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Healthcare
A large-scale survey published in Frontiers in Animal Science has found cats fed vegan diets had lower rates of obesity and related health problems, than those fed conventional meat-based diets. An online survey analysed carer-reported veterinary assessments of 1,305 cats fed either conventional meat-based (90%) or vegan (10%) diets for at least one year. After accounting for factors including age, sex, neuter status
Oct 23 · 14:45·Newswire.com
Crypto · AI
VoxNexus (www.VoxNexus.ai) released VoxEdge, an on-device voice stack that brings speech recognition, translation and speech synthesis to affordable Android devices, entirely offline. VoxEdge supports speech recognition in 36 languages, translation in 103 languages, and speech synthesis in 45 languages—all running with no connection, no data bundle, and no cloud token bills.
AI should work for everyone, not just for speakers of a handful of mainstream languages. Yet across much of Africa, voice AI has been held back by scarce training data and the lack of targeted fine-tuning. Everyday speech also includes code-switching and dialect variation, while cloud-based inference costs can make deployment at scale expensive.
VoxNexus’s solutions run entirely on device, and every query is free once the model is installed on the device. Its speech recognition model has as few as 65 million parameters and achieves a lower word error rate than open-source models nearly ten times its size.
“Under-resource languages aren’t small languages. Hundreds of millions of people speak them. Until now, AI models just haven’t learned them yet,” said Charles Shi, CEO of VoxNexus.
VoxNexus also launched VoxSense, an on-device ambient listening solution that uses only 162 mAh for 12 hours of continuous listening, around 2.5% of a 6,500 mAh phone battery. By keeping all processing on device, VoxSense makes always-on listening practical without draining the battery and without sending any audio to the cloud. Developers and device makers can easily integrate it through a license and a simple SDK. Developers can request a free trial here: www.VoxNexus.ai.
VoxSense and VoxEdge were unveiled at the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 launch in Madrid on October 19.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VoxNexus AI.
About VoxNexus:
www.VoxNexus.ai. Contact: public@voxnexus.ai
Oct 23 · 14:44·APO Group
Healthcare · Jobs & workplace
With 17 new ASC partnerships nationwide to date in 2026, NorthStar Anesthesia emphasizes proactive patient assessment, reliable staffing, and clinical consistency to help surgery centers reduce preventable cancellations and maximize surgical capacity. IRVING, Texas, Oct. 23, 2026...
Oct 23 · 14:44·PR Newswire
AI · Internet & apps
-- Royal Plugins has released a suite of WordPress plugins designed to address security, performance, backup, and search engine optimization requirements through individual, purpose-built tools. The company's product line includes GuardPress for security hardening, ForgeCache for caching and speed optimization, SiteVault for automated backups, and SEObolt for search visibility tracking. Each plugin in the Royal Plugi
Oct 23 · 14:43·MarketersMEDIA
Sports · Internet & apps
6-a-side soccer between teams of "adorable animal Cuties", free on the App Store now. October 23, 2026 – PawKick Cuties™ is now available free on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Players build a team from 23 adorable animal Cuties, each named after something tasty, and play cozy 6-a-side soccer across 13 dreamy fields...
Oct 23 · 14:43·Games Press
Finance · SaaS
Helios to acquire a significant minority stake in Merec Industries, Mozambique’s largest flour milling company
Partnership combines Invictus Investment’s sector knowledge and operational capabilities with Helios’ extensive experience across Africa to support Merec Industries’ growth in Mozambique and the wider region
Transaction expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals
Invictus Investment (ADX: INVICTUS) (https://invictusinvestment.ae), a leading holding company specialised in agro-food commodities across the Middle East and Africa, and Helios Investment Partners (“Helios”), a leading Africa-focused private investment firm, today announced that Helios Fund V (“Helios V”) has entered into an agreement to acquire up to a 49% interest in Stratton Africa Holdings Limited, the Mauritius-incorporated holding company of Merec Industries (“Merec”), from Invictus Investment.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, after which Invictus Investment will remain the majority shareholder.
Founded in 1998, Merec is Mozambique’s largest flour milling company, processing wheat and corn into an integrated product portfolio spanning flour, pasta, biscuits and animal feed. Its mills, production facilities and silos are strategically located in each of Mozambique’s three principal port regions: Beira, Maputo and Nacala – making it the only miller with manufacturing facilities in all three. Merec also owns a grain terminal at the port of Maputo. This footprint supports a nationwide distribution network serving wholesalers, retailers, bakeries, feed producers and distributors, underlining Merec’s important role in the production and supply of essential food products across Mozambique.
Invictus Investment acquired Merec in January 2025 through the purchase of its holding company, Stratton Africa Holdings Limited, as part of its strategy to expand its agro-food business in high-potential African markets and strengthen its capabilities across the value chain. Since the acquisition, Merec’s operating performance has improved significantly, and this has prompted a more ambitious growth strategy to expand the business beyond its core operations into new food categories in Mozambique and across the wider Southern African Development Community (“SADC”) region.
The new partnership will support these plans by combining Invictus Investment’s expertise across the agro-food value chain with Helios’ track record of investing in and supporting market-leading businesses across Africa. Together, the shareholders will also work on furthering Merec’s governance framework, leadership capabilities, ESG practices and broader development impact.
Commenting on the announcement, Amir Daoud Abdellatif, CEO of Invictus Investment, said: “We welcome Helios, one of Africa’s leading private equity investors, as our partner in the expansion of Merec. With its strong focus on high-growth sectors across the continent, Helios’ regional expertise will be instrumental in accelerating Merec’s next phase of growth. Since Invictus Investment’s acquisition of Merec, its position as Mozambique’s largest flour milling company has been strengthened and consolidated, and now, our shared ambition with Helios is to build on the business’s contribution to food security and local employment in Mozambique and develop it into a regional food platform for Southern Africa. This partnership aligns perfectly with our strategic approach to acquisitions, which has always been to build strong businesses alongside high-calibre partners that support our long-term vision of building a fully integrated agro-food enterprise.”
Tope Lawani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners, added: “Merec has built a distinctive position in Mozambique, with a nationwide footprint, strong brands and an important role in the country’s staple foods market. The consumer non-discretionary sector is a key strategic focus for Helios, and we bring a proven track record of investing in and scaling resilient businesses that serve essential consumer needs across Africa. We see significant opportunity to build on Merec’s strengths and are pleased to partner with Invictus Investment and the management team to support the company’s next phase of growth.”
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld is acting as legal counsel to Helios, with GDA Advogados as Mozambican counsel. Freshfields is acting as legal counsel to Invictus Investment.
*Please refer to heliosinvestment.com/news and invictusinvestment.ae/investor-relations/ for more information.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invictus Investment Company PLC.
For further information, please contact:
Helios Investment Partners
About Invictus Investment:
https://apo-opa.co/4BmtcHf
About Helios Investment Partners:
Since 2004, Helios has applied its investment capabilities, entrepreneurial business-building expertise and local and global connectivity to generate competitive returns and positive impact across Africa. The firm is a certified B Corp, reflecting its long-standing commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
Oct 23 · 14:43·APO Group
Finance · SaaS
Hong Kong, Oct 23, 2026 - International real estate firm Savills Hong Kong hosted a grand reception today at Cloud 39, the spectacular rooftop event venue at The Henderson in Central, to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The reception brought together more than 300 business partners, industry leaders and key stakeholders to mark the company’s significant milestone of 40 years in Hong Kong, celebrate Savills Hong Kong’s remarkable achievements over the years and explore its vision for the future.
Mr Simon Shaw (right), Group Chief Executive Officer of Savills, and
Mr Raymond Lee (left), Chief Executive Officer, Greater China of Savills
Since establishing its presence in Hong Kong in 1986, Savills has witnessed and played a part in the city's dynamic growth and transformation over the decades. The management expressed its gratitude to business partners, clients and colleagues for their steadfast support over the years, reaffirming the Company’s commitment to professionalism and to moving forward together with the Hong Kong community.
Mr Simon Shaw, Group Chief Executive Officer of Savills
Mr Simon Shaw, Group Chief Executive Officer of Savills, said in his opening remarks, “Thank you for joining us to celebrate our 40th anniversary in Hong Kong. Over the past four decades, Hong Kong has experienced periods of rapid growth as well as challenging economic and property market cycles. Throughout each cycle, the property market has demonstrated its ability to adapt, recover and move forward, and our business has followed the same trajectory. None of this would have been possible without the trust and support of our clients over the years. Your confidence and loyalty have enabled us to continue to grow and thrive. Looking ahead, we will further develop across the Asia-Pacific region, while strengthening and expanding our expertise and capabilities. This region is central to Savills’ future, just as it has long been an integral part of our history. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our success. Together, we look to the future with confidence.”
Mr Raymond Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Greater China of Savills
Mr Raymond Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Greater China of Savills, said, “Many of our partners have stood alongside us for decades, and over time, those business ties have grown into lasting friendships. Thank you for entrusting us with your important projects. For us, completing a transaction is always rewarding, but the greatest recognition of our team’s efforts comes when clients choose to work with us again or recommend us to others. The strength of our Hong Kong team lies in its deep understanding of the local market, combined with its global connections. By drawing on the Group’s resources and worldwide network, we are able to offer clients a broader perspective and a more comprehensive range of services. Looking ahead, markets and technologies will continue to evolve, but our commitment to professionalism, integrity and putting our clients’ interests first will remain unchanged.”
Guests gather to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Savills Hong Kong.
Official Launch of the “Savills Volunteer Team” to Give Back to the Community Through Action
To mark the significant milestone of its 40th anniversary, Savills Hong Kong announced the establishment of the Savills Volunteer Team, reflecting the Company’s collective commitment to turn its corporate culture of “caring for the community and giving back to society” into sustained and meaningful action. The Company firmly believes that corporate success is measured not only by business achievements, but also by its commitment to and care for society. Soon after its establishment, the volunteer team launched a series of community service initiatives. Its first initiative was a collaboration with MercyHK to support people experiencing homelessness and those in drug rehabilitation. The team subsequently visited House of Joy and Mercy to care for abandoned and stray cats, and they also partnered with Love 21 Foundation to offer care and support to people with Down syndrome and autism.
The 40th anniversary reception was not only an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, but also provided a chance to look ahead to future developments. The Company will continue to leverage its international network and local expertise to provide clients with exceptional real estate advisory services, while actively fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and growing alongside Hong Kong.
Appendix: Key Milestones in Savills Hong Kong’s 40-Year History
Year
Milestone
1986
First Pacific Company Limited acquired 100% of Hongkew Davies Properties Limited and renamed the company First Pacific Davies Properties Limited, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
1990
First Pacific Davies expanded its footprint by acquiring a 100% interest in Guardian Group, strengthening its service capabilities across the region.
1997
First Pacific Davies formed an alliance with Savills PLC and was renamed FPDSavills.
2001
Savills PLC acquired FPDSavills Asia Pacific Limited, making FPDSavills (Hong Kong) Limited a wholly owned subsidiary of Savills PLC and reinforcing its global presence.
2003
- Mr Raymond Lee was appointed Managing Director of FPDSavills (Hong Kong) Limited, leading the Hong Kong agency business to new heights.
2005
- FPDSavills (Hong Kong) Limited officially rebranded as Savills (Hong Kong) Limited, aligning all global businesses with the brand identity of the parent company.
- The entire Valuation and Professional Services team from Chesterton Petty was recruited to form Savills Valuation and Professional Services Limited, further expanding the Company’s professional services offerings.
2015
- Brokered the sale of Ho Tung Gardens for HK$5.1 billion, setting a record for the most expensive residential plot sold by private tender in Hong Kong. The property was also listed among “The World’s Top 10 Most Expensive Exclusive Streets” in a survey released by Billionaire.com.
2018
- Achieved record-breaking results by facilitating the sale of the majority ownership interests in Cityplaza 3 & 4 majority portion) for HK$15 billion, as well as the HK$5.93 billion transaction of 39 Shouson Hill Road, further reinforcing its market leadership.
- Savills Hong Kong’s Agency and Valuation Group recorded revenue of HK$1.066 billion and profit before tax of HK$410 million, achieving record-high results.
2021
- Concluded another property transaction exceeding HK$10 billion — KITEC was sold for HK$10.5 billion, showcasing its expertise in major deals.
2026
- Savills announced the acquisition of Eastdil Secured LLC, a leading global real estate investment bank, for US$1.1125 billion, thereby becoming the world’s second-largest advisory firm specialising in prime commercial real estate transactions above US$100 million.
- Savills (Hong Kong) Limited is celebrating its 40th anniversary in the Hong Kong property market and will continue to demonstrate its professional expertise, business versatility, and market leadership in the years ahead.
About Savills
For over 170 years, Savills has been helping people thrive through places and spaces. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, we have more than 42,000 professionals collaborating across over 70 countries, delivering unrivalled coverage and expertise to the world of commercial and prime residential real estate. By applying world research data and trends to local and global settings, we’re able to empower our clients with insights from the forefront of the industry – bringing their aspirations to life through innovative, tailor-made solutions. Whether we are working with a global corporate looking to expand, an investor seeking to sustainably optimise their portfolio, or a family trying to find a new home, we help our clients make better property decisions.
Oct 23 · 14:43·ACN Newswire
Investing & markets
TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 -- Middlefield ActivEnergy Dividend Class ETF Series (TSX: MAEC) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the fourth quarter of 2026 will be payable to unitholders of Middlefield ActivEnergy Dividend Class ETF Series as follow:
Oct 23 · 14:43·GlobeNewswire
Insurance
The article examines how liability coverage limits may fall short as risks and financial exposure change over time. ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 23, 2026 -- What hidden liability gaps might exist in homeowners' insurance policies in Alpharetta and nearby Fulton County communities?...
Oct 23 · 14:42·PR Newswire
SaaS · Jobs & workplace
-- Controlio is highlighting its employee monitoring software utility designed to help agencies advantage clearer insights into workforce productiveness, work styles, and computer hobby at some point of place of work-based totally, a long way flung, and hybrid corporations. The platform presents corporations with equipment to check worker activity, analyze art work time, and make extra informed operational alternativ
Oct 23 · 14:39·MarketersMEDIA
Investing & markets
TORONTO , Oct. 23, 2026 -- Middlefield Short Duration Bond Plus ETF (TSX: MSBP) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the fourth quarter of 2026 will be payable to unitholders of Middlefield Short Duration Bond Plus ETF as follows:
Oct 23 · 14:39·GlobeNewswire