al. In vivo inducing collagen regeneration of biodegradable polymer microspheres. Regen Biomater. 2021;8(5):rbab042. doi: 10.1093/rb/rbab042.
  5. Waibel J, et al. A randomized, comparative study describing the gene signatures of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) and calcium hydroxylapaptite (CaHA) in the treatment of nasolabial folds. Poster presented at IMCAS World Congress; February 3-6. 2024; Paris, France.
  6. Huth S, et al. Molecular insights into the effects of PLLA-SCA on gene expression and collagen synthesis in human 3d skin models containing macrophages. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4):285-288. doi: 10.36849/JDD.7791.
  7. Zubair R, et al. SPLASH: Split-body randomized clinical trial of poly-L-lactic acid for adipogenesis and volumization of the hip dell. Dermatol Surg. 2024;50(12):1155-1162. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000004417.
  8. Fabi G, et al. The potential role of biostimulators/dermal fillers to address menopause-related skin conditions. Poster presented at IMCAS; January 29-31, 2026; Paris, France.
  9. Galderma. Data on file. Menopause Patient Survey.
  10. Landau M, Fagien S. Science of Hyaluronic Acid Beyond Filling: Fibroblasts and Their Response to the Extracellular Matrix. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;136(5 Suppl.):188S–95S. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000001823.
  11. Allen J, Dodou K. Current Knowledge and Regulatory Framework on the Use of Hyaluronic Acid for Aesthetic Injectable Skin Rejuvenation Treatments. Cosmetics 2024;11(2):54. doi: 10.3390/cosmetics11020054
  12. Widgerow A, et al. A randomized, comparative study describing the gene signatures of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA-SCA) and Calcium Hydroxylapaptite (CaHA) in the treatment of nasolabial folds. Poster presented at IMCAS World Congress, February 1-3, 2024, Paris, France
  13. Ridha Z, et al. Decoding the Implications of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Accelerated Facial and Skin Aging. Aesthet Surg J. 2024,Jun 14:sjae132.

 

 

 

Shangri-La Hambantota Positions Sri Lanka as a Global Destination Wedding Powerhouse

Hambantota, Sri Lanka Apr  09: As Sri Lanka continues its resurgence as one of Asia’s most compelling travel destinations, ShangriLa Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa is emerging as a defining force in positioning the island as a premier destination for international weddings — where scale, setting, and storytelling converge.

This vision came vividly to life this March with the multi-day wedding celebrations of entrepreneur and Managing Director of Gulf-O-Flex, Rubber World Industry Global Mujtaba Shaikhani and Dr. Hafsha, a renowned aesthetic medicine practitioner from Mumbai, India, hosted at the oceanfront resort. 

Designed as an immersive, multi-day celebration, the wedding unfolded through an extraordinary 21 curated events across the resort, welcoming guests from the United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Sri Lanka. Over several days, the southern coastline transformed into a vibrant stage for culture, celebration, and global connection.

The significance of such international celebrations was reflected in the presence of Hon. Vijitha Herath, Member of Parliament of Sri Lanka, who attended during the festivities, underscoring the growing importance of destination weddings within the country’s evolving tourism landscape.

Shangri-la-Hambantota-

 

Set across 58 hectares of tropical landscape overlooking the Indian Ocean, ShangriLa Hambantota offers a rare combination of expansive outdoor venues and the capability to host multi-format, large-scale celebrations seamlessly. From sunset ceremonies along the coastline to intricately themed evenings, the resort continues to demonstrate a level of versatility and scale unmatched in the region.

Yet, the impact of such weddings extends far beyond the celebrations themselves.

Large-scale international weddings activate a wide network of local industries – from florists, designers, and entertainers to transport providers and small and medium enterprises across the southern region. Each event generates sustained economic activity over several days, supporting livelihoods while showcasing Sri Lanka’s creative and hospitality capabilities to a global audience.

This is not the first destination wedding of its kind hosted at ShangriLa Hambantota, with the resort witnessing a growing portfolio of international celebrations. Based on confirmed events, the property is set to see a doubling of destination wedding bookings this year — a strong and encouraging signal for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry as a whole.

Refhan Razeen, General Manager of ShangriLa Hambantota, commented: “Hosting a celebration of this scale is a testament to Sri Lanka’s ability to deliver world-class experiences with authenticity and warmth. Destination weddings are not only deeply personal milestones, but also powerful contributors to tourism — bringing global audiences to our shores while creating meaningful opportunities for local communities.”

The Shaikhani–Hafsha wedding stands as a compelling example of how Sri Lanka can position itself within the high-value travel segment. With extended stays, increased per-guest spend, and global visibility driven organically through influential networks, destination weddings represent one of the most impactful avenues for tourism growth.

ShangriLa Hambantota, with its scale, versatility, and setting along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, continues to lead this movement — shaping a future where celebrations not only create lasting memories, but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s tourism story.

Andersen Consulting Strengthens Digital Transformation Capabilities Through Kyanon Consulting Collaboration

Business Wire India

Andersen Consulting enhances its platform through a Collaboration Agreement with Kyanon Consulting, a Vietnam-based technology consulting firm known for delivering large-scale digital transformation solutions.

 

Founded in 2025, as an arm of Kyanon Digital, Kyanon Consulting provides end-to-end digital and technology services to retail, banking and finance, and manufacturing organizations seeking to modernize operations, improve customer engagement, and accelerate growth. The firm delivers solutions across digital strategy, enterprise and product development, system integration, workflow automation, advanced analytics, and AI-driven insights for customer experience.

 

 

“At Kyanon Consulting, our mission is to create digital impact that truly matters,” said Tai Huynh, founder of Kyanon Consulting. “We equip clients with the tools, insights, and innovation needed to strengthen resilience and unlock new opportunities. Collaborating with Andersen Consulting allows us to bring our capabilities to a broader global platform and support organizations seeking scalable, high-performing technology solutions.”

 

 

“Andersen Consulting continues to advance its global technology capabilities, and our collaboration with Kyanon Consulting adds depth to our platform,” said Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen. “Kyanon Consulting’s expertise in digital engineering, integration, and data intelligence enhances our ability to deliver comprehensive solutions across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.”

 

 

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 50,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 1,000 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield Complete the Acquisition of Air Lease Corporation

Business Wire India

Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo-managed funds (“Apollo”) and Brookfield today announced that they have completed the previously announced acquisition of Air Lease Corporation (“Air Lease”) and have renamed the business Sumisho Air Lease Corporation (“Sumisho Air Lease”).

 

This transformational transaction improves the financial position of the business with long term support and aviation expertise from co-investors Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield.

 

 

Sumisho Air Lease’s strong foundation as an established aircraft lessor, supported by SMBC Aviation Capital’s industry‑leading capabilities as servicer, creates a platform with the scale and financial strength needed to meet the fast‑changing and increasingly complex requirements of airline customers. Sumisho Air Lease will also benefit from the deep expertise and long-standing commitment that both Sumitomo Corporation and SMBC Aviation Capital bring to the global aviation leasing sector.

 

 

As part of the overall transaction, Air Lease’s orderbook has now transferred to SMBC Aviation Capital, bringing SMBC Aviation Capital’s orderbook with Airbus and Boeing to c. 420 aircraft.

 

 

SMBC Aviation Capital will be the servicer to the majority of Sumisho Air Lease’s portfolio of aircraft, bringing SMBC Aviation Capital’s Owned, Serviced and Committed aircraft to over 1700 across over 170 airline Customers.

 

 

Sumisho Air Lease will benefit from enhanced scale through access to a large-scale aviation platform and is well positioned to achieve its long-term strategic direction while continuing to be a leader in the global aviation leasing industry.

 

 

Takao Kusaka, Group CEO, Transportation & Construction Systems Group of Sumitomo Corporation, said:

 

 

“We are delighted to announce the completion of the acquisition of Air Lease Corporation together with our co-investors SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield. Reaching this important milestone is a testament to the strong alignment among the investor group and our shared long‑term vision for the business.

 

 

As a core participant in the aviation industry ecosystem, Sumisho Air Lease is highly complementary to our strategic direction and reinforces the Sumitomo Corporation Group’s commitment to the commercial aviation sector. This transaction further enhances the scale, quality and resilience of our aviation platform.

 

 

Looking ahead, we are confident that close collaboration between Sumisho Air Lease and the Sumitomo Corporation Group will unlock meaningful synergies and support the sustainable growth of our aviation portfolio”

 

 

Peter Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, said:

 

 

“This transaction creates one of the most competitive, well‑capitalised, and customer‑focused leasing platforms in the global aircraft leasing market. With Sumisho Air Lease’s modern, high-quality fleet, supported by SMBC Aviation Capital’s industry-leading capabilities, we are ideally positioned to transform the industry with innovative solutions for our airline partners and sustainable returns for investors.

 

 

In a supply constrained environment, SMBC Aviation Capital’s enhanced scale, financial strength and deep market insight will allow us to provide the new technology aircraft and the flexibility our customers need to achieve their growth ambitions. Backed by the long-term commitment and resources of our shareholders including our co-investor, Sumitomo Corporation, we look forward to unlocking new opportunities and driving innovation.”

 

 

Jamshid Ehsani, Partner, Apollo, said:

 

 

“The completion of this transaction establishes a high-quality aviation platform with strong industry sponsorship from our partners, Sumitomo Corporation and SMBC Aviation Capital. Sumisho Air Lease’s new generation, in-demand fleet supported by Apollo’s flexible, long-term capital, positions the business to deliver innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of airline customers. This transaction also highlights Apollo’s established track record in aviation, led by our industry experts at Perseus Aviation, as well as our ability to provide scaled and creative capital solutions to support leading businesses in essential sectors of the global economy.”

 

 

Ryan Schwartz, Managing Director, Brookfield, said:

 

 

“The closing of this transaction reflects Brookfield’s ability to deploy large-scale, flexible capital to support strategic partners in complex markets. Leveraging our credit expertise alongside Castlelake’s deep aviation experience, we delivered a tailored solution for Sumitomo Corporation and SMBC Aviation Capital that advances their strategic objectives and positions the business for long-term success.”

 

 

Noriyuki Hiruta, CEO of Sumisho Air Lease, said:

 

 

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Sumisho Air Lease. As an established aircraft lessor with a modern, fuel‑efficient fleet and a strong investment‑grade profile, we are ideally placed to meet the evolving needs of airlines and investors in a rapidly changing market. With the backing of Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield, we have the scale, financial strength and industry expertise to deliver long‑term value while building trusted partnerships with our customers around the world.”

 

 

The transaction was originally announced in September 2025, with Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield agreeing to acquire Air Lease for total valuation of approximately $7.4 billion, or approximately $28.2 billion including debt obligations to be assumed or refinanced net of cash.

 

 

Notes to editors

 

 

About Sumitomo Corporation

 

 

Sumitomo Corporation (TYO: 8053) is an integrated trading and business investment company with a strong global network comprising 127 offices in 64 countries and regions. The Sumitomo Corporation Group consists of approximately 500 companies and 80,000 employees on a consolidated basis. The Group’s business activities are spread across the following nine groups: Steel, Automotive, Transportation & Construction Systems, Diverse Urban Development, Media & Digital, Lifestyle Business, Mineral Resources, Chemicals Solutions and Energy Transformation Business. Sumitomo Corporation is committed to creating greater value for society under the corporate message of “Enriching lives and the world,” based on Sumitomo’s business philosophy passed down for over 400 years. Sumitomo Corporation

 

 

About SMBC Aviation Capital

 

 

SMBC Aviation Capital is a leading aircraft lessor globally by number of aircraft and benefits from the strong support of its shareholders Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation. SMBC Aviation Capital has a high-quality global airline customer base with a portfolio comprising 87% narrow-body aircraft and 73% new technology aircraft (by net book value). SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds an A- and BBB+ rating with S&P and Fitch respectively, reflecting the long-term strength of its business. For more information, please visit: https://www.smbc.aero/

 

 

About Apollo

 

 

Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of December 31, 2025, Apollo had approximately $938 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

 

 

About Brookfield

 

 

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE: BAM, TSX: BAM) is a leading global alternative asset manager, headquartered in New York, with over $1 trillion of assets under management across infrastructure, energy, private equity, real estate, and credit. We invest client capital for the long-term with a focus on real assets and essential service businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. We offer a range of alternative investment products to investors around the world — including public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies and private wealth investors. We draw on Brookfield’s heritage as an owner and operator to invest for value and generate strong returns for our clients, across economic cycles. For more information, please visit our website at www.bam.brookfield.com

 

 

About Sumisho Air Lease

 

 

Sumisho Air Lease Corporation (Sumisho) is a leading global aircraft leasing company which was launched following the acquisition of Air Lease Corporation by Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo managed funds and Brookfield in April 2026. With over $29 billion of assets, 490 owned aircraft (as of 31st Dec 2025), and a market leading management team, the company has an investment grade credit rating and committed long-term investors.

 

 

For more information, please visit: www.sumisho.aero

 

 

 

 

 

Visa Opens the Door to AI-Driven Shopping for Businesses Worldwide

Business Wire India

 

  • Part of the Visa Intelligent Commerce portfolio, Intelligent Commerce Connect will enable more ways for agents to pay and merchants to accept agentic transactions in a single integration
  • Currently in pilot with select partners including Aldar, AWS, Diddo, Highnote, Mesh, Payabli, Sumvin, and rolling out to more partners this year

 

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) today unveiled Intelligent Commerce Connect, a new solution that makes it easier for businesses to connect to and participate in AI-powered commerce. Intelligent Commerce Connect acts as a network, protocol, and token vault-agnostic ‘on ramp’ to agentic commerce for agent builders, merchants, and enablers.

 

As consumers increasingly rely on AI agents to make purchases, businesses – whether they are building agents, selling to them, or processing transactions – need a simple way to get started. Intelligent Commerce Connect, part of the Visa Intelligent Commerce portfolio, meets that need.

 

 

Through a single integration via the Visa Acceptance Platform, Intelligent Commerce Connect enables secure payment initiation, tokenization, spend controls, and authentication. The solution integrates both Visa Intelligent Commerce APIs, which are used to process agent purchases using Visa cards, and other networks’ APIs, allowing agents to pay with both Visa and non-Visa cards*. This provides more choice in how agents can pay, making it easier for the entire ecosystem to adopt agentic payments experiences.

 

 

“From small businesses to the world’s biggest retailers, Visa powers how people pay every day, millions of times over,” said Andrew Torre, President of Value-Added Services at Visa. “Intelligent Commerce Connect brings that same, trusted payment acceptance infrastructure into the emerging world of AI-driven commerce, so businesses can let AI agents buy on behalf of consumers, securely and at scale.”

 

 

Key benefits of Intelligent Commerce Connect:

 

 

  • Works with major token vault providers: Agent platforms can plug into existing credential infrastructure and avoid being locked into a single token vault/vendor.
  • Seamless acceptance of agent-initiated payments: Enables merchants to accept payments initiated via major agent protocols including: Trusted Agent Protocol, Machine Payments Protocol (MPP), Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP), and Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP).
  • Makes merchant catalogs discoverable on AI platforms: Helps merchants make their product inventories and product details (e.g., descriptions, specifications, prices, etc.) accessible so consumers can discover, select, and check out within the AI platform experience.
  • Supports enablers processing agentic transactions on merchants’ behalf: Visa can handle orchestration and PCI compliance for enablers supporting merchant transactions.
  • One integration via Visa Acceptance Platform: Available through a single trusted integration on the Visa Acceptance Platform, a modular suite of payments tools that power millions of places where consumers pay – like online or in-app checkouts and marketplaces.

 

To find out more information about Intelligent Commerce Connect, please visit: https://corporate.visa.com/en/products/intelligent-commerce-connect.html

 

About Visa

 

 

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement.

 

 

*Subject to availability.

 

 

 

 

 

Sitetracker Launches Scout, an Agentic AI Platform Purpose-Built for Critical Infrastructure

Business Wire India

Sitetracker, the leading Asset Lifecycle Management platform for critical infrastructure, today announced the launch of Scout, its new Agentic AI platform designed to help infrastructure owners, operators, and contractors gain deep insights and drive automation within their operations.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260408923336/en/

 

 

Scout, ready for real work

 

 

As your AI analyst and agent, Scout is ready to work on day 1. Scout provides clarity when decisions are forming and momentum when action is required. It surfaces risk, synthesizes information, and helps accelerate execution by connecting data and driving action. Scout creates operational intelligence and turns it into action all in a secure environment that protects data sovereignty.

 

 

“Our customers are looking to create compounding competitive advantages,” said Giuseppe Incitti, Chief Executive Officer of Sitetracker. “Scout delivers by providing easy to deploy agentic workflows that drive automation, compress timelines and ultimately expand margins.”

 

 

Scout automates common workflows including

 

 

  • Document processing – summarize and extract data from permits, leases, invoices and other document types.
  • Photo intelligence – perform quality control checks on photos to automate close out reviews, inspections and field work.
  • Risk analysis – identify hidden risks within your deployment and maintenance programs, and receive mitigation recommendations.

 

Scout, in action

 

Connecting data from a variety of sources, Scout is ready to execute agent-assembled work packages that drive productivity to new levels through the entire asset-lifecycle from planning, development, construction and maintenance phases.

 

 

Examples of work packages that can be automated by Scout’s AI platform include

 

 

  • Lease comparison
  • Invoice processing
  • Deficiency reporting
  • Contractor performance assessments
  • Plan-of-the-day preparation with recommendations

 

Scout not only provides out of the box agentic work packages, but also allows customers to build their own agents to align directly with their way of working, opening new opportunities for enhancing productivity within their organization.

 

Scout, available this Spring

 

 

Scout is now in limited release, with strong customer demand and a growing waitlist. Learn more and request access at sitetracker.com/scout.

 

 

About Sitetracker + Scout

 

 

Sitetracker empowers owners, operators, contractors, and other stakeholders to streamline and optimize the end-to-end asset lifecycle of critical infrastructure. As the leading global complete Asset Lifecycle Management platform, Sitetracker helps innovative companies like Vodafone, Ericsson, ENGIE, Telefonica, Cypress Creek Renewables, Cox, Iberdrola, EVgo, Vantage Towers, Southern Company, Zayo, Tilson, Nextera, EDOTCO, E.On, Axione, and TEP efficiently plan, build, operate, and maintain millions of projects, sites, and assets. Scout, Sitetracker’s agentic AI platform, enables organizations across digital infrastructure and clean energy to move from operational insight to autonomous execution, without replacing the systems their teams already depend on. Sitetracker delivers operational excellence and creates full transparency across industries such as digital infrastructure, renewables, EV charging, utilities, and real estate by driving safe, efficient teams, ensuring healthy projects, and enabling organizations to manage scale, growth, and complexity. Trusted by hundreds of industry leaders, Sitetracker advances a more connected and sustainable future across the world. Manage What’s Critical, with Sitetracker.

 

 

For more information, please request a demo.

 

 

 

 

 

Barilla Confirmed as the World’s Leading Food Company for Reputation – Ranking 9th Overall Globally

Business Wire India

 

  • For the third consecutive year, Barilla is confirmed as the world’s leading food company in the Global RepTrak® 100 and enters the overall Top 10 of global companies.
  • The Group ranks 9th overall, up 16 positions compared to 2025.

 

For the third year in a row, Barilla is confirmed as the world’s leading company in the food sector for reputation in the Global RepTrak® 100 ranking conducted by RepTrak, which since 1999 has annually analyzed the companies with the strongest reputations worldwide.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407912080/en/

 

 

 

In the 2026 ranking, the Group reaches 9th place overall, moving up 16 spots compared to 2025 (ranked at 25th) and entering the global Top 10, confirming the company’s steady reputation‑building journey developed over the years. This result reflects Barilla’s ability to combine product quality, industrial vision and social responsibility – factors that are increasingly central to the assessment of corporate reputation. The study evaluates key elements including performance, innovation, governance, sustainability and the ability to generate long‑term trust.

 

“In today’s turbulent macroeconomic environment, maintaining stable performance is already a positive signal,” states Sara Fargion, Vice President RepTrak, EMEA. “However, the ability to grow in this context becomes a true differentiator. The Food sector, in particular, is facing significant pressure, as ongoing waves of inflation continue to drive intense media scrutiny and shape public perception consistently across all 14 countries where we measure reputation.”

 

 

Present in over 100 countries, with 30 production sites and an annual output exceeding 2 million tons across pasta, ready‑made sauces and bakery products, Barilla continues to invest in innovation and the continuous improvement of its product offering.

 

 

This commitment is reflected in the inauguration in November, in Parma, of BITE (Barilla Innovation & Technology Experience), the new research and development center where 200 professionals – including food technologists, researchers, engineers and food designers – develop new products and improve recipes, production processes and packaging. BITE is a state‑of‑the‑art hub that integrates scientific expertise, food culture and technology to design the future of food, supported by an open‑innovation ecosystem involving universities and research centers worldwide, accelerating the development of increasingly sustainable, safe solutions aligned with evolving consumer needs.

 

 

Further confirming its ability to respond to consumer expectations, the Group has been recognized in recent years with two awards from the Product of the Year program in Italy: in 2025, Barilla Al Bronzo was awarded in the Pasta category, while in 2026 the recognition went to Barilla Protein+, both selected by more than 12,000 consumers as part of research conducted by Circana.

 

 

Barilla Group’s growth and its ability to engage with new food trends and cultures are also supported by its partnership with Formula 1®, which has brought Barilla’s core value of togetherness into the world’s premier motorsport competition. Globally, high‑impact social initiatives with organizations – such as The Food Bank and Doctors Without Borders – have mobilized thousands of volunteers and citizens, supporting social and humanitarian projects through tangible acts of participation and sharing.

 

 

At the same time, Barilla continues to advance its social and environmental commitments, integrating sustainability and energy and water efficiency at the core of its growth model. As part of this ongoing effort, in 2024, the total volume of water recycled and reused increased by 45% compared to 2022, with an even more significant improvement in water‑stressed areas, where the increase reached 164%. This commitment also extends to Barilla’s nearly 9,000 people – the true driving force behind the Group’s performance – and includes, among other initiatives, a global gender‑neutral parental leave policy guaranteeing 12 fully paid weeks for both parents, as well as the achievement, since 2020, of global gender pay equity in line with the principle of “equal pay for equal work” for all Barilla employees worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

Funding Astranova Mobility secures INR 60 Cr in Series A equity funding led by IvyCap Ventures

Gurgaon, April 9: Astranova Mobility, India’s leading EV financing and asset management platform has raised Rs 60 Cr in their Series A round which was led by IvyCap Ventures. The round also saw existing investors Asian Development Bank and Advantedge Founders doubling down, as well as participation from Trucks Venture Capital, a Silicon Valley based auto-tech fund. 

Funding Astranova Mobility secures Rs 60 Cr in Series A equity funding led by IvyCap Ventures

 Astranova Mobility, founded by Kunal Mundra in mid-2023 in partnership with Grip Invest, was established to accelerate India’s transition to sustainable transportation. The company brings together deep engineering expertise, proprietary data and large-scale data models with robust financing fundamentals to drive electric vehicle adoption in the commercial segment. Since inception, Astranova has enabled financing and allied services for over 25,000 electric vehicles, spanning two-wheelers to heavy-duty electric trucks.

Kunal Mundra, Founder and CEO of Astranova Mobility, said,

“We are delighted to welcome IvyCap Ventures as a partner on this journey. Their deep experience and strong track record in the Indian startup ecosystem, combined with best-in-class access to institutional capital and engineering capabilities through institutions such as the IITs, will be a key differentiator for Astranova. 

As a significant portion of this capital will be deployed to deepen our data, AI, and engineering capabilities, we are also excited to have Trucks VC on board, enabling access to cutting-edge partners and expertise from the US auto tech ecosystem.

With this fund raise, we have simultaneously unlocked significant debt capital and are now all set to grow over 5x in the next 18 months which will create a strong foundation for us to enable the deployment of USD 1 Bn EVs in the next 4 years and accelerate India’s transition to net zero.”

Vikram Gupta, Founder and Managing Partner, IvyCap Ventures, said,

“Astranova Mobility is a strong enabler of India’s clean mobility transition, combining data-driven insights, financing strength, and deep sector expertise. Their rapid execution and clear vision for the commercial EV segment position them well to scale sustainable transportation nationally. We’re delighted to partner with them on this journey.”

Trucks Venture Capital’s partner Puneeth Meruva said

“India’s transition to commercial electric vehicles will require over $100 billion in financing. Yet, traditional lenders lack the expertise to underwrite EV assets, while small fleet operators remain underserved due to limited credit access. Astranova addresses this gap through a data-first, full-stack platform spanning leasing, asset management, and maintenance. The team’s deep operational experience, combined with a differentiated technology stack across fleet operations and vehicle financing, positions them uniquely to execute in a market where nearly 90% of operators remain underserved.”

IndigoEdge served as the exclusive advisor in this fundraise, backing Astranova’s vision towards a net zero India. 


Business News For Profit

E.G. Morse to Join Ares as Head of Asia Credit and Dinesh Goel and Gabriel Fong Appointed as Co-Heads of the Asia Special Situations Strategy

Business Wire India

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) (“Ares”), a leading global alternative investment manager, announced today that E.G. Morse will join Ares as Partner and Head of Asia Credit. Mr. Morse most recently served as Co-Head of China and Head of China Global Markets for Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (“Goldman Sachs”). Ares is also pleased to announce the appointment of Dinesh Goel and Gabriel Fong as Co-Heads of the Asia Special Situations strategy, effective immediately. After a distinguished tenure, Edwin Wong has decided to retire from his role as Head of Asia Credit, effective June 30, 2026.

 

Mr. Morse will be based in Hong Kong. He will be responsible for driving the long-term growth objectives of the Asia Credit business and developing key relationships in the region in close partnership with Ares leadership. As Co-Heads of the Asia Special Situations strategy, Mr. Goel and Mr. Fong will continue to lead the team and partner closely with Ares Credit leadership to further the strategy’s growth and expansion throughout the APAC region. Peter Graf will continue to lead Ares’ direct lending strategy in Asia.

 

 

Ares’ leading Asia Credit business has approximately $11.5 billion in assets under management, as of December 31, 2025, across credit-focused special situations, sponsored and non-sponsored direct lending and asset backed finance.

 

 

“We are excited to welcome E.G., a proven leader and longstanding friend of the firm, to Ares and to elevate Dinesh and Gabriel to co-lead the Asia Special Situations strategy,” said Mitch Goldstein, Co-Head of Ares Credit. “We are grateful for Edwin’s leadership, partnership and contributions over the years, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

 

 

“I’m honored to join a firm of Ares’ global stature and to work alongside a high-caliber team as we continue to build and scale the platform across Asia,” said Mr. Morse.

 

 

“We’re excited for the opportunity to co-lead the Asia Special Situations strategy and to build on the strong foundation that has been established,” said Mr. Goel and Mr. Fong. “Together with our team, we remain deeply focused on delivering differentiated solutions for our limited partners and continuing to scale our offering thoughtfully across the region.”

 

 

“I am incredibly proud to have led the Asia Credit team’s growth journey over the years,” said Mr. Wong. “As I step into this next chapter, I look forward to working closely with E.G. and the Asia Credit leadership team to ensure a seamless transition. I’m confident in the exciting trajectory of the Asia Credit business under his guidance and in partnership with the exceptional leadership team in place.”

 

 

Mr. Morse has held a range of global senior leadership roles at Goldman Sachs and has been based in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai over his 16‑year tenure at the firm. Most recently, he served as Co‑Head of China and Head of China Global Markets, Co-Chair of the China Leadership Group and Head of the Asia Strategic Client Coverage Group. Previously, Mr. Morse was CEO of Goldman Sachs Singapore and Head of Southeast Asia and also served as Head of Asia Fixed Income Distribution. Earlier in his career, he was Head of U.S. Leveraged Finance Sales.

 

 

Mr. Goel joined Ares in 2020 as part of Ares’ acquisition of SSG Capital, where he was a Managing Director and instrumental in growing the firm’s India business. He began his career at Lehman Brothers in Tokyo. Mr. Fong joined Ares in 2026 from CapitaLand Investment, where he was Managing Director and Head of the Special Opportunities Group overseeing special situation investment activities and strategy. Previously, he served in several roles including at the Vega Capital Family Office, Vaw Eurasian Capital Investment Management, Sculptor Capital (formerly Och Ziff), and Morgan Stanley, among others.

 

 

About Ares Management Corporation

 

 

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to advance our stakeholders’ long-term goals by providing flexible capital that supports businesses and creates value for our investors and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of December 31, 2025, Ares Management Corporation’s global platform had nearly $623 billion of assets under management, with operations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com.

 

 

 

 

 

LegitScript Healthcare Merchant Certification Now Recognized by Google for Pharmacies in India and Telemedicine Providers in New Zealand

Business Wire India

LegitScript, the leader in merchant and product certification and monitoring in the advertising, e-commerce, and payment sectors, today announced an expanded partnership with Google to certify pharmacies in India and telemedicine providers in New Zealand. The policy update allows eligible businesses to advertise on Google Ads using LegitScript Healthcare Certification, and LegitScript-certified organizations will be able to apply for Google certification once the platform’s policy updates in April.

 

The expansion comes at a timely moment for providers and patients as telehealth and online pharmacy adoption accelerate across both regions:

 

 

  • In India, the online pharmacy market is projected to reach over $14 billion by 2034, driven by rising smartphone adoption, improved internet access, and growing demand for convenient, at-home care.
  • In New Zealand, approximately 1.2 million Kiwis now utilize telehealth services, a 30% increase over the past five years (Ministry of Health).
  • This surge is further supported by New Zealand’s Medicines Amendment Act 2025, which introduced a streamlined “verification pathway” for medicine approvals and expanded the prescribing rights of nurse practitioners and pharmacists.

 

Together, these shifts increase care access and the need for safeguards that help ensure patients are engaging with compliant providers online. LegitScript Certification provides a verified pathway for providers to differentiate themselves on Google’s advertising platforms by conducting a rigorous, independent review of their licensure, prescribing practices, patient privacy protections, and advertising transparency, reinforcing patient trust and ensuring alignment with current regulatory standards before reaching patients online.

 

“Healthcare is a complex, rapidly evolving field, and providers need clear frameworks to demonstrate compliance, build credibility, and grow responsibly,” said Angela Salter, VP of Enterprise Certification Sales at LegitScript. “Our continued collaboration with Google helps ensure that certified providers in India and New Zealand can reach patients through trusted advertising platforms while maintaining transparency and good practices.”

 

 

LegitScript’s Healthcare Certification provides a trusted pathway for healthcare businesses to help demonstrate compliance and transparency with regulators, the public, and third-party partners. LegitScript Certification is recognized within the approval process for conducting card-not-present transactions with Visa and Mastercard, and it is a requirement for many online platforms. Google’s policy update now makes it possible for India-based pharmacies and New Zealand-based telemedicine providers to expand their reach by advertising on the world’s most popular online ad platform.

 

 

“For nearly 20 years, we’ve seen the demand for trusted healthcare certification grow as telehealth expands globally, building our deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments,” said Jaylene Kunze, Chief Operating & Financial Officer at LegitScript. “In the past year alone, LegitScript has seen a 103% increase in certified healthcare organizations. Our advanced technology, proprietary data, and human expertise combine to help platforms and providers from around the world navigate the latest healthcare regulations.”

 

 

To learn more about LegitScript’s Healthcare Certification program and begin the application process, download the application checklist for India here and New Zealand here and visit: https://www.legitscript.com/certification/healthcare-certification/

 

 

For more details on Google’s advertising policies and to stay up to date with changes, visit the Google Ad Policy Change Log homepage.

 

 

About LegitScript

 

 

LegitScript, the global leader in Enterprise Risk Management and Certification solutions, is trusted by the world’s largest search engines, e-commerce marketplaces, payment service providers, and social media platforms. By combining advanced, AI-driven technology with deep domain expertise and curated market intelligence, LegitScript empowers businesses to stay ahead of emerging threats and seize new growth opportunities with precision and speed. Our global team of regulatory experts and analysts is skilled at understanding global regulatory changes and assessing risk across products, websites, merchants, and platforms, providing clients with unmatched accuracy, actionable insights, and exceptional support.