Michael Bloch
Île-de-France
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Chef d'édition @LaTribune. Ex @lesechos @lejdd (canal historique).
Politique, économie, Etats-Unis et Moyen-Orient.
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Articles by Michael Bloch
A&O Shearman guides Airtel Money on London’s largest IPO since 2021
A&O Shearman has advised Airtel Mobile Commerce N.V. (Airtel Money), one of Africa’s largest fintech platforms, on its initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange. Airtel Money is the largest company to complete an IPO in London since 2021 (excluding dual listings) and the second-largest IPO in Europe this year. The IPO valued Airtel Money at an initial market capitalization of GBP5.3 billion, with a final offer size of up to GBP582 million.
FCA Finalises UK SRS-aligned Sustainability Disclosure Rules For Listed Issuers
AO A&O Shearman More A&O Shearman was formed in 2024 via the merger of two historic firms, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling. With nearly 4,000 lawyers globally, we are equally fluent in English law, U.S. law and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets. This combination creates a new kind of law firm, one built to achieve unparalleled outcomes for our clients on their most complex, multijurisdictional matters – everywhere in the world.
FCA Finalises UK SRS-Aligned Sustainability Disclosure Rules For Listed Issuers
What ESCC and international secondary listed companies need to know. Key takeaways The FCA has published PS26/19, making final rules that replace existing TCFD-aligned disclosure requirements with a new framework based on UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS S1 and S2).
FCA finalises UK SRS-aligned sustainability disclosure rules for listed issuers
What ESCC and international secondary listed companies need to know. Key takeaways The FCA has published PS26/19, making final rules that replace existing TCFD-aligned disclosure requirements with a new framework based on UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS S1 and S2).
Emerging Market Practice Trends—UK Listing Regime And Public Offers Regime
Michael Bloch’s articles from A&O Shearman are most popular: in United Kingdom with readers working within the Securities & Investment and Law Firm industries A&O Shearman are most popular: within Compliance, Strategy and Real Estate and Construction topic(s) Two years into the UK’s reformed capital markets framework, this article provides an analysis of how listed companies are actually navigating the new disclosure landscape—and where practice has yet to settle.
EU MAR Has Moved On: The Direction Of, And Potential Shape Of, UK MAR Reform
A&O Shearman are most popular: within Insolvency/Bankruptcy/Re-Structuring, Strategy and Consumer Protection topic(s) in European Union Summary EU: Article 17 reform in force from June 5, 2026—intermediate steps in protracted processes drop out of disclosure, and “not in contrast” replaces “not likely to mislead”.
EU MAR has moved on: the direction of, and potential shape of, UK MAR reform
Introduction On June 5, 2026, the new EU disclosure regime introduced by the EU Listing Act took effect, changing how EU-listed issuers handle inside information during protracted processes while leaving the prohibitions on insider dealing and market manipulation and the definition of inside information untouched.
A genomic study of trichotillomania and excoriation disorder in families
Abstract Trichotillomania and excoriation disorder are obsessive-compulsive related disorders that are often subclassified together as body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) disorders. While previous research suggests shared genetic factors, the genetic architecture of these BFRBs remains incompletely understood.
Rise Of Private Capital And Regulatory And Policy Reforms Reshape Global Funding Flows
A&O Shearman are most popular: within Insolvency/Bankruptcy/Re-Structuring, Environment and Law Department Performance topic(s) The long-standing distinction between public and private markets is blurring at the same time as geopolitics and industrial policy measures are having an increasing influence on the flow of capital across borders. The result is a structural realignment of how and from whom money is raised, and how it is deployed and governed globally.
Rise of private capital and regulatory and policy reforms reshape global funding flows
The long-standing distinction between public and private markets is blurring at the same time as geopolitics and industrial policy measures are having an increasing influence on the flow of capital across borders. The result is a structural realignment of how and from whom money is raised, and how it is deployed and governed globally. Here we examine what this means for businesses looking to optimize their financing strategies amid more challenging macro conditions.
Rise of private capital and regulatory and policy reforms reshape global funding flows
The long-standing distinction between public and private markets is blurring at the same time as geopolitics and industrial policy measures are having an increasing influence on the flow of capital across borders. The result is a structural...
A&O Shearman advises Associated British Foods plc on demerger of Primark from Food business
The separation, once completed, is expected to create two independent FTSE 100 UK-listed companies: Primark, a global disruptive leader in apparel operating 486 retail stores across 19 markets, and FoodCo, a differentiated, global food portfolio operating across 52 countries and the only FTSE 100 pure play food producer. The demerger is intended to become effective before the end of 2027 calendar year, and it is subject to the receipt of any necessary approvals and appropriate tax clearances.
AI时代仅剩5种有效护城河：专有数据、网络效应、监管许可、资本与基础设施
AI时代的护城河，是大家一直都在寻求的，特别是当AI已经可以构建任何软件时，很多传统的护城河已不再有效。Quiet Capital合伙人Michael Bloch认为，这个时代只有这5个护城河成立：持续复利的专有数据、网络效应、监管许可、大规模资本以及物理基础设施。 我觉得很有意思，也很值得我们持续的思考，这里做一下分享： 在一个AI可以构建任何软件、复制任何产品、自动化任何流程的世界里，什么才真正构成一家企业的护城河？我听到的大多数答案都是错的。它们都在押注同一件事：认为“智能”不会变得快100倍、更强100倍、更便宜100倍。但事实是，它会，而且很快。 护城河一直来自两件事：难做的事，以及难得到的东西。AI正在让前者变得一文不值。构建软件、维护集成、把产品嵌入到客户流程深处以至于需要一年时间才能替换掉，这些在之前都很难做，但现在正在变得越来越容易。 而拥有一千万用户、一张政府牌照、一座芯片工厂、十亿美元可部署的资本——这些才是难得到的。AI压缩的是“做事所需的时间”，而不是“事情发生所需的时间”。这个区别，已经成为我做投资时最重要的筛选标准。只有五类东西能通过这个标准。...
Startup France French Tech Aix-Marseille Région Sud
Arrêtez de payer pour des outils inutiles. En tant que freelance ou solopreneur, il est facile de se laisser séduire par le dernier outil SaaS ou la dernière IA à la mode. Résultat : on se retrouve rapidement avec des abonnements qui s'empilent, des fonctionnalités qui font doublon, et une facture mensuelle qui explose. C'est face à ce problème de "suréquipement" qu'est né ToolTrim.io. ToolTrim n'est pas un énième comparateur logiciel générique.
No Coding Before 10am
A startup I work with just scrapped their entire playbook. They’ve been making fast progress, but over the last month their way of working broke because of Claude Code and Codex. So they called a war room and rebuilt how they operate from scratch. Their first new rule: no coding before 10am. For twenty years, engineering culture has been about maximizing time spent writing code. Kill meetings. Block calendars. Stop anything that pulls an engineer away from coding. This team is doing the opposite.
A&O Shearman advises on largest-ever defense IPO
A&O Shearman has advised the underwriting syndicate on the EUR3.8 billion initial public offering (IPO) of Czechoslovak Group (CSG) on Euronext Amsterdam, marking the world's largest defense IPO ever recorded, both in terms of amount raised and market capitalization. The transaction is also the largest European IPO since 2022 and the largest listing on Euronext Amsterdam in more than a decade. The company offered 15.2% of its shares at a price of EUR25 per share.
EV Charger Cable Theft In Australia: Evie Fights Back
EV charger cable theft, rampant overseas, is starting to make its presence felt more among Australian charging network providers. Evie Networks is taking action. What’s Happening With Evie Networks’ Chargers? The firm posted on Facebook earlier this week that a “small number” of its charging sites in Dandenong in Victoria had been interfered with. Charging cables at the sites had been cut and stolen; likely for the copper they contain.
Call For Input On VIC Apartment Renewable Energy Access
Parliament of Victoria is now accepting submissions on an Inquiry into access for apartment residents to clean, affordable electricity. What’s The Aim Of The Apartment Energy Inquiry? On 3 December 2025, the Legislative Assembly referred an inquiry into how access to renewable and affordable electricity can be expanded for Victorian apartment and multi-unit dwellers.
What's Up With Amber Electric's Customer Support?
For some months, there have been a bunch of complaints concerning the quality of customer support and billing services from Amber Electric. So, why has this happened? Why Has Amber Customer Support Sucked? The launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program saw sign-ups for Amber Electric, which provides households and businesses with direct access to the wholesale electricity market, increase about 5x.
The Who, When And How Of The New UK Prospectus And Public Offer Rules From An Equity Perspective (Podcast)
A&O Shearman are most popular: within Wealth Management, Environment and Consumer Protection topic(s) The UK's new prospectus and public offer rules overhaul the UK prospectus regime.
National Solar Panel Recycling Scheme Launched In Australia
On Friday afternoon, the Albanese Government announced millions of dollars to deliver and support a long-awaited National Solar Panel Recycling Pilot. How Will The National Solar Panel Recycling Pilot Operate? The Albanese Government will invest $24.7 million over three years to divert end-of-life solar panels from landfill to facilities that will recover valuable materials such as copper, silver and aluminium. This initiative will include establishing up to 100 pilot collection sites nationwide.
Electricity Customer 'Loyalty Penalty' Alive And Well In 2026
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has again warned that millions of Australian households aren’t on the cheapest electricity plan; many effectively being slugged with a “loyalty penalty” by their current retailer. And the financial hit is significant. What’s The Impact Of Electricity Loyalty Penalties?
Chinese Solar Panel And Battery Prices Could Head Higher Soon
Currently super-cheap solar panels will be a bit more expensive and the federal home battery rebate buy less capacity if changes to China’s export tax rebates are passed on to Australian solar shoppers. Why Could Panel And Battery Prices Increase? Starting April 1 2026, the Chinese government will totally drop the country’s value-added tax export rebates for solar photovoltaic products. The export tax rebate for PV products was previously reduced from 13% to 9% in December 2024.
Volvo EX30 EV Recall: Thousands Of Vehicles Involved
All Volvo EX30 electric vehicles manufactured in 2024 are being recalled in Australia due to an issue that could potentially lead to a fire. And there’s no real fix yet. Here’s what we know. What Does The Volvo EX30 Recall Issue Involve? On 9 January 2026, a notice was published on the Australian Government’s Vehicle Recall website (Notice: REC-006524) warning that all variants of the EX30 manufactured in 2024 were affected, totaling 2,815 cars.
WA Home Battery Installation Tally Soars
The home battery installation count in Western Australia is rapidly increasing, as too is the national total according to an update from Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen. How Many Home Batteries Installed In Western Australia? Since the formal launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP) and WA Residential Battery Scheme (RBS) on July 1, 2025, more than 22,000 home batteries have been installed by Western Australian households and businesses.
Rooftop Solar Taming Australia's Summer Sizzle
Air-conditioners were working hard during the recent heatwave that affected large parts of Australia — and rooftop solar power systems did their bit to alleviate strain on the mains grid while making air-con use greener and cheaper. How Much Electricity Was Supplied By Rooftop Solar Panels?
Australian Ingenuity: Better Solar Panel Silver Recovery
University of Newcastle researchers state they have developed a super-efficient method for the recovery of high-grade silver from end-of-life solar panels. What Does The Silver Recovery Process Involve? The new method, described as “fast, safe and highly effective” uses a physical separation technique combining: Comminution — the process of reducing a material’s particle size through mechanical means such as crushing, grinding, and milling.
Solar Panel Degradation Testing: A Sting In The Long Tail
Current testing standards have been called into question after new research indicating 20% of solar panels tested in a study had 1.5 times worse than average degradation rate. Why Do Solar Panels Degrade? All solar panels degrade over time. This is largely due to natural wear from environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays, heat, humidity, salt, temperature changes (causing expansion/contraction, microcracks), wind and inherent chemical changes.
Longi Shunning Silver For Solar Panels
Chinese solar panel manufacturing goliath Longi has reportedly decided to cease using silver in the manufacturing of its back-contact solar cells. Why Is Longi Forgoing Silver? Cost. Silver has been having an extended moment and the firm along with other manufacturers are taking a major hit. Silver is mainly used in a highly conductive paste that forms ‘fingers’, ‘busbars’ and back-contacts on solar cells. And silver is expensive; currently around (AUD) $3.76 a gram.
Surprise In Top Solar Inverter Manufacturer Rankings
Wood Mackenzie’s latest inverter manufacturer rankings note a firm high up on its leader board that’s a surprise inclusion given the challenges the company faces. Who Were The Top 10 Inverter Manufacturers In H1 2025? Wood Mackenzie’s Global Solar Inverter Manufacturer Rankings H1 2025 report evaluated 23 leading manufacturers from seven countries.
Old Solar Panels Living Up To Performance Warranty Promises
A bunch of solar panels installed in the 1990’s have undergone testing; the results of which indicate maximum degradation levels stipulated in long performance warranties are realistic. What’s The Difference Between A Product And Performance Warranty? A product warranty covers defects in manufacturing (materials, workmanship). Most decent panels come with a 25 – to 30- year product warranty these days.
Home Battery Boom Smashes 2025 Forecasts: See The Numbers
Installations in 2025 under the Albanese Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP) surpassed even some previous optimistic estimates. How Many Batteries Have Been Installed So Far Under CHBP? According to Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen: “From 1 July to 31 December Australians have installed 184,672 home batteries under the Albanese Government’s Cheaper Home Battery policy,” he posted on Facebook.
Electricity Bills: Higher Fixed Network Charges Ahead?
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) recently published its draft recommendations for a “smarter, fairer, lowest overall cost” electricity network, one that may involve higher fixed network charges. What Are The AEMC’s Draft Recommendations? The AEMC has proposed six recommendations it envisions will result in a “dynamic energy services market” delivering value, choice, lowest overall cost and targeted consumer protections.
Australian Consumer Alert: Portable Air Conditioner Scams
Ads for cheap(ish) so-called “air conditioners” that look a little like small reverse cycle split system head units have been popping up all over the web. Save your money and your time — they won’t work as advertised for a very simple reason, and may pose fire safety risks. We had our first 40-degree+ day in Adelaide for the summer this past week. Our home’s air-conditioner and solar power system not only made things more comfortable, but cost comparatively little to run.
How Hail-Resistant Are Solar Panels Really?
While all solar panels installed on homes in Australia have basic hailstone resistance attributes, some manufacturers take it a step further to provide a bit of extra peace of mind and a competitive edge. But we see some hail storms here that no panel could be expected to survive. What Standard Level Of Hail Resistance Do Solar Panels Have? Hail impact testing is mandatory under both Australian and international photovoltaic (PV) standards.
Xmas 2025: Rooftop Solar Panels Power Australian Celebrations
On Xmas day 2025, millions of rooftop solar panel systems installed across Australia did their bit to make the electricity consumed during celebrations cheaper and greener for all with impressive contributions to grid exports. Added to this major contribution were a bunch of shiny new home batteries seeing their first Xmas operations. How Much Did Rooftop Solar Contribute To Grid Demand?
Sticker Shock: The Real-World Range Of Electric Vehicles
EV range figures — and fuel economy for fossil fuel vehicles for that matter — provided by auto manufacturers can be on the optimistic side; but by how much? Recent and ongoing testing in Australia reveals the differences from real-world driving range can be substantial. What’s WLTP Got To Do With It? WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) is a laboratory-based test for measuring new vehicle fuel economy, electric range, CO2 emissions and other pollutants.
EcoFlow Readies For Australian Home Battery Market
Portable battery specialist EcoFlow also manufactures fixed home batteries that should be available to Australian customers reasonably early in the new year; along with hard-wired EV chargers. What EcoFlow Batteries Will Be Available In Australia?
AER Vs. Origin Energy: Alleged Centrepay Shenanigans
Origin Energy has drawn the ire of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), which alleges breaches of rules in relation to the retailer continuing to receive payments from Centrepay customers who had closed their accounts — paid in full. I’ll first point out that SolarQuotes was acquired by Origin in December last year. However, we remain an independent business unit run by the same team prior to the acquisition. What Is Centrepay?
New Sigenergy SigenStor Battery Options Emerge Amid Recall
Added battery module options for the hugely popular (albeit recently troubled) Sigenergy SigenStor home battery storage system have been unveiled . Plus, we take a look at how the Sigenergy energy controller recall is progressing. What’s New For The SigenStor Battery? Previously, battery modules for the Sigenergy SigenStor battery system were available in 5 kWh and 8 kWh (BAT 5.0 and 8.0) capacities.
Calculating Your Home Battery Rebate - The Easy Way
Forget the mental gymnastics. Here’s the super-simple way to estimate how much federal government rebate you can get on whatever eligible home battery you’re interested in. How To Calculate Your Solar Battery Rebate — Fast The SolarQuotes federal battery rebate calculator has been updated to reflect recent changes to the Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP). Here’s how to use it: Select the battery you’re interested in.
Rewiring Australia's Call For "EELS" Home Battery Loans
Home batteries are now much cheaper under Australia’s rebate, but getting together the up-front cash necessary to buy a system will still be a struggle for some who want one. Rewiring Australia says government-backed loans are key to unlocking battery benefits for more Australian households. How Would An “Electrify Everything” Loans Scheme Work?
SAPN Market Active Solar Trial Extended
SA Power Networks (SAPN) has been given the green light to continue its Market Active Solar initiative for another year; a project seeking to support and reward solar owners to better manage exports and self-consumption for the benefit of the wider grid. What Is The SAPN Market Active Solar (MAS) Trial?
Solar Patent Wars: Maxeon Vs. Aiko (Again!)
Singapore-based solar manufacturer Maxeon is once again taking on Chinese module producer Aiko over alleged infringements of Maxeon patented technology. A look at the case, and the contested tech. What’s Maxeon’s Back Contact Patent Beef With Aiko?
Queensland Supercharged Solar For Renters Scheme Launches
It took its sweet time, but Queensland’s Crisafulli Government has made good on its election commitment to provide eligible landlords in the state with rebates to install solar power systems on their rental properties. How Does Supercharged Solar For Renters Work? The $26.3 million program will assist landlords with rebates of up to $3,500 to install solar panels on their rental homes that have existing tenancy agreements.
Evaporative Cooling Vs. Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning
Like many home improvements, the type of air-conditioning that may be best suited for your house will depend on a number of factors, including if you have solar panels. See the pros and cons of the two main technologies, and other points to consider. There are all sorts of approaches to home air conditioning; such as whole-house central ducted, split, multi-split, window and portable systems. The technology behind these systems is usually either evaporative or reverse cycle.
Home Battery Rebate Reduction: See The Impact
Subsidies for Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP) are being adjusted to ensure the program’s ongoing viability out to the intended finish date. We take a look at the impact the rebate changes will have on financial support for some popular home storage systems. What’s Happening With The Home Battery Rebate?
Delta's Power Pole Mounted EV Charger Hits Prime Time
Delta Electronics has announced it has begun rolling out the RapidPost 50; what the firm says is Australia’s first 50kW DC EV charger that can be directly mounted onto street power poles. What Is The RapidPost 50 System? Premiered at All-Energy Australia 2025 in late October this year, the RapidPost 50 system is based on Delta’s DC Wallbox 50kW charger and requires a three-phase power supply of just over 100 amps; or ideally, 125A1.
Runaway Home Battery Rebate Forces Rethink
The success of the Albanese Government’s home battery rebate is piling pressure on the program’s funding and policy settings. A Smart Energy Council meeting yesterday tackled what could be needed to keep it going until its originally intended end date. How Much Cheaper Home Batteries Funding Is Available? The Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP) was originally launched with a commitment to $2.3 billion in funding.
LG Home Battery Recall Continues — Yes, Still.
At last published count, a substantial number of LG Energy Solution (LGES) solar batteries at risk of fire and subject to a recall that began in Australia nearly *5* years ago remain unrectified. What’s The Current Status Of The LG Battery Recall? After ongoing concerns that LG’s recall advertising approach was inadequate, on 17 May 2024 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) accepted an enforceable undertaking from LGES committing it to take certain additional actions.
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