Latest news with #Marseille-based
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mistral AI signs $110m deal with shipping giant CMA CGM
French tech startup Mistral AI has signed a €100m ($110m) multi-year partnership with shipping and logistics company CMA CGM to develop tailored AI solutions for the Marseille-based conglomerate's operations, Reuters reported. The five-year agreement will explore new AI applications within CMA CGM's core logistics services and its French media businesses, with a specific focus on enhancing customer service and implementing AI-powered factchecking tools. The deal will contribute to CMA CGM's AI-related investment, which is projected to reach €500m over the duration of the partnership. Founded in 2023, Mistral AI provides alternatives to solutions offered by leading US companies in the sector. Under the latest partnership, the startup will develop bespoke AI models and agents to support a variety of use cases across CMA CGM's business units. In a joint interview, Arthur Mensch, co-founder and CEO of Mistral, and Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, discussed various topics, but Saade chose not to provide specific financial targets for return on investment, the report added. However, Saadé highlighted that: "the implementation of initiatives should not exceed six to 12 months" and pointed out that these measures would greatly shorten response times for customer advisers dealing with one million emails each week, including questions about vessel routing. However, he refrained from sharing specific return-on-investment targets. Mistral AI, which counts CMA CGM among its investors, anticipates a tenfold increase in sales between December 2024 and December 2025, according to its co-founder and CEO Arthur Mensch. The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the European Union and the US over AI regulation. Saadé referenced the geopolitical backdrop, saying, 'in this period of uncertainty, I think it's a good thing for two French groups to announce this partnership.' In February 2025, the company launched a mobile version of its AI chatbot, Le Chat, available on both iOS and Android. In January, reports surfaced that Mistral was preparing for an initial public offering and seeking growth opportunities across the Asia-Pacific and European regions. "Mistral AI signs $110m deal with shipping giant CMA CGM" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Telegraph
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Stylish flat shoes for when it's not quite sandal weather
As early as three weeks ago, Marks & Spencer's ballet-teacher flats were selling fast enough to bring tears of joy to their shareholders' eyes. This is a shoe that neatly solves the conundrum that has bugged Britons for aeons: namely how to dress our feet in spring. It's a semi-open last that can be worn with socks or bare skin, jeans or skirts. It's clearly not a winter shoe, but it doesn't scream sandal either. When you're looking for a seasonal gear change without going straight into fifth, these things count. Also important are the features that distinguish the ballet-teacher flat from the more ubiquitous ballet flat, namely that tie strap across the top of the foot. So little, and yet so much when it comes to updates. No point in repeat buying replicas of what you already own, unless what you already own is worn out. Within hours of mentioning these in a review of M&S's latest collection, friends and colleagues were messaging me to say they already had them, with pictures of their feet to prove it. These are the shoes of spring. Or one of them. If you love splattering your cash about the place, you probably have the Miu Miu deck shoe originals that have triggered one of the other spring shoe 'must-haves'. I say originals, but obviously that's only true on Planet Fashion. Paul A Sperry (American, obvs) came up with the prototype in 1935. In 2024, Miu Miu added some twiddly bits, a few zeros and styled them with teeny knicker-shorts (think Emma Corrin). Et voilà. A cult. Personally I'm resisting knicker-shorts and going for sheepskin linings, like the ones Penelope Chilvers has used inside her suede deck shoes. See what you can do there? Go bare ankled while remaining cosy, a popular idea. They're now waiting for new stock. Meanwhile there's Grenson's wonderful, height-giving double-soled boat shoes. There are several other styles that immediately update your spring game while providing transitional-season foot coverage. The fisherman's shoe has had a resurgence and looks particularly good with the new semi-shaped midis and maxis. The Mary Jane has been tweaked and now comes with contrasting tips, à la Chanel (useful when you want to co-ordinate them with different outfits). Mesh is still going strong, but has been given a romantic twist at Mango. Mules have become classics – good for evening, but with a laid-back feel – and the mid-height version blossoms prettily. Florrie London's have padded soles for extra comfort. And my favourite every day-er: the ruched loafer, which may have been 'inspired' by Saint Laurent. Sessùn, a Marseille-based brand, has gorgeous browny-burgundy patent or white ones made from ethically produced leather using non-toxic tanning and dying methods. In other words, something for all styles, all feet – and all consciences.
Arab News
09-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Migrant rescue NGO saves 25 people off Libyan coast
MARSEILLE: French migrant rescue group SOS Mediterranee brought 25 people stranded off the Libyan coast aboard its Ocean Viking vessel on Sunday, the NGO said. Those rescued, including three women and seven minors, are 'currently being cared for by the Red Cross and SOS Mediterranee teams' aboard the Ocean Viking, the Marseille-based group said in a statement. Five of the minors are unaccompanied while two of the children are aged under four, the statement added. The boat in distress was spotted thanks to an alert issued by Alarm Phone, a number used by migrants who run into trouble while attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing in hope of a better life in Europe. Since the beginning of 2025, 247 people have disappeared or died in the Mediterranean Sea while trying to reach Europe, according to the latest figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). That toll follows the 2,360 people who died across the whole of 2024. The vast majority of the victims died in the central Mediterranean, one of the world's deadliest migration routes.
Reuters
25-02-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Altice France close to debt-for-equity deal with creditors, sources say
PARIS, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Altice France is preparing to sign an agreement with its creditors to reduce the telecoms group's debt in exchange for a minority stake in the company, two sources close to the matter told Reuters on Tuesday, confirming reports from Bloomberg and Le Figaro. One of the sources said the agreement will involve a debt reduction of 8.6 billion euros ($9 billion), bringing consolidated net debt to 15.5 billion euros. Creditors will receive a 45% stake in total, including 31% for secured creditors. "(Founder) Patrick Drahi manages to retain control after a year-long battle," said the source. Altice France declined to comment. Bloomberg reported that the agreement will include changes in governance. The agreement has yet to be signed but is expected to be signed shortly, the two sources said. Altice, still headed by Drahi, has been in talks with its creditors for months in an effort to reduce its debt. Last March it sold French TV news channel BFM to Marseille-based shipping company CMA CGM for an enterprise value of 1.55 billion euros ($1.63 billion). ($1 = 0.952 euros)
