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Ardian becomes Heathrow’s largest shareholder as acquisition completes

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This statement should be read in conjunction with Ferrovial’s statement issued today and its statements issued on November 28th 2023, January 16th 2024  and June 14th 2024, and by Ardian on November 29th 2023 and June 14th 2024.

Ardian becomes the largest shareholder of Heathrow Airport as transaction to acquire 22.6% stake completesArdian will support Heathrow to deliver sustainable growth

LONDON and PARIS, Dec. 12, 2024 /CNW/ – Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of a 22.6% stake in FGP TopCo (TopCo), the holding company for Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd, from Ferrovial SE and certain other TopCo shareholders (the Transaction). Concurrently, PIF has acquired 15% of TopCo from the same shareholders through a separate vehicle.

“We are extremely proud to become part of the Heathrow family. Heathrow is an iconic global infrastructure asset, and this transaction marks another milestone moment for Ardian. We are passionate about infrastructure and the role it plays enabling growth and supporting the transition to net zero. We intend to support the Heathrow management team as they work to achieve both goals, growing the airport sustainably over the years ahead.”  

MATHIAS BURGHARDT  ● EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE, ARDIAN

“The UK is a priority market for Ardian, and this transaction builds on our 17-year track record of successful infrastructure investments in the country. Our investment in Europe’s leading airport and the UK’s international gateway will draw on Ardian’s expertise in aviation, including previous investments in London Luton Airport and stakes in six airports in Italy. And it is another example of how we are delivering Ardian’s strategy of investing in significant infrastructure in our core markets. We delighted to be part of Heathrow’s future and committed to helping it grow sustainably.”

● JUAN ANGOITIA Grijalba  ● CO-HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE EUROPE & SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR, ARDIAN

Heathrow is a vital national asset connecting the UK to the world and driving prosperity in every corner of the country. We’re delighted to welcome Ardian and PIF as new shareholders and investors in Heathrow’s future. We have a Board of experienced infrastructure investors committed to our long-term development and growth, supporting our strategic journey to make Heathrow an extraordinary airport, fit for the future.”

● Lord Deighton ● Chairman of Heathrow Airport Holdings LTD

“Our number one mission is to deliver economic growth in every part of the UK to improve living standards. Attracting investment to our shores supports that goal. Thats why this investment matters. It’s also a strong vote of confidence in the UK, and comes on top of the £63bn of investment secured from international investors earlier this year, showing Britain is back in business.”

RT HON RACHEL REEVES  CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

“This huge investment in Heathrow is a massive vote of confidence in our world leading aviation sector. Seeing global investors put billions in the UK economy shows we are an investment destination of choice. Our Plan for Change will aim to secure more fantastic investment like this to deliver long-term, stable growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the country.”

RT HON Jonathan ReynoldsSECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS AND Trade

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Ardian team: Juan Angoitia Grijalba, Alexis Ballif, William Briggs, René Hauzeur, Philippe Tallon, Edouard Bertagna, Matthias Hübener, Aurea Alvarez
M&A: Bank of America, RBC, Goldman Sachs, Santander
Legal: Clifford Chance, DLA Piper
Financial Due Diligence: KPMG 
Traffic Due Diligence: Infrata
Regulatory Due Diligence: NERA

ABOUT Ardian

Ardian is a world-leading private investment house, managing or advising $176bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,720 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. Private Wealth Solutions offers dedicated services and access solutions for private banks, family offices and private institutional investors worldwide. Ardian’s main shareholding group is its employees and we place great emphasis on developing our people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 1,050+ employees, spread across 19 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility.

Through its direct infrastructure investment activities, Ardian has significant experience in owning and operating European airports. In the UK, Ardian was a 49% shareholder of London Luton Airport from 2013 until 2018.  During Ardian’s period of ownership, a significant redevelopment of the terminal, transport links and infrastructure was successfully completed in close cooperation with Luton Borough Council. In Italy, Ardian is an indirect shareholder of Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Naples and Turin airports alongside their regions and municipalities. 

At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last.

Ardian.com

SOURCE Ardian

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Danish Publisher Automates Digital Textbook Delivery with Integrated WooCommerce-Webdoxx Solution

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Danish educational publisher eliminates manual processing errors and delivers instant access to more than 20 digital learning products

LONDON, May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Forlaget 94, a Danish educational publisher serving commercial colleges and vocational schools since 1994, has transformed its digital textbook distribution by implementing a fully automated WooCommerce-Webdoxx solution.

“Using the Webdoxx-WooCommerce integration we have achieved full automation of order processing, fewer errors, and happier customers,” Tom Gertsen, IT Manager at Forlaget 94

Previously, Forlaget 94 relied on manual processes to distribute digital textbooks to customers. As demand for online educational materials grew, the publisher required a faster, more reliable way to manage orders, provision access, and reduce the risk of administrative errors.

Through its integration of WooCommerce with Webdoxx, Forlaget 94 now runs more than 20 educational products through a 100% automated workflow. The solution automatically processes customer orders and provides instant access to purchased digital textbooks, improving the experience for both customers and internal teams.

“The result is full automation of order processing, fewer errors, and happier customers,” said Tom Gertsen, IT Manager at Forlaget 94 and architect behind the WooCommerce-Webdoxx integration. The automated system has enabled Forlaget 94 to eliminate manual errors, accelerate customer processing, and increase customer satisfaction through immediate access provisioning. The implementation demonstrates how educational publishers can modernize digital content delivery while maintaining secure, managed access to learning materials.

Webdoxx, a service created and managed by Drumlin Security Ltd, provides online DRM and managed document delivery services for publishers, educational organizations, institutions, and commercial content providers.

About Forlaget 94

Forlaget 94 is a Danish educational publisher established in 1994, providing educational products for commercial colleges and vocational schools.

About Webdoxx

Webdoxx is an online DRM and managed document delivery service created and managed by Drumlin Security Ltd. The platform supports secure access to digital publications and documents across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, government, finance, and publishing.

Media Contact

Mike de Smith, Drumlin Security Ltd, 44 7768404712, info@drumlinsecurity.com, https://www.drumlinsecurity.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/danish-publisher-automates-digital-textbook-delivery-with-integrated-woocommerce-webdoxx-solution-302759942.html

SOURCE Forlaget 94

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139th Canton Fair Phase 3 Advances Toward a Better Life with New and Strengthened Product Zones

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GUANGZHOU, China, May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 139th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) has rolled out nine newly established product zones. Phase 3 features an expanded and upgraded Intelligent Healthcare zone and the inaugural presentation of a Functional & Technical Fabrics zone.

The upgraded Intelligent Healthcare zone brings together 50 companies presenting a full spectrum of intelligent medical solutions, spanning AI-powered diagnostics, surgical robotics, and next‑generation eldercare technologies. Exhibits highlight how medical devices are becoming smaller, more precise, and increasingly non‑invasive. Capsule endoscopy systems demonstrate how gastrointestinal screening can be completed without discomfort, while AI‑enabled traditional Chinese medicine analyzers compress the inspection and inquiry process into minutes. Wearable glucose monitors make chronic disease management easier and more convenient.

Robotic technologies play a prominent role as well. Endoscopic and orthopedic surgical robots showcase enhanced precision through integrated human‑machine coordination, while bionic prosthetic hands use non‑invasive myoelectric sensing to independently control each finger. Intelligent rehabilitation systems, including lower‑limb exoskeletons and hand‑training devices, provide consistent support for patients recovering mobility. Companion‑style eldercare robots, equipped with monitoring and telemedicine functions, signal the rise of integrated home‑based health services.

The debuting Functional & Technical Fabrics zone highlights how the traditional textile industry is moving toward higher-end and smarter products. Exhibitors present materials that combine multi‑layered performance with intelligent responsiveness. Textiles featuring temperature‑regulating fibers, phase‑change materials, and light‑ or heat‑sensitive color‑shifting effects illustrate how fabrics are evolving into adaptive platforms capable of responding to environmental conditions.

Sustainability emerges as a defining theme. Bio‑based fibers, degradable films, recycled polyester, and organic cotton reflect a shift from isolated eco‑products toward full‑chain green manufacturing. High‑performance outdoor and protective applications further shape the narrative. Materials engineered for waterproof breathability, UV resistance, flame retardancy, and long‑term durability address rising demand across sportswear, professional protection, and medical environments. Smart textiles with embedded health‑monitoring modules demonstrate how apparel is beginning to function as a continuous wellness interface.

Both technology‑driven healthcare and advanced textiles are converging around a shared pursuit of a better life. As these advancements continue to evolve, they reflect a manufacturing landscape increasingly shaped by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to improving everyday living.

For pre-registration, please click: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/139th-canton-fair-phase-3-advances-toward-a-better-life-with-new-and-strengthened-product-zones-302760704.html

SOURCE Canton Fair

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CupidFeel Insights Show How Shared Interests Affect Initial Connection Outcomes

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New behavioral insights from CupidFeel offer a carefully considered look at how shared interests influence whether an initial connection on a dating platform is sustained or abandoned in those first critical exchanges.

GIBRALTAR, May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The findings by CupidFeel are not dramatic, but they are telling. People who referenced a shared interest — whether a genre of music, a type of cuisine, a sport, a creative practice, or even a shared discomfort with small talk — within the first few exchanges of a new conversation were found to be measurably more likely to continue that conversation beyond the initial contact window. The effect was not uniform across all interest categories; certain types of shared interest appeared to carry more relational weight than others.

It was also observed by CupidFeel that the timing of when shared interests entered a conversation mattered. Connections where common ground was discovered organically — through the natural flow of exchange rather than prompted by a profile field or a direct question — showed stronger indicators of sustained interest. The discovery, in other words, carried more meaning when it felt like something found rather than something declared.

Among the most quietly striking findings in the CupidFeel data was the role of specificity. Broad shared categories — “we both like travel,” “we both enjoy cooking” — were associated with polite, often brief exchanges that rarely extended past pleasantries. But when specificity entered the picture — when one person mentioned a particular documentary that had stayed with them, or a city they had visited and could not stop thinking about — the conversational energy shifted. Something opened up.

In a CupidFeel review of trends in profile engagements, those whose profiles reflected specific, idiosyncratic interests — rather than broadly appealing ones — also showed higher rates of receiving first messages, a finding that runs gently counter to the instinct many people have to present themselves in the most universally appealing terms possible.

What seemed to matter most was not the quantity of overlap but whether the overlap that existed was felt — whether it produced a sense of being seen in some particular, non-generic way. A CupidFeel review of early conversation patterns suggests that a single deeply resonant shared interest may be more generative for early connection than a long list of surface-level commonalities that, taken together, feel more like a demographic profile than a person.

About CupidFeel

CupidFeel is an online dating platform built around the belief that meaningful connections begin with emotional honesty and the willingness to let a conversation go somewhere real. It came into being for people who are less interested in the mechanics of dating and more drawn to the possibility of something that feels grounded — exchanges that move at their own pace, guided by genuine curiosity rather than performance.

A CupidFeel review of its own design principles returns consistently to the same question: what does it take for a first message to feel like it might be worth the journey? The platform makes room for the kind of interaction that doesn’t always have a clear destination but feels, from the first exchange, like something real. CupidFeel is a place where the unexpected is not something to be managed, but something to be welcomed.

Media Contact

Timothy Albers, CupidFeel, 1 14845691657, smm@cupidfeel.com, https://cupidfeel.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/cupidfeel-insights-show-how-shared-interests-affect-initial-connection-outcomes-302759951.html

SOURCE CupidFeel

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