Author: Neel Achary

Comau Enters into a Binding Agreement to Acquire Invent Smart Intralogistics Solutions

Turin, São Paulo – May 18, 2026 – Comau has signed a binding agreement for the acquisition of Invent, a Brazil-based company specializing in intralogistics and warehouse automation solutions, with a strong focus on e-commerce and high-throughput distribution environments. The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions regarding transactions of this type, including necessary regulatory approvals, and is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2026. Under the terms of the agreement Comau will acquire 100% of Invent shares.

After the acquisition of Automha, the binding agreement to acquire Invent represents a further step in Comau’s international expansion strategy and growth plan, which focuses on expanding competencies through the integration of complementary technologies and expertise.

The planned acquisition will complement the existing Comau–Automha ecosystem, reinforcing the companies’ fully integrated 360° automated warehouse and logistics offering. Combining Automha’s storage technologies with Invent’s intelligent orchestration software will allow Comau to further deliver fully integrated, AI-driven material handling solutions that span storage and order fulfillment to execution and intelligent flow management, thus accelerating implementation timelines while increasing system responsiveness and efficiency. In parallel, Invent will be able to scale-up and further develop its business by leveraging a broader geographical footprint and in-house technology competencies. Moreover, given that Comau and Invent are fully complementary, the relationship will strengthen the mutual portfolio of projects.

The acquisition will extend Comau’s global operations, with an enhanced presence in Latin America and in the U.S. mid-market intralogistics segment, both of which are characterized by strong demand for automation and potential CAGR of 13% over the next three to five years.

To ensure business continuity, Invent will continue to operate with the same structure, management and strategic vision.

“Expanding Comau’s capabilities through innovative companies such as Invent is a central pillar of our international growth strategy aimed at diversifying our competencies and technologies in different markets,” said Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau. “After the full integration of Automha, a leading Italian solutions provider in the fast-evolving Intralogistics market, the acquisition of Brazil-based Invent will generate further synergies, adding yet another element to our ability to connect storage and material handling with production. This is another concrete step in strengthening Comau’s position as a global automation hub.”

“By joining Comau, Invent will gain the opportunity to accelerate its growth while expanding the reach of its intralogistics solutions within a broader, global automation ecosystem,” said Leonardo Araki, CEO of Invent. “This agreement also allows us to combine our expertise with Comau’s advanced automation capabilities, creating new possibilities to enhance innovation, broaden our scale and deliver increasingly efficient and integrated logistics solutions to customers worldwide.”

AD Ports Group Further Consolidates its Global Logistics Platform with the Acquisition of MBS Logistics

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 18 May 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire MBS Logistics, a Germany-based global integrated logistics services provider, for an Enterprise Value of AED 300 million (EUR 70 million). The acquisition entails 100% ownership of MBS Logistics’ core business, excluding the company’s joint ventures, and represents another significant step in the Group’s strategy to enhance operational scale, manage larger volumes, and expand its global footprint.

MBS Logistics reported revenues of AED 870 million (EUR 205 million) in 2025 with industry margins, reflecting a diversified and asset-light business model, with core freight forwarding operations in Germany and Central Europe, and an established network across China, Vietnam and the USA.

The move builds on strong foundations and a global network established by Noatum Logistics, the Group’s logistics arm. Under the leadership of Jochen Thewes, the recently appointed CEO of its Logistics Cluster, the Group is pursuing an expansion strategy that combines organic growth with targeted, value accretive acquisitions.

The addition of MBS Logistics provides an important entry point into the vital Central European market through its well‑established network across key German multimodal logistics hubs, while broadening the Group’s trade lane offering. The combination increases network density and unlocks meaningful revenue and cost synergies through cross‑selling opportunities, greater procurement scale, and improved cost efficiency by managing shipments within the combined network. 

Jochen Thewes, CEO of the Logistics Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “Bringing MBS Logistics into our ecosystem is the right move at the right time, especially as markets seek greater connectivity and resilience in an evolving global trade and logistics landscape. It provides us with an established operating platform with deep expertise and immediate access to key Central European and global logistics corridors. As the world’s third‑largest trading economy, Germany offers a strong domestic base and plays a central role in trade with the world’s leading economies. Linking it to our wider network will help us capture greater volumes, drive more competitive rates, and deliver the reliability our clients expect. Ultimately, the combined strengths of both organisations will allow us to raise our game and compete more effectively for major global accounts.”

With close to forty years of industry experience, MBS Logistics adds to the Group a network of 26 offices worldwide and a global team of over 450 professionals. The addition greatly supplements Noatum Logistics’ network of over 80 own offices located across 26 countries, supported by a team of over 4,250 industry specialists. MBS Logistics’ core freight forwarding services span air, ocean, road and rail transport, complemented by contract logistics, project cargo, customs and compliance, and time-critical multimodal solutions.

The company serves a wide range of industries including aerospace, automotive, apparel & footwear, retail & consumer goods, home furniture, e‑commerce, engineering, technology, FMCG, healthcare and several other key sectors. While aerospace represents a new segment for the Group, MBS Logistics’ exposure to the automotive sector across Central Europe enhances the Group’s logistics offering in an industry regarded as a key business driver.

Its core freight‑forwarding operations are anchored in Germany, giving the Group immediate access to major European logistics hubs. The country’s position as a key European and global logistics gateway provides a strong platform for further expansion across continental Europe, including the Nordics, BENELUX, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.

In addition, MBS Logistics’ presence across China and Vietnam further enhances the Group’s ability to manage greater cargo volumes on Europe-Asia and Trans-Pacific routes. It also operates offices on the USA’s eastern seaboard, furthering connectivity along Trans-Atlantic trade lanes.

Completion of the acquisition is subject to EU regulatory approvals and is expected to close in H2 2026.

Rōti Modern Mediterranean Debuts in London, Expands in Atlanta with First Global Rōti Day

ATLANTA, May 18, 2026 – Rōti Modern Mediterranean®, the fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant concept part of Edible Brands®, is turning its latest expansion into a global brand moment.

The company announced the launch of Global Rōti Day, a new annual celebration held on May 19. The event coincides with the brand’s strategic entry into the London market through three delivery-first kitchens, alongside an expansion in the Atlanta region with a new delivery-first store opening in Smyrna. Together, this moment introduces Rōti to new guests in the United Kingdom and United States while building awareness. The London locations also establish a foundation for future international growth.

Global Rōti Day was created to bring new and existing guests into the brand through a one-day-only, buy-one-get-one chef-curated bowl offer available in-store, online, via the Rōti app on the Apple Store and Google Play and through third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub. The first 50 guests at Rōti’s 17 traditional storefront restaurants will receive a limited-edition Rōti tote bag and a free beverage for a year. Participating restaurants will also feature spin wheel giveaways with prizes including free hummus and pita, branded T-shirts, a jackpot prize package, free cookies or $3 off a future entrée. In addition, guests ordering from Rōti’s delivery-first kitchens in London and Atlanta will receive $5 off future orders through the app or online. Across markets, guests are also invited to share how they Rōti with #ShowUsHowURōti on social media.

“What makes Rōti work is simple. It’s bold food, real hospitality and shows up the same way every time,” said Matthew Walls, president and chief stores officer of Edible Brands. “Atlanta is about building depth in a market we not only work in, but live in and believe in. London is about proving this brand can travel. Global Rōti Day lets us do both at once. We’re giving people a reason to try us, and once they do, that’s where it gets real. They connect with the food and the people behind it, and that’s what brings them back.”

Rōti’s London entry and Atlanta-area expansion reflect a broader strategy grounded in adaptability. The brand is growing through a mix of traditional restaurants and delivery-first kitchens, allowing it to enter new markets efficiently, generate early demand and meet guests through the channels they already use. The model supports a capital-conscious approach to expansion while maintaining a consistent guest experience.

For Edible Brands, Rōti represents a distinct growth opportunity within a portfolio built around food, hospitality and consumer connection. The brand benefits from shared infrastructure, including supply chain, technology and operational support, while maintaining its own identity.

“Rōti is a big part of where we are going as a company,” said Somia Farid Silber, chief executive officer of Edible Brands. “At Edible Brands, we are building a platform that brings together different food experiences in a way that feels relevant to how people eat and connect today. Rōti gives us the opportunity to do that in a new category, with a brand that can grow across markets and formats. Global Rōti Day is an example of how we bring that to new guests while continuing to build something that can scale over time.”

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava Releases Special INR 60 Commemorative Coin to Mark HLL Diamond Jubilee

GE Aerospace Accelerates India Manufacturing Growth with 100 Crore Pune Investment

Pune, India, May 18: GE Aerospace today announced an investment of INR 100 Crore in its Pune manufacturing facility, further strengthening its manufacturing footprint in India and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the country. The investment will support new welding technologies, advanced inspection equipment, precision tools, gauges, fixtures, and additional infrastructure enhancements designed to increase production capacity, enhance process precision, and support the delivery of high-quality components for customers worldwide.

This latest investment builds on the INR 410 Crore announced over the last two years, bringing GE Aerospace’s total investment in the Pune facility to more than INR 510 Crore over three years. Previous investments were focused on advancing manufacturing processes, automation, and capability enhancements supporting next-generation engine components. The latest upgrades will further expand the facility’s capabilities and support component production across GE Aerospace’s GE90, GEnx, GE9X, and CFM International’s LEAP engine programs.

“This continued investment reflects GE Aerospace’s long-term commitment to India and our confidence in the Pune facility’s role within our global manufacturing network,” said Vishwajit Singh, Managing Director, Pune manufacturing facility, GE Aerospace. “Our continued growth is a win for our customers and the broader community, driving more apprenticeship and job opportunities at GE Aerospace and for our supplier partners. Over the past decade, this facility has grown into a high capability aerospace manufacturing hub, strengthening India‘s supplier ecosystem and contributing to GE Aerospace‘s global supply chain.”

GE Aerospace’s Pune manufacturing facility is a key part of the company’s global supply chain, producing critical components for commercial aircraft engines.  The facility works with more than 300 suppliers locally across a broader network of over 2,200 GE Aerospace suppliers in India, helping strengthen the country’s role in global aerospace programs through advanced manufacturing expertise and precision engineering capabilities. The facility also plays an important role in workforce development. Its structured two-year apprenticeship program enrolls more than 500 apprentices annually in classroom instruction and specialized TIG welding training through the site’s dedicated Weld School. Since 2015, the facility has trained more than 5,000 production associates, helping build a strong pipeline of aerospace manufacturing talent in India. Recent community and workforce development grants have also supported initiatives focused on technical education and skill development in the region.

Today’s announcement further reinforces GE Aerospace’s broader commitment to India, where the company continues to invest in manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain development to help shape the future of flight.

CFM International is a 50-50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.