KUALA LUMPUR, May 13, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - EdgePoint Infrastructure (“EdgePoint”), an ASEAN-based independent telecommunications infrastructure company, today announced that it has successfully built and equipped 12 digital classrooms under its Connectivity For Communities (CFC) programme, a regional corporate responsibility initiative aimed at providing access to connectivity for students in underserved communities across Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Since launching the programme just over a year ago, the company has built digital classrooms in these twelve schools, complete with access to seamless connectivity, the necessary digital devices and refurbished student common rooms. In addition, they have collaborated with teachers and local organizations to implement long-term digital literacy programmes ensuring the more than 6,500 students currently benefiting from the project are able to maximize the resources provided. These initiatives are crucial for increasing digital literacy, ensuring that students in underserved areas are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to seize future opportunities and secure brighter, more prosperous futures.Chee Wi Lyn, Executive Vice President- People and Corporate Office said, “We are pleased that these digital classrooms have transformed the learning experiences for students as they can now learn through interactive online modules, research topics which interest them, look for reading materials online and so on. It has also empowered students to develop new skills alongside their daily studies, such as video editing and presentation creation. We have been closely monitoring the progress of the CFC projects and are pleased to share the positive impact the program is making. Attendance has improved by an overall of 10%, which led to a 6% overall increase in exam scores. Teachers have also noted a significant increase in digital literacy scores of the students, with assessments showing up to 100% improvement in some schools”.Speaking on the extended benefits of connectivity to the surrounding communities she added "Beyond the classroom, reliable internet access and digital resources have positively impacted the families of these students as well. Community members are leveraging connectivity for online gigs, financial transactions, and upskilling, all of which contribute to harnessing their full potential and improving their quality of lives. This connectivity is not only enhancing individual opportunities but also empowering the community to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world" she added.Aligned with EdgePoint’s focus on bridging the digital divide in the countries in which it operates, the company collaborates with local organizations in these countries to ensure the right underserved communities are empowered by the CFC programmes. EdgePoint aims to close the year with 20 digital libraries built in schools across Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.ABOUT EDGEPOINT INFRASTRUCTUREEdgePoint Infrastructure is an ASEAN based independent telecommunications infrastructure company that aspires towards Building a Connected, Digital ASEAN. Headquartered in Singapore with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, through EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, PT Centratama Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk and EdgePoints Towers Inc. respectively, the company is focused on providing sharable and leading-edge telecom structures, small cells and in-building systems. EdgePoint aims to be an industry leader through scale and innovation, driving operational efficiencies through the adoption of analytics and digital technologies. For more information on EdgePoint, please visit https://edgepointinfra.com/. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
HONG KONG, May 13, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Nissin Foods Company Limited (“Nissin Foods” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; Stock code: 1475) today announced its unaudited first quarter financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2025 (the “Reporting Period”).The Group reported revenue of HK$1,071.9 million for the Reporting Period, representing an increase of 11.3% from HK$963.0 million of the corresponding period of 2024. Gross profit increased by 8.5% year-on-year to HK$376.1 million, driven by a growth in sales volume. The gross profit margin was 35.1%. Profit attributable to owners of the Company dropped by 6.7% year-on-year to HK$110.0 million, while Adjusted EBITDA grew by 9.2% year-on-year to HK$201.5 million.Revenue from Hong Kong and other regions operations increased by 15.2% due to the steady performance of the noodles business across all regions, as well as the regaining and consolidation of the non-noodles businesses in Korea and Australia. As for the Mainland China operations, revenue increased by 9.1% due to the Group’s efforts to expand sales in the inland areas and the continued upward momentum in Mainland China.Mr Kiyotaka ANDO, Executive Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nissin Foods, said, “The growth momentum has continued from the second half of 2024 into the first quarter of this year, with steady performance across the regions we are operating. Sales have been particularly strong in our core noodles business and in Mainland China. Furthermore, the Group’s expansion into overseas markets has enhanced our adaptability and resilience, strengthening its competitive advantage and consistently delivering value to customers and shareholders.”About Nissin Foods Company LimitedNissin Foods Company Limited ("Nissin Foods”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; Stock code: 1475) is a renowned food company in Hong Kong and Mainland China, with a diversified portfolio of well-known and highly popular brands, primarily focusing on the premium instant noodle segment. The Group officially established its presence in Hong Kong in 1984 and is the largest instant noodle company in Hong Kong. The Group primarily manufactures and sells instant noodles, high-quality frozen food products, including frozen dim sum and frozen noodles, and also sells and distributes other food and beverage products, including retort pouches, snacks, mineral water, sauce and vegetable products under its two core corporate brands, namely “NISSIN” and “DOLL” together with a diversified portfolio of iconic household premium brands. The Group’s five flagship product brands, namely “Cup Noodles ”, “Demae Iccho ”, “Doll Instant Noodle”, “Doll Dim Sum ” and “Fuku” are also among the most popular choices in their respective food product categories in Hong Kong. In the Mainland China market, the Group has introduced technology innovation through the “ECO Cup” concept and primarily focuses its sales efforts in first-and second-tier cities. In addition, Nissin Foods operates business in other regions including Vietnam, Taiwan, Korea and Australia markets.Nissin Foods is currently a constituent of five Hang Seng Indexes, namely: Hang Seng Composite Index, Hang Seng Composite SmallCap Index, Hang Seng Composite Industry Index - Consumer Staples, Hang Seng SCHK Consumption Index and Hang Seng SCHK Consumer Staples Index. Nissin Foods is eligible for trading under Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect. For more information, please visit www.nissingroup.com.hk. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
TOKYO, May 13, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Adyen, the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies, and JCB Co., Ltd., announced the rollout of JCB's card-on-file (COF) tokenization service (hereinafter “COF tokenization”), aimed at enhancing the security of credit card transactions for e-commerce merchants. Adyen is the first to offer and implement JCB’s new technology both domestically and globally. The introduction of COF tokenization will further enhance the security of online payments, providing JCB’s cardholders and merchants with even greater peace of mind and safety.The rise of cashless payments and e-commerce transactions has led to an increase in credit card fraud in Japan, with over 90%* of the total damage from such incidents tied to payment card data theft. In response, JCB has introduced its COF tokenization.COF refers to payment details such as card numbers and expiration dates which are stored by merchants with cardholders' consent. JCB’s COF tokenization service replaces the JCB-branded COF data with an anonymized secure number (hereinafter “network token”). Sensitive card information is tokenized and not stored in the merchant's database, thereby reducing the risk of data breaches, and the network token is used to identify the customer for secure payment.In addition to reducing the risk of data breaches, tokenization offers increased convenience to customers. The COF token mechanism ensures that the token is always associated with the latest card information. This eliminates the need for the customer to update their card information, facilitating a smooth payment process and improving the transaction authorization rates.Tac Watanabe, Executive Officer and Head of Brand Infrastructure Headquarters at JCB, said: “E-commerce transactions are growing rapidly, and alongside this growth, fraudulent transactions due to card information breaches are also increasing. In response to this trend, it is important to reduce the risk associated with data breaches through COF tokenization and improve our customers' payment experience by keeping card information up to date. We are pleased to take the first step in this area through our collaboration with Adyen, a pioneer in the COF solution. Moving forward, we plan to actively implement COF tokens globally.”Roelant Prins, Chief Commercial Officer at Adyen, said: "We are delighted to announce our collaboration with JCB in launching their COF token services both in Japan and globally, further enhancing the security and convenience for JCB cardholders and keeping pace with the projected growth of the e-commerce industry. We are committed to making tokenization technology available across various payment platforms, including mobile payments, to significantly enhance security for customers and increase authorization rates."*Source: Japan Consumer Credit Association (JCA)https://www.j-credit.or.jp/information/statistics/download/toukei_03_g.pdfAbout AdyenAdyen (AMS: ADYEN) is the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies. By providing end-to-end payments capabilities, data-driven insights, and financial products in a single global solution, Adyen helps businesses achieve their ambitions faster. With offices around the world, Adyen works with the likes of Meta, Uber, H&M, eBay, and Microsoft. The cooperation with JCB Co., Ltd. as described in this update underlines Adyen’s continuous expansion of supported payment methods over the years.About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 56 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 169 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/Contact InformationJCB (Head Office in Japan)Anna TakedaCorporate CommunicationsEmail: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jpAllison and Partners K.K. (Adyen Japan’s PR agency)E-mail: adyenjapanpr@allisonworldwide.com Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
Doha, Qatar, May 12, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - A business delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) visited Doha and the second largest city in Qatar Lusail on 10-12 May. This visit includes representatives from mainland enterprises for the first time with the aim to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.35 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and announcements were facilitated in trade and investment promotion, finance, transport and logistics, and innovation and technology, further strengthening collaboration between Hong Kong and the mainland, and facilitating mainland companies to partner with Hong Kong businesses to "go out" and explore opportunities in the Middle East and beyond. They also paved the way for deeper collaboration between Hong Kong, the mainland, Qatar and the broader Middle Eastern market.The delegation, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), comprises over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and enterprise representatives from seven mainland provinces and cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangsu, and Hubei, covering a range of sectors including finance, professional services, construction and real estate, transport and logistics, green development, innovation and technology (I&T), energy and manufacturing.The delegation had meetings with business chambers, including Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), and government bodies, including Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB). In these meetings, the delegates explored opportunities to enhance trade and investment and promoted Hong Kong's advantages and opportunities.The delegates also conducted a site visit to Lusail City to observe how I&T integrates with urban planning and infrastructure and to explore collaboration opportunities for Hong Kong's smart city solution providers. As the second largest city in Qatar, Lusail City is becoming one of the country's flagship smart cities due to its ICT-focused infrastructure facilities, which are under construction and nearing completion.During the visit to the Qatar Foundation and its subsidiaries, the delegates discussed potential partnerships, technology transfer opportunities, and programmes for supporting tech start-ups with entities such as the Qatar National Research Fund, Qatar Science & Technology Park, and Education City. The visit provided insights into how Hong Kong's technological advancements might align with Qatar's strategic focus areas.Additionally, the delegation visited the National Museum of Qatar to gain a deeper understanding of Qatar's history and cultural vision.To foster collaboration, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organised a high-level business luncheon, which was attended by some 300 business leaders and key officials.At the luncheon on 12 May, Mr Lee remarked: "As both our economies diversify, co-operation becomes our greatest multiplier. Uniting Qatar's transformative drive, Mainland China's expertise, and Hong Kong's connectivity will help us realise a future of diverse, and boundless, opportunities. Let's work together. Let's partner for success.""To bring Hong Kong and Qatar together, I am pleased to announce that with immediate effect, holders of the Hong Kong SAR passport can enjoy visa-free entry into Qatar, for 30 days at a time. Nationals of Qatar can also visit Hong Kong visa-free. These initiatives will make it that much easier to create partnerships, do business and enjoy life together,"Mr Lee added.Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: "In 2024, Qatar was Hong Kong's 3rd largest trading partner in the Middle East. This accounted for 6.6% of Hong Kong's total trade with the region. There is a lot of room for growth."Hong Kong is the most international city in the ever-growing Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We are also the gateway to the vast Mainland China market. Our proximity to Asian economies and half the world's population boosts our role as a superconnector and super value-adder linking China with the world. Hong Kong is your access point to Mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond," he added.35 MoUs and announcements were delivered by the government and the following members of the delegation:1. Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)2. Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)3. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Qatar Airways4. Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Invest Qatar5. Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)6. Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)7. Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)8. The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA) and Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)9. The Hong Kong Associations of Bank and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI)10. The Law Society of Hong Kong and Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA)11. The Law Society of Hong Kong and Qatar Lawyers Association12. Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) (non-delegate)13. Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)14. MTR Corporation Limited and Qatar National Bank15. Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce and Luyi Industrial Park16. Hong Kong Productivity Council and Shanghai Westwell Technology17. Hong Kong Productivity Council and EHang Intelligent Equipment (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd18. Bank of China (Hong Kong) and Shanghai Westwell Technology19. Baoye Group and Luyi Industrial Park20. Deloitte China and Glodon Technology Co. Ltd21. Deloitte China and WeBank22. HSBC and PCI Technology Co., Ltd23. HSBC and Meetsocial Group24. Standard Chartered and Fosun International25. Templewater and WeBank26. Center International Group Co., Limited and Luyi Industrial Development QFZ27. Luyi Industrial Park and Qatar Development Bank28. Goldford Group and WeBank and Klickl Technology L.L.C29. Development Bureau and Public Works Authority 'Ashghal' of Qatar30. Invest Hong Kong and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry31. Invest Hong Kong and Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)32. Department of Justice and Ministry of Justice of the State of Qatar (Announcement)33. Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and Qatar Customs (Announcement)34. Security Bureau (Announcement)35. Trade and Industry Department and Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar (Announcement on progress of IPPA's negotiation)As the Belt and Road Initiative continues injecting new momentum into regional cooperation, Hong Kong, positioned as a superconnector and super value-adder with the distinctive advantages of enjoying the strong support of the mainland and being closely connected to the world, will continue to serve as a trade hub between the mainland and the Middle East.In September, the HKSAR Government and HKTDC will host the 10th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong at which Qatari companies can exchange valuable insights and find ways to collaborate with other governments and businesses along the Belt and Road.The Hong Kong delegation's visit to Qatar is part of a broader high-level overseas visit taking place from 10 to 15 May. This visit aims to strengthen economic and trade ties between Hong Kong, the mainland and the Middle East, building on the success of the Chief Executive's previous missions to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2023.Photo download: https://bit.ly/44u5NG1The business delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), comprises over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and enterprise representatives from seven mainland provinces and cities35 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and announcements were facilitatedThe delegation visited Lusail CityThe delegation visited the National Museum of QatarDr Peter K N Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and members of the delegation took part in a roundtable meeting with the chairman and key members of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)Media enquiriesHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Snowy ChanTel: (852) 2584 4525Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.orgSam HoTel: (852) 2584 4569Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 12, 2025) - Euro Manganese Inc. (TSXV: EMN) (ASX: EMN) (OTC Pink: EUMNF) (FSE: E060) (the "Company" or "Euro Manganese") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Ms. Martina Blahova as permanent President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") effective May 12, 2025 and will appoint Ms. Blahova to the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"). Ms. Blahova's appointment to the Board will not take effect until she has obtained a director identification number from the Australian Business Registry Services.Ms. Blahova was appointed as Interim CEO in November 2024. After assessing Ms. Blahova's considerable contributions as Interim CEO and her depth of experience at Euro Manganese and at other companies, the Board determined that she is the best-qualified individual to continue to advance the Company's strategy and execute on the development of the Chvaletice Manganese Project (the "Project").Martina Blahova, President and CEO of Euro Manganese commented, "I am honoured to be appointed CEO during this transformative period for both Euro Manganese and the European battery materials industry. In recent months, we've secured critical government designations, made significant progress on measures to strengthen our financial position, and validated the Project's strategic relevance to Europe's decarbonization goals. I am incredibly proud of our team's achievements and excited to build long-term value for our stakeholders as we advance our vision of providing a resilient, local, and sustainable supply of high-purity manganese." Mr. Rick Anthon, Chairman of the Board, added, "Martina has been instrumental in advancing Euro Manganese's mission to become Europe's leading producer of high-purity manganese. As Interim CEO, she demonstrated a clear vision, deep strategic insight, and steady leadership, which are qualities that have helped position the Chvaletice Manganese Project at the heart of Europe's clean energy transition. Following a robust period of progress under her guidance, the Board is pleased to confirm her appointment as CEO and looks forward to working with her as we move to the next phase of growth."Since joining Euro Manganese in 2018, Ms. Blahova has held various senior leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer and Interim CEO, helping guide the company through significant project development milestones and operational transformation. As CEO, she will continue to focus on advancing the Company's long-term growth strategy, delivering value to shareholders, and fostering a culture of excellence.About Martina BlahovaMs. Blahova has served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since January 2020, and Interim CEO since November 2024. She has extensive financial and leadership experience gained from working in Canada, the Czech Republic, and in the UK. Her full bio is available here.About Euro Manganese Euro Manganese is a battery materials company focused on becoming a leading producer of high-purity manganese for the electric vehicle industry. The Company is advancing development of the Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic and an early-stage opportunity to produce battery-grade manganese products in Bécancour, Québec.The Chvaletice Project is a unique waste-to-value recycling and remediation opportunity involving reprocessing old tailings from a decommissioned mine. It is also the only sizable resource of manganese in the European Union, strategically positioning the Company to provide battery supply chains with critical raw materials to support the global shift to a circular, low-carbon economy.Euro Manganese is dual listed on the TSX-V and the ASX.Authorized for release by the Chairman of Euro Manganese Inc.Neither TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) or the ASX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Enquiries LodeRock AdvisorsNeil WeberInvestor and Media Relations - North America+1 (647) 222-0574 neil.weber@loderockadvisors.comJane Morgan Management Jane Morgan Investor and Media Relations - Australia +61 (0) 405 555 618 jm@janemorganmanagement.com.auCompany Address: #709 -700 West Pender St., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 1G8Website: www.mn25.caFollow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeClick Here to Subscribe to our mailing list for updatesForward-Looking StatementsCertain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company, its Chvaletice Project, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Forward-Looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company.Forward-Looking statements include statements regarding director appointment process and any expected outcome and ability to navigate current market conditions. All forward-looking statements are made based on the Company's current beliefs including various assumptions made by the Company, including that the Chvaletice Project will be developed and operate as planned, the Company will obtain sufficient financing, and that the Company will be able to meet the conditions of its secured financing. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: insufficient working capital; inability to meet the conditions of its secured financing, risks due to granting security, lack of availability of financing for developing and advancing the Chvaletice Project; the potential for unknown or unexpected events to cause contractual conditions to not be satisfied; developments in EV (Electric Vehicles) battery markets and chemistries; risks related to fluctuations in currency exchange rates; and regulation and changes in laws by various governmental agencies. For a further discussion of risks relevant to the Company, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended September 30, 2024, available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.Appendix ASummary of Material Contract Terms for Incoming Chief Executive OfficerIn accordance with ASX Listing Rule 3.16.4, the following are the material terms of the employment agreement with Ms. Martina Blahova for the role of Chief Executive Officer of Euro Manganese Inc. ("EMN"), which was entered into effective May 12, 2025.The key remuneration and contract terms related to Ms. Blahova's employment agreement are set out below:Effective Date:May 12, 2025Term:Permanent CEOFixed Annual Remuneration (FAR):CAD$450,000 per annum, to be taken as cash. Incentives: Short Term Incentive Plan (STIP):Ms. Blahova is eligible for a short term incentive plan of up to 75% of her FAR based on the achievement of certain corporate and individual performance targets, payable as a cash bonus. Board has discretion to amend STIP performance targets and payment schedule upon certain events and/or transactions, including in the event of change in control. Annual awards under STIP are subject to Ms. Blahova's individual performance (achievements and conduct) and EMN and Ms. Blahova achieving Board-approved targets.Service BonusMs. Blahova will be entitled to receive a service bonus equal to 12 months of her FAR payable upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company and/or its subsidiary as a retention bonus. This payment is not connected with any actual or potential termination of Ms. Blahova's Employment Agreement. A change of control for this purpose includes 40% change in ownership or voting power of the Company and/or its subsidiary.Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP):The form of Ms. Blahova's participation in EMN's LTIP is by way of Stock Option Plan and Board approval. Stock options granted to Ms. Blahova can range from 0% - 100% of the target LTIP opportunity, based upon the achievement of corporate and individual performance targets. Ms. Blahova's annual performance is measured against corporate and individual performance objectives, the weighting of each being dependent upon her role in the organization and relative influence over corporate performance objectives. Any future stock option grants to Ms. Blahova are expected to have an expiry of 10 years, and the vesting schedule will be 1/3 of the stock option grant will immediately, 1/3 will vest on the first anniversary of the date of the grant, and 1/3 will vest on the second anniversary of the date of the grant, all subject to the Board's discretionTermination Provisions: Resignation by Ms. BlahovaMs. Blahova may terminate her employment at any time by giving EMN not less than six weeks' written notice. Termination by EMN with NoticeThe Company may terminate Ms. Blahova's employment at any time with 12 months severance. Additionally, upon a termination without cause, all unvested stock options shall vest. Termination by EMN Without NoticeUpon the Company's termination of Ms. Blahova's employment for cause, Ms. Blahova shall not be entitled to reasonable written notice of termination or pay in lieu of notice of termination, or any other compensation or damages for severance. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/251597 Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
TOKYO, May 12, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TOYOTA GAZOO Racing battled back strongly to earn a double points finish from an incident-packed and exciting 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the third round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).The reigning World Champions fought valiantly to recover from a disappointing qualifying and score valuable points after an intense team effort featuring determined driving and smart strategy in the final race before next month’s Le Mans 24 Hours, which it aims to win for a sixth time.Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa finished in a hard-fought fourth place in their #8 GR010 HYBRID after choosing an aggressive fuel strategy, while Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries were seventh in their #7 GR010 HYBRID.Cheered on by a weekend crowd of 98,874, including employees from the team’s Cologne base and colleagues from Toyota Motor Europe, an epic battle began on a warm and sunny afternoon. The team’s difficult qualifying meant Brendon started 15th and Mike 16th, but both GR010 HYBRIDs fought hard from the green light to gain positions.An exciting opening stint set the tone for the race, with wheel-to-wheel racing throughout the 18-strong Hypercar field. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing started its fightback and precise, aggressive driving helped both GR010 HYBRIDs move closer to the top 10, although Mike’s progress was hindered by a front-right puncture after 23 minutes.A virtual safety car late in the second hour allowed Mike to make his next pit stop while losing less time than a stop in green flag conditions, lifting the #7 into the top 10. At the next pit stops, midway through the third hour, Kamui took over the car in eighth while Ryo took the wheel of the 11th-placed #8.In a thrilling duel, Kamui fought past the #5 Porsche for seventh but had to cede the place after drifting off track. He repeated the move successfully just a lap later, before a safety car at half distance gave a further opportunity to gain positions. When the field pitted together, a faster stop – thanks to changing only two tyres – allowed Kamui to leapfrog several rivals and sit third at the restart.When racing resumed, Kamui was under intense pressure from the Ferraris. A locked brake into the Bus Stop chicane saw the #7 run wide and, with all cars running so close together, dropped down to seventh.Yet another safety car late in the fourth hour prompted both cars to pit for a driver change. Nyck took over the #7 in fourth, while Sébastien strapped into the ninth-placed #8. In the process, Sébastien equalled the record for participating in the most WEC races, 89 since his debut at Le Mans 2012.Entering the final two hours, differing fuel strategies emerged. The #8 car opted for a bold plan by cutting short its penultimate stint to move out of traffic and allow Sébastien to set faster lap times. As rivals made their regular stops, Sébastien even moved into the lead until his final fuel stop, with 45 minutes remaining.The #8 crept back up the order as the other Hypercars made their last stops. As the clock ticked down, Sébastien progressed to fourth while Nyck also gained positions and crossed the line in seventh for a result which maintains the team’s 100% points-scoring start to the season.The next round is the highlight of the endurance racing season, the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 14-15 June, when TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will challenge for its sixth victory at La Sarthe.Kamui Kobayashi (Team Principal and driver, car #7):“I think fourth and seventh was pretty much the best we could do. Obviously, we split the strategies with the two cars which meant we dropped a position on car #7, but car #8 did an amazing job to finish fourth. All the team, car crews and drivers did a fantastic job this week, so I want to thank them for this big effort. Now it’s time for the big race at Le Mans, so let’s work together to find the performance we need. We are looking forward to challenge to win Le Mans again.”Mike Conway (Driver, car #7):“This race was changing all the time, with lots of incidents. We had the puncture in my stint which forced us to change strategy, then we got a bit lucky with the virtual safety soon after. At the end, car #8 went for an alternative fuel strategy and it worked, so well done to them. Together we scored some decent World Championship points. We didn’t have the pace of the front runners, but the result was better than expected, even if we are always aiming for more.”Nyck de Vries (Driver, car #7):“A tough race event for us a team, nevertheless I think we did well to bring the cars home in fourth and seventh. I am very sure this was the maximum we could achieve considering the performance we had this week. It was a big challenge, but we fought very hard, did our best and took our opportunities. As a team, we maximised the package we had this weekend.”Sébastien Buemi (Driver, car #8):“I am happy with this result considering everything. We did a great job to offset our fuel strategy and make up positions. Everyone in the team performed to the maximum so I don’t think we could do any more. We had good reliability, clever strategy and made no mistakes despite the traffic. So, I think it was a great race performance, even if we really wanted to finish higher.”Brendon Hartley (Driver, car #8):“It was an action-packed race. We started more or less from the back of the grid with both cars, and we didn’t have the pace of our competitors, but we had amazing teamwork. With a good strategy, we kept our belief and at some point, we thought maybe a podium was possible. But honestly, fourth was absolutely the best we could realistically achieve. We never dreamt of that after qualifying. We just put the perfect race together between mechanics, engineers and drivers. Although we are impatient to spray podium champagne soon, it was great to collect these points.”Ryo Hirakawa (Driver, car #8):“It was a tough race, but I am happy with the result. As expected, there were plenty of incidents but we kept it clean and stayed patient. It was not easy at times, but we did our best with strategy and made the right decisions. It was great to see how hard the team worked all week here, and their big effort in the race despite our difficult qualifying. The next race is Le Mans, and I think we are in good shape so let’s keep pushing.”6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps1st #51 Ferrari AF Corse (Pier Guidi/Calado/Giovinazzi) 150 laps2nd #50 Ferrari AF Corse (Fuoco/Molina/Nielsen) +4.229secs3rd #36 Alpine Endurance Team (Gounon/Makowiecki/Schumacher) +5.148secs4th #8 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing +32.760secs5th #12 Cadillac Team JOTA (Lynn/Nato/Stevens) +35.966secs6th #38 Cadillac Team JOTA (Bamber/Bourdais/Button) +45.357secs7th #7 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing +46.022secs Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
