Bertelsmann Investments (BI) made 54 new and 31 follow-on investments in companies and funds in the past financial year. BI pools Bertelsmann’s global venture capital activities and the newly created growth unit Bertelsmann Next, which advances the entrepreneurial development of new growth sectors and lines of business for Bertelsmann. Here, BI strengthened its commitment in the Digital Health business especially, through various fund and direct investments totaling €60 million. Carsten Coesfeld, CEO of Bertelsmann Investments, said: “Bertelsmann Investments had a successful year in 2022 with a high level of investment activity. In the current financial year, besides investing in our funds, we will place a special emphasis on Bertelsmann Next. The main focus in the expansion of our new growth areas is on digital health, where we see great potential, especially in the U.S.”

Ross Stores Inc. ended its year on a high note with better-than-expected earnings and sales amid traffic gains, and provided an upbeat outlook. The off-price giant added 90 stores during fiscal 2025 (80 new Ross Dress for Less and 10 DD’s Discounts), including its first-ever locations in the New York Metro area and Puerto Rico. The retailer is picking up the pace slightly this year, with plans to open 110 new stores, including 85 Ross stores and 25 DD’s Discounts.

Costco Wholesale Corporation announced that Craig Jelinek has confirmed his intention to step down as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2024. The Board of Directors has elected Ron Vachris, President and Chief Operating Officer since February 2022, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2024. Craig and Ron have worked hand in hand over the last twenty-one months in Ron's role as president and for many years before that. This is the culmination of the long-standing succession plan that Craig has discussed with the Board. Ron is a Costco veteran, with over forty years of service to the Company, starting as a forklift driver, and subsequently serving in every major role related to Costco's business operations and merchandising activities. "Costco has a very strong culture and a deep bench of management talent," said Craig Jelinek. "I have total confidence in Ron and feel that we are fortunate as a Company to have an executive of his caliber to succeed me."