Companies

Vox cuts four jobs in first restructuring under James Murdoch's ownership
Vox Media's flagship site eliminated four roles as part of a strategic review initiated by Lupa Systems' $300 million acquisition. Editor-in-Chief Swati Sharma outlined the changes in an internal memo.

Blancpain marks 70 years of Bathyscaphe with limited Fifty Fathoms edition
Swiss watchmaker Blancpain launches a 300-piece limited edition of its Bathyscaphe diver's watch to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the model family. The timepiece, priced at 13,800 Swiss francs, draws design cues from a 1968 original.

Helport AI launches AI-driven customer service for consumer hardware brands
AI labor platform deployed for Dreame Technology and Birdfy after initial consumer finance success. Company reports first commercial revenue from hardware sector since April 2026 partnership.

FIFA regional bodies weigh no-confidence vote against Infantino
Europe, Asia and North America federations consider unprecedented challenge before 2027 congress amid governance concerns and rights-deal fallout.

Fidelity International to exit wholly owned China fund unit amid weak demand
Global asset manager FIL plans to withdraw from its China retail fund business after assets slumped 25% from peak levels. Regulatory filing pending as rivals scale back onshore operations.

QumulusAI secures 3.75 MW Atlanta data center capacity for AI workloads
The distributed AI cloud platform will deploy up to 2,048 NVIDIA Blackwell B300 GPUs under a seven-year colocation deal. Additional 7 MW expansion option is available.

Aramark expands NCAA partnerships with Florida State, Texas State
Foodservice provider secures multi-venue deals at two universities, enhancing athletic facility operations and nutrition programs ahead of the 2026 NCAA season.

Baosheng Group, 58.com sign AI marketing MOU in Beijing
Strategic partnership focuses on AI-driven advertising, virtual human livestreaming, and smart local services. Deal remains non-binding pending future agreements.

PostFinance posts lower half-year profit amid revenue decline
Net income fell 6% to 103 million francs as interest income dropped, offset by cost cuts and a Swissquote stake sale. Customer assets rose to 117.5 billion francs.

Aminex unit issues dispute notice over Tanzania gas project delays
Ndovu Resources alleges operator ARA Petroleum breached obligations under the 2026 work program for the Ntorya Gas Development, triggering a 90-day dispute resolution window.

Taylor Farms faces fallout from U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Mexican lettuce
Fresh produce giant Taylor Farms, a key supplier to major retailers and chains, grapples with demand slump and recalls after FDA ties cyclosporiasis outbreak to its Mexican iceberg lettuce. Industry impact spreads to local growers.

Apollo Global discloses data breach amid broader cyberattack wave
Asset manager confirms unauthorized access to cloud platforms last month; investigation ongoing as hackers target financial firms with low-tech tactics.

Humana appoints Shantanu Nundy as chief medical officer
Veteran healthcare executive joins Louisville-based insurer to lead clinical strategy and AI integration. Role effective Aug. 31.

Capella University appoints oncologist to board of trustees
Dr. Saro Sarkisian, a medical oncologist and healthcare executive, joins Capella University's board, bringing expertise in immuno-oncology and AI in medicine.

Amazon’s Prime Video to spend over $2 bln in Latin America by 2030
Streaming unit to more than double local originals and expand sports rights across Mexico, Brazil and three other key markets. New app features will roll out to additional countries.

J&T Express posts 124% profit surge as non-China revenue hits 50%
First-half profit more than doubled to $350.6 million on a 39.5% revenue rise, with half of sales now generated outside China. The express delivery group raised 2026 capex guidance to $800-900 million.

UK retail sales dip 0.5% in July despite World Cup and hot weather boost
Non-food sales declined as promotions shifted to June, offsetting gains in alcoholic drinks and beverages amid heatwave and sporting events. Consumer confidence rose to a two-year high despite inflation pressures.

Ecuadorean diplomat Baki seeks UN top job with conflict-prevention pledge
Ivonne Baki, 75, vows to prioritize on-the-ground diplomacy if elected UN secretary-general, positioning herself as a reformist candidate amid calls for institutional renewal.

VGP reports 18% rise in recurring income as JV expansion accelerates
H1 2026 recurring rental income climbs 17.9% to €128.2m as joint ventures expand across Western and Central Europe. Portfolio occupancy remains at 98%.

Crypto, AI and betting firms pour record $517 mln into 2026 U.S. midterms
Corporate spending on U.S. House and Senate races hits $517 million in 15 months, surpassing the previous two-year record. Crypto, tech and online gaming sectors account for nearly $300 million of the total.

South Port NZ posts 21% profit rise on record cargo volumes
FY26 net profit after tax climbed 21% to NZD 16.11 million as total cargo throughput hit a record 3.96 million tonnes, while dividends rose for the 33rd year.

South Port FY26 profit hits record on cargo surge, wind farm logistics
Net profit rose 21% to NZD 16.11 million as container volumes jumped 18.5% and wind farm components boosted project cargo. Dividend maintained for 33rd year.

Norway expands Arctic brigade near Russian border amid NATO tensions
Army adds artillery battalion, air-defense battery and comms unit to Finnmark Brigade as Oslo boosts northern deterrence. Budget now 3.17% of GDP, among NATO’s highest.

Switzerland, China finalize trade deal to eliminate nearly all tariffs on Swiss exports
Updated pact will lift tariffs on 99.8% of Swiss goods to China, including watches, pharmaceuticals and machinery, with annual savings of 244 million francs.

