TAURANGA, New Zealand--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2024-- Craigs Investment Partners (“Craigs” or “the Firm”), a leading wealth management firm in New Zealand, today announced that TA Associates (“TA”), a leading global private equity firm, has signed a conditional agreement to make a strategic investment in the Firm. Under the agreement, Craigs’ existing employee and director shareholders will retain 50 percent ownership of the Firm, partnering closely with TA. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218087239/en/ “TA is an ideal partner to support Craigs’ growth ambitions and ongoing commitment to client outcomes given its significant global experience investing in wealth management, and its strong understanding of the regional market,” said Simon Tong, CEO of Craigs. “Craigs and TA are aligned on a client-first philosophy and the importance of a personalized approach to wealth management. Client outcomes remain our top priority, and there will be no change in the people or our approach to providing outstanding service to our clients.” The partnership between Craigs and TA aims to further enhance Craigs’ position as a leader in the New Zealand wealth management market while enabling its continued expansion. Leveraging over 50 years of experience helping high-quality companies grow, TA will provide deep industry knowledge, strategic resources and a robust global network to accelerate Craigs’ growth strategy. “This is an exciting opportunity that connects our local team with TA’s extensive global experience in wealth management, supporting our ability to deliver enhanced outcomes for clients in an increasingly dynamic environment. Access to TA’s international network, best practices and insights will help us elevate our services while maintaining the personalised approach that sets us apart,” Tong continued. “Over the past 40 years, Craigs has established itself as one of the largest and most respected wealth management firms in New Zealand, offering a comprehensive range of personalised wealth advice and services to its clients,” said Edward Sippel, head of TA Associates Asia Pacific Ltd. and a Managing Director at TA. “We deeply respect this history and are honoured to support the Firm’s continued growth strategy and commitment to delivering best-in-class client outcomes.” “TA has a long history of partnering with world-class wealth managers like Craigs,” said Lily Xu, Vice President at TA. “We are excited to collaborate with the entire Craigs team to expand the Firm’s reach, continue enhancing its service offerings, and explore strategic M&A opportunities.” The agreement remains subject to certain approvals being obtained, including Court approval, Craigs’ shareholder approval and Overseas Investment Office (‘OIO’) consent. Settlement is expected to occur late in the first quarter of 2025. Financial terms were not disclosed. Craigs Investment Partners Limited is a NZX Participant firm. Craigs Investment Partners Limited’s Financial Advice Provider Disclosure Statement can be viewed at craigsip.com/terms-and-conditions . Please visit craigsip.com for more information on Craigs Investment Partners financial advice services. About Craigs Investment Partners (Craigs) Craigs Investment Partners is one of New Zealand's largest investment advisory firms, offering bespoke solutions to both private investors and corporate clients. Craigs provides the complete breadth of private client and wealth management services including investment advice and management, securities trading, research, cash management, institutional dealing, and investment banking. Craigs has over 180 qualified Investment Advisers, servicing over 65,000 private wealth investors across 19 branches in New Zealand. Craigs has a team of 650 employees, $32 billion in funds under advice (“FUA”), and is currently 100% owned by employee and director shareholders. www.craigsip.com About TA Associates (TA) TA is a leading global private equity firm focused on scaling growth in profitable companies. Since 1968, TA has invested in more than 560 companies across its five target industries – technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and businesses services. Leveraging its deep industry expertise and strategic resources, TA collaborates with management teams worldwide to help high-quality companies deliver lasting value. The firm has raised $65 billion in capital to date and has more than 150 investment professionals across offices in Boston, Menlo Park, Austin, London, Mumbai and Hong Kong. More information about TA can be found at www.ta.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218087239/en/ CONTACT: For more information, please contact: Craigs Investment Partners:Tania Bui |tania.bui@craigsip.com TA Associates:Maggie Benoit |mbenoit@ta.com KEYWORD: AUSTRALIA/OCEANIA NEW ZEALAND ASIA PACIFIC INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING ASSET MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Craigs Investment Partners Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/19/2024 04:38 PM/DISC: 12/19/2024 04:36 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218087239/enDonald Trump has voiced his demand for clarity as perplexing drone sightings persist across the United States, leaving authorities baffled. The President-elect took to Truth Social, stating on Friday: "Mystery sightings all over the country. Can this really be happening without our government's knowledge? I don't think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!" Commencing last month, most of the unusual drone sightings have been reported in New Jersey , r eports Daily Express UK. Mystery New Jersey drones could be Mexican cartel posing major safety threat Origin of mystery drones revealed by UFO expert as he warns of 'security threat' Locals have reported multiple drones nocturnally navigating the skies around important sites such as the Picatinny Arsenala crucial military research baseand Trump's own Bedminster golf course. Some local reports indicate these drones are unusually large, even SUV-sized, which surpasses typical recreational drone dimensions. Public reaction is mixed; Governor Phil Murphy assures residents that the drone activity poses no risk, while others maintain skepticism. Congressman Andy Kim raised alarm by posting a drone video taken near Round Valley Reservoir and commented: "This has gone on for weeks. It's hard to understand how, with the technology we have, we aren't able to track these devices to determine origin." In response to heightening anxieties, Homeland Security officials convened with community leaders to deliberate on the matter earlier this week. Nonetheless, Alejandro Mayorkas, the Homeland Security Secretary, has brushed off serious concerns, hinting that the reported drone incidents might simply be misidentified sightings. DON'T MISS: Mystery New Jersey drones not from Iranian 'mothership' - Pentagon Mystery New Jersey drones should be shot down, senator demands Concerns grow over mystery New Jersey drones after they evade detection Mayorkas said: "I joined local authorities last night on a mission to track down a drone hovering over New Jersey , and this is what we witnessed. We headed to Round Valley Reservoir, where an officer pointed out lights moving low above the treetops." He added: "The lights alternated between solid white and flashes of red and green." He ended with his summation: "We have not seen any unusual activity. We know of no threat. We know of no nefarious activity. Technology has not confirmed any drone sightings." Some reports, Mayorkas explained, turned out to be small aircraft rather than drones. However, with a surge in sightings nationwide - from Washington DC to California - skepticism remains high. The FBI has initiated an investigation and is urging residents to submit any evidence, such as photos or videos. Witnesses shared their encounters on social media, with one claiming to have spotted a drone near LaGuardia Airport, raising concerns about its proximity to the flight path. The Pentagon maintains that there is no threat to national security but remains unable to explain the origin or operators of the drones. As officials continue their search for answers, conspiracy theories have emerged to fill the information gap. Some theorists have linked the sightings to "Project Blue Beam," an age-old conspiracy claiming governments plan to stage celestial events or even alien invasions to manipulate public opinion. The debate and the mystery surrounding the drone sightings continue. While these ideas may seem outlandish, they have gained momentum online, driven by frustration over the absence of official explanations.
( MENAFN - market Press Release) December 19, 2024 8:29 am - The global oil and gas downhole cables market is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising energy demands and technological advancements in exploration and production activities. The market is projected to reach USD 1,624.0 million by 2031. Introduction The global oil and gas downhole cables market is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising energy demands and technological advancements in exploration and production activities. Valued at USD 1,062.23 million in 2023, the market is projected to reach USD 1,624.0 million by 2031, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.45% during the forecast period (2024-2031). This market analysis explores key growth drivers, market segmentation, regional insights, and major industry players that are shaping the future of downhole cable technology. Market Overview The global oil and gas downhole cables market encompasses products such as tubing encapsulated cables (TEC), fiber optic cables, and electric submersible pump (ESP) cables. These cables play a critical role in ensuring the efficient transmission of power, data, and signals in harsh downhole environments. The market's growth is fueled by increasing oil and gas exploration activities, the adoption of smart technologies, and the rise of new projects in untapped regions. In 2023, the market was valued at USD 1,062.23 million, with a forecasted value of USD 1,624.0 million by 2031. The report provides revenue (USD Million) and volume (Million Units) estimates for the 2022-2031 period. The analysis delves into key market segments by type, installation, application, and region, offering insights into growth opportunities and emerging trends. Key Market Drivers Increased Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Rising Energy Demand: The global demand for energy continues to rise, driving increased exploration and production (E&P) activities, especially in deepwater and unconventional resources. New Drilling Projects: The surge in new drilling projects and infrastructure development fuels the need for downhole cables, which are essential for power, data transmission, and signal processing. Technological Advancements Enhanced Cable Technology: The development of robust cables that withstand extreme downhole conditions such as high temperatures, intense pressure, and corrosive environments is a key growth driver. Smart Technologies and IoT: The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, and automation technologies enhances cable functionality, allowing real-time data collection, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance. Growing Investments in Emerging Markets Regional Expansion: Emerging markets in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia are witnessing an increase in oil and gas activities, creating significant growth opportunities. Infrastructure Development: Investments in oil and gas infrastructure, including pipelines, rigs, and offshore platforms, are propelling the demand for downhole cables. High Initial Costs and Market Challenges Investment Hurdles: The cost of advanced downhole cables and the complexity of their installation may hinder adoption in certain regions. Return on Investment (ROI): The need for high ROI may discourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from adopting these technologies. Market Segmentation The oil and gas downhole cables market is segmented based on the following criteria: By Type Tubing Encapsulated Cables (TEC) Fiber Optic Cables Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) Cables By Installation Onshore Offshore By Application Data Transmission Power Transmission Signal Transmission By Region North America: United States, Canada, Mexico Europe: Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe Asia Pacific: China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa: UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of MEA Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America Regional Insights North America The North American region, led by the United States, dominates the oil and gas downhole cables market due to significant investments in shale gas exploration and offshore drilling projects. Asia Pacific The Asia Pacific market is experiencing rapid growth, with China, India, and Southeast Asia driving demand due to increased energy consumption and exploration activities in emerging economies. Middle East & Africa Rich in natural resources, the Middle East and Africa region presents lucrative opportunities for market growth, particularly in countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia, which are investing heavily in oil and gas infrastructure. Europe Europe's growth is supported by ongoing investments in renewable energy and advanced drilling technologies in regions like the North Sea. Latin America Countries such as Brazil and Argentina are focusing on offshore exploration and drilling, leading to increased demand for downhole cables to support these activities. Key Players in the Market Several prominent players are driving innovation in the oil and gas downhole cables market. Key players include: Schlumberger: A global leader in oilfield services, offering a range of downhole cable solutions for data and power transmission. Nexans: A manufacturer specializing in advanced cable technologies that support harsh downhole environments. Halliburton: A key provider of oilfield services, including downhole cable systems for real-time data transmission and well monitoring. Prysmian Group: A global leader in cable manufacturing, offering high-performance downhole cables that meet the demands of extreme wellbore conditions. These players are actively investing in R&D to develop durable, efficient, and cost-effective downhole cable solutions. Future Opportunities and Emerging Trends Sustainable Energy Goals: The shift toward sustainable energy and carbon reduction initiatives could impact the growth of the oil and gas sector, potentially driving demand for advanced downhole cables that support cleaner energy extraction methods. Digital Transformation: The oil and gas sector is increasingly adopting digitalization, automation, and IoT-based solutions to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. This shift creates new opportunities for smart downhole cable solutions. Innovations in Cable Design: Continuous improvements in cable materials, coatings, and insulation technologies are enabling the development of more durable and long-lasting downhole cables. Conclusion The global oil and gas downhole cables market is set to experience substantial growth, driven by rising energy demands, technological innovations, and increased exploration activities in emerging markets. Advanced cable technologies, IoT integration, and automation are transforming downhole cable applications, offering significant growth potential for industry players. North America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa are key regions driving market expansion, supported by ongoing investments in oil and gas infrastructure. Industry leaders such as Schlumberger, Nexans, Halliburton, and Prysmian Group are at the forefront of developing next-generation downhole cable solutions. For companies looking to stay competitive, investing in research and development, expanding product offerings, and leveraging IoT-enabled technologies will be critical to capturing emerging opportunities in this fast-growing market. MENAFN19122024003520003262ID1109014730 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Sweden released a new pamphlet for citizens this week with survival tips in case the country ever goes to war. The government-issued publication covers topics like how to stop bleeding, the difference between various emergency sirens, and what food should be stockpiled. Given the fact that Sweden just joined NATO this year, the advice is more relevant than ever as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues and Vladimir Putin continues to threaten nuclear strikes against Western countries. But this isn’t the first time Sweden has put out this kind of literature. The country actually has a long history of trying to prepare its population for war with Russia, from pamphlets and educational films to community nuclear shelters much fancier than anything the Americans produced at the height of the Cold War. At one point, it even printed the guides in its phone book. The new pamphlet is available online and titled “In Case of War or Crisis.” It’s distributed by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and opens with an explanation of its necessity. That all seems pretty straightforward and reasonable here in 2024. But it’s easy to forget there was a period before our current geopolitical hostilities when that kind of language may have seemed unnecessarily alarmist. Because Sweden has a similar pamphlet that was distributed from the middle of World War II until the fall of the Soviet Union. And then it didn’t start producing this kind of pamphlet again until 2018. Launched in 1943, Sweden’s original pamphlet was called “If the War Comes,” published at a time when the country was officially neutral. But the booklet received revisions during the Cold War, when the concern involved both the potential of a Soviet Union invasion of Sweden and the possibility of nuclear war. One of the big messages throughout was the idea that if a foreign army attacked and occupied, the average citizen wasn’t just supposed to give up. There was supposed to be a resistance and that resistance would take the form of whatever small way you could contribute. Sweden approached the idea of civil defense somewhat differently from the U.S. during the height of the Cold War. America had a fierce debate in the early 1960s about whether it was the responsibility of the government to build community fallout shelters and help their citizens prepare. Ultimately, the debate was won by those who believed Americans should be independent and not look to the government. Sweden went the other direction, building extremely nice nuclear bunkers for entire communities . One bunker in Stockholm featured classrooms for students, a theater, and an enormous gymnasium. The bunker was featured in a 1958 film titled “Vi går under jorden,” translated in English as We Go Underground. The Cold War pamphlet wasn’t distributed anymore after the official collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and there really did appear to be a receding threat to Western-aligned countries after the Communist government fell. The political fight between communist and capitalist superpowers was largely over but the first two decades of the 21st century would see the old divisions reemerge. Australia’s SBS TV news channel produced a documentary in 2019 about the ways that Sweden was preparing its citizens for the possibility of war as what might be called the Second Cold War or New Cold War was knocking on the door. Sweden isn’t the only country trying to prepare its citizens for the possibility of a Russian invasion. Finland shares a border with Russia and has always been more alert to the possibility than their Swedish neighbors. And Finland has its own government pamphlets with information about resisting an occupation and reminding people to stock enough food for 20 days. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine changed the perspective of a lot of people, according to a new report from the BBC . Because the idea of Russia invading a foreign country seemed largely theoretical to so many younger people until very recently. “From the Finnish perspective, this is a bit strange,” Ilmari Kaihko, associate professor of war studies at the Swedish Defense University who’s originally from Finland told the BBC . “[Finland] never forgot that war is a possibility, whereas in Sweden, people had to be shaken up a bit to understand that this can actually happen.” The New Cold War is here and people are trying to stay prepared for the worst as best they can. But nobody knows what the future holds, especially as traditional geopolitical allies seem ripe for disruption in the second presidency of Donald Trump. The president-elect has shown himself to be devoid of any real ideology beyond whatever helps him personally. The U.S. could just as easily be exiting NATO or building up new support for NATO allies, depending on who offers Trump the best deal in the coming months and years. And that kind of instability is not great for Americans, to say the least.ASML Deadline: ASML Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead ASML Holding N.V. Securities Fraud Lawsuit