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UNPLUG AND PLAY: BARBIE™ FLIP PHONE, THIS SUMMER’S HOTTEST ACCESSORY

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BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Human Mobile Devices, Europe’s largest and leading smartphone manufacturer, partners with Mattel, a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, to create the Barbie Flip Phone arriving this summer 2024.  

Barbie is an icon of design, from the chevron stripes of No. 1 Barbie released in 1959 to the bold styling of Totally Hair Barbie which hit the market in 1992.  This device promises to embody the vintage chic of the original girl empowerment brand with a dash of pink and of course, sparkle.

Human Mobile Devices Chief Marketing Office, Lars Silberbauer, said: “Is it time to swap reel life for real life and take a breather from all the interruptions of notifications? We’re thrilled to partner with Mattel, a company that shares our commitment to meaningful innovation and societal change.”

Head of Consumer Products, Publishing, and LBE, Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez said “At the heart of Mattel is design and innovation, and this latest collaboration is another step forward in that direction. The Barbie x HMD launch promises to be an exciting moment for Barbie fans of all ages, we’re excited to flip the switch and unveil it to the world at Mobile World Congress.”.

Flip phones are beloved for offering a solution for a digital detox in a world where almost four in ten (38%) of 16-24 year-olds worry they spend too much time on their smartphone[1].  In the US alone, a third of Gen Z are actively trying to limit time on social media, and their fear of missing out (FOMO) is creeping down. [2]

Gen Z are the only generation whose daily time on social media has fallen since Q1 2021 for the better. Since 2021 talking to friends online dropped 13%, while seeing friends in-person increased to 28%[3].

Feature phones are on the rise as Gen Z and millennials are choosing to limit their screen time for their own mental health. Self-named ‘screenagers’ took to TikTok with #bringbackflipphones garnering 60.2 million views[4].

But it’s not just a generational shift, it’s a cultural movement. The great switch-off trend, initiated in 2021, is gaining momentum as people of all ages seek balance in an increasingly digital world. Feature phones are making a comeback with HMD reporting Flip Phone sales alone more than doubled in Europe (2022 vs 2023) and expects further growth in 2024.

Even celebrities are jumping on board, with Michael Cera,  opting for a flip phone lifestyle.

Arne Mathiasen, advocate of the feature phone movement works with young people in Denmark to help them switch off and enjoy the present.  So far he has converted over 1500 university students from a smartphone to a feature phone. He said: “My students take part in experiments where they switch to a feature phone for ten days. The students noticeably chatted more with each other, reported better sleep and also said their anxiety levels dropped. It’s all about the balance; I like to say to my students, use your smartphone like a tablet, use it for what you need, then put it away, don’t get lost in it.”

Stay tuned for updates https://www.hmd.com

https://www.hmd.com/en_int/press/mwc-2024-announcements-press-release

About HMD

We are HMD, Human Mobile Devices. At HMD, we start by tuning into what people really want. Our consumers are passionate about the planet, often feel swamped by digital overload, and are keeping a close eye on their budget. That’s why we are thrilled to be Europe’s largest smartphone maker, championing repair-at-home phones, and a go-to for much needed digital time out.

Coming this year, you can expect to see a new portfolio of HMD original mobile devices, as well as Nokia phones and exciting new partnerships. For further information, see www.hmd.com.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & FriendsTM, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. Founded in 1945, we operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.

[1] GWI Core, Q3 2023, internet users aged 16-24, all locations

[2] GWI Social Behind the screens 2023, internet users all locations, 16-64, all locations

3GWI Social Behind the screens 2023, internet users all locations, 16-64, all locations

[4] Google Search TikTok views

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Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2346773/Barbie_3.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2346772/Hi_Barbie.jpg

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Loomis enters Peru through the intended acquisition of Hermes Transportes Blindados via a public tender offer

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STOCKHOLM, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —  Loomis has entered a Tender Offer Agreement (“TOA”) with CVC Capital Partners and other minority shareholders representing 99.49 percent of the outstanding shares in the Peru-based cash and valuables management company Hemes Transportes Blindados S.A. (“Hermes”), publicly listed on the Lima Stock Exchange. Under the TOA, Loomis will launch a public tender offer (“Oferta Pública de Adquisición”) for up to 100 percent of the shares of Hermes, at an enterprise value of approximately SEK 4 billion on a cash and debt free basis. The public tender offer is expected to be launched during the second or third quarter, with closing anticipated in the third quarter of 2026. 

Hermes was founded in 1985 and is today a leading provider of cash management and secure logistics services in Peru. Hermes provides services that include transport, processing, storage and security custody of valuables such as cash, precious metals and high value minerals, as well as ATM management and collection services. Hermes serves around 1,000 clients across financial, retail, governmental, industrial and mining sectors. The company is publicly listed on the Lima Stock Exchange and is headquartered in Lima with 19 branches across the country. The company employs approximately 3,200 people nationwide and in 2025, Hermes reported revenues of PEN 432 million (approximately SEK 1.2 billion).

“Today we have reached a strategic milestone. Through our most significant acquisition to date, we are entering the Peruvian market. As the leading player in the industry, Hermes has a proven track record of growth, profitability and innovation. Peru has one the fastest growing economies in Latin America, supported by a solid macroeconomic environment and increasing cash usage. I am delighted to welcome more than 3,200 new colleagues to Loomis,” comments Aritz Larrea, President and CEO of Loomis.  

“We are excited to become part of Loomis. Joining a global group with deep expertise in operations like ours strengthens our ability to continue growing with confidence and responsibility. This next chapter strongly supports our purpose of empowering the development of a safer society by protecting resources, building trust, and contributing to stability within the financial system,” comments Mirella Velásquez Castro, CEO of Hermes.  

 Strategic rationale 

Strengthens Loomis’ position in Latin America  
As communicated at the 2024 Capital Markets Day, expanding in emerging Latin American markets is a strategic priority. Peru is an attractive market given its high cash usage, strong economic growth, a solid macro environment, and a stable, independent central bank. Strong potential for growth within the SME customer segment and Automated Solutions  

Hermes’ strong position in the SME segment and its relationship with Loomis’ cash-handling automation solutions under the CIMA brand provide a solid platform to expand Loomis’ Automated Solutions offering in Peru, creating clear growth and synergy opportunities.

Expanding the mining offer with Loomis International 
The acquisition presents strong potential to complement Hermes’ established valuables logistics within the mining sector with Loomis International’s service offering, supporting cross-border expansion and strengthening the combined position in the mining segment. Supports Loomis strategic targets 
The acquisition supports Loomis’ financial targets, contributing to both revenue growth and margin accretion. Hermes also demonstrates strong governance and is at the forefront of sustainability in its market, aligning well with Loomis’ sustainability priorities and targets. 

Overview of the transaction  

Loomis has entered into a Tender Offer Agreement (“TOA”) with CVC Capital Partners and other minority shareholders representing 99.49 percent of the outstanding shares of Hermes (the “Majority Shareholders”), a publicly listed company on the Lima Stock Exchange. Under the TOA, Loomis will, subject to customary terms and conditions, conduct a public tender offer (“Oferta Pública de Adquisición” or “OPA”) to acquire up to 100 percent of Hermes’ outstanding shares. The Majority Shareholders have pursuant to the terms of the TOA undertaken to support the OPA process and confirmed their intention to sell their shares and accept the tender offer once launched. The transaction values Hermes at an enterprise value of SEK 4 billion (PEN 1,450 million) on a cash and debt free basis, representing a 6.6x adjusted EBITDA multiple based on the 2025 financial year. 

The commencement of the OPA is expected during the second or third quarter of 2026. Further details of the transaction, including the offer price and offer conditions, will be provided in the tender offer documentation in accordance with applicable regulations. 

Following completion of the OPA, the business will be reported within Segment Europe and Latin America and consolidated into Loomis as of the transaction closing. Closing is expected to take place during the third quarter of 2026. Following a successful tender offer process, no regulatory approvals are required to complete the acquisition.  

The transaction will be financed entirely through debt with an already committed bridge facility.  

The acquisition is expected to be instantly accretive to the Group’s operating profit (EBITA) as well as earnings per share.  

Conference call 

Loomis invites shareholders, investors, analysts and financial media to a webcast presentation on May 5 at 9.00 a.m. CEST, during which the intended acquisition will be presented, and a Q&A session will be held. 

To follow the webcast, please follow this link.  

To ask questions, please join the conference call using the following dial-in details: 

United Kingdom: +44 (0)161 250 8206USA: +1 (0)561 771 1427Sweden: +46 (0)8 505 100 39

This press release is also available on the company’s website, www.loomis.com

For more information, please contact:  

Aritz Larrea 
President and CEO 

Contact via:  

Jenny Boström  
Head of Sustainability and IR
ir@loomis.com
+46 79 006 45 92

Fredrik Hammarbäck

Media Relations and External Communications Manager
media@loomis.com
+46 76 311 56 29

Important information

The public tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Hermes Transportes Blindados S.A. described in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only, is not a recommendation and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Loomis AB and its acquisition subsidiary will file with the Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores upon commencement of the tender offer. 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/loomis-ab/r/loomis-enters-peru-through-the-intended-acquisition-of-hermes-transportes-blindados-via-a-public-ten,c4344257

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/51/4344257/4075002.pdf

Loomis enters Peru through the intended acquisition of Hermes Transportes Blindados via a public tender offer

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SOURCE Loomis AB

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Corgi Launches AI Insurance Coverage to Protect Businesses When AI Goes Wrong

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SAN FRANCISCO, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As artificial intelligence becomes deeply embedded in business operations, a new category of risk is emerging: one that traditional insurance policies were never designed to cover. Corgi has announced the launch of its AI Insurance Coverage, a purpose-built solution designed to protect companies from the real-world consequences of AI failures.

From autonomous agents making financial decisions to models generating customer-facing content, AI systems are no longer experimental—they are operational. But when these systems malfunction, produce biased outputs, or act unpredictably, the financial and legal exposure can be significant.

Corgi’s AI Insurance Coverage is designed to fill those gaps.

“Businesses are moving fast with AI, but their insurance hasn’t kept up,” said Nico Laqua, co-founder and CEOat Corgi. “We built this product for the reality companies are already in, where AI is making decisions, taking actions, and sometimes making mistakes.”

Rather than introducing a standalone policy, Corgi’s solution integrates directly with existing Tech E&O policies and introduces a modular approach, allowing companies to tailor protection based on how they use AI.

The coverage is built to address a wide spectrum of AI-related scenarios, including issues stemming from biased algorithms, inaccurate or harmful generated content, misuse of training data, adversarial attacks on models, synthetic media, and autonomous system failures.

Rather than forcing companies into rigid policies, Corgi allows customers to select only the coverage modules relevant to their risk profile, ensuring they pay only for what they need.

The launch comes at a time when traditional insurers and regulators alike are grappling with how to handle AI-related incidents. In some cases, traditional carriers have begun excluding AI-related risks altogether, leaving businesses exposed.

Corgi’s AI Insurance Coverage is available for technology companies, startups, and enterprises deploying AI in production environments.

About Corgi Insurance
Corgi is an AI-native, full-stack insurance carrier built for startups. As a licensed carrier, Corgi designs and manages insurance end-to-end, using modern infrastructure and AI systems to power underwriting, policy management, and claims.

Media Contact
Erika Lee
Corgi
erika@corgi.com

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SOURCE Corgi Insurance

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ISDN Precision System Obtains CE Certification, Plans Debut at SEMICON SEA

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TAIPEI, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ISDN Precision System announced that its linear motors have obtained CE certification, demonstrating compliance with European Union requirements on safety, health, and environmental protection, and granting the company official access to the European market.

The company stated that achieving CE certification indicates its product design and manufacturing processes meet relevant European regulatory standards, and is expected to support future collaboration with international customers in equipment integration and applications.

ISDN Precision System will participate in SEMICON SEA 2026 in May 2026 under the leadership of its parent company, Singapore-based ISDN Holdings. This marks the company’s first participation in an overseas semiconductor exhibition.

According to ISDN Precision System, the exhibition will feature linear motors and high-precision modules, with applications covering semiconductor equipment, laser processing, and optical inspection. Its linear motors support high-speed motion and precision positioning, and are compatible with leading global drive and controller brands for multi-axis configurations. The company also provides customized mechatronic solutions, developing motion systems based on customer requirements.

According to PwC, global semiconductor equipment spending is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 7% through 2030, with more than 70% of investments concentrated in Asia. Against this backdrop, as Asia continues to serve as a major hub for semiconductor manufacturing, and with Singapore and Malaysia playing key roles in packaging, testing, and related supply chains, ISDN Precision System is leveraging its parent company’s regional presence to expand its service capabilities.

The company stated that it will continue to strengthen technical capabilities and application integration based on its existing product portfolio, while expanding collaboration opportunities in overseas markets.

About ISDN Holdings Limited
Operating since 1986, ISDN Holdings Limited (SGX: I07) is a fast-growing multi-industry corporation focused on powering smart operations. We help businesses advance their digital capabilities for the Industry 4.0 era while maintaining a keen focus on clean energy in Asia.

About ISDN Precision System
Based in Taiwan, ISDN Precision System specializes in the local production of linear motors, high-precision gantries, and customized mechatronics solutions for the precision manufacturing sector. From its strategic base in Asia, the company has rapidly built an international network to deliver precise and tailored motion solutions to customers worldwide.

Contact ISDN Precision System at marketing@isdn-precision.com 

 

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SOURCE ISDN Precision System

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