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2U Refinances and Raises Growth Capital

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ARLINGTON, Va., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Many education technology companies spent 2024 and 2025 scaling back. New university partnerships slowed as institutions built internal capacity. Against that backdrop, 2U completed a growth recapitalization, with its existing owners putting growth capital into the business alongside a refinancing of its current credit facilities.

The question worth asking is: why now, and what did they see?

2U operates edX, a global online learning platform originally co-founded by Harvard and MIT that now reaches more than 100 million people through over 5,300 programs with 250-plus institutional and enterprise partners. Employees from more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies use edX for professional development. To date, over 76,000 people have graduated from 2U-powered degree programs from leading institutions, including UC Berkeley, Howard University, and Georgetown. The company has been privately held since completing a financial reorganization in 2024, and Kees Bol has served as CEO since January 2025.

Lincoln International, which advised 2U on the transaction exclusively, described the refinancing outcome: extended credit maturities, improved capital structure, and financial flexibility to continue executing on 2U’s long-range plan. Managing Director Alex Stevenson said the deal “reflects the confidence of 2U’s owners in the long-term value of the business.”

Confidence in what, exactly? The AI workforce training market. Skills in AI-affected roles are evolving 66% faster than average according to PwC research, and IDC has estimated that unfilled AI skills gaps could cost the global economy $5.5 trillion. Universities and enterprises are both trying to solve that problem, and both are looking for platforms with the breadth and accreditation backing to do it credibly.

2U’s partnerships are designed for exactly that. IBM’s six technical microcredentials on edX train the engineers and data scientists who build AI systems. Microsoft’s CxO Edge program, launched in late 2025, targets the C-suite executives who need to move from AI pilots to enterprise-wide adoption, part of a Microsoft presence on edX that has drawn over 40,000 learners in the past six months alone.. Oxford’s Faculty of Law program addresses governance: what board members and legal advisors need to understand about AI liability, compliance, and fiduciary responsibility. UC Berkeley’s Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) online program prepares learners to shape the future of AI and data science with human-centered values and focuses on solving the world’s most pressing data challenges. Each program exists because a specific employer community identified a specific gap.

That’s the differentiation investors are backing. Generic online courses are abundant. Programs designed in partnership with IBM, Microsoft, UC Berkeley, and Oxford’s Faculty of Law and delivered on a platform with proven Fortune 500 adoption are not.

Credentials earned on 2U’s edX platform carry the academic standing of the issuing partner institutions. Its programs span executive education, professional certificates, microcredentials, and accredited online degree programs, all powered by 2U’s infrastructure but conferred by partner universities and institutions with their own accreditation.

HolonIQ data puts the broader trend in context: microcredentials grew from 7% of global online program offerings in 2022 to 19% by 2025. The shift toward stackable, job-aligned credentials, in addition to traditional degrees,  is real and accelerating. The global online education market is projected to exceed $200 billion as that trend matures. 2U’s decision to build depth in short-form, employer-designed AI training aligns directly with where learner demand is heading.

None of this is abstract for the organizations that use edX at scale. When a company needs to certify 500 engineers on AI development, or prepare its entire C-suite for a board presentation on AI governance, the platform’s reach and credential quality both matter. A certification backed by IBM and a degree from institutions such as Berkeley carries weight with hiring managers in a way a generic online course does not.

The refinancing extends 2U’s ability to keep building that catalog and the partnerships behind it. Stevenson framed it as giving the management team “the financial foundation to keep executing on its mission.” The mission, under Bol’s leadership, is straightforward: help universities and enterprises close the AI skills gap by meeting learners where they are, at the pace the market demands.

The investors who contributed growth capital made a bet that a platform that reaches 100 million people and has 250-plus partners, including IBM, Microsoft, UC Berkeley, and Oxford in its program portfolio, is better positioned to close that gap than any platform that would need to build from scratch.

Media Contact:
Kees Bol
social@2u.com 

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2u-refinances-and-raises-growth-capital-302752776.html

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Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd Successfully Participates in First Trades of SGX McCloskey FOB Australia Hard Coking Coal Futures

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SINGAPORE, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd (SFSPL), a member of Straits Financial Group, is pleased to announce its successful participation in the first trades of the SGX McCloskey FOB Australia Hard Coking Coal Futures, marking an important milestone in the development of risk management solutions for the global metallurgical coal market.

Straits Financial Services’ participation in the inaugural trades reflects its continued commitment to supporting the development of commodity derivatives markets and providing clients with access to a broad range of exchange-traded risk management solutions.

The new contract further strengthens the suite of commodity products available to participants across the steelmaking value chain, including producers, traders, consumers and financial institutions. By providing a transparent and centrally cleared marketplace, the contract can support price discovery and help market participants manage exposure to fluctuations in hard coking coal prices, a critical raw material in global steel production.

Mr Roger Quek, CEO and MD of SFSPL said: “As commodity markets continue to evolve, access to transparent and liquid derivatives instruments is increasingly important for participants looking to manage price risk effectively. We look forward to supporting the growth of this market and continuing to connect our clients with opportunities across global commodity markets.”

Participation in the inaugural SGX McCloskey FOB Australia Hard Coking Coal Futures trades further demonstrates Straits Financial Services’ commitment to supporting product innovation and the continued development of Asia’s commodity derivatives ecosystem.

About Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd

At Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd, we distinguish ourselves by promoting key and innovative contracts to support the financial and commodity derivative markets as well as providing products and services to fulfill the needs of every trader.

With a strong presence in Asia and a deep understanding of the global markets, we provide value to our clients by enabling global access with a local perspective. Established in 2010, Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd is part of Straits Financial Group which is headquartered in Singapore.

Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd provides a fully integrated service for our clients to access the financial and commodity derivative markets and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.straitsfinancial.com.

This document is issued for information purposes only. This document is not intended and should not under any circumstances to be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell, nor financial advice or recommendation in relation to any capital market product. All the information contained herein is based on publicly available information and has been obtained from sources that Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd believes to be reliable and correct at the time of publishing this document.

Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd will not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind (whether direct, indirect or consequential losses or other economic loss of any kind) suffered due to any omission, error, inaccuracy, incompleteness, or otherwise, any reliance on such information. Past performance or historical record of futures contracts, derivatives contracts, and commodities is not indicative of the future performance. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

If after reading the foregoing content you have any doubts in relation thereto, please consult your own independent legal, financial and/or professional adviser.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/straits-financial-services-pte-ltd-successfully-participates-in-first-trades-of-sgx-mccloskey-fob-australia-hard-coking-coal-futures-302873622.html

SOURCE Straits Financial

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Tulip Unveils Global Imaging Patent Licensing Program

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Tulip Imaging provides access to more than 125,000 patents from Canon, Sony, Huawei, and OPPO covering foundational image and information processing technologies

LONDON, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tulip Licensing Ltd today announced the launch of Tulip Imaging, a new patent licensing program offering access to advanced digital imaging and information processing technologies from Canon Inc., Sony Group Corporation, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., and Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.

The combined portfolio includes more than 125,000 patents developed through decades of research, development, and innovation by four of the world’s leading technology companies and represents the most significant offering of digital imaging and information processing patents. The underlying technologies of this sophisticated portfolio help reinforce every dynamic visual experience on a modern device — from high-fidelity digital commerce to seamless social interaction. Through Tulip, implementers can efficiently access these portfolios while tailoring their licenses to include patents relevant to their specific products, technologies, and business needs.  

“Canon has advanced the science of imaging through continuous innovation in optics, cameras, image processing, medical imaging, and printing technologies for more than eighty years,” said Hideki Sanatake, Managing Executive Officer, Group Executive of Corporate Intellectual Property and Legal Headquarters. “Innovation thrives when intellectual property is respected and Tulip’s licensing program is an opportunity to support the continued investment that drives future breakthroughs.”

“Sony’s wide range of imaging technologies have helped define the modern digital era and enriched imaging experiences,” said Yuko Tsuda, Representative Director & President of Sony Intellectual Property Services Corporation. “We believe broad access to innovation should be supported by efficient, transparent licensing, and Tulip provides a viable option for achieving that objective.”

“Huawei has continuously invested in next-generation imaging technologies that combine artificial intelligence, computational photography, and advanced image processing to empower everyday visual and digital experiences,” said Alan Fan, Chief Intellectual Property Officer of Huawei. “Through this milestone cooperation with leading partners, we are jointly opening up our once-proprietary imaging technologies to help our licensees provide vivid imaging experiences to everyone.”

“OPPO remains committed to sustained investment in imaging R&D, advancing technologies that deliver richer and more intuitive imaging experiences to users worldwide,” said Adler Feng, Chief Intellectual Property Officer of OPPO. “Our collaboration with leading innovators across the imaging industry reflects the strength of OPPO’s imaging technology innovation and underscores our commitment to building a healthy and sustainable intellectual property ecosystem to support continued innovation and industry growth.”

Tulip’s appointment as licensing administrator reflects the confidence Canon, Sony, Huawei, and OPPO have in Tulip’s experienced team to deliver efficient, practical, and business-oriented licensing solutions.

For more information, please visit www.tulipinnovation.com.

About Tulip

Tulip is a specialized patent licensing group that partners with the world’s leading innovators to bring strategic patent assets to market through structured, professionally managed licensing programs. Tulip designs, launches, and administers licensing programs across high-value patent portfolios and a range of technology sectors.

Led by professionals with decades of experience building and managing global patent programs, Tulip combines technical expertise, commercial judgment, and disciplined execution to deliver practical, business-focused solutions for patent owners, implementers, and the broader innovation ecosystem.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tulip-unveils-global-imaging-patent-licensing-program-302873877.html

SOURCE Tulip Licensing Ltd.

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YPF Sociedad Anónima Announces Increase in Maximum Purchase Price Relating to its Outstanding Tender Offers to U.S.$1,000,000,000

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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YPF Sociedad Anónima (“YPF”) today announced that it has increased the maximum purchase price relating to its previously announced cash tender offers (each a “Tender Offer” and, collectively, the “Tender Offers”) to purchase outstanding securities listed in the table below (the “Securities”) from U.S.$500,000,000 to U.S.$1,000,000,000 in the aggregate, excluding any Accrued Interest (the “Maximum Purchase Price”).

No other terms of the Tender Offers have changed. Holders who have already validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) their Securities do not need to re-tender their Securities. The table below sets forth certain information regarding the Securities and the Tender Offers.

Title of Security

CUSIP and ISIN Numbers

Principal Amount Outstanding

Acceptance Priority Level

Consideration(a)

6.950% Senior Notes due 2027

CUSIP:  984245 AQ3

          P989MJ BL4

ISIN:    US984245AQ34

          USP989MJBL47

U.S.$643,428,000

1

U.S.$1,017.50

2.500%/9.000% Step Up Amortizing Notes due 2029

CUSIP:  P989MJ BS9

          984245 AV2

ISIN:    USP989MJBS99

          US984245AV29

U.S.$640,999,934 (b)

2

U.S.$1,042.00

Per U.S.$1,000 principal amount.Outstanding principal amount as of the date of this press release corresponds to the application of the amortization factor of 0.85714 multiplied by the original principal amount of the 2029 Securities (as defined below) shown in the records of the DTC (as defined below). The original principal amount of the 2029 Securities before the application of the amortization factor is U.S.$747,833,257.

The Tender Offers are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in YPF’s Offer to Purchase dated September 7, 2026 (the “Offer to Purchase”), including the concurrent or earlier consummation of a new notes offering that provides YPF with sufficient funds to meet the obligations of YPF in connection with the Tender Offer. The Tender Offers are also subject to the Acceptance Priority Procedures and proration as described in the Offer to Purchase. Under the Acceptance Priority Procedures, Securities will be accepted for purchase according to the Acceptance Priority Level set forth in the table above, beginning with the lowest numerical value first. The Offer to Purchase more fully sets forth the terms of the Tender Offers. The Tender Offers are scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time (6:00 p.m. Buenos Aires time), on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 unless extended or earlier terminated (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to the Tender Offer, the “Expiration Date”). Holders of Securities (“Holders”) may participate in the Tender Offers by validly tendering and not validly withdrawing their Securities by the Expiration Date.

Securities validly tendered pursuant to the Tender Offers may be withdrawn at any time at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time (6:00 p.m. Buenos Aires time), on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to the Tender Offers, the “Withdrawal Deadline”), but not thereafter. The Withdrawal Deadline for the Tender Offers is the same as the Expiration Date.

It is expected that the Settlement Date for the Tender Offer will be on or around Friday, September 18, 2026, the second business day after the Expiration Date, but which may change without notice (the “Settlement Date”).  Payment for the Securities that are validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offers will be made on the Settlement Date.  YPF will not be responsible for any delays in the transmission of funds to Holders attributable to the clearing systems and under no circumstances will any interest be payable because of any such delay.

Subject to the terms and conditions described in the Offer to Purchase, Holders who validly tender their Securities at or prior to the Expiration Date will receive the applicable Consideration specified in the table above payable for such tendered Securities that are accepted for purchase by YPF. In addition, YPF will pay accrued and unpaid interest on the Securities up to, but not including, the Settlement Date (“Accrued Interest”). Payment of the Consideration and Accrued Interest will be made on the Settlement Date.

YPF reserves the absolute right to amend, extend, terminate or withdraw any or all of the Tender Offers in its sole discretion, subject to disclosure and as otherwise required by applicable law. Any (i) increase or decrease in the percentage of Securities sought in a Tender Offer, other than the acceptance for purchase of an additional amount of Securities not to exceed two percent of the applicable series of Securities, or (ii) change in the Consideration offered, will be communicated by public announcement that is widely disseminated no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time (10:00 a.m. Buenos Aires time), on the third business day before the Expiration Date.  Any other material change in the terms of a Tender Offer will be communicated by public announcement that is widely disseminated no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time (10:00 a.m. Buenos Aires time), on the second business day before the Expiration Date. In the event of termination or withdrawal of a Tender Offer, Securities tendered and not accepted for purchase pursuant to such Tender Offer will be promptly returned to the tendering holders.

The complete terms and conditions of the Tender Offers are described in the Offer to Purchase, copies of which may be obtained from Sodali & Co, the information and tender agent for the Tender Offers (the “Information and Tender Agent”), at the Tender Offer Website: https://projects.sodali.com/YPF, by email at YPF@investor.sodali.com, by telephone in Stamford at +1 203 658 9457, or in writing at 333 Ludlow Street, South Tower, 5th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902, United States.

YPF has engaged BBVA Securities Inc., Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Santander US Capital Markets LLC to act as the dealer managers (the “Dealer Managers”) and Banco Santander Argentina S.A., Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A., Balanz Capital Valores S.A.U., Cucchiara y Cía. S.A., Banco CMF S.A., Macro Securities S.A.U., Latin Securities S.A.U., Cocos Capital S.A. and Puente Hnos. S.A. as local dealer managers (the “Local Dealer Managers”) in connection with the Tender Offers. Questions regarding the terms of the Tender Offers may be directed to BBVA Securities Inc. by telephone at +1 (800) 422-8692 (U.S. toll free) or +1 (212) 728-2446 (collect), Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. by telephone at +1 (888) 770-4828 (U.S. toll free) or +1 (212) 710-6749 (collect), J.P. Morgan Securities LLC by telephone at +1 (866) 846-2874 (U.S. toll free) or +1 (212) 834-7279 (collect) and Santander US Capital Markets LLC by telephone at +1 (855) 404-3636 (U.S. toll free) or +1 (212) 940-1442 (collect).

None of YPF, the Dealer Managers, the Local Dealer Managers, the Information and Tender Agent or the trustee for the Securities, or any of their respective affiliates, is making any recommendation as to whether Holders should or should not tender any Securities in response to the Tender Offers or expressing any opinion as to whether the terms of the Tender Offers are fair to any holder. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender any of their Securities and, if so, the principal amount of Securities to tender. Please refer to the Offer to Purchase for a description of the offer terms, conditions, disclaimers and other information applicable to the Tender Offers.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Securities. The Tender Offers are being made solely by means of the Offer to Purchase. The Tender Offers are not being made to holders of Securities in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require any tender offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Tender Offers will be deemed to be made on behalf of YPF by the Dealer Managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

Disclaimer

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including those related to the tender for Securities and whether or not YPF will consummate the Tender Offers. Forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future, and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic, political and business conditions in Argentina and South America, existing and future governmental regulations, fluctuations in the price of petroleum and petroleum products, supply and demand levels, currency fluctuations, exploration, drilling and production results, changes in reserves estimates, success in partnering with third parties, loss of market share, industry competition, environmental risks, physical risks, the risks of doing business in developing countries, legislative, tax, legal and regulatory developments, economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions, political risks, wars and acts of terrorism, natural disasters, project delays or advancements and lack of approvals. Additional information concerning potential factors that could affect YPF’s financial results is included in the filings made by YPF and its affiliates before the Comisión Nacional de Valores in Argentina and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in particular, in YPF’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and its current reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In light of the foregoing, the forward-looking statements included in this document may not occur. Except as required by law, YPF does not undertake to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that the projected performance, conditions or events expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

Sodali & Co – Michael Truscelli email ypf@investor.sodali.com 

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SOURCE YPF Sociedad Anónima

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