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Alibaba paused chatbot coupons after heavy demand strained its AI systems. The disruption followed a Lunar New Year promotion tied to AI-driven shopping, highlighting execution risks as generative AI tools move from conversation into real-world commerce.
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Advent and FedEx have agreed a $9.2bn takeover of InPost. The consortium deal will take the European parcel locker operator private, reshaping ownership of one of the region’s fastest-growing last-mile logistics platforms.
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UniCredit raised profit guidance after strong results and gains from rival stakes. The Italian lender said higher income expectations for 2025 and beyond reflect earnings contributions from minority holdings in other European banks, alongside the benefit of tax credits linked to past losses.
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The UK regulator wants to reset perceptions of London market liquidity. Britain’s financial watchdog plans to publish comprehensive trading data for all London-listed shares, aiming to counter claims that the UK equity market lacks depth and activity.
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UK hiring pressures ease slightly as pay growth firms for starters. Recruiters reported a slower decline in permanent placements in January, alongside stronger starting salaries, suggesting early stabilisation in the labour market rather than a full recovery.
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OpenAI has launched a new enterprise platform aimed at business customers. The move signals a deeper push into corporate software, as the company looks to scale AI deployment inside large organisations and grow enterprise revenues.
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SolarWinds has launched a revamped global partner programme for 2026. The initiative, announced at the company’s February Partner Summit, introduces enhanced benefits, enablement, and marketing investments aimed at accelerating partner-led growth.
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Owl Labs has launched its Meeting Owl 5 Pro enterprise device. The new 360-degree video, audio, and collaboration system targets large organisations seeking flexible, secure hybrid meeting room deployments.
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NatWest plans to reach 50,000 people through expanded financial education. The UK bank will scale its Financial Foundations programme in 2026, delivering free workplace and community-based financial education sessions through employers, local organisations, and housing groups as part of its wider UK growth strategy.
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Tech leaders report record confidence in emerging technologies worldwide. The VivaTech 2026 Confidence Barometer reveals rising investment in AI and cybersecurity, alongside growing concerns over sovereignty, trust, and data governance among executives across Europe and North America.