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Yeahka Announces 2024 Interim Results

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Strengthened Commercialization across Payments and Digital Commerce Ecosystem
Remarkable Overseas Expansion Progress 
Wider AI Technology Application

HONG KONG, Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Yeahka Limited (“Yeahka” or the “Company,” Stock Code: 9923.HK), a leading payment and digital commerce technology platform in China, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (the “Reporting Period” or the “first half”).

Business and Financial Summary

Our one-stop payment services continue to lead the industry and our market-leading position in app-based payments is solidified, with peak daily transaction counts reaching nearly 60 million;Against the backdrop of the high base in the same period last year and macroeconomic volatility, our gross payment volume (GPV) for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was RMB1,166.2 billion, representing a decrease of 17.8% compared to the same period in 2023;Commercialization capability was solid with our payments fee rate maintaining at 12.3 basis points (bps);Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was RMB1,577.7 million, representing a decrease of 23.5% from the same period in 2023;Revenue contribution from non-payment digital commerce services, comprising merchant solutions and in-store e-commerce services, continue to increase, with their percentage to total revenue increasing from 11.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2023 to 14.6% for the same period in 2024;Overall gross profit margin increased from 17.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2023 to 19.0% for the same period in 2024;Gross profit contribution from non-payment digital commerce services continue to increase, with their percentage to total gross profit increasing from 52.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2023 to 69.1% for the same period in 2024;Driven by our wider application of artificial intelligence, selling and administrative expenses decreased by 11.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023;Finance costs reduced by 6.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023;Profit for the Period amounted to RMB32.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, exceeding the amount for the full year of 2023; andGearing ratio decreased to 41.1% as at June 30, 2024 on the back of the Company’s early repurchase of its convertible bonds using its internal cash flow.

Mr. Luke Liu, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Amid the macroeconomic volatility in the first half of 2024, we remain steadfast to our long-term vision being an all-rounded commerce enablement services provider to merchants. We made more progress increasing synergies beyond payments into other business lines, more international expansion and wider application of AI. We believe this provides higher quality of bases to seize many opportunities in the longer game and to deliver sustainable profits and value to our stakeholders. We made great strides overseas winning over 200 global brands covering more than 20,000 stores. Our investment company, Fushi, also offers proprietary and localized merchant solutions that satisfy demands from world-renowned customers. It is ramping up its products & verticals coverage. Overseas markets, especially developed ones, have many pockets with attractive economics and relatively high willingness to pay. This paves the way for a very wide channel of profits to come. On AI and technology, we also further integrated large language models for both revenue-generating and cost-optimizing purposes. Our new products helped merchants automate price setting to optimize monetization. We empowered them with precise marketing and automatic content generation tools to raise sales conversion. We also applied to our own customers servicing system, thereby meaningfully driving down our selling and administrative expenses. Our ESG efforts were also recognized internationally, for instance, in S&P Global’s 2024 Sustainability Yearbook and ranked first in our industry in China. Our business uplifts underserved merchants and consumers in communities locally and abroad. In this year’s first half, we increased energy usage utilization rate by 7% through constructing green data centers and treated 12 million risky transactions with wider adoption of AI.”

Mr. Vincent Chan, General Manager of Capital Markets, added, “We upped both our non-payment services’ commercialization and share of revenue and profit contribution. This makes our service offerings even more comprehensive and resilient than before. These non-payment businesses also enhanced their profit margins year over year. We also significantly increased sales efficiencies in our in-store e-commerce services and there is a visible pathway to run-rate profitability in the second half and sustainable growth in the years to come for this business. We also advanced our one-stop payment services’ business model with wider regions covered in underserved markets, further diversified & resilient sets of verticals penetrated, more profitable customer segments served and broader customer acquisition channels through deeper collaboration with strategic partners. We served more large-and-medium-sized merchants leveraging the network and partnerships with over 5,000 SaaS providers and over a hundred of banks as we scaled our product and region coverage. Our one-stop offerings of payments plus other commerce enablement services also gave us a unique edge in digitizing for and satisfying the various demands of large-and-medium-sized merchants. We therefore maintain our market leadership with a strengthened foundation. Our proposition has always been to leverage our extensive payments platform to fully digitize merchants all around their commerce. Such full-suite technology remains our edge over others in being more agile scaling up. And now is increasingly about “Going global”, as we play a more important role in the global journey of digitization.”

Outlook

Mr. Luke Liu concluded, “We are committed to being the go-to commerce enablement services provider for merchants. Whilst maintaining our established market leadership in the one-stop payment services segment. We strive to continue accelerating the growth and profit contribution of other services including merchant solutions and in-store e-commerce services as we upgrade our intrinsically synergistic business model. We have a strong foundation underscored by technical set-up, merchants servicing insights and business network domestically and beyond to further our progress in international expansion into attractive segments and widespread application of AI tools for both commercialization and efficiency purposes. By being steadfast to our vision and business model upheld for over a decade, such strategies will build a natural moat against further externalities whilst equipping us with early mover advantage capturing emerging opportunities on a much wider scale in the long-term.”

About YEAHKA LIMITED (Stock Code: 9923.HK)

Yeahka is a leading payment-based technology platform empowering businesses, dedicated to creating value for merchants and consumers. We are committed to expanding an independent digital commerce ecosystem by (i) providing seamless, convenient, and reliable payment service to merchants and consumers through our one-stop payment service business, (ii) enabling merchants to better manage and drive business growth through our merchant solutions business, and (iii) offering consumers high-value local lifestyle services through our in-store e-commerce service business.

For more information, please visit https://www.yeahka.com/ 

Investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Yeahka Limited
IR Team
E-mail: ir@yeahka.com

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Visier Debuts Talent Agents, Closing the Gap Between HR Programs and Business Impact

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October 21, 2026

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New AI agents turn Visier insights and plans into guided action for every manager, fixing the #1 reason HR programs fail: manager follow-through

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visier today announced Talent Agents at HR Tech 2026. Built on the Visier Workforce Intelligence Platform, these new AI agents guides every manager to the next right action in their organization’s HR programs in real time, and give talent leaders evidence of what each program actually changed for the business.

Talent management devotes a great deal of money and effort into HR programs every year, and many still can’t show the ROI or outcomes. New Visier research* found:

62% of HR leaders name manager follow-through as the single biggest reason programs fail77% of enterprises run HR programs on spreadsheets or a patchwork of tools, and are three times less likely to measure results while a program is underway.

Visier Talent Agents are built to close these gaps, helping talent management tackle its most critical challenges as organizations plan, grow and retain their talent. They leverage the latest in AI developments to pair best-in-class program frameworks with personalized, in-workflow guidance delivered to whoever needs to act next, and a closed-loop system for continuous learning and improvement based on every program’s goals.

“Good program design has never been enough. What HR has lacked is a GPS for every manager, so the moment someone drifts off track, they’re guided back before the program goes sideways,” said Dave Weisbeck, Chief Strategy Officer at Visier. “That’s what Talent Agents deliver, along with proof of what the program actually changed for the business.” 

“The space between HR program design and the actual business result is exactly where most HR investment gets lost,” said Madeline Laurano, founder of Aptitude Research. “Guidance that activates the manager at the moment they need to act, with proof of what changed afterward, is the piece of talent management that’s been missing and what Visier is solving for.”

Unlike HCM suites that teams would spend a year customizing, or point solutions that only see one piece of the picture, or even an internal-built tool that puts employee data at risk, Visier’s Talent Agents are built to run programs end-to-end and prove impact, not just track activity.

The agents reach every stakeholder in a program at the moment they need to act, not just when someone remembers to ask. They’re built to match how an organization actually operates, and the outcome of every action it recommends feeds back into the AI learning engine, so guidance gets sharper with each cycle. Because guidance runs on Visier’s proprietary Workforce AI rather than routing every follow-up through a person, organizations can scale their programs without being constrained by HRBP headcount.

The agents are built on Visier’s Workforce Intelligence Platform, so every program comes with the context, governance, and security an enterprise expects, backed by over 16 years of experience solving HR’s toughest problems.

Talent Agents are Visier’s answer to what the company calls the “activate” layer of Workforce AI, building on the platform’s existing strength in helping organizations understand their workforce data and plan around it. The offering pairs Visier’s technology with a dedicated implementation team that customizes each program to a customer’s specific processes and goals.

Attending HRTech 2026 in Las Vegas this week? Head over to Visier Booth #5209 to explore Talent Agents, or visit visier.com to learn more. The Visier team will also be at UNLEASH World in Paris (booth #106) and Total Talent Asia (booth #3).

About Visier
Visier Workforce AI is the context foundation for talent management. The Visier Workforce Intelligence Platform turns scattered, sensitive people data into one governed understanding of the entire workforce, so organizations can understand, plan, and activate all of their talent priorities in one place. More than 85,000 of the world’s most complex organizations, including Ford Motor Company, eBay, Experian, and Domino’s Pizza, rely on Visier’s over 16 years of workforce domain expertise, ranked #1 in vendor satisfaction and user experience for three consecutive years by the Sapient Insights HR Systems Survey. Learn more at Visier.com.

*Research from fall 2026, conducted by the Visier, Inc. Research Team surveyed verified senior HR and Talent leaders from 80 organizations with more than 10,000 employees across North America.  

visierpr@walkersands.com

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HSG Laser Unveils New Flagship Machine at EuroBLECH 2026, Powering Productivity for European Manufacturers

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October 21, 2026

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HANNOVER, Germany, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HSG Laser is showcasing its latest laser cutting and intelligent manufacturing solutions at EuroBLECH 2026, held from October 20–23 at the Hannover Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Powering Productivity with HSG,” HSG is presenting its latest innovations at Booth 15-F42, including the European debut of its new flagship GV, alongside the launch of GFA PRO and AI CutPilot, as well as the European debut of its high-speed laser solutions G3015T and R2 PRO.

Expanding High-Performance Laser Solutions

The new GFA PRO is engineered for large-format metal processing, addressing challenges such as large footprints, low speed, unstable thick-plate performance, and high operating costs. Making their European debut, the G3015T and R2 PRO expand HSG’s high-speed laser lineup for sheet and tube processing, helping manufacturers improve throughput, flexibility, and production efficiency.

“HSG Laser’s European footprint has grown steadily, with more than 2,000 units delivered and a new showroom opening soon this year,” said Shawn Wang, Vice President of HSG Laser. “Our latest launches at EuroBLECH mark another step forward, combining high-performance equipment with intelligent technologies and localized support to deliver greater productivity for European customers.”

Recognized by MM MaschinenMarkt Germany

Built for the European market, HSG Laser earned the “International Spotlight” award from MM MaschinenMarkt Germany’s Chief Editor for its GV and AI CutPilot. The GV combines cutting, beveling, countersinking, and chamfering in one machine to streamline pre-welding workflows and boost efficiency. AI CutPilot is HSG’s industry-first, self-developed AI system that turns laser-cutting expertise into a reusable, scalable machine capability, helping reduce trial work and improve first-pass yield. The award further highlights HSG Laser’s technological strength and growing presence in the European market.

Strengthening Local Operations in Europe

As part of its continued commitment to supporting manufacturers worldwide, HSG Laser is further strengthening its localized operations in Europe. On 10th November, HSG will open its new showroom in Düsseldorf, Germany under the theme “Go Global, Link Local.” The new showroom will bring HSG’s latest machines, technologies, and expertise closer to European customers, creating more opportunities for direct engagement and local support. This expansion further strengthens HSG’s presence in Europe and its ability to provide responsive, customer-focused solutions tailored to local manufacturing needs.

About HSG Laser

Founded in 2006, HSG Laser is a leading global manufacturer of intelligent metal processing equipment, specializing in laser cutting, tube processing, bending, and welding automation systems. With a presence in over 100 countries and regional centers across Europe, North America, Japan, India, and Asia-Pacific, HSG Laser is committed to driving the transformation of manufacturing through innovation, reliability, and artificial intelligence.

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Mérieux NutriSciences Completes Acquisition of Certified Group, Becoming North America’s Leading Food Testing Provider

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October 21, 2026

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CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mérieux NutriSciences, a global leader in food safety, quality, and sustainability, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Certified Group.

First announced in August 2026, this strategic transaction unites two complementary leaders in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector. With approximately $300 million in revenue, Certified Group brings 31 laboratories and over 1,600 talented employees into Mérieux NutriSciences’ global network. The integration also adds a robust roster of more than 170 independent regulatory consultants across the United States and Canada.

With this expanded coast-to-coast footprint, Mérieux NutriSciences is positioned to provide customers with broader service offerings and enhanced regulatory support. The integration deepens the company’s capabilities in key Food & Beverage segments, most notably in animal protein through its Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) network, where Certified Group has built a strong reputation as a bellwether for safety and quality, alongside leading positions in dairy, packaged foods, nuts, and spices.

Customers will also benefit from high-value expertise in cosmetics, OTC products, and dietary supplements through the Certified Laboratories vertical, and reduced-harm nicotine product testing via Labstat International. These core verticals are further bolstered by specialized expert services, including contract research (Lab Plus), regulatory consulting (EAS Consulting Group), and comprehensive certification and audit programs (FSNS Certification and Audit).

“We are thrilled to officially welcome the talented teams from Certified Group to the Mérieux NutriSciences global network,” said Nicolas Cartier, CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences. “By combining our respective strengths, we are vastly expanding the depth and breadth of our capabilities. This milestone allows us to be closer to our customers, meeting their localized, time-sensitive needs with unmatched speed and reliability, while furthering our shared purpose: Better Food. Better Health. Better World.”

“Our priority is to ensure a seamless transition for all customers while delivering immediate, enhanced value,” added Sébastien Moulard, President North America at Mérieux NutriSciences. “Through this nationwide analytical network, customers now have access to a truly comprehensive portfolio of routine testing, specialized analysis, expert regulatory support, and more. We are excited to leverage the best of both worlds to drive innovation and provide practical solutions right where production happens.”

“Certified Group has built a differentiated platform with a strong reputation for quality, scientific excellence and exceptional customer service,” said Deborah Kerr, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus & Executive Chair, Certified Group. “We are proud to have supported Certified Group’s evolution and look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive as part of Mérieux NutriSciences.”

The financing of the acquisition brings new minority shareholders Peugeot Invest and Continental Grain Company (Conti) alongside Mérieux NutriSciences’ long standing shareholders: Institut Mérieux, Sofina, and Dassault Group. This collective support underscores strong market confidence in the company’s strategic vision. Ultimately, the successful integration of Certified Group solidifies Mérieux NutriSciences as the leading provider in North America and a top player in the global food TIC market, further cementing its role as the trusted partner for customers navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

About Mérieux NutriSciences:

At Mérieux NutriSciences, we leverage 60 years of scientific and entrepreneurial expertise to answer food industry needs. Today’s global challenges transform the way food is produced, marketed and consumed, which is why we know our clients need more than reliable analytical results; they need practical and innovative solutions that will contribute to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Present worldwide, we are more than 160 accredited laboratories and a team of over 11,600 committed employees. We strongly believe that together, we can create solutions to offer our planet: BETTER FOOD. BETTER HEALTH. BETTER WORLD. na.mxns.com

MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES
Stephen Nichols (North America)
stephen.nichols@mxns.com 

Marion Bertrand (Global)
media@mxns.com 

Ashton van den Bergh (Global)
media@mxns.com

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SOURCE Mérieux NutriSciences

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