Estithmar Holding Reports 97% Surge YoY in Q1 2026 in Net Profit to QAR 333 Mn

^{Estithmar Holding Reports 97% Surge YoY in Q1 2026 in Net Profit to QAR 333 Mn (Photo: AETOSWire)} 
 

• Strong performance reflects sustained upward momentum driven by international expansion and operational efficiency
• Digital transformation initiatives in automation and artificial intelligence enhanced productivity, governance, and cost optimization

DOHA, Qatar, April 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C. announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, reporting a net profit of QAR 333 million, marking a significant 97% increase compared to the same period last year. The results underscore the strength of the Company’s operating model and the successful execution of its expansion strategy.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260429718889/en/ 

The company recorded revenues of QAR 1.455 billion, up from QAR 1.309 billion in Q1 2025. Gross profit rose to QAR 561 million compared to QAR 416 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 35%. EBITDA grew by 73% to reach QAR 473 million, while earnings per share increased by 90% to QAR 0.089.

These results reflect comprehensive growth across all key financial indicators, supported by a clear investment vision and the Company’s ability to balance geographic expansion, portfolio diversification, and operational efficiency. International investments announced in previous periods have begun to deliver tangible impact, contributing to revenue growth, enhanced profitability, and asset base expansion.

The strong growth in net profit is attributed to the Company’s disciplined approach to operational efficiency and value creation, alongside prudent capital management and effective risk management practices. In parallel, digital transformation initiatives, particularly in automation and artificial intelligence, have played a key role in improving productivity, strengthening governance, and optimizing costs.

The results also highlight a balanced contribution across the Company’s business Groups; healthcare, services, tourism and real estate development, and industries & specialized contracting, demonstrating each Group’s success in executing its growth strategy within an integrated strategic framework.

Commenting on the results, Juan Leon, CEO of Estithmar Holding, said:
“The Q1 results reflect the strength of our business model and our ability to deliver accelerated and sustainable growth simultaneously. This performance goes beyond achieving record figures, it demonstrates the quality of our investment decisions and disciplined execution across markets and sectors. The balance between revenue growth and improved profitability, supported by strong operational performance and healthy cash flows, highlights our efficiency and our ability to translate expansion into tangible shareholder value.”

Read More for the full Press Release

Source: AETOSWire

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260429718889/en/

Contact

Nesrine Nacef
n.nacef@estithmarholding.com 

Source : Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C. 

MAVENIR PACKET CORE GOES LIVE WITH JAPAN'S RAKUTEN MOBILE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- Mavenir, the software company building artificial intelligence (AI)-by-design mobile networks, announced that its Converged Packet Core is now live in Rakuten Mobile’s nationwide mobile network, deployed on Rakuten Cloud Platform.

Mavenir, in a statement said the deployment plays a key role in enabling Rakuten Mobile to deliver multi-carrier roaming via ‘JAPAN Roaming’, a nationwide emergency service launched by Japan’s leading mobile carriers on April 1.

Mavenir Executive Vice President and General Manager, Packet Core, Security and Messaging, Michael Cooper said the deployment demonstrates how cloud-native packet core technology can support resilient, large-scale connectivity under extreme network conditions, contributing to public safety and service continuity.

Meanwhile, Rakuten Mobile General Manager of the Core Network Department, Ryo Watanabe said Mavenir’s cloud-native packet core is central to the operator’s role in JAPAN Roaming, enabling flexible and reliable connectivity when it is needed most.

Mavenir’s cloud-native packet core provides the scalable, resilient data foundation required for Rakuten Mobile to support cross-carrier access under emergency conditions, demonstrating how cloud-based core networks can strengthen national communications infrastructure and support service continuity at scale.

JAPAN Roaming enables users to temporarily connect to another domestic carrier’s 4G LTE network if their primary service is disrupted by major outages or disasters. The service supports 4G LTE voice, SMS and data, alongside an emergency-calls-only mode to maintain access to critical services.

Mavenir added that its cloud-native core portfolio supports voice, data, messaging, fraud protection and security, and is designed to scale with operators’ evolving service and resilience requirements—enabling faster service deployment, increased automation and improved responsiveness to changing network conditions.

The company also noted its long-standing relationship with Rakuten Mobile, including earlier deployments of cloud-native voice and messaging capabilities for Rakuten Link, supporting ongoing service innovation within the operator’s fully virtualised network.

-- BERNAMA

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

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
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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

AGC Biologics Wins 2026 Fierce Outsourcing Award for Leadership in Regulatory and Quality Compliance

 

Global CDMO recognized for exceptional quality systems and regulatory track record; named finalist in Excellence in Client Service & Partnership and Manufacturing Operations categories 


SEATTLE, April 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AGC Biologics, your friendly CDMO expert, is the 2026 recipient of the Fierce Outsourcing Award for Leadership in Regulatory and Quality Compliance. The award recognizes the company's exemplary regulatory strategy, robust quality systems, and compliance execution. Winners were announced by the Fierce Outsourcing Awards organizers on April 14 and will be celebrated during Fierce Biotech Week in Boston, Mass., on May 13.

Delivering Quality Services Across Three Continents to Bring High-Quality Products to Patients

Through globally integrated operations, AGC Biologics provides unified, high-quality services, focused on consistency and excellence regardless of a project's complexity or geographic location. AGC Biologics’ technical expertise is backed by more than three decades of industry-leading GMP experience, 100 successful regulatory inspections, more than 30 commercial product approvals, and experience with more than 400 products for over 250 different customers.

“In 2025, our sites collectively underwent nine successful regulatory inspections from seven different global health authorities, resulting in five new product approvals for our partners,” said Alberto Santagostino, CEO and President of AGC Biologics. “We are humbled and grateful for the rigor of regulatory agencies around the world that help us in our journey of continuous quality improvement.”

Continued Investment in Excellence and Global Quality with New Site in Japan

Demonstrative of AGC Biologics’ continued investment in global quality, a state-of-the-art facility is currently under construction in Yokohama. This new site will offer one of the largest single-use bioreactors for a CDMO in Japan, extending AGC Biologics’ tri-regional footprint of uniform, high-standard service delivery, exceptional quality and compliance, resilient supply chain, and limited geopolitical risk.

Services in Yokohama include mammalian development with two downstream lines and flexible single-use bag capacity of 18,000 liters, cell therapy services with six clean rooms, and mRNA development and manufacturing with 2 IVT, two purification lines, and two LNP lines.

What the Fierce Outsourcing Awards Represent

The Fierce Outsourcing Awards, formerly the Fierce CRO Awards, recognize outsourcing partners that play a critical role in helping pharma and biotech companies move faster, manage risk, and bring innovative therapies to patients.

This awards program celebrates excellence, innovation, and impact across the outsourced drug development ecosystem—honoring the organizations that deliver scientific rigor, operational excellence, and trusted partnership at every stage of the pipeline. Entries were judged on the ability of the applicant to demonstrate the following: innovation and impact, measurable outcomes, sustainability and scalability, and ethical and regulatory adherence.

In addition to receiving the award for leadership in regulatory and quality compliance, AGC Biologics was also named a finalist for categories recognizing exceptional and collaborative client service, and superior performance in manufacturing regarding quality, consistency, and operational excellence across modalities.

FAQs

What specific factors establish AGC Biologics as a leader in regulatory and quality compliance for pharmaceutical outsourcing?

AGC Biologics' leadership in regulatory and quality compliance is established by a long and consistent history of global regulatory success and a deep commitment to quality systems. Key factors that demonstrate this leadership include:

• Extensive GMP Experience. With over 30 years of industry-leading GMP manufacturing experience, AGC Biologics’ processes are built on a foundation of proven quality and technical expertise. Robust regulatory and quality frameworks have directly contributed to more than 30 commercial product approvals for partners, proving the CDMO’s ability to successfully navigate the path to market.
• Proven Inspection Success. AGC Biologics has a track record of more than 100 successful regulatory inspections from health authorities worldwide. In 2025 alone, AGC Biologics sites successfully completed nine inspections from seven different global health authorities, underscoring its continuous state of compliance.
• Diverse Portfolio and Broad Trust. AGC Biologics’ experience spans more than 400 products for over 250 different customers, reflecting the industry's trust in its ability to manage a wide array of complex biologics while upholding the highest standards. This extensive portfolio has resulted in five new product approvals for partners in 2025.

How does AGC Biologics’ global, unified quality system directly benefit biopharma developers and ensure project success?

Leadership in regulatory and quality compliance is evidenced by a proven history of successful product approvals. AGC Biologics' global network consistently delivers results that meet the stringent requirements of regulatory bodies worldwide, which biopharma developers need in order to test their therapies and ultimately enter new commercial markets.

A successful global, unified quality system begins with a deeply embedded quality culture, a fact corroborated by client testimonials of AGC Biologics. Fondazione Telethon directly credits the “high-quality services provided by AGC Biologics” as instrumental in achieving both FDA approval and a positive CHMP opinion for Waskyra™. Similarly, Autolus, upon receiving FDA approval for its first product, highlighted AGC Biologics as a "valued manufacturing partner... providing reliable, high-quality and timely support.”

In just the last two years, the Seattle site helped shepherd four product approvals by the FDA and eight product approvals in other regulatory jurisdictions. These outcomes are a direct result of a quality system that is robust, globally integrated, and relentlessly focused on client success.

What other recognition has AGC Biologics received for its quality track record?

Last year, AGC Biologics received the Best Quality Management Systems Award at the CDMO Leadership Awards for its global quality system across its sites on three different continents.

About AGC Biologics

AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standard of service as we work side-by-side with our clients and partners, to provide friendly and expert services. We provide world-class development and manufacturing of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells. Our global network spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with locations in Seattle, Washington; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba and Yokohama, Japan. AGC Biologics is a part of AGC Inc.’s Life Science Business. The Life Science Business runs 10+ facilities focused on biopharmaceuticals, advanced therapies, small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, and agrochemicals. To learn more, visit www.agcbio.com.

Media Contact:

AGC Inc. corporate contact: info-pr@agc.com   
AGC Biologics media contact: kati.sills@agc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a890f59-3a79-42da-afe8-e540449c58e5

SOURCE: AGC Biologics, Inc. 

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 EXCELLENT RATINGS FOR CHINA'S TMNCH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (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 The Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance Company (China) Limited (TMNCH).

The outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) is stable, reflecting TMNCH’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

According to AM Best in a statement, the ratings also consider support from its parent, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co Ltd (TMNF), the main insurance operating entity of Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

A small-sized, long-standing player in China’s non-life insurance markets, TMNCH’s very strong balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, strengthened by its low underwriting leverage and reinsurance dependency, as well as positive liquidity.

The company’s capital and surplus remain comparatively modest, while its solvency stays robust with a comfortable buffer above regulatory requirements.

AM Best assesses TMNCH’s operating performance as strong, demonstrated by a track record of positive underwriting results that outperformed the market over the past five years.

However, underwriting performance and net profitability were more subdued in 2025 due to intensifying market competition and reduced risk exposure, with return on equity falling to the mid-single-digit level.

Supported by interest income from bank deposits, TMNCH’s investment results remained stable, and the company will continue to explore business opportunities in the upstream and downstream industries of Japanese clients in the future.

-- BERNAMA

CHERY’S ICAUR TARGETS EUROPE WITH URBAN OUTDOOR VEHICLES

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Chery Group announced its vehicle brand iCAUR is preparing to launch in Europe as it promotes its Urban Outdoor mobility concept ahead of its 2026 International Business Summit.

In a statement, the company said iCAUR is positioned as a premium brand aimed at redefining rugged boxy vehicles by combining off-road capability with improved comfort and practicality for everyday and family use.

The brand addresses limitations of conventional off-road vehicles, particularly in comfort and long-distance usability, positioning itself as a more versatile option bridging urban commuting and outdoor travel.

At the centre of the European push is the iCAUR V27, which offers a combined range of more than 1,000 kilometres, 224 millimetres (mm) ground clearance and a 2,900 mm wheelbase designed to support both city driving and off-road conditions.

The model is engineered for varied environments, with stable performance in wet and mountainous terrain, alongside a focus on cabin space and practicality for family use.

Chery said the brand’s strategy focuses on design, technology and user-centric functionality, targeting consumers seeking utility, simplicity and flexible mobility rather than conventional off-road performance alone.

It added that European expansion aligns with a broader strategy of localisation and product optimisation, as it seeks to tailor offerings to regional driving preferences and conditions.

The company said it will continue refining its product portfolio and services for Europe as it advances its international rollout of Urban Outdoor mobility solutions.

-- BERNAMA