Technology

TOTAL PLAY ANNOUNCES DEBT EXCHANGE OFFER FOR UP TO US$870 MILLION

Published

1 year ago

January 8, 2025

—The offer contemplates the exchange of up to US$600 million of Existing Notes and the subscription of up to an additional US$270 million in cash—

—At the time of launch, holders of more than 50% of the Existing Notes have signed Transaction Support Agreements—

MEXICO CITY, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Total Play Telecomunicaciones, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“Total Play”), Mexico’s leading telecommunications company, which offers internet access, pay TV and telephony services, through one of the largest 100% fiber optic networks in the country, announced today, under the coordination of the investment banks Barclays and Jefferies, the launch of an exchange offer to holders of the US$600 million senior notes due 2028 with an interest rate of 6.375% (the “Existing Notes”) to be exchanged for new Senior Secured Notes due 2032 and with an interest rate of 11.125% (the “New Notes”).

The exchange offer of the New Notes announced today, considers making the exchange at par, has an amortization schedule with quarterly principal payments between 2029 and 2032, and offers an annual interest rate of 11.125%. The issuance contemplates guarantee of both cash flow and fiber optics network.

The exchange considers that all holders of the Existing Notes, together, must subscribe US$270 million in additional cash1.

At the time of launch, holders of more than 50% of the Existing Notes—Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., Afore Azteca, Aviva Investors Global Services, LTD (UK) and Amundi Asset Management U.S. Inc., among others—have signed Transaction Support Agreements and commit to subscribe their respective pro rata additional share of the new notes as outlined in the exchange offer. The company’s improved financial prospects, increased free cash flow generation and important market share were cited as reasons for recent credit rating upgrades granted by Moody’s and Fitch. The exchange will further improve Total Play’s liquidity profile and extend its debt maturities.

With this operation, the company demonstrates its flexibility and financial discipline that have generated operational efficiency and exceptional results, which give it the ability to access sophisticated long-term financial markets.

The company believes that, together with its increasing cash flow generation, the exchange results in a business plan – for the short and medium terms – that is fully funded for Total Play. In this context, the company’s management will focus on driving value creation through its operations with increased efficiency, and on generating solid financial results, for the benefit of all its investors.

The New Notes will be listed and registered on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). The terms and conditions of the exchange offer are available in the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation Memorandum dated January 7, 2025.

About Total Play

Total Play is a leading Triple Play provider in Mexico that, thanks to the widest direct-to-home fiber optic network in the country, offers entertainment and technologically advanced services with the highest quality and speed in the market. For the latest news and updates about Total Play, visit: www.totalplay.com.mx. Total Play is a Grupo Salinas company (www.gruposalinas.com), a group of dynamic, fast-growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating economic value through market innovation and goods and services that improve standards of living; social value to improve community well-being; and environmental value by reducing the negative impact of its business activities. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies. Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors, and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. The group of companies shares a common vision, values, and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results, and world-class performance.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are concepts about the future that involve risks and uncertainty that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Other risks that may affect Total Play and its subsidiaries are presented in documents sent to the securities authorities.

The New Notes have not been, and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any State of the United States or other jurisdiction, and the New Notes may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account of benefit of, U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable laws of other jurisdictions.

Investor Relations:

Bruno Rangel

Rolando Villarreal

+ 52 (55) 1720 9167

jrangelk@totalplay.com.mx

rvillarreal@totalplay.com.mx

Press Relations:

Luciano Pascoe

Tel. +52 (55) 1720 1313 ext. 36553

lpascoe@gruposalinas.com.mx

1 Assuming 100% participation of the holders of the Existing Notes.

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SOURCE Total Play Telecomunicaciones, S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meridian-singapore-immigration-launches-new-website-to-simplify-the-pr-application-journey-for-foreigners-in-singapore-302757392.html

SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/socomec-daitron-team-up-to-meet-japans-growing-power-demands-302755570.html

SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.