May 2021 ~ Money is the way

Monday, 31 May 2021

[No. 906] I just want to stare at the sea

That's all I want to do.

And, okay[1], and a question ...[1], and, okay[2], and what, what ... what do the dolphins stare at? / and ... I guess it doesn't matter, kooks[1], and a question ...[2], and ... 'I'll ask them!'[1], and what, what ... what do the dolphins stare at? / and ... I guess it doesn't matter, kooks[2], and, so ...[1], and ... 'I'll ask them!'[2], and a-ROUND here ... where am I?[1], and, so ...[2], and I can tell you, you, you ... I'm not there, there, there[1], and a-ROUND here ... where am I?[2], and ... 'You are here - !!!'[1], and I can tell you, you, you ... I'm not there, there, there[2], and, uh, uh ... unfortunately, yes, no, I don't know[1], and ... 'You are here - !!!'[2], and ... 'What do you know?'[1], and, uh, uh ... unfortunately, yes, no, I don't know[2], and a-ROUND here ... I can't see anything, well, darkness, the darkness of ... I don't know, whatever[1], and ... 'What do you know?'[2], and, well ... the lightness, is there any?[1], and a-ROUND here ... I can't see anything, well, darkness, the darkness of ... I don't know, whatever[2], and I know, I know ... ?[1], and, well ... the lightness, is there any?[2], and ... 'What?!'[1], and I know, I know ... ?[2], and, listen! ... I know, I know ... I know that I need to stare at the sea[1], and ... 'What?!'[2], and I think ...[1], and, listen! ... I know, I know ... I know that I need to stare at the sea[2], and I'll be honest ...[1], and I think ...[2], and ... 'Be honest, come on!'[1], and I'll be honest ...[2], and I ain't got the energy to think ...[1], and ... 'Be honest, come on!'[2], and I'm feeling very tired ... and I want to lie down on the sand ... and, uh ... stare at the sun ... and later on ... uh ...[1], and I ain't got the energy to think ...[2], and ... ... ... stare at the moon, I suppose[1], and I'm feeling very tired ... and I want to lie down on the sand ... and, uh ... stare at the sun ... and later on ... uh ...[2], and ... 'Jesus! What about the stars?'[1], and ... ... ... stare at the moon, I suppose[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... (wake me up) ... Eh?![1], and ... 'Jesus! What about the stars?'[2], and, Christ, yes, yes, yes ... the stars, too[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... (wake me up) ... Eh?![2], and I checked the train ... but it was all booked up ... / and I don't wanna cling to the roof like a lunatic[1], and, Christ, yes, yes, yes ... the stars, too[2], and my eyes hurt ...[1], and I checked the train ... but it was all booked up ... / and I don't wanna cling to the roof like a lunatic[2], and ... 'My astral ears, Mikey!'[1], and my eyes hurt ...[2], and shut up, Voice[1], and ... 'My astral ears, Mikey!'[2], and at the moment ... my eyes are only interested in my pillow[1], and shut up, Voice[2], and am I making sense? I DON'T CARE - !!![1], and at the moment ... my eyes are only interested in my pillow[2], and I want to walk into the sea ...[1], and am I making sense? I DON'T CARE - !!![2], and ... 'COME BACK - !!!'[1], and I want to walk into the sea ...[2], and, ha, ha, ha![1], and ... 'CO ME B ACK - !!!'[2], and, okay[3], and, ha, ha, ha![2], and a question ...[3], and what, what ... what do the dolphins stare at? / and ... I guess it doesn't matter, kooks[3], and ... 'I'll ask them!'[3], and, so ...[3], and a-ROUND here ... where am I?[3], and I can tell you, you, you ... I'm not there, there, there[3], and ... 'You are here - !!!'[3], and, uh, uh ... unfortunately, yes, no, I don't know[3], and ... 'What do you know?'[3], and a-ROUND here ... I can't see anything, well, darkness, the darkness of ... I don't know, whatever[3], and, well ... the lightness, is there any?[3], and I know, I know ... ?[3], and ... 'What?!'[3], and, listen! ... I know, I know ... I know that I need to stare at the sea[3], and I think ...[3], and I'll be honest ...[3], and ... 'Be honest, come on!'[3], and I ain't got the energy to think ...[3], and I'm feeling very tired ... and I want to lie down on the sand ... and, uh ... stare at the sun ... and later on ... uh ...[3], and ... ... ... stare at the moon, I suppose[3], and ... 'Jesus! What about the stars?'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... (wake me up) ... Eh?![3], and, Christ, yes, yes, yes ... the stars, too[3], and I checked the train ... but it was all booked up ... / and I don't wanna cling to the roof like a lunatic[3], and my eyes hurt ...[3], and ... 'My astral ears, Mikey!'[3], and shut up, Voice[3], and at the moment ... my eyes are only interested in my pillow[3], and am I making sense? I DON'T CARE - !!![3], and I want to walk into the sea ...[3], and ... 'C O M E B A C K - !!!'[3], and, ha, ha, ha![3], and

Astorg's first ESG financing

What?! Is that really necessary? Well, okay ... whatever! 'What's this, boss?' I have no idea, Voice. 'A PR email?' Obviously! Ha, ha, ha! You don't think I imagine this stuff, do you?

Anyway ...

Paris, 26th May 2021 - Astorg is pleased to announce that it has completed its €1bn+ financing to acquire a majority stake in Corialis. The acquisition of Corialis has been financed through an Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG')-linked syndicated term loan B placed with institutional investors in the European leveraged loan markets, the first of its kind for an Astorg-backed company.

Oh, okay.

Sustainability and ESG are at the heart of Corialis' business model: through its material of choice, aluminium, Corialis has developed an exceptional product range that benefits from best-in-class sustainability features with ESG being embedded in the whole production processes - the logistic needs are minimal thanks to Corialis' single-roof business model, energy and water consumption are continuously reduced, key hubs are ISO-certified, ESG is embedded in procurement and the company is closely monitoring and improving health & safety.

Hang on a minute! What is this Astorg thing first? I've never even heard of the firm.

'Look, boss -'

Astorg is a global private equity firm with over €10 billion of assets under management. Astorg works with entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire market leading global companies headquartered in Europe or the US, providing them with the strategic guidance, governance and capital they need to achieve their growth goals. Astorg enjoys a distinct entrepreneurial culture, a long-term shareholder perspective, and a lean decision-making body enhancing its reactivity. Astorg has valuable industry expertise in healthcare, software, technology, business services and technology-based industrial companies. Astorg has offices in London, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, Milan, and Luxembourg.

Oh, I see. You learn something knew every day, don't you? And then you forget it. Well, I do. Ha! Never mind. That's the way I like it. I want to keep my brain free for music only. 'And conceptuals!' Yeah, and conceptuals.

Now, what does Flo say? 'Flo?' I mean, Wim.

Come on, Wim!

Wim Flo, Chief Financial Officer of Corialis, says: "Corialis will be one of the earliest adopters of this unique financing within its sector, and by incorporating ESG-linked ambition, we are fully aligning Corialis' program with Astorg's ESG commitments."

Fair enough.

Francois? 'He sounds French.' He probably is, Voice, knowing him.

Okay. Francois?

Francois de Mitry, Managing Partner at Astorg, adds: "We were impressed by Corialis' passion for sustainable construction products and by their efforts to bring ESG to the fore in the industry. As part of our partnership, we aim to continue supporting the management team's focus on these areas, and this inaugural financing further strengthen our combined commitment."

Fair enough.

Thanks, guys!

ENDS

...

Anything else?

I was looking at the possibility of, uh ... going to Cornwall last night, BUT(!) ... nearly everywhere is booked up, and we've still got The Thing, and, Christ ... there's that bloody ridiculous G7 nonsense, of course.

Only Newquay has a few spare rooms. I've never been there before. I'm not sure I fancy it. 'Why not?' It's supposed to be a "party town" or something. 'Don't you like to party, boss?' I just want to stare at the sea, man, and contemplate eternity. 'Oh. Sounds exciting.' Don't knock it till you've tried it.

Ah, never, never ... mind, eh?

Music? I've finally decided what the three greatest ever songs ... oh, by other artists, not me ... are, yes!

Live Forever

Angels

One

So, the three best "world-beaters" from that list of eighteen I made a while ago ...

My music? I try not to think about the state of the music business, but when I do think about it, like, uh, yesterday afternoon ... I know I must get my BIG TEN, with each song a world-beater. I absolutely must!

It's my obsession, kook(s) ... when I wake up at 5.30 every morning, when I go to sleep at midnight, and even when I dream. You dig?

Laters.

Thursday, 27 May 2021

Foresight announces first closing of its latest ...

Its latest what?! Tell us! 'Who are you talking to?' No one in particular, Voice.

Anyway ...

Foresight announces first closing of its latest regional private equity fund.

Oh, nice!

Manchester, 24 May 2021: Foresight Group, an award-winning listed infrastructure and private equity investment manager, announces the first close of the Foresight Regional Investment III LP (the "Fund") at £65m. The Fund is cornerstoned by the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, with strong support from Clwyd and Merseyside Pension Funds.

The fundraise comes off the back of the Foresight Regional Investment LP's ("FRIF") success in the North West, a fund which exemplifies the strength of Foresight's regional private equity strategy, addressing the gap for impact-focused equity investments in growing SMEs typically valued at up to £30m.

The strategy delivers both attractive economic returns and broader long‐term benefits for regional communities by applying a professional approach to private equity investment in this underserved and less competitive part of the market. The first fund, FRIF, has helped create more than 600 new jobs in growing SMEs with the first two exits returning 6.1x and 5.6x money respectively.

Okay, okay. There's a lot of this PR email, and we haven't really got much time, and - 'Why haven't we got much time, boss?' Because ...

Just because.

Let's go to the voices!

'Yippee!'

Come on, Jamie!

James Livingston, Partner at Foresight, comments: "We are delighted to be welcoming both new and returning investors to the Fund, which will continue to address the gap in the market we have demonstrated with its predecessor fund. We look forward to supporting the growth of smaller companies across the targeted region."

Delighted? Really? Okay. 'He's delighted, boss. Leave him alone.' Well ... he says they are delighted. He's speaking for everyone. I suppose Jamie feels entitled to do that. I don't know. I'll never understand these people.

Claire?

Claire Alvarez, Director at Foresight, adds: "Over the last five years, we have worked closely with the local community to invest in a range of companies, backing excellent teams and their sustainable growth plans. The impact of our activities on the local market is clear and we look forward to continuing this success with this Fund."

Fine. Claire reckons they're all looking forward.

Thanks, voices!

Have they gone? 'Yes.'

[Now listen to me, kook(s)! If we go into the post room at the Foresight office, I bet you anything, anything! ... we will find people who don't give a toss about the first closing of this fund. Just saying, like. Not everyone is going to be "delighted" or whatever. You digging me on this? / Personally? I am delighted and shit for the Foresight mob, I really am, but ... I'm not working in the post room. Do you know what I mean?]

ENDS

...

Anything else?

I'm tired.

I walked ten miles today. Richmond and back.

Good night!

Wednesday, 26 May 2021

[No. 905] NO FEAR

That's the way!

And, listen to me![1], and no fear is the only way ... to live, to create ... and to engage with the cosmos, yes![1], and, listen to me![2], and all, all ... all of it[1], and no fear is the only way ... to live, to create ... and to engage with the cosmos, yes![2], and, music, lyrics ... obviously![1], and all, all ... all of it[2], and, come on, come on, come on, kooks![1], and, music, lyrics ... obviously![2], and ... yes![1], and, come on, come on, come on, kooks![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... oh, do we feel fear ... here ... ? Ha, ha, ha! No, no, no![1], and ... yes![2], and I'm buzzing, man![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... oh, do we feel fear ... here ... ? Ha, ha, ha! No, no, no![2], and if we were dizzy in ordinary reality ... wow![1], and I'm buzzing, man![2], and I can't even ... Well, I can[1], and if we were dizzy in ordinary reality ... wow![2], and, do you, you, YOU(!) ... know what I mean? / and I'm asking you, you, YOU(!), my friend(s) ... Do you have a clue?[1], and I can't even ... Well, I can[2], and ... 'I do!'[1], and, do you, you, YOU(!) ... know what I mean? / and I'm asking you, you, YOU(!), my friend(s) ... Do you have a c lue?[2], and nice one, Voice![1], and ... 'I do!'[2], and, Christ ...[1], and nice one, Voice![2], and if something scares you ... jump right into it, and laugh like a clown ... oh, your fears will melt away[1], and, Christ ...[2], and ... 'Such good advice!'[1], and if something scares you ... jump right into it, and laugh like a clown ... oh, your fears will melt away[2], and if you haven't got joy in your heart ... my God, why are you even living?! / ... and remember what Goethe said![1], and ... 'Such good advice!'[2], and ... ... ...[1], and if you haven't got joy in your heart ... my God, why are you even living?! / ... and remember what Goethe said![2], and, I mean ... about the cosmos, er ... the universe, I think he called it / and a person's place in the cosmos ... ... ... yeah?[1], and ... ... ...[2], and, yeah[1], and, I mean ... about the cosmos, er ... the universe, I think he called it / and a person's place in the cosmos ... ... ... yeah?[2], and, okay, okay[1], and, yeah[2], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... need to look at me, yes, and all the clues I have ... / ... and, uh, uh ... pretty impressive, eh?[1], and, okay, okay[2], and ... 'I'm certainly impressed'[1], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... need to look at me, yes, and all the clues I have ... / ... and, uh, uh ... pretty impressive, eh?[2], and if you're starting from zero ... I won't lie to you ... it might take ten or twenty years, but ...[1], and ... 'I'm certainly impressed'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[1], and if you're starting from zero ... I won't lie to you ... it might take ten or twenty years, but ...[2], and ... 'Spit it out, Mikey!'[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[2], and ... You must begin the journey[1], and ... 'Spit it out, Mikey!'[2], and, so ... is this the ENDS ENDS ENDS ... ? No! ... It's just the beginning![1], and ... You must begin the journey[2], and, come on![1], and, so ... is this the ENDS ENDS ENDS ... ? No! ... It's just the beginning![2], and, listen to me![3], and, come on![2], and no fear is the only way ... to live, to create ... and to engage with the cosmos, yes![3], and all, all ... all of it[3], and, music, lyrics ... obviously![3], and, come on, come on, come on, kooks![3], and ... yes![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... oh, do we feel fear ... here ... ? Ha, ha, ha! No, no, no![3], and I'm buzzing, man![3], and if we were dizzy in ordinary reality ... wow![3], and I can't even ... Well, I can[3], and, do you, you, YOU(!) ... know what I mean? / and I'm asking you, you, YOU(!), my friend(s) ... Do you have a c l u e?[3], and ... 'I do!'[3], and nice one, Voice![3], and, Christ ...[3], and if something scares you ... jump right into it, and laugh like a clown ... oh, your fears will melt away[3], and ... 'Such good advice!'[3], and if you haven't got joy in your heart ... my God, why are you even living?! / ... and remember what Goethe said![3], and ... ... ...[3], and, I mean ... about the cosmos, er ... the universe, I think he called it / and a person's place in the cosmos ... ... ... yeah?[3], and, yeah[3], and, okay, okay[3], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... need to look at me, yes, and all the clues I have ... / ... and, uh, uh ... pretty impressive, eh?[3], and ... 'I'm certainly impressed'[3], and if you're starting from zero ... I won't lie to you ... it might take ten or twenty years, but ...[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[3], and ... 'Spit it out, Mikey!'[3], and ... You must begin the journey[3], and, so ... is this the ENDS ENDS ENDS ... ? No! ... It's just the beginning![3], and, come on![3], and

Yeah, yeah ... yeah!

Three yeahs, you can't go wrong. Here are some more - yeah, yeah, yeah. But don't worry about it. 'Don't worry about what, boss?' Ha! Don't anyone worry, uh ... what this post is about because it ain't about NOTHING, you dig? 'Right. / Haven't you got any PR emails?' I got loads. 'Are you going to do one?' Tomorrow. Tomorrow night, man. Last post of the week. But not now.

Just this now. Whatever this is. 'Okay.' That's the mood I'm in. Deal with it, kooks!

Anyway ...

I'm a bit confused in my head because of dreams and tunes. Too many dreams and tunes, but not enough lyrics.

My new 70 percent of tune? I might keep it on ice for a while. I'll write the chorus after I've finished the lyric for Mighty Soul. 'What about the lyric for Life and Death ... ?' Christ! Yes, that as well.

This new tune ... the funny thing is ... I was trying to get something like Stella again ... but I went beyond it - again! My music is getting better, man. Bigger. I seem to be expanding. No wonder I get headaches.

Obviously, I need words. I need words like the conceptuals. I write conceptuals the way I write music.

NO FEAR ... that's what I'm talking about!

Anyway ...

I'll be writing a conceptual later. I think I'll call it ... NO FEAR, yes! No. 905. I love it! I'm addicted!

DIZZY 4 LIFE ... That's me!

Anyway ...

Here's some news. (Well, it was news to me.) ...

***Muscle burns fat***

What do you make of that?

'Explain!'

Listen! I've been losing a few pounds lately ... without restarting my diet. I mean, I've been eating too many snacks.

But I've checked online ... and, yes ... muscle burns fat - even when you're not doing anything much.

'Cool!'

That's all right, ain't it?

Listen! By the end of summer ... I will have the body I want, the image, the songs, the demo ... the lot!

That's alchemy. Believe it!

I'm basically going to be Steve McQueen with a guitar. No bullshit!

'Tell the kooks! You've got to be a visionary, Mikey!'

Ha, ha, ha! They know, Voice, they know. Goes without saying, really.

Everyone, come on, come on, come on! Make friends with the cosmos. Do it today!

Okay, okay.

Okay, that's enough.

Laters!

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Refinitiv Lipper: European fund flow report - April 2021

Well, well ... fund flows! 'Yippee!' Calm down.

Yeah, yeah. It's the April European fund flow industry report from the Refinitiv Lipper team. 'And that crazy cat Detlef!' Yes, Voice.

Okay ...

Long-term mutual funds posted net inflows for April 2021.

The overall fund flows for mutual funds and ETFs in Europe in April amounted to estimated net inflows of €86.6 bn.

Equity funds (+€35.6 bn) were by far the best-selling asset type overall for April 2021.

Equity Global (+€17.2 bn) was once again the best-selling sector among long-term funds.

Stardust. The song. By David Essex.

Luxembourg (+€28.8 bn) was the fund domicile with the highest net inflows, followed by Ireland (+€21.3 bn) and France (+€18.3 bn).

BlackRock (+€20.2 bn) was the best-selling fund promoter in Europe for April, ahead of Amundi (+€6.2 bn), and BNP Paribas Asset Management (+€5.2 bn).

Right. Will he mention The Thing?

Detlef Glow, Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv Lipper, comments: "European investors were in a mixed mood over the course of April, even as the situation with regard to The Thing in Europe has been easing up.

"Nevertheless, April 2021 was another positive month for the European fund industry since the promoters of mutual funds (+€69.9 bn) and ETFs (+€16.6 bn) enjoyed inflows. The overall flow pattern in Europe has further normalized as investors in Europe continued to be in risk-on mode in April. In more detail, investors bought further into risky assets as long-term funds (€79.6 bn) and money market products (€7.0 bn) enjoyed estimated net inflows. As opposed to the general flow pattern, Money Market EUR (€18.2 bn) was the best-selling classification for the month."

Fair enough. Thanks, Detlef!

'Nice one, Detlef!'

Er ...

'Boss.'

What?

'He's all right, ain't he?'

Yeah, I suppose.

ENDS

...

Er ...

Anything else? Music?

Well, I've got 70 percent of a new tune, leading up to a chorus ... / This is my favourite time, kook(s) - as you know. I even wrote a conceptual about it, remember? It will be a great song if I can get a BIG(!) chorus.

So, I have close to eight so-called world-beaters. I've got to write three lyrics though.

The lyric for Mighty Soul is the priority because I need the song for the demo. / When I eventually "tweet" that song, I will pin it to the top of my Twitter and leave it there for as long as it takes. 'As long as what takes?' The music business to notice. 'Oh, okay.'

Five years ago, I thought they would notice She Loves Me, but that was a joke, man, compared to what I'm doing now. The only good thing about that old song is ... it kept me motivated during the bad times. 'Are these the good times, Mikey?' Not yet. We're getting there. 'Great! But ...' What, Voice? Spit it out! 'Well, after the good times are over ... ... ... ?' Ha! I will sing -

"There have been good times ..."

You dig?

'Yeah. Then I'll put you in the ambulance.'

Ha! Don't be morbid.

Later(s), stray cat(s)!

Monday, 24 May 2021

[No. 904] I'm your sha/man!

Believe it.

And ... ah![1], and, okay, okay[1], and ... ah![2], and, listen ... if you believe, man, I will also believe ... all the crazy, crazy, crazy things I say[1], and, okay, okay[2], and, yes, yes[1], and, listen ... if you believe, man, I will also believe ... all the crazy, crazy, crazy things I say[2], and I've always trusted kooks, always![1], and, yes, yes[2], and where am I?[1], and I've always trusted kooks, always![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with pills for my headache ... / ... and am I feeling fine?[1], and where am I?[2], and I don't know, no[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with pills for my headache ... / ... and am I feeling fine?[2], and my brain won't hold my consciousness ness ...[1], and I don't know, no[2], and ... 'You're a big soul'[1], and my brain won't hold my consciousness ness ...[2], and sha, sha, sha ... tell me ... what am I saying, or trying to say?[1], and ... 'You're a big soul'[2], and words are no use - let's be honest[1], and sha, sha, sha ... tell me ... what am I saying, or trying to say?[2], and I want the sound of transcendence ... ??? / ... and does it even have a sound ... I can't imagine that it does[1], and words are no use - let's be honest[2], and, but, but, but ... it can't be silence[1], and I want the sound of transcen dence ... ??? / ... and does it even have a sound ... I can't imagine that it does[2], and ... 'You, you, you ... be quiet ... and listen now, come on!'[1], and, but, but, but ... it can't be silence[2], and, who ... who are YOU(!) talking to?[1], and ... 'You, you, you ... be quiet ... and listen now, come on!'[2], and, well ...[1], and, who ... who are YOU(!) talking to?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... so, I'm listening / ... and is there something hidden in the silence?[1], and, well ...[2], and, Christ[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... so, I'm listening / ... and is there something hidden in the silence?[2], and ... 'Ha! Look!'[1], and, Christ[2], and what? ... Let me see![1], and ... 'Ha! Look!'[2], and, I, er ... can't see[1], and what? ... Let me see![2], and I, I, I ... am ... the man, the sha man[1], and, I, er ... can't see[2], and ... 'We know'[1], and I, I, I ... am ... the man, the sha man[2], and that's got to be worth something in a stupid world ... ... ... yes?[1], and ... 'We know'[2], and maybe there's a new vision ...[1], and that's got to be worth something in a stupid world ... ... ... yes?[2], and ... 'Mikey, there's always a new vision, always!'[1], and maybe there's a new vision ...[2], and I mean, yes, I mean ... something different[1], and ... 'Mikey, there's always a new vision, always!'[2], and ... 'Don't push your luck'[1], and I mean, yes, I mean ... something different[2], and I'm looking ... hard![1], and ... 'Don't push your luck'[2], and whatever it is ... I don't think it's anything for a human ...[1], and I'm looking ... hard![2], and ... 'Good! You're not human'[1], and whatever it is ... I don't think it's anything for a human ...[2], and, well ... I am, human ... with these words, even with the music ... and I still can't get clean ... all aloof, like I want[1], and ... 'Good! You're not human'[2], and ... 'Even on the mountain top?!'[1], and, well ... I am, human ... with these words, even with the music ... and I still can't get clean ... all aloof, like I want[2], and, oh ... leave me alone![1], and ... 'Even on the mountain top?!'[2], and ... ah![3], and, oh ... leave me alone![2], and, okay, okay[3], and, listen ... if you believe, man, I will also believe ... all the crazy, crazy, crazy things I say[3], and, yes, yes[3], and I've always trusted kooks, always![3], and where am I?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with pills for my headache ... / ... and am I feeling fine?[3], and I don't know, no[3], and my brain won't hold my consciousness ness ...[3], and ... 'You're a big soul'[3], and sha, sha, sha ... tell me ... what am I saying, or trying to say?[3], and words are no use - let's be honest[3], and I want the sound of t r a n s c e n d e n c e ... ??? / ... and does it even have a sound ... I can't imagine that it does[3], and, but, but, but ... it can't be silence[3], and ... 'You, you, you ... be quiet ... and listen now, come on!'[3], and, who ... who are YOU(!) talking to?[3], and, well ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... so, I'm listening / ... and is there something hidden in the silence?[3], and, Christ[3], and ... 'Ha! Look!'[3], and what? ... Let me see![3], and, I, er ... can't see[3], and I, I, I ... am ... the man, the sha man[3], and ... 'We know'[3], and that's got to be worth something in a stupid world ... ... ... yes?[3], and maybe there's a new vision ...[3], and ... 'Mikey, there's always a new vision, always!'[3], and I mean, yes, I mean ... something different[3], and ... 'Don't push your luck'[3], and I'm looking ... hard![3], and whatever it is ... I don't think it's anything for a human ...[3], and ... 'Good! You're not human'[3], and, well ... I am, human ... with these words, even with the music ... and I still can't get clean ... all aloof, like I want[3], and ... 'Even on the mountain top?!'[3], and, oh ... leave me alone![3], and

Acofi Gestion finances the ZE Energy Group's hybrid projects via its Predirec EnR 2 fund

What?! What's this all about? 'Ha!' What's funny, Voice? 'Nothing.' Be quiet then.

So, yeah, yeah ... it's a PR email.

In April 2021, Acofi Gestion closed €4 million in bridge loan and junior debt financing with ZE Energy Group via its Predirec EnR 2 loan fund. This is the first transaction for this fund in the innovative technology of hybrid solar power plants, combining photovoltaics and storage to address the challenges of intermittency and grid stability associated with renewable energy.

Okay, okay. It's all green stuff, which is okay, I suppose ... uh uh not that it will make any difference to anything because the world is doomed the way all worlds are doomed because everything material is doomed only the spirit survives the great big spirit of the cosmos who just happens to be a personal friend of mine my mind yes yes I'm well-connected always have been BUT(!) I seem to be getting closer and deeper and higher oh where is my consciousness ness ness going? ha ha ha to the toppermost of the poppermost obviously

'Er ... Lucky?' No, me. It's me!

However, although ... I did watch The Day of the Jackal last night and the OAS guy who gets kidnapped by the Action Service was played by the guy who was the first ever guy to play Lucky, yes, Jean Martin

I just thought I would mention it.

The Greenfin-labelled Predirec EnR 2 fund has a dual objective. On the one hand, it supports the full range of industrial contributors to the Energy Transition by providing them with flexible financing solutions and, on the other hand, the fund offers institutional investors a low-carbon investment strategy that allows them to participate in the fight against global warming.

Oh, okay. They just thought they would mention it. On my blog, like. No harm done. Good luck to them!

This operation marks the beginning of a partnership with ZE Energy, an independent producer of renewable electricity that develops and operates hybrid photovoltaic power plants. Equipped with a battery to store the solar energy produced during the day, these new-generation solar power plants present every advantage in terms of production costs, integration with the environment and the grid, and the production of zero CO2 emissions.

Fine. 'They keep mentioning!'

The financing of ZE Energy demonstrates the ability of the Predirec EnR 2 fund to flexibly meet the diverse needs of new and dynamic developers. The bonds issued include a short-term financing component that allows the construction of hybrid power plants to move forward and strategic supplies to be secured ahead of bank closing. Thanks to the long-term junior debt component, ZE Energy will be able to optimise the allocation of its equity resources in order to focus on growth in France and internationally.

'Will they ever stop?' I can stop them, BUT(!) ...

Does Matthieu have anything to say? Or is that too much to hope for? 'You've been dreaming of it all night, boss.' Ha! No, Voice. But I knew this day would come. I remember last week looking at this email and wondering, wondering ... Will Matthieu speak to us?

'Speak, Matthieu! Speak!'

Matthieu Lassagne, President of ZE Energy: "Acofi Gestion's support shows a commitment to supporting innovations that will meet the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow. Our smart power plants, several of which are currently under development, will help accelerate the development of photovoltaic energy, which is the most promising source of renewable energy."

Oh, surprise, surprise! He speaks! 'What about Philippe?' Ha, ha, ha! That would be too much to hope for, my little invisible idiot.

'Look - !!!'

Philippe Garrel, Head of the Energy Transition business line at Acofi Gestion: "We are pleased to be moving ahead on our mission of financing Energy Transition players with an innovative developer such as ZE Energy which offers intelligent solutions to the challenges of large-scale RE integration this transaction also demonstrates the Predirec EnR 2 fund's ability to position itself on projects that are complex whether in terms of technology or revenue types by once again leveraging its hybrid financing structures."

Uh, uh ...

'You're lost for words, boss!'

Uh ...

He thinks!

Thank you, Philippe!

ENDS

...

Anything else? Dreams? Visions?

I'm your sha/man! You've come to the right place.

Well, the wrong place, probably, because I don't want to talk about all that. 'Dreams?' Dreams. Dreams of music. Christ.

It's all private now.

Just know, kook(s) ... I'm your sha/man.

BUT(!) ... fresh starts, I can't, listen, the best I can do is ... to work through all the chaos until I've got Mighty Soul done and the rest of the BIG TEN done and the new bloody demo done and then then ... survive day to day uh to hold on hold on!

You dig?

Laters.

Wednesday, 19 May 2021

Refinitiv Lipper: European ETF market report - April 2021

Well, it's obvious what this is. 'What?'

Ignore him.

'Ignore who, boss?'

You!

'You want me to ignore myself?!'

Yes, please.

'You're crazy!'

Tell me about it.

Okay, okay ...

ETF promoters in Europe experienced estimated net inflows of €16.3 bn for April.

Assets under management in the European ETF industry hit a new all-time high (€1,124.0 bn) at the end of April 2021.

Equity ETFs (+€10.0 bn) posted the highest estimated net inflows in the European ETF industry for April.

Only God Can Judge Me.

The best-selling Lipper global classification for April was Equity Global (+€3.4 bn), followed by Equity US (+€2.7 bn) and Bond USD High Yield (+€0.7 bn).

iShares was the best-selling ETF promoter in Europe for April (+€9.7 bn), ahead of Vanguard Group (+€1.5 bn) and Xtrackers (+€1.1 bn).

The 10 best-selling funds gathered total net inflows of €4.9 bn for April.

The best-selling ETF for April, iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF USD (Acc), accounted for net inflows of €1.1 bn.

Fine. Whatever. I mean ... as long as everyone is happy. 'Is Detlef happy?' Well ... I suppose he enjoys writing about finance. It must make him happy. 'What a strange lad!' Don't judge him.

Oh, here he is! -

Detlef Glow, Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv Lipper, comments: "April 2021 marked the thirteenth consecutive month with inflows into ETFs after the outflows caused by the outbreak of The Thing in March 2020. These inflows occurred in a positive but volatile market environment in which investor sentiment was still impacted by the dynamics of The Thing in Europe and other parts of the world."

He can't stop mentioning The Thing!

"The positive performance of the underlying markets led in combination with the estimated net inflows to increasing assets under management (from €1,095.2 bn as of March 31, 2021, to €1,124.0 bn at the end of April). The increase of €28.8 bn for April was driven by the estimated net sales (+€16.3 bn), while the performance of the underlying markets contributed €12.5 bn to the increase of the assets under management. It was not surprising equity funds (€798.0 bn) held the majority of assets, followed by bond funds (€276.6 bn), commodities products (€39.0 bn), alternative UCITS products (€5.8 bn), money market funds (€2.3 bn), mixed-assets funds (€2.3 bn), and 'other' funds (€0.1 bn)."

And ...

ENDS

Thank you, Detlef!

...

Anything else?

Music? Ah, I might as well.

Okay, reader(s). Think of any major musical act. Take away their ten best songs, and see them shit themselves.

Career ruined!

Only The Beatles and Bob Dylan could survive that and still be BIG, you dig? And even they would be badly damaged.

That's why I'm telling you, kooks ... you don't need hundreds of songs.

You need ten songs.

Laters.

Dr Fink joins Blackstone Technology's advisory board

And a few other people have joined ... 'Who else, boss? Tell us!'

Well, here's the PR email ...

BAAR, Switzerland - (May 17, 2021) - Blackstone Resources is pleased to announce that it has added four new members to the advisory board of Blackstone Technology.

Blackstone Technology is a wholly owned subsidiary of Blackstone Resources and represents Blackstone's investments in the battery technology business.

Joining as members of the advisory board as nonexecutive directors are:

Dr. Franz Fink and Dr. Ulrich Ehmes as business and technology advisors, and Prof. Arno Kwade and Prof. Jürgen Janek as scientific advisors.

Okay, okay.

And I've done my research, oh yes, everyone will be pleased to hear, yes, yes ...

Money is the way

Monday, 31 May 2021

[No. 906] I just want to stare at the sea

Astorg's first ESG financing

Thursday, 27 May 2021

Foresight announces first closing of its latest ...

Wednesday, 26 May 2021

[No. 905] NO FEAR

Yeah, yeah ... yeah!

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Refinitiv Lipper: European fund flow report - April 2021

Monday, 24 May 2021

[No. 904] I'm your sha/man!

Acofi Gestion finances the ZE Energy Group's hybrid projects via its Predirec EnR 2 fund

Wednesday, 19 May 2021

Refinitiv Lipper: European ETF market report - April 2021

Dr Fink joins Blackstone Technology's advisory board

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