PITTSBURGH , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- F.N.B. Corporation FNB ("FNB" or the "Company") today announced the pricing of its offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of its fixed rate / floating rate senior notes due 2030 (the "Notes"). The Notes will bear interest at 5.722% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 11 and December 11 , of each year, commencing on June 11, 2025 , and ending on December 11, 2029 . Starting on December 11, 2029 , the Notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to Compounded SOFR plus 1.93%, payable quarterly in arrears on March 11, 2030 , June 11, 2030 , September 11, 2030 and on the maturity date. The offering is expected to close on December 11, 2024 , subject to customary closing conditions. The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include investments at the holding company level, capital to support the growth of the Company's banking subsidiary and refinancing of outstanding indebtedness. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., and WauBank Securities LLC are serving as joint book-running managers, and Bancroft Capital, LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, and Piper Sandler & Co. are serving as co-managers. FNB has filed a shelf registration statement (including a base prospectus) and a prospectus supplement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for the offering to which this communication relates. Before investing, prospective investors should read the registration statement (including the base prospectus), the prospectus supplement and other documents FNB has filed and will file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into the registration statement and the prospectus supplement for more complete information about FNB and the offering, including the risks associated with the securities and the offering. This announcement is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of any securities, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The securities are neither insured nor approved by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus, copies of which may be obtained free of charge from the SEC's website at: www.sec.gov . Alternatively, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus if you request it by contacting: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, email: prospectus@morganstanley.com , or BofA Securities, Inc., NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, Attn: Prospectus Department, Email: dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com . About F.N.B. Corporation F.N.B. Corporation FNB , headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , is a diversified financial services company operating in seven states and the District of Columbia . FNB's market coverage spans several major metropolitan areas including: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; Baltimore, Maryland ; Cleveland, Ohio ; Washington, D.C. ; Charlotte , Raleigh , Durham and the Piedmont Triad ( Winston-Salem , Greensboro and High Point ) in North Carolina ; and Charleston, South Carolina . The Company has total assets of $48 billion and approximately 350 banking offices throughout Pennsylvania , Ohio , Maryland , West Virginia , North Carolina , South Carolina , Washington, D.C. and Virginia . FNB provides a full range of commercial banking, consumer banking and wealth management solutions through its subsidiary network which is led by its largest affiliate, First National Bank of Pennsylvania , founded in 1864. Commercial banking solutions include corporate banking, small business banking, investment real estate financing, government banking, business credit, capital markets and lease financing. The consumer banking segment provides a full line of consumer banking products and services, including deposit products, mortgage lending, consumer lending and a complete suite of mobile and online banking services. FNB's wealth management services include asset management, private banking and insurance. The common stock of F.N.B. Corporation trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FNB" and is included in Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index with the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Regional Banks Sub-Industry Index. Customers, shareholders and investors can learn more about this regional financial institution by visiting the F.N.B. Corporation website at www.fnbcorporation.com . Information on FNB's website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference in, the prospectus or prospectus supplement. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fnb-corporation-prices-500-million-senior-notes-offering-302323157.html SOURCE F.N.B. Corporation © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
F.N.B. Corporation Prices $500 Million Senior Notes OfferingTrade Tech Helps Clients Achieve ICS2 ENS Compliance as December 4 Deadline Day Arrives
BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom (AFP) — Emiliano Martinez produced a wonder save and Aston Villa were controversially denied a last-gasp winner in a 0-0 Champions League draw with Juventus on Wednesday. Chances were at a premium in Birmingham but the home side had Argentina international Martinez to thank for keeping the scores level. Then, deep into stoppage time, Morgan Rogers looked to have given Unai Emery’s team another famous win when he slammed a loose ball home. But the goal was ruled out after it was deemed that Diego Carlos had fouled Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Emery said he was “very happy” with the point despite the late ruling by the officials, describing the contact as “soft”. “The last action is clear, it is the interpretation of the referee,” the Spaniard told TNT Sports. “Only the interpretation. We know here in England, 80 per cent is not fault (foul) and maybe in Europe it is a fault.” Villa raced out of the blocks in Europe this season, winning their first three matches, but they have now gone seven games in all competitions without a victory. Emery made it clear before the match that a draw would not be a bad result against the Italian giants as he plots an exit from the revamped group stage. Juventus, playing without a recognised striker, enjoyed the bulk of possession in the early stages but showed little punch. The game opened up as the first half progressed. Teenager Kenan Yildiz drifted in from the left but dragged his shot wide of Martinez’s right-hand post in the 20th minute. The first shot on target for either side came when Ollie Watkins controlled a clever Boubacar Kamara pass in the 37th minute but Di Gregorio pushed the ball behind. Matty Cash lashed a shot towards goal from the resulting corner but it hit a Juventus player and the Italians broke with pace, Timothy Weah, playing up front, firing over from distance. Martinez then kept out a shot from the impressive Francisco Conceicao. But Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock in first-half stoppage time when Lucas Digne rattled the crossbar from a free-kick. Both teams showed more urgency early in the second half as the game picked up pace, with the home crowd trying to lift Villa. Two-time champions Juventus had a glorious chance to take the lead in the 65th minute when the ball fell to Conceicao at the back post from a corner. He got his effort on target but somehow Martinez made up ground to his right, diving low to keep the ball out, millimetres short of crossing the line. Five minutes later Villa were denied when Leon Bailey crossed for John McGinn, whose shot was kept out by the outstretched boot of Manuel Locatelli. The home side thought they had won the match in the final seconds but it was not to be. Villa, playing their first season in Europe’s top-tier competition since the 1982/83 season, are ninth in the Champions League table, with Thiago Motta’s Juventus down in 19th spot.Former Barcelona and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has signed a one-year contract extension with the Major League Soccer club and will line up under new coach Javier Mascherano next season, the club said. The 37-year-old striker has scored 25 goals in all competitions since joining the club before the start of this season including 20 in Miami's record-breaking regular season campaign. After winning the Supporters' Shield for the best record in the regular season, with a new points tally record, Miami were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round by Atlanta United. Since then Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino has left the club with his compatriot and Suarez's former team-mate at Barca, Mascherano appointed on Tuesday. "I'm very happy, very excited to continue for another year and to be able to enjoy being here with this fan base, which for us is like family. We feel very, very connected with them, and hopefully, next year, we can bring them even more joy," said Suarez. Miami's president of football operations Raul Sanllehi said Suarez had shown he remains an elite level forward but was also a key component in the dressing room. "Luis was not only our leading scorer this season, but also a leader for the group. His impact cannot be understated," he said. Suarez announced in September he was retiring from international duty with the Uruguay national team after scoring 69 goals in 143 games. The forward played in Europe for Ajax, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid and had a season in Brazil with Gremio before joining Miami. sev/mwMILWAUKEE — An icon of the Milwaukee music scene is returning to the stage to celebrate a major milestone. The hip-hop band Black Elephant is returning for a special concert on Black Friday. The concert commemorates the 20th anniversary of their second album Eat This. The album featured the song "Nutrition." Radio Milwaukee called the song one of the 10 most important hip-hop records from Milwaukee. The core members of the group are Element Everest Blanks, Dameon Ellzey, and Derrick Harriell. “We were kind of at the forefront of performing with live bands as far as hip-hop is concerned. All of our band members are still out there making music," Everest Blanks, who goes by the stage name Element, said. Listen to Black Elephant's Music... The three rappers, poets, and singers formed thanks to Geraud Blanks back in 2000. The group released two albums, Hiatus (2002) and Eat This (2004). They toured all across the country for a decade. However, it wasn't always easy to book shows as a hip-hop band. "When we started there wasn't a lot (of hip-hop bands), so we had to pave that lane. It was hard for us to get shows at first because people was like, 'a hip-hop band?!' You know, you could be either north side, east side, and we was in between," Dameon Ellzey, who goes by his own name on stage, said. That didn't stop the group, though. They persevered and performed dozens of shows for small audiences and large crowds. "We'll play for 5 people. We’ll play for 500 people. I know that’s cliche. We’ll also play for $500 bucks or $5. We were really hungry, and we really just wanted to get our message out there, our artistry," Derrick Harriell, who goes by the stage name Verbal, said. Black Elephant wanted to leave their listeners and audience thinking about life, culture, and the state of affairs. “Our message was social, conscious, Milwaukee grit. It was like a melting pot of everything," Harriell said. Geraud Blanks, the group's manager, remembers how each artist was talented in their own way, but together they complimented each other to create a unique sound. "The three of them, when they come together, there's this amazing chemistry. And they do so many different things that's the beauty of this group," Blanks said. The "different things" is in reference to the group's versatility between poetry, singing, and rapping. "We would always make space for everyone's artistry to show on every song. And it was just a natural fit. It was never something we had to argue or fight over," Element said. Eventually, the group disbanded around 2010. There was no bad blood. The group was just ready to move on. They had new passions and growing families. “But we’ve all kept in touch, we’ve all been cool, and we’ve been wanting to get back to this point," Ellzey said. The reunion show is at The Cooperage in Milwaukee on Black Friday. While the members might be a bit older now, they are going to bring the heat like it’s 2004. “My back is sore right now from the grueling rehearsals, but of course, we’ll be ready by Friday," Verbal said. All three of them are just excited to be back on stage making music with their friends. "I miss the band. You see all the instruments here, this room being full of that energy, that creative energy, and everybody being in that same mode and everybody wanting to get to the perfect sound, the perfect song, finishing it up. That’s beautiful," Ellzey said. The show starts at 8 and general admission tickets are $35. It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device. 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College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta. Alabama left out of playoff as committee rewards SMU's wins over Crimson Tide's strong schedule The College Football Playoff committee took wins over strength of schedule, taking SMU over Alabama for the final at-large spot in the field. The field was expanded from four to 12 teams this season, but that didn’t save the committee from controversy. SMU showed it could compete against a traditional power, losing to Clemson 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal in the ACC title game on Saturday. Alabama had some ups and downs in its first season under coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide had quality wins against Georgia and South Carolina, but lost at Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Big Ten wins playoff selection derby, followed by SEC despite notable Alabama omission College football’s conference shakeup left concerns about two super conferences dominating the playoff field. They weren’t totally unfounded, or 100% born out. The Big Ten, not the Southeastern Conference, was the biggest winner. The ACC scored, too. The Big Ten led the initial 12-team playoff field with four making the cut, topped by a No. 1 Oregon team that was part of the Pac-12 exodus. Then came the SEC — and one notable omission. ACC runner-up SMU got the nod over college football blue-blood Alabama, another blemish in Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Nick Saban’s championship-or-bust successor. Tamar Bates scores 29 points to help Missouri beat No. 1 Kansas 76-67 COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67. Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the 8-1 Tigers. Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The 7-2 Jayhawks have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night. Scottie Scheffler ends his big year in the Bahamas with his 9th victory NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler ended his biggest year with another victory. Scheffler was coming off a two-month break and looked as good as ever. He shot 63 in the Hero World Challenge and set tournament records at Albany with a 72-hole total of 263 and a six-shot victory. Tom Kim was the runner-up and Justin Thomas finished third. Scheffler ends his year with nine victories in 21 tournaments. That includes the holiday tournament in the Bahamas and the Olympic gold medal in Paris. It's the third-highest winning percentage in the last 40 years. Tournament host Tiger Woods had two better years. Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive in ski racing return at age 40 COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive again in her ski racing return at 40 years old. Vonn is still getting her ski equipment dialed in and getting used to going full speed again on her new titanium knee. That’s why all that she's reading into being more than two seconds behind in a pair of lower-level super-G races Sunday is that she’s right there. This after nearly six years away from ski racing and an abbreviated prep period. She was 2.19 seconds behind in the first race and 2.06 in the second. Both were won by her American teammate Lauren Macuga. Plane circles MetLife Stadium with message to co-owner John Mara to fix the Giants' 'dumpster fire' EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — A small plane circled MetLife Stadium roughly 90 minutes before New York was to play host to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, asking Giants co-owner John Mara to overhaul the team that has made the playoffs twice since winning the Super Bowl in February 2012. “Mr. Mara, enough. Please fix this dumpster fire!” the message read as it was towed behind the rear of a small plane. Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sights PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley has broken LeSean McCoy's Eagles franchise record for rushing yards in a season. Barkley has 1,623 yards. He surpassed McCoy's mark of 1,607 yards with a 9-yard run in Sunday's 22-16 win over Carolina. Barkley finished the game with 124 yards, within a yard of his season average. He has four games left and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's 40-year-old NFL record of 2,105 yards. Dickerson set that record in a 16-game season and Barkley has one more game. Eagles fans serenaded Barkley with “MVP!” chants and McCoy congratulated him on social media. Tua Tagovailoa's TD pass to Jonnu Smith gives Dolphins 32-26 overtime win over Aaron Rodgers, Jets MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith in overtime and the Miami Dolphins overcame Aaron Rodgers’ first 300-yard passing game in nearly three years to beat the New York Jets 32-26. After Jason Sanders tied it with 7 seconds left in regulation with a 42-yard field goal, Tagovailoa quickly moved the Dolphins down the field and they beat the Jets for the ninth straight time in Miami. That came after Anders Carlson gave the struggling Jets the lead with a 42-yarder with 52 seconds remaining. New York was eliminated from playoff contention for the 14th straight year. Steelers WR George Pickens to miss first game of his career with hamstring injury PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens will have to wait to “introduce” himself to Cleveland Browns defensive back Greg Newsome II. Pickens is inactive for Pittsburgh's rematch against the Browns because of a hamstring injury. Newsome and Pickens ended Cleveland’s 24-19 win on Nov. 21 by tussling on Pittsburgh’s last-gasp desperation pass attempt. Pickens grabbed Newsome’s facemask as the two careened through the end zone and slammed into a restraining wall. Afterward, Newsome called the mercurial Pickens a “fake tough guy.” Pickens responded on Friday by feigning ignorance and saying he didn’t even know who Newsome was when asked if he would talk to Newsome before the game.
Australia-Israel relationship at ‘lowest ebb’
French lawmakers on Wednesday voted to oust the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier after just three months in office, a historic move which hurled the country further into political uncertainty. For the first time in over sixty years, the National Assembly lower house toppled the incumbent government, approving a no-confidence motion that had been proposed by the hard left but which crucially was backed by the far-right headed by Marine Le Pen. Barnier's rapid ejection from office comes after snap parliamentary elections this summer which resulted in a hung parliament with no party having an overall majority and the far-right holding the key to the government's survival. President Emmanuel Macron now has the difficult task of picking a viable successor with over two years of his presidential term left. He is to address the nation at 1900 GMT on Thursday, the Elysee said. Earlier in the day, Macron is to receive Barnier at 0900 GMT who will submit the resignation of the government. The National Assembly debated a motion brought by the hard left in a standoff over next year's austerity budget, after the prime minister on Monday forced through a social security financing bill without a vote. With the support of the far-right, a majority of 331 MPs in the 577-member chamber voted to oust the government. - 'Calling on Macron to go' - Macron flew back into Paris just ahead of the vote after wrapping up his three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, an apparent world away from the domestic crisis. He strolled earlier Wednesday through the desert sands of the Al-Ula oasis, an iconic tourist project of the kingdom, marvelling at ancient landmarks. After landing, he headed direct to the Elysee Palace. "We are now calling on Macron to go," Mathilde Panot, the head of the parliamentary faction of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party told reporters, urging "early presidential elections" to solve the deepening political crisis. But taking care not to crow over the fall of the government, Le Pen said in a television interview that her party -- once a new premier is appointed -- "would let them work" and help create a "budget that is acceptable for everyone". Laurent Wauquiez, the head of right-wing deputies in parliament, said the far-right and hard-left bore the responsibility for a no-confidence vote that would "plunge the country into instability". - 'His failure' - Macron on Tuesday had rejected calls to resign, saying such a scenario amounted to "political fiction". With markets nervous and France bracing for public-sector strikes against the threat of cutbacks, action that will shut schools and hit air and rail traffic, there is a growing sense of crisis. The unions have called for civil servants, including teachers and air traffic controllers, to strike on Thursday over separate cost-cutting measures proposed by their respective ministries this autumn. Meanwhile, Macron is due to host a major international event Saturday, with the reopening of the Notre-Dame cathedral after the 2019 fire, with guests including Donald Trump on his first foreign trip since he was elected to be the next US president. "His failure," was left-wing daily Liberation's front-page headline, with a picture of Macron, whose term runs until 2027. - 'Shattered strategy' - In an editorial, Le Monde said Le Pen's move risked upsetting her own supporters, such as retirees and business leaders, by toppling the government. "In the space of a few minutes, she shattered the strategy of normalisation she had consistently pursued," the daily said. Some observers have suggested that Le Pen, 56, is seeking to bring down Macron before his term ends by ousting Barnier. Le Pen is embroiled in a high-profile embezzlement trial. If found guilty in March, she could be blocked from participating in France's next presidential election. But if Macron stepped down soon, an election would have to be called within a month, potentially ahead of the verdict in her trial. Candidates for the post of premier are few, but loyalist Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Macron's centrist ally Francois Bayrou are possible contenders. On the left, Macron could turn to former Socialist premier and interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve, a contender in September. Macron is minded to appoint the new premier rapidly, several sources told AFP. It was the first successful no-confidence vote since a defeat for Georges Pompidou's government in 1962, when Charles de Gaulle was president. The lifespan of Barnier's government is also the shortest of any administration since the Fifth Republic began in 1958. bur-jh-sjw/rlp Originally published as French government falls in historic no-confidence vote Breaking News Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Breaking News ‘No guard rails’: State’s vow on drug reform One state has moved to tackle a “pervasive” issue at a major health summit, with promises there will be “no guard rails” placed on those trying to address problems with drug reforms. Read more Hockey Olympic great calls time on career A five-time Olympian has made his final appearance for the Kookaburras after announcing his international retirement. Read moreA video posted to social media by a Texas lieutenant in the Department of Public Safety shows a young girl at the U.S.-Mexico border standing alone. She has traveled from El Salvador, and holds just a Post-It note with a phone number on it. "How old are you?" a trooper asks. The girl holds up two fingers. A second video posted by the same lieutenant shows 60 migrant children who journeyed by themselves to the U.S. arriving in Eagle Pass, Texas. Another image shows an accused smuggler running across the border with a 5-year-old in his arms, reportedly paid to bring the girl to her mother already in the states. The Texas Department of Public Safety, under Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, openly supports President-elect Donald Trump's push to dramatically tighten immigration. Lt. Chris Olivarez began posting photos and videos of child migrants around the time Tom Homan, Trump's point-person on the border, visited Eagle Pass. "I guarantee some are in forced labor, some are in sex trades," Homan said. "We're going to save those children." RELATED STORY | Trump announces former acting ICE Director Tom Homan as new 'border czar' The arrival of unaccompanied minors is not a new phenomenon. Thousands have journeyed across the Mexican border each year, including during the first Trump term, according to a Scripps News review of data from the Department of Health and Human Services. The flow of unaccompanied minors, however, reached record highs during the first years of the Biden administration, as undocumented immigration soared. The numbers have fallen since 2022 but remain elevated today. The federal government tries to quickly place child migrants with a sponsor already in the country, usually a parent or other close family member. The sponsor pledges to care for the minor while ensuring they go through immigration proceedings. However, it is an approach that does not always work. RELATED STORY | Trump's mass deportation plan targets specific groups of immigrants A 2023 joint investigation by Scripps News and the Center for Public Integrity found many children end up disappearing from their sponsor homes. Thousands of unaccompanied minors run away, some winding up in dangerous illegal child labor jobs, or worse. "They've simply vanished into a dark underworld of sex and drug trafficking, forced labor, gang activity and crime," said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-California, during a November congressional hearing. McClintock and other Republicans say the Department of Health and Human Services is to blame for failing to properly vet sponsors. A 2023 report by a Florida grand jury obtained by Scripps News found some sponsor addresses were in fact empty lots or a strip club. One address listed 44 kids assigned to it. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra says they are doing the best they can with a limited budget. "What we don't do is short-change the vetting process," Becerra said at a November hearing on Capitol Hill. "We make sure that we follow best practices in the child welfare field. "We do background checks on every individual," he added. RELATED STORY | The struggle to locate migrant children missing from US homes Just how many migrant children have disappeared from their sponsors is in dispute. Becerra says a frequently cited estimate of 85,000 missing kids is too high and doesn't account for many children who are safe but just not reachable by HHS officials who make three attempts to contact them. "They may be at school, they may be at a doctor's appointment, they may not have a phone working anymore," Becerra said. Homan and the rest of the Trump administration have not yet laid out what their policy will be for those children who make the perilous journey to the U.S. alone.Ramping Up: White House Urges Ukraine to Expand Military Amid Ongoing Conflict
Will Tee Higgins Play in Week 17? NFL Injury Status, News & UpdatesMr Nicholas Tan founded the label Aupen in Singapore in November 2022. SINGAPORE – Securing an interview with Mr Nicholas Tan, the Singaporean founder of Aupen, is no easy feat. After weeks of back-and-forth e-mails, the stars finally aligned for a Friday night Zoom call on Nov 29. I first met the Paris-based 35-year-old at a yacht party in Singapore in September. At the time, his identity as the man behind the viral online-only bag brand was still a topic of speculation. But I knew exactly who he was. Watching him effortlessly navigate the room, it was clear that the same air of purpose and quiet confidence driving Aupen were also deeply woven into his personality. Mr Tan appeared on my screen promptly at 8pm, exuding a sharp focus and a more reserved demeanour compared with the relaxed charm he displayed at that party. Tonight, he is all business, ready to dive into the story of Aupen – a label that has taken the fashion world by storm. “It’s funny,” he says, leaning into the camera. “Everyone thinks Taylor Swift launched us when she carried our bag (while out) with Travis Kelce. But that wasn’t even the first time.” The moment he is referring to – a paparazzi shot from October 2023 of the American pop star leaving a New York City restaurant with her American football star-boyfriend Kelce – went viral, with Swift clutching Aupen’s US$420 (S$560) black Nirvana bag. An October 2023 photo of American pop star Taylor Swift carrying an Aupen bag while out with her boyfriend, footballer Travis Kelce. PHOTO: AUPEN That single photo ignited a frenzy, catapulting searches for Aupen to new heights. However, Mr Tan is quick to set the record straight. “The first time Taylor carried the bag was actually to (American producer-songwriter) Jack Antonoff’s wedding in August,” he says, a smile breaking across his face at the memory. “I saw it on her Instagram and was so happy,” he adds, admitting that he is a Swiftie. He clarifies that Swift’s use of the bag was not a planned placement, nor are the sightings on a slew of Hollywood actresses. And that, according to him, is exactly what makes Aupen stand out. “These celebrities genuinely use it. It’s not just a one-off thing for the cameras,” he stresses. “Selena Gomez has carried our bags four or five times. Jennifer Lawrence, the same. Emma Stone has worn our designs on multiple occasions. It warms my heart to know that the bag is a real part of their wardrobe.” Founded in Singapore in November 2022, Aupen has achieved what few home-grown brands have: stratospheric fame on a global scale. Its designs have struck a chord with both fashion insiders and everyday consumers. But, for Mr Tan, Aupen’s appeal lies in more than just aesthetics. “I think what Aupen is doing today in the fashion industry is really disrupting and breaking some traditional systems,” he says. Unlike heritage fashion houses that adhere to a rigid calendar – showcasing autumn collections in February and spring lines in September – Aupen chooses a freer approach. New styles are occasionally showcased on its Instagram page (@aupenofficial), which has more than 63,000 followers. Aupen’s newest collection, launched in late November as its first collaboration with LVMH Metiers d’Art, introduces five festive interpretations of the Nirvana bag, including designs in brown shearling and metallic finishes. PHOTO: AUPEN “With social media, there’s this constant churn of new products, new trends. Everyone’s asking, ‘What’s next?’ But we’re not interested in being part of that cycle,” he says. Instead, Aupen releases products on its own schedule, unveiling new styles only when they are fully ready. “We produce things in limited quantities and when they sell out, they sell out,” he says. This philosophy extends to the brand’s pricing. With designs that rarely exceed $600 in price, Aupen positions itself as an accessible luxury brand, offering products that combine premium craftsmanship with a price point that feels attainable. This ethos has not only won over the hearts of consumers, but also earned the recognition of industry giants like LVMH Metiers d’Art, a division of the French luxury conglomerate dedicated to preserving artisanal craftsmanship. The partnership, announced in July, is a groundbreaking first for a local company and a significant milestone for Aupen. It elevates the brand’s craftsmanship to the prestigious “Made in France” quality synonymous with the luxury sector – a momentous achievement, especially in today’s competitive fashion landscape. Mr Tan reveals that he initially reached out to LVMH in 2023, drawn by their shared commitment to quality and innovation. Once it became clear that their values were aligned, the collaboration took shape, granting Aupen access to LVMH’s renowned network of ateliers, including Tanneries Roux and Jade Groupe. “They’ve taught us so much about quality control,” Mr Tan says. “For example, testing leather for colour fastness, scratch resistance and thickness – these are things they’ve helped us refine. And for hardware, they’ve shown us how to test for durability across all the different materials used,” he says, adding that LVMH’s expertise brought a new level of precision and sophistication to their processes. From humble beginnings to Hollywood Aupen’s founder Nicholas Tan grew up with a middle-class background and is close to his grandmother. PHOTO: AUPEN I had been advised beforehand to steer clear of personal questions – a boundary Mr Tan fiercely guards as part of his desire to maintain privacy and keep the spotlight firmly on his work. But, after some gentle persuasion, the bachelor opens up about his personal story. His journey to founding Aupen began in Clementi, where he grew up. The middle child in a family of five, Tan had a close relationship with his grandmother, who played a pivotal role in his upbringing. His father, now 69, was a university lecturer, while his mother, 68, worked as an accountant. His two sisters, aged 37 and 31, pursued their own paths outside the fashion world, leaving Mr Tan as the outlier with a passion for design. “My late grandfather was a truck driver who shovelled sand to build Singapore during its early years,” he says. “It was a milestone when my dad became the first university graduate in our family. And now, I’m proud to say I’m the first entrepreneur.” When asked if he has the so-called “middle child syndrome”, he waves off the suggestion and insists he enjoyed a normal upbringing. But, from an outsider’s perspective, it is easy to see how traits often associated with middle children – self-reliance and independence – may have played a role in shaping his ambitious, driven nature. His tenacity was evident even before he entered the fashion world. A competitive swimmer during his school years at Raffles Institution and Raffles Junior College, he trained rigorously – up to 10 times a week. “I’ve always been ambitious and competitive, whether it was in the pool or now with Aupen,” he reflects. “That energy and discipline I had as an athlete are things I still channel into my work today.” Former national swimmer Nicholas Tan swims the butterfly leg of the 4X100m medley relay final at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Nov 18, 2010. ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI After completing his national service in the Republic of Singapore Navy and graduating with a biology degree from Harvard University in the United States, he ventured into the world of fashion with no formal training. In 2014, he had his first brush with the global fashion spotlight, as one of seven international models handpicked by Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana for an advertising campaign. This moment might have been a career pinnacle for many, but for Mr Tan – then 25 – it was simply another stepping stone in an eclectic professional journey that would later include tech IPOs and entrepreneurship. “My interests have always been varied,” he says. “I want to inspire people to be open-minded and not pigeonhole themselves or their identities. With determination and curiosity, you can embrace new interests or careers, no matter where life takes you.” That same year, he became an early team member at Garena – now Shopee – Singapore’s leading e-commerce platform. He then returned to fashion, opening a showroom in 2018 that introduced the works of acclaimed designers such as Belgium’s Dries van Noten and French-American Joseph Altuzarra to the Asian market. “I was managing all these other brands, but at a certain point, I realised I didn’t want to be the backup singer any more,” he says. “I wanted to be the lead.” With that resolve, he closed his showroom and founded Aupen in 2022, creating a brand that would reflect his own vision. However, his journey to success was far from smooth. “When I pitched my plans for Aupen to people in Singapore, they were rejected for not being ‘holistic’. I remember friends of mine – even a chief editor at a fashion magazine – told me I was never going to make it because I didn’t have the right qualifications,” he says. “I hope Singapore will realise we have talent in our own backyard.” For the first two years, he operated out of his grandmother’s home, with her serving as the stock controller. He personally designed the bags and sold them directly through his website. “I didn’t like seeing her alone after my grandfather passed, so I asked if she wanted to help me with my business. It gave her a sense of purpose and allowed us to spend more time together,” he recalls fondly. For him, Aupen – a portmanteau of “authentic” and “open” and pronounced as “open” – embodies a departure from traditional or trend-driven accessory design. “I’m inspired by sculptures. I don’t think many bags are envisioned as sculptures first when they’re designed. Often, bags are engineered around trends or practicality – what can you fit inside? “For us, it’s a completely different approach. We start with form and artistry, creating something that’s visually striking but still functional,” he says. This sculptural perspective has become Aupen’s hallmark, as have its minimalist yet architectural designs. One of the earliest celebrities spotted with an Aupen bag was American model Hailey Bieber. Mr Tan recalls the surreal moment he came across a 2023 photo of her at Coachella, carrying the Aupen Purpose Bag. “I thought I was dreaming,” he says. “I had to look at the photo again to make sure it was real and not a dream. She even did a series of Instagram posts with the bag.” Aupen continued growing and what began as a one-man operation has since grown into a dynamic team of more than 10 people today. Unlike many luxury brands with a single, visionary creative director at the helm, Aupen takes a collaborative approach to design. “I contribute to the designs, but we also have other talented designers in the company,” says Mr Tan. Aupen’s newest collection, launched in late November as its first collaboration with LVMH Metiers d’Art, introduces five festive interpretations of the Nirvana bag, including designs in brown shearling and metallic finishes. They are retailing for $458 each on aupen.com Mr Tan says: “The Nirvana has been spotted on so many pop stars recently, including Charlie XCX, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift. With this collection, we wanted to play with textures to create this beautiful juxtaposition that complements a girl’s outfit.” A post shared by AUPEN (@aupenofficial) A post shared by AUPEN (@aupenofficial) A post shared by AUPEN (@aupenofficial) Today, Aupen’s primary markets are in America and Europe, where the brand’s aesthetic and accessible luxury ethos have resonated deeply. According to Mr Tan, there are no plans to establish a physical retail presence, at least for now. “The true story of Aupen is that it was the West that picked us,” he says, adding that he is still in the midst of looking for an office space in Paris – a city that has become a wellspring of inspiration for him. “Paris is the epicentre of fashion,” he continues. “Being in the city exposes me to so many different brands, collections, museum exhibits and fashion events. It’s an environment that helps me understand where luxury fashion is headed.” Mr Tan also spends much of his time flying among fashion capitals, where he finds inspiration in how deeply rooted heritage brands are in their respective cultures. “When I’m in Paris, I see so many Parisians proudly carrying Louis Vuitton and Chanel because those brands are French. In Milan, I see Italians carrying Prada and Gucci with the same pride. It’s a reflection of their cultural identity.” His aspiration? To see Singaporeans embrace Aupen in the same way. “I hope that one day, as I walk down the streets of Singapore, I’ll see girls carrying Aupen bags with the same pride,” he says. “Right now, our brand awareness in Singapore isn’t as high as it is overseas.” As our conversation winds down, I ask Mr Tan what advice he would give to his younger self. “I would tell myself to not set limits, to dare to think big and dream big,” he says. “It’s something I’ve learnt gradually over time. “In Singapore, there’s often a tendency for society to impose limitations or stereotype you into certain professions. But I hope my journey – and what we’ve built with Aupen – shows that it’s possible to break free from those expectations. If you truly believe in yourself and set your mind to it, you can achieve anything.” Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now
Young people aren’t club hopping, instead, they are doing something much more wholesome with their weekends. Instead of “let’s do shots”, they are buying cardboard cups and filling them up with frozen yoghurt on a Saturday night. Carla, a Millennial Aussie who runs the social media account Go Woke, Go Broke , posted a clip of a bunch of Gen Zers gathering at frozen yoghurt shop, Yo-Chi, over the weekend. The 34-year-old said she spotted all the young people hanging out when she was heading to the eastern suburbs of Sydney to grab some food, and she thinks Gen Z is missing out by forgoing partying. “Every Friday it is just packed, and there’s lines coming out of the shop,” she told news.com.au. “It is so different. When I was in my late teens and early twenties, there would be something on every Friday and Saturday.” She pointed out young people aren't clubbing anymore. Picture: TikTok/GoWokeGoBroke The clip kicked off a debate. Picture: TikTok/GoWokeGoBroke Carla explained that she spent her twenties at bars and clubs and certainly not yoghurt shops. “Why are the younger generation shunning pubs and clubs?” she asked. Once Carla posted the clip online, a massive conversation started about how Gen Zers don’t party like Millennials did. Some were claiming it was a really positive change and a sign the youngest drinking generation wasn’t interested in entering Australia’s infamous “piss up culture”, and others thought it was a sign that Gen Zers don’t know how to have fun. One called it a “welcome change” another said that the reason Gen Zers are eating yoghurt instead of partying is because pubs and clubs have “priced themselves” out. “This is very good to see. These frozen yoghurt or custard bars are bringing young people together and talking face-to-face,” someone praised. “A generation of self-entitled wimps,” someone else wrote. “They can’t afford to go out and drink,” another wrote. “I’m so proud of this generation,” one praised. “I’ve seen this and it makes no sense,” someone else wrote. “Pretty sad,” one claimed. Someone in their late thirties commented that they used to live at clubs back in the day and found the clip “sad”. “What is wrong with these kids?” The young people are embracing yoghurt. Picture: TikTok/GoWokeGoBroke They aren't clubbing. Picture: TikTok/GoWokeGoBroke Carla explained that she believes Gen Zers are chowing down on yoghurt instead of doing shots because of a cultural shift. Firstly, there were the lockout laws in Sydney, which ran from 2014 to 2020. These laws required venues in the CBD to have 1.30am curfews for entry and 3am last drinks at bars. Then there’s the fact that wellness culture is on the rise and clean living is a big part of the conversation for young people. Carla said that it was a “rite of passage” for Millennials to spend their youth going to bars and clubs, and that was seen as the “cool” thing to do, but Generation Z is taking a different approach. “Older generations have maintained the lifestyles of going to have a beer. The younger generation haven’t followed through,” she said. For instance, once Carla passed the packed-out frozen yoghurt shop, she walked past a pub filled mainly with Gen X and Boomer patrons. Carla said she doesn’t think this is necessarily a “bad thing”, just a change worth pointing out. “When the lockout laws came in, it killed the night-life, and this younger generation have never had it, and they don’t know what they are missing,” she said. “There’s way more focus on wellness and health now.” More Coverage 21yo exposes gross stigma that still exists Mary Madigan 21yo’s ordeal after using ‘entire inheritance’ Mary Madigan Originally published as Gen Z clip exposes big Aussie culture change Money Don't miss out on the headlines from Money. Followed categories will be added to My News. Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Banking ‘Extensive experience’: ANZ picks new boss One of Australia’s largest companies has found its new chief executive, an international banker of “calibre and extensive experience”. Read more Entertainment Katie Holmes hits back at ‘trust fund’ claims The actor made a rare comment about her ex-husband Tom Cruise, rubbishing claims a trust fund for their daughter had “kicked in”. Read more
Carol Dawn Stephens