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GE HealthCare Invests $138 Million in Cork, Ireland Manufacturing Facility to Address Increasing Contrast Media Demand

• New $138 million facility at GE HealthCare’s Cork manufacturing site will enable 25 million more patient doses of contrast media per year by the end of 2027ⁱ
• Demand for CT and X-Ray contrast media, used to enhance medical imaging procedures globally, is estimated to double in the next ten yearsⁱⁱ
• Investment will create additional capacity to cater for growing demand, while offering increased flexibility and resiliency for security of supply

CHALFONT ST. GILES, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) today announced a $138 million investment to expand its Carrigtohill, Cork contrast media fill and finish manufacturing site in Ireland. A new state-of-the-art facility on the grounds of the existing site will enable 25 million more patient doses per year of contrast media by the end of 2027, helping address growing global demand.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130241464/en/

Contrast media are injectable diagnostic imaging agents used to enhance visualization of organs, blood vessels and tissues during medical imaging. Global demand for iodine-based contrast media, used in X-Ray, Computed Tomography (CT) and Interventional procedures is expected to double in the next decade, driven by ageing populations and the increasing global prevalence of chronic disorders. In 2024, the Carrigtohill facility, along with GE HealthCare’s other fill and finish production sites in Shanghai, China, and Oslo, Norway, supplied over 100 million patient doses of contrast media around the worldⁱⁱⁱ.

The new 3000m² facility – which will support both established and pipeline products – will include solution preparation vessels, multi-functional powder handling systems, a new filling line and autoclaves, with advanced automation systems underpinning production. Once established, the additional capacity will cater for the growing global demand, while offering increased flexibility and resiliency across GE HealthCare’s contrast media production network for security of supply.

President & CEO of GE HealthCare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics (PDx) segment, Kevin O’Neill, said, “As an industry leader we have a responsibility to help meet the growing global demand for contrast media from healthcare providers and their patients. This new facility demonstrates our broader commitment not just to address future demand, but also to increase resiliency and security of industry supply for customers.”

Eugene Barrett, Site Leader and Managing Director, GE HealthCare Ireland, said: “This expansion strengthens our longstanding presence in Cork, where we have a highly skilled team, access to leading talent in the pharmaceutical industry, strong distribution links around the world and a great partnership with IDA Ireland. First doses from our new facility are expected by the end of 2027 and we are proud of the impact our site will continue to make for patients around the world.”

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. said, “GE HealthCare has been manufacturing in Ireland for more than 30 years, and has invested extensively in the Carrigtohill site and the people working here. I am delighted to welcome this significant new investment here in Cork, which is testament to the commitment of GE HealthCare in Ireland, and also to our highly skilled workforce.”

IDA Ireland Executive Director Michael Lohan said, “This is the latest of GE HealthCare’s investments in its Cork site which has been producing vital pharmaceuticals for over 30 years. The continued growth and development of the site is testament to its commitment to serving patients and to Ireland’s leadership and support for the pharmaceutical industry.”

All stages of GE HealthCare’s contrast media manufacturing, from development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) to finished product, adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices. With over 4000 employees globally, the PDx business also develops and supplies radiopharmaceuticals used to support diagnosis, monitoring and treatment selection across Neurology, Cardiology and Oncology clinical pathways. Across its portfolio, PDx enables four patient procedures every second globally.

Engineering firm, IPS-Integrated Project Services, will lead the project with enabling construction works starting at the Carrigtohill facility in February 2025, and over 250 construction roles expected to be created.

About GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.

GE HealthCare is a leading global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and digital solutions innovator, dedicated to providing integrated solutions, services, and data analytics to make hospitals more efficient, clinicians more effective, therapies more precise, and patients healthier and happier. Serving patients and providers for more than 125 years, GE HealthCare is advancing personalized, connected, and compassionate care, while simplifying the patient’s journey across the care pathway. Together our Imaging, Advanced Visualization Solutions, Patient Care Solutions, and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics businesses help improve patient care from diagnosis, to therapy, to monitoring. We are a $19.6 billion business with approximately 51,000 colleagues working to create a world where healthcare has no limits.

Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and Insights for the latest news, or visit our website https://www.gehealthcare.com for more information.

ⁱ GE HealthCare data on file – Cork Capacity Investment, 2025

ⁱⁱ GE HealthCare data on file – Pharmaceutical Diagnostics Contrast Media Capacity and Investment, 2025

ⁱⁱⁱ GE HealthCare data on file – Pharmaceutical Diagnostics Contrast Media Capacity and Investment, 2025

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GE HealthCare Media Contact:

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KEYWORDS: Europe Ireland United Kingdom

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Medical Supplies Neurology Hospitals Cardiology Biotechnology Radiology Managed Care Health Pharmaceutical

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GE HealthCare’s contrast media manufacturing site in Cork (Photo: Business Wire)

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Meiji Seika Pharma Receives Approval for Adding Domestic Manufacturing Sites in Japan for KOSTAIVE^®, a Self-amplifying mRNA Vaccine Against COVID-19

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan, President and Representative Director: Daikichiro Kobayashi) announced today that it has received approval for a partial amendment to the manufacturing and marketing approval of “KOSTAIVE^® for Intramuscular Injection,” a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine for protection against COVID-19, to include domestic manufacturing sites in Japan.

Meiji Seika Pharma and ARCALIS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minami-soma City, Fukushima Prefecture; President: Satoshi Takamatsu) have been working together to establish an infrastructure that enables the integrated production of pharmaceuticals, from active ingredients to final products, within Japan. With this approval, ARCALIS’s Minami-soma facilities and Meiji Seika Pharmatech Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Meiji Seika Pharma, have been added as manufacturing sites. The technology transfer was managed and implemented by CSL Seqirus, the global licensor of KOSTAIVE^®. As a result, domestically produced products, with active pharmaceutical ingredients manufactured at ARCALIS’s Minami-soma facilities and formulated at Meiji Seika Pharmatech, are now able to be shipped for commercial use in Japan.

“We are pleased with the approval of domestic manufacturing sites in Japan for KOSTAIVE^®,” said Dr. Pad Chivukula, COO of Arcturus Therapeutics. “As a joint venture partner with ARCALIS, Arcturus is delighted to support this effort through the continued transfer of our next-generation technologies, including LUNAR® lipid nanoparticle formulation processes and STARR® sa-mRNA drug substance manufacturing.”

About sa-mRNA

mRNA vaccines help protect against infectious diseases by providing a blueprint for cells in the body to make a protein to help our immune systems recognize and fight the disease. Unlike standard mRNA vaccines, self-amplifying mRNA vaccines instruct the body to make more mRNA and protein to boost the immune response.

About Meiji Seika Pharma

Meiji Seika Pharma, since it launched penicillin in 1946, has been providing efficacious and high-quality pharmaceutical products including therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, therapeutics for central nervous system diseases and generic drugs, to meet various medical needs. (https://www.meiji.com/global/pharmaceuticals/)

About Arcturus Therapeutics

Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc., founded in 2013, is a commercial mRNA Medicines and vaccines Company focused on the development of infectious disease vaccines and opportunities within liver and respiratory rare diseases. (https://arcturusrx.com/)

About CSL Seqirus

CSL Seqirus, a subsidiary of CSL Limited, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of influenza vaccines. The company has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, and leading research and development capabilities. (https://www.cslseqirus.com)

About ARCALIS

ARCALIS, Inc. is a joint venture company between Axcelead Inc. and Arcturus Therapeutics Inc., which owns a group of world-class drug-discovery and healthcare platform companies. The company provides drug discovery support, as well as a contract development and manufacturing business (CDMO business), for mRNA medicines and vaccines. (https://corp.arcalis.co.jp/en)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250131312981/en/

Meiji Seika Pharma

Public Relations

Sayoko Taga

[email protected]

Arcturus Therapeutics

Public Relations & Investor Relations

Neda Safarzadeh

VP, Head of IR/PR/Marketing

(858) 900-2682

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Japan Asia Pacific

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Communications Health COVID-19 General Health Pharmaceutical Public Relations/Investor Relations

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Vertex Announces CASGEVY^® Reimbursement Agreement for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease in England

– Agreement means eligible sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in England now have access to CASGEVY –

– Agreement for CASGEVY in transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT) was previously reached in August 2024 –

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: VRTX) announced today a reimbursement agreement with NHS England for eligible sickle cell disease (SCD) patients to access the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited therapy, CASGEVY^® (exagamglogene autotemcel).

The reimbursement agreement comes as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issues positive guidance recommending CASGEVY’s use in the NHS. It means that eligible SCD patients in England now have access to the therapy following the prior agreement for transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT) patients announced last August.

“Today is an important day for the sickle cell community who have gone too long without treatments that address the underlying cause of their devastating disease,” said Ludovic Fenaux, Senior Vice President, Vertex International. “We are pleased to have reached this new agreement that ensures both eligible SCD and TDT patients can now be treated with CASGEVY, recognizing the value a one-time treatment can provide to patients, their families and the healthcare system.”

The administration of the therapy requires experience in stem cell transplantation and the management of hemoglobinopathies; therefore, Vertex is continuing to engage with experienced hospitals throughout England to establish a network of independently operated authorized treatment centers (ATCs).

About Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

SCD is a debilitating, progressive, life-shortening genetic disease. SCD patients report health-related quality of life scores well below the general population and significant health care resource utilization. SCD affects the red blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen to all organs and tissues of the body. SCD causes severe pain, organ damage and shortened life span due to misshapen or “sickled” red blood cells. The clinical hallmark of SCD is vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), which are caused by blockages of blood vessels by sickled red blood cells and result in severe and debilitating pain that can happen anywhere in the body at any time. SCD requires lifelong treatment and significant use of health care resources, and ultimately results in reduced life expectancy, decreased quality of life and reduced lifetime earnings and productivity. In Europe, the mean age of death for patients living with SCD is around 40 years. Stem cell transplant from a matched donor is a potentially curative option but is only available to a small fraction of people living with SCD because of the lack of available donors.

About CASGEVY^® (exagamglogene autotemcel)

CASGEVY^® is a non-viral, ex vivo CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited cell therapy for eligible patients with SCD or TDT, in which a patient’s own hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are edited at the erythroid specific enhancer region of the BCL11A gene through a precise double-strand break. This edit results in the production of high levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF; hemoglobin F) in red blood cells. HbF is the form of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin that is naturally present during fetal development, which then switches to the adult form of hemoglobin after birth. CASGEVY has been shown to reduce or eliminate VOCs for patients with SCD and transfusion requirements for patients with TDT.

CASGEVY is approved for eligible SCD and TDT patients 12 years and older by multiple regulatory bodies around the world. The Conditional Marketing Authorization in Great Britain for CASGEVY is for the treatment of patients 12 years of age and older with either TDT or SCD (with recurrent VOCs who have the βS/βS, βS/β+ or βS/β0 genotype), for whom hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is appropriate and a human leukocyte antigen matched related hematopoietic stem cell donor is not available.

For full details about access eligibility please refer to the NICE final draft guidance issued today.

About Vertex

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple serious diseases and conditions — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and acute pain — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, primary membranous nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s top places to work, including 15 consecutive years on Science magazine’s Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.

(VRTX-GEN)

Vertex Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, the statements by Ludovic Fenaux, in this press release, and statements regarding Vertex’s expectations for and the anticipated benefits of CASGEVY, expectations for access to CASGEVY for eligible SCD patients in England, and Vertex’s plans to continue to engage with experienced hospitals throughout England to establish an ATC network. While we believe the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company’s beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that data from the company’s development programs may not support registration or further development of its compounds due to safety, efficacy, and other reasons, and other risks listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Vertex’s most recent annual report and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and available through the company’s website at www.vrtx.com. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129242714/en/

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

Investors:

[email protected]

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or

International: +44 20 3204 5275

KEYWORDS: United Kingdom Europe

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Genetics Other Health General Health Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

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National Survey: Purchasing Power of Middle-Income Americans Improves, While Majority of Families Still Report Falling Behind Due to Cost of Living

DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Middle-income Americans remain concerned about inflation and the high cost of living, with many saying their income is not keeping pace, according to Primerica’s latest Financial Security Monitor™ (FSM™). While some respondents express signs of cautious optimism, the lingering effects of inflation continue to shape how middle-income families manage their money and plan for the future.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130090365/en/

“Small improvements in the purchasing power of middle-income Americans are not impacting how they are feeling about their financial futures,” said Glenn J. Williams, CEO of Primerica. “They are still feeling the pinch of not being able to make ends meet over the past few years.”

The latest Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™), an economic snapshot solely focused on the financial well-being of middle-income households, found the average purchasing power of middle-income families rose to 100.9% in December 2024, a 1.1% increase compared to a year ago and 0.2% from November 2024. Falling gas prices and income gains, which rose 4% year-over-year, served as the main drivers for the modest improvement.

“We are in a new paradigm of permanently higher prices that consumers have not yet adjusted to emotionally and, in some cases, financially, and where a person is in their life can impact that even further,” said Amy Crews Cutts, Ph.D., CBE^®, an economist who consults for Primerica. “Millennials are at peak ‘adulting’ ages, when they would typically buy homes, start families, etc., but the highest inflation and interest rates in their lifetimes coupled with the high costs of homes and cars and child care are limiting their options. Their pessimism is grounded by their unique experiences.”

Key Findings from Primerica’s Q4 U.S. Middle-Income Financial Security Monitor™ (FSM™)

• Cost of living continues to stress middle-income Americans. About 65% of respondents stated their income is not keeping up with the cost of living, marking the 14^th consecutive quarter this figure has remained at or above this level. Inflation remains a dominant concern for middle-income Americans, with about half (51%) of respondents feeling stressed about the rising cost of living.
• Majority rate financial outlook negatively. About 65% of respondents reported they would be worse off or the same financially in the next year, with a majority (55%) rating the condition of their personal finances negatively.
• Generational differences reveal notable variations in financial sentiment. About 57% of middle-income Americans report feeling stressed about money and finances, with notable differences across generations. The generations that experience a higher frequency of life events reported significantly higher stress levels — 75% of Millennials, 62% of Gen X and 61% of Gen Z — compared to only 39% of Baby Boomers. Importantly, those who work with a financial professional are more likely to feel hopeful and confident.
• Social media plays a limited role in where middle-income Americans go for financial advice. A majority (63%) of respondents do not use social media for financial information. Among those who do, Facebook (18%), YouTube (17%) and Instagram (14%) are the most popular platforms. However, a majority (59%) of Gen Zers do use such platforms, with YouTube (32%), Instagram (22%) and Reddit (23%) being the most popular sites.

Primerica Financial Security Monitor™ (FSM™) Topline Trends Data

	Dec 2024	Sept 2024	Jun 2024	Mar 2024	Dec 2023	Sept 2023	Jun 2023	Mar 2023	Dec 2022
How would you rate the condition of your personal finances? Share reporting “Excellent” or “Good.”	45%	44%	49%	50%	50%	49%	50%	52%	53%
Analysis:Respondents are more negative in their assessment of their personal finances than a year ago.
Overall, would you say your income is…? Share reporting “Falling behind the cost of living”	65%	68%	66%	67%	68%	72%	71%	72%	72%
Share reporting “Stayed about even with the cost of living”	29%	24%	26%	25%	24%	20%	22%	21%	20%
Analysis: Concern about meeting the increased cost of living remained steady with 93% noting an inability to get ahead.
And in the next year, do you think the American economy will be…? Share reporting “Worse off than it is now”	55%	25%	40%	46%	53%	56%	57%	53%	56%
Share reporting “Uncertain”	9%	34%	19%	18%	9%	9%	9%	7%	8%
Analysis: Although the share of respondents expecting the economy to worsen over the next year has risen sharply since the previous poll, the figure remains consistent with levels seen a year ago.
Do you have an emergency fund that would cover an expense of $1,000 or more (for example, if your car broke down or you had a large medical bill)? (Reporting “Yes” responses.)	59%	61%	63%	62%	60%	62%	61%	58%	59%
Analysis: The percentage of Americans who have an emergency fund that would cover an expense of $1,000 or more has remained steady over the past year.
How would you rate the economic health of your community? (Reporting “Not so good” and “Poor” responses.)	63%	63%	58%	60%	57%	55%	54%	59%	53%
Analysis: Respondents’ rating of the economic health of their communities has gotten worse over the past year.
How would you rate your ability to save for the future? (Reporting “Not so good” and “Poor” responses.)	71%	73%	68%	67%	73%	71%	71%	73%	74%
Analysis: A significant majority continue to feel it is difficult to save for the future.
In the past three months, has your credit card debt…? (Reporting “Increased” responses.)	34%	35%	30%	34%	35%	34%	33%	33%	39%
Analysis: Credit card debt has remained about the same over the past year.

About Primerica’s Middle-Income Financial Security Monitor™ (FSM™)

Since September 2020, the Primerica Financial Security Monitor™ has surveyed middle-income households quarterly to gain a clear picture of their financial situation, and it coincides with the release of the monthly HBI™ four times annually. Polling was conducted online from Dec. 20-23, 2024. Using Dynamic Online Sampling, Change Research polled 1,085 adults nationwide with incomes between $30,000 and $130,000. Post-stratification weights were made on gender, age, race, education and Census region to reflect the population of these adults based on the five-year averages in the 2021 American Community Survey, published by the U.S. Census. The margin of error is 3.2%. For more information visit Primerica.com/public/financial-security-monitor.html.

About the Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™)

The Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™) is constructed monthly on behalf of Primerica by its chief economic consultant Amy Crews Cutts, PhD, CBE^®. The index measures the purchasing power of middle-income families with household incomes from $30,000 to $130,000 and is developed using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Bureau of the Census, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The index looks at the cost of necessities including food, gas, auto insurance, utilities, and health care and earned income to track differences in inflation and wage growth.

The HBI™ uses January 2019 as its baseline, with the value set to 100% at that point in time.

Periodically, prior HBI™ values may be modified due to revisions in the CPI series and Consumer Expenditure Survey releases by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Beginning with the December 2024 release of the index, the expenditure weights have been updated to the most recent (Q1 2024) data and auto insurance has been added to the group of necessity items. For more information visit householdbudgetindex.com.

About Primerica, Inc.

Primerica, Inc., headquartered in Duluth, GA, is a leading provider of financial products and services to middle-income households in North America. Independent licensed representatives educate Primerica clients about how to better prepare for a more secure financial future by assessing their needs and providing appropriate solutions through term life insurance, which we underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities and other financial products, which we distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. We insured over 5.5 million lives and had approximately 3.0 million client investment accounts on December 31, 2024. Primerica, through its insurance company subsidiaries, was the #2 issuer of Term Life insurance coverage in the United States and Canada in 2023. Primerica stock is included in the S&P MidCap 400 and the Russell 1000 stock indices and is traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PRI”.

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Media Contact:

Gana Ahn

678-431-9266

Email: [email protected]

Investor Contact:

Nicole Russell

470-564-6663

Email: [email protected]

KEYWORDS: Georgia United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Other Consumer Women Men Baby Boomers Data Analytics Generation Z Generation X Insurance Consumer Finance

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Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™), an economic snapshot solely focused on the financial well-being of middle-income households, found the average purchasing power of middle-income families rose to 100.9% in December 2024, a 1.1% increase compared to a year ago and 0.2% from November 2024. Falling gas prices and income gains, which rose 4% year-over-year, served as the main drivers for the modest improvement. (Graphic: Business Wire)

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AST SpaceMobile Announces FCC Grant Of Special Temporary Authority (STA) In the United States with Strategic Partners AT&T And Verizon

STA authorization includes all types of unmodified smartphones, to support voice, full data, and video applications, and other native cellular broadband capabilities

MIDLAND, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted the company Special Temporary Authority (STA) authorizing testing service in the United States. This approval enables AST SpaceMobile’s first five commercial BlueBird satellites, operating in low Earth orbit today, with unmodified smartphones in AT&T and Verizon premium low-band wireless spectrum supporting voice, full data, and video applications, and other native cellular broadband capabilities, without the need of any specialized software or device support or updates.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130886840/en/

The FCC’s grants underscore the shared goals between AST SpaceMobile and the Commission, including bridging the digital divide, enhancing emergency communications, accelerating digital transformation, and promoting U.S. leadership in the emerging space economy and direct-to-device innovation.

“The FCC USA regulatory approvals represent a pivotal moment for AST SpaceMobile as we advance toward delivering seamless space-based cellular broadband connectivity,” said Vikram Raval Global Head of Regulatory Affairs of AST SpaceMobile.

“Alongside integration efforts with partner networks we are installing five gateways in the United States, and we are now accelerating our path to commercial activity, starting with testing service with off-the-shelf cellular handsets on AT&T and Verizon networks,” said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer of AST SpaceMobile.

The orbiting Block 1 BlueBird satellites will support non-continuous cellular broadband service across the United States and in select markets globally and will target approximately 100% nationwide coverage from space with over 5,600 coverage cells in the United States. The next-generation Block 2 BlueBirds featuring up to 2,400 square-foot communications arrays, are designed to deliver up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of the BlueBird satellites in orbit, enabling peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps, supporting voice, full data, and video applications.

During 2024, AST SpaceMobile secured additional strategic investment from AT&T, Verizon, Google and Vodafone, and new contract awards with the United States Government, directly and through prime contractors. The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, which have over approximately 2.8 billion existing subscribers total, including Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Millicom, Smartfren, Telecom Argentina, MTN, Telstra, Africell, Liberty Latin America and others. AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, Cisneros Group and Bell Canada are also existing investors in AST SpaceMobile.

About AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of AST SpaceMobile to differ materially from those expected and projected. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “continue,” or “should,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside AST SpaceMobile’s control and are difficult to predict.

Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expectations regarding AST SpaceMobile’s strategies and future financial performance, including AST’s future business plans or objectives, expected functionality of the SpaceMobile Service, anticipated timing of the launch of the Block 2 Bluebird satellites, anticipated demand and acceptance of mobile satellite services, prospective performance and commercial opportunities and competitors, the timing of obtaining regulatory approvals, ability to finance its research and development activities, commercial partnership acquisition and retention, products and services, pricing, marketing plans, operating expenses, market trends, revenues, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and AST SpaceMobile’s ability to invest in growth initiatives; (ii) the negotiation of definitive agreements with mobile network operators relating to the SpaceMobile Service that would supersede preliminary agreements and memoranda of understanding and the ability to enter into commercial agreements with other parties or government entities; (iii) the ability of AST SpaceMobile to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees and AST SpaceMobile’s responses to actions of its competitors and its ability to effectively compete; (iv) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (v) the possibility that AST SpaceMobile may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against AST SpaceMobile; and (vii) other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including those in the Risk Factors section of AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024.

AST SpaceMobile cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. AST SpaceMobile cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors in AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. AST SpaceMobile’s securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, AST SpaceMobile disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130886840/en/

Investor Contact:

Scott Wisniewski

[email protected]

Media Contact:

Allison

Eva Murphy Ryan

917-547-7289

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Texas United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Satellite Aerospace Manufacturing Mobile/Wireless Telecommunications

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AST SpaceMobile BlueBirds 1-5 (Graphic: Business Wire)

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Atlas Energy Solutions Announces Pricing of Upsized Underwritten Public Offering of Common Stock

AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. (NYSE: AESI) (“Atlas” or the “Company”) today announced the pricing of an upsized underwritten public offering (the “Offering”) of an aggregate of 11,500,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“common stock”), at a public offering price of $23.00 per share, for total gross proceeds of $264.5 million. In connection with the Offering, the Company has granted the underwriters the option to purchase up to an additional 1,725,000 shares of common stock on the same terms and conditions within 30 days.

The Offering is expected to close on February 3, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds it receives from the Offering (i) to repay indebtedness, which may include a portion of its secured PIK toggle seller note and outstanding borrowings under its credit facility and term loan credit facility, (ii) to fund a portion of the cash consideration for the Company’s previously announced acquisition of Moser Engine Service, Inc. (d/b/a Moser Energy Systems) (the “Moser Acquisition”), including the election to pay the aggregate transaction consideration in cash in lieu of the issuance of stock consideration (the “Cash Option”) or, if the Cash Option has not been exercised, redemption of the stock consideration, if exercised by the Company, subject to market conditions, and (iii) the remainder, if any, for general corporate purposes, including power-related growth capital expenditures following completion of the Moser Acquisition. The Company expects to close the Moser Acquisition in the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The Moser Acquisition is not contingent upon the completion of this Offering and this Offering is not contingent upon the completion of the Moser Acquisition.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Piper Sandler & Co. are acting as lead book-running managers for the Offering. Barclays Capital Inc., BofA Securities, Inc. and Johnson Rice & Company L.L.C. are acting as book-running managers. Capital One Securities, Inc., Drexel Hamilton, LLC, PEP Advisory LLC, Perella Weinberg Partners LP, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Stephens Inc. and The Benchmark Company, LLC are acting as co-managers. The Offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the Offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the Offering.

The Offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, The Offering is being conducted pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”), which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 15, 2024, that became effective upon filing and the corresponding prospectus. A preliminary prospectus supplement thereto has been filed with the SEC. Before investing, prospective investors should read the prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus related to this Offering, and the final prospectus supplement, when available, may be obtained by contacting:

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

Attn: Prospectus Department

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Telephone: 1-866-471-2526

[email protected]

Piper Sandler & Co.

Attn: Prospectus Department

800 Nicollet Mall, J12S03

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

Telephone: 1-800-747-3924

[email protected]

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful without registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Atlas Energy Solutions

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. is a leading proppant producer and proppant logistics provider, serving primarily the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico. We operate 14 proppant production facilities across the Permian Basin with a combined annual production capacity of 29 million tons, including both large-scale in-basin facilities and smaller distributed mining units. We manage a portfolio of leading-edge logistics assets, which includes our 42-mile Dune Express conveyor system. In addition to our conveyor infrastructure, we manage a fleet of over 120 trucks, which are capable of delivering expanded payloads due to our custom-manufactured trailers and patented drop-depot process. Our approach to managing both our proppant production and proppant logistics operations is intently focused on leveraging technology, automation and remote operations to drive efficiencies.

We are a low-cost producer of various high-quality, locally sourced proppants used during the well completion process. We offer both dry and damp sand, and carry various mesh sizes including 100 mesh and 40/70 mesh. Proppant is a key component necessary to facilitate the recovery of hydrocarbons from oil and natural gas wells.

Our logistics platform is designed to increase the efficiency, safety and sustainability of the oil and natural gas industry within the Permian Basin. Proppant logistics is increasingly a differentiating factor affecting customer choice among proppant producers. The cost of delivering sand, even short distances, can be a significant component of customer spending on their well completions given the substantial volumes that are utilized in modern well designs.

We continue to invest in and pursue leading-edge technologies, including autonomous trucking, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence, to support opportunities to gain efficiencies in our operations. These technology-focused investments aim to improve our cost structure and also combine to produce beneficial environmental and community impacts.

While our core business is fundamentally aligned with a lower emissions economy, our core obligation has been, and will always be, to our stockholders. We recognize that maximizing value for our stockholders requires that we optimize the outcomes for our broader stakeholders, including our employees and the communities in which we operate. We are proud of the fact that our approach to innovation in the hydrocarbon industry while operating in an environmentally responsible manner creates immense value. Since our founding in 2017, our core mission has been to improve human beings’ access to the hydrocarbons that power our lives while also delivering differentiated social and environmental progress. Our Atlas team has driven innovation and has produced industry-leading environmental benefits by reducing energy consumption, emissions, and our aerial footprint. We call this Sustainable Environmental and Social Progress.

We were founded in 2017 by Ben M. “Bud” Brigham, our Executive Chairman, and are led by an entrepreneurial team with a history of constructive disruption bringing significant and complementary experience to this enterprise, including the perspective of longtime E&P operators, which provides for an elevated understanding of the end users of our products and services. Our executive management team has a proven track record with a history of generating positive returns and value creation. Our experience as E&P operators was instrumental to our understanding of the opportunity created by in-basin sand production and supply in the Permian Basin, which we view as North America’s premier shale resource and which we believe will remain its most active through economic cycles.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Statements that are predictive or prospective in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or that include the words “may,” “assume,” “forecast,” “position,” “strategy,” “potential,” “continue,” “could,” “will,” “plan,” “project,” “budget,” “predict,” “pursue,” “target,” “seek,” “objective,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate” and other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and trends and that do not relate to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the size and terms of the Offering and our use of proceeds from the Offering; Atlas’s plans to finance the Moser Acquisition; and the receipt of all necessary approvals to close the Moser Acquisition and the timing associated therewith.

Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed or referenced in our filings made from time to time with the SEC, including those discussed in the Registration Statement and the prospectus supplement relating to this Offering, under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2024, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including those discussed in Exhibit 99.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2025. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

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Investor Contact

Kyle Turlington

5918 W Courtyard Drive, Suite #500

Austin, Texas 78730

United States

T: 512-220-1200

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Texas United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Energy Mining/Minerals Logistics/Supply Chain Management Oil/Gas Transport Natural Resources Energy

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AMC Entertainment Elevates Film Executive Nikkole Denson-Randolph to Chief Content Officer in the United States, Reporting to Chairman and CEO Adam Aron – Elizabeth Frank to Sign on as CEO of RealD

LEAWOOD, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AMC), the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and in the world, today announced the promotion of Nikkole Denson-Randolph to the role of Senior Vice President, U.S. Chief Content Officer. In her new role, Denson-Randolph will now oversee AMC’s U.S. film programming, content acquisition, and movie strategy initiatives, along with AMC’s studio and creative community relationships. Denson-Randolph will be based in Los Angeles. She will report directly to AMC Chairman and CEO Adam Aron, and she will serve on AMC’s Executive Committee.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130942209/en/

This leadership transition coincides with the departure of Elizabeth Frank, AMC’s long-time head of Worldwide Programming and Chief Content Officer. Frank will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of RealD, a leading global provider of 3D cinema technology, and AMC’s largest 3D partner.

As part of the leadership transition, Juan Antonio Gomez, Chief Partnership and Content Officer at ODEON Cinemas Group, will lead all film and content programming internationally for AMC Entertainment’s movie theatres outside the United States. Based in London, he will continue to report to Mark Way, President, AMC Europe & Managing Director of ODEON Cinemas Group, and Gomez will continue to serve on the Executive Committee of ODEON.

Denson-Randolph and Gomez will pair and collaborate to ensure that a comprehensive array of film and alternative content continues to be seen on the big screens of AMC and ODEON. They will also strive to strengthen the already superb relationships AMC and ODEON enjoy with movie studios and filmmakers the world over.

During her 16 years at AMC Theatres, Nikkole Denson-Randolph has made a profound impact on the theatrical exhibition industry and millions of moviegoers around the country, through her focus on and dedication to independent film, storytelling, and content that appeals to a wide array of audiences. In her most recent role as Senior Vice President, Content Strategy & Inclusive Programming, Denson led the planning and execution of AMC Theatres Distribution’s two concert films, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour, and Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. She also has worked closely with the major studios through her leadership of AMC’s Programming Promotions team, which leverages AMC’s in-theatre and digital moviegoer engagement to stimulate more frequent movie-going.

Denson-Randolph has spent her AMC career planning, executing, and leading innovative and strategic programs that greatly expand content available to moviegoers. Her extensive work has helped open new avenues for filmmakers and studios to bring their stories to the big screen. AMC Artisan Films, a program designed to celebrate character-driven stories from unique perspectives, launched under Denson-Randolph’s leadership in 2019. Denson-Randolph also led and orchestrated the launch of AMC Independent, a highly popular film program designed to provide AMC Theatres’ guests with on-screen storytelling from around the world and create a direct pipeline for filmmakers who are poised to distribute their own films theatrically.

Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC, expressed his confidence in the leadership that Denson-Randolph will bring to the programming of AMC’s U.S. screens:

“Nikkole Denson-Randolph’s vision, creativity, and unmatched expertise in the film industry have played a vital role in AMC’s success over the past 16 years. Her ability to identify diverse content, elevate unique cinematic voices, and innovate attendance-driving programs has positioned AMC as a leader in showcasing films that resonate with all audiences. She is highly respected internally at AMC and throughout the entertainment industry. I have every confidence that we won’t miss a beat as the baton is passed from Elizabeth Frank to Nikkole.”

Denson-Randolph, who previously served as Director of Business Development for Starbucks Coffee Company’s entertainment group, and as President of Magic Johnson Entertainment, shared her enthusiasm about this new chapter:

“I am honored to take on this incredible opportunity to lead AMC’s film operations in the United States during such an exciting time for the industry. Movies remain a universal language, and AMC is at the forefront of bringing exceptional stories to life on the big screen. I look forward to building on our strong legacy and ensuring that audiences everywhere have access to an extraordinary cinematic experience at AMC Theatres.”

Aron added, “At the same time, I have every confidence that Juan Antonio Gomez will continue to apply his unique industry knowledge to programming our international screens. As I have scoured the movie theatre business across Europe, it has become very clear to me that no one matches Juan Antonio’s ability to get the job done well. ODEON is fortunate to have such a top-tier player in his key leadership role.”

Juan Antonio Gomez said, “I love movies, and love what I do for ODEON Cinemas Group. Since AMC acquired ODEON in 2016, it has been fulfilling for us to jointly evolve into becoming the largest movie theatre company across the globe. As the box office builds, these are exciting times for our industry, and I look forward to continuing to help lead the way internationally for AMC Entertainment.”

As AMC bids farewell to Elizabeth Frank, the company celebrates her many significant contributions. During her 15-year tenure, nearly all of which came at the helm of AMC’s Film Programming & Content department, Frank played a pivotal role in growing AMC from the second-largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States into a global powerhouse, as the largest exhibitor in the United States and in the world.

Adam Aron said, “Elizabeth Frank has played a crucial role in AMC’s evolution, and she has delivered for us over and over again. We thank her for her dedication to AMC and are thrilled for her that she has been offered a CEO role, especially so because RealD is an important programming partner for both AMC and ODEON. As an example of its relevance to AMC, RealD 3D generated $145 million of AMC’s domestic box office in 2024. I am hopeful that Elizabeth can spark growth for RealD 3D, which in turn has the prospect of greatly benefiting AMC and Odeon financially as a result.”

Elizabeth Frank commented on her transition:

“Being a part of AMC’s innovation and expansion has been deeply rewarding for me, both professionally and personally. Through my role at AMC, I have experienced first-hand the potential for 3D to enhance the movie-going experience and increase a movie’s box office performance. I am excited to join RealD now, as industry dynamics position 3D for tremendous growth.”

ABOUT AMC ENTERTAINMENT HOLDINGS, INC.

AMC is the largest movie exhibition company in the United States, the largest in Europe and the largest throughout the world with approximately 900 theatres and 10,000 screens across the globe. AMC has propelled innovation in the exhibition industry by: deploying its Signature power-recliner seats; delivering enhanced food and beverage choices; generating greater guest engagement through its loyalty and subscription programs, website, and mobile apps; offering premium large format experiences and playing a wide variety of content including the latest Hollywood releases and independent programming. In addition, in 2023 AMC launched AMC Theatres Distribution with the highly successful releases of TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR and RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ. AMC Theatres Distribution expects to release more concert films with the world’s leading musical artists in the years ahead. For more information, visit www.amctheatres.com.

Category: Company Release

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130942209/en/

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Ryan Noonan, (913) 213-2183

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Kansas United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: General Entertainment Entertainment Film & Motion Pictures

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AMC Entertainment promotes Nikkole Denson-Randolph to SVP, Chief Content Officer in the United States. (Photo: Business Wire)

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