Uriach opens its capital for the first time in 185 years and lands in France

Uriach, a Catalan family-owned pharmaceutical company, has opened its capital to the British fund ICG, acquiring around 30% through a capital increase. This move coincides with Uriach's acquisition of the French company Ineldea, marking its largest purchase to date. The company aims to strengthen its position in the 'natural healthcare' sector and anticipates reaching 500 million in sales, accelerating its growth in existing markets like Italy. Uriach's leadership views these developments as a transformation from a small local family business into a multinational entity, with a strategic focus on expanding in Europe, particularly in France.

Galician net makers lead the fight for early retirement

Galician net makers, predominantly women, are leading a fight for early retirement benefits due to the physically demanding nature of their work. Despite their essential role in the fishing industry, they face poor working conditions and lack recognition for occupational diseases. The Instituto Social de la Marina denied their request for early retirement, citing a lack of evidence for job-related health risks. The Federación Gallega de Rederas continues to push for recognition and better conditions, with support from some government officials but facing significant bureaucratic hurdles.

Afghan Migrants in Turkey Face a Harsh Winter Amid Tightening Borders

The article reports on the situation of Afghan and Pakistani migrants on the outskirts of Van, Turkey, who are fleeing conflict and seeking better lives in Europe. Many have faced abuse by Turkish police and resort to dangerous smuggling routes to avoid detection. The Turkish government, dealing with rising anti-immigrant sentiment and already hosting millions of Syrian refugees, is constructing a concrete wall to curb illegal crossings from Iran. The EU has funded advanced border security measures. Afghan migrants, unlike Syrians, must apply for international protection and face long waits and low acceptance rates. Detention centers are overcrowded, and deportations loom as a threat. The political climate in Turkey is tense, with the opposition criticizing the government's handling of the migrant crisis. The approaching winter adds to the hardships faced by the migrants.