Cyberattack Disrupts Refrigeration Systems at French Supermarkets France: A cyberattack targeting refrigeration control systems affected hundreds of supermarkets across France in October 2026, disrupting operations and causing food losses. The incident, which began on 11 October, reportedly affected supermarket chains including Intermarché, Carrefour, Monoprix and Coopérative U. According to Reuters, attackers gained remote access to refrigeration controls and altered defrost

European Demand Drives Growth in China's Heat Pump Exports Europe: Chinese heat pump manufacturers are reporting increased European demand, with companies in Foshan expanding their export activities and assessing overseas production opportunities. Vanward Electric reported approximately 150% year-on-year growth in its European business during 2026, driven by demand from Italy, France and Spain. According to Foshan Customs, exports of heat pump-related products and components

Cera Sanitaryware Sees Revenue Growth Amid Profit Margin Pressures India: Cera Sanitaryware Limited reported a 27.5% year-on-year increase in revenue to USD 63.84 million during the second quarter of FY27, compared with USD 50.07 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 10.2% to USD 7.75 million, from USD 7.03 million. However, net profit declined by 1.8% to USD 5.93 million,

Russia's Economy Expands by 1% in Third Quarter of 2026 Russia: In Russia's economy, gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 1% year-on-year during the third quarter of 2026, according to data released by the country's central bank on 5 November 2026. The preliminary figures indicate continued economic expansion during the July–September period. The Central Bank of Russia indicated that economic growth was expected to continue through the remainder of 2026, based on prelimi

Saudi Ceramics Expects Demand Growth to Continue in Q4 2026 Saudi Arabia: Saudi Ceramic Company expects demand for ceramic tiles, sanitaryware and water heaters to continue during the fourth quarter of 2026, according to Chief Executive Officer Azzam Almudaiheem. The company reported a third-quarter net profit of USD 7.67 million, compared with approximately USD 1.79 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Revenue increased by 16.4% year-on-year to USD 110.43 million, su

RAK Ceramics Sees Profit Growth Amid Shifting Regional Market Conditions Middle-East: RAK Ceramics reported a 15.5% year-on-year increase in net profit after tax to USD 21.24 million for the third quarter ended 30 September 2026, compared with USD 18.38 milliono in the corresponding quarter of 2025. Group revenue increased by 4.4% to USD 234.58 million, while EBITDA rose by 4.7% to USD 47.84 million. The gross profit margin stood at 40.3%, compared with 40.5% in the previous

Acquisition SWEDEN: Swedish technical wholesaler Ahlsell has announced a public takeover offer for all publicly held shares of Swiss building technology distributor Meier Tobler Group AG. The offer values the company at approximately CHF 492 million (USD 600.2 million), with shareholders set to receive CHF 45.50(USD 55.51) in net cash per share. This represents a premium of around 30.8% over the volume-weighted average share price (VWAP) during the preceding 60 trading days.

Heat pump CANADA: Canadian homeowners will be able to benefit from a new $2 billion national heat pump rebate programme, scheduled to launch in early 2027. The initiative will provide grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to eligible low- and middle-income households to support the replacement of conventional heating systems with energy-efficient electric heating solutions. The programme will include a retroactive eligibility period beginning November 1, 2026, allowing househ

Partnership SPAIN: KEYTER, an industrial manufacturer specialising in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC+R) solutions, has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with TECNALIA, Spain and Southern Europe's largest applied research and technological development centre. The partnership aims to accelerate technological innovation and the development of next-generation solutions for the HVAC+R industry, with a particular focus on energy efficiency a

Renewable energy CZECH REPUBLIC: Experts from research institutions, industry, civil society and international organisations recently convened at the RHC-ETIP National Roundtable to discuss the decarbonisation of Czechia's heating sector. With the country expected to phase out coal over the coming decade, discussions focused on accelerating the adoption of renewable heating technologies, upgrading existing infrastructure and ensuring affordable and reliable heat supplies. Exi

Haier VIETNAM: Chinese home appliance manufacturer Haier has acquired full ownership of Ferroli ASEAN, the Southeast Asian subsidiary of Italian heating and climate solutions brand Ferroli. The transaction was completed on October 23, 2026, and announced in early November, although the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Ferroli ASEAN specialises in the development, manufacturing and sale of residential water-heating and HVAC products, with a particular focus

Kitchen UK: UK-based kitchen manufacturer and supplier Howdens has reported an improvement in sales following its acquisition of online kitchen retailer DIY Kitchens. The company also recorded its highest-ever sales during this year's TradeFest promotional event, supported by an expanded range of kitchen and joinery products. In June 2026, Howdens announced a £400 million (approximately USD 520 million) agreement to acquire the parent company of Ultima Furniture Systems Limit

Financial SWEDEN: Swedish retail chain Clas Ohlson reported strong sales growth during the first half of its 2026/27 financial year, covering May to October 2026. Total turnover reached SEK 6.806 billion (approximately USD 690.8 million), representing a 17% increase compared with the corresponding period last year. Growth was driven by organic expansion (11%), acquisitions (3%) and favourable currency effects (3%). Organic growth comprised a 9% increase in like-for-like sales

Bauhaus SWITZERLAND: German home improvement retailer Bauhaus is expanding its presence in Switzerland with the opening of its eighth store in the country, scheduled for March 5, 2027, in Langenthal. The new outlet will be established at a former shopping centre operated by Swiss retail group Migros, which withdrew from the non-food retail sector and discontinued its own specialist store formats last year. Located in the region between Bern, Basel and Zurich, the new store is

IKEA SWEDEN: Swedish furniture retailer IKEA recorded its third consecutive year of declining sales, as higher costs linked to the Iran war and subdued consumer spending continued to weigh on its performance. The downturn persisted despite the company's efforts to attract price-sensitive customers through significant price reductions. IKEA reported global sales of €43.8 billion (approximately USD 49 billion) across 64 countries during the financial year ended August 31, 2026,

housing PENNSYLVANIA: Pennsylvania has introduced its first comprehensive, data-driven Housing Action Plan under the leadership of Governor Josh Shapiro to address the state's growing housing challenges. The initiative aims to increase housing supply, improve affordability and strengthen housing stability across urban, suburban and rural communities through coordinated, region-specific strategies. According to the plan, Pennsylvania will need to construct approximately 450,00

housing UK: Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has secured a £500 million funding commitment through an agreement with the National Housing Bank to support housing development and regeneration projects across the region. The National Housing Bank, a public financial institution established under Homes England, is the first institution of its kind in England. The agreement is expected to unlock additional investment for projects alongside the Greater Manchester Good

UAE UAE: Dubai-listed Emaar Development awarded construction and infrastructure contracts worth a combined AED 17.8 billion (USD 4.85 billion) during the first nine months of 2026, reflecting its efforts to accelerate project execution across its master-planned communities. Between January and September 2026, the developer awarded 23 main construction contracts valued at AED 13.5 billion (USD 3.68 billion), alongside several infrastructure contracts worth AED 4.3 billion (USD

US Multifamily Housing Market Confidence Weakens in Q3 2026 USA: Confidence in the US multifamily housing market declined in the third quarter of 2026, according to the latest Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The Multifamily Production Index (MPI), which measures sentiment towards new apartment and condominium construction, fell five points year-on-year to 41. All four market segments recorded declines, with garden/

US Remodeling Market Remains Flat in Q2 2026 USA: Remodelling activity in the US remained unchanged in the second quarter of 2026, reflecting the broader slowdown in the housing market, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) State Projections of Remodeling (SPR). Spending declined in 26 states and increased in 24, resulting in an average growth rate of zero. Among the ten states with the largest market shares, only North Carolina and Illinois recorded g

Somany Ceramics Reports 237.6% Rise in Net Profit in Q2 FY2 India: Somany Ceramics Limited reported a 237.6% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to USD 4.40 million for the quarter ended 30 September 2026, compared with USD 1.30 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Consolidated revenue stood at USD 91.11 million, while standalone revenue from operations reached USD 82.41 million. Standalone net profit increased by 85% year-on-year to USD 4.4

Bath Concepts Begins Construction of New US Headquarters and Manufacturing Facility USA: Bath Concepts Industries, LLC has begun construction of a new corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility spanning more than 600,000 square feet in the US. The development will consolidate the company's corporate offices, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution operations at a single location, replacing its existing operations across three buildings in Libertyville, Illinois. Fo

SIDC Secures SAR 7.25 Million Sanitary Ware Supply Order in Riyadh Saudi Arabia: Saudi Industrial Development Co. (SIDC) announced that its subsidiary, SIDC Ceramic Factory (CASAVIA), has received a purchase order worth SAR 7.25 million (approximately USD 1.93 million) to supply sanitary ware and bathroom fixtures for a residential development in Riyadh. The order was awarded by AlMowatin International Co. for the Ebayya Quarters Housing Villas Project in the Al Fursan Distri

Daikin Applied Germany Acquires Ganter to Expand Heating and Cooling Services Germany: Daikin Applied Germany has acquired Ganter Kälte- und Wärmetechnik GmbH, a German company specialising in the design, installation and servicing of heating and cooling systems. Effective 2 October 2026, the acquisition expands Daikin's service capabilities for industrial and commercial applications and strengthens its presence in the Stuttgart region. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Ho