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LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW DELIVERS 19% GROWTH IN 2025 AS GLOBAL MOMENTUM ACCELERATES

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4 months ago

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Quality Danish confectionery brand reports another year of robust omnichannel growth, expanding global markets, and a strengthened leadership platform following its acquisition by IDG Capital

COPENHAGEN, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW reports another year of strong financial and operational performance, achieving 19% revenue growth in 2025 and reaching total revenue of DKK 449 million (€60 million), up from DKK 376 million (€50 million) the previous year. The company delivered broad-based growth across all channels and geographies, maintained profitability despite considerable one-off costs and unprecedented increases in cocoa prices, and entered a new strategic era following its acquisition by IDG Capital.

The brand’s international expansion continued at pace, with 76% of sales now coming from markets outside Denmark, reaffirming LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW’s position as a leading global player in high-end confectionery.

“2025 was a defining year for LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW. We delivered strong double-digit growth across all channels and all regions, maintained profitability in the face of extraordinary global cost pressures, and continued to strengthen the foundations of our business. I am incredibly proud of how our teams across markets performed, and how our global community – particularly our community taste panel LAKRIDS LOVERS – helped drive both engagement and growth throughout the year,” says Fredrik Nilsson, CEO of LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW.

“Despite unprecedented increases in the price of cocoa – our single most important ingredient – we protected EBITDA and continued to invest in international expansion, digital development and product quality. Our retail stores performed exceptionally well, our online business now represents 35% of total sales, which is rare in the confectionery category, and our B2B channel grew strongly as we added several prestigious partners.”

He continues: “To support our ambition to grow into a truly global brand, we established a new internationally experienced board together with IDG Capital, which was founded in Boston and today operates across key global markets. This strengthened international board has a wealth of experience from Tiffany, Mars, Starbucks and Acne Studios, and we are better positioned than ever to take LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW into its next chapter. Our ambition is clear: to become a truly global, high-end confectionery brand, proudly made in Denmark. With renewed energy, a robust financial foundation, the company has established a resilient foundation for 2026, positioning us to maintain double-digit revenue expansion and enhanced profitability.

Strong Omnichannel Growth in 2025

The company’s omnichannel strategy, combining own-brand retail, a fast-growing e-commerce platform and a strong B2B network, continued to deliver strong results, confirming the strength of a model designed for both scale and engagement, with an 18% increase in retail sales driven by strong in-store performance and 6% like-for-like growth in existing locations.

The company opened strategic new stores in Germany and Austria, reinforcing its footprint in high-potential European marketsOnline sales grew by 25%, and now represent 35% of total revenue, an unusually high share for the confectionery categoryThe company’s LAKRIDS LOVERS community – a unique way for the company to interact and foster loyalty – grew by over 34% to 295,520Across all direct-to-consumer touchpoints, the brand benefitted from the expansion of the community, which grew by 15% to 855,000 members, playing a vital role in both product engagement and conversionB2B sales increased by 15%, driven by strong performance of established partners and the onboarding of new prestigious retail and hospitality accounts

Direct-to-consumer channels (DTC) – retail and e-commerce combined – accounted for 66% of total revenue, up from 64% in 2024.

Germany Leading Strong Growth Across Europe

LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW delivered significant growth across all major markets with particularly strong performance in Northern and Central Europe:

All Nordic markets delivered double-digit growth, reaffirming the region’s enduring strengthDenmark increased by 11%, showing continued customer loyalty in its home marketGermany reinforced its position as the company’s largest market, representing39% of total revenue anddelivering 27% year-on-year growthThe UK also continued its strong upward trajectory following an exceptionally strong 2024International markets accounted for 76% of revenue, compared to 74% the year before

This strong geographic performance demonstrates the brand’s ability to successfully scale Danish premium craftsmanship internationally.

Maintaining EBITDA Despite Extraordinary Cost Pressures

Net profit reached DKK 56 million and EBITDA for the year reached DKK 39 million, up slightly from DKK 38 million in 2024, despite:

Historically high cocoa prices resulting from global supply constraints, which tripled compared to pre–2023 levels and exceeded USD 10,000 (DKK 70,000) per metric ton in early 2025A 4 percentage-point decline in gross margin (to 65.8%)Significant costs linked to the ownership transitionContinued long–term investment in internationalisation and infrastructure

New Ownership and Leadership Evolution

In 2025, LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW was acquired by IDG Capital, a global investment firm founded in Boston in 1993 and now headquartered in Hong Kong. The acquisition marked a turning point for the company as it prepares to scale globally.

Following the ownership change:

A new international board was appointed, reflecting the company’s global ambitionsMajor leadership team changes were implemented to strengthen execution capabilities

These initiatives provide a strong financial and organisational foundation for the future.

Outlook For 2026

By focusing on our core strengths across all markets and channels, the company has set itself up to be robust for 2026, with a clear path toward continued double-digit revenue growth and improved earnings margins, supported by:

Normalisation of cocoa input costs due to advantageous hedgingStrengthened international presenceContinued investment in innovation, community, and sustainability

Reflecting the strength of the company’s strategy and execution, LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW was also recently recognised as one of Denmark’s Best Managed Companies 2026 in Deloitte’s global Best Managed Companies programme. An independent jury particularly highlighted the company’s innovative community-driven business model and its ability to create authentic customer engagement while maintaining a strong operational foundation.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lakrids-by-bulow-delivers-19-growth-in-2025-as-global-momentum-accelerates-302820660.html

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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29 minutes ago

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October 25, 2026

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

29 minutes ago

on

October 25, 2026

By

Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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7 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-security–technology-summit-unveils-month-long-program-of-activities-ahead-of-december-event-302918695.html

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