HONG KONG, Apr 22, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - China Gas Holdings Limited (“China Gas” or the “Group”; stock code: 384), a leading city gas operator in China, announced that it has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with CITIC Construction Co., Ltd. (“CITIC Construction”) and China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited (“China CITIC Bank”). Based on the principles of “resource sharing, complementary strengths, shared benefits and mutual success”, the three parties will establish an integrated “industry-construction-finance” ecosystem-based collaborative model. This partnership aims to further support the development of China Gas’ new businesses, including energy storage and biomass energy, and jointly deepening engagement in global energy infrastructure and green low-carbon industries.China Gas, CITIC Construction and China CITIC Bank officially sign a tripartite strategic cooperation agreementThis collaboration represents an important step by all parties in actively responding to China’s “15th Five-Year Plan” and deepply participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. According to the agreement, the three parties will establish a comprehensive strategic partnership and conduct in-depth cooperation across various areas, including overseas energy infrastructure construction, joint development of third-party projects, industrial park businesses, green finance and various financing collaborations. They have adopted a closed-loop, ecosystem-based collaborative model: China Gas serves as the business model leader, responsible for project planning, technical solutions, and operations; CITIC Construction acts as the engineering and construction executor, leveraging its strengths in local resource coordination and construction management; China CITIC Bank, as the financial services provider, will meetinvestment and financing needs.To address global climate change and energy security challenges, the three parties will focus on the core areas, including: i) Prioritizing high-potential regions including Europe, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and North Asia to jointly promote the development and construction of energy infrastructure, ii) Integrating their resources around the industrial parks and new urbanization projects led and developed by China Gas at home and abroad, iii) Working together to implement the “green development” strategy and engage in in-depth collaboration in the areas of investment and financing.To capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global energy transition and the national “dualcarbon” goals, the Group is accelerating the development of two new growth drivers: its new energy business centered on energy storage and its biomass energy business. In the energy storage sector, the Group is seizing the strategic opportunities created by power market reforms and the development of a new power system, while continuing to deepen its market presence and optimize its layout, with a focus on “concentrating efforts in core regions and achieving key breakthroughs in overseas markets”. Meanwhile, the Group is actively expanding its biomass business and achieving growth across multiple fronts. It has previously entered cooperation agreements with several leading enterprises, including Deyi Energy (a subsidiary of Chery Automobile) and EVE Energy, as well as local governments, to jointly advance the construction of zero-carbon industrial parks and the clean upgrading of industries. This cooperation will further support the Group in expanding its domestic and overseas markets, focusing on the two new growth engines of “energy storage + biomass energy”, and promoting the Group’s healthy and sustainable development.Mr. LIU Ming Hui, Chairman and President of China Gas, said, “After more than two decades of development, China Gas has built a comprehensive business structure centered on natural gas, integrating LNG, LPG, biomass energy, and new energy technology. We are currently accelerating our globalization strategy and have formed a clear business footprint in regions such as Europe, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and North Asia. The signing of this tripartite agreement with CITIC Construction and China CITIC Bank marks our shift from simple overseas expansion to a cluster-based international strategy driven by industry leadership, empowered by engineering expertise, and finance support. Through close collaboration with our partners in finance and industry, we will leverage our stronger risk resilience and our industry chain advantages to contribute China Gas solutions to the sustainable development of global energy.”About China Gas Holdings LimitedChina Gas Holdings Limited ("China Gas", stock code: 384. HK) is a leading gas service provider. Focusing on China, it principally specializes in the investment, construction and operations of city gas pipeline infrastructure, distribution of natural gas and LPG to residential, industrial and commercial users, as well as construction and operations of gas refilling stations for vehicles and vessels. Currently, China Gas owns a total of 662 city and township gas projects with concession rights, 32 long-distance pipeline transmission projects of natural gas, 485 CNG and LNG refilling stations for vehicles and vessels, as well as 120 LPG distribution projects. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Kuala Lumpur, Apr 22, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) — CBL International Limited (NASDAQ: BANL) (“CBL” or the “Company”), a Nasdaq-listed marine fuel logistics and bunkering facilitator of Banle Group (“Banle” or “the Group”) focused on the Asia-Pacific region, today announced the acquisition of a 50.5% majority stake in Green Marine Energy Holdings Limited (“GMH”), a British Virgin Islands incorporated company. The transaction will be executed by CBL’s wholly-owned subsidiary, which has signed the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) as the buyer. To support the transaction, CBL will provide a corporate guarantee to the sellers, securing the payment obligations of its subsidiary.GMH operates two complementary businesses in Malaysia: feedstock trading for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biofuels, and ship biofuel supply together with traditional bunkering services. The feedstock trading arm holds the necessary licenses to source and trade raw materials used in SAF and biofuel production, supported by an established network of suppliers and customers. Its bunkering operations include a license to supply both conventional bunker fuel and biofuels within Malaysian waters.This strategic investment aligns with growing global emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations and evolving regulatory requirements in the maritime and aviation sectors. CBL’s financial resources and operational expertise in marine fuel logistics are expected to support GMH’s expansion, complementing it to scale its feedstock trading activities and explore opportunities to supply SAF-related producers in Malaysia.Malaysia is seeing increased investment in sustainable fuel infrastructure, with new commercial-scale SAF production facilities opening and planned in the country. These developments further underscore the potential for feedstock demand in the region.In the bunkering segment, GMH’s license positions the combined group to develop traditional and biofuel bunkering supply capabilities at key Malaysian ports, including Port Klang—one of the world’s top ten ports by throughput. This builds on CBL’s existing bunkering facilitation services and supports the industry’s transition toward lower-carbon marine fuels.Dr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBL, commented: “This acquisition represents a measured step to broaden our presence in the sustainable energy supply chain while leveraging our core strengths in marine fuel services. We look forward to working with the GMH team to support the responsible growth of these businesses in line with market developments.”The transaction is expected to enhance CBL’s long-term positioning in the evolving marine and energy sectors without altering the Company’s primary focus on its established bunkering facilitation activities.About the Banle GroupCBL International Limited (Nasdaq: BANL) is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, a reputable marine fuel logistic company based in the Asia Pacific region that was established in 2015. We are committed to providing customers with one-stop solution for vessel refueling, which is referred to as bunkering facilitator in the bunkering industry. We facilitate vessel refueling mainly through local physical suppliers in over 70 major ports covering Australia, Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Netherlands, Panama, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam, as of 17 April, 2026. The Group actively promotes the use of sustainable fuels and is awarded with the ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications, as well as EcoVadis Silver Medal.For more information about our company, please visit our website at: https://www.banle-intl.com.Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements in this announcement are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” “should,” “would,” “future,” “outlook,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. They involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release and on current expectations of BANL’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of BANL. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements could include changes in domestic and foreign business, fuel prices and tariffs, market, financial, political and legal conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.CBL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED(Incorporated in Cayman Islands with limited liabilities)For more information, please contact:CBL International LimitedEmail: investors@banle-ntl.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

KYOTO, Japan, Apr 22, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd., a global leader in clinically proven medical devices for home health monitoring and treatment, today announced the integration of its ECG-enabled upper arm blood pressure monitors with Tricog Health Pte. Ltd.’s clinically validated AI-powered cardiac triage service, Tricog CardioCheck (TCC). The service is scheduled for rollout at health centers across India from April 2026. Tricog CardioCheck (TCC) enables ECG data recorded using OMRON Healthcare’s Complete™ blood pressure monitors with integrated ECG monitoring to be transmitted to the cloud and analyzed by Tricog’s AI algorithms. Within approximately 10 seconds, the system provides a three-level risk assessment, supporting patient triage and timely clinical evaluation.Results are displayed via a dedicated smartphone application designed for healthcare professionals, allowing front-line care providers to review patient risk levels in real time and quickly determine the need for further examination, even where a cardiology specialist is not immediately available.Cardiovascular disease represents a growing public health challenge in India, with the number of patients projected to increase from approximately 110 million today to 230 million by 2050. At the same time, access to specialized care remains limited, with far fewer cardiology specialists per capita than Japan or the United States and limited access to facilities equipped for advanced cardiac testing.While early identification can be crucial to the effective management of cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure and heart attacks, helping to reduce the risk of serious complications including strokes, many cases go undetected until overt symptoms begin to develop.By integrating ECG measurement into routine blood pressure monitoring at clinics, Tricog CardioCheck (TCC) supports the identification of patients whose underlying conditions may otherwise go undiagnosed. Furthermore, the system enables cardiovascular screening to be incorporated into existing workflows without significantly increasing operational burden, facilitating earlier detection and more timely referral for further evaluation.Since its initial investment in Tricog in fiscal year 2023, OMRON Healthcare has continued to strengthen its partnership with the company in order to address key healthcare challenges in India. Through ongoing collaboration, both companies aim to expand access to innovative diagnostic solutions and contribute to improving cardiovascular health outcomes across the country.About OMRON HealthcareCommitted to advancing health and empowering people worldwide to live life to the fullest, OMRON Healthcare is a global leader in the field of clinically proven, innovative medical equipment for home health monitoring and treatment. Aiming to realize its vision, “Going for ZERO, Preventive Care for the Health of Society,” the company develops products for cardiovascular condition management, respiratory care, and pain therapy. Building on this, it has introduced a new digital health ecosystem that bridges patients and healthcare professionals, helping to reduce cerebro-cardiovascular events, the worsening of respiratory diseases, and limitations caused by chronic pain.With over 400 million units sold globally, OMRON provides the world's most recommended blood pressure monitors by healthcare professionals. Throughout its history, OMRON Healthcare has striven to improve lives and contribute to a better society by developing innovations that help people prevent, treat, and manage their medical conditions, providing products and services in over 130 countries.For more information, please visit: Website: https://healthcare.omron.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omron-healthcare-co-ltd-/Media enquiriesThis press release is disseminated by Kyodo PR on behalf of OMRON Healthcare. For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:OMRON Healthcare Press Desk: omronhealthcare-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Apr 22, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Equipment Co., Ltd. (MHI-MME) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., both part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, have obtained Approval in Principle (AiP)(1) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for the basic design of a methane oxidation catalyst system for marine LNG (liquefied natural gas)-fueled engines(2), jointly developed with Daihatsu Infinearth Mfg. Co., Ltd. A presentation ceremony was held today at Sea Japan 2026, an international maritime exhibition being held at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto-ku, Tokyo.The methane oxidation catalyst system subject to the AiP oxidizes methane slip (unburned methane) contained in the exhaust gas of marine engines. Methane has a high global warming potential among greenhouse gases (GHGs),(3) and therefore the ability to suppress its emissions is a significant advantage of this system. The system was developed with MHI-MME's catalyst design and manufacturing technology at its core, combined with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding's shipboard installation technology, and Daihatsu Infinearth's engine optimization technology.Verification testing of the catalyst system is currently being conducted in cooperation with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), with a full-scale demonstrator mounted on the KEYS Azalea, an LNG bunkering vessel(4) owned and operated by KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd. (KEYS). Initial measurements during the verification testing confirmed the expected performance of the exhaust gas treatment equipment, achieving a methane oxidation rate of more than 90% for the system alone.Following the acquisition of AiP and the confirmation of the expected performance through verification on an actual ship (initial measurements), the partner companies plan to further accelerate development toward commercialization of the system.MHI Group is making strategic efforts to strengthen its energy transition business. As part of this strategy, MHI-MME and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue their efforts to reduce GHG emissions from marine vessels amid the growing global urgency for decarbonization, thereby contributing to the improvement of the environmental performance of ships on a global scale.(1) Approval in Principle (AiP) indicates that a certification body has reviewed the basic design of the subject equipment and confirmed that it meets technical requirements and relevant safety standards.(2) Methane oxidation is a chemical reaction in which methane (CH4) is converted into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) through reaction with oxygen.(3) Greenhouse gases (GHGs) include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The catalyst system for this demonstration test only targets methane slip.(4) LNG bunkering vessels are small ships that supply LNG fuel to LNG-fueled vessels.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Apr 22, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) becomes the first company in the biometrics industry to receive Frost & Sullivan’s Global Biometric Solutions Company of the Year recognition(1), underscoring its leadership and innovation.Frost & Sullivan(2) bestows Best Practices Awards annually to companies that have achieved outstanding performance in their respective industries based on a rigorous analytical process. This year, NEC has been honored with the most prestigious award, the Company of the Year Award.For this Global Biometric Solutions Award, Frost & Sullivan analysts independently assessed NEC based on two criteria:Visionary Innovation & PerformanceAddressing Unmet Needs; Visionary Scenarios Through Megatrends; Leadership Focus; Best Practices Implementation; and Financial PerformanceCustomer ImpactPrice/Performance Value; Customer Purchase Experience; Customer Ownership Experience; Customer Service Experience; and Brand EquityTara Semon, Security Industry Analyst, Frost & Sullivan, said, "NEC’s achievements reflect a rare blend of technical excellence, ethical leadership, and customer-centric innovation. From pioneering multimodal authentication and ear acoustic to championing self-sovereign identity and responsible AI usage, the company has consistently delivered solutions that meet the evolving needs of a global market."Its deployments across public safety, education, and consumer experiences demonstrate the versatility and impact of its technologies. NEC’s commitment to research, ethics, and global expansion positions it as a beacon of excellence in the biometric solutions industry."In the future, NEC will continue to focus on replacing physical identity verification methods and physical security, as well as accelerating the development and provision of solutions that can be adapted to new use cases in an ever-growing digital society.NEC is thoroughly committed to following the NEC Group AI and Human Rights Principles(3) in its use of AI, biometric data, and other data, placing the highest priority on privacy and respect for human rights.NEC offers end-to-end digital transformation (DX) services, from strategy and concept consulting to implementation-focused offerings, based on the three pillars of business models, technology, and organization/talent. Additionally, in its shift from a traditional systems integrator to a "Value Driver," NEC restructured its value creation model under the name "NEC BluStellar"(4), which leverages NEC's cutting-edge technologies, developed and refined through years of experience and proven cross-industry expertise, aiming to transform business models, address social challenges, resolve management issues faced by customers, and lead them into a brighter future.For more information about third-party recognition of NEC’s biometric authentication, please visit here.(1) Frost & Sullivan Best Practices 2026 Recognition Recipients(2) Frost & Sullivan - The Transformational Growth Company(3) "NEC Group AI and Human Rights Principles" https://www.nec.com/en/press/201904/global_20190402_01.html(4) NEC BluStellar is a value creation model that leverages NEC’s cutting-edge technologies, developed and refined through years of experience and proven cross-industry expertise. It aims to transform business models, address social challenges, resolve management issues faced by customers, and lead them into a brighter future.About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Hokubu Waste-to-Energy PlantTOKYO, Apr 22, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has recently completed the improvement of core equipment for Hokubu Waste-to-Energy Plant, a municipal solid waste incineration facility in Kagoshima City. The work consisted of renovation of the stoker type incinerators, capable of processing 530 tonnes per day (tpd) (1), to extend the plant's service life and reduce CO2 emissions. This was a project spanning a six-year period from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2025.The Hokubu Waste-to-Energy Plant was originally designed and constructed by MHI, and completed in March 2007. It comprises two units of stoker type incinerators, each with processing capacity of 265 tpd, plus related equipment, delivering power generation capacity of 8,700 kW.Under the refurbishment work, upgrades have been made to deteriorated major equipment, to achieve stable combustion and operation over the long term. Additionally, a low-temperature catalyst, a proprietary technology of MHIEC, was introduced to the SCR (Selective Catalytic NOx Reduction) system to improve the heat recovery rate (2), a low excess air ratio incineration technology (3) was adopted to improve combustion and the efficiency of the boiler, and the output of the steam turbines was increased from 8,700 kW to 10,005 kW, which will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 33.1% per year.MHIEC took over MHI's waste treatment plant business in 2008, acquiring the technological development capabilities in environmental systems and broad-ranging expertise in the construction and operation of waste management facilities both in Japan and overseas that MHI honed over many years. A strength of this company is its ability to propose total solutions from construction to operation based on its extensive track record. Going forward, MHIEC will continue to proactively make proposals to extend the life of existing waste treatment facilities, take measures against global warming, and reduce lifecycle costs (LCC) such as maintenance and management costs to contribute to the decarbonization of energy through the collection of energy from waste.(1) A stoker-type incinerator injects air from beneath heat-resistant fire grates, mixing the waste and other material by pushing it up, and allowing for efficient incineration. It is the most common system used for municipal solid waste.(2) An SCR system removes nitrous oxides (NOx), an air pollutant in exhaust gases, and typically operates at a high temperature. With MHIEC's technology, a catalyst that can remove NOx at low temperatures was introduced to the SCR system, eliminating the need to heat the exhaust gas to a high temperature and increasing the heat recovery rate.(3) The volume of air required for combustion is suitably distributed to reduce the volumes of combusted air and exhaust gas, increasing the efficiency of the boiler and decreasing the energy consumption of the induced draft fan.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Matsumori Waste-to-Energy PlantTOKYO, Apr 22, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has recently completed the improvement of core equipment for Matsumori Waste-to-Energy Plant, a municipal solid waste incineration facility in Sendai City. MHIEC received the contract for the project from Sendai City in 2021, with work carried out over a five-year period from fiscal 2021 to fiscal 2025. The renovation of the stoker-type incinerators(1) with total processing capacity of 600 tons per day (tpd) will extend the operational life of the facility and reduce CO2 emissions.The Matsumori Waste-to-Energy Plant was originally designed and constructed by MHI, and completed in August 2005. It comprises three units of stoker-type incinerators, each with processing capacity of 200 tpd, plus related equipment, delivering power generating capacity of 17,500 kW.Under the refurbishment work, upgrades have been made to major equipment superannuated after more than 15 years in operation, to achieve stable combustion and operation over the long term. In addition, the thermal efficiency of the boiler has been enhanced with the introduction of EGR-PLUS®, a new combustion control system using an exhaust gas recirculation technology.(2) Further, a part of the soot blower that removes ash from the boiler tube has been changed from a conventional steam type to a pressure-wave (shock pulse) type,(3) reducing the amount of steam used for ash removal and allowing more steam for power generation, thereby boosting power generating capacity. These renovations have achieved a reduction in CO2 emissions of 12.1% annually.MHIEC took over the waste treatment plant business from MHI in 2008, acquiring technological development capabilities in environmental systems and broad-ranging expertise in the construction and operation of waste management facilities both in Japan and overseas. This extensive experience allows MHIEC to provide comprehensive solutions, from plant construction to operations. Going forward, MHIEC will continue to proactively make proposals to extend the life of existing waste treatment facilities, take measures against global warming, and reduce lifecycle costs (LCC) such as maintenance and management costs to contribute to the decarbonization of energy through the collection of energy from waste.(1) A stoker-type incinerator injects air from beneath heat-resistant fire grates, mixing the waste and other material by pushing it up, and allowing for efficient incineration. It is the most common system used for municipal solid waste.(2) Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is a technology to send exhaust gas from the incinerator back into the combustion chamber, promoting complete combustion and reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. MHIEC's EGR-PLUS® is a leading-edge combustion control system that combines EGR with low air ratio (the amount of air actually sent to the incinerator divided by the minimum amount of air theoretically required for incineration) combustion technology to reduce the environmental impact, and achieve a stable increase in the amount of electricity sold.(3) A pressure-wave (shock pulse) type soot blower is a device that removes ash from pipes by igniting a mixture of methane and oxygen and firing it into the combustion chamber from an injection nozzle, creating a pressure wave that breaks up ash deposits and causes fine vibrations on the pipe surface.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO and RAHWAY, N.J., Apr 21, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada), and Eisai (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito) today announced results from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-012 trial evaluating combination treatments for the firstline treatment of patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The trial evaluated the triplet therapy of KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s anti-PD-1 therapy, plus LENVIMA® (lenvatinib), the orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) discovered by Eisai, plus WELIREG® (belzutifan), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s first-in-class hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor. The study also evaluated MK-1308A, the coformulation of KEYTRUDA and quavonlimab, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s investigational anti-CTLA-4 antibody, plus LENVIMA. Both combination regimens were compared to KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA for these patients.At a pre-specified interim analysis, the combination regimens did not meet the dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for the first-line treatment of patients with RCC compared to KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA. The safety profiles of the combination regimens were consistent with those observed in previously reported studies evaluating the individual medicines and the KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA combination. A full evaluation of the data from this study is ongoing, and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and Eisai will work with investigators to share the results with the scientific community.“With the LITESPARK-012 trial, we explored whether combining therapies with established activity could improve upon well-established standards set by KEYTRUDA-based regimens, reflecting our commitment to continuously explore ways to improve outcomes for the kidney cancer community,” said Dr. M. Catherine Pietanza, Vice President, Global Clinical Development, MSD Research Laboratories. “While these regimens did not demonstrate the results we hoped, the data deepen our understanding of advanced renal cell carcinoma and will help shape the next generation of treatment approaches.”“While we are disappointed that LITESPARK-012 did not meet its primary endpoints, the findings reinforce the central role of KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma,” said Dr. Corina Dutcus, Senior Vice President, Oncology Global Clinical Development Lead at Eisai Inc. “Findings from trials such as this play an important role in shaping health care providers’ perspectives as the treatment paradigm for advanced renal cell carcinoma continues to evolve. We are committed to advancing the care of people living with this disease and we are grateful to the patients, caregivers and investigators whose participation and dedication made this research possible.”Results from the LITESPARK-012 trial do not affect other ongoing trials from the LITESPARK clinical program, including those conducted jointly with Eisai. As previously announced, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted two supplemental New Drug Applications (sNDA) for review based on Phase 3 LITESPARK-011 trial evaluating WELIREG in combination with LENVIMA for certain previously treated patients with advanced RCC and has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), or target action, date of Oct 4, 2026.KEYTRUDA is currently approved as adjuvant monotherapy and in combination regimens for appropriate patients with RCC in the U.S., European Union (EU), Japan and other countries around the world.KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA is approved in the U.S., the EU, Japan and other countries for the firstline treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. Lenvatinib is approved as KISPLYX for advanced RCC in the EU.LENVIMA in combination with everolimus is approved in the U.S., EU and other regions for the treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC following one prior anti-angiogenic therapy.WELIREG is approved in the U.S., EU, Japan and other countries for the treatment of adult patients with advanced clear cell RCC following a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and 1-2 VEGF-TKIs based on results from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-005 trial.About LITESPARK-012LITESPARK-012 is a randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04736706) evaluating either the triplet therapy of KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA plus WELIREG or MK-1308A plus LENVIMA compared to KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced clear cell RCC. The primary endpoints are PFS, as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1) modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, and OS. Secondary endpoints are objective response rate and duration of response as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, as well as safety. The study enrolled 1,688 patients who were randomized to receive:KEYTRUDA (400 mg intravenously [IV] every six weeks [Q6W]) plus LENVIMA (20 mg orally once daily [QD]) plus WELIREG (120 mg orally QD);MK-1308A (coformulation of pembrolizumab [400 mg] and quavonlimab [25 mg] IV Q6W) plus LENVIMA (20 mg orally QD);KEYTRUDA (400 mg IV Q6W) plus LENVIMA (20 mg orally QD).All study drugs were continued until protocol-specified discontinuation criteria. KEYTRUDA and MK-1308A were administered for up to two years (approximately 18 cycles). WELIREG and LENVIMA may have been administered in combination or as a single agent until progressive disease or discontinuation.About renal cell carcinomaRenal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, with about nine out of 10 kidney cancer diagnoses being RCC. In 2022, there were about 435,000 new cases of kidney cancer diagnosed and approximately 156,000 deaths from the disease worldwide. Renal cell carcinoma is about twice as common in men as in women. Most cases of RCC are discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other abdominal diseases, and about 70% are a form called clear cell RCC, which tends to be more aggressive and faster spreading. Approximately 30% of patients with kidney cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage. About Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s research in genitourinary cancersMerck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA is advancing research aimed at helping transform the treatment landscape and broaden options for people with genitourinary (GU) cancers, including bladder, kidney and prostate cancers. Globally, GU cancers account for an estimated 2.6 million new cancer diagnoses each year, equaling over 1 in 8 of all cancer incidences. Through a robust clinical development program with more than 50 ongoing clinical trials evaluating more than 22,000 patients around the world, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA is investigating the potential of several portfolio medicines and pipeline assets, leveraging multiple novel combination strategies, across various stages of disease, to help address unmet needs in GU cancers.About KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) injection for intravenous use, 100 mgKEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 2,800 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient's likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers.About LENVIMA® (lenvatinib); available as 10 mg and 4 mg capsulesLENVIMA, discovered and developed by Eisai, is an orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors VEGFR1 (FLT1), VEGFR2 (KDR), and VEGFR3 (FLT4). LENVIMA inhibits other kinases that have been implicated in pathogenic angiogenesis, tumor growth, and cancer progression in addition to their normal cellular functions, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors FGFR1-4, the platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), KIT, and RET. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, LENVIMA decreased tumor-associated macrophages, increased activated cytotoxic T cells, and demonstrated greater antitumor activity in combination with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody compared to either treatment alone. LENVIMA has been approved for the indications below.Thyroid cancer– Indication as monotherapy(Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe, China and Asia)Japan: Unresectable thyroid cancerThe United States: The treatment of patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)Europe: The treatment of adult patients with progressive, locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated (papillary/follicular/Hürthle cell) thyroid carcinoma (DTC), refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI)Hepatocellular carcinoma- Indication as monotherapy (Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe, China and Asia)Japan: Unresectable hepatocellular carcinomaThe United States: The first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)Europe: The treatment of adult patients with advanced or unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have received no prior systemic therapy- Indication in combination with KEYTRUDA (generic name: pembrolizumab) and transarterial chemoembolization (Approved in China)Thymic carcinoma- Indication as monotherapy (Approved in Japan)Japan: Unresectable thymic carcinomaRenal cell carcinoma (In Europe other than the United Kingdom, the agent was launched under the brand name Kisplyx®)- Indication in combination with everolimus(Approved mainly in the United States, Europe and Asia)The United States: The treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior antiangiogenic therapyEurope: The treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma following one prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) targeted therapy- Indication in combination with KEYTRUDA(Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe and Asia)Japan: Radically unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinomaThe United States: The first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinomaEurope: The first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinomaEndometrial carcinoma- Indication in combination with KEYTRUDA(Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe and Asia)Japan: Unresectable, advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma that progressed after cancer chemotherapyThe United States: The treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is pMMR or not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiationEurope: The treatment of adult patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma (EC) who have disease progression on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgeryAbout WELIREG® (belzutifan); available as 40 mg tablets, for oral useWELIREG, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s first-in-class hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor, is an orally administered small-molecule designed to reduce transcription and expression of HIF-2α target genes associated with cellular proliferation, angiogenesis and tumor growth. By inhibiting HIF-2α signaling, WELIREG aims to disrupt key pathways certain tumors may use to adapt to low-oxygen conditions, including those that help promote abnormal blood vessel formation and support tumor survival.WELIREG has demonstrated antitumor activity in certain von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated tumors, renal cell carcinoma and in pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. As part of a broader clinical program, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA continues to research WELIREG monotherapy and combination approaches for people with genitourinary, breast and gynecologic cancers across a range of treatment settings to further define where HIF-2α inhibition may provide clinical benefit and to better understand which patients are most likely to respond.About the Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA Strategic CollaborationIn March 2018, Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, through an affiliate, entered into a strategic collaboration for the worldwide co-development and cocommercialization of LENVIMA. Under the agreement, the companies jointly develop, manufacture and commercialize LENVIMA, both as monotherapy and in combination with Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA, and HIF-2α inhibitor, WELIREG.Eisai’s focus on cancerEisai positions Oncology as one of its key strategic areas, and aims to contribute to the cure of cancers through the discovery of innovative new drugs with new targets and mechanisms of action under the Deep Human Biology Learning (DHBL) drug discovery and development organization. By utilizing biomarker data obtained from our products to elucidate the mechanisms of the incidence and root causes of cancer, as well as drug resistance, and using Eisai Group's precision chemistry technology to turn undruggable intracellular therapeutic targets into druggable ones, we will create new backbone therapeutic drugs.About EisaiEisai’s Corporate Concept is “to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides.” Under this Concept [also known as our human health care (hhc) Concept], we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology.In addition, our continued commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is demonstrated by our work on various activities together with global partners.For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), us.eisai.com (for U.S. headquarters: Eisai Inc.) or www.eisai.eu (for Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand headquarters: Eisai Europe Ltd.), and connect with us on X (U.S. and global), LinkedIn (for U.S. and EMEA) and Facebook (global).Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s Focus on CancerEvery day, we follow the science as we work to discover innovations that can help patients, no matter what stage of cancer they have. As a leading oncology company, we are pursuing research where scientific opportunity and medical need converge, underpinned by our diverse pipeline of more than 20 novel mechanisms. With one of the largest clinical development programs across more than 30 tumor types, we strive to advance breakthrough science that will shape the future of oncology. By addressing barriers to clinical trial participation, screening and treatment, we work with urgency to reduce disparities and help ensure patients have access to high-quality cancer care. Our unwavering commitment is what will bring us closer to our goal of bringing life to more patients with cancer. For more information, visit https://www.merck.com/research/oncology.About Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USAAt Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USAThis news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov). Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Japan, Apr 21, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501, “Hitachi”) and its subsidiary, Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. (“Hitachi GLS”) have decided to establish a strategic partnership with Nojima Corporation (“Nojima”) to achieve sustainable growth and enhance the value of the Hitachi-branded home appliances business.In the home appliance market, customer needs are diversifying, and the pace of change is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Through this partnership, Nojima will capture the “voice of the customer” through its sales and service frontlines, while Hitachi will leverage advanced, highly reliable manufacturing technologies to bring higher-quality products to market more quickly, thereby contributing to the further strengthening of “Japanese reliable monozukuri”. In addition, by providing high-touch services rooted in Japanese standards of quality, we will further enrich customers’ lives. To further advance these efforts, we will strengthen collaboration with all stakeholders across the home appliance supply chain—from suppliers to a wide range of sales channels—more than ever before.An overview of the new company to be established, the strategic partnership between Hitachi GLS and Nojima, and the related capital restructuring aimed at taking the home appliance business to the next stage is provided below.Overview of capital restructuring to establish the partnershipOn April 21, Hitachi GLS entered into a share purchase agreement under which it will establish a new company for its home appliance business and transfer 80.1% of the shares of the new company to a special purpose company (“SPC”) managed by Nojima, to enhance the competitiveness of the business and achieve sustainable growth.In addition, with respect to Arçelik Hitachi Home Appliances B.V. (“AHHA* 1”), which was jointly established by Hitachi GLS and Arçelik A.S. (“Arçelik”) and operates the Hitachi-brand home appliance business in overseas markets, Hitachi GLS and Arçelik have entered into a share purchase agreement concerning the 60% stake in AHHA held by Arçelik. The rights and obligations (contractual position) under this share purchase agreement will be succeeded by the new company through the company split.Upon completion of these agreements, the new company will become a consolidated company of Nojima. Hitachi GLS will retain 19.9% shares in the new company.*1 Arçelik Hitachi Home Appliances B.V. ('AHHA') was established on July 1, 2021, as a joint venture between Arçelik and Hitachi GLS to handle the Hitachi-branded home appliance business in overseas markets. The ownership ratio of AHHA is 60% for Arçelik and 40% for Hitachi GLS. https://www.hitachi.com/en/press/articles/2021/07/0701/Through this series of share transfers, management resources for the home appliance business in Japan and overseas will be integrated under the new company. The new company will continue to provide customers with Hitachi-branded home appliances, from manufacturing through after-sales service. Through the strategic partnership between the two companies, we will strengthen the customer-driven business model cultivated in the Japanese market and expand it globally, thereby ushering the Hitachi-branded home appliance business into a new stage of growth.The series of share transfers is expected to be completed during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027 (FY2026), following the receipt of necessary clearances and approvals under competition laws and other relevant regulations. The transfer price for 80.1% shares of the new company to be transferred from Hitachi GLS to Nojima is approximately 110 billion yen, and the final transfer price will be determined following adjustments. The impact of the share transfer on Hitachi’s consolidated financial statement is not material. Hitachi will accelerate its growth to maximize corporate value of Hitachi group and toward achieving the goals of the management plan, “Inspire 2027”, by utilizing the proceeds from these transfers in accordance with its capital allocation policy.Following the establishment of the new company, Hitachi GLS will continue to drive the air conditioning business as a core business within Hitachi’s Urban Solutions & Services Business Unit (“USBU”). In collaboration with Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd. and Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd., both of which belong to USBU, Hitachi will further strengthen its integrated service offerings for building and facility management, energy management, and cooling through “HMAX for Buildings.” As One Hitachi, we will work to address social challenges by providing comfortable spaces, optimizing maintenance costs, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the efficiency of data centers, a market expected to see continued growth.Noriharu Amiya, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, HitachiTo ensure sustainable growth of the home appliance business, we have decided to establish a new company under Nojima. Through Nojima, we will be able to understand market trends and customers’ latent needs more quickly, and by closely integrating these insights with Hitachi’s long-cultivated “Japanese monozukuri”, we are confident that the strengths of both companies will come together to further enhance the value of Hitachi-branded home appliance products.Following the completion of the capital reorganization, Hitachi GLS will aim to maximize value by centering on its air-conditioning business and digital solutions, while also strengthening collaboration with the building systems business and the energy business.Hitachi’s Connective Industries Sector, which includes USBU under its umbrella, will continue to pursue business portfolio reforms to further enhance corporate value. At the same time, it will expand the deployment of “HMAX by Hitachi,” a suite of next-generation solutions that brings the power of AI to social infrastructure, and will strive for sustainable growth through the resolution of social challenges.Hideki Osumi, President and Representative Director, Hitachi GLSWe are very pleased that this strategic partnership with Nojima will enable us to establish a new company that can further pursue the sustainable growth of the home appliance business on a global basis.The new company will develop, and manufacture products based on the genuine needs that Nojima identifies through its day-to-day interactions with customers and deliver them to a broader range of customers. It will also create a virtuous cycle in which customer feedback and insights from after-sales service are reflected in the next stage of product development. Through these efforts, the new company will deepen collaboration with the many stakeholders that have supported the home appliance business to date. These include municipalities with production sites and supply chains, as well as a wide range of sales channels such as major electronics retailers nationwide and regional appliance stores. Through such collaboration, the new company will open up a new stage of growth. Each employee involved in the home appliance business will maximize the strengths they have cultivated over the years, delivering happiness to customers around the world through Hitachibranded home appliances.Following completion of the capital reorganization, Hitachi GLS will drive its air conditioning business as part of integrated operations within USBU. We will respond to growing cooling and heating needs across a wide range of fields, including buildings and data centers, through strong products and digital capabilities.Hiroshi Nojima, Representative Executive President, NojimaWe are truly honored to have been given the opportunity to work together in advancing the Hitachi brand, which has long been cherished for its outstanding technological capabilities and high-quality products. This partnership represents a new challenge in combining our strength in customer touchpoints with Hitachi’s advanced technologies. By directly incorporating the “voice of the customer” gathered through Nojima’s stores into product development, we aim to establish a framework that creates a continuous cycle from manufacturing through after-sales service, and to deliver products built on a strong commitment to quality to an even greater number of customers. Through this business model, we are committed to preserving and passing on to future generations the strengths of Japanese manufacturing—namely, high-quality monozukuri—and the reliability of the Hitachi brand.About HitachiCompany name: Hitachi, Ltd.Established: February 1, 1920 (Founded in 1910)Head Office: 1-6-6 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, JapanRepresentative: Toshiaki Tokunaga Director, Representative Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Consolidated Revenues: JPY 9,783.3 billion (Fiscal year ended March 31, 2025) Business Description Development, production, sales, and provision of services for products related to Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, Connective Industries, and other businessesNumber of Consolidated: Employees 282,743 (as of March 31, 2025)URL: https://www.hitachi.com/en/About Hitachi GLSCompany name: Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.Established: April 1, 2019Head Office: Hitachi Atago Annex 2-15-12 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, JapanRepresentative: Hideki Osumi President and Representative DirectorConsolidated Revenues: JPY 367.6 billion (Fiscal year ended March 31, 2025)Business Description: Sales of home appliances, air conditioning systems, and equipment products; provision of engineering and maintenance services; and delivery of products and solutions utilizing digital technologiesNumber of Consolidated Employees: Approximately 5,100 (as of March 31, 2025)URL: https://corp.hitachi-gls.co.jp/enAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.About Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. And Hitachi GLS is responsible for sale of (and provision of engineering and maintenance services for) home appliances, air conditioning equipment and other equipment and devices; and provision of products and solutions utilizing digital technologies. Based on the idea of "More smiles to life for one and all. A more comfortable tomorrow for people and society. With innovations that deliver happiness to the world, we open new doors to the future. ", we seek to gain a closer understanding of customer lifestyles. By resolving individual customer lifestyle issues, through well-designed and sophisticated products and services utilizing of the Hitachi Group's value chain and digital technologies, we aspire to be a company that contributes to improving the quality of life for customers around the world. www.hitachi-gls.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Apr 21, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - BULL Co., Ltd., a company developing space debris mitigation devices, and Fujitsu Limited today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the development of a high-precision Space Situational Awareness (SSA) service unique to Japan. This service aims to monitor space debris in Earth's orbit, contributing to safe and sustainable space activities. Through the development of this SSA service, both companies will contribute to the realization of Space Traffic Management (STM), which manages artificial satellites from launch to disposal, and aim to establish it as a de facto standard.BackgroundIn recent years, the rapid expansion of satellite constellations, enabled by the decreasing cost and miniaturization of artificial satellites, has facilitated continuous and high-frequency Earth observation possible by launching multiple satellites into the same orbit. This trend, however, has concurrently escalated the serious risk of collisions between objects, including space debris, due to the increasing congestion of orbital environments. Consequently, establishing high-precision SSA and the subsequent implementation of STM has become an urgent imperative, particularly for national security.BULL is dedicated to developing “HORN,” a Post Mission Disposal (PMD) device designed to be deployed to prevent rockets and artificial satellites from becoming space debris when deployed. The company also develops technology for acquiring data from rockets, artificial satellites, and their surroundings, thereby promoting practical contributions to space sustainability. Fujitsu, since the 1960s, has been actively involved in the research and development, and social implementation of large-scale data processing platforms and high-precision orbital analysis technologies for space debris and other orbital phenomena. This collaboration between BULL and Fujitsu was initiated through Fujitsu Accelerator, Fujitsu's partner co-creation program aimed at fostering innovation.Overview of the CollaborationBoth companies will jointly explore a comprehensive service and business model for Japan’s unique private-sector SSA service, encompassing the entire process from artificial satellite orbital data acquisition to operational support. Specifically, BULL will focus on building models for high-precision orbital analysis leveraging data obtained from HORN, while Fujitsu will explore the development of a platform for orbital and conjunction analysis compatible with HORN.Through the development of these services, both BULL and Fujitsu aim to realize effective Space Traffic Management and thereby contribute to the development of safe, secure, and sustainable space activities.About BULLWith the vision of making the interplanetary travel “the norm” on and off the Earth, BULL is a start-up aiming to provide inexpensive and concise services in space by utilizing “(Re --) Entry” technology into planets. Based in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, the company promotes industry-academia-government collaboration.By developing a device to prevent the generation of space debris and advancing the development of microgravity experimental satellites and devices for orbital utilization, BULL contributes to the SDGs in the new era of space development.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress Contacts:BULL Co., Ltd.InquiriesFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com