Benelux

Airbus, a European planemaker, announced on Monday that it would'send specialists to help aide in the investigation of a sudden loss of altitude by an 'Air India - Airbus aircraft during a flight last Thursday. Air India A320?VT-EXO operating flight AI2379, from Phuket to Delhi, lost a sudden 300 feet during cruise. The aircraft then stabilized and safely landed in Delhi. On the same day, the Indian government launched an investigation into the incident. They also said that they had obtained the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder of the aircraft for analysis. Eight passengers and four crew members...

Apollo Global announced on Thursday that it had agreed to purchase European 'budget airline easyJet' in a deal valued at approximately PS5.7 billion ($7.7billion). Castlelake, the other potential buyer, abandoned its pursuit. Here's a look back at the 31-year history of the airline: Stelios Haj-Ioannou founded easyJet, launching flights from London Luton Airport in Scotland to Glasgow and Edinburgh. The low-cost airline challenges established carriers. EasyJet is listed in London with a valuation of PS777 million. 2009-2010 EasyJet is considering reducing fleet growth in the wake of a?global recession. Stelios steps down as founder of EasyJet to lead shareholder revolt...

Castlelake announced on Thursday that it was no longer interested in acquiring easyJet. This ended its months-long attempt to buy out one of Europe's largest budget airlines, weeks after Apollo Global made a higher bid. The Minneapolis-based company, which is also a major investor in aviation, didn't specify the reason it "bowed out" of the race but stated that it was very appreciative for the constructive engagement it had with easyJet Board members and management. Castlelake's decision ends an investment pursuit in which the firm made five bids for easyJet. Among them was a PS6.90 share offer that was made...

German airline 'Lufthansa' on Tuesday announced a range of 'its adjusted operating profit (EBIT) for 2026, after the figure was more than halved due to increased fuel costs in the second quarter. The company now expects an EBIT adjusted of EUR1.7 to EUR2.2 billion (1.96-$2.53 Billion) due to a 'heightened level of uncertainty caused by high volatility in kerosene prices. Carsten Spohr, Chief Executive Officer of the company, said in a statement: "We reflect today on a challenging second quarter which was marked once again by multiple geopolitical crisis and uncertainty." "Despite the significant increase in fuel prices, we could...

Companies and industry sources said that planemakers, airlines, and repair shops were conserving aircraft glass after an incident occurred at a California factory. The incident 'worsened shortages for a part required for both new aircraft and regular maintenance. GKN Aerospace, a leading supplier of cockpit and passenger window products in the world, stopped production at its Los Angeles suburb factory late in May after an overheating fuel tank caused fears of explosion, forcing 50,000 residents to evacuate for several days. Sources and executives stated that the incident did not affect new plane production or airline operations but it caused delays...

Air France-KLM lowered its full-year guidance on capacity on?Thursday, despite a?drop that was lower than expected in the second quarter profit after revenue increases?from premium and long-haul flights. The airline group has increased ticket prices and its premium offerings to maintain profits during a downturn in the industry. However, KLM (Dutch arm) said that improvements weren't enough to improve its financial base. The Iran War has pushed up jet fuel prices and caused a reduction in capacity, so global carriers are racing to take advantage of the lucrative summer season to avoid financial problems later in the year. The Franco-Dutch...

Air France-KLM reported Thursday a higher profit than expected for the second quarter, citing increased revenue from premium and long-haul?travel. The Franco-Dutch Group posted an adjusted operating profit for the second quarter of EUR484million ($552.5million), down from EUR736million in the same period the previous year, but higher than EUR327million projected by analysts polled on average by the company. Benjamin Smith, the CEO of the group, said that the company had delivered "strong commercial performance" on the back a constant demand for premium travel. This was particularly true on the Asian and North American market. The airline group is using its...

Airbus announced on Wednesday that it had 'paid just over PS6.4m?to UK Revenue & Customs Authorities to settle a two-year old investigation into export control violation. The European planemaker has announced that it will be investigating several of its British subsidiaries in 2024. Airbus stated in its notes to the quarterly earnings released on Wednesday that the settlement reached earlier this month "closes" and "fully resolves" the issue. The probe, according to people familiar with it, 'focused on anomalies that were discovered during an audit of the A400M airlifter in 2022. Airbus refused to comment on the details of the...

Airbus maintained financial ?and industrial forecasts as it unveiled stronger-than-expected second-quarter ?revenues and core profits on Wednesday, lifted by higher jetliner ?deliveries and gains in defence. The 'world's biggest planemaker'reported its?quarterly operating profit increased 54% to 2,43 billion euros while revenues grew 28% to 20,53 billion euros. This was due to a surge in deliveries of commercial aircraft following a slow year-start. Analysts expected the profit figure, which was widely watched, to be 2.19 billion Euros on revenues of?20.25 billion. The quarterly update was released just days after Airbus expressed greater confidence in the ability to?increase production? as a battered...

Portugal will?receive binding offers on Wednesday from 'Air - France-KLM and Lufthansa to acquire a minority stake of TAP. This is the beginning of the final battle over one Europe's last remaining independent flag carriers. Lisbon has relaunched the long-delayed TAP privatisation, with a view to selling a 44.9% share to a strategic partner that can boost TAP's global reach and competitiveness. TAP should be part of an airline group. The government says that EU rules on state aid prevent the company from receiving further public funding, leaving it vulnerable to global shocks in future. Air France-KLM and Lufthansa were...

Airbus has completed a marathon flight lasting more than 24 hours. The A350 jet, which is being 'developed for record-beating commercial flights' touched down in France on Tuesday. The test is a crucial step in Qantas Project Sunrise. It aims to launch one of the longest commercial passenger flights and revolutionize long-haul travel, by eliminating stopovers from Australia to Europe. The A350-1000ULR, specially adapted for the Australian airline's Sydney-London nonstop route is due to debut in 2027. Airbus has been testing the aircraft for two months since June. Airbus said the aircraft, which has a specially-designed extra fuel tank, was...

Avincis, Europe's leading aerial emergency services company, warns that Europe is not prepared for longer and more severe wildfire seasons. The chief executive of the firm told? Avincis' chief executive told?treffenificaresprache?nemzeug vo Ihre ore the company's CEO John Boag stated that bureaucratic barriers and longer European wildfire seasons have caused regional shortages in both aircraft and experienced pilots. Boag, a helicopter pilot who began his career in Australia's outback herding?cattle in a Bell 47 chopper in 1985, said that "globally, fire seasons have been getting longer. Aircraft are not moving from area to area and it is becoming increasingly difficult...

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. 74SOFTWARE, a software company, reported a first-half operating profit of EUR43.9 mln ($49.94 mln) on Thursday. The company also raised its revenue growth and margin forecast for the full year. AKWEL On Thursday, the automotive component supplier reported a -18.7% decline in revenue for the first half to EUR415 millions and confirmed its outlook through 2026. ARAMIS GROUP On Thursday, the used car retailer reported a third-quarter revenue totaling EUR 559.2 million. It also confirmed its 2026 goals. ARGAN/WDP: The...

Three sources with knowledge of the matter said that the European Union has shortlisted tungsten and rare earths for its first joint stockpile. The goal is to reduce its dependence on China. One of the sources, and a third source, said that the EU was also in talks with Rotterdam, the largest port in the Netherlands. This is one of the most concrete measures taken by the EU to protect its economy from Beijing, which has a 'dominance' in the production of critical minerals that are vital to defence, semiconductors and energy transition. After Beijing's export restrictions sent shockwaves throughout...

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. Ageas SA: Belgian and Dutch insurance group Ageas reported that its reinsurance unit Ageas Re had achieved inflows at a rate of 379 millions euros on 'January 1, 2026 compared with 206 million euro a year before. Its partnership activity in-force books now stand at 435million euros after the renewal campaign. ARGAN SA - French real estate firm Argan reported a full-year rental revenue of 212 millions euros, and recurring net profit of 154.8million euros. Its end-December Portfolio was valued...

Snowfall in the Netherlands disrupted air and train?traffic on Monday. Hundreds of flights had to be canceled and trains around Amsterdam were at a standstill. ANP, a news agency, reported that Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, which is one of Europe's busiest hubs cancelled nearly 500 flights Monday morning. The airport was closed to all incoming traffic from 1200 GMT until then due to the snow. ANP reported that planes heading for Amsterdam were diverted to another airport. Schiphol was unable to be reached immediately for further comments. Snow and freezing temperatures had already forced the airport to cancel hundreds of flights...

The European Union was thanked by Ukraine on Friday, even though the bloc did not agree to an ambitious plan that would use frozen Russian assets as a means of financing. The stakes were high for 'Kyiv' to find money because, without EU financial support, Ukraine will run out of cash in the second quarter next year, and may lose the war. This would increase the risk of Russian aggression towards the EU. The 90 billion euro loan was approved by EU leaders at a summit in Brussels. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine's president, wrote the following on Telegram: "This is a...

The federal government of Brazil plans to auction off the massive Tecon '10 container terminal at Santos Port in the first half of March, said Minister of Ports and airports Silvio Costa Filho on Friday. He said that more than 10 bidders have expressed interest in the auction, including the Philippines-based ICTSI, JBS, JSL and unnamed 'Arab investors. The Minister said that the minimum bid price will be below?6.4 billion (about $1.19 billion), the amount of money the winning bidder must invest to build and run the terminal. Roberto Lopes confirmed that the Rio Brasil Terminal, controlled by ICTSI will...

New data indicates that recruiters are returning to the basics when it comes to hiring directors for top U.S. firms. Boards want experienced people to help them tackle issues like artificial intelligence or President Donald Trump’s tariffs. These trends are also a departure from the focus boards used to have on recruiting younger directors or those with more diverse backgrounds. According to a report released on Tuesday by Spencer Stuart, the executive search firm and leadership advisory, incoming directors of S&P 500 companies are averaging 59.1-years-old. This continues a trend that has been increasing for years. In addition, 30% of...

IKEA acquired U.S. logistic technology firm Locus on Tuesday. The Swedish furniture retailer claimed that the deal would improve its delivery to customers, as it expands online sales. This acquisition is part of a $2.2billion push by Ingka Group - the largest global IKEA franchisee - in the U.S., where it is competing with Wayfair and Walmart, and also has to contend with increased tariffs on imported goods that increase its costs. IKEA refused to reveal the value of the transaction. Locus' most recent funding round, in 2021 was reported to have valued the company at $300 million. IKEA claimed...

Donald Trump announced on Thursday a new round punishing tariffs. He said the United States would impose 100% tariffs for imported branded drugs and 25% tariffs for all imports of heavy-duty trucks. Trump said that he will also start charging a 30 percent tariff on upholstered furnishings next week. He said that the new tariffs on heavy-duty trucks were meant to protect manufacturers against "unfair competition from outside" and said that the move would be beneficial for companies like Paccar's Peterbilt, Kenworth and Daimler Truck's Freightliner. Trump has launched a number of national security investigations into the possibility of new...

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. SAFRAN The French aerospace group is looking to sell a significant part of its interiors business. SOFINA The Belgian holding reported a lower net asset value for the first half of 2024 than it did in 2010. It was 9.8 billion euro compared to 10.3 billion euros in the same period last year. The French group announced a half-year revenue totaling 2.5 billion Euros and confirmed its long term strategy. Pan-European market data: European Equities speed guide................... FTSE Eurotop 300...

Dutch tank storage company Vopak announced on Monday that its joint venture in India, Aegis Vopak Terminals has begun trading following its initial public offer. The group stated that the issue price of the IPO is 235 rupees per share ($2.75 USD), which is at the upper end of the previously-announced price range. Around 0539 GMT, the shares traded at 238.89 Rupees. Dick Richelle, CEO of the group, said that this offering "strongly supported Vopak's strategic expansion of our portfolio of industrial and gas terminals". Vopak said that the transaction would result in a dilution loss of approximately 110 million...

A U.S. Diplomat said that despite the aggressive spending cuts of President Donald Trump, the United States is committed to funding the Lobito Rail Corridor, which will help transport vital minerals from central Africa's copperbelt into the West. The U.S., through the International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC), set up in Trump's first year in office, has pledged $550 million in loan support for Lobito. Lobito is seen as a key component in countering Chinese control of copper and cobalt in the region. Trump's cuts in spending had caused concern for projects like Lobito, which plans to go to Angola and...