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WeWork, the coworking giant, is undergoing debt restructuring under Chapter 11 protection in the US, with a plan that also involves Italy. The company declared bankruptcy in November and embarked on a financial and operational restructuring that included a $450 million capital injection. In Italy, WeWork reduced its locations in Milan, but saw a 9% increase in occupancy in the remaining locations. Globally, the reorganisation led to significant savings on rents and a reduction in financial commitments. Under the new agreement, the senior creditors will receive control of WeWork in return for a significant investment.

the European Central Bank could cut interest rates by 25 basis points, a much-anticipated event that could significantly affect the housing market. Francesca Zirnstein already sees benefits in the banking sector and anticipates growth in the real estate market due to more affordable credit conditions. Emiliano di Bartolo, while confirming these expectations, remains cautious due to possible impacts from international geopolitical and political situations. Both experts foresee a potential revival of the real estate market, conditioned, however, by the evolving global macroeconomic environment.

By 2030, London expects to reach ten million inhabitants, and in response to this population growth and limited space availability, the city is growing in height with the planned addition of 583 new skyscrapers over the next ten years. This vertical development is part of a broader urban strategy to optimise space and respond to growing residential and commercial demand. Despite the approval of the urban plans by various mayors, a mixed reaction emerges from the citizenry: while some see the benefits of this expansion, others are overwhelmed by the rapidly changing urban landscape. The challenge for London will be to balance growth and sustainability to effectively navigate the complex landscape of demographic and economic pressures.

In September 2023, Stellantis launched Leapmotor electric car sales in Italy and Europe, with the aim of capitalising on the growing interest in electric vehicles. The partnership saw Stellantis acquire 20 per cent of Leapmotor, forming the joint venture Leapmotor International. The models introduced include the C10 SUV and the compact T03, both aimed at an urban audience and competitive in the electric vehicle market. This strategic move is part of Stellantis' “Dare Forward 2030” initiative to strengthen its position in the global electric vehicle sector.

In 2023, Gazprom, the Russian energy giant, suffered its first financial loss in almost a quarter of a century, recording a liability of 629 billion roubles, approximately 6.5 billion euro. This historic event was mainly caused by the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, which led to international sanctions and a reduction in gas exports to Europe. The European Union, which remains partly dependent on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), is considering new restrictions in the Russian energy sector. Despite some existing restrictions, Europe increased its imports of Russian LNG, particularly through Belgium, France and Spain. Gazprom's losses reflect the complex dynamics between Russia's domestic energy management and geopolitical relations with Europe, highlighting persistent challenges in energy and politics.

In Q1 2024, Apple recorded a significant drop in iPhone sales, down 9.6 per cent year-on-year, selling 50.1 million units compared to 55.4 million in Q1 2023. This drop allowed Samsung to regain the top spot among smartphone manufacturers. Apple's decline is attributed to intense competition, especially from Huawei, and geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Despite overall smartphone market growth of 7.8 per cent, Apple's market share dropped significantly. These events suggest that Apple will have to review its market and product strategies to maintain its competitiveness, especially in key markets such as China.

JBrown is an international real estate company based in London, known for its comprehensive approach to real estate, encompassing everything from market research to property sales. In cooperation with FGN Consulting, JBrown is expanding its influence, especially in the Italian market, by exploiting FGN's expertise in marketing and strategic consulting. This partnership allows JBrown to optimise the acquisition of both private and institutional clients, consolidating its presence both in the UK and internationally. The importance and effectiveness of this collaboration was also recognised in an article in Forbes, which highlights how JBrown and FGN are setting new standards in the real estate industry.

The article illustrates the collaboration between Lagoon Capital, a London-based financial research firm, and FGN Consulting, focused on business development and the acquisition of new institutional clients in Europe and the UK. Lagoon specialises in technical and fundamental analysis of global markets, offering its clients investment strategies that maximise profits while minimising risks. The article highlights how, through their partnership, Lagoon is able to focus on its core competencies while FGN facilitates market growth through targeted marketing strategies and operational support.

The 2024 edition of the Milan Design Week marked an impressive milestone with a record 360,000 visitors at the Salone del Mobile and 1125 events at the Fuorisalone, confirming its position as the world's leading design and furniture event. The event generated a significant economic impact, estimated at over 260 million Euro, with a significant increase in international visitors and online attendance. The Fuorisalone transformed Milan into an epicentre of creativity and innovation, with events exploring new perspectives on domestic living and promoting the synergy between design, fashion and art.