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Freo announces strategic acquisition of IndiaLends, in a major push for growth

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BANGALORE, India, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a major push for growth, Freo announced a strategic M&A deal under which it takes 100% ownership of IndiaLends, pending final regulatory approvals. The deal brings together Freo’s consumer financial platform and IndiaLends’ marketplace to significantly expand Freo’s scale.

Freo is on a mission to be India’s digital financial platform for 500 million middle income consumers – one they can trust across payments, credit, insurance, and investments. The acquisition brings together Freo’s financial products and regulatory licences with IndiaLends’ marketplace capabilities and distribution, driving sharper execution across products and partners.

Post acquisition, Freo will be able to serve over 50 million users in its ecosystem, with key operating metrics expected to grow significantly as the combined entity scales.

Backed by marquee investors such as Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), Prime Venture Partners, MegaDelta, and others, the Freo platform operates under a strong regulatory framework, including a TPAP licence for UPI, NBFC licence, and an Insurance CA licence, with a strong discipline in regulatory compliance and corporate governance. Founded by IIT-ISB alumni and serial entrepreneurs, Freo brings over a decade of experience in building and operating consumer financial products at scale, with a proven and profitable business model.

“India’s digital financial services market is maturing, and relevant consolidation is a natural next step. The platforms that win the next decade will combine the right licences, the right distribution, profitable discipline, and AI embedded across the stack. With IndiaLends, Freo now has all four at scale.” – Kunal Varma, Co-Founder & CEO, Freo.

IndiaLends, founded by Gaurav Chopra, a London Business School and London School of Economics alumnus and a seasoned Capital One banker, operates as one of India’s largest digital marketplaces for loans and credit cards. Backed by ACP Partners, DSG Consumer Partners, and American Express Ventures, amongst others, the business has built deep integrations with over 80 banks, NBFCs and financial partners, enabling it to operate at scale across a wide range of credit products and use cases.

Over the years, IndiaLends has assembled a strong execution-focused team with deep experience across partnerships, technology, and operations. This team has played a key role in building a trusted marketplace that enables consumers to discover and access credit, while supporting partners through technology-led distribution, credit underwriting and business operations at scale.

“IndiaLends was started with a strong belief – that every Indian deserves access to the right credit, at the right time, from the right lender. Joining Freo amplifies it. Together we bring a full-stack platform, a vast distribution network, and decades of combined experience to the market.” – Gaurav Chopra, Founder & CEO, IndiaLends.

This deal, which is pending final regulatory approvals, brings together two businesses that operate at scale with complementary business models, full regulatory cover & deep national footprint. The combined platform enables a stronger product focus along with deep AI interventions to accelerate profitable growth. Early signs of mutual synergies are expected to begin reflecting over the next few months as integration across teams, partners and product lines deepens.

This development comes at a time when India’s digital lending ecosystem is undergoing a typical phase of maturity & consolidation, driven by tighter regulatory frameworks and a sharper focus on sustainable, profitable growth. As the market matures, there is a clear shift towards integrated platforms that can combine product, distribution, and underwriting capabilities at scale, enabling better outcomes for both consumers and businesses.

With this move, Freo brings together a powerful and defensible set of capabilities, including supply-side diversification, advanced demand-side analytics for customer profiling, AI-embedded workflows across operations, and a tightly integrated product strategy focused on the fast-growing, mobile-savvy, middle class of India.

The combined entity will soon be looking at a large capital raise to enable its next phase of profitable growth. The deal will be operationalised in a phased manner, wherein both teams would be working deeply with existing partners to further strengthen relationships and create a roadmap for profitable growth.

About Freo

Freo enables Indians to pay, save, borrow and insure, all through 1 platform. Freo serves customers across 1,200+ cities and 19,000 pin codes and is a well-regulated entity with licenses for lending, UPI and insurance sales. By focusing on regulated partnerships and customer-first design, Freo is building a trusted financial brand for the masses. Website: https://freo.money

About IndiaLends

IndiaLends is one of India’s leading digital credit marketplaces, helping individuals discover the right personal loans, credit cards, and credit-building tools tailored to their financial profiles. Powered by proprietary credit analytics and partnerships with India’s most trusted banks and NBFCs, IndiaLends makes borrowing transparent, informed and accessible – empowering consumers to take charge of their financial lives.
Website: https://indialends.com/ 

Media Contact:
Akhila Deshpande
Email: akhila@supernova-brand.com
Mobile: +91 9886173819

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2972671/Freo_IndiaLends_Logo.jpg

 

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Strategic LiDAR Customer Initiates Production Orders with Sivers Semiconductors

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Shipments will begin in Q4 2026 against rolling production orders as the automotive and industrial sensing programs move into production phase in 2027

KISTA, Sweden, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sivers Semiconductors AB (STO: SIVE), a global leader in photonics and wireless technologies, today announced that its strategic LiDAR customer has initiated production orders for its automotive and industrial sensing customers.

Sivers will supply the continuous-wave distributed feedback (CW DFB) lasers and optical amplifiers powering the customer’s LiDAR platforms, positioning the company to support growing demand as production scales.

“We are pleased to see this strategic program advance from design-win to production, with our customer placing first production orders,” said Alex McCann, Managing Director of Sivers Semiconductors’ photonics business. “This key milestone reflects confidence in our technology, our production facility and its reliability to meet the customer’s requirements for volume production. As the program scales, we expect rolling production orders placed to lead times, in line with our customer’s multi-year production forecasts.”

As announced in March 2026, the program represents a significant long-term opportunity, with estimated cumulative revenue potential of USD 53 million to USD 138 million over the customer’s product lifecycle. The opportunity comes amid strong growth in automotive LiDAR, with Yole Group projecting the global market to expand from USD 861 million in 2024 to USD 3.8 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 28 percent. Beyond automotive applications, LiDAR is gaining traction in industrial markets, including robotics and autonomous machinery.

For more information, please visit https://www.sivers-semiconductors.com/. 

About Sivers Semiconductors

We are Critical Enablers of a Greener Data Economy with Energy Efficient Photonics & Wireless Solutions. Our differentiated high-precision laser and RF beamformer technologies help our customers in key markets such as AI Data Centers, SATCOM, Defense, and Telecom solve essential performance challenges while enabling a much greener footprint. Visit us at: www.sivers-semiconductors.com.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected orders, the timing and scale of the customer’s production ramp, deliveries, market development and revenue potential. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the customer’s production plans, end-market demand and Sivers’ manufacturing capacity, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Sivers undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Media Contact
Tyler Weiland 
Shelton Group
+1-972-571-7834
tweiland@sheltongroup.com

Company Contact
Heine Thorsgaard
CFO 
ir@sivers-semiconductors.com

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

https://news.cision.com/sivers-semiconductors/r/strategic-lidar-customer-initiates-production-orders-with-sivers-semiconductors,c4411825

 

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SOURCE Sivers Semiconductors

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Segway Powersports Returns to EICMA for Fifth Year with Model Year 2027 Lineup and New Off-Road Innovations

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MILAN, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Segway Powersports is heading back to EICMA for fifth appearance, with new off-road innovations that reflect its “Fear No Place” philosophy. On November 3, the brand will unveil its Model Year 2027 (MY2027) lineup at a product launch in Milan. From upgraded ATVs to the debut of its new flagship two-row UTV and next-generation of iFUN system connected technology, the preview promises exciting developments in design, performance and the riding experience.

Segway Powersports will occupy approximately 880 square meters at EICMA 2026, setting the stage for its upcoming product launch:

Location: Hall 14, Booth I06Launch Date & Time: November 3 at 3:30 p.m. (Milan local time)

For Segway Powersports, off-road riding has always been about more than reaching a destination. It’s about taking on unfamiliar terrain with confidence and discovering new possibilities along the way. As Segway’s professional-grade, high-performance powersports line for global markets, the brand is built around the qualities riders depend on when conditions get tough: strong performance, reliable durability and confident handling.

Expertise, the pursuit of excellence and a spirit of exploration are at the heart of Segway Powersports. Together, these values shape the brand’s “Fear No Place” philosophy and its drive to push riding capabilities further. EICMA offers another opportunity to bring that philosophy into sharper focus and strengthen the brand’s identity in the global powersports market.

Beyond performance, Segway Powersports is forging a distinct visual identity anchored by Rider Red——its signature color-paired with the dedicated Segway Powersports logo. Consistently applied across vehicle designs and brand materials, the color creates a bold, instantly recognizable brand presence.

At this year’s EICMA, the MY2027 lineup will take center stage. Fresh designs, stronger performance and a more engaging riding experience are the key upgrades to look forward to.  Meanwhile, the new flagship two-row UTV will make its Milan debut with an all-weather cabin comfort concept.

Smart connectivity will be another highlight. The next-generation connect system iFUN will make interactions between riders and their vehicles smarter and more intuitive.

With the upcoming launch, Segway Powersports aims to offer a more complete off-road lineup for a wider range of terrains and riding needs. From trail adventures and outings with companions to practical tasks, the expanded range gives riders more ways to make the most of every journey.

The Segway Powersports booth will also feature a special highlight: a race-prepared vehicle that claimed second place in the SSV class at the 2026 European Bajas Championship. Visitors can get a closer look at the race vehicle and a taste of competitive off-road racing.

Media, dealers, partners and consumers are invited to follow the Segway Powersports product launch on November 3 at 3:30 p.m. (Milan local time) in Hall 14, Booth I06 and discover what’s next for Segway Powersports.

About Segway Powersports

Segway Powersports is Segway’s professional-grade, high-performance powersports line for global markets. Guided by expertise, the pursuit of excellence and a spirit of exploration, the brand develops off-road vehicles that combine powerful performance, strong torque, reliable durability and responsive handling. Built for diverse and demanding terrain, its vehicles give riders the confidence to take on new challenges, reflecting the brand’s “Fear No Place” philosophy.

Contact: media@powersports.segway.com 

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ShaMaran Announces Investment in Iraq and Contemplated Bond Issuance

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HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ShaMaran Petroleum Ltd. (“ShaMaran” or the “Company”) (Euronext Growth Oslo: SNM) (Nasdaq First North Stockholm: SNM) announces the expansion of the Company’s strategic collaboration with HKN Energy (“HKN”) into Federal Iraq. Building on their joint ventures across the Atrush and Sarsang oil fields in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, HKN and ShaMaran are extending their cooperation into Federal Iraq through the Hamrin oil development and production contract (“DPC”). PDF Version 

As part of this expansion, ShaMaran will have a 25% shareholding in HKN Hamrin Ltd. (the “Hamrin JV”), the joint venture company holding 100% of the Hamrin DPC. HKN, as the operator of the field, will leverage its operational expertise and established relationship with ShaMaran to advance a major long-term development program.

The Hamrin field is a large discovered and producing oil field previously operated by North Oil Company, an Iraqi state-owned oil company. HKN and ShaMaran will further develop the field with the aim of increasing production above the current 20 Mbopd to maximize recovery over the 25-year term of the DPC. The operator’s and management’s current estimate of remaining gross reserves and resources is in the range of 500 million to one billion barrels. The initial phase of development will target lifting field production to approximately 60 Mbopd by 2028. Further phases of development could target more than doubling those initial production levels, with currently estimated capex for later phases in the range of $2-3 per incremental barrel.

Garrett Soden, Chief Executive Officer of ShaMaran, commented, “The Hamrin investment is a natural extension of our cooperation with HKN, the operator of our two existing assets in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Hamrin field in Federal Iraq is complementary to our existing Kurdistan production and reserves profile, and we expect material synergies from having the same team operate all three assets. Together with HKN, we are committed to increasing Hamrin production to create significant value for Iraq and our shareholders.”

The Hamrin JV farm-in consideration comprises a $35 million carry by ShaMaran of HKN’s share of initial costs in the Hamrin co-venture, with a further $15 million payable out of future cash flow once ShaMaran has recovered its initial investment and carry in full.

Financing – Contemplated Bond Issuance

Elvis Pellumbi, Chief Financial Officer of ShaMaran, commented, “On the back of the attractive Hamrin investment, we are looking to raise a new bond to better reflect the improved credit profile of our expanded asset portfolio, fund Hamrin growth capex and reduce interest costs. We see increased near-term cash flow from our existing assets due to the tri-party export agreement coupled with an enhanced long-term outlook from the addition of future Hamrin cash flows.”

ShaMaran has mandated Pareto Securities AS to be sole bookrunner and manager for a contemplated bond of up to $200 million in order to refinance its existing 2029 bond (ISIN NO0011057622) that has approximately $144 million currently outstanding. The proceeds from the new bond will be used to fund ShaMaran’s share of the Hamrin investment and for general corporate purposes. The Company will host fixed income investor meetings, and a bond issuance may follow subject to market conditions and acceptable terms. It is the Company’s intention to exercise the applicable call option in the existing bond upon successful issuance of the contemplated new bond.

ShaMaran to combine with Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd. (“Gulf Keystone”)

ShaMaran and Gulf Keystone today announced that they have signed a merger agreement and a combination agreement to combine their businesses and create a platform for growth in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Federal Iraq (the “Transaction”). A copy of the press release can be found at www.shamaranpetroleum.com.

About ShaMaran Petroleum Ltd.

ShaMaran is an independent oil and gas company with non-operated stakes in three fields in Iraq. The Company indirectly holds a 50% working interest in the Atrush Block and an 18% working interest in the Sarsang Block, both in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Company will also hold a 25% interest in the Hamrin JV, which holds the Hamrin DPC in Federal Iraq. The Company is listed in Oslo on Euronext Growth and in Stockholm on Nasdaq First North (ticker “SNM”). ShaMaran is part of the Lundin Group of Companies.

Elvis Pellumbi, CFO, +41 22 560 8600, info@shamaranpetroleum.com, www.shamaranpetroleum.com

This information is information that ShaMaran Petroleum Ltd. is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact person set out above, at 8:00 CET on October 20, 2026.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

The Company’s certified advisor on Nasdaq First North Growth Market is FNCA Sweden AB.

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this announcement may constitute forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words “will”, “expected”, “planned” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of certain future events. Certain information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements.

 

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