Egyptian businessman Nassef Sawiris continues to solidify his position as one of the most influential figures in global business and sports. Known for his strategic investments and diversified portfolio, Sawiris has successfully bridged two seemingly different worlds: professional football and global sportswear business. His rise offers a blueprint for modern entrepreneurs looking to expand their influence internationally.

Early Career and Business Foundations

Born into the prominent Sawiris family, Nassef inherited a strong foundation in business. He currently chairs and owns stakes in major corporations including OCI N.V., a global fertilizer company, and Orascom Construction, a leading construction and engineering firm. These ventures provided him with the capital, expertise, and network necessary to venture into international investments in sports and fashion.

Investment in Adidas: From Shareholder to Potential Chairman

In 2015, Sawiris purchased approximately 6–7% of Adidas shares, making him the largest individual shareholder in the company. This move demonstrated not just his financial acumen but also his strategic vision in the sportswear industry.

• His stake in Adidas is valued at over $3 billion, reflecting the company’s growth and Sawiris’ foresight in acquiring shares during market fluctuations.
• In 2026, he was nominated for the position of Chairman of Adidas, a role that would give him unprecedented influence over one of the world’s leading sportswear brands.

This investment highlights a deliberate strategy: aligning with global brands to influence both business and sports culture.

Aston Villa: Football as a Global Business Platform

In 2018, Sawiris partnered with Wes Edens to acquire a controlling stake in Aston Villa Football Club, a historic Premier League team. The purchase was initially valued at £30 million, rescuing the club from financial instability.

Since the acquisition:

• Aston Villa returned to the Premier League and increased its global fan base.
• Investments in players, stadium infrastructure, and marketing elevated the club’s value to over £600 million.
• The club now represents a platform for Sawiris to leverage global sports marketing opportunities, including partnerships with leading sportswear brands.

Sawiris’ model demonstrates that football clubs are more than sports entities—they are strategic assets for global brand positioning and investment.

Bridging Football and Fashion: A Unique Strategy

Sawiris’ dual investments in Adidas and Aston Villa illustrate a modern approach to business: integrating sports performance with brand influence. This strategy has three key advantages:

1. Brand Synergy: Football clubs create demand for sports apparel and merchandising.
2. Global Network Expansion: Ownership connects him directly to leagues, sponsors, and international markets.
3. Asset Appreciation: Strategic investments in undervalued assets like clubs and stock holdings maximize returns.

By positioning himself at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and business, Sawiris sets a model for cross-industry investment success.

Economic and Social Impact

Beyond personal wealth accumulation, Sawiris’ investments have broader economic implications:

• Job creation in sports, marketing, and merchandising sectors.
• Increased international exposure for Egyptian and Middle Eastern investors in European markets.
• Strengthened ties between sports, media, and global retail industries.

Conclusion: A Global Business Vision in Motion

Nassef Sawiris is more than a billionaire; he is a strategic visionary who combines financial insight with passion for sports. His story demonstrates how modern entrepreneurship transcends borders and industries, blending finance, sports, and global branding.

For investors, sports enthusiasts, and business analysts alike, Sawiris represents a case study in leveraging capital, influence, and vision to achieve global prominence.

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Baglietto has unveiled Awandra, the seventh motor yacht in its prestigious T52 series, marking another milestone in the evolution of contemporary Italian yacht design. Built for owners seeking understated luxury rather than excess, Awandra represents a refined expression of Baglietto’s signature philosophy — where engineering excellence meets timeless aesthetics.

The 52-metre superyacht stands as a modern statement of marine-inspired design, characterized by fluid exterior lines, balanced proportions, and a sophisticated colour palette reflecting sea and sky tones. The project continues Baglietto’s collaboration with renowned designer Francesco Paszkowski, who handled both the exterior and interior styling, alongside Margherita Casprini for the interior concept.

A Design Language Rooted in Understated Elegance

Awandra’s visual identity is built around quiet sophistication. Rather than dramatic contrasts, the yacht embraces harmony between contemporary architectural forms and soft maritime hues. This approach creates a calm yet luxurious atmosphere onboard — a hallmark of the Baglietto T52 platform.

The exterior profile maintains the strong, recognizable lines of the T52 series while introducing subtle refinements that enhance flow between decks and visual continuity with the sea.

Exceptional Space and Comfort Across Every Deck

One of Awandra’s defining strengths is volume distribution. Generous interior and exterior areas ensure a high level of comfort for owners and guests, while preserving openness and movement throughout the yacht.

Key spatial highlights include:

• Multiple social areas on every deck, designed for both privacy and entertainment
• Expansive outdoor lounges that encourage connection with the marine environment
• Interior layouts optimized for natural light and seamless circulation

The design prioritizes livability at sea, making Awandra equally suited for long-range cruising or high-end leisure charters.

Seamless Indoor–Outdoor Living

A core principle of the T52 concept is the integration of exterior and interior environments — and Awandra elevates this further. Large openings, visual transparency, and carefully aligned deck spaces dissolve traditional boundaries, allowing guests to move naturally between enclosed lounges and open-air relaxation zones.

This fusion creates a yacht experience centered on freedom of movement, panoramic views, and immersive contact with the sea.

A New Chapter in the Baglietto T52 Legacy

With Awandra, Baglietto reinforces the T52 series as one of the most recognizable platforms in the 50-metre superyacht segment. The project reflects the shipyard’s continued focus on:

• Italian design heritage
• Technical innovation
• Owner-centric spatial planning
• Contemporary luxury without ostentation

Now sailing globally, Awandra represents the latest expression of Baglietto excellence, combining design purity with the lifestyle expectations of modern superyacht owners.

Technical & Design Credits

Yacht Name: Awandra
Model: Baglietto T52
Year: 2025
Exterior Design: Francesco Paszkowski Design
Interior Design: Francesco Paszkowski Design in collaboration with Margherita Casprini

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Commissioned by renowned collector Sonia Breslow, the vehicle continues a remarkable lineage of bespoke Bentleys that includes a Blower Continuation Series, Speed Six Continuation Series, Bacalar, and now the Batur Convertible. Each commission reflects Breslow’s meticulous attention to detail and her philosophy of long-term automotive ownership.

A Vision of Cohesive Luxury

Bentley Mulliner worked closely with the client to achieve a harmonious visual identity across colours, materials, and finishes. The exterior features a bespoke tri-tone paint scheme, incorporating the client’s own commissioned colour, Breslow Blue, accented by a 6 mm gloss-silver fine line that emphasises the Batur’s signature endless bonnet design.

For the first time in Bentley history, Mulliner has produced a bespoke coloured convertible roof, colour-matched to Breslow Blue. When stowed, the roof reveals an Airbridge finished in the same exclusive hue, creating a seamless aesthetic rarely seen in open-top grand tourers.

Additional exterior highlights include:

• Midnight Breslow Blue bonnet pinstripe
• Accent colours on wheels and wing mirrors
• Polished titanium exhaust finishers
• Bright silver front and rear grilles

Personalisation at Its Most Intimate

Inside the cabin, Mulliner’s craftsmanship reaches new levels of personal expression. Upon entry, an animated welcome lamp projects Sonia Breslow’s handwritten signature onto the ground, formed by 415,800 microscopic mirrors that sculpt the light with remarkable precision.

The interior palette blends warm autumnal tones—tan leather, caramel hues, and subtle light-blue accents—drawing inspiration from the exterior colourway and continuing the visual narrative into the cabin. Contrast stitching flows across the tonneau, seats, headrests, and instrument panel, while deep-pile floor mats feature a subtle outline of Mount Batur, the volcanic inspiration behind the car’s name.

Innovation Meets Heritage

Paying homage to Bentley’s early design heritage, the cabin fascia features a bright aluminium engine-spin finish, complemented by the Bentley Rotating Display with bespoke-coloured gauge faces and a satin blue Bentley clock.

Marking a technological milestone, Batur Convertible #4 debuts Bentley’s first use of 3D-printed platinum. Crafted from this precious metal, the top-dead-centre steering wheel marker and organ stop controls demonstrate Mulliner’s ability to blend traditional luxury with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.

Unmatched Performance

Despite its highly bespoke nature, the Batur Convertible retains Bentley’s most powerful production engine ever offered:

• 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12
• 740 bhp
• Hand-assembled at Bentley’s Crewe facility

This ensures the Batur Convertible delivers the performance expected of Mulliner’s flagship coachbuilt series, pairing exhilarating power with refined grand touring comfort.

A Defining Statement of Modern Coachbuilding

Describing her passion, Sonia Breslow said:

“When I have a car like this Batur, I don’t plan on selling it in my lifetime—it’s my forever car. I love designing them, choosing every colour, every shade, every feature. Making them unlike anything else.”

Batur Convertible #4 stands as a masterclass in collaboration, uniting client vision, Mulliner craftsmanship, and Bentley innovation. As it joins its Mulliner siblings in a remarkable private collection, it reinforces Bentley’s position at the forefront of modern luxury coachbuilding.

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Bespoke Demand Reaches New Heights

2025 marked a defining chapter for Rolls-Royce Bespoke, driven by the first full year of operation of the brand’s global Private Office network in Dubai, Seoul, Shanghai and New York, alongside the original Private Office at Goodwood. These creative hubs more than doubled Bespoke commissions year-on-year, reflecting growing client appetite for increasingly ambitious and personal motor cars.

Rolls-Royce produced 5,664 Bespoke motor cars worldwide in 2025, with Cullinan emerging as the most requested model, followed by the fully electric Rolls-Royce Spectre. The year also saw a significant uplift in luxury lifestyle accessory commissions, reinforcing the brand’s expansion beyond the motor car.

“In 2025, Rolls-Royce Bespoke reached new creative and technical heights, extending far beyond traditional boundaries,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
“Every motor car is a singular expression of its owner’s vision, reflecting the spirit of innovation, craft and cultural fluency that defines Rolls-Royce today.”

New Materials and Technical Innovations

Rolls-Royce Bespoke artisans introduced a suite of new materials and processes during 2025, many developed in response to individual client visions. These included:

• Three-dimensional ink layering and marquetry
• Sculptural 3D embroidery with self-supporting thread structures
• 24-carat gold leaf detailing
• Polished concrete components
• Fully hand-painted Starlight Headliners
• A patented interior fragrance concept

To support growing Bespoke and Coachbuild demand, Rolls-Royce announced a £300 million site extension at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood.

The Most Complex Private Collection Ever: Phantom Centenary

The pinnacle of Bespoke achievement in 2025 was the Phantom Centenary Private Collection, created to celebrate 100 years of the Phantom nameplate. Strictly limited to 25 motor cars, the collection represents the most technologically complex and creatively ambitious Private Collection in Rolls-Royce history.

Developed over three years and requiring more than 40,000 hours of craftsmanship, Phantom Centenary features a two-tone exterior inspired by Hollywood’s golden era, finished with a newly developed Super Champagne Crystal clear coat infused with champagne-coloured particles. Each motor car is crowned with a solid gold Spirit of Ecstasy.

Inside, the collection showcases extraordinary craftsmanship, including:

• An Anthology Gallery with 50 hand-polished aluminium fins engraved with historic quotes
• High-resolution printed rear seat fabric embroidered with 160,000 stitches
• A Starlight Headliner featuring over 440,000 stitches
• The most intricate woodwork ever produced by Rolls-Royce, combining 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering and gold leafing

Defining Creative Themes of 2025

Rolls-Royce Bespoke commissions in 2025 reflected several recurring creative themes, including family, memory, legacy, nature, place and cultural symbolism.

Family, Memory and Legacy

• Spectre Soulmate celebrated a couple’s lifelong journey with celestial motifs reflecting the night sky over Kuala Lumpur on a pivotal date.
• Spectre Bailey honoured a cherished family dog with a marquetry portrait made from nine natural veneer types.
• Ghost Extended Foundation featured a rotary controller crafted from polished concrete sourced from one of the client’s architectural projects.

Nature, Place and the Elements

• Cullinan Cosmos introduced Rolls-Royce’s first fully hand-painted Starlight Headliner, created over 160 hours using 20 layers of paint.
• Phantom Extended Cherry Blossom, inspired by Japan’s Hanami tradition, featured over 250,000 stitches and Rolls-Royce’s first sculptural 3D embroidery, depicting falling Sakura petals throughout the interior.

A Singular Vision of Modern Luxury

The Bespoke achievements of 2025 underscore Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ guiding philosophy: the vision comes first. By continually expanding the boundaries of materials, craftsmanship and client collaboration, the marque reinforces its position as the ultimate expression of contemporary luxury.

As Rolls-Royce looks ahead, the success of its Private Offices, the rise of ambitious Bespoke commissions and ongoing investment in craftsmanship signal a future defined by individuality, innovation and timeless excellence.

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The Twingo E-Tech electric will make its first public appearance from 9 to 18 January at the Brussels Motor Show, where it will be displayed on the Renault stand alongside models including Clio, Renault 4 E-Tech electric, Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Renault 5 Turbo 3E. Visitors will be able to discover the car’s modular interior and everyday usability, highlighted by independent sliding rear seats and a boot capacity of up to 360 litres, positioning the Twingo E-Tech electric as a functional solution for city driving.

To mark this debut, Renault will unveil “Twingomania”, a collaborative programme featuring six electric mobility concepts developed with European start-ups. Designed to promote more sustainable mobility without sacrificing style or enjoyment, the objects draw inspiration from the Twingo E-Tech electric’s design language, including the Absolute Green colour and the model’s signature headlamp shape. The programme includes the ultra-compact Twingo Elwing electric skateboard, the high-performance Twingo Mo-Jet electric bodyboard, the multi-purpose Twingo Kahe electric marine motor, the Pamela electric urban bicycle inspired by BMX culture, the Vässla electric urban scooter with Scandinavian styling, and the Twingo Vega electric motorcycle designed for city and suburban use.

In spring 2026, Renault will bring the spotlight to Paris with the opening of Expo Twingo at le défilé renault – the Carwalk on the Champs-Élysées, replacing the Cliorama exhibition. The immersive showcase will combine the heritage of the Twingo nameplate with the upcoming Twingo E-Tech electric and will run until September, offering visitors a mix of exhibitions and live events. This will be followed by the Twingo Festival, taking place from 18 to 21 June at the same venue, featuring a programme of live music and entertainment reflecting the model’s cheerful, playful and colourful identity.

The Twingo E-Tech electric will also be placed firmly in the media spotlight during spring through international press road tests. Journalists will have the opportunity to assess the car’s dynamic performance on the AmpR Small platform, powered by a 60 kW (82 hp) electric motor and a 27.5 kWh LFP battery, delivering a WLTP range of up to 263 km. Reviews will focus on driving dynamics, efficiency, connected onboard technology and the model’s highly functional interior, supported by a wide range of accessories aimed at personalisation.

Further increasing its visibility, the Twingo E-Tech electric will feature in Renault’s line-up at the Roland-Garros French Open from 18 May to 7 June, marking the brand’s fifth consecutive year as a premium partner of the tournament. Alongside the vehicle’s public appearances, Renault will also introduce a dedicated merchandise collection inspired by the inventive, contemporary and playful world of the Twingo E-Tech electric, reinforcing the model’s identity ahead of its 2026 launch.

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The A390 represents Alpine’s second fully electric model, following the award-winning A290. It brings the brand’s signature driving dynamics into a premium five-seat sport fastback format, combining agility, performance, everyday practicality and advanced electrification.

European-Adjusted Pricing (Approx. EUR)

To aid continental buyers and media, UK on-the-road (OTR) prices have been converted to Euros (€) using an exchange rate of £1 ≈ €1.145 — an approximate mid-market rate at the time of writing.

All euro figures are approximate and for illustrative purposes; final European pricing may differ depending on local taxes, duties and dealer policies.

Three Versions Available

Alpine will launch the A390 in three variants:

• A390 GT – core performance version
• A390 Premiere Edition – limited high-spec celebration edition (390 units)
• A390 GTS – flagship performance variant

All versions utilise Alpine’s new optimised electric architecture with advanced torque vectoring and dual rear motors for exceptional agility.

Performance, Power and Range

Powered by a high-performance 89 kWh lithium-ion battery, the A390 delivers both dynamic performance and competitive electric range.

Alpine’s bespoke Active Torque Vectoring system, with independently controlled rear motors, delivers razor-sharp handling and balance traditionally associated with lightweight sports cars.

Charging and Battery

The high-capacity battery supports up to 190 kW DC rapid charging, enabling 15–80 % in roughly 25 minutes in real-world conditions.

Standard equipment includes an 11 kW AC bidirectional charger, with a 22 kW AC charger available as an option and standard on the Premiere Edition. The vehicle also features V2G (vehicle-to-grid) and V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability.

Cockpit and Technology

The A390 introduces Alpine’s refined feel@one cockpit, blending driver focus with everyday usability. Key interior and tech features include:

• 12.3-inch digital driver display
• 12-inch central multimedia screen with Google built-in services and EV route planner
• Alpine Telemetrics performance system
• Devialet® high-fidelity audio system with 13 premium speakers
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto

Despite its performance orientation, the A390 remains practical with five seats and a 532-litre boot, expanding to 1,643 litres with rear seats folded.

Equipment Highlights by Version

A390 GT (~€70,280)

• 20” CRISTAL diamond-cut alloy wheels with Michelin Sport EV tyres
• Alpine Active Torque Vectoring AWD
• LED MATRIX Vision adaptive headlights
• Heated, power-adjustable Alpine Sport seats
• Advanced driver assistance suite (adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, blind-spot intervention, 360° camera)

A390 Premiere Edition (~€74,880)

• Limited edition (390 units) with Atelier 20” wheels and contrasting roof
• French flag badging on C-pillar
• Heated, massage-function Sabelt® seats
• Advanced driver assistance and hands-free parking pack
• 22 kW AC charger as standard

A390 GTS (~€79,450)

• 470 PS high-output powertrain
• Forged 21” wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres
• Alpine Telemetrics Expert and Devialet® XtremeSound audio
• Black Alcantara® headliner
• DRIVING pack with active safety and hands-free parking

Exterior and Colours

Six body colours will be offered at launch, including Blanc Topaze, Bleu Alpine Vision, Bleu Abysse, and the special Gris Tonnerre Matte finish. A contrasting black roof option is available on GT and GTS trims.

Alpine’s Vision

Nic Burnside, Brand Director at Alpine, stated:

“With its blend of expressive design, bespoke electric performance and the dynamic spirit that defines every Alpine, the A390 marks an important step in the brand’s transition to a fully electric future — one that remains firmly centred on driving pleasure.”

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