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Hankook & Company Group Completes Acquisition of Hanon Systems

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“Tires, Batteries, Thermal Management”: Completing Three Core Portfolios to Become a Global High-Tech Leading Group 10 Years of Investment Culminates in Stable Integration, Synergy Creation, and Financial Structure ImprovementSoo Il Lee Appointed as CEO of Hanon Systems, Recognized as the Ideal Leader to Transfer Successful Group DNA

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hankook & Company Group (Chairman Cho Hyun-Bum) announced on January 6 that it has completed the acquisition of Hanon Systems, the world’s second-largest automotive thermal management solutions provider.

This marks a decade since Hankook & Company Group became a shareholder of Hanon Systems, acquiring a 19.4% stake in 2014. On December 22, 2024, the Group acquired 144,962,552 new shares through Hanon Systems’ rights offering, followed by the purchase of 122,774,000 shares held by Hahn & Company on January 3, 2025. As a result, the Group became the majority shareholder with a 54.77% ownership stake.

According to this, Hanon Systems officially became a subsidiary of Hankook & Company Group under Korean corporate law. This acquisition brings the Group’s global assets to approximately KRW 27 trillion, placing it among Korea’s top 30 corporations based on net assets.

“Tires, Batteries, Thermal Management”: Core Portfolios Realized

Hanon Systems, founded as Halla Climate Control in 1986, has grown into a leading global supplier of automotive thermal and energy management solutions. After changing its name to Halla Visteon Climate Control in 2013, it was rebranded as Hanon Systems in 2015 when Hankook Tire & Technology and Hahn & Company became its primary shareholders.

With this acquisition, Hankook & Company Group has strengthened its position as a comprehensive automotive parts company. Over the past decade, the Group has developed a deep understanding of Hanon Systems and thoroughly evaluated synergies among its core portfolios of tires, batteries and thermal management, culminating in the acquisition of the world’s second-largest thermal management provider.

Hanon Systems is recognized for its cutting-edge technology in thermal energy management systems, essential for electric vehicle (EV) battery performance. The Group’s acquisition of Hanon Systems confirms its place as a  high-tech leader in the automotive sector. Thermal management systems are critical for enhancing the energy efficiency and safety of engines, batteries, and electronic components.

A Hankook & Company Group representative stated, “This landmark deal completes our core mobility portfolio of tires, batteries, and thermal management, positioning us as a global high-tech leader.”

Maximizing Synergy and Strengthening Financial Structure

Hankook & Company Group aims to maximize synergies through resource and technology integration. The Group plans to leverage its global sales network and consolidate supply chain management (SCM) capabilities, including raw material procurement.

The Group will also enhance operational efficiency through streamlined IT infrastructure and workflows while fostering a unified corporate culture based on its hallmark “Proactive Culture.” This strategic focus on integration will drive seamless collaboration across the organization.

The Group previously stated, “This acquisition will enable Hanon Systems’ technological capabilities and resources to deliver even greater impact. With decades of accumulated expertise and assets across all affiliates, we are positioned to lead the future mobility era and achieve unparalleled growth.”

Soo Il Lee Appointed as CEO of Hanon Systems

On January 3, Hanon Systems held an extraordinary general meeting at its headquarters in Daejeon, South Korea, appointing Soo Il Lee, Vice Chairman of Hankook Tire, as its new CEO.

With a 37-year career at Hankook Tire, Mr. Lee is seen as the ideal leader to integrate Hankook & Company Group’s successful DNA into Hanon Systems. Joining Hankook Tire in 1987, he held various executive positions such as Head of Marketing, Americas Regional Director, China Regional Director, and Business Operations Director. He served as President & CEO from 2018 and as Vice Chairman from 2024.

A Hankook & Company Group representative commented, “Soo Il Lee, the newly appointed CEO of Hanon Systems, will play a crucial role in ensuring a stable integration, improving financial performance, and driving synergy creation despite uncertain external and internal conditions. Our focus will be on strengthening internal capabilities, achieving a seamless cultural and operational alignment, and realizing Hanon Systems’ full potential as the world’s second-largest company in its field.”

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SOURCE Hanon Systems

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HKAGE Showcases Gifted Students’ Learning Journeys at InnoCarnival 2026

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Promoting “Technology for Good” Through Innovation and Creativity 

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) has been invited to participate in InnoCarnival 2026, organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission. Under the theme “Technology for Good, Innovation for All”, HKAGE will showcase the learning journeys of gifted students who have completed programmes on AI robotic arms, underwater archaeology, etc., demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to address societal needs.

Having proactively aligned its work with the education development strategies of the Education Bureau (EDB), HKAGE fully supports the EDB’s Blueprint for Digital Education in Primary and Secondary Schools, which seeks to advance the digital transformation of school education in Hong Kong. Building on its Talent Development Model, HKAGE systematically develops programmes, provides diversified learning experiences and engages in cross-sector collaborations to nurture gifted talents equipped with innovative capabilities, technological literacy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. At the exhibition this year, HKAGE will present how students applied knowledge gained through gifted education programmes and learning experiences in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, environmental science, underwater archaeology and sustainable development to design socially conscious solutions. These experiences reflect the students’ ability to serve society with knowledge and respond creatively to diverse challenges.

Among the highlights is the learning journey of students in the “Artificial Intelligence Course: Creative AI Robotic Arm for Inclusion”. After acquiring foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics and sensor applications, students designed, tested and refined intelligent robotic arm prototypes through real-time data analysis and algorithms. With the aim of improving the quality of life for the elderly and caregivers, students explored various application scenarios for intelligent robotic arms. Another showcase features the “Environmental Science Course: Bat Echoes – Voices of the Night”. Through acoustic monitoring, the exhibition demonstrates how students recorded bat voices and analysed related activity data and characteristics. The programme enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and explore practical approaches to ecological conservation.

The HKAGE exhibition booth also features an interactive photo-taking device, allowing visitors to take photos with different gifted programme themes and share the joy of learning.

On the first day of the exhibition, a “Build Your Own Glider Parent-Child Workshop” is specially organised by HKAGE for the visitors. Under the guidance of instructors and assisted by HKAGE students, participants will learn the basic principles of aerodynamics, including lift, gravity, thrust and drag. They will also learn to design, assemble and decorate their own gliders by using lightweight and durable materials, experiencing the joy of science and engineering.

Mr WONG Chung Po, Acting Executive Director of HKAGE, said: “The Academy is committed to providing gifted students with diversified learning platforms and encouraging them to transform knowledge into innovative practices that generate positive social impact. Participation in this exhibition not only provides students with a valuable learning experience that helps consolidate the knowledge acquired in gifted programmes, but also enables the public to better understand how gifted education nurtures a new generation of creative and socially responsible talents to jointly advance the philosophy of ‘Technology for Good’.”

InnoCarnival 2026 – The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

Date:

24 Oct – 1 Nov

Venue:

The Hong Kong Science Park

Booth:

C08-09

Time:

10:00 – 17:00 (Mon to Fri)

10:00 – 18:00 (Sat & Sun)

 

About the HKAGE

Established in 2008 and subvented by the Education Bureau, the HKAGE offers gifted education services actively to local primary and secondary school students to unleash their potential. It also provides gifted education-related information and support for teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

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SOURCE Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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