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Azimut strengthens its support for the excellence of the Italian Alps blockchain with a new €105 million club deal

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The new capital will finance the international expansion of the company, which specialises in the production of computing power for blockchain technology and the digital mining process, thereby encouraging energy transition.

MILAN and TRENTO, Italy, July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Azimut, an independent, global group in asset management, wealth management, investment banking and fintech, has successfully completed a new club deal to invest in Alps Blockchain S.p.A., one of Europe’s leading companies and a leader in Italy in the production of computational power for blockchain and digital mining.

This new €105 million investment by Azimut in Alps Blockchain, whose commitment was reached in just two days, follows a previous round of €40 million in 2023, confirming the confidence and involvement of private investors in the growth of this innovative company.

Azimut’s investment was made through Azimut Direct Investment Alps Blockchain II SCSp, a dedicated Luxembourg vehicle that invested in a 5-year guaranteed bond with the option of early redemption by Alps Blockchain. This transaction allowed around 1,000 customers, served by the Group’s network of financial advisors and wealth managers in Italy, to gain exposure to the growth of the blockchain sector.

Alps Blockchain is an Italian company that builds and operates mining farms with the aim of contributing to the development of new technologies and supporting the evolution of the energy sector, combining innovation and efficiency. Thanks to a path of continuous development, in the last three years the company has quintupled the number of mining machines installed in its planned sites globally from 2,500 to over 15,000. This increase has enabled the company to reach a total energy capacity of 50 MW and more than 2 EH/s (exahash per second) of computing power produced by June 2024.

Alps Blockchain’s positive trend is also reflected in its financial results. Revenues increased from €697,000 in 2020 to €17.3 million in 2022. In 2023, thanks in part to Azimut’s first investment round, revenues reached €43.6 million, an increase of around 140% compared to the previous year, which, with a positive EBITDA, confirms the company’s solid development capacity.

The funds raised will be used to support Alps Blockchain’s growth and internationalisation path, with a focus on consolidating and implementing its existing operations and considering expansion into new markets to further strengthen its global position.

From Italy, the company has already established operations in countries such as Paraguay and Ecuador, where the completed mining farms use hydroelectric power. Alps Blockchain actively supports the energy sector not only by focusing on hydropower, but also by exploring new sources and projects to promote the energy transition. Among the key markets for future growth is Oman, where the company is already present with a state-of-the-art mining farm within the Green Data City technology hub. The strategic focus is also on North America, a major destination for the mining industry and attractive for new expansion opportunities.

Giorgio Medda, CEO and Global Head of Asset Management & Fintech of the Azimut Group, commented: “We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with Alps Blockchain, whose objective is to make mining more sustainable, and to offer our customers the opportunity to participate in the growth of an all-Italian excellence that is rapidly establishing itself around the world. This new transaction is part of Azimut’s broader commitment to promoting a global and sustainable energy transition through innovative investment solutions in private markets. A commitment that from 2022 to date counts investments of over €350 million. Our vision is that asset management can increasingly play a crucial role in combining efficient capital allocation with building a more sustainable future’.

Francesco Buffa, CEO of Alps Blockchain, stated: ‘At Alps Blockchain we are committed to shaping projects that foster the synergy between new technologies and the world of energy, generating a positive impact in both sectors. This new investment is an extraordinary confirmation of the confidence in our work and an essential support for the near future. On the sixth anniversary of the company’s establishment, which was July 20th, we are enthusiastically inaugurating a new chapter in its history dedicated to the pursuit of ambitious growth targets.

Francesca Failoni, CFO of Alps Blockchain, added: “The increase in resources will allow us to contribute even more substantially to the blockchain ecosystem, fostering the development of solid and sustainable projects over time. Thanks to this financial transaction, we will not only be able to increase and make our existing sites more efficient, but also invest in the construction of new facilities, aiming to quadruple the production capacity of computing power in the service of this technology by the first quarter of 2025.”

Glossary 

Blockchain: a digital ledger based on a decentralised data structure consisting of a series of concatenated blocks containing transactions. The blockchain is designed to be secure, transparent and tamper-proof through the use of cryptography and the participation of a network of nodes that validate and store information in a distributed manner.

Mining: The process by which transactions are verified, grouped into blocks, validated and added to the blockchain. Critical to some types of blockchain, such as that of bitcoin, this process is carried out by miners, who use computing power to solve complex cryptographic functions in exchange for fees and the issuance of new cryptocurrency value.

Mining farm: A mining farm is a data centre designed to generate computing power to serve the blockchain. It is an industrial facility that houses a group of specialised devices designed to solve cryptographic functions, called ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), which work in a coordinated manner to perform the mining process.

Azimut is an independent, global group in asset management, wealth management, investment banking and fintech, serving individuals and businesses. A public company listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (AZM.IM), it is a leader in Italy and present in 18 countries worldwide, with a focus on emerging markets. The shareholding structure sees around 2,000 managers, financial advisors and employees united in a syndicate that controls around 22% of the company. The remainder is free float. The Group includes several companies active in the promotion, management and distribution of financial and insurance products, mainly based in Italy, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China (Hong Kong and Shanghai), Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and the USA. In Italy, Azimut Capital Management Sgr is active in the promotion and management of mutual funds governed by Italian law, in alternative investment funds governed by Italian law, and in the individual management of investment portfolios on behalf of third parties. In addition, Azimut Capital Management handles the distribution of Group and third-party products through its network of financial advisors, while Azimut Libera Impresa Sgr handles alternative products. The main foreign companies are Azimut Investments SA (founded in Luxembourg in 1999), which manages the AZ FUND1 and AZ Multi Asset multi-fund funds, and the Irish company Azimut Life DAC, which offers life insurance products.

Alps Blockchain is an Italian tech company with a global vision, specialising in the production of computing power for digital mining. Through the design and operation of state-of-the-art mining farms, it aims to combine the potential of blockchain and mining with the needs of the energy sector, creating shared value and fostering mutual evolution. Founded in 2018, it introduced an innovative solution to support the Italian energy sector, breathing new life into historic hydroelectric power plants through the installation of mining farms integrated with the traditional production system. Today, Alps Blockchain has extended its reach from Europe to South America and the Middle East, focusing on projects that generate scalable growth and new opportunities through computational power generation.

Contacts – Azimut Holding S.p.A.
www.azimut-group.com

Contatti – Alps Blockchain
www.alpsblockchain.com 
Nicole Vuillermin
Tel. +39 335 69 72 986
Email: n.vuillermin@alpsblockchain.com

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Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2470651/ALPS_Logo.jpg

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Sequel Brands Launches MOVE Powered by SEQUELai, the Company’s Sixth Brand and First Digital Wellness Platform

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July 21, 2026

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MOVE closes the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it with an AI coach designed for everyone – not just people who already exercise.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sequel Brands today announced the launch of MOVE powered by SEQUELai, the company’s sixth brand and first digital wellness platform. Joining a portfolio that includes Pilates Addiction, BODY20, iFlex Stretch Studios, Beem Light Sauna, and Ultimate Longevity Center, MOVE is available now on iOS and Android for $5/month or $25/year – a price point designed to make personalized wellness more accessible, regardless of fitness background. The platform combines AI-powered coaching, personalized workouts, recovery guidance, nutrition support, and daily accountability to help users build healthier routines that last.

Despite widespread awareness of healthy living, millions of Americans still struggle to consistently put healthy habits into practice. According to the CDC, fewer than half of U.S. adults meet federal guidelines for aerobic physical activity. MOVE was built to close that gap by making healthy movement simple, achievable, and sustainable – especially for those who don’t consider themselves “fitness people.”

Extending Sequel’s Mission Beyond the Studio

For Sequel Founder and CEO Anthony Geisler, who has spent his career building and scaling some of the industry’s most recognizable studio brands – from Club Pilates and Pure Barre to Sequel’s portfolio today – MOVE is the culmination of a belief he has championed for years: movement is the foundation of better health. Through industry stages, interviews, and podcasts – including his keynote at last year’s Athletech News Innovation Summit – Geisler has consistently argued that America’s health challenge isn’t a lack of information; it’s turning knowledge into consistent action.

“Movement is medicine – it’s the catalyst for all other health habits. Get a workout in, and a bowl of ice cream stops sounding like a good idea. Skip it, and the rest of the day tends to follow,” said Geisler. “The goal with MOVE is simple: more people moving more often, in more accessible ways.”

SmartCoach: AI That Adapts as You Do

At the heart of MOVE is SmartCoach, an AI-powered wellness coach that creates a personalized plan based on each member’s goals, fitness level, and schedule – then continuously learns and adapts as they progress. While most wellness apps are built for people who already exercise regularly, SmartCoach is designed for the millions who don’t, meeting users where they are and helping them build sustainable habits over time. Beyond personalized coaching, MOVE delivers programming across strength, cardio, mobility, recovery, sleep, meditation, nutrition, mental wellness, women’s health, GLP-1 companion support, and clinically informed musculoskeletal (MSK) recovery.

The platform will continue to evolve with new AI-powered experiences. Upcoming features include MePod, a personalized weekly podcast that recaps each member’s progress and prepares them for the week ahead, and Daily Recommendations, a dynamic workout feed that updates in real time based on how each person is actually training. Wearables integration follows, connecting with fitness trackers and health apps members are already using.

AI-Powered Innovation Across the Sequel Ecosystem

MOVE marks the beginning of Sequel’s broader AI strategy. The company is already developing the next generation of AI-powered member experiences designed to help people build healthier daily habits that drive long-term health and longevity, while giving franchisees new ways to improve retention, deepen member relationships, and drive more visits to their studios.

“Technology should make healthy living easier, not more overwhelming,” said Alex Isaly, Sequel Brands’ President of Platform and AI Strategy. “MOVE meets people where they are, with coaching that adapts as they do. This is the first step in Sequel’s broader AI strategy to turn education into execution – creating better experiences for members and unlocking new ways to support our growing wellness ecosystem.”

The MOVE Smarter, Live Brighter Challenge

To celebrate the launch, Sequel is introducing the MOVE Smarter, Live Brighter Challenge, starting July 20. Designed for every fitness level, participants complete four sessions each week – including walking, strength, mobility, and sleep – for a total of 16 guided sessions, while a live in-app tracker measures the community’s total minutes of movement in real time. No gym, equipment, or fitness background is required to get started.

To join the challenge, download MOVE powered by SEQUELai, available now on iOS and Android, or visit sequelbrands.com/move-challenge.

ABOUT SEQUEL BRANDS
Sequel Brands is a next-generation fitness franchisor redefining the future of movement, recovery, wellness, and longevity. With an experienced leadership team and a portfolio of high-growth concepts – including Pilates Addiction, iFlex Stretch Studios, Beem Light Sauna, BODY20, Ultimate Longevity Center, and MOVE Powered by SEQUELai – Sequel delivers a scalable platform built for lasting success, cultural impact, and real results in how people move, recover, and optimize their longevity. For more information, visit sequelbrands.com. 

MEDIA CONTACTS
Sequel Brands Communications
E: communications@sequelbrands.com

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SOURCE Sequel Brands

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B&R Technology Merger Corp. Announces Pricing of $325 Million Initial Public Offering

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1 hour ago

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July 20, 2026

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NEW YORK, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — B&R Technology Merger Corp. (the “Company”) announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 32,500,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “BRTMU” commencing on July 21, 2026. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share of the Company and one-third of one warrant, each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share of the Company at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. Once the securities constituting the units begin separate trading, the Company expects that the Class A ordinary shares and warrants will be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols ” BRTM” and ” BRTMW,” respectively.

The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. It may pursue an initial business combination target in any business or industry.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“Citigroup”) is acting as sole bookrunner and representative of the underwriters. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 4,875,000 additional units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

This offering will only be made by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to the offering and final prospectus, when available, may be obtained from Citigroup, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717 or by telephone at (800) 831-9146.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State or jurisdiction.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the Company’s offering filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

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SOURCE B&R Technology Merger Corp.

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Paris-Planet Is Back with a Fresh New Way to Explore Paris

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1 hour ago

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July 20, 2026

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MONTREAL, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Planning a trip to Paris just got a little easier.

Paris-Planet has officially relaunched with a completely redesigned website that helps travelers discover and book some of Paris’s best museums, attractions, tours, and local experiences in one place.

The new site was built for people who want to spend less time jumping between dozens of websites and more time getting excited about their trip. Whether it’s your first visit to Paris or your fifth, Paris-Planet brings together the experiences that make the city unforgettable.

“We wanted to build the kind of website we would actually use ourselves,” said Chaz Desousa, founder of Paris-Planet. “There are so many incredible things to see in Paris, but planning a trip can quickly become overwhelming. Our goal was to make discovering and booking experiences simple, inspiring, and enjoyable.”

Visitors can browse everything from famous landmarks and museums to food tours, river cruises, walking tours, family activities, and seasonal events. Along with tickets and experiences, the site also features destination guides, travel tips, and ideas for making the most of every day in Paris.

The relaunch also includes a faster website, improved navigation, and a mobile-friendly design, making it easy for travelers to plan before they leave home or while they’re already exploring the city.

Activity provider can sign up here to Sell Paris Tours & Tickets Online

Paris remains one of the world’s most visited destinations, welcoming millions of visitors every year. Paris-Planet was created to help those travelers spend less time searching and more time experiencing everything the city has to offer.

About Paris-Planet

Paris-Planet is an online travel guide and booking platform focused exclusively on Paris. The website helps visitors discover museums, attractions, tours, activities, and unique local experiences while making trip planning simple and enjoyable.

For more information, visit www.paris-planet.com.

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SOURCE Paris-Planet

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