Author: sHq_LoGiNz
Highlights
- Production of 600 tonnes of low-carbon PureGRAPH® enhanced cement successfully completed by one of the UK’s largest cement producers
- Graphene enhanced cement will be used by multiple end users in a range of applications, including concrete roof tiles for sustainable housing
- First Graphene will work with FP McCann, Morgan Sindall and Breedon to ensure streamlined pouring of PureGRAPH® enhanced concrete across projects
- Several other UK and Australian organisations have requested volumes of the trial material for testing in their respective fields.
SYDNEY, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — First Graphene Limited (ASX:FGR; “First Graphene” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the successful production of approximately 600 tonnes of graphene enhanced cement ahead of a raft of new trial projects rolling out in the United Kingdom.
The high tonnage of cement contains circa three tonnes of First Graphene’s PureGRAPH-CEM® additive and was produced by commercial partner Breedon Group PLC (“Breedon”) at its Hope Cement Works in Derbyshire.
Production of this historic volume of graphene enhanced cement marks a major milestone for the cement and concrete industry, showcasing the commercial viability of manufacturing a more environmentally friendly product at scale.
Manufacturing was completed efficiently at Hope Cement Works over one day, with PureGRAPH-CEM® being added into the finally milling stage.
The graphene enhanced cement enables users to reduce their CO2 footprint by up to 16% due to the reduced amount of carbon intensive ‘clinker’ required.
The PureGRAPH® enhanced cement is currently in storage ahead of despatch for use in concrete for three main projects across the United Kingdom, and for the University of Manchester to conduct compressive strength testing and analysis of the concrete’s performance.
First Graphene Managing Director and CEO Michael Bell said:
“Production of 600 tonnes of cement containing our PureGRAPH-CEM® is a historic milestone in our journey, showcasing our product’s viability for production at scale.
Adding graphene into cement has proven to deliver performance benefits for a wide range of applications, and multiple end uses of this cement batch reinforces PureGRAPH®‘s versatility.
We look forward to working closely with our strategic commercial partner Breedon, Morgan Sindall, FP McCann and the University of Manchester as application trials roll out over coming months.”
Strong and sustainable concrete roof tiles
The first trial will see 30 to 40 tonnes of graphene enhanced cement incorporated into thousands of roof tiles produced by FP McCann at its Cadeby manufacturing plant in Leicestershire.
These tiles will be tested for material use efficiencies and waste reduction benefits over five months at the company’s research and development facility in Knockloughrim.
The trial is part of a Contracts for Innovation: Resource Efficient Construction Impacts project funded by Innovate UK[1], with £15,000 allocated for the supply of graphene enhanced cement.
FP McCann designed the trial in response to ongoing housing shortages in the UK and to assist with the UK Government’s plan to deliver more than one million affordable and sustainable new homes by 2029.
The PureGRAPH® enhanced cement will also be used for two infrastructure projects in the UK, delivered in partnership with the high-end infrastructure division of Morgan Sindall Group PLC and Breedon.
First Graphene has also received requests from multiple other organisations across the UK and Australia for experimental volumes of the material for testing across a wide range of applications.
As one of the UK’s largest cement producers, Breedon has a deep commitment to manufacturing sustainable construction materials, reinforced by the use of graphene enhanced cement at its production facility.
First Graphene has previously collaborated with both Breedon and Morgan Sindall to successfully test graphene enhanced concrete as part of a high use truck wash bay on a UK motorway.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/historic-production-of-graphene-enhanced-cement-successfully-completed-302645239.html
SOURCE First Graphene Ltd
Highlights
- Production of 600 tonnes of low-carbon PureGRAPH® enhanced cement successfully completed by one of the UK’s largest cement producers
- Graphene enhanced cement will be used by multiple end users in a range of applications, including concrete roof tiles for sustainable housing
- First Graphene will work with FP McCann, Morgan Sindall and Breedon to ensure streamlined pouring of PureGRAPH® enhanced concrete across projects
- Several other UK and Australian organisations have requested volumes of the trial material for testing in their respective fields.
SYDNEY, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — First Graphene Limited (ASX:FGR; “First Graphene” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the successful production of approximately 600 tonnes of graphene enhanced cement ahead of a raft of new trial projects rolling out in the United Kingdom.
The high tonnage of cement contains circa three tonnes of First Graphene’s PureGRAPH-CEM® additive and was produced by commercial partner Breedon Group PLC (“Breedon”) at its Hope Cement Works in Derbyshire.
Production of this historic volume of graphene enhanced cement marks a major milestone for the cement and concrete industry, showcasing the commercial viability of manufacturing a more environmentally friendly product at scale.
Manufacturing was completed efficiently at Hope Cement Works over one day, with PureGRAPH-CEM® being added into the finally milling stage.
The graphene enhanced cement enables users to reduce their CO2 footprint by up to 16% due to the reduced amount of carbon intensive ‘clinker’ required.
The PureGRAPH® enhanced cement is currently in storage ahead of despatch for use in concrete for three main projects across the United Kingdom, and for the University of Manchester to conduct compressive strength testing and analysis of the concrete’s performance.
First Graphene Managing Director and CEO Michael Bell said:
“Production of 600 tonnes of cement containing our PureGRAPH-CEM® is a historic milestone in our journey, showcasing our product’s viability for production at scale.
Adding graphene into cement has proven to deliver performance benefits for a wide range of applications, and multiple end uses of this cement batch reinforces PureGRAPH®‘s versatility.
We look forward to working closely with our strategic commercial partner Breedon, Morgan Sindall, FP McCann and the University of Manchester as application trials roll out over coming months.”
Strong and sustainable concrete roof tiles
The first trial will see 30 to 40 tonnes of graphene enhanced cement incorporated into thousands of roof tiles produced by FP McCann at its Cadeby manufacturing plant in Leicestershire.
These tiles will be tested for material use efficiencies and waste reduction benefits over five months at the company’s research and development facility in Knockloughrim.
The trial is part of a Contracts for Innovation: Resource Efficient Construction Impacts project funded by Innovate UK[1], with £15,000 allocated for the supply of graphene enhanced cement.
FP McCann designed the trial in response to ongoing housing shortages in the UK and to assist with the UK Government’s plan to deliver more than one million affordable and sustainable new homes by 2029.
The PureGRAPH® enhanced cement will also be used for two infrastructure projects in the UK, delivered in partnership with the high-end infrastructure division of Morgan Sindall Group PLC and Breedon.
First Graphene has also received requests from multiple other organisations across the UK and Australia for experimental volumes of the material for testing across a wide range of applications.
As one of the UK’s largest cement producers, Breedon has a deep commitment to manufacturing sustainable construction materials, reinforced by the use of graphene enhanced cement at its production facility.
First Graphene has previously collaborated with both Breedon and Morgan Sindall to successfully test graphene enhanced concrete as part of a high use truck wash bay on a UK motorway.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/historic-production-of-graphene-enhanced-cement-successfully-completed-302645239.html
SOURCE First Graphene Ltd
CINCINNATI, December 17, 2025 /3BL/ – Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) celebrated small businesses across its 12-state footprint this holiday season through its third annual ‘Swap, Snap, Share’ campaign. Fifth Third employees surprised workers at their favorite small businesses with more than 1,600 tips (and counting) of $53 each, and 11 of the small businesses received $5,300 grants to help them grow.
“As a small business owner, this means more than the world,” said grant recipient Sera Cil, owner of T&Q Nails in Cornelius, NC. “This will create new opportunities for me to finally do the things I’ve been holding off for two years. I can finally make a difference and some changes such as better products for nails and more supplies. I am so excited I was able to win.”
Throughout November, Fifth Third employees left $53 tips at their favorite small businesses, snapped photos of the companies, and entered them into the sweepstakes through social media posts using the hashtag #Love53. More than 2,500 small businesses were entered, and 11 winners were randomly selected to receive $5,300 grants to help them grow.
Since 2023, more than 4,000 Fifth Third employees have participated in ‘Swap, Snap, Share,’ highlighting more than 7,500 small businesses. Fifth Third has given more than $150,000 in tips and nearly $250,000 in grants to small businesses over the past three years.
“Small locally-owned businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods – and when they thrive, we all thrive,” said Melissa Stevens, chief marketing officer for Fifth Third. “Through our annual ‘Swap, Snap, Share’ campaign, we’re proud to celebrate and support these local business owners because their success strengthens our communities.”
The winning businesses are:
- Crate Escapes Dog Park (Westfield, IN)
- Let’s Celebrate! (Jacksonville, FL)
- Red Top Dogs & Burgers (Louisville, KY)
- Taqueria La Zacatecana (Chicago, IL)
- The Beauty Bar GR (Grand Rapids, MI)
- T&Q Nails (Cornelius, NC)
- Orthodontic Associates (Grosse Pointe, MI)
- Smokin This & That BBQ (Florence, KY)
- The Heartbaker Bakery (Madison, AL)
- White House Nutrition (White House, TN)
- Manolo’s Café (Estero, FL)
The winning companies were recently surprised with the grants by the Fifth Third employees who nominated them. View videos of the surprises online at 53.com/smallbusiness.
The ‘Swap, Snap, Share’ campaign is one more way that Fifth Third proudly supports small businesses across its 12-state footprint.
Fifth Third serves 505,000 small business customers in communities across the U.S. Supporting small businesses through lending, investments and technical assistance is a significant part of Fifth Third’s commitment to community and economic development.
Fifth Third is also committed to helping nurture, grow and strengthen small businesses through initiatives such as its Small Business Catalyst Fund and the Fifth Third Neighborhood Program, which creates and implements innovative place-based strategies to effect positive change – including small business growth – in historically disinvested neighborhoods across the Bank’s 12-state footprint.
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About Fifth Third
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.
Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.
CONTACT
Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations)
amanda.nageleisen@53.com
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345
Expresses Disappointment in the Board’s and Management’s Continued Pursuit of Ill-advised Deal
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Defender Capital (“Defender” or “we”), a long-term shareholder of STAAR Surgical Company (“STAAR” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: STAA) owning approximately 1.5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, today issued the following statement reiterating its intention to vote AGAINST the Company’s proposed sale to Alcon Inc. (“Alcon”) (NYSE: ALC) and expressing its disappointment in the Company’s Board of Directors’ (the “Board”) continued pursuit of the deal:
As shareholders of STAAR Surgical for the past decade, we remain convicted in the long-term potential of the Company and are disappointed that the Board has continued to pursue the ill-advised sale to Alcon, which we do not believe is in the best interests of STAAR shareholders and does not represent adequate value for the Company. Specifically:
It’s the wrong time and wrong price for STAAR shareholders:
For the past decade, STAAR has been making significant inroads globally. With increased screen usage’s impact on vision and longer life expectancy, more people are in need of STAAR’s differentiated products, leading us to believe the future is bright. Obviously, Alcon agrees, pursuing STAAR at a time when their Chinese business has been weak. Further, STAAR’s board signed the Alcon deal right before second quarter earnings, which revealed stabilization in the business, representing potential upside for shareholders. We believe that major STAAR shareholder Broadwood Partners’ December 17 press release pledging to constructively engage with the Board after the vote supports continued stability of the business and aligns with our conviction in STAAR’s long-term value as an independent entity. Given these factors, this transaction has been proposed at the wrong time and at the wrong price for STAAR shareholders. In fact, we would argue that it is extremely opportunistic for Alcon shareholders to the detriment to STAAR shareholders.
The process leading to the deal was flawed:
Glass Lewis recommended shareholders vote against the deal, while ISS called the process deeply flawed. When deals are announced, event-driven hedge funds will sometimes buy the stock of the company to be acquired and make a little money when and if the deal closes. An all-cash deal by a major healthcare company looked attractive, we suppose, and apparently, some of them purchased shares without realizing that STAAR’s largest shareholder for decades, Broadwood Partners, might not support the deal. When they and the second largest shareholder came out against the deal, the stock price traded lower, and we received calls from multiple concerned event-driven funds.
When it became clear that the Company did not have the vote, rather than let the Company’s owners, its shareholders, determine the future of the business and accept defeat, STAAR delayed the vote until December 19 and reopened the bidding process. Given that 50% of STAAR’s business is in China, a nation where obtaining good information about business operations is often a lengthy process, did the Board really think that window would be long enough for a potential acquirer to complete due diligence? Unsurprisingly, no new bids surfaced.
We continue to intend to vote AGAINST the transaction on December 19:
We continue to see no compelling reason to sell STAAR at this time. The future is always uncertain, however what is certain to us is that this process was flawed and the pattern laid out above leaves us with more questions than answers. We are disappointed that the Board has pursued this ill-advised transaction at a valuation that does not reflect the potential prospects of STAAR’s business in the future, and intend to vote AGAINST the deal later this week.
About Defender Capital
Defender Capital, an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor, manages investment accounts – retirement accounts, non-retirement accounts, trusts, corporate accounts, donor-advised funds, etc. – for individuals, families, and corporations. We take a research driven, long-term approach, investing in U.S. equities.
Media Contact:
ASC Advisors
Taylor Ingraham (203 992 1230)
tingraham@ascadvisors.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/defender-capital-reiterates-intention-to-vote-against-staar-surgicals-proposed-sale-to-alcon-inc-302645186.html
SOURCE Defender Capital
BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Peregrine Energy Solutions LLC (Peregrine), an integrated clean-energy platform focused on utility-scale battery storage, announced today that it is advancing construction of the Mallard Energy Storage (Mallard) project, 30 miles Northeast of Dallas. The 250 MW / 500 MWh installation is a key step in Peregrine’s rapid buildout of next-generation grid infrastructure across ERCOT.
Mallard Energy Storage entered into a tolling agreement with a Fortune 500 Company, which will support their reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions in Texas. Mallard will utilize Wärtsilä’s Quantum2 energy storage system — marking Peregrine’s second utility-scale deployment using Wärtsilä technology, joining the 150 MW / 300 MWh Wizard Energy Storage Project under construction in League City, Texas. WHC Energy Services, LLC (WHC) will serve as the EPC contractor to facilitate Mallard’s construction.
The project reinforces Peregrine’s strategy: deploying large-scale, high-performance storage assets that strengthen grid reliability, enable renewable integration, and support Texas’ long-term energy stability.
“Mallard represents our commitment to deploying innovative energy storage solutions that strengthen the grid and support a more resilient future. By partnering with Wärtsilä for technology, and WHC for construction services, we are delivering cutting-edge technology with top safety and security track records and best-in-class execution,” said Hagen Lee, CEO of Peregrine Energy Solutions.
“Peregrine’s vision and the dedication of its team have been instrumental in bringing the Mallard project to life. At Wärtsilä, we believe that decarbonization and efficiency go hand in hand, and this project exemplifies what’s possible when innovative leaders come together. Mallard demonstrates how advanced technology and partnerships between organizations with conviction can accelerate the transition to a global renewable energy future,” said Tamara de Gruyter, President of Wärtsilä Energy Storage.
“Our role in this initiative reflects our dedication to supporting innovative energy solutions that benefit both industry and community. Peregrine’s leadership on the Mallard project is outstanding. We’re proud to contribute to a project that sets a benchmark for excellence in construction and engineering,” said Randel Badeaux, Sr. Vice President Power Sector, WHC.
Once operational, Mallard will provide critical flexibility and resilience to the ERCOT system by responding to rapid grid fluctuations, supporting renewable generation, and participating in key reliability services.
About Peregrine Energy Solutions
Peregrine Energy Solutions is an integrated and multi-technology clean energy platform with a focus on utility scale energy storage that was established in 2022 through a partnership between Peregrine Energy Management and a global alternative investment manager with approximately $20 billion of assets. Peregrine Energy Solutions is a limited liability company formed in Delaware and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. Additional information is available at www.peregrineenergysolutions.com.
About Wärtsilä Energy Storage
Wärtsilä Energy Storage is a global leader in energy storage and optimization solutions, committed to enabling a 100% renewable energy future. Through its advanced GridSolv Quantum hardware and GEMS Digital Energy Platform, Wärtsilä delivers fully integrated battery energy storage systems that enhance grid flexibility, reliability, and sustainability. With over 19 GWh of energy storage deployed or contracted across over 130 sites worldwide, Wärtsilä combines proven technology with deep expertise to help utilities and developers accelerate the energy transition. Additional information is available at www.wartsila.com/energy/energy-storage.
About WHC Energy Services
WHC Energy Services, LLC, a Surerus Murphy Company, is a leading provider of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for energy infrastructure projects across North America. Founded in 1957, WHC has nearly seven decades of experience delivering pipelines, facilities, and power projects with a focus on safety, quality, and assured delivery. Today, WHC is at the forefront of the energy transition, constructing utility-scale solar farms, battery energy storage systems, carbon capture facilities, and hydrogen projects. Headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, and with offices throughout North America including Houston and Calgary WHC partners with clients to provide full-cycle project delivery, from early development and procurement support to construction and maintenance. Additional information is available at www.whcenergyservices.com.
Media contact: Anna Lovely, anna@whitegatecommunications.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peregrine-energy-solutions-partners-with-wartsila-whc-and-a-fortune-500-company-to-deliver-500mwh-grid-scale-energy-storage-project-project-just-outside-dallas–fort-worth-302645048.html
SOURCE Peregrine Energy Solutions LLC
To celebrate 50 years of presence in Brazil, New Holland, a CNH brand, held an auction featuring a customized tractor. In total, nearly BRL R$ 400,000 was raised. The tractor, the main item of the auction, was sold by Abraforte (Brazilian Association of New Holland Distributors) for BRL R$ 345,000.
The entire amount will be donated to Pequeno Príncipe Hospital in Curitiba, Brazil, the largest and most comprehensive pediatric hospital in the country and a leading institution in Latin America for medium and high-complexity treatments for children and adolescents.
In addition to the auction, New Holland carried out a series of social and environmental initiatives throughout the year. Among these, in partnership with its dealer network, was the planting of approximately 50,000 native tree seedlings in various regions of the country, promoting environmental awareness and nature preservation.
As a global leader in alternative fuels, New Holland looks toward a sustainable future. With more than 50 dealership groups across Brazil, each group was responsible for planting 1,000 tree seedlings. This initiative has been ongoing throughout the year, using native species from each region. Additionally, the Curitiba plant distributed another 1,000 seedlings to its employees.
Three-year philanthropic program will award grants to nonprofits focused on workforce readiness and AI education
NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) today announced the launch of StepForward, a new philanthropic initiative aimed at equipping the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in an AI-enabled workforce.
Through StepForward, S&P Global and the S&P Global Foundation will invest $10 million over the next three years to support organizations delivering innovative workforce development programs for youth. The initiative will also leverage the Company’s expertise in data, analytics and technology to create meaningful impact for communities worldwide.
The program will feature a portfolio of international nonprofit partners focused on youth and workforce readiness. Additionally, the S&P Global Foundation will introduce a regional grants program to support local nonprofits with creative approaches to early-career workforce development and AI upskilling.
StepForward will also expand skills-based volunteering opportunities for S&P Global employees, including activities during Global Volunteer Week and other local initiatives in 2026.
“As we continue to harness the power of AI to drive innovation across our business, we recognize the critical importance of preparing the next generation for an AI-driven economy. This is about more than education—it’s about unlocking potential, widening access, and helping the next generation step confidently into the careers and opportunities of tomorrow,” said Martina Cheung, President and CEO, S&P Global.
The initiative builds on S&P Global’s commitment to AI education, including the company’s participation in the White House Pledge to America’s Youth: Investing in AI Education earlier this year. The Foundation expects awards to be announced in 2026.
“StepForward extends our People Forward philosophy into global communities, ensuring young people worldwide have access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in tomorrow’s workplaces,” said Girish Ganesan, Chief People Officer, S&P Global.
S&P Global has long championed AI adoption and upskilling as part of workforce strategy through EssentialTECH education, mandatory ‘AI for Everyone’ employee training, internal tools including Kensho Spark Assist and a recent workforce development partnership with Eightfold AI.
Learn more about Artificial Intelligence at S&P Global:
https://www.spglobal.com/en/research-insights/market-insights/artificial-intelligence
Media Contacts:
Orla O’Brien
S&P Global
+1 857 407 8559
orla.obrien@spglobal.com
Alexis Weakley
S&P Global
+1 610 390 4394
alexis.weakley@spglobal.com
About S&P Global
S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) enables businesses, governments, and individuals with trusted data, expertise and technology to make decisions with conviction. We are Advancing Essential Intelligence through world-leading benchmarks, data, and insights that customers need in order to plan confidently, act decisively, and thrive economically in a rapidly changing global landscape.
From helping our customers assess new investments across the capital and commodities markets to guiding them through the energy expansion, acceleration of artificial intelligence, and evolution of public and private markets, we enable the world’s leading organizations to unlock opportunities, solve challenges, and plan for tomorrow – today. Learn more at www.spglobal.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sp-global-launches-stepforward-10-million-initiative-preparing-global-youth-for-ai-enabled-futures-302645070.html
SOURCE S&P Global
