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International Paper Announces Overwhelming Shareholder Approval in Connection with the Proposed Acquisition of DS Smith

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — International Paper (NYSE: IP) is pleased to announce today that it received the necessary shareholder approval for its pending acquisition of DS Smith (LSE: DSS), (the “Combination”). Earlier this week, DS Smith also received the necessary shareholder approval for the Combination.

International Paper will report the final vote results of the special shareholder meeting in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). International Paper and DS Smith continue to expect the Combination to close late in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions.

“The overwhelming approval from both DS Smith and IP shareholders confirms the strong support of this combination,” said Andy Silvernail, Chairman and CEO of International Paper. “Bringing the two companies together will create a true global leader of sustainable packaging solutions which will drive significant value for our employees, customers and shareholders.”

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global provider of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America and North Africa. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting International Paper.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release that are not historical in nature may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking or conditional words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “could,” “should,” “can,” “forecast,” “intend,” “look,” “may,” “will,” “remain,” “confident,” “commit” and “plan” or similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and reflect management’s current views and speak only as to the dates the statements are made and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated financial results, economic conditions, industry trends, future prospects and the execution and consummation of corporate transactions or contemplated acquisitions including the acquisition of DS Smith Plc (the “Combination”). Factors which could cause actual results to differ include but are not limited to: (i) our ability to consummate and achieve the benefits expected from, and other risks associated with, acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, spinoffs, capital investments and other corporate transactions, including, but not limited to, the Combination and our ability to integrate and implement our plans, forecasts, and other expectations with respect to the combined company; (ii) uncertainty as to whether or when the Combination may be completed, if at all; (iii) risks with respect to climate change and global, regional, and local weather conditions, as well as risks related to our targets and goals with respect to climate change and the emission of greenhouse gases (“GHG”) and other environmental, social and governance matters, including our ability to meet such targets and goals; (iv) loss contingencies and pending, threatened or future litigation, including with respect to environmental related matters; (v) the level of our indebtedness, risks associated with our variable rate debt, and changes in interest rates (including the impact of interest rate levels); (vi) the impact of global and domestic economic conditions and industry conditions, including with respect to current negative macroeconomic conditions, inflationary pressures and changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy sources and transportation sources, supply chain shortages and disruptions, competition we face, cyclicality and changes in consumer preferences, demand and pricing for our products, and conditions impacting the credit, capital and financial markets; (vii) risks arising from conducting business internationally, domestic and global geopolitical conditions, military conflict (including the Russia/Ukraine conflict, the conflict in the Middle East, the possible expansion of such conflicts, and the potential geopolitical and economic consequences associated therewith), changes in currency exchange rates, trade protectionist policies, downgrades in our credit ratings, and/or the credit ratings of banks issuing certain letters of credit, issued by recognized credit rating organizations; (viii) the amount of our future pension funding obligations, and pension and healthcare costs; (ix) the costs of compliance, or the failure to comply with, existing and new environmental (including with respect to climate change and GHG emissions), tax, labor and employment, privacy, anti-bribery and anti-corruption, and other U.S. and non-U.S. governmental laws and regulations; (x) any material disruption at any of our manufacturing facilities or other adverse impact on our operations due to severe weather, natural disasters, climate change or other causes; (xi) our ability to realize expected benefits and cost savings associated with restructuring initiatives; (xii) cybersecurity and information technology risks, including as a result of security breaches and cybersecurity incidents; (xiii) our exposure to claims under our agreements with Sylvamo Corporation; (xiv) our failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the spin-off of Sylvamo Corporation and the qualification of such spin-off as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and (xv) our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. These and other factors that could cause or contribute to actual results differing materially from such forward-looking statements can be found in our press releases and other reports filed with the SEC. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to IP or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements. IP undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

IP’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on September 12, 2024, as supplemented on October 1, 2024 (the “Proxy Statement”) relating to the issuance by International Paper of new shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share to the shareholders of DS Smith in connection with the Combination (the “Share Issuance”)”, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, contain additional information regarding forward-looking statements and other risk factors with respect to IP.

Additional Information
This press release may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the Combination, including the Share Issuance. To the extent IP effects the Combination as a scheme of arrangement under the laws of the United Kingdom, the Share Issuance does not require registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to an exemption provided by Section 3(a)(10) under the Securities Act. In the event that IP determines to conduct the Combination pursuant to an offer or otherwise in a manner that is not exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, it will file a registration statement with the SEC containing a prospectus with respect to the Share Issuance. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT, THE SCHEME DOCUMENT, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT IP, THE COMBINATION, THE SHARE ISSUANCE, AND RELATED MATTERS.

Investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement and other documents filed by IP with the SEC at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement, the scheme document, and other documents filed by IP with the SEC at https://www.internationalpaper.com/investors.

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SOURCE International Paper

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Best Accounting Software for Medium-Sized Business UK (2026): QuickBooks Advanced Recognised as a Scalable Finance Platform for UK Mid-Market Businesses by Consumer365

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NEW YORK, May 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As demand for scalable financial tools grows, attention is shifting towards the best accounting software for medium-sized businesses in the UK in 2026, as organisations face increasingly complex accounting requirements. Consumer365 has recognised QuickBooks as a cloud-based platform supporting more structured financial management, reflecting a wider focus on improving automation, visibility, and compliance readiness.

Best Accounting Software for Medium-Sized Business UK

QuickBooks – developed as a cloud-based accounting platform, it enables medium-sized businesses to manage financial operations, automate core accounting processes, and maintain compliance with UK regulatory requirements.

Growing Demand for Scalable Financial Systems in the UK Mid-Market

Medium-sized businesses in the UK are operating in an environment where financial management is becoming increasingly complex. Growth introduces additional reporting layers, heightened regulatory expectations, and the need for consistent financial oversight across departments.

Traditional accounting methods are often no longer sufficient under these conditions. Spreadsheet-based systems and entry-level tools can struggle to deliver accurate, timely insights. This creates visibility gaps that can impact planning and decision-making.

QuickBooks has been identified within this context as a platform designed to support more structured financial management. Its positioning reflects a broader shift towards systems that centralise financial data and reduce fragmentation across business operations.

QuickBooks Positioned as a Scalable Financial Platform

QuickBooks operates as a cloud-based accounting system developed by Intuit. It is designed to support businesses that require more than basic bookkeeping functionality, focusing on helping organisations manage financial processes in a more connected and scalable way.

A key aspect of its design is the ability to consolidate financial information within a single system. This allows businesses to manage invoicing, expenses, reporting, and cash flow tracking without relying on multiple disconnected tools.

The platform is also structured to support growth. As businesses expand, financial operations often become more distributed across teams. QuickBooks enables multiple users to work within the same system while maintaining structured access controls, helping ensure consistency and oversight as complexity increases.

Financial Visibility, Automation, and Operational Control

One of the central functions of QuickBooks is improving financial visibility across business operations. Real-time data access allows organisations to monitor cash flow, expenses, and overall financial performance without waiting for end-of-period reporting cycles.

Automation plays a significant role in reducing manual workload. Financial processes such as invoicing, transaction categorisation, and expense tracking can be streamlined, reducing reliance on repetitive manual input and supporting more consistent financial records.

Operational control is reinforced through structured user permissions. Businesses can assign access levels based on roles, ensuring financial data is managed securely while still enabling collaboration across departments. This structure is particularly relevant for medium-sized organisations where multiple teams interact with financial systems.

Integration, Compliance, and System Connectivity

QuickBooks is designed to integrate with a range of business tools commonly used by UK organisations. These include payroll systems, customer relationship management platforms, and other operational software. This level of connectivity helps ensure that financial data remains consistent across systems.

Compliance is also a core part of the platform’s structure. UK businesses must meet specific regulatory requirements, including VAT reporting and Making Tax Digital standards. QuickBooks includes features that support these obligations within the system, reducing the need for manual compliance processes.

By aligning financial reporting with regulatory standards, the platform helps organisations maintain accurate records while reducing the administrative burden associated with tax and compliance requirements.

Operational Impact and Long-Term Financial Structure

As businesses grow, financial systems often become central to overall operational structure. Decisions related to hiring, investment, and expansion rely on access to accurate and timely financial data. Systems that lack integration or real-time visibility can slow decision-making and introduce inefficiencies.

QuickBooks supports a more structured approach by centralising financial information. This reduces fragmentation and helps ensure consistency across the organisation. It also supports continuity, minimising the need for frequent system changes as businesses scale.

The platform is designed to adapt to increasing complexity over time. As transaction volumes grow and reporting requirements expand, it remains stable while accommodating additional users and workflows.

This approach aligns with the needs of medium-sized businesses transitioning from smaller-scale operations to more advanced financial environments.

Market Context and Financial Management Trends

The recognition of QuickBooks reflects broader developments in financial technology adoption among UK medium-sized businesses. Organisations are increasingly prioritising systems that improve efficiency while reducing operational complexity.

Financial management is no longer limited to recordkeeping. It has become a core business function that influences strategic planning and overall performance. As a result, platforms that provide integrated financial oversight are becoming more relevant across a wide range of industries.

QuickBooks fits within this shift by offering a system that combines core accounting functionality with workflow automation and reporting capabilities. This supports businesses that require both day-to-day financial management and longer-term planning tools.

The emphasis on scalability also reflects changing expectations in the mid-market sector. Businesses are seeking platforms that can grow with them, rather than systems that need to be replaced as operational requirements evolve.

Conclusion

Consumer365 has recognised QuickBooks as a relevant financial platform for medium-sized businesses operating in the UK in 2026. The recognition highlights its focus on scalability, financial visibility, and structured operational control.

The platform is positioned to support organisations as they move beyond basic accounting systems and adopt more integrated financial management structures. Its emphasis on automation, compliance support, and system connectivity aligns with the operational needs of growing businesses.

As financial complexity continues to increase across the mid-market sector, tools that centralise financial data and support real-time decision-making are becoming more widely adopted. QuickBooks represents one of the platforms contributing to this shift towards more structured financial management approaches.

To read the full review, please visit the Consumer365 website.

About Intuit

Intuit is the global financial technology platform that powers prosperity for the people and communities we serve. With approximately 100 million customers worldwide using products such as TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks and Mailchimp, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to prosper. We never stop working to find new, innovative ways to make that possible. Please visit us at Intuit.com and find us on social for the latest information about Intuit and our products and services.

About Consumer365.org: Consumer365 provides consumer news and industry insights. As an affiliate, Consumer365 may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

Disclaimer

Where AI content is used: This information is intended to outline our general product direction, but represents no obligation and should not be relied on in making a purchasing decision. Additional terms, conditions and fees may apply with certain features and functionality. Eligibility criteria may apply. Product offers, features, functionality are subject to change without notice.

General content disclaimer: This information is provided free of charge and is intended to be helpful to a wide range of businesses. Because of its general nature the information cannot be taken as comprehensive and they do not constitute and should never be used as a substitute for legal, accounting, tax or professional advice. Intuit cannot guarantee that the information applies to the individual circumstances of your business. Despite our best efforts it is possible that some information may be out of date.

Any reliance you place on information found on this site or linked to on other websites will be at your own risk. You should consider seeking the advice of independent advisers and should always check your decisions against your normal business methods and best practice in your field of business.

 

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SOURCE Consumer365.org

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BOE continues to launch new products and solutions in the field of high-end displays

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LOS ANGELES, May 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 

1、Redefine Visual Experience with Scientific Standards! BOE Releases Core Research Findings on OLED Display Clarity-Legibility Index, Paving the Way for the Industry’s First Transparent Pro Standard to Deliver Supreme Visual Experience

With the rapid popularization of OLED display technology, basic screen indicators including resolution, color gamut and brightness keep improving. Meanwhile, display transparency — a core experience metric that determines visual comfort , image authenticity and premium visual quality — has drawn growing attention across the industry.

Recently, BOE has empowered the launch of the industry’s first flagship high-transparency OLED display panel, setting an industry-leading benchmark in four key dimensions: color, depth , clarity and dynamic range. It ushers high-end display into a new era, shifting from purely numerical technical specifications to ultimate user-centric visual experience.

In addition, BOE officially unveiled its in-depth research achievements on OLED display transparency. It has identified the core underlying factors affecting visual transparency through scientific research, pioneered the industry’s first display transparency index formula, and facilitated the release of the first authoritative evaluation standard for OLED display transparency. This marks an industry’s transformation from specs-oriented to experience-driven development. This marks a full-process breakthrough covering underlying technical analysis, scientifically guided image quality development and mass production application.

At present, the group standard 《Standard of Associations Organic light emitting diode display —Evaluation method for display clarity》, led and formulated by BOE based on relevant research outcomes, has been officially issued. As the world’s first dedicated evaluation standard focusing on OLED display transparency, it fills the long-standing industry gap in correlating subjective visual perception with objective image quality parameters.

Leveraging this standard and transparency research results, BOE has assisted partners in developing the industry’s first flagship high-transparency OLED screen. The company has built a comprehensive technical system for OLED visual transparency. Supported by cutting-edge technologies such as tandem, LTPO and high-precision Demura crosstalk optimization algorithms, BOE and its partners have carried out full-link optimization from display panels to end devices.

Going forward, BOE will continue to deepen research on display human factors engineering and visual experience. Through technological innovation and standard leadership, it will bring more ultimate, high-transparency premium display experiences to users worldwide.

2、BOE Beneficial “Natural” Light Technology (BNL): Solving Visual Health Pain Points and Leading the Display Industry Trend

In an era of ubiquitous displays, users are spending increasingly longer hours on screens. Nevertheless, the luminous properties of conventional displays poorly align with the human visual system, sparking widespread consumer concerns over visual health. To address such challenges, BOE draws inspiration from natural light. By deeply analyzing natural light and extracting beneficial features highly consistent with health and comfort, BOE established the Beneficial “Natural” Light Technology (BNL) architecture. Evolving from single technical upgrades to a systematic solution, BNL replicates the merits of natural light across four core dimensions: Depolarization Adjustment, Spectrum Optimization, Light Profile Optimization and Time-varying Adaptation, advancing display technology toward healthy viewing.

BNL & Visual Health

Depolarization Adjustment: The linearly polarized light of traditional displays causes targeted stimulation to retinal lutein, resulting in dry eyes, eyelid redness and other discomforts. Based on the mainstream Circular Polarization (QWP) solution, BOE BNL has developed a series of technologies like BSF/RDF Random Depolarization technology and un-Polarization,which convert linearly polarized light into randomly polarized light, enabling balanced lutein utilization across the entire visual field, and deliver natural-light-level eye protection.

Spectrum Optimization: Conventional narrow-band RGB spectra feature poor continuity and imbalanced energy distribution, with excessive high-energy blue light that induces eye strain and increases risks of macular damage. Beyond Low Blue Light solutions, BOE BNL has developed Natural-like Spectrum, Beneficial Red Light, Infrared Light and Circadian Rhythm technologies. Multiple clinical studies have verified that Beneficial Red Light and Infrared Light can effectively inhibit axial elongation and accelerate eye microcirculation.  BOE takes the lead in integrating such optics into displays,achieving a spectral distribution matching degree of over 60%, an energy ratio of Beneficial Red Light (650–670 nm) exceeding 50%, and independent on/off switching and energy adjustment of Infrared Light. Meanwhile, Circadian Rhythm technology regulates melatonin secretion to safeguard sleep quality. Shifting from passive harm reduction to active eye benefits, BOE BNL delivers all-round visual health protection.

Light Profile Optimization: Conventional screens are prone to surface reflection and glare, which interfere with visual recognition and cause cumulative eye fatigue. Powered by industry-leading Anti-Glare, Low Reflection and Wide Viewing Angle technologies, BOE BNL accurately simulates the diffuse reflection of natural light to deliver consistent visual comfort across diverse viewing angles. For instance, BOE UB Cell technology achieves a DGR value below 5 with negligible glare and reflection, ensuring sustained visual comfort.

Time-varying Adaptation: Conventional displays tend to produce low-frequency flicker and fixed brightness and color temperature that fail to adapt to ambient changes, forcing frequent eye muscle adjustments and leading to discomfort. By adopting Flicker Free and Light Self-adaptive technologies, BOE BNL delivers stable, ultra-smooth visuals that replicate the comfort of natural light.

SID 2026: BOE Launches New BNL Display Products

At SID Display Week 2026, BOE launched new BNL health display products. The highlight product is the industry’s first 13.8-inch BNL health display tablet. It integrates all four core dimensions,supported by 7 core BNL technologies, to deliver a healthy and comfortable visual experience.

As a global leader in the display industry, BOE has led the development and officially issued the world’s first “Natural Light” display standard via the Zhongguancun Standardization Association,and has jointly issued the White Paper on Natural Light Display Technologies (Engineering Considerations, Application Value and Challenges) with TÜV Rheinland to drive standardized and high-quality industrial development. In the future, BOE will continue to iterate on technologies, diversify product forms and application scenarios, advance the grading standards for Beneficial “Natural” Light displays, and protect users’ visual health.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boe-continues-to-launch-new-products-and-solutions-in-the-field-of-high-end-displays-302767491.html

SOURCE BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.

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BitradeX BXC First Two Subscription Rounds Sell Out, Total Subscriptions Exceed 14M USDT

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LONDON, May 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BitradeX Capital’s ecosystem equity token, BXC, has completed its first and second subscription rounds, selling a total of 50 million BXC with subscriptions exceeding 14 million USDT. The first round sold out in 90 seconds, while the second closed within 48 hours.

While the fundraising size is not unusually large by crypto standards, the structure of the sale has attracted market attention. The first two rounds were not open to the public, but limited to high-tier BitradeX users. The first round was available only to V5 users and above, while the second round expanded access to V3 users and above.

According to BitradeX’s tier system, V3+ users typically have higher recurring investment activity through AiBot, longer platform usage history, and stronger ecosystem participation. This means the early BXC allocation was absorbed mainly by the platform’s internal high-value user base, rather than short-term speculative participants.

This approach differs from many token fundraising campaigns that prioritize broad public participation and market hype. BitradeX instead adopted a more selective, staged model, gradually lowering the participation threshold while keeping the sale within its active ecosystem community.

BXC is positioned as more than a standard platform token. Its value framework is linked to BitradeX Capital’s broader ecosystem, including its exchange business, AiBot quantitative strategies, BTX Card payments, and Labs incubation platform. Public information indicates that BXC holders may receive staking rewards, benefit from ecosystem buybacks and burns, and gain priority access to Launchpad projects and governance participation.

The third subscription round is launched on April 30 at $0.35 USDT per BXC, with a total supply of 100 million BXC. It is now open to users participating in AiBot recurring investment. The fourth round price is expected to rise to $0.45 USDT.

The long-term value of BXC will ultimately depend on the growth of BitradeX’s underlying businesses, including exchange profitability, AiBot user expansion, and BTX Card adoption. However, the rapid sellout of the first two rounds suggests that BitradeX’s core user base has already shown strong confidence in the ecosystem’s future.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bitradex-bxc-first-two-subscription-rounds-sell-out-total-subscriptions-exceed-14m-usdt-302767467.html

SOURCE BitradeX Capital

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