SBC Medical Forms Capital and Business Alliance with AtomicSoftware, Provider of the medicalforce Clinic Management Platform Used by 800+ Clinics in Japan

 IRVINE, Calif. -

Companies to co-develop AI features, starting with physician documentation support, to enhance medicalforce and SBC Medical’s in-house systems and drive per-clinic productivity and profitability

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated (Nasdaq: SBC) (“The Company” or “SBC Medical”), a Medical Services Organization (MSO) providing management support across a wide range of healthcare fields, today announced that it entered into a capital and business alliance agreement on October 26, 2026, with AtomicSoftware Inc. (“AtomicSoftware”), the Tokyo-based provider of medicalforce, an all-in-one software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for clinics. In connection with the alliance, SBC Medical has invested ¥600 million (approximately US$3.8 million) in AtomicSoftware’s Series C funding round. The two companies will co-develop AI features, beginning with a feature that supports physicians in preparing medical records.

Key Highlights

Proven platform: medicalforce is used by more than 800 clinics*1 in Japan, primarily self-pay clinics, with a clinic retention rate of 99.2%*2.

Joint AI development: Features co-developed by the two companies will enhance medicalforce and be progressively incorporated into SBC Medical’s own clinic operations systems.

Per-clinic economics: By freeing physician and staff time from documentation and administrative work, SBC Medical aims to raise productivity and profitability at each clinic.

Scalable growth: Standardized implementation procedures are expected to shorten clinic opening preparations and support faster operational stability as SBC Medical expands its network of 287 clinics*3.

Strategic investment: SBC Medical has invested ¥600 million (approximately US$3.8 million) in AtomicSoftware’s Series C funding round.

Strategic Rationale

SBC Medical’s growth as an MSO has been built on standardizing the systems required for clinic operations and deploying them across the Group. Standardization and digitalization are central to the Company’s business model, enabling it to expand its network while maintaining consistent operational quality. The Company regards investment in the systems and processes behind this model as an important growth investment, including as a means of continuing to raise its repeat rate of 72%*4.

At self-pay clinics, reservations, electronic medical records, payments, and post-visit follow-up run as one continuous daily workflow. For AI to deliver tangible results, it must be embedded in that workflow as features physicians and staff use every day. By combining SBC Medical’s on-the-ground operational experience with AtomicSoftware’s expertise in building the specific requirements of self-pay clinics into its products, the companies aim to reduce the burden of documentation and verification and allow more time to be devoted to customers.

The alliance builds on an existing operating relationship. Hada no Aozora Clinic, a clinic to which SBC Medical provides management support, already uses medicalforce as its core operating and payment system, and the knowledge and track record gained through this real-world use led to the alliance. Through this alliance, the two companies will move beyond a provider-user relationship to become partners that jointly explore and realize better approaches to clinic operations.

Why AtomicSoftware

In just over five years since its launch, medicalforce has been adopted by more than 800 self-pay clinics*1 in Japan, including aesthetic surgery and aesthetic dermatology clinics, and supports reservation management, electronic medical records, payments, customer information management, and business analytics in a single system, with a clinic retention rate of 99.2%*2. Its product strength lies in addressing operational needs specific to self-pay clinics, such as reservations that link rooms, equipment, and staff with treatment menus, and the management of prepaid treatment courses and case photographs. Through its AI feature suite, medicalforce intelligence, AtomicSoftware is also developing capabilities for drafting medical records from voice, summarizing medical record information, and supporting post-visit follow-up. Its ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, the international standard for information security management, provides a foundation of trust for handling customer information. SBC Medical believes that drawing on this development and operational expertise, rooted in clinical settings in Japan, will accelerate the practical application of the joint development results and the evolution of its in-house systems.

Scope of the Collaboration

The two companies will co-develop AI-powered features, beginning with a feature that supports physicians in preparing medical records. Features will be validated and refined at clinics to which SBC Medical provides management support to ensure they are practical in clinical settings, then used to enhance medicalforce and progressively incorporated into the Company’s clinic operations systems. By reducing the time physicians and staff spend on documentation and administrative work, the Company aims to increase the time available for each customer, enable more customers to be served with limited staff, and improve productivity and profitability per clinic.

Building on the operational track record at Hada no Aozora Clinic, the companies will also consider how medicalforce can be applied to new clinic brands and business formats according to their operational characteristics. By jointly establishing implementation procedures, they aim to shorten clinic opening preparations and achieve early operational stability, strengthening the operational foundation that supports network expansion.

Comments

Yoshiyuki Aikawa, CEO, SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated

“Clinic profitability depends on how much of our physicians’ and staff members’ time can be directed toward customers. AI is an effective way to create that time, but its value is realized only when it is embedded in the systems used every day in clinical settings. AtomicSoftware has gained a deep understanding of our operations through the adoption of medicalforce at Hada no Aozora Clinic. We chose a capital and business alliance because, rather than buying AI off the shelf, we want to co-create it and build it into our own operating capabilities. We believe the resulting productivity gains will raise profitability at our existing clinics, help new clinics get on track quickly, and create a long-term competitive advantage. We are fully committed to enhancing corporate value.”

Shoichi Hatanaka, Representative Director and CEO, AtomicSoftware Inc.

“As AI moves into practical use, the standards required of clinic software are rising every year. Both of our representative directors are engineers by background, and since our founding, our strength has been building the specific operations of clinics offering self-pay and insurance-covered care into our products, continuously improving medicalforce together with clinical teams. Through this alliance, we will expand our development organization and, drawing on expertise accumulated at the forefront of aesthetic healthcare, enhance the value of medicalforce, accelerate its development, and deliver its value to more customers.”

Overview of the Capital and Business Alliance

Partner: AtomicSoftware Inc.

Agreement date: October 26, 2026

Scope of the alliance: Collaboration in the area of clinic operations systems; joint development of AI features and implementation of the results in the Company’s own systems; consideration of system deployment for new clinic brands and business formats

Capital alliance: SBC Medical’s investment of ¥600 million (approximately US$3.8 million) in AtomicSoftware’s Series C funding round

About AtomicSoftware Inc.

Company name: AtomicSoftware Inc.

Founded: November 2020

Location: Sumitomo Fudosan Nishi-Gotanda Building 4F, 3-6-21 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Representatives: Shoichi Hatanaka, Representative Director and CEO; Ryusuke Kumita, Representative Director and CTO

Business: Development and provision of medicalforce, an all-in-one SaaS for clinics, and Keibi Force, an integrated management system for security companies

Website: https://atomic-software.co.jp/

*1 Number of clinics using medicalforce, as of September 2026 (as announced by AtomicSoftware)

*2 Clinic retention rate of medicalforce, as of March 2026 (based on AtomicSoftware’s data)

*3 Number of clinics in SBC Medical’s network in Japan and overseas, as of the end of July 2026

*4 Percentage of customers who visited SBC brand, Rize Clinic, or Gorilla Clinic franchise locations two or more times in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (excluding free consultations)

Note: The initiatives under this alliance are based on current plans and are subject to change.

Note: U.S. dollar amounts are based on the exchange rate as of October 30, 2026.

About SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated

SBC Medical is a Medical Services Organization providing management support across a wide range of healthcare fields, including advanced aesthetic healthcare, dermatology, orthopedics, fertility treatment, gynecology, dentistry, hair loss treatment (AGA), and ophthalmology. The Company manages a diverse portfolio of clinic brands and is actively expanding its global presence, particularly in the United States and Asia, through both direct operations and medical tourism initiatives. In September 2024, the Company was listed on Nasdaq, and in June 2025, it was selected for inclusion in the Russell 3000® Index, a broad benchmark of the U.S. equity market. Guided by its Group Purpose “Contributing to the well-being of people around the world through medical innovation,” SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated continues to provide safe, trusted, and high-quality medical services while further strengthening its international reputation for quality and trust in medical care.

For more information, visit https://sbc-holdings.com

For more insights and updates from SBC Medical, follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts or statements of current conditions, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events and performance, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to, among other things, the Company’s plans and strategies for service expansion; growth in revenue and earnings; and business prospects. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” “targets” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this release and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, assumptions, or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them; such factors include, among other things, changes in global, regional, or local economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions, and those listed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261102058810/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/54633267

Contacts

Hikaru Fukui / Head of IR Department; E-mail: ir@sbc-holdings.com

Akiko Wakiyama / Chief Public Relations Officer; E-mail: pr@sbc.or.jp

Donaldson Introduces Alpha-Pore™ Technology Platform for Extended Sterile Filtration Performance

 MINNEAPOLIS -

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a leading worldwide manufacturer of innovative filtration products and solutions, today announced Alpha‑Pore™ technology, a next generation sterile filtration platform engineered to extend filter service life while maintaining critical process performance.

Built for critical applications, Alpha‑Pore technology enables longer filter run time compared with competitive single- and dual-layer polyethersulfone (PES) membrane filters, while maintaining flow characteristics, sterility assurance, and process integrity.* The platform is designed to help manufacturers improve operational efficiency through fewer changeouts and more consistent performance over time.

Engineered for Extended Performance

Sterile filtration processes often require balancing run time with key performance parameters such as flow, differential pressure, and contaminant retention. Alpha‑Pore technology is designed to achieve all three.

By optimizing pore structure and filter architecture, Alpha‑Pore technology supports sustained performance throughout the filter lifecycle—helping maintain stable operation under challenging conditions.

Key Benefits Include:

Up to 2.5× longer run time under controlled test conditions versus conventional PES cartridge designs*

Validated for consistent micro-biological retention efficiency for process food and beverage applications

Stable differential pressure profile compared to equivalent single-layer products

Robust construction engineered to withstand up to 150 sterilization-in-place (SIP) cycles

A Platform Approach to Sterile Filtration

As a new platform within the Donaldson LifeTec™ filter element portfolio, Alpha-Pore technology is engineered to improve run time performance over traditional single- and dual-layer filters, while maintaining the filtration characteristics required for sterile applications.

"Our customers have traditionally faced tradeoffs between extended filter life and maintaining critical process performance," said Nathan Zambon, Senior Director of Product & Technology at Donaldson. "Alpha-Pore technology is designed to help overcome those challenges, enabling longer run times while supporting the sterility, flow performance, and process consistency customers depend on."

About Donaldson Process Filtration

Donaldson Process Filtration is a global provider of filtration solutions for liquid, compressed air and gas, sterile air and venting, and steam applications. Serving critical industries including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, healthcare, microelectronics, and data centers, Donaldson helps customers protect process and product integrity and maintain consistent operational performance.

About Donaldson Company, Inc.

Founded in 1915, Donaldson (NYSE: DCI) is a global leader in technology‑led filtration products and solutions, serving a broad range of industries and advanced markets. Diverse, skilled employees at more than 150 locations on six continents partner with customers—from small business owners to research and development organizations and the world’s largest OEM brands. Donaldson solves complex filtration challenges through three primary segments: Mobile Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Life Sciences. Additional information is available at www.Donaldson.com.

* Results are based on internal laboratory testing and comparisons with multiple leading competitor single- and dual-layer PES filter cartridges. Performance may vary depending on operating conditions and application requirements.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261102753918/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/54629127

Contacts

For more information, contact: Becky Cahn

Contact name (612) 719-8644

Contact email Becky.Cahn@Donaldson.com

 

NetApp Completes Acquisition of PEAK:AIO to Accelerate Zettabyte-scale AI Deployments

 SAN JOSE, Calif. - 

Acquisition strengthens NetApp Novus, high-performance storage, with differentiated metadata technology and a parallel file architecture purpose-built for AI

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP), the Intelligent Data Infrastructure company, today announced that it completed the acquisition of PEAK:AIO, a pioneer in next-generation metadata architecture and high-performance parallel file systems. With this acquisition, NetApp can leverage metadata services and parallel namespace innovations to power the fastest storage on the planet, NetApp Novus, to support zettabyte-scale file systems for the most demanding workloads of AI clouds and GPU-as-a-service providers.

For the best AI infrastructure economics, organizations need to keep GPU resources continuously supplied with data without bottlenecks. The acquisition advances NetApp’s strategy for the next phase of AI infrastructure by bringing PEAK:AIO’s metadata and parallel file system expertise together with NetApp ONTAP, giving customers a path to AI-scale storage that combines high concurrency and massive namespace growth with the resilience, security, and operational simplicity enterprises already trust.

“AI infrastructure is reaching unprecedented scale, demanding a new approach to storage built from the ground up,” said George Kurian, Chief Executive Officer at NetApp. "By combining PEAK:AIO’s expertise in metadata services and parallel namespace innovation with the proven scale, data management capabilities, and enterprise-grade services of the NetApp Platform, we are leapfrogging the market as we deliver our next-generation, zettabyte-scale architecture to support the growth of AI clouds and GPU-as-a-service providers.”

PEAK:AIO’s technology was designed to address some of the industry's most demanding data-intensive computing challenges, identified by leading research institutions, including Los Alamos National Laboratory and Carnegie Mellon University.

“The AI factory is only as productive as its data pipeline,” said Syam Nair, Chief Product Officer at NetApp. “By combining NetApp’s unified storage with PEAK:AIO’s metadata architecture, we separate metadata from data so performance scales out with concurrency, and we do it with open standards rather than proprietary clients. Customers can run more AI workloads, on their existing infrastructure, with the security, resilience, and simplicity of enterprise data management.”

The acquisition will bring specialized metadata services and parallel namespace technology into NetApp's ONTAP-based data architecture, while creating a clear evolution path for existing ONTAP customers. Together, this is expected to enable the delivery of new capabilities, such as NetApp Novus, that simplify the deployment and operation of shared storage for increasingly large AI environments.

"NetApp and PEAK:AIO were built around the shared conviction that the AI era needs data infrastructure designed to scale to extraordinary levels," said Mark Klarzynski, Chief Technology Officer and Founder at PEAK:AIO. “With the acquisition by NetApp, we can bring our innovation together with the reach, expertise, and trusted customer relationships of a global data infrastructure leader. Together, we are well positioned to help define what comes next and deliver technology that makes managing data for the AI era more practical, efficient, and accessible.”

Statements by NetApp about unreleased offerings and future plans are for informational purposes only, are subject to change without notice, and should not be relied upon for purchasing or other decisions. Such statements do not constitute a commitment, obligation, guarantee, or warranty of any kind by NetApp, including availability, functionality, pricing, or timing.

"Safe Harbor" Statement Under U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of PEAK:AIO, including the ability to accelerate NetApp's AI infrastructure roadmap, add specialized metadata services and parallel namespace innovation to NetApp's ONTAP-based data architecture, create a clear evolution path for existing ONTAP customers, combine PEAK:AIO's specialized metadata innovations with NetApp's ONTAP software, extend metadata scale, deliver a global namespace, and enable parallel NFS-based access for massively parallel workloads, support trillions of files and zettabyte-scale deployments while preserving the resiliency, security, and operational simplicity, deliver new capabilities that simplify the deployment and operation of shared storage for increasingly large AI environments; our business, economic and market outlook; our overall future prospects; demand for our AI solutions and other offerings; and our ability to deliver increasing results and value for our stakeholders. These and other important factors are described in reports and documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the factors described under the sections titled "Risk Factors" in our most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q. All statements made in this release are made only as of the date set forth at the beginning of this release. We disclaim any obligation to update information contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Statement of Product Direction

This press release discusses NetApp's vision for future innovation, including the anticipated alignment and integration of PEAK:AIO’s technology with NetApp’s portfolio. This information is shared solely for informational purposes and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions. NetApp makes no commitment and has no obligation to develop or deliver any products, services, integrations, or any related features, material, code or functionality described herein, including any capabilities resulting from the acquisition of PEAK:AIO. The development, release and timing of any features or functionality for NetApp products and services, including those offering PEAK:AIO’s technology, remains at the sole discretion of NetApp. NetApp's strategy and possible future developments, product and platform directions, and functionality, including plans related to PEAK:AIO's technology, are all subject to change without notice. We disclaim any obligation to update information contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

About NetApp

For more than three decades, NetApp has helped the world’s leading organizations navigate change – from the rise of enterprise storage to the intelligent era defined by data and AI. Today, NetApp is the Intelligent Data Infrastructure company, helping customers turn data into a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and growth.

At the heart of that infrastructure is the NetApp data platform – the unified, enterprise-grade, intelligent foundation that connects, protects, and activates data across every cloud, workload, and environment. Built on the proven power of NetApp ONTAP, our leading data management software and OS, and enhanced by automation through the AI Data Engine and AFX, it delivers observability, resilience, and intelligence at scale.

Disaggregated by design, the NetApp data platform separates storage, services, and control so enterprises can modernize faster, scale efficiently, and innovate without lock-in. As the only enterprise storage platform natively embedded in the world’s largest clouds, it gives organizations the freedom to run any workload anywhere with consistent performance, governance, and protection.

With NetApp, data is always ready – ready to defend against threats, ready to power AI, and ready to drive the next breakthrough. That’s why the world’s most forward-thinking enterprises trust NetApp to turn intelligence into advantage.

Learn more at www.netapp.com or follow us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

NETAPP, the NETAPP logo, and the marks listed at www.netapp.com/TM are trademarks of NetApp, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About PEAK:AIO

PEAK:AIO is a Manchester UK-based software-defined AI storage company. Its platform delivers high-performance AI storage from a single server to exabytes on any industry-standard hardware. PEAK:AIO is deployed at Los Alamos National Laboratory, NHS AIDE, Oxford Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Liverpool, University of Strathclyde MediForge Hub, and Zoological Society of London. Learn more at https://peakaio.com.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261102208472/en/

Permalink

https://aetoswire.com/en/news/54633220

Contacts

Media Contact:

Kenya Hayes

NetApp

kenya.hayes@netapp.com

Investor Contact:

Kris Newton

NetApp

kris.newton@netapp.com

 

MultiBank Exchange, Part of MultiBank Group, Unveils World’s Fastest Interbank Matching Engine and Digital Asset Settlement

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Monday, 02. November 2026

Platform connects more than 30 tier-one banks and liquidity providers, combining 400-nanosecond matching with credit services and settlement in fiat currencies and digital assets

Board of Directors of MultiBank Exchange Holding formed, chaired by Naser Taher

 

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- MultiBank Exchange, part of MultiBank Group, one of the world’s largest financial derivatives institutions, has announced the world’s first interbank trading platform to offer double exotic currency pairs with settlement in both fiat currencies and digital assets.

With daily trading volumes of up to US$ 21 billion (AED 77 billion), the MultiBank Exchange platform connects more than 30 tier-one banks and liquidity providers. It features the fastest matching engine in interbank trading history, operating at 400 nanoseconds, and is the first interbank trading platform to offer credit and settlement services to all its counterparties.

The Group also announced the formation of the Board of Directors of MultiBank Exchange Holding, chaired by Naser Taher, Founder and Chairman, with the following members:

H.H. Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Board Member.

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Board Member.

H.E. Mohammed Al Hakim, Vice Chairman.

H.E. Ali bin Khalid bin Zayed Al Falasi, Board Member.

H.E. Rashid Sultan Al Malik, Board Member.

Mr. Majid Al Ghaslan, Board Member.

The unveiling of MultiBank Exchange was announced during MultiBank Group’s participation as a co-host sponsor of Dubai Future Finance Week, where the Group is meeting clients and institutional partners to discuss the platform’s capabilities and opportunities for participation.

MultiBank Exchange is designed to connect banks and financial institutions across the GCC, BRICS and other emerging markets with Western trading technology and global liquidity. Its objective is to enable these institutions to participate in international foreign exchange markets on an equal footing with their Western counterparts.

Naser Taher, Founder and Chairman of MultiBank Group, said: “MultiBank Exchange represents a significant expansion of the Group’s role in institutional financial markets. We are bringing together the technology, liquidity and settlement infrastructure that institutions need to participate more effectively in global trading. Our ambition is to address access barriers across emerging markets and build stronger connections between these markets and the international financial system. Dubai Future Finance Week provides an opportunity to discuss this directly with clients and prospective partners.”

MultiBank Exchange is the first interbank trading platform in emerging markets to support settlement in crypto digital assets. It also combines institutional liquidity with settlement services through the Group’s regulated subsidiaries in Australia, Singapore and the UAE, an integrated offering that is unique among interbank trading exchanges worldwide.

Mohammed Al Hakim, Vice Chairman of MultiBank Group, said: “The technical focus is on connecting execution with the credit and settlement arrangements required to complete a transaction. Our matching engine operates at 400 nanoseconds, while the platform brings together pricing from multiple institutional liquidity providers. Support for double exotic currency pairs, alongside fiat and digital asset settlement, extends the options available to counterparties trading across different markets.”

The platform serves banks, financial institutions, hedge funds, family offices and derivatives brokers, offering access to more than 250 currencies through a network providing the world’s deepest liquidity and tightest spreads. MultiBank Group is also the world’s only financial derivatives institution supplying its own liquidity to its trading platforms.

MultiBank Exchange has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Kazakhstan, paving the way for interbank settlement in digital currencies and supporting its broader objective of connecting conventional foreign exchange markets with digital settlement infrastructure.

ABOUT MULTIBANK GROUP

MultiBank Group, established in California, USA in 2005, is a global leader in financial derivatives, serving over 2 million clients across 100 countries, and boasts a daily trading volume that exceeds $35 billion. Renowned for its innovative trading solutions, robust regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service, the Group offers an array of brokerage services and asset management solutions. It is regulated across five continents by 18+ of the most reputable financial authorities globally. The group’s award-winning trading platforms offer up to 1000:1 leverage on a diverse range of products, including Forex, Metals, Shares, Commodities, Indices, and Cryptocurrencies. MultiBank Group has received over 80 financial awards recognizing its trading excellence and regulatory compliance. For more information, visit MultiBank Group’s www.multibankgroup.com.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261101073341/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/0211202658683

Contacts

Nikolas Neofytou

Head of Direct Buys

nikolas.neofytou@multibankfx.com

Venture Global Commences Commercial Operations of Phase One of Plaquemines LNG

ARLINGTON, Va. - Monday, 02. November 2026 AETOSWire Print 

COD declared just over 53 months from FID on Phase One

First long-term sales and purchase agreement (SPA) cargo lifted by Shell

 

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- On October 31, 2026, Venture Global (NYSE: VG) commenced commercial operations of the first phase of its second LNG export project – Plaquemines LNG – and the sale of low-cost, U.S. LNG to the first phase’s long-term customers. The commercial operations date (COD) for Phase 1 of Plaquemines LNG was reached in just over 53 months from the final investment decision on the project, making it among the fastest greenfield LNG projects ever completed.

“Achieving commercial operations at the first phase of our second LNG project in 53 months is a testament to our team's relentless dedication and hard work,” said Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel. “We are thrilled to hit another major milestone that enables us to continue delivering reliable, affordable American LNG to the global market. We deeply appreciate the collaboration of our regulators and supply chain partners, whose shared commitment helped us deliver this project safely and on schedule.”

The first post-COD cargo from Plaquemines Phase 1 departed today at 3:26 AM and was lifted by Shell. Venture Global looks forward to working with its long-term customers to deliver reliable and affordable US LNG supply for decades to come. These low-cost volumes will act as an important stabilizing force as the global LNG market endures an extended period of volatility.

About Venture Global

Venture Global is an American producer and exporter of low-cost U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) with over 100 MTPA of capacity in production, construction, or development. Venture Global began producing LNG from its first facility in 2022 and is now one of the largest LNG exporters in the United States. The company’s vertically integrated business includes assets across the LNG supply chain including LNG production, natural gas transport, shipping and regasification. The company’s first three projects, Calcasieu Pass, Plaquemines LNG, and CP2 LNG, are located in Louisiana along the Gulf of America. Venture Global is developing carbon capture and sequestration projects at each of its LNG facilities.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may include “forward-looking statements.” All statements, other than statements of historical or present facts or conditions, included herein are “forward-looking statements.” Included among “forward-looking statements” are, among other things, statements regarding Venture Global’s business strategy, plans and objectives. Venture Global believes that the expectations reflected in these “forward-looking statements” are reasonable, however they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties beyond Venture Global’s control. In addition, assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in “forward-looking statements” as a result of a variety of factors. These “forward-looking statements” speak only as of the date made, and other than as required by law, Venture Global undertakes no obligation to update or revise any “forward-looking statement” or provide reasons why actual results may differ, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261101596032/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/0211202658682

Contacts

Investors:

Ben Nolan

IR@ventureglobalLNG.com

Media:

Shaylyn Hynes

press@ventureglobalLNG.com

AIT Worldwide Logistics Expands Global Footprint to Oceania with Acquisition of Australia-Based Forwarder Connor Anderson International

 ITASCA, Ill. - Monday, 02. November 2026 AETOSWire  

Strategic investment increases AIT’s geographic reach, high-tech logistics support capabilities

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Supply chain solutions leader AIT Worldwide Logistics (“AIT”) has finalized an agreement to acquire Connor Anderson International (“CAI”), a global freight forwarder based in Sydney.

Founded in 1974, CAI delivers comprehensive logistics support, including sea, air and road transport, customs brokerage, warehousing, and project cargo management for customers across a wide range of industries.

Notably, CAI’s long-tenured team manages a wide variety of specialized cargo while increasingly emphasizing distinctive services for technology companies serving the Australia and broader Oceania markets.

The acquisition will strengthen AIT’s specialized services for shippers in the technology industry who require world-class logistics support to securely deliver cloud computing components and other high-value, high-touch equipment that enable artificial intelligence functions.

“Global transportation logistics is increasingly complex, and AIT remains focused on developing reliable, customized supply chain solutions with the scope, flexibility and scalability to serve our customers’ critical growth initiatives,” said AIT’s Chief Development Officer, Ray Fennelly. “This acquisition, and the rapid integration that will follow, demonstrates our strategic response to customers in the region and serves as the foundation for AIT’s long-term expansion to serve Oceania more broadly.”

“CAI also features an experienced customs brokerage team, an uncommon, value-added aspect that guarantees full service, in-house support for clients with inbound shipments to Australia,” Fennelly added. “CAI and AIT have a longstanding collaborative relationship dating back to 2011. Ultimately, CAI’s addition will help our customers scale faster in Oceania and execute complex projects with confidence in key industries like aerospace, automotive and technology.”

“For more than 50 years, Connor Anderson International has put customers first and developed relationships that stand the test of time,” said CAI’s Director, Theo Pambris. “We recognize those same core values in AIT, which make our teams incredibly compatible. By joining our global networks, we’re offering our customers broader capabilities and worldwide support, while maintaining the level of personal service they’ve come to expect from CAI.”

In addition to its facility in Sydney, CAI also has a second office and warehouse in Melbourne.

Terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

About AIT Worldwide Logistics

AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For over 45 years, the Chicago-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, energy, high-tech, life sciences, marine, specialized home delivery and more. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customizes end-to-end deliveries via sea, air, road and rail — on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 170 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania and North America, AIT’s full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services. Learn more at www.aitworldwide.com.

Our Mission

At AIT, we provide solutions to earn our customers' trust, leveraging our products, regions and vertical markets, all backed by a high-performance culture.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261028626874/en/

Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/0211202658685

Contacts

MEDIA CONTACT:

Matt Sanders

Communications Director

+1 (630) 766-8300

msanders@aitworldwide.com

AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.

Global Headquarters

2 Pierce Place, Suite 2100

Itasca, IL 60143

800-669-4AIT (4248)

www.aitworldwide.com

Centralized Supply Chain Services, LLC (CSCS®), Applebee’s®, and IHOP® Recognize 2026 Supplier Partners of the Year

 Pacific Prime Meats and Custom Foods of America recognized for exceptional collaboration, responsiveness and value

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Centralized Supply Chain Services, LLC (CSCS®), together with Applebee’s® and IHOP®, have named Pacific Prime Meats and Custom Foods of America their 2026 Supplier Partners of the Year, honoring the companies for their collaboration, innovation, and commitment to supporting restaurant success across the Applebee’s and IHOP systems. The awards were presented at the Applebee’s Franchise Conference and IHOP Supplier Summit in Austin, Texas.

Pacific Prime Meats was named 2026 Applebee’s Supplier Partner of the Year, recognizing the company’s exceptional responsiveness, agility, and support on behalf of the Applebee’s system.

“Pacific Prime Meats distinguished itself through its commitment, agility and partnership,” said Mike Leikam, President and CEO of CSCS®. “When faced with the demands of a major Applebee’s promotion, their team responded quickly and decisively to secure supply and help ensure restaurants were positioned to deliver for their guests.”

Custom Foods of America was named the 2026 IHOP Supplier Partner of the Year for its strong collaboration and the value it delivered across the IHOP system.

“Custom Foods of America has been an outstanding partner to IHOP,” Leikam said. “Their collaboration with IHOP Culinary and Dine Brands Quality Assurance, combined with their work with CSCS to ensure supply continuity and effectively manage costs, exemplifies the kind of partnership that creates meaningful value to the entire IHOP system.”

“These companies represent the very best of our supplier community,” Leikam added. “Their teams understand our business, anticipate challenges and work alongside us to develop solutions that support franchisees, restaurants and guests. We are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions.”

ABOUT CENTRALIZED SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES, LLC

Centralized Supply Chain Services, LLC is the exclusive buying agent for the Applebee’s and IHOP systems. Formed as a supply chain cooperative to leverage the combined buying power of both systems, CSCS manages approximately $2 billion in spend on behalf of its Member operators. CSCS’s primary mission is two-fold. First, to assure that Member restaurants receive the benefit of continuously available goods and services in adequate supplies at the lowest sustainable delivered prices; and second, to coordinate with Applebee’s and IHOP in their ongoing efforts to develop new and innovative products and programs to promote their respective concepts. Learn more about CSCS at www.cscscoop.com.

ABOUT DINE BRANDS GLOBAL, INC.

Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees, supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® brands. As of June 28, 2026, these three brands comprised nearly 3,500 restaurants. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual segment. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company’s website located at www.dinebrands.com.

ABOUT PACIFIC PRIME MEATS, LLC

Based in Vernon, California, Pacific Prime Meats produces fully cooked proteins and custom prepared foods for retail, club, restaurant, and foodservice customers. Its USDA-inspected, GFSI-certified facility holds a Grade AA rating and offers charbroiled, kettle-cooked, and sous vide capabilities, producing everything from beef burgers and sausage patties to taco meats, chili, carnitas, riblets, and shredded meats.

At Pacific Prime Meats, strong partnerships drive everything we do. Our operations team is led by COO Jay Schumacher and supported by the expertise of Brian Levy in sales and business development and Jay Wiviott in culinary and commercialization. Together, they work closely with customers at every stage, from custom recipes and product development to private label manufacturing and commercial production. We take pride in providing quality food, responsive service, and the dependable consistency our customers rely on every day.

That commitment is strengthened by the companies behind us. Pacific Prime Meats is one of the Giuliano family of food businesses, which also includes Integrated Food Service, Grilled Sandwiches, LLC, and Little Brothers Bakery, and carries on a three-generation family tradition spanning 75 years. Together they form a vertically integrated platform where fully cooked proteins, commercial baking, and sandwich assembly come together under one family of ownership, led by CEO Paul G. Giuliano. With each stage of production under our own management, our customers benefit from tighter coordination and greater control from ingredient to finished product.

ABOUT CUSTOM FOODS OF AMERICA, INC. (CFA)

Custom Foods of America, Inc. (CFA) is a leading private food manufacturer that specializes in creating customized, ready-to-use food solutions for national restaurant chains, hospitality brands, and convenience stores. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, the company develops and produces a wide range of proprietary soups, sauces, side dishes, and appetizers. Backed by a robust Research & Development team of chefs and food scientists, CFA operates a high-capacity, SQF-certified manufacturing facility that distributes custom culinary products nationwide.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261030647942/en/

Permalink

https://aetoswire.com/en/news/54630552

Contacts

For more information, contact Brian Levy at Brian.levy@pacificprimemeats.com.