Author: sHq_LoGiNz

 Discounted Offer is Well Below OBDC II NAV and Ignores Significant Capital Return Already Underway

NEW YORK, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Owl Capital Corporation II (“OBDC II”) today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has unanimously recommended that shareholders reject the unsolicited minority tender offer from Cox Capital Partners (“Cox”) and Saba Capital Management, L.P. (“Saba”) for up to 8,000,000 shares of OBDC II for approximately $30 million (less than 7% of the outstanding shares). We believe this is an attempt to capture value at the expense of OBDC II shareholders. The offering price represents a discount of approximately 33.2% to net asset value (“NAV”)¹, which is well below what the Board believes to be the potential long-term value of OBDC II shares.

The Board strongly recommends that shareholders REJECT Cox and Saba’s unsolicited, minority tender offer and DO NOT tender their shares. To reject the offer, simply do not respond to any offer materials you may have received.

In reaching its conclusion, the Board: (1) consulted with members of management and its financial and legal advisors; (2) reviewed the terms and conditions of the offer; and (3) considered other information related to the fund’s historical financial performance, portfolio of assets and future opportunities.

Why Shareholders Should Reject This Offer:

• The offer price is at a significant discount to NAV. This is an attempt to exploit OBDC II shareholders by purchasing their shares at a 33.2%¹ discount, well below the NAV of OBDC II shares. The Board and management have already stated that the Company has taken significant steps to return capital to shareholders at no discount to fair value.
    
• Cox and Saba’s offer price is inadequate, arbitrary and substantially undervalues OBDC II’s assets and ongoing access to liquidity. The Board, amongst other things, evaluated the offer’s significant discount to NAV (33.2%)¹ and considered an inadequacy opinion from BofA Securities, Inc., which concluded the offer price is inadequate for OBDC II shareholders from a financial point of view.² In contrast, Cox and Saba conducted no independent analysis of their offer to ensure fairness.
    
• Tendering will prohibit OBDC II shareholders from receiving future distributions and realizing any appreciation in the value of their shares in the future. With respect to tendered shares, these shareholders will forfeit their ownership interest in a high-performing portfolio and all future distributions, including return of capital distributions, associated with that portfolio.

How Superior Value is Already Being Delivered

OBDC II has a proven track record of strong performance, delivering a 9.1% annualized return³ since inception, consistently outperforming leveraged loan indices. The Board is also already taking specific significant action to return capital to OBDC II shareholders: OBDC II shareholders are expected to receive payments equal to 50% or more of OBDC II’s net assets³ in 2026. This includes a return of capital distribution representing 30% of NAV³ to be paid on or before March 31, 2026. In addition to the regular monthly dividend, OBDC II will prioritize additional return of capital distributions to shareholders on a quarterly basis of 5% or more.

Blue Owl remains focused on maximizing value for all shareholders of OBDC II and protecting their interests through the disciplined execution of OBDC II’s investment strategy.

Advisors
Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Eversheds Sutherland are serving as legal advisors to Blue Owl and OBDC II. BofA Securities, Inc. is acting as financial advisor and FGS Global is acting as strategic communications advisor in connection to the offer.

About Blue Owl Capital Corporation II
Blue Owl Capital Corporation II (“OBDC II”) is a specialty finance company focused on lending to U.S. middle-market companies. As of December 31, 2025, OBDC II had investments in 183 portfolio companies with an aggregate fair value of $1.6 billion. OBDC II has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). OBDC II is externally managed by Blue Owl Credit Advisors LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser that is an indirect affiliate of Blue Owl Capital Inc. (“Blue Owl”) (NYSE: OWL) and part of Blue Owl’s Credit platform.

Forward Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained herein may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements, other than historical facts, including but not limited to statements regarding the expected timing and terms of the unsolicited third-party tender offer (the “Unsolicited Tender Offer”) commenced by Cox Capital Partners, Saba Capital Management, L.P. and their respective affiliates (collectively, the “Offerors”), the plans and expectations of Blue Owl Capital Corporation II (“OBDC II”) related thereto and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements concern future circumstances and results and other statements that are not historical facts and are sometimes identified by the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “endeavor,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “overestimate,” “underestimate,” “believe,” “remains,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “target” or other similar words or expressions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the OBDC II and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the OBDC II filings with the SEC. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date on which OBDC II makes them. OBDC II does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or any other information contained herein, except as required by applicable law.

Additional Information and Where to Find It
The Unsolicited Tender Offer referenced herein has commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any shares of OBDC II or any other securities, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that the Offerors filed with the SEC. The terms and conditions of the Unsolicited Tender Offer are published in, and the offer to purchase shares of OBDC II will be made only pursuant to, the offer documents and related offer materials prepared by the Offerors and filed with the SEC in a tender offer statement on Schedule TO. OBDC II has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the Unsolicited Tender Offer.

THE OFFERORS’ TENDER OFFER MATERIALS AND OUR SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9, AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF OBDC II ARE URGED TO READ THESE DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY, AND NOT THIS DOCUMENT, WILL GOVERN THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE TENDER OFFER, AND BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT SUCH PERSONS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SHARES INTO THE UNSOLICITED TENDER OFFER. The Offerors’ tender offer materials, including the offer to purchase and the related letter of transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, and the solicitation/recommendation statement and other documents filed with the SEC by the Offerors or OBDC II, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing requests to OBDC II and the relevant persons to be outlined in our solicitation/recommendation statement.

Investor Contact:
BDC Investor Relations
Michael Mosticchio
credit-ir@blueowl.com

Media Contact:
media@blueowl.com

^{_____________________________________________
1} Based on OBDC II’s reported NAV per share as of February 24, 2026, less the return of capital distribution of $2.50 payable on or before March 31, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 24, 2026.
² The Board considered the fact that, on March 12, 2026, BofA Securities rendered an oral opinion to the Board, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in its written opinion, the consideration to be paid to the holders of shares (other than Cox and Saba and their affiliates) pursuant to the offer was inadequate from a financial point of view to such holders. The full text of the written opinion, dated March 12, 2026, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken with such opinion, is attached as Exhibit (g)(1) to OBDC II’s 14D-9. BofA Securities provided its opinion for the information and assistance of the Board in connection with its consideration of the offer. The opinion of BofA Securities is not a recommendation as to whether or not any shareholders should tender such shares in connection with the offer or any other matter.
³ As of December 31, 2025.

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SOURCE Blue Owl Capital Corporation II

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Paralyzed Veterans of America Chief Executive Officer Carl Blake released the following statement in response to the newly announced memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) authorizing VA attorneys to serve as special assistant U.S. attorneys and to initiate guardianship or conservatorship proceedings for veterans who lack family or legal representation.

“Paralyzed Veterans of America, a congressionally chartered nonprofit veterans service organization and a leader in advocating for the civil rights and community integration of catastrophically disabled veterans and all people with disabilities, is concerned about the implications of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Justice. The MOU, announced this week, authorizes VA attorneys to serve as special assistant U.S. attorneys and to initiate guardianship or conservatorship proceedings for veterans who lack family or legal representation.

While we recognize the VA’s obligation to ensure safe and timely transitions of care for veterans who are unable to make health care decisions, this policy elevates a legal tool—court-ordered guardianship and conservatorship—that can result in unnecessary institutionalization and the loss of fundamental rights. Guardianship can severely –or permanently—restrict an individual’s autonomy, civil liberties, and access to community-based supports. Consequently, the MOU raises several specific questions about due process, transparency, and legal safeguards that must be addressed:

• How has VA been addressing the needs of veterans who lack capacity who are currently receiving care from VA?
• Will veterans have access to independent legal counsel paid for by the VA when needed?
• Will VA and DOJ commit to transparency, including public reporting and independent oversight, to ensure just treatment of veterans?

Veterans who have served our country deserve care that honors their dignity, preserves their rights, and supports their ability to live in the community with appropriate services. VA must carefully consider any broad use of guardianship as a care-planning shortcut and adopt policies with robust safeguards.”

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.

Contact: Kristina Packard 
(703) 282-8121 cell
KristinaP@PVA.org

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SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America

SAN DIEGO, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Postal Service held a first-day-of-issue ceremony for its new Lowriders stamps today at the Logan Heights Library. With this issuance, USPS celebrates lowrider car culture, rooted in working-class Mexican American/Chicano communities throughout the American Southwest.

“A lowrider is a masterpiece of engineering and artistry, a rolling canvas of art. They are often painted with murals that tell stories of family, faith and history,” said Gary Barksdale, the Postal Service’s chief postal inspector, who served as the dedicating official. “The lowrider culture is about creating a space to celebrate pride, a sense of belonging and building a community that is always there for each other.”

What, precisely, is a lowrider? It is a customized automobile outfitted with smaller-than-factory wheels — or “rims,” preferably with wire spokes — that reduce its height. Many include dazzling paint jobs, crushed velvet upholstery and welded-chain steering wheels. In addition, a special hydraulic system allows the driver, at the touch of a button, to raise and lower the chassis or run the vehicle through tricks, such as driving on three wheels or “hopping” (bouncing).

Lowriders reflect the owner’s imagination, craftsmanship and “Chicano ingenuity,” a trait associated with using unconventional thinking to solve problems. With a considerable amount of time, effort and expense, an older American car model, can be transformed into a one-of-a-kind rolling masterpiece. Traditionally, groups of owners show off their rides by driving slowly — or “cruising” — along a commercial corridor in a neighborhood or around a park.

Lowriding took off in the 1970s, but it was born in East Los Angeles and the Southwest borderlands in the 1940s. Discrimination at the time caused some young Chicano men to rebel and flaunt their differences. Mimicking the African American hipsters of the jazz world, they decked themselves out in zoot suits, two-tone shoes and broad-brimmed hats and called themselves “Pachucos.” Some of them lowered their cars chassis, becoming the first lowriders.

During the 1960s Chicano Movement, lowrider culture became one small but highly visible display of Chicano pride in the fight for dignity and self-respect. The car made a statement for its owner: I am here, I am somebody. Car clubs thrived, each with their own special plaque that members displayed in their car’s rear window. Most were male-only organizations, but in the late 1970s women started their own clubs, too, and today lowriding is a family tradition. Clubs continue to represent belonging and pride, and club members help raise funds for various causes while they showcase their lowriders in car shows and parades.

Lowrider culture has captured the attention of people around the globe. Clubs have formed in Japan and numerous other countries. At the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, a gorgeous lowrider model stops visitors in their tracks, when they visit the third-floor exhibit.

The stamps are available at Post Office locations nationwide and online at usps.com/shopstamps.

News about the stamps is being shared on social media using the hashtag #LowridersStamps.

Stamp design

Eager to show different lowrider styles, vintages and colors on these stamps, Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, found that photography would best capture the essence of lowrider culture. “Photography helps honor the hard work that goes into the creation of each car,” he explained. “Using illustrations would possibly be more about the artist’s imagination than about actual lowriders.”

These stamps feature photographs by Philip Gordon of “Let the Good Times Roll/Soy Como Soy,” a blue 1946 Chevrolet Fleetline, and “Pocket Change,” a green 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme; and photographs by Humberto “Beto” Mendoza of “Eight Figures,” a blue 1958 Chevrolet Impala, “The Golden Rose,” an orange 1964 Chevrolet Impala, and “El Rey,” a red 1963 Chevrolet Impala.

To show the cars in as much detail as possible, Alcalá made these stamps one-third wider than the usual commemorative size. Other design elements pay further tribute to lowrider culture: The Gothic-style typography suggests the shiny chrome lettering found on many cars to show their affiliation with a particular club. Danny Alvarado’s custom pinstriping in the corner of each stamp and on the selvage evokes the detailed decoration on the most celebrated lowriders.

Lowriders stamps will be issued in panes of 15. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

A video about the stamps will be posted after today’s event on the Postal Service’s Facebook page at facebook.com/USPS and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at x.com/usps.

Postal products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, first-day-of-issue ceremonies and stamp-inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

National contact: Albert Ruiz
albert.ruiz@usps.gov
usps.com/news

Local contact: John Hyatt
john.t.hyatt@usps.gov
usps.com/news

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SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

FAIRFAX, Va., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Featured prominently in The Inner Circle, Kenneth E. Richter Jr. is recognized as an Inner Circle Lifetime member for his contributions to military and private sector senior executive leadership.

Kenneth E. Richter Jr., DO, has built a distinguished career as a healthcare leader, physician, and strategic advisor whose work has shaped medical operations, policy, and behavioral health strategy at the highest levels of the United States Department of Defense. A decorated retired U.S. Navy Captain, three-time combat veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, Dr. Richter brings more than two decades of leadership experience guiding healthcare systems that serve millions of beneficiaries worldwide.

Dr. Richter currently serves as Chief Clinical Officer at Pyramid Healthcare, where he applies his extensive expertise in clinical leadership, strategic planning, business development, and healthcare governance. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of medicine, human capital strategy, and large-scale healthcare operations, helping organizations enhance clinical effectiveness and improve care delivery systems. Additionally, he serves on multiple for-profit and nonprofit boards, providing governance in financial management, healthcare AI, and biopharmaceuticals, and guiding clinical strategy. 

Among his most influential roles was serving as Director of Mental Health Policy and Oversight within the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. In this position, he served as the chief advisor on behavioral health policy for a $53 billion integrated healthcare system that includes 51 hospitals, hundreds of clinics worldwide, and the TRICARE health plan serving approximately 9.6 million beneficiaries. His duties involved developing and managing mental health policies, coordinating interagency initiatives, and contributing to national strategies on suicide prevention and behavioral health care across the military community.

During his tenure, Dr. Richter led policy working groups, collaborated with subject matter experts, and authored or revised multiple Department of Defense instructions affecting millions of military and civilian personnel. He also represented the Department of Defense in partnership with the White House Domestic Policy Council and contributed to shaping national mental health research priorities and suicide prevention strategies.

Prior to this role, Dr. Richter held several senior leadership positions across Navy Medicine, including Executive Medicine Behavioral Health Director at Headquarters Marine Corps, Deputy Director of Behavioral Health at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and Deputy Director of Primary Care and Mental Health at the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. He also served as an attending staff psychiatrist at Walter Reed.

Dr. Richter earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Pre-Med from Arizona State University. He is board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and holds several professional credentials, including Certified Physician Executive and the International Board Director Competency Designation. He is also a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

A widely published author and researcher, Dr. Richter has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed journals and book chapters on battlefield psychiatry, disaster preparedness, pharmaceutical supply chain management, suicide prevention, clinical practice guidelines, and behavioral health policy.

His distinguished service has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medals (3 awards), and several commendations for leadership and operational excellence.

Outside of his professional work, Dr. Richter enjoys photography and traveling with his wife and two children. Looking forward, he remains dedicated to applying his leadership and clinical expertise to solve complex healthcare challenges both nationally and globally. Guided by a philosophy centered on service and impact, he continues to aim to leave a lasting legacy through enhancements in healthcare systems and patient outcomes.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

TORONTO, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Equitable Bank today released its Public Accountability Statement (PAS) for fiscal 2025, highlighting its continued commitment to strengthening Canada by supporting greater competition in banking, bringing innovation and value to underserved customers, and focusing lending efforts on critical areas like affordable housing to help strengthen the economy.

“Canada is at a defining moment as we think about the economy and country we want to build for the future,” said Chadwick Westlake, President and CEO. “As Canada’s Challenger Bank, we believe we have a responsibility to play a meaningful role by strengthening competition in banking, delivering more accessible, affordable and innovative financial services, and investing in people and initiatives that help make Canada and the communities we serve stronger.”

The Bank is proud to release its annual PAS that outlines its impact on Canadian communities and society at large, grounded in its five core values of respect, integrity, service, empowerment and agility.

Highlights for 2025 include:

• Championing competition, innovation and inclusion – Continued its track record for fostering financial inclusion and competition by offering high-interest, no-fee everyday banking products to help more Canadians access an accessible and rewarding banking experience, including launching the Notice Savings Account in Québec in 2025
• Contributing to affordable housing – Maintained its position as Canada’s largest securitizer of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation-insured multi-unit residential loans, funding $3.5 billion in multi-unit residential properties across Canada as of 2025 to support housing density and supply through affordable, energy efficient and accessible housing
• Championing small business owners and self-employed Canadians – Publicly launched the EQ Bank Business Banking platform, including its innovative high-interest and no monthly fees Business Account specifically designed to support the unique needs of entrepreneurs, while continuing to lend with a focus on self-employed Canadians who often face barriers in achieving aspirations for homeownership
• Supporting Canadian seniors and near-retirees – Expanded access to reverse mortgages, giving this group a financial tool that offers greater flexibility and helps them remain in the communities that matter to them in retirement
• Embedding inclusion into the employee experience – Advanced Employee Resource Groups as drivers of connection, engagement, and representation, including The Black Collective, the Green Team, the Indigenous ERG, Newcomers to Canada, PROUD, and Women in Tech
• Expanding corporate citizenship – Contributed more than $1 million in donations and sponsorships that went to community partners including Madison Community Services, Fred Victor and the George Brown Foundation

Learn more about Equitable Bank’s contributions to Canada’s economy, communities and environment here.

About Equitable Bank
Equitable Bank has a clear mission to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich people’s lives. As Canada’s Challenger Bank^™ and seventh largest bank by assets, it leverages technology to deliver exceptional personal and commercial banking experiences and services to over 800,000 customers and more than six million credit union members through its businesses. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB), a leading digital financial services company with $142 billion in combined assets under management and administration (as at January 31, 2026). Through its digital EQ Bank platform (eqbank.ca), its customers have named it one of the top banks in Canada on the Forbes World’s Best Banks list since 2021.

To learn more, please visit eqb.investorroom.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Investor contact:
Lemar Persaud
VP and Head of IR
investor_enquiry@eqb.com

Media contact:
Maggie Hall
Director, PR & Communications 
maggie.hall@eqbank.ca

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SOURCE Equitable Bank

• Over 300 global CEOs, international delegations and innovators joined forces at the annual SMI Roundtables & Exhibition, attended by His Majesty King Charles III
• European Space Agency announced the SMI’s Astra Carta seal would be carried on the ELSA-M spacecraft – the world’s first commercial end-of-life service to remove old satellites from space
• Secretary John Kerry announced as Ocean Champion for Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Ocean Stewardship Initiative
• Chinese delegation attended to build on cross-border collaborations established at SMI’s China Summit in 2025 and confirmed second China Council Forum, scheduled June 2026  

LONDON, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global CEOs, innovators, policymakers and investors gathered at Hampton Court Palace this week for the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Roundtables & Exhibition 2026, a leading private sector summit focused on accelerating real-world delivery of the sustainable transition.

The summit brought together hundreds of leaders from across industries and countries to move beyond ambition and advance meaningful partnerships, investments and collaborative action on areas such as clean energy, space, artificial intelligence, capital investment, sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing.

This included over 50 CEOs from Chinese companies, highlighting the growing engagement and leadership of the SMI China Council. Since its establishment in 2021, the Council has developed a strong and pragmatic sustainability agenda that reflects China’s development priorities and its expanding role in global economic and environmental governance.

The summit also reflected the global reach of the SMI, with CEOs and senior delegations also attending from Japan, Australia, the UAE, Brazil, and across Africa and the United States.

Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020, the Sustainable Markets Initiative has become a unique platform for “private sector diplomacy”, mobilizing global business leaders to place sustainability at the centre of value creation and long-term economic growth.

Key announcements

• The European Space Agency announced the ELSA-M mission (End-of-Life Services by Astroscale – Multiple) developed by Astroscale UK, Eutelsat/OneWeb and the UK Space Agency to remove space debris will carry the Astra Carta Seal for its first in-orbit demonstration, symbolising commitment to responsible stewardship of the space
• Secretary John Kerry was announced as Ocean Champion for Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Ocean Stewardship Initiative (OSI) to support a clear purpose: bringing civil societies, governments, and the private sector to pull in the same direction, and help turn ocean commitments into practical, measurable progress.

SMI driven partnerships, collaboration and cross sector projects

A central aim of the SMI Roundtables & Exhibition is to catalyse action by enabling new partnerships, supporting collaboration and help launch new cross sector projects to accelerate deployment of sustainable solutions.

Among the recent initiatives facilitated and supported by the SMI include:

• An energy tech pilot at Historic Royal Palaces to cut hot water energy use by up to 40%
  Since exhibiting at the 2025 SMI Terra Carta Roundtables, energy tech company Mixergy, part of the Barclays Climate Ventures portfolio, has begun working with Historic Royal Palaces to use its smart hot water cylinders to cut hot water energy use by up to 40% and ease peak demand through grid connectivity. Two units are now being trialled at Hampton Court Palace, with the potential to expand the partnership across Historic Royal Palaces’ wider estate.
• Turbine technology supporting Fortescue’s Real Zero strategy. China’s Envision Energy has successfully grid-connected an EN182-7.8MW wind turbine prototype in China for testing. The unit is identical to the turbines that will be deployed at Fortescue’s Nullagine Wind Project in the Pilbara, marking a key milestone for Fortescue’s first operational wind development and advancing its Real Zero strategy. The Nullagine project will deploy 17 Envision EN182-7.8MW wind turbines, with units now under construction for installation in the Pilbara. Designed for Australia’s mining and desert environments, the turbines incorporate Nabrawind’s self-erecting base frame technology and a 188-metre hub height to maximise energy yield. Fortescue’s renewable energy management system will use AI to optimize and dispatch power across its integrated portfolio, including wind, solar and battery energy storage systems.
• New renewable energy collaboration to accelerate sustainable hospitality in Asia. The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance highlighted a growing collaboration with renewable energy leaders in China, including JA Solar and China Photovoltaic Industry Association, to help expand the adoption of clean energy across the global hospitality sector. Facilitated through the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s convening power, the partnership aims to strengthen cooperation between the hospitality industry and renewable energy providers, supporting the sector’s transition toward Net Positive operations. The Alliance, which represents over 66,000 hotels across more than 300 brands worldwide, aims to accelerate the transition toward a Net Positive hospitality industry.
• New AI partnership with Marylebone Cricket Club partner to accelerate decarbonisation
  Supported by the Sustainable Markets Initiative, ExpectAI and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have partnered to accelerate progress toward MCC’s Net Zero 2040 ambition by transforming how it tackles Scope 3 emissions, currently ~90% of its footprint -through verified, supplier-level data and AI-enabled action.
• Barclays and ExpectAI collaboration to strengthen energy resilience for UK SMEs
  Facilitated by the SMI, ExpectAI are in live collaboration with Barclays to explore how AI-driven sustainability insights can help UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) improve profitability while strengthening energy resilience and reducing emissions.
• British hydrogen innovator powers outdoor exhibition at Hampton Court Palace
  British hydrogen innovator, GeoPura, showcased its cutting-edge zero-emission hydrogen power units (HPUs) at the SMI Roundtables & Exhibition, with its HPUs powering the Summit’s outdoor marquee and exhibitions, cutting carbon and NOx emissions and significantly improving air quality compared with conventional diesel generators.

Inspiration from the Great Exhibition

The summit’s innovation exhibition also showcased pioneering technologies that reflect the spirit of the Great Exhibition of 1851, demonstrating how breakthrough innovation, from AI-enabled climate monitoring to next-generation clean energy solutions, are helping drive the next wave of sustainable economic growth.

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of Sustainable Markets Initiative, said: “The Sustainable Markets Initiative was founded on the belief that the private sector has a critical role to play in accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. The SMI’s annual Roundtables & Exhibition brings together global leaders not just to discuss ambition, but to drive real-world action, forging partnerships, mobilizing investment and scaling the solutions needed to deliver sustainable growth.

“What makes the SMI unique is its ability to convene leaders across sectors and geographies to collaborate on the systemic challenges facing our planet. By working together, the private sector can unlock innovation, create economic opportunity and help build a resilient and sustainable global economy.”

Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance said: “Our strong affiliation with the Sustainable Markets Initiative is the strategic catalyst that has transformed our ambitious vision into tangible, global action. It is through this unique brand of private sector diplomacy, inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, that we have forged groundbreaking partnerships—first with a global leader like JA Solar, and now evolving into a deep, strategic alliance with the China Photovoltaic Industry Association. This powerful continuum of collaboration is a testament to the SMI’s unrivalled convening power, opening new opportunities to mobilize our industry’s $200 billion annual investment towards a renewable future. Together, we are not just adopting sustainable practices; we are engineering a systems-level shift, proving that the path to a Net Positive hospitality sector is the definitive growth story of our time”

With a focus on pragmatic commercially aligned transition, the SMI brings together leaders at the highest levels of decision making to tackle system-level and cross-industry challenges that no organisation or sector can solve alone.

The SMI Roundtables & Exhibition, took place on 11 and 12 March 2026

Notes to editors

About the Sustainable Markets Initiative

The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) is the world’s go-to private sector organization for sustainable transition; characterized by our unique brand of ‘private sector diplomacy’.

With the vision of our founder, His Majesty King Charles III, and our unique convening power, the SMI facilitates action between world leaders and CEOs to position sustainability at the heart of global value creation.

Together, we seek to mobilize the trillions of dollars required to achieve a sustainable future. Investment at this scale requires global systems-level change with a default sustainable orientation across markets, industries and supply chains. Here, our mandates, the Terra Carta and Astra Carta, provide practical private sector trajectories.

The SMI believes that with bold ambition and courageous leadership, we can seize a new era of global prosperity that will last for generations to come. We call this ‘The Growth Story of Our Time’. Read more: www.sustainable-markets.org

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SOURCE Sustainable Markets Initiative