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EQT and Kühne Holding invest in Flix, the global travel company

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EQT Future and Kühne Holding to acquire a 35% stake in FlixInvestment is part of a long-term strategic partnership built on a common vision for Flix’s next phase of profitable growth across new and existing markets and offeringsEQT is investing through EQT Future, its impact-driven, longer-hold fund, and will support Flix’s ambition to expand the offering of sustainable and affordable travel options

STOCKHOLM, July 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Flix SE (“Flix” or the “Company”), the global travel tech company, and EQT, the global investment organisation, together with Kühne Holding, representing one of the world’s leading logistics entrepreneurs and investors, today announce that a definitive agreement has been reached for EQT Future and Kühne Holding to acquire a 35% minority stake in Flix.

In addition to a primary investment in Flix, EQT Future and Kühne Holding will acquire shares from existing shareholders to build a long-term anchor shareholding in Flix. This investment will further strengthen Flix’s balance sheet and help accelerate the Company’s successful trajectory of profitable growth. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

“We are delighted to welcome EQT Future and Kühne Holding as strong and purpose-driven investors with proven track records of building upon sustainable long-term investment strategies. Their capital and know-how will be a strong asset to our company’s overall strategic vision. We couldn’t ask for better partners to embark on the next chapter of Flix’s journey”, commented André Schwämmlein, CEO and Co-Founder of Flix.

“EQT Future backs high-quality, growing companies that have the potential to be sustainability leaders in their fields. Flix is the perfect example of this. We are deeply impressed by what André and his team have built, having developed Flix from a startup into the clear global market leader, operating in 43 countries,” said Andreas Aschenbrenner, Founding Partner and Deputy Head of the EQT Future advisory team. “For us at EQT, it is always about providing more than capital. We are proud to partner with Kühne Holding, one of the leading transportation and logistics investors, and together with André and his team, we are excited to support Flix’s strategic growth agenda over the long-term. We aim to ensure Flix’s low carbon solution to long-distance travel reaches even more people across the world and believe that Flix is on a path to being the category defining player in mass ground transportation, with huge potential to become a household name in the industry and beyond.”

Dominik de Daniel, CEO Kühne Holding AG, commented: “Flix is driving the next generation of collective transport. The Kühne Holding is proud to actively support them as a strategic partner in their next phase of expansion. Over the past few months, we have established a great relationship with the colleagues of EQT Future. We have great confidence in André Schwämmlein and his team and very much look forward to supporting Flix’s future in a beneficial partnership.”

Karl Gernandt, Chairman Kühne Holding AG, added: “As one of the largest strategic investors in the transport and mobility sector, the Kühne Holding is now taking a further step into the market for collective transport by bus. With Flix’s proven asset-light operating model, we see great synergies with our other investments in the transport sector. Furthermore, we want to support the expansion strategy of their international network. We are building on the great successes that Flix has achieved in establishing the bus as the leading sustainable means of transport – for more than a decade in Europe and now also overseas.”

Driving profitable growth

The investment comes at a time of continued significant growth momentum and strategic expansion at Flix. The company reported 30 percent total revenue growth in 2023 and thus, for the first time, reached EUR 2 billion in annual total revenue. This comes at an increased profitability with adjusted EBITDA of EUR 104 million in 2023. The strong momentum enables Flix to deliver on strategic targets such as the expansion of its global footprint, transforming the North American bus market and further scaling FlixTrain to respond to the rising demand for alternative rail services in Germany.

Expanding the global footprint

To further strengthen its geographical presence, Flix has recently entered two of the most important bus markets worldwide: Chile and India. The company’s global footprint now stretches across 43 countries worldwide. With both FlixBus and FlixTrain, the European expansion is moving forward. FlixBus is significantly expanding its services in UK, Portugal and Ukraine and has launched in Norway and Finland. Flix’s clear ambition is to reach market leadership in these markets.

Advancing the North America business

Flix has been operating in the United States since 2018. In 2021, the company acquired Greyhound Lines, an iconic intercity bus service provider, further expanding its reach, including in Canada and Mexico. The transformation and integration of operations into the Flix platform is well underway and increasingly reflected in a growing asset-light share, driving growth and profitability in the market.

With growth comes responsibility

Flix is on a continuous mission to deliver a great travel experience while constantly reviewing the impact of its business. To underpin the Company’s commitment to a responsible business model, Flix recently published its second voluntary ESG report for 2023. With its vision to drive sustainable and affordable travel, Flix aligns strongly with EQT Future’s mission to support market leading businesses which improve our planet through the products and services they deliver, while having the potential to shape their industries.

Contacts

EQT: Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

Flix: Lara Hesse, globalpress@flixbus.com 

Kühne Holding: Dominique Nadelhofer, Dominique.nadelhofer@kuehne-holding.com 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/eqt-and-kuhne-holding-invest-in-flix–the-global-travel-company,c4011452

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UBHOME Collaborates with Qualcomm to Release the Smart Lawn Mower, Co-Creating a New Era of Smart Life

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The 2025 CES in the United States is about to unveil a brand-new chapter in the future intelligent home gardening

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — UBHOME, a sub-brand of UBTECH Robotics, announced an intelligent service robot in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The Robotic Mower M10 is a revolutionary smart lawn mower announced at the 2025 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States. This product is powered by the Qualcomm® RB1 Robotics Platform, showcases UBHOME’s rich experience in robot research and development, and focuses on solving the pain points of traditional lawn-mowing equipment, providing users with a worry-free and labor-saving smart gardening experience, and creates a new model of gardening intelligence.

User-Oriented: The All-New Convenience Brought by the Smart Lawn Mower to Life

The Robotic Mower M10 is not only a high performance tool but also an upgrade of the smart lifestyle. In response to the pain points of users when using traditional lawn-mowing equipment, this product offers a series of practical functions, bringing brand-new convenience to home gardening:

Wireless and Borderless Mowing: There is no need for cumbersome boundary wire installation anymore. The device relies on accurate environmental perception and navigation technology to independently plan the work area, allowing users to use it right out of the box, saving installation time and energy.

Automatic Mowing, Saving Time and Effort: The device can automatically complete the lawn mowing work according to the preset schedule or real-time instructions, enabling users to manage the lawn care through delegation to the mower.

Wide Coverage and Stable Signal: It supports a large-scale signal connection of up to 130,000 square meters. Even for extremely large courtyards, stable operation can be ensured, and there is no need to worry about signal loss.

Real-time Online, in-control Anytime: Through APP remote control and real-time monitoring, users can adjust the mowing plan or check the device status at any time, managing the courtyard work as they like.

The combination of these functions not only greatly simplifies the complexity of mowing work but also liberates users from repetitive physical labor, allowing them to focus on enjoying the wonderful moments of life.

UBHOME: In-depth Layout in Smart Home

UBHOME is a brand under UBTECH Robotics that focuses on providing smart solutions for families. As a world-leading robot enterprise, UBTECH, with its strong R&D strength and technological accumulation, has successfully launched Walker, China’s first commercial bipedal human-sized humanoid robot. The launch of the Robotic Mower M10 by UBHOME this time is an important step in its layout in the smart home field.

Relying on UBTECH’s technological accumulation in robots and its in-depth understanding of user needs, the Robotic Mower M10 achieves the best mowing effect through environmental recognition and dynamic adjustment. Whether it is complex terrain, steep slopes, or high requirements for fine mowing, it can perform perfectly, demonstrating its excellent technical capabilities and brand commitment.

Powered by Qualcomm Technologies, Facilitating Intelligent Upgrading

As a global leader in wireless technology and edge intelligence, Qualcomm Technologies provides cutting-edge technical support for the Robotic Mower M10, including intelligent edge computing platforms, dynamic path planning, and environmental perception technologies. These technologies ensure that the device can operate efficiently in various environments, providing users with a precise and efficient smart experience. The Robotic Mower M10 utilizes the Qualcomm RB1 Robotics Platform to ensure the superior operation of the Robotic Mower M10 in large-scale courtyards, laying a solid foundation for realizing smart life.

Industry Significance and Trend: Promoting the Development of Gardening Intelligence

With the continuous increase in the demand for home intelligence, the market for smart gardening equipment is in a period of rapid development. As a typical representative of this trend, the smart lawn mower not only meets consumers’ pursuit of a convenient lifestyle but also provides a direction for the transformation of the gardening industry from tool manufacturing to smart services.

The product released by UBHOME not only fills the gap in the high-performance lawn-mowing equipment market but also sets a new industry benchmark. Through the multiple advantages of wireless, real-time connection, and fully automated operation, it endows home gardening with new value, making users no longer regard mowing as a burden but feel the convenience and fun brought by technology.

Innovation Hand in Hand, Co-creating Smart Life

The collaboration between UBHOME and Qualcomm Technologies showcases a strong collaboration of technology and innovation. Both parties are committed to bringing more convenient and efficient life experiences to consumers through technological innovation.

At the 2025 CES, UBHOME and Qualcomm Technologies will showcase the innovative functions and application scenarios of this Robotic Mower M10.

About UBHOME 

UBHOME is a brand under UBTECH Robotics, focusing on providing smart solutions for families. UBTECH is a world-leading robot enterprise dedicated to the research and development and application of artificial intelligence and robot technology and has successfully served more than 900 enterprise-level customers in more than 50 countries around the world.

Media Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
UBHOME Brand Team: mbu-sales@ubtrobot.com 

Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.  

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SOURCE UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD

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Global Launch of JETOUR T2 i-DM: Reshaping the Hybrid SUV Market

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DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On December 25, 2024, the First JETOUR Fan’s Festival and the Launch of T2 i-DM was held in Qatar, themed “Think Future”. During the event, JETOUR launched its user brand “Traveler” in the Middle East and its first hybrid model, JETOUR T2 i-DM. The launch event highlights JETOUR’s commitment to exploring sustainable travel modes and ambition to become the “The World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles” under the “Travel+” strategy.

JETOUR T2 i-DM not only inherits the strengths of T2 series, but also achieves high energy efficiency, high performance, high safety, and high intelligence with its advanced hybrid technology, i-DM. With a maximum combined power of 280kW and torque of 610N•m, T2 i-DM boasts a NEDC pure electric range of 139km and an overall range exceeding 1,000km at just 0.8L/100km, addressing range anxiety and promoting green travel.

Mr. Dai Lihong, executive vice president of JETOUR Auto, emphasized technology’s role in producing world-class products. The launch also introduced “Traveler”, enriching user experience through diverse products and superior performance. This year, JETOUR has ranked third in sales across the Qatari auto market. The Fan’s Festival invited user representatives from across the Middle East to witness the unveiling of “Traveler”, experiencing “Travel+” culture through city tours and co-creation workshops.

JETOUR prioritizes users, listening to their needs and co-creating products, brand, and lifestyle. Through “Traveler,” JETOUR aims to provide richer travel experiences and benefits globally, leveraging the platform to spread the “Travel+” culture worldwide. Mr. Alex Tan, Vice President of JETOUR International, said, “Serving ‘JETOUR users’ and being ‘a user-oriented JETOUR’ are JETOUR’s development philosophy. JETOUR will continue to build a travel community centered around users, cars, and lifestyles, sharing the joy of traveling together with users.”

JETOUR also partnered with Diamond League to promote athletics in Qatar and the Middle East, embodying JETOUR Speed and the brand’s image of breakthroughs and innovations. With T2 selling over 150,000 units globally, T2 i-DM will continue its success to meet customers’ needs and reshape the hybrid SUV market.

The launch of T2 i-DM marks JETOUR’s new journey towards “the World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles.” JETOUR plans to introduce more hybrid and off-road models, providing customers with eco-friendly and diversified travel choices. With its innovative spirit and user-oriented philosophy, JETOUR will lead the global automotive industry towards a more sustainable and smarter future.

SOURCE JETOUR AUTO

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My Date with Rural China—-VOC.com.cn Unveils Season Two of I Am in Rural China

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CHANGSHA, China, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Modern China’s rural revitalization strategy is crafting a remarkable narrative of transformation across the countryside, while progressive opening-up policies encourage foreign visitors to delve deeper into the nation’s heartland. On December 26th, VOC.com.cn premiered the second season of its acclaimed series, I Am in Rural China. The show follows Teona Kvartskhava, an international guest, as she explores the villages of Hunan Province, offering viewers a firsthand look at the dynamic implementation of comprehensive rural revitalization. This captivating series invites a global audience to witness the dawn of a new era in China’s rural landscapes, showcasing the country’s evolving countryside to viewers worldwide.

Rice field came as the first surprise. Hunan is the largest rice grower and producer in China. Hunan provides the high-quality and tasty rice. Teona Kvartskhava, a foreigner hardly feeding on rice, was tempted to have plenty of it. In Qunle Village, Lixian County, Changde, she also experienced “Double Rush”, which is a time-honored agricultural event in China. An event that used to call for the joint efforts of all family members, has now become much easier thanks to technology.

Departing from Lixian County for the moment, Teona Kvartskhava embarked on an exciting trip of tastes in Rucheng, Chenzhou, Southern Hunan. Hunan people are keen and expert on peppery food and spicy taste dominates the Hunan cuisine. Hunan is also rich in varieties of peppers. Jingpo town, a well-known town where spicy food prevails. It is a producer of red cluster pepper, officially one of the hottest peppers in China. From the crowded market, to the red and yellow pepper planting base, and then to the modern processing pepper workshop, the small cluster pepper strung up all corners of the town, so that the original ordinary mountain town has become extraordinarily lively and affluent.

Of course, the “star” of the countryside here is not only agriculture, but also culture, which has also blossomed in this ancient land. As the birthplace of papermaking, China has preserved a unique handmade papermaking technique, which is used to make some “special” papers. In Shanghong Village, Liuyang, Teona Kvartskhava was lucky to meet two Chinese masters, who showed her hands-on experiences of “Gushan Tribute Paper” and “Floral Paper”. As the process progresses, the paper took shape in her hands, as if history and culture were meeting in front of her eyes, and became the “first paper” in Teona Kvartskhava’s life.

So,What’s rural China like? It’s about hospitable peasants, about various agricultural produce, about profound history and culture, about colorful intangible cultural heritage. It’s like a book telling numerous absorbing stories. Hopefully Teona Kvartskhava’ll be luckier to visit more villages for their unique interest and charm.

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SOURCE voc.com.cn

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