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(Corrects description of balancing payments to remove reference to equal closing stakes in paragraph 14) By Giulia Segreti and Tim Hepher ROME/PARIS (Reuters) -Europe's largest space groups unveiled a preliminary deal on Thursday to join forces in satellite manufacturing and services after months of negotiations to counter the runaway growth of rivals led by Elon Musk's Starlink. The deal between Airbus, Thales and Leonardo will forge a new France-based venture starting from 2027 in the most ambitious tie-up of European aerospace assets since MBDA missiles maker in 2001. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the deal would "strengthen European sovereignty in a context of intense global competition". NEW SPACE VENTURE FACES GLOBAL COMPETITION The new combination will employ 25,000 people with revenues of 6.5 billion euros ($7.58 billion), based on 2024 figures. It is expected to generate "mid-triple digit" millions of euros of synergies starting after five years, the companies said, without detailing how these would be achieved. Shareholders now face up to two years of talks with governments, unions and the European Commission over the deal, which has implications for activities in Britain and Germany as well as Italy and France, where the venture will be based. The companies, who have already cut a combined 3,000 jobs in their space businesses, made no mention of further cuts, but executives said the focus would now turn towards potential growth. Code-named "Project Bromo," talks between the three aerospace groups started last year in a bid to copy the co-operation model of European missile maker MBDA, which is owned by Airbus, Leonardo and BAE Systems. Europe's top satellite makers have long competed to build complex spacecraft in geostationary orbit but have been hit by the arrival of cheap tiny satellites in low Earth orbit, notably the proliferating Starlink network built by Musk's SpaceX. Shares in Thales and Leonardo rose more than 2% while Airbus was fractionally higher in early trading. "The initiative is certainly positive, as it creates a European leader capable of competing globally and improves the profitability of a business … that has struggled in recent years," Italian investment bank Equita said in a note. BALANCING PAYMENTS Airbus will hold 35%, while Thales and Leonardo will each hold 32.5%, the companies said, adding the new firm would come under joint control "with a balanced governance structure". Sources familiar with the deal said there would be balancing payments to reflect the value of their contributions, with Airbus receiving compensation, when the deal closes in 2027. The deal will combine activities of Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio – two joint ventures between Leonardo and Thales – as well as various Airbus space and digital businesses, the remaining space activities owned by Leonardo and Thales SESO. Thales CFO Pascal Bouchiat, announcing quarterly sales that included an initial contract for a new European satellite network, hailed the new venture but sounded a cautious note about the scale of competition ahead. "Telecoms activity in space remains under pressure, that's clear. The fact that we had this first development contract for IRIS² doesn't take away the challenges that the European industry, in particular, is facing," he told reporters. Reuters reported earlier this week that the groups had reached a framework deal on the tie-up. Agreement between the three companies – each of which has had periods of prickly relations in the past – was salvaged after sources familiar with the matter said the talks had hit obstacles over governance and valuation during the summer. The trio gave few details of governance but executives pledged to avoid a system of rotating leadership or making appointments based on nationalities which has roiled parts of the European aerospace industry, especially Airbus, in the past. ($1 = 0.8575 euros) (Reporting by Giulia Segreti in Rome and Tim Hepher in Paris;Editing by Alvise Armellini, Sudip Kar-Gupta and Kim Coghill)

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(Corrects description of balancing payments to remove reference to equal closing stakes in paragraph 14) By Giulia Segreti and Tim Hepher ROME/PARIS (Reuters) -Europe's largest space groups unveiled a preliminary deal on Thursday to join forces in satellite manufacturing and services after months of negotiations to counter the runaway growth of rivals led by Elon Musk's Starlink. The deal between Airbus, Thales and Leonardo will forge a new France-based venture starting from 2027 in the most ambitious tie-up of European aerospace assets since MBDA missiles maker in 2001. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the deal would "strengthen European sovereignty in a context of intense global competition". NEW SPACE VENTURE FACES GLOBAL COMPETITION The new combination will employ 25,000 people with revenues of 6.5 billion euros ($7.58 billion), based on 2024 figures. It is expected to generate "mid-triple digit" millions of euros of synergies starting after five years, the companies said, without detailing how these would be achieved. Shareholders now face up to two years of talks with governments, unions and the European Commission over the deal, which has implications for activities in Britain and Germany as well as Italy and France, where the venture will be based. The companies, who have already cut a combined 3,000 jobs in their space businesses, made no mention of further cuts, but executives said the focus would now turn towards potential growth. Code-named "Project Bromo," talks between the three aerospace groups started last year in a bid to copy the co-operation model of European missile maker MBDA, which is owned by Airbus, Leonardo and BAE Systems. Europe's top satellite makers have long competed to build complex spacecraft in geostationary orbit but have been hit by the arrival of cheap tiny satellites in low Earth orbit, notably the proliferating Starlink network built by Musk's SpaceX. Shares in Thales and Leonardo rose more than 2% while Airbus was fractionally higher in early trading. "The initiative is certainly positive, as it creates a European leader capable of competing globally and improves the profitability of a business … that has struggled in recent years," Italian investment bank Equita said in a note. BALANCING PAYMENTS Airbus will hold 35%, while Thales and Leonardo will each hold 32.5%, the companies said, adding the new firm would come under joint control "with a balanced governance structure". Sources familiar with the deal said there would be balancing payments to reflect the value of their contributions, with Airbus receiving compensation, when the deal closes in 2027. The deal will combine activities of Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio – two joint ventures between Leonardo and Thales – as well as various Airbus space and digital businesses, the remaining space activities owned by Leonardo and Thales SESO. Thales CFO Pascal Bouchiat, announcing quarterly sales that included an initial contract for a new European satellite network, hailed the new venture but sounded a cautious note about the scale of competition ahead. "Telecoms activity in space remains under pressure, that's clear. The fact that we had this first development contract for IRIS² doesn't take away the challenges that the European industry, in particular, is facing," he told reporters. Reuters reported earlier this week that the groups had reached a framework deal on the tie-up. Agreement between the three companies – each of which has had periods of prickly relations in the past – was salvaged after sources familiar with the matter said the talks had hit obstacles over governance and valuation during the summer. The trio gave few details of governance but executives pledged to avoid a system of rotating leadership or making appointments based on nationalities which has roiled parts of the European aerospace industry, especially Airbus, in the past. ($1 = 0.8575 euros) (Reporting by Giulia Segreti in Rome and Tim Hepher in Paris;Editing by Alvise Armellini, Sudip Kar-Gupta and Kim Coghill)

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(Reuters) -Industrial equipment maker Dover raised its full-year adjusted profit forecast on Thursday, betting on resilient demand for its industrial equipment despite tariff uncertainty, sending its shares up 2.5% in premarket trading. The Illinois-based company now expects adjusted earnings of $9.50 to $9.60 per share for 2025, up from a prior range of $9.35 to $9.55. Dover, which supplies equipment and components to industries including aerospace and defense, has benefited from rising investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company provides liquid cooling products for high-performance computing and data centers. Profit at its Pumps & Process Solutions unit, which makes thermal connectors for data center liquid cooling systems, rose to $168.6 million in the quarter from $138.3 million a year earlier. For the third quarter, Dover's adjusted profit increased 15% to $2.62 per share, beating analysts' average estimate of $2.51 per share, according to data from LSEG. Quarterly revenue rose 5% to $2.08 billion, narrowly missing estimates of $2.11 billion. (Reporting by Parth Chandna; Editing by Tasim Zahid)

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(Reuters) -Software company Roper Technologies cut its annual profit forecast on Thursday, as it expects higher costs related to acquisitions in the third quarter. Shares of the company fell around 4% in premarket trading. The Sarasota, Florida-based company has grown largely through acquisitions, establishing itself as a provider of software and automated solutions to a variety of sectors, including healthcare, transportation and education. Roper now expects adjusted earnings per share between $19.90 and $19.95 for the year, compared with its earlier expectation of $19.90 to $20.05. The forecast assumed about 10 cents of adjusted EPS dilution from quarterly acquisitions. The company said it deployed $1.3 billion for acquisitions in the third quarter. Its DAT Freight & Analytics business unit said in July that it would buy Convoy Platform from Flexport for its advanced automation and freight-matching technology. Roper also acquired Orchard Software during the third quarter. The new addition is being integrated into its Clinisys laboratory software business to strengthen its market position. The company forecast fourth-quarter adjusted profit to be between $5.11 and $5.16 per share, below analysts' average estimate of $5.25. This forecast assumes a 5-cent impact from small acquisitions. Revenue for the third quarter ended September 30 rose 14% to $2.02 billion, which was in-line with analysts' estimates, according to data compiled by LSEG. It reported adjusted EPS of $5.14, beating estimates of $5.11. Roper also unveiled a new $3 billion share repurchase program on Thursday. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)

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By Neil J Kanatt and Prerna Bedi (Reuters) -Hasbro raised its annual revenue and core profit forecasts on Thursday, banking on strong demand for its digital games including "Magic: The Gathering", at a time when tariff uncertainty looms over the all-important holiday season.  The toy industry, which relies heavily on its manufacturing hubs in regions including China, risks a significant hit from the tariffs, with a recent threat of a 100% duty on Chinese imports further clouding the outlook. Hasbro rolled out job cuts and a $1 billion cost-savings program earlier this year to cushion any likely hit. The company has also said it plans to bring its reliance on Chinese imports to about 40% from 50% by 2027. "We managed tariff volatility with agility, protected margins through cost productivity and pricing discipline," finance chief Gina Goetter said in a statement. Peer Mattel maintained its annual outlook after missing third-quarter revenue and profit on Tuesday, as retailers delayed orders due to an uncertain economic outlook. "Even with retailers taking a cautious approach to restocking, Hasbro's core brands — from Magic: The Gathering to Monopoly Go — are doing the heavy lifting," eMarketer analyst Zak Stambor said. Shares of the toymaker, which have climbed more than 34% so far this year, were flat in volatile premarket trading. Hasbro expects annual revenue to increase by high-single-digits, compared with prior expectations of mid-single-digit rise. It also expects adjusted EBITDA – earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization – to be between $1.24 billion and $1.26 billion, compared with its previous $1.17 billion to $1.20 billion forecast. Revenue rose 8% to $1.39 billion in the third quarter ended September 28, beating analysts' average estimate of $1.34 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Revenue in its Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment jumped 42%, compared to a 5% decrease a year earlier. Adjusted profit per share of $1.68 also topped estimates of $1.63.  (Reporting by Neil J Kanatt and Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai and Sriraj Kalluvila)

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By Neil J Kanatt and Prerna Bedi (Reuters) -Hasbro raised its annual revenue and core profit forecasts on Thursday, banking on strong demand for its digital games including "Magic: The Gathering", at a time when tariff uncertainty looms over the all-important holiday season.  The toy industry, which relies heavily on its manufacturing hubs in regions including China, risks a significant hit from the tariffs, with a recent threat of a 100% duty on Chinese imports further clouding the outlook. Hasbro rolled out job cuts and a $1 billion cost-savings program earlier this year to cushion any likely hit. The company has also said it plans to bring its reliance on Chinese imports to about 40% from 50% by 2027. "We managed tariff volatility with agility, protected margins through cost productivity and pricing discipline," finance chief Gina Goetter said in a statement. Peer Mattel maintained its annual outlook after missing third-quarter revenue and profit on Tuesday, as retailers delayed orders due to an uncertain economic outlook. "Even with retailers taking a cautious approach to restocking, Hasbro's core brands — from Magic: The Gathering to Monopoly Go — are doing the heavy lifting," eMarketer analyst Zak Stambor said. Shares of the toymaker, which have climbed more than 34% so far this year, were flat in volatile premarket trading. Hasbro expects annual revenue to increase by high-single-digits, compared with prior expectations of mid-single-digit rise. It also expects adjusted EBITDA – earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization – to be between $1.24 billion and $1.26 billion, compared with its previous $1.17 billion to $1.20 billion forecast. Revenue rose 8% to $1.39 billion in the third quarter ended September 28, beating analysts' average estimate of $1.34 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Revenue in its Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment jumped 42%, compared to a 5% decrease a year earlier. Adjusted profit per share of $1.68 also topped estimates of $1.63.  (Reporting by Neil J Kanatt and Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai and Sriraj Kalluvila)

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(Reuters) -Mobileye Global beat Wall Street expectations for third-quarter revenue on Thursday, as automakers ramped up orders of the company's driver-assisted chips in a rush to adopt autonomous software. The company reported third-quarter revenue of $504 million, beating estimates of $480.9 million, according to data compiled by LSEG. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)

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(Reuters) -Mobileye Global beat Wall Street expectations for third-quarter revenue on Thursday, as automakers ramped up orders of the company's driver-assisted chips in a rush to adopt autonomous software. The company is seeing a surge in demand for its self-driving systems after a prolonged slump as its customers clear inventory. Mobileye's customers had stocked up to avoid a shortage during the pandemic. "Continued auto production stability gives us confidence to again raise our full-year outlook, removing conservatism we had embedded earlier due to macro uncertainty," said Mobileye CEO Amnon Shashua. The company is also preparing for the "commercialization of driverless robotaxi beginning in 2026," he added. The chipmaker, of which Intel is the largest shareholder, has previously flagged revenue potential from the robotaxi industry as several firms eye a larger portion of the fledgling market. Mobileye has been collaborating with firms such as Lyft to roll out autonomous taxis – which analysts say will be increasingly competitive in a few years with a large market. Still, even as demand grows, economic uncertainty lingers as the imposition of tariffs on imports of automobiles and parts has pressured many of Mobileye's customers, forcing them to readjust supply chains. Mobileye previously said it would not be directly impacted by the duties. The company reported third-quarter revenue of $504 million, beating estimates of $480.9 million, according to data compiled by LSEG. The company raised the lower end of its annual revenue forecast. It now expects annual revenue of between $1.85 billion and $1.89 billion, compared with its prior projection of between $1.77 billion and $1.89 billion. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)

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(Reuters) -Mobileye Global beat Wall Street expectations for third-quarter revenue on Thursday, as automakers ramped up orders of the company's driver-assisted chips in a rush to adopt autonomous software. The company reported third-quarter revenue of $504 million, beating estimates of $480.9 million, according to data compiled by LSEG. Mobileye is seeing a surge in demand for its self-driving systems after a prolonged slump as its customers' inventory clears. The company's customers had stocked up to avoid a shortage during the pandemic. The company has previously flagged good revenue potential from the robotaxi industry as several firms look to develop their own autonomous taxi business and grab a larger portion of the market. Mobileye also raised the lower end of its annual revenue forecast. It now expects annual revenue of between $1.85 billion and $1.89 billion, compared with its prior projection of between $1.77 billion and $1.89 billion. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)

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The menopause is a slow transition involving physical and emotional changes. Hormone replacement therapy, exercise and herbal remedies can all help with symptoms but every woman has different needs, say two specialists. Plus, there are upsides to this new chapter of life. Berlin (dpa) – The menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. While many people immediately think of symptoms associated with the hormonal transition preceding it, such as hot flushes and mood swings, it's not an illness, but of course perfectly natural. "It's a gradual process that doesn't start only after a woman's last menstrual period," says gynaecologist and author Dr Sheila de Liz.  As early as her mid- to late 30s, a woman's menstrual cycle begins to change. The number of her ovarian follicles, each of which contains an egg cell already present at her birth, has become depleted over the years. Ovulations, when an ovary releases a mature egg, become less frequent. Some women don't notice these changes until their mid- or late 40s. Intervals between their menstrual cycles can fluctuate, the length and/or amount of menstrual bleeding can become irregular – all of which is normal. This natural transition into the menopause is known medically as the perimenopause. The average age of a woman's last menstrual period is 51 years, and the menopause is said to have been reached when she has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Until then, natural pregnancy is possible. During the perimenopause, the ovaries gradually stop producing the primary female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which regulate menstruation. And: "We now know that hormone receptors are found on all organs, including the brain," says physician and medical journalist Dr Suzann Kirschner-Brouns. Oestrogen acts on neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are important for emotional well-being. Progesterone is commonly thought of as the "relaxing hormone," as it promotes sound sleep and a steadier, calmer mood. A drop in progesterone levels can lead to mood swings, irritability, difficulty sleeping and occasional anxiety. Some perimenopausal women have the feeling they're changing, since their body is going through an important transition. Lower oestrogen levels can cause symptoms such as joint pain, digestive problems, skin changes, night sweats and occasional difficulty concentrating, not to mention the infamous hot flushes. Women experience this life phase very differently. "A third of them have no symptoms, a third have mild to moderate symptoms, and a third have symptoms so severe as to upend their daily life," says Kirschner-Brouns. Fortunately, the hot flushes, excessive sweating and mood swings gradually diminish in almost all of the affected women and eventually go away. Seeing a doctor is advisable in cases of heavy bleeding, impaired sleep over weeks or months, extreme difficulty concentrating, depression, or panic attacks that make life difficult. But what if your doctor doesn't seem to take you seriously enough, dismissing your complaints along the lines of "you're still too young for that, you're still getting your period"? Then Kirschner-Brouns recommends that you look for another doctor. "Women today no longer have to silently suffer," she says. "There's a whole range of helpful remedies for menopause symptoms." Combination hormone replacement therapy (oestrogen and progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone) is the most effective way to treat hormone-related symptoms, according to Germany's Health Ministry. Since it carries risks, women should weigh its potential up- and downside with their doctor. De Liz encourages women to inform themselves about the therapy and speak with their doctor about it. "You can easily try it out – the positive effect is quick," she says. If hormone replacement therapy isn't the answer for you, alternatives include psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. A number of websites and apps can also be helpful, but not all of them are medically sound. As for self-help, Kirschner-Brouns first and foremost recommends stress reduction or management. Many women also find relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, yoga and meditation to be helpful. A dietary change can bring relief as well, such as replacing animal-source protein with plant-based alternatives. In other words, eat less meat and sausage, and more legumes, vegetables and vegetable oils. "This strengthens your gut microbiome, which is good for your mental health too," says Kirschner-Brouns. Regular exercise, particularly muscle-building, is especially valuable in this life phase. It provably helps you to relax and can boost your mood. Fairly mild menopause symptoms – any postmenopausal symptoms are typically mild, by the way – can be treated with plant-based remedies such as hop preparations or monk's pepper (Vitex agnus-castus), according to Kirschner-Brouns, or with herbs and tea for excessive sweating, for instance. Various plant-based compounds and dietary supplements said to alleviate menopause symptoms are available in chemists and pharmacies. Their effectiveness hasn't been scientifically proven, however, and some can have side effects or are subject to drug interactions. Phytoestrogens, naturally occurring plant compounds that mimic oestrogen, should be taken only after consulting a doctor, because they dock onto the same oestrogen receptors in the body as conventional hormone replacement preparations. Both de Liz and Kirschner-Brouns recommend that women talk openly about menopause and its associated symptoms – at their workplace, with their family, and with their spouse or partner. "Dealing with it frankly takes pressure off of you," says Kirschner-Brouns. Communication with your spouse or partner is especially important. If vaginal dryness due to oestrogen deficiency causes discomfort during sex, you should discuss it with them. Otherwise they could take your reluctance to have intercourse personally, unnecessarily straining your relationship. Many women discover new freedoms and possibilities in life after menopause, and not just because contraception's no longer an issue. With an average life expectancy of around 80 years, a third period of life begins that, "while requiring greater attention to body and soul, can be a fulfilling time with many activities and advantages," says Germany's Professional Association of Gynaecologists (BVF). "The chapter is yours to write." The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn wib xxde bzl lue amc ob arw

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