LyondellBasell completes sale of select European strategic assessment assets

 

Transaction with AEQUITA advances company’s portfolio realignment


ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, May 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) today announced that it has successfully completed the sale of select European olefins and polyolefins assets, and the associated business and corporate functions, to AEQUITA as a key milestone in the company’s European strategic assessment. The transaction follows completion of required employee information and consultation processes and satisfaction of customary regulatory and closing conditions.

The divestiture supports the company’s strategy to grow and upgrade the core by further concentrating on assets and businesses with durable competitive advantages and stronger long-term returns, while enhancing financial flexibility and supporting disciplined capital allocation.

The assets sold in the transaction are located in Berre (France), Münchsmünster (Germany), Carrington (UK), and Tarragona (Spain). LYB will continue to operate its Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) business in Tarragona.

“This transaction represents a pivotal achievement in our transformation,” said Peter Vanacker, chief executive officer of LyondellBasell. “By finalizing this sale, we have refined our portfolio and enhanced our capacity to allocate capital toward high-return opportunities that contribute to long-term value creation.” 

Vanacker added, “Europe remains an integral market for LYB; we will continue to invest where value creation is strong, reinforcing our leadership in specialty polymers, building a profitable Circular & Low Carbon Solutions business, and advancing our leadership in technology and innovation. We extend our gratitude to our colleagues transferring as part of this transaction for their contributions, professionalism, and resilience throughout the process. As they transition to a standalone business under AEQUITA ownership, we wish them and the new company success in the next chapter ahead.” 

Following today’s closing, the divested business will be named and operated as Velogy. 

“This closing marks an important step in building a scaled and competitive European polymers platform, a sector where we see strong fundamentals and attractive long-term value creation potential,” said Dr.-Ing. Axel Geuer, AEQUITA-Founder and Chairman. “We thank LyondellBasell for the constructive collaboration throughout the process and are excited to begin the next step of partnering with Velogy’s employees to reinforce and further enhance the Company’s leading services to customers and suppliers.”

LYB remains committed to operating its remaining assets safely and reliably and to continuing to serve customers and partners with the same high standards. 

Advisors 
Citi and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisors, and Linklaters LLP acted as legal counsel to LyondellBasell.

About LyondellBasell 
We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) ― a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors, and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

About AEQUITA 
AEQUITA is a Munich-based industrial group investing in corporate carve-outs, succession situations, and transformational opportunities across Europe, North America, and Asia. Its portfolio companies generate more than EUR 10 billion in revenues across three segments — automotive, chemicals, and industrials — and employ over 19,000 people worldwide. Backed by a strong capital base and deep operational expertise, AEQUITA acquires and sustainably develops companies with long-term value creation potential. For more information, visit www.aequita.com.

Media Inquiries LYB Global 
LyondellBasell Media Relations 
Phone: +1-713-309-7575 
Email: mediarelations@lyondellbasell.com
Or: 
Media Inquiries LYB Europe 
Esther Clason, Communications EMEAI 
Phone: +31 6 388 269 30 
Email: Esther.Clason@lyondellbasell.com

Media Inquiries AEQUITA SE & Co. KGaA 
Kolja Hübner, Partner 
Gabrielenstr. 9, 80636 Munich 
Phone: +49 89 2620 4840-0
Email: contact@aequita.com 

Forward-Looking Statements LYB 
The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, our ability to align our asset base with our strategic goals; our ability to create long-term value for our stakeholders; and our ability to build a profitable Circular & Low Carbon Solutions business. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investors page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change, except as required by law.  


SOURCE: LyondellBasell

JPMorganChase Named First-Ever Global Banking Partner of the Olympic Games

International Olympic Committee and JPMorganChase Announce Landmark Global Olympic Partnership

NEW YORK, April 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and JPMorganChase today announced a landmark Worldwide Olympic Partnership, making JPMorganChase the first Global Banking Partner in Olympic history. The partnership includes the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28 Games) and the French Alps 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The firm has also reached an agreement with LA28 to become the Official Bank of Team USA and LA28, and a Founding Partner of the LA28 Games.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ambition and excellence, and places athletes and communities at its core.

Kirsty Coventry, President of the IOC, commented: “JPMorganChase is the first Global Partner from the banking sector in Olympic history, and we are proud to welcome them to the Worldwide Olympic Partner programme. This partnership reflects our shared values of ambition, excellence and will support the Olympic Movement and sport around the world. JPMorganChase’s global reach and expertise will deliver lasting support for athletes and help create a lasting impact in communities worldwide.”

Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorganChase, added: “We are honored to be a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, supporting athletes, fans, businesses and communities around the globe. Olympians and Paralympians are more than athletes—they are our customers, clients and employees, and their dreams extend beyond the Games. We bank the communities they call home, finance the facilities where they train, help them start businesses and plan for their futures. Their journeys reflect the aspirations of millions we serve every day, and we’re excited to support them.”

With operations in over 60 countries and clients in more than 100 markets, JPMorganChase brings unmatched expertise and resources to help create economic growth and opportunity for customers, employees and communities worldwide.

For over 135 years, JPMorganChase has helped create economic opportunity in Los Angeles—creating jobs, supporting businesses and helping families thrive. In LA, the firm serves 5 million consumer banking clients and 589,000 small business clients through more than 6,000 employees and more than 330 retail branches. In France, where the firm has operated since 1868, JPMorganChase has more than 1,000 employees, and since 2018, it has committed $100 million in new business and philanthropic investments to connect individuals and entrepreneurs to economic opportunities. Over the last five years, JPMorganChase has also provided over €147 billion in credit and capital to more than 670 investment clients across the country.

Through this partnership, JPMorganChase will strengthen the Olympic and Paralympic Movements’ long-term financial health and create new opportunities for athletes, businesses and communities to thrive. JPMorganChase and the IOC will holistically support athletes, including plans to host financial health workshops for them through the IOC’s Athlete365 platform. These initiatives and other local investments in host cities will help ensure the Olympic Movement leaves a lasting legacy beyond the Games.

JPMorganChase becomes the Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Asset and Wealth Management and Private Banking, Commercial and Investment Banking category. In the U.S., the firm will be a Founding Partner of the LA28 Games in the Retail Banking category. Consistent with the IOC’s approach, revenues generated through the partnership will be redistributed to support sports organisations globally—including National Olympic Committees and their athletes, as well as Organising Committees for the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games.

About JPMorganChase
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.9 trillion in assets and $364 billion in stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2026. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

About the International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organization made up of volunteers, committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90% of its income to the wider sporting movement, meaning that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organizations at all levels around the world.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260428968839/en/

Contact

Shelby Ashe
shelby.ashe@jpmchase.com

Source : JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Bitget Launches Blockchain4Youth Learning Hub to Strengthen the Future Web3 Workforce

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has announced the launch of the Blockchain4Youth Learning Hub: Semester 1, a new education initiative designed to help young learners explore blockchain not only as a field of study, but as a viable career path in the digital economy.

As part of Bitget’s broader Blockchain4Youth initiative, the Learning Hub expands the program’s mission of making blockchain education more accessible and actionable for young people worldwide. Through recent initiatives such as the LALIGA Youth Tournament in Thailand, its partnership with Google Developer Group on Campus, and the Web3 Young Learners’ Encyclopedia, Blockchain4Youth has engaged more than 15,000 participants since launch, reflecting its ongoing commitment to youth development and the rising interest among students in finding clearer pathways into the Web3 industry.

The Blockchain4Youth Learning Hub combines structured learning with professional recognition and career-oriented support. Learners who complete the program and pass the assessments will receive a Certificate of Completion signed by Ignacio Aguirre Franco, Chief Marketing Officer of Bitget, giving them a credential they can present across their professional profiles.

The certificate is intended to serve as more than proof of participation. It offers verified recognition of Web3 competency and unlocks access to a broader network of opportunities. Certificate holders can benefit from priority review for opportunities at Bitget and gain entry to the Blockchain4Youth Talent Alliance, a core pillar of the program designed to connect certified learners with the wider Web3 industry. Through the alliance, participants can access priority opportunities, industry exposure, and networking channels, creating a clearer pathway between demonstrated knowledge and real-world professional roles.

As part of this effort, Bitget has confirmed a partnership with Bondex, the Web3 professional network behind web3.career, the largest job board in the industry. Through the partnership, Bitget and Bondex aim to make career entry points into Web3 more transparent and accessible for the next generation of builders and professionals

“Most young people trying to break into Web3 hit the same wall, they take a course, then have no network, no verified credentials, and no clear path to a job.” said Ignacio Palomera, Co-Founder of Bondex. “Blockchain4Youth and Bondex fix that. Finish the program, build a verified profile, be discovered in the Bondex trusted talent pool and apply directly to companies hiring on web3.career. It's the bridge the industry's been missing.

“A lot of young people are interested in Web3, but interest alone does not always show them where to begin,” said Ignacio Aguirre Franco, CMO of Bitget. “The Learning Hub is about making that first step feel more real by giving learners knowledge, recognition, and a better sense of where this path can lead. When young talent can see opportunity more clearly, they are more likely to believe they belong in the future of this industry.”

Ultimately, Blockchain4Youth Learning Hub reflects a broader commitment to building long-term infrastructure for Web3 education and talent development. More than a standalone campaign, the Learning Hub demonstrates how Blockchain4Youth is evolving into a sustained platform that supports learners as they move from discovery to skill-building, and from participation to contribution. Through this initiative, Bitget continues to position itself not only as a platform for digital assets, but also as an ecosystem builder helping shape the workforce that will define the next phase of Web3.

The B4Y Talent Alliance welcomes recruiting companies that want to connect with emerging talent, expand industry access, and create more pathways into Web3. Interested organizations can contact blockchain4youth@bitget.com.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b28d747f-7398-4f75-918b-9c886aeae023

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

--BERNAMA

VESON, VERACITY BY DNV PARTNER ON VERIFIED EMISSIONS DATA INTEGRATION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Maritime data and freight management solutions provider, Veson Nautical (Veson) has formed a strategic partnership with Veracity by DNV to integrate verified emissions data into operational and commercial shipping workflows.

The integration connects Veson’s IMOS with the Veracity platform, allowing emissions figures verified by DNV to flow directly into voyage financials and profit-and-loss tracking within IMOS.

According to Veson in a statement, this first-of-its-kind integration is designed to help shipping operators incorporate compliance and automated data quality checks into voyage decisions, regulatory reporting and settlement processes, while reducing manual data handling and audit risk.

Veson President and Chief Operating Officer, Sean Riley said the partnership reflects growing industry demand for verified data to support both compliance and commercial performance.

Meanwhile, Veracity by DNV Executive Director, Mikkel Skou said the collaboration demonstrates how verified data can improve decision-making, operational efficiency and data-sharing across the maritime sector.

The partnership is expected to expand into an end-to-end emissions reporting and verification workflow, enabling operational vessel data from IMOS to be transferred to Veracity for quality assurance and verification through DNV’s Emissions Connect.

The system is intended to support compliance with evolving frameworks such as the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime, while also supporting broader commercial use cases.

The partnership builds on Veracity by DNV’s maritime data network, which connects to more than 65,000 vessels worldwide through automated access to verified data, and Veson’s expanding Platform Partner Network. Together, they aim to extend trusted emissions and operational data into core shipping systems, providing a more connected ecosystem for maritime commercial operations.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS EXCELLENT CREDIT RATINGS OF NEW ZEALAND'S TOWER

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (Excellent) of New Zealand’s Tower Limited (Tower), with a stable outlook.

In a statement, AM Best said the credit ratings (ratings) reflect Tower’s balance sheet strength, which was assessed as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

Tower’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, which was at the strongest level at fiscal year-end 2025 (Sept 30, 2025).

AM Best expects capitalisation to remain at least very strong over the medium term, supported by earnings retention, solid financial flexibility, a prudent reinsurance programme, and a conservative investment strategy.

The insurer’s operating performance is assessed as adequate, reflecting a history of earnings volatility linked to catastrophe events. In FY2025, Tower reported a return-on-equity ratio of 23.5 per cent and a net/net combined ratio of 81.4 per cent, driven by technical performance and investment income.

The credit rating agency expects continued positive operating results supported by disciplined underwriting, pricing adequacy, and investment returns.

Tower holds a solid position in its core New Zealand insurance segments, despite a modest overall non-life market share of around five per cent. Its product portfolio is concentrated in domestic property and motor insurance.

AM Best assesses Tower’s ERM as appropriate, noting an increased focus on regulatory compliance amid recent regulatory developments in New Zealand. Following a self-reported issue, the Financial Markets Authority conducted an investigation that identified historical misleading representations resulting in a penalty payment.

The company is undertaking customer remediation and strengthening internal controls as part of its ongoing governance improvements.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS TAIWAN’S SHINKONG INSURANCE RATINGS AT EXCELLENT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a+” (Excellent) of Taiwan’s Shinkong Insurance Company Limited (Shinkong Insurance), with a stable outlook.

The credit ratings (ratings) reflect Shinkong Insurance’s very strong balance sheet strength, strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management, according to AM Best in a statement.

AM Best expects the insurer’s risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, to remain at the strongest level in 2025 and prospectively, supported by strong earnings generation, consistent capital management, prudent reserving, and a conservative investment strategy.

The insurer’s operating performance remained robust, underpinned by a five-year weighted average return-on-equity of 14.8 per cent and a net combined ratio of 87.5 per cent from 2021 to 2025. In 2025, the company posted favourable results with its net combined ratio edging down to a record low of 82.2 per cent, driven by solid underwriting profitability.

The global credit rating agency said stable investment returns, strict underwriting discipline and effective expense management are expected to continue supporting Shinkong Insurance’s performance over the intermediate term.

Shinkong Insurance is Taiwan’s third-largest non-life insurer by gross premiums written, with a moderately diversified underwriting portfolio led by motor insurance, while its developed risk management framework and stable distribution mix were also viewed as supporting factors in the ratings assessment.

-- BERNAMA

ICEKREDIT CALLS FOR STRONGER ASEAN ALIGNMENT ON AI GOVERNANCE, ADOPTION

 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- IceKredit Chief Growth Officer Kong Chinang called for stronger regional alignment across policy, industry and education to support sustainable and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the inaugural AI Forward: Southeast Asia Policy Summit, hosted recently by Grab and ASEAN BAC in Jakarta, Kong said ASEAN has strong potential to play a leading role in the global AI landscape but requires coordinated action across sectors as AI evolves rapidly.

“ASEAN stands at an exciting inflection point for AI. To fully realise its transformative potential, we need deeper regional engagement and alignment among the tripartite pillars of policy, industry, and education. 

“Equally critical is embedding sustainability and responsibility into every stage of AI adoption, ensuring technology benefits people, businesses, and economies inclusively,” he added in a statement.

During the panel session “Empowering the next phase of AI transformation in SEA”, Kong joined speakers including Timothy Yap of McKinsey, Dau Anh Tuan of the Vietnam Chamber of Industry and Trade, Gunish Chawla of Amazon, and Yann AitBachir of Google to discuss the current state and future trajectory of AI adoption in Southeast Asia.

The summit, held alongside Grab’s flagship GrabX product event at Shangri-La Jakarta, gathered senior policymakers, global technology leaders and industry experts to discuss the future of AI development and deployment across ASEAN.

The day-long event featured addresses from Grab Group Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder Anthony Tan, Indonesian government ministers and sector leaders, alongside demonstrations of Grab’s latest AI-powered innovations.

As AI moves from concept to large-scale implementation across Southeast Asia, cross-sector collaboration and responsible innovation have emerged as key priorities to unlock inclusive growth and strengthen the region’s global competitiveness.

-- BERNAMA