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Niox Group Halts Sale as Keensight Capital Withdraws Buyout Interest

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British medical device company Niox Group (NIOX.L) has announced the termination of its sale process following the withdrawal of interest from Keensight Capital. The Paris-based private equity firm had proposed acquiring Niox for £22.4 million ($29.1 million), offering 81 pence per share, an increase from its earlier bid of 78 pence. The deal, however, has now been scrapped due to deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, the company said on Friday.

Keensight’s decision to back out comes amid growing economic uncertainty driven by escalating global trade tensions. The ongoing trade war, intensified by sweeping tariffs from the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration, has shaken global markets and raised fears of a looming recession. The Bank of England also issued a warning this week, highlighting the UK’s vulnerability as an open economy with a significant financial sector.

In March, Niox had indicated that it was in talks with other potential buyers but expressed a preference for Keensight’s proposal, subject to a formal offer. With the latest development, the company has not provided updates on any alternative bids, leaving its future direction unclear amidst broader economic headwinds.

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Merz Secures Coalition with SPD Amid Trade War Fears and Rising AfD Support

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German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has successfully formed a coalition government with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), aiming to revitalize the country’s sluggish economy amid growing global trade tensions. After weeks of negotiation following February’s inconclusive election, the deal was announced Wednesday, just as fears of a global recession mount due to escalating tariffs triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump. At a press conference, Merz declared “Germany is back on track,” pledging tax cuts, increased defence spending, and a push to strengthen the electric vehicle industry.

The coalition agreement outlines major economic reforms, including lowering energy prices, scrapping a controversial supply chain law, and revisiting Germany’s strict “debt brake” policy. It also signals a harder stance on migration, with plans to restrict asylum processes and introduce voluntary military service. While Merz emphasized unity within the EU as a key to navigating global trade disputes, the coalition aims for a future transatlantic free trade deal. The CDU will control the chancellery, foreign, and economy ministries, while the SPD is expected to lead finance and defence, potentially retaining Boris Pistorius as defence minister.

However, the new government faces immediate challenges, as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has overtaken Merz’s conservatives in the latest Ipsos poll with 25% support. Despite Merz’s push for a borrowing-driven investment plan to boost infrastructure and defence, critics argue it undermines fiscal discipline. Economists warn that swift implementation of agreed policies is vital to cushioning Germany’s export-heavy economy from further trade shocks and averting a third straight year of recession.

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Zelenskiy Confirms Ukrainian Military Presence in Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk Regions

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian troops have been active in Russia’s Belgorod region, aiming to protect towns near the border in Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions. In his nightly video address on Monday, Zelenskiy also acknowledged Ukrainian presence in parts of the neighbouring Kursk region, where troops have remained active eight months after a cross-border incursion, despite Russia’s partial recapture of territory.

The Ukrainian leader praised the 225th Assault Regiment for its role in the ongoing operations and reiterated that these cross-border missions are aimed at reducing pressure on other key frontlines, particularly in the Donetsk region. Zelenskiy emphasized that the strategy of taking the war back to Russian territory is “absolutely justified” and is helping divert Russian troops from areas where the fighting is most intense.

Meanwhile, Moscow claimed over the weekend that its forces had captured Basivka in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, opposite Russia’s Kursk. However, Ukrainian military officials have denied losing the village. Russian President Vladimir Putin has long advocated for the creation of a buffer zone along the border, as battles in the Belgorod region continue to be reported by Russian military bloggers.

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EU Poised to Hit Back at U.S. Tariffs with Countermeasures on $28 Billion Worth of Imports

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The European Union is preparing to approve a package of retaliatory tariffs on up to $28 billion worth of U.S. imports in response to President Donald Trump’s sweeping trade duties, including 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium, and automobiles. The proposed EU counter-tariffs target a wide range of U.S. goods—from chewing gum and dental floss to meat, wine, and clothing—and will likely be implemented in two phases starting April 15. This marks a significant escalation in global trade tensions, with the EU joining China and Canada in pushing back against Washington’s protectionist measures.

EU leaders will meet in Luxembourg this week to finalize a united response, aiming to send a strong message to Washington while still leaving room for negotiation. The bloc is particularly concerned about the economic fallout of a potential trade war, with President Trump’s tariffs affecting around 70% of the EU’s annual exports to the U.S., valued at €532 billion. Notably, the proposed 50% tariff on bourbon has stirred intra-EU tensions, with countries like France and Italy wary of U.S. retaliation against European wines and other key exports.

While some EU nations, like France, advocate for a broader economic strategy—including halting investments in the U.S.—others, like Ireland and Italy, urge a more measured approach. The European Commission is working to ensure broad support across the 27-member bloc to maintain unity and pressure the U.S. into talks. Final approval of the initial counter-tariffs is expected on Wednesday unless a qualified majority votes against it, which remains unlikely.

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Russell Brand Charged with Rape and Multiple Assaults in UK

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British actor-comedian Russell Brand has been officially charged with rape and several counts of sexual assault related to incidents involving four women between 1999 and 2005, police confirmed on Friday. The charges include one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. Brand is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on May 2.

Brand, once a prominent figure in British media and former husband of pop singer Katy Perry, has denied all allegations. In a post on X, he stated, “What I never was was a rapist. I have never engaged in non-consensual activity,” adding that the legal process was being used “as a kind of weapon.” He admitted to being promiscuous in his past but insisted all encounters were consensual.

The allegations first surfaced in September 2023 following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches, which reported sexual misconduct accusations between 2006 and 2013. London’s Metropolitan Police launched a formal investigation shortly after. The case remains open, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

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Russia Bans Elton John AIDS Foundation, Citing Threat to “Traditional Values”

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Russia’s General Prosecutor has banned the Elton John AIDS Foundation, labeling its activities as “undesirable” and accusing the organisation of promoting values contrary to Russian traditions. The decision, announced Thursday, applies to both the U.S. and U.K.-registered branches of the foundation. Authorities alleged the foundation was part of a broader Western campaign to undermine Russia’s “spiritual and moral values” and spread “anti-Russian propaganda” through support for LGBTQ+ rights and Western family models.

The foundation, founded by British singer Elton John, expressed devastation over the ban, warning that it would severely impact HIV prevention and treatment efforts in Russia. “This work is urgent,” the foundation said, highlighting that over 1.2 million people in Russia are living with HIV, and more than 430,000 are not receiving treatment. It emphasized its long-standing collaboration with Russian institutions to provide life-saving care and services to hundreds of thousands over the past two decades.

Russia’s move comes amid a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights and Western influence. President Vladimir Putin has positioned Russia in opposition to what he describes as a morally decaying West, promoting laws that ban LGBTQ+ “propaganda” and advocating for traditional family structures. The prosecutor’s office further accused the foundation of trying to discredit Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine, calling it part of an orchestrated Western campaign.

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Britain Faces Economic Risks from U.S. Tariffs, Seeks Better Trade Terms

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Britain is confronting potential economic risks from U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs but has chosen not to retaliate, instead focusing on securing improved trade terms, Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds stated on Thursday. While the UK was spared the harshest penalties, facing a 10% levy compared to 20% or higher for other nations, its economy remains exposed to the broader consequences of a global trade slowdown.

Reynolds emphasized that as a globally oriented trading economy, Britain is particularly vulnerable to any disruptions in the international trade system. Speaking to Times Radio, he reaffirmed the government’s strategy of diplomatic negotiation, including closer alignment with the U.S. on key sectors like technology, in hopes of securing an economic deal that could lead to a reversal of the tariffs.

Despite adopting a measured approach, Reynolds made it clear that Britain would not rule out a response if the tariffs significantly harmed its economy. “We’ve got to reserve every right that we have to respond to this if we need to,” he said, while stressing the importance of maintaining a “cool-headed” strategy to navigate the challenges posed by the U.S. trade policy.

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Denmark PM to Visit Greenland Amid Tensions Over U.S. Interest in Arctic Island

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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is set to visit Greenland on Wednesday for talks with the territory’s incoming government, following recent tensions over U.S. interest in the Arctic island. Frederiksen’s three-day visit comes less than a week after U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s trip to Greenland, which received a frosty response from both Danish and Greenlandic authorities. Incoming Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed Frederiksen’s visit, reaffirming Denmark as “Greenland’s closest partner.”

The relationship between Denmark and Greenland has been strained in recent years due to historical mistreatment of Greenlanders during colonial rule. However, growing international competition for influence in the Arctic, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s past interest in acquiring Greenland, has pushed Denmark to strengthen ties with the island. Nielsen stated that Greenland seeks to maintain strong relations with Denmark while moving toward its long-term goal of sovereignty. He also emphasized the need for a respectful partnership with the U.S., rejecting suggestions of American control over the island.

During his visit to a U.S. military base in northern Greenland, Vance accused Denmark of failing to secure the territory and suggested the U.S. could provide better protection. Frederiksen dismissed his remarks as “not fair,” reiterating that Greenland’s future lies in the hands of its people. Opinion polls indicate that while most of Greenland’s 57,000 inhabitants support independence, many caution against moving too quickly, fearing economic instability and greater U.S. influence over the island’s affairs.

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French Court Bars Marine Le Pen from 2027 Presidential Race Over Embezzlement Conviction

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In a landmark ruling, a French court on Monday barred far-right leader Marine Le Pen from running in the 2027 presidential election after convicting her of embezzlement. Le Pen, 56, received a five-year ban from public office, along with a four-year prison sentence—two years suspended and two under home detention—and a €100,000 fine. The court found her guilty of misappropriating over €4 million in EU funds to pay her party’s staff, a charge she denies. While she vowed to appeal, the ruling could significantly reshape France’s political landscape ahead of the next election.

Le Pen’s conviction sparked outrage among her supporters and right-wing figures worldwide, with allies calling it judicial overreach. Billionaire Elon Musk accused the judiciary of targeting political opponents, while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed solidarity, tweeting, “Je suis Marine!” Le Pen condemned the decision as a politically motivated attempt to derail her presidential bid, asserting that millions of French citizens were “outraged to an unimaginable degree.” Despite her ban, she retains her parliamentary seat until the end of her term.

With Le Pen’s future uncertain, speculation is growing over who will lead the National Rally (RN) into the 2027 election. RN President Jordan Bardella, 29, is seen as her likely successor, but political analysts question whether he can rally the broad electorate needed to win. The court also found the RN party and 24 of its officials guilty, imposing a €2 million fine. As appeals in France can take years, Le Pen’s legal battle may continue well into the election cycle, keeping the political climate tense.

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Swedish Journalist Joakim Medin Jailed in Turkey on Terrorism Charges

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Swedish journalist Kaj Joakim Medin has been jailed in Turkey pending trial on terrorism charges after covering protests against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest. Medin was detained in Istanbul as part of an investigation into a 2023 protest in Stockholm, where a mannequin resembling Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was hung outside the city hall. Turkish authorities have accused Medin and 14 others of organizing, promoting, or having links to the demonstration.

Medin, a reporter for the Swedish newspaper Dagens ETC, has been charged with “insulting the president” and “membership in a terrorist organization.” His employer raised concerns after he was unreachable for two days. Editor-in-Chief Andreas Gustavsson insisted Medin was being punished for doing his job. Turkish officials also cited his past reporting from Syria, Iraq, and southeastern Turkey between 2014 and 2017.

He was formally arrested via video conference by an Ankara court after questioning in Istanbul. Sweden has summoned the Turkish ambassador in Stockholm to seek clarification and demand that Medin receive urgent consular access, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard told public broadcaster SVT.

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