Latest news with #Dublin-based
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Dalata Hotel Group agrees to €1.4 billion takeover deal
Scandinavian property companies Pandox and Eiendomsspar have agreed to buy Ireland's largest hotel group Dalata Hotel Group for €1.4 billion, the companies said today. Dalata shareholders will get €6.45 in cash per share, representing a premium of about 12% to the closing price on June 2 - the day before the Scandinavian hotel investors first disclosed their interest in the Irish company. Dalata had rejected an initial proposal in early June from Pandox and Eiendomsspar, valuing it at €1.3 billion, saying that the price undervalued the group. The latest offer, which has the backing of the board, concludes the Dublin-based company's strategic review that was launched in March to drive up shareholder returns. The cash offer of €6.45 per share also represents a 35.5% premium to the Dalata share price before the launch of its strategic review and formal sale process in March and a 49.7% premium to the 12 month volume-weighted average Dalata share price. Sweden-based Pandox will own 91.5% of the entity taking over Dalata, while Norway-based Eiendomsspar will own 8.5%, the companies said in a statement. Pandox's long-term operating partner, Scandic Hotels Group AB, will become an operating partner for the existing Dalata portfolio, they added. Dalata operates 55 hotels under the Maldron Hotel and Clayton Hotel brands, mostly in Ireland and the UK, and aims to open new hotels in Europe including in Berlin and Madrid. It launched a strategic review in March to explore options for enhancing shareholder value, including a potential sale. The Dalata Board said it believes the acquisition is in the best interests of Dalata shareholders and represents the most effective route to enhance value for shareholders, relative to Dalata's other strategic options which have been considered as part of its strategic review. Dalata said it will retain its staff, management team and Dublin headquarters as it continues to expand as an international hotel group. Dermot Crowley, CEO of Dalata, said the deal represents an exciting new chapter for Dalata in which it will become part of a larger hotel platform and will further accelerate its growth. He said the deal was a "very good fit" as it gives Pandox a large portfolio in Britain and Ireland, and Dalata better access to capital and a larger platform to accelerate growth. Dalata will continue to target new properties in the United Kingdom and Western and Southern Europe, he added. "Our focus remains firmly on our people and our customers. I'm proud to continue to lead our team in close partnership with our new owners. Together, we will unlock new opportunities for the Clayton and Maldron brands as we continue to expand as a leading international hotel company," the CEO added. John Hennessy, Chair of Dalata, said that after a thorough and rigourous strategic review, incorporating a formal sales process, the board has determined unanimously that this transaction delivers compelling value and represents the best available strategic option for shareholders. "We believe that it is the right path forward for all stakeholders, and that it positions the business strongly for its next phase of growth under new ownership," the said. "The value achieved reflects the hard work and professionalism of the exceptional people working in Dalata now and in the past, and we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone in the Dalata Group and to all who have contributed to the journey so far. We look forward to the company's continued success into the future," he added. Pandox CEO Liia Nõu said the portfolio consisted of "well-established and highly profitable four-star hotels in strong locations" that would increase its footprint in key markets. Sweden-based Pandox specialises in the ownership, development and leasing of large hotel assets in major cities across Sweden and northern Europe. It has been expanding its portfolio through acquisitions and leases in key European cities including Stockholm, Berlin and Brussels and its portfolio consists of 163 hotel properties with about 36,000 rooms across 11 countries in Northern Europe. Eiendomsspar is one of the largest real estate owners in Norway and it owns 11 hotels in Norway, with another two hotels under construction. Eiendomsspar controls about 36% of the voting shares of Pandox.
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Tots to Teens: The children's clothing company that uses only organic fabrics
My Mini Munch is having a summer sale. Founded by a Dublin-based mum-of-three, this children's clothing company uses only organic fabrics to create clothes that children enjoy wearing. Take this hot air balloon dress, for example. There's a gentle stretch in the fabric that allows it to be gently pulled over the head so there is no need for snaps, zips, or fastenings. It's ethically made in Ireland, comes in sizes ranging from six months to seven years, and is machine washable. It's on sale for €38.21 and you can buy it from New Milly McCarthy book If your little bookworms run out of reading material over the holidays, hand them the latest in the Milly McCarthy series. Milly McCarthy's Wild Atlantic Antics by Leona Forde sees the Cork schoolgirl head to the Kerry Gaeltacht. She can't wait to be away from home with her friends, but her teachers aren't quite so excited. Milly may be charming and clever, but she also has a habit of creating trouble wherever she goes. Told from Milly's perspective, this book is written in diary style, making it an ideal fit for Wimpy Kid fans. It's packed with Irish references and aimed at readers aged eight and up. It's widely available and costs €10.99 Affordable items at Aldi Aldi's Baby and Toddler Event is back this week, offering products at affordable prices. The Graco Turn2M i-Size R129 Midnight is available for €130. This two-in-one convertible stroller can be used in forward-facing or rear-facing mode. It can be rotated to make it easier to get little ones in and out of the car. It's suitable for newborns up to four years old. The Graco Myavo Stroller, which costs €100, is lightweight, compact and requires the use of only one hand to fold easily. It has multiple recline options and adjustable calf support to suit babies or toddlers. Other products for sale include sterilising kits, baby safety gates, and potties — designed to look, sound, and feel like real toilets. Positive messaging Remind your children just how much you love them with a colourful print from Bold Bunny. Bold Bunny is the brainchild of Ali Jones, a mum who started out selling greeting cards to shops in Dublin. She now has a website ( that showcases her growing range of cards, prints, and her best-selling forget-me-not calendars. All of her products are designed and made in a sustainable, climate-conscious way. 'Love You Lots Like Jelly Tots' is printed on paper made from eucalyptus fibre, and is packed in a biodegradable bag. It comes in two sizes, measuring 23cm by 23cm or 30cm by 40cm. Prices start from €18. Free football lessons Bring your little ones along to Decathlon in Limerick for a free football lesson this July and August. Decathlon is teaming up with Little Kickers, an international organisation that aims to give children a positive introduction to sport by teaching football skills in a pressure-free environment. These 30-minute classes will take place every Saturday and Sunday from now until August 24. There are sessions for toddlers aged from 18 months to two-and-a-half, as well as sessions for older kids up to the age of six. These classes are free but parents are advised to book online at Solutions for summer Some kids find the summer holidays difficult. The lack of routine, camps, later bedtimes, and influx of visitors can be disorienting for them, and they can act up as a result. Dr Jazmine McCoy, aka @themompsychologist on Instagram, has tips to help. The California-based psychologist and mother of three has built up a following of more than one million people thanks to her simple and easy-to-follow advice on positive discipline and creating connections with children.
ME Construction
a day ago
- Business
- ME Construction
Ecocem announces plans for new plant to produce ACT low-carbon product
Infrastructure Ecocem announces plans for new plant to produce ACT low-carbon product By The project is a JV between Ecocem in France and CB Green, a division of French minerals processing group Groupe CB Dublin-based alternative cement producer Ecocem has announced plans to establish a new plant to manufacture its ACT low-carbon product. The new ACT plant will be built at Ecocem's existing factory next to ArcelorMittal's blast furnaces in Dunkirk, France. It will have the capacity to produce up to 300,000t of ACT annually, boosting the Dunkirk plant's production capacity to more than a million tonnes per year. The plant will serve as Ecocem's inaugural factory dedicated to producing the new product, which Ecocem asserts has the potential to achieve a globally scalable 70% reduction in the cement industry's carbon footprint. Ecocem explains that ACT achieves this by optimising the utilisation of locally available alternative materials, commonly referred to as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), while ensuring that any concrete produced using ACT meets the necessary durability, workability, mechanical strength, and cost requirements. ACT is a proprietary technology that uses a specific blend of minerals and additives combined with optimised particle size distribution. According to Ecocem it can be produced at almost any existing cement plant without significant investment or modifications and does not require changes in construction practices. The total investment for the plant expansion is US $54mn, funded through a bank loan classified as a 'Green Loan' by the EthiFinance agency and supported by both the French government and local authorities. Ecocem Group Founder and Managing Director Donal O'Riain said, 'The industrialisation of our ACT technology marks a historic turning point for the cement industry. Cement manufacturing processes have remained unchanged for 200 years; ACT represents a true technological breakthrough and an opportunity to rapidly decarbonise what is one of the world's most polluting industries – responsible for almost 8% of global emissions – without compromising quality and performance or significantly increasing costs.' 'The support of public authorities, particularly through France 2030, validates our vision and innovative capability. This is a major recognition for Ecocem and our ACT technology, which has received its first public funding since the company was established in 2000. In 2026, we will be able to offer the market a low-carbon solution deployable on an industrial scale. This advancement, supported by major industrial players and public authorities, positions France and, more broadly, Europe at the forefront of cement decarbonisation,' he added The project is a joint venture between Ecocem in France and CB Green, a division of French minerals processing group Groupe CB. The focus in the first half of 2025 will be on installing the mill, a key component that will produce the required fillers, as well as expanding blending and storage facilities for ACT. Construction will begin in early 2025, with a view to delivering ACT to the market in the second half of 2026.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow: The Laurieston pub gets visit from Fontaines D.C.
Grian Chatten, frontman of Fontaines D.C., was spotted enjoying a drink and chatting with staff at The Laurieston Bar on Bridge Street—just south of the River Clyde—the same day the band performed at Glasgow Green. The iconic Southside venue was bustling with punters as the Dublin-born musician mingled with staff and fans. (Image: The Laurieston pub Facebook) READ MORE: Kevin Bridges poses with huge TRNSMT act The Laurieston is widely regarded as one of the best pubs in the UK, lauded for its 'cult status' and 'almost unspoilt' 1960s interior, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Glasgow's social history. The pub posted the snap on social media with the caption: "Great to have Grian Chatten from @fontainesband in the pub yesterday. Thanks for taking time to take a picture with the staff." Later that evening, Fontaines D.C. delivered a powerful set on the Main Stage, just ahead of headliners Biffy Clyro. As reported by The Glasgow Times, the band used their performance to shine a light on the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel. READ MORE: Fontaines DC lead Palestine chant during TRNSMT set During their set, Chatten led the crowd in a passionate 'Free Palestine' chant following the band's performance of Bug, with many audience members joining in and waving Palestinian flags. A Palestinian flag was draped over the band's stage equipment, and guitarist Carlos O'Connell displayed a 'Free Palestine' sticker on his guitar. READ MORE: Fontaines D.C. fans are all wearing this ONE thing to TRNSMT Fans also paid tribute by donning a limited-edition Fontaines D.C. x Bohemians FC football shirt, which was released last year. Designed by guitarist Carlos O'Connell in collaboration with Dublin-based Bohemians Football Club, the jersey was created to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). The kit also pays homage to the band's acclaimed fourth album, Romance, which has earned widespread critical acclaim.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Kevin Bridges spotted at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow
The 38-year-old Clydebank comic attended the event with his wife and was photographed alongside Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten. Sharing the moment on social media, Bridges captioned the image: 'A wee day oot…' READ MORE: Fontaines DC lead Palestine chant during TRNSMT set Fontaines D.C., who took to the main stage ahead of headliners Biffy Clyro, used their performance to draw attention to the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel. As reported by The Glasgow Times, lead singer Grian Chatten led the crowd in a passionate 'Free Palestine' chant following the band's performance of Bug. Audience members quickly joined in, with many seen waving Palestinian flags. (Image: Kevin Bridges Instagram) READ MORE: Fontaines D.C. fans are all wearing this ONE thing to TRNSMT A Palestinian flag was draped over the band's stage equipment, and guitarist Carlos O'Connell displayed a 'Free Palestine' sticker on his guitar. Fans of the band also paid tribute by wearing a unique Fontaines D.C. x Bohemians FC football shirt. The limited-edition jersey, designed by O'Connell in collaboration with Dublin-based Bohemians Football Club, was released last year to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). The kit also serves as a tribute to the band's acclaimed fourth album, Romance, which received widespread critical praise.
