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Mercer Park Brand Acquisition Corp. Announces Proposed Extension to Facilitate the Completion of its Qualifying Transaction with GH Group, Inc. and Finalized Applicable Redemption Amount per Share

TORONTO, April 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mercer Park Brand Acquisition Corp. (NEO: BRND.A.U; OTCQX: MRCQF), a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) which has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with GH Group, Inc. (the “Glass House Group Transaction”), California’s leading fully-integrated cannabis business, with the right to combine with a state-of-the-art greenhouse and 17 additional dispensary locations that are in the process of applying for licenses, announced today that it is seeking a brief extension in its permitted timeline, from May 13, 2021 to July 30, 2021, to enable the Glass House Group transaction to be completed. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions of closing, the Glass House Group transaction is currently anticipated to close in the first half of June 2021.

A virtual meeting of the holders of Class A Restricted Voting Shares of Mercer Park Brand Acquisition Corp. (BRND) is scheduled to be held on May 5, 2021 at 10:00 am (Toronto time). In connection with the meeting, holders of Class A Restricted Voting Shares are being provided with the opportunity to deposit for redemption all or a portion of their Class A Restricted Voting Shares, irrespective of whether such holders vote for or against, or do not vote on, the extension resolution, provided that they deposit (and do not validly withdraw) their Class A Restricted Voting Shares for redemption prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on April 28, 2021, which is the fifth business day before the date of the meeting.

BRND has updated and finalized its determination of the redemption amount per share to take into account the latest information available to it. BRND now estimates that the amount is approximately US$10.11 per Class A Restricted Voting Share, replacing the US$10.06 per share previously disclosed in the Management Information Circular dated April 5, 2021. The increase relates to an expected tax refund associated with the filing of the fiscal year 2020 income tax return, which was filed on April 14, 2021.

If the extension resolution is approved and the extension is made effective by the Board (which effectiveness would be announced by BRND at that time) BRND shall (a) redeem those Class A Restricted Voting Shares that are deposited (and not validly withdrawn) for redemption, and (b) deliver to each such holder its pro rata portion of the escrow funds available in BRND’s escrow account less certain specified costs. The remainder of the escrow funds shall remain in the escrow account and be available for use by BRND to complete its proposed qualifying acquisition on or before July 30, 2021. The meeting date for the shareholders’ meeting to approve the Glass House Group Transaction is expected to be in late May or early June. Further details of that meeting will be made available in due course.

Holders of Class A Restricted Voting Shares who do not redeem their Class A Restricted Voting Shares will retain their redemption rights and their ability to vote on the qualifying transaction through to July 30, 2021 if the extension resolution is approved and the extension is then made effective.

If the extension resolution is not approved and closing has not occurred by May 13, 2021, then, subject to applicable laws, each Class A Restricted Voting Share will be redeemed for its pro rata portion of the escrow funds available in BRND’s escrow account less certain specified amounts.

The Board may revoke the extension resolution without further approval of Class A Restricted Voting Shareholders of BRND at any time prior to the extension becoming effective in the event that the Board determines not to proceed with the extension.

The record date for the determination of registered holders of Class A Restricted Voting Shares of BRND entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the meeting is the close of business on April 5, 2021 (the “Record Date”). Only holders of Class A Restricted Voting Shares whose names are entered in BRND’s register of shareholders as of the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to receive notice of, and to vote their shares at, the meeting. Registered holders of Class A Restricted Voting Shares of BRND and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to virtually attend, participate, vote and ask questions at the meeting online at web.lumiagm.com/208295271. Class A Restricted Voting Shareholders will not be able to attend the meeting in person. Beneficial holders of Class A Restricted Voting Shares of BRND (being shareholders who hold their shares through a securities dealer or broker, bank, trust company or trustee, custodian, nominee or other intermediary), who have not duly appointed themselves as their proxy will be able to virtually attend the meeting only as guests and to listen to the webcast but not be able to participate, ask questions or vote at the meeting.

The management information circular (the “Circular”) being sent to shareholders contains a detailed description of the extension and other information relating to BRND. We urge you to consider carefully all of the information in the Circular. Shareholders who have any questions or need additional information with respect to the voting of their Class A Restricted Voting Shares should consult their financial, legal, tax or other professional advisors.

About Mercer Park Brand Acquisition Corp.

Mercer Park Brand (“BRND”) is a special purpose acquisition corporation launched in May 2019 to create the leading branded cannabis company in the U.S. For more information about BRND, please visit the BRND website at www.mercerparkbrand.com.

About GH Group, Inc.

Glass House Group is a rapidly growing, vertically integrated, California-focused organization that strives every day to realize its vision of excellence: compelling cannabis brands, produced sustainably, for the benefit of all. Led by a team of expert operators, proven businesspeople, and passionate plant lovers, it is dedicated to delivering rich cannabis experiences with respect for people, for the environment, and for the community, and an abiding commitment to justice, social equity, and sustainability.

Company Contact:

Megan Kulick
T: (646) 977-7914
Email: [email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:

Cody Slach
Gateway Investor Relations
T: (949) 574-3860
Email: [email protected]



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Assure Holdings Announces Acquisition of Elevation

DENVER, April 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Assure Holdings Corp. (the “Company” or “Assure”) (TSXV: IOM; OTCQB: ARHH), a provider of intraoperative neuromonitoring services (“IONM”), is pleased to announce that effective March 15, 2021, and taking the form of an asset purchase agreement, it acquired the assets of (the “Acquisition”) Elevation EP, LLC (“Elevation”), a Texas-based IONM service provider. Assure acquired Elevation’s contracts, employees, business relationships and assets.

Elevation’s operations are based in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area of Texas. In 2020, Elevation performed approximately 550 IONM procedures and approximately 55% of these procedures were commercial insurance payors. Elevation employed two technologists supporting two surgeons at one facility.

“The Acquisition is consistent with our strategic plan to accelerate scale by augmenting the Company’s organic growth with selective M&A opportunities,” said John A. Farlinger, Assure’s executive chairman and CEO. “Elevation has established strong surgeon relationships and shares Assure’s commitment to providing superior IONM services.”

Farlinger added, “We will continue to be opportunistic and active in the M&A market. The Company expects to identify additional IONM assets we believe we can make more valuable on Assure’s platform, leveraging our strength in revenue cycle management and other functional areas.”

Farlinger concluded, “This Acquisition expands our presence in Texas, and we expect to leverage our scale in the state to negotiate new in-network agreements with payors in the local market. We also anticipate tapping into new business opportunities as a result of this transaction.”

“We are proud of the business we have built at Elevation and sought to join Assure given our shared alignment in providing clinical excellence for surgeons and standard of care safety for patients,” said Darla Holder, Elevation’s owner. “With the scale, resources and expertise Assure provides, I am excited about our ability to expand in Texas on a go-forward basis.”

About Assure Holdings

Assure Holdings Corp. is a Colorado-based company that works with neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons to provide a turnkey suite of services that support intraoperative neuromonitoring activities during invasive surgeries. Assure employs its own staff of technologists and uses its own state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, handles 100% of intraoperative neuromonitoring scheduling and setup, and bills for all technical services provided. Assure Neuromonitoring is recognized as providing the highest level of patient care in the industry and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.assureneuromonitoring.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results, developments, performance or achievements that Assure anticipates or expects may or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking information and forward-looking statements. Such information or statements may include, but is not limited to, comments with respect to strategies; expectations; planned operations; future actions of the Company; the reputation of Elevation in the IONM industry; the Acquisition will reinforce the Company’s strategic growth plan; the Acquisition will accelerate the Company’s growth, provide the Company with new business opportunities and negotiate new in-network agreements with payors in Texas. Often, but not always, forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the forgoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Assure to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and the forward-looking statements. Material risk factors include, but are not limited to the following: future capital requirements; growing competition in the IONM industry; the Acquisition may not result in the creation of new business opportunities for the Company; the Acquisition may not allow the Company to negotiate new in-network agreements with payors in Texas and expand its operations in the state; the Company may not continue to be active in the M&A market the uncertainty surrounding the spread of COVID-19 and the impact it will have on the Company’s operations and economic activity in general; that the Company’s actions taken during the COVID-19 health crisis will be effective; and the risks and uncertainties discussed in our most recent annual and quarterly reports filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, which risks and uncertainties are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this release and Assure undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date of this release. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact

Scott Kozak, Investor and Media Relations
Assure Holdings Corp.
1-720-287-3093
[email protected]

 



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PGIM Investments expands active fixed income ETF lineup with launch of core bond fund

PGIM Investments expands active fixed income ETF lineup with launch of core bond fund

PGIM Active Aggregate Bond ETF offers actively managed fixed income at an attractive cost for investors

NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
PGIM Investments is expanding its exchange-traded fund (ETF) lineup with the launch of the PGIM Active Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSE Arca: PAB). PAB is an actively managed fixed income ETF seeking total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. PAB offers core fixed income exposure through a diversified portfolio of investment-grade bonds with an estimated total expense ratio of 0.19%.

“Given the current low-yield environment and potential for increased market volatility, there has been strong client demand for active fixed income solutions,” said Stuart Parker, president and CEO of PGIM Investments. “We are pleased to expand our line-up to include a low-cost active core bond ETF that offers alpha potential with effective risk management via PGIM Fixed Income, one of the largest and most experienced bond managers in the world.”

A Risk-Managed Approach to Active Investing

PGIM Investments’ suite of fixed income ETFs are managed by PGIM Fixed Income, one of the largest and most experienced global fixed income managers in the world, with more than $968 billion in assets under management.1 PGIM Fixed Income’s active investment approach is bolstered by credit research, quantitative research and risk management to help deliver competitive returns and manage volatility.

The PGIM Active Aggregate Bond ETF, managed by senior members of PGIM Fixed Income’s multi-sector team, Richard Piccirillo, Lindsay Rosner and Stewart Wong, includes investment restrictions on characteristics such as duration, quality and sectors in order to manage portfolio risks.

Why Active Fixed Income?

PGIM Investments recently conducted an analysis which found that historically, the majority of active fixed income managers have outperformed their passive peers with a better risk/return profile than the average passive manager. The analysis also found that the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (the “Agg”) provides limited sector diversification for investors, as it is heavily weighted toward low-yielding U.S. government debt. While the PGIM Active Aggregate Bond ETF is benchmarked to the Agg, the ETF will seek to invest in a more broadly diversified portfolio across fixed income sectors, industries and issuers.

PGIM Fixed Income’s multi-sector team employs a collaborative bottom-up research-driven security selection process with an intense focus on industry and issuer credit research to extract multiple sources of alpha through active allocations across fixed income spread sectors.

Learn more about PGIM’s suite of actively managed ETFs.

ABOUT PGIM INVESTMENTS

PGIM Investments LLC and its affiliates offer more than 100 funds globally across a broad spectrum of asset classes and investment styles. All products draw on PGIM’s globally diversified investment platform that encompasses the expertise of managers across fixed income, equities and real estate.

ABOUT PGIM

PGIM, the global asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), ranks among the top 10 largest asset managers in the world2 with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2020. With offices in 16 countries, PGIM’s businesses offer a range of investment solutions for retail and institutional investors around the world across a broad range of asset classes, including public fixed income, private fixed income, fundamental equity, quantitative equity, real estate and alternatives. For more information about PGIM, visit pgim.com.

Prudential’s additional businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities and retirement-related services. For more information about Prudential, please visit news.prudential.com.

1   

As of Dec. 31, 2020.

2   

Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) is the 10th largest investment manager (out of 527 firms surveyed) in terms of global assets under management based on Pensions & Investments’ Top Money Managers list published on June 1, 2020. This ranking represents global assets under management by PFI as of March 31, 2020.

Fund Risk Information

The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) and, thus, does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. The Fund actively and frequently trades its portfolio securities which can result in high portfolio turnover and correspondingly greater transaction and brokerage costs. As an ETF, the Fund’s shares trade on an exchange and are subject to ETF shares trading risk, including that the Fund’s shares may trade at a premium or discount to net asset value; during periods may become less liquid; potentially may lack an active trading market, which may result in significant losses if you sell your shares of the Fund during these periods; and may be subject to authorized participant concentration risk, since the Fund has a limited number of intermediaries that act as authorized participants and none of these authorized participants are or will be obligated to engage in creation or redemption transactions. To the extent that these intermediaries exit the business or are unable to or choose not to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other authorized participant creates or redeems, shares of the Fund may trade at a discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting. The Fund may be subject to the risk of increased expenses, meaning that your actual cost of investing in the Fund may be higher than the expense shown in the expense table, as well as the cost of buying or selling shares, since when you buy or sell shares of the Fund through a broker, you will likely incur brokerage commission or other charges; and cash transaction risk, which is the risk that the Fund (which may affect creation and redemptions in cash or partially in cash) may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that distributes portfolio securities in-kind. As a new and relatively small fund with limited operating history, the Fund is subject to the risk that its performance might not represent how it may perform long term and investments may have disproportionate impact on performance. Fixed income investments are subject to credit, market, and interest rate risks (including duration risk and prepayment risk), and their value will decline as interest rates rise; call and redemption risk, where the issuer may call a bond held by the Fund for redemption before it matures and the Fund may lose income; liquidity risk, which exists when particular investments are difficult to sell; emerging markets risk, which exposes the Fund to greater volatility and price declines. The Fund may invest in foreign securities, which generally involve more risk than investing in U.S. issuers, including political, legal, and economic uncertainty; structured products, which are subject to issuer repayment and counterparty risk; derivatives, which may carry market, credit, and liquidity risks; and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, which are subject to prepayment, extension, and interest rate risks. The Fund may be subject to management risk, where the value of your investment may decrease if judgments by the subadviser are incorrect; economic and markets event risk, meaning that events in global financial markets could result in high market volatility, market disruption and geopolitical risks, meaning that international wars or conflicts and geopolitical developments including terrorist attacks and outbreaks of infectious diseases could negatively impact interest rates, market volatility and security pricing, and market risk, where the value of investments may decrease and securities markets are volatile. U.S. government and agency securities and U.S. Treasury bills are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, are less volatile than equity investments, and provide a guaranteed return of principal at maturity. Large shareholders could subject the Fund to large scale redemption risk. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. These risks may increase the Fund’s share price volatility. The risks associated with the Fund are more fully explained in the prospectus and summary prospectus. There is no guarantee the Fund’s objective will be achieved.

This material is being provided for informational or educational purposes only and does not take into account the investment objectives or financial situation of any client or prospective clients. The information is not intended as investment advice and is not a recommendation. Clients seeking information regarding their particular investment needs should contact a financial professional.

Consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the fund. Contact your financial professional for a prospectus and summary prospectus. Read them carefully before investing.

Funds are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, a Prudential Financial company. PGIM Fixed Income is an affiliate of PGIM. © 2021 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. The PGIM logo is a service mark of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency, may lose value, and are not a deposit of or guaranteed by any bank or any bank affiliate.

1047094-00001-00

Kylie Scott

973-902-2503

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New Jersey

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Professional Services Professional Services Insurance Finance

MEDIA:

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TextNow Names Evan Fein CFO to Accelerate Growth Plans

San Francisco and Waterloo, April 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TextNow, the leading mobile app offering free cellular and WiFi-enabled phone service, today announced that Evan Fein has joined its senior leadership team as Chief Financial Officer. Evan brings more than 25 years of financial management experience to TextNow, where he will oversee financial activities while helping position the company for growth and offering strategic guidance as the business scales.  

Evan is a strategic financial executive with a strong track record leading growth stage technology companies. Prior to TextNow, Evan was Chief Financial Officer at Chef Software, which he led through its successful acquisition by Progress Software in October 2020. Evan also served as CFO of Impinj (NASDAQ:PI) from 2000 to 2018, where he helped to secure more than $100 million in private funding before leading the company through an initial public offering and follow-on offering on the NASDAQ.  

“The telecommunications industry is ripe for disruption and I think there is a terrific opportunity for TextNow to change how mobile service is delivered,” said Evan Fein, Chief Financial Officer at TextNow. “The company has already built a market-leading product offering, and I’m excited to help grow the business while continuing to deliver on our mission to bring communication to everyone.” 

Evan has received numerous financial industry accolades for his work, including being named the Most Innovative CFO by Armanino LLP in 2019. He was also ranked a Top CFO in the Small Cap Technology, Media & Telecommunications sector by Institutional Investor in 2017 and CFO of the Year by the Puget Sound Business Journal in 2014. 

“With the rapid growth we’ve experienced, Evan will strengthen our senior leadership team and help us continue to scale the company,” said Derek Ting, CEO of TextNow. “His experience leading growth stage companies and strategic expertise will be invaluable as we continue to scale our platform and grow our business.” 

Based in Seattle, Evan earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington. An active angel investor and advisor to numerous technology companies, Evan serves as a board member for the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) and the University of Washington Center for Leadership and Strategic Thinking.   

About TextNow 
Founded in 2009, TextNow is the largest provider of free phone service in the U.S. With offices in San Francisco, Waterloo, and Portland, the TextNow app has been downloaded more than 200 million times globally, helping millions of people stay connected with a free phone number and ad-supported calling and texting over WiFi and a nationwide LTE network. For more information visit https://www.textnow.com/.

Attachment 



Nick de Pass
TextNow
6472165897
[email protected]

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Longeveron Announces Successful Completion of Phase I/II Clinical Study of Lomecel-B Infusion in Aging Frailty Subjects to Improve Immune Response Following Influenza Vaccination

Study intended to evaluate safety, and potential immunomodulatory effect of Lomecel-B on aging-associated decline in antibody response to vaccines in vulnerable population.

Trial funded in part by a grant from Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Top-line data expected in Q3 2021

MIAMI, April 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Longeveron Inc. (NASDAQ: LGVN) (“Longeveron” or “Company”), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing cellular therapies for chronic, aging-related and life-threatening conditions, announced today the completion of the Company’s Phase I/II clinical study of the use of Lomecel-B to improve immune response to influenza (“flu”) vaccine in subjects with Aging Frailty. Lomecel-B is an allogeneic, bone marrow-derived medicinal signaling cell (MSC) product manufactured under current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) by Longeveron.

The two-phase, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted at 7 hospitals and clinics throughout Florida and Maryland, and was supported in part by a grant from Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) under the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

It is well established that an aging immune system is less effective at producing protective antibodies following vaccination, and this reduced immune response contributes to the aging process in general (referred to as “inflammaging” by geriatricians). People with aging frailty are more prone to inflammaging and are more likely to have greater susceptibility to infectious diseases and reduced responses to vaccination. Although commercially available vaccines against influenza provide protection and likely lasting immunological memory in children and adults, they are much less effective in older and frail individuals.

Lomecel-B has the potential to reduce inflammation associated with Aging Frailty, and to promote an anti-inflammatory state by releasing anti-inflammatory molecules, which can balance the immune system and improve the function of B lymphocytes. As B cells are responsible for antibody production in response to vaccines, Lomecel-B may boost antibody generation and immunity following vaccination in subjects with Aging Frailty.

It is anticipated that the top-line trial results will be announced in the 3rd quarter of 2021. In the open-label Phase I trial, elderly subjects considered to be mild-to-moderately frail per the Clinical Frailty Scale were randomized to receive a single peripheral intravenous (i.v.) infusion of Lomecel-B either one week or four weeks before administration of the flu vaccine to evaluate whether timing of administration of Lomecel-B relative to the vaccine resulted in a significant difference in immune response. Based on the phase 1 results, administration of Lomecel-B one week in advance of flu vaccination was selected for the Phase II randomized, placebo-controlled trial. In Phase II, a total of 39 subjects were enrolled and treated, with 20 receiving placebo and 19 receiving Lomecel-B. The primary objectives of the study were to assess safety, and efficacy of Lomecel-B to improve response to flu vaccine through measurement of serum antibodies. Additional efficacy measures include assessments of physical strength and endurance, quality-of-life (QOL) and activities of daily living (ADL) assessments, cognitive function, and blood-based biomarkers.

“Completion of this clinical study to investigate Lomecel-B as a new therapeutic approach to boost immune response serves as an important initial step to meet the critical unmet medical need for those with Aging Frailty, who often respond poorly to vaccines,” said Sean Leng, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health and the study’s principal investigator.

“This is an important milestone in Longeveron’s overall Aging Frailty research program and commitment to finding biological solutions for aging. The Longeveron clinical trial spectrum includes our Phase 2b Aging Frailty study that completed in February, our Phase 2 Japanese Aging Frailty study which we intend to initiate this year, and our Aging Frailty Treatment Registry Trial in Nassau, Bahamas,” stated Geoff Green, CEO of Longeveron. “From the inception of Longeveron, we have focused our efforts on using a regenerative medicine approach to treat chronic, aging-related diseases and conditions, such as frailty and Alzheimer’s disease, with the goal of improving healthspan.”
  
About Aging Frailty

Aging Frailty is a life-threatening geriatric condition affecting approximately 15% of Americans over the age of 65, or 8.1 million individuals. Aging Frailty patients are vulnerable to poor clinical outcomes compared to their age-matched peers despite sharing similar comorbidities and demographics, and therefore it is considered by some as an extreme form of unsuccessful aging. Clinically, frailty manifests as a combination of symptoms and signs that include loss of muscle and decreased strength, slowed walking, low physical activity and energy levels, poor endurance, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss and fatigue. Aging Frailty is also associated with chronic low-level inflammation that also impairs the function of the immune system. Individuals with Aging Frailty have decreased reserves and a reduced ability to cope with minor illnesses or stressors that would normally have minimal impact, such as an infection or a fall. As a result, the individual may be more likely to be hospitalized, need long term care or die. Inflammation can contribute to the physical decline in Aging Frailty through multiple mechanisms, including detrimental effects on muscles, bone tissue, the immune system, cardiovascular function, and cognition. A consequence of the impaired immune function (i.e. B lymphocytes) in frail individuals is a significantly reduced ability to effectively produce antibodies and generate immunity in response to vaccination. Therefore, improving immunity in this population may reduce the associated adverse health outcomes.   

Treatment of Aging Frailty and promotion of healthy aging are recognized priorities of the National Academy of Medicine and NIA/NIH. Despite the pressing need for interventions, there are no FDA-approved therapies for Aging Frailty or for improving immunity in response to vaccination in the frail elderly.

About Longeveron Inc.

Longeveron is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing cellular therapies for specific aging-related and life-threatening conditions. The Company’s lead investigational product is the LOMECEL-B™ cell-based therapy product (“Lomecel-B”), which is derived from culture-expanded medicinal signaling cells (MSCs) that are sourced from bone marrow of young, healthy adult donors. Longeveron believes that by using the same cells that promote tissue repair, organ maintenance, and immune system function, it can develop safe and effective therapies for some of the most difficult disorders associated with the aging process and other medical disorders. Longeveron is currently sponsoring Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in the following indications: Aging Frailty, Alzheimer’s disease, the Metabolic Syndrome, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The Company’s mission is to advance Lomecel-B and other cell-based product candidates into pivotal Phase 3 trials, with the goal of achieving regulatory approvals, subsequent commercialization and broad use by the healthcare community. Additional information about the Company is available at www.longeveron.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current expectations, assumptions, and estimates of future performance and economic conditions, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the statements made herein. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “expects,” “may,” “looks to,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “on condition,” “target,” “see,” “potential,” “estimates,” “preliminary,” or “anticipates” or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussion of strategy or goals or other future events, circumstances, or effects. Moreover, forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements about the ability of our clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy of our product candidates, and other positive results; the timing and focus of our ongoing and future preclinical studies and clinical trials; the size of the market opportunity for our product candidates, the beneficial characteristics, safety, efficacy and therapeutic effects of our product candidates; our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our product candidates, our plans and ability to obtain or protect intellectual property rights, including extensions of existing patent terms where available and our ability to avoid infringing the intellectual property rights of others. Further information relating to factors that may impact the Company’s results and forward-looking statements are disclosed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation, other than imposed by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact:

Crescendo Communications, LLC
Tel: 212-671-1020
Email: [email protected]

Source: Longeveron Inc



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Mitesco, Inc. to Present at Planet MicroCap Showcase

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, April 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire — Mitesco, Inc. (OTCQB: MITI) (“Mitesco” or the “Company”), a leading operator of wellness clinics that combines technology and customized personal care plans, today announced that management will present at the Planet MicroCap Showcase, taking place virtually April 20-22, 2021.

The Planet MicroCap Showcase virtual event brings together some of the most promising companies for three days of company presentations, one-on-one meetings and educational panels. 

Larry Diamond, CEO of Mitesco, is scheduled to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors throughout the event and will host a virtual presentation as follows:

The Planet MicroCap Showcase

Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021

Time: 9:00 a.m. Eastern time 

Webcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2059/40779 

A live audio webcast and archive of the event presentation will be available using the webcast link above. For more information on the Planet MicroCap Showcase, to schedule a 1-on-1, or to register for the event, please visit www.planetmicrocapshowcase.com.

Our Operations and Subsidiaries: The Good Clinic, LLC, and Acelerar Healthcare Holdings, LTD.

The Good Clinic, LLC (www.thegoodclinic.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitesco N.A. LLC, the holding company for North American operations. The Good Clinic plans to build out a network of clinics using the latest telehealth technology with nurse practitioners operating as its primary healthcare provider. It will begin in Minneapolis and plans to expand nationwide. Today, 23 states facilitate nurse practitioners practicing to the full scope of their skills and training. The executive team at The Good Clinic™ includes several of the key executives who brought Minute Clinic (previously known as Quickmedix) to scale, which was acquired by CVS for $170 million in 2006.

Acelerar Healthcare Holdings, LTD. is the Company’s wholly owned, Dublin, Ireland-based entity for its future European operations.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than the statement of historical fact contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some case, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate, “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology and include statements regarding  plans to build out a nationwide network of clinics using the latest telehealth technology with  nurse practitioners operating as its primary healthcare provider. These forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of the press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, our ability to expand The Good Clinic concept of care to additional locations as planned, and the other factors discussed in Mitesco, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Greg Falesnik or Brooks Hamilton

MZ Group – MZ North America 

1-949-546-6326

[email protected]



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Overstock Scheduled to Release Q1 2021 Financial Results on April 29

SALT LAKE CITY, April 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK), a leading e-commerce home furnishings retailer and advocate of blockchain technology, is scheduled to release first quarter financial results for the period ended March 31, 2021, on Thursday, April 29, 2021, before the market opens. The company has scheduled a conference call and webcast for 8:30am ET that day to discuss these results and take questions from participants during the live event. Questions may also be submitted to [email protected] in advance.

Webcast Information

To access the live webcast and presentation slides, visit http://investors.overstock.com. To listen to the conference call via telephone, dial (877) 673-5346 and enter conference ID number 5898642 when prompted. Participants outside the U.S. or Canada who do not have internet access should dial +1 (724) 498-4326 and enter the conference ID provided above when prompted.

Replay

A replay of the conference call will be available at http://investors.overstock.com two hours after the live call has ended. An audio replay of the webcast will be available via telephone starting at 11:30am ET on Thursday, April 29, 2021, through 11:30am ET on Thursday, May 13, 2021. To listen to the recorded webcast by phone, dial (855) 859-2056 and enter the conference ID provided above. Outside the U.S. or Canada, dial +1 (404) 537-3406 and enter the conference ID provided above.

About Overstock

Overstock.com, Inc Common Stock (NASDAQ:OSTK) / Series A-1 Preferred Stock (tZERO ATS:OSTKO) / Series B Preferred Stock (OTCQX:OSTBP) is an online retailer and technology company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Its leading e-commerce website sells a broad range of new home products at low prices, including furniture, décor, rugs, bedding, home improvement, and more. The online shopping site, which is visited by tens of millions of customers a month, also features a marketplace providing customers access to millions of products from third-party sellers. Overstock was the first major retailer to accept cryptocurrency in 2014, and in the same year founded Medici Ventures, its wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to the development and acceleration of blockchain technologies to democratize capital, eliminate middlemen, and re-humanize commerce. Overstock regularly posts information about the Company and other related matters on the Newsroom and Investor Relations pages on its website, Overstock.com.

O, Overstock.com, O.com, Club O, and Worldstock are registered trademarks of Overstock.com, Inc. Other service marks, trademarks and trade names which may be referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including but not limited to statements regarding quarterly earnings reporting. Additional information regarding factors that could materially affect results and the accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained herein may be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021, and in our subsequent filings with the SEC.


Contacts

Investor Relations:
Alexis Callahan
801-947-5126
[email protected]
Media Relations:
Megan Herrick
801-947-3564
[email protected]



Posted on

Royal Bank of Canada to redeem Non-Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset First Preferred Shares, Series BK and Non-Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset First Preferred Shares, Series BM

Canada NewsWire

TORONTO, April 15, 2021 /CNW/ – Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) today announced its intention to redeem all of its issued and outstanding Non-Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset First Preferred Shares, Series BK (Series BK shares) (TSX: RY.PR.Q) on May 24, 2021, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share to be paid on May 25, 2021. Royal Bank of Canada also announced its intention to redeem all of its issued and outstanding Non-Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset First Preferred Shares, Series BM (Series BM shares) (TSX: RY.PR.R) on August 24, 2021, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share to be paid on August 24, 2021.

There are 29,000,000 Series BK shares outstanding, representing $725 million of capital and 30,000,000 Series BM shares outstanding, representing $750 million of capital. The redemptions will be financed out of the general corporate funds of Royal Bank of Canada.

The final quarterly dividend of $0.34375 for each of the Series BK shares will be paid separately from the redemption price and in the usual manner on May 21, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 22, 2021. After such dividend payment, the holders of Series BK shares will cease to be entitled to dividends. The final quarterly dividend for each of the Series BM shares, subject to declaration by the board of directors, will be paid separately from the redemption price for each of the Series BM Shares and in the usual manner on August 24, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 26, 2021. After such dividend payments, the holders of Series BM shares will cease to be entitled to dividends.

SOURCE Royal Bank of Canada

Posted on

AGF Announces Results of Special Meetings of Securityholders of AGF Group of Funds

TORONTO, April 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Following special meetings of securityholders held on April 14, 2021, AGF Investment Inc. (AGFI) announces that securityholders approved the proposed changes to the investment objectives of AGF Diversified Income Class and AGF Diversified Income Fund, as follows:

Fund Current Investment Objective New Investment Objective
AGF Diversified Income Fund

(to be renamed AGF Global Sustainable Balanced Fund)

 The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve a high level of current income and long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of income, dividend and distribution paying Canadian securities including common shares, income trusts and other types of equity and fixed income securities. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide long-term growth of capital through a combination of capital appreciation and interest income by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed income securities which fit the Fund’s concept of sustainable development.
AGF Diversified Income Class

(to be renamed AGF Global Sustainable Balanced Class)

 The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve a high level of current income and long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in units of AGF Diversified Income Fund. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in units of AGF Global Sustainable Balanced Fund (formerly named AGF Diversified Income Fund).

The new investment objectives and strategies will be implemented by AGFI on or about April 30, 2021. In connection with the change in investment objectives and strategies, the following additional changes will be made to AGF Diversified Income Class and AGF Diversified Income Fund, as applicable:

  • Name Change: AGF Diversified Income Class will change its name to “AGF Global Sustainable Balanced Class” and AGF Diversified Income Fund will change its name to “AGF Global Sustainable Balanced Fund”.
  • Management Fee Reduction: Effective on or about May 1, 2021, the management fee for the MF Series of each fund will be reduced from 2.35% to 1.90%. The management fees for all other series of the funds will remain the same.
  • Change in Distribution Frequency: The distribution frequency for AGF Diversified Income Fund will change from monthly to annually. The last monthly distribution for AGF Diversified Income Fund is expected to be on or about April 30, 2021. There will be no dividend policy change for AGF Diversified Income Class.
  • Risk Rating Changes:  The risk ratings of the funds are anticipated to change from “low” to “low to medium” upon adoption of the new investment objective.

Following implementation of the new investment objectives, AGFI will file an updated Simplified Prospectus, Annual Information Form and Fund Facts for these funds reflecting the foregoing changes.

Additional information regarding the change in investment objectives, and other associated changes, is provided in the funds’ management information circular, which is available on www.AGF.com and www.sedar.com.

About AGF Management Limited

Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. AGF brings a disciplined approach to delivering excellence in investment management through its fundamental, quantitative, alternative and high-net-worth businesses focused on providing an exceptional client experience. AGF’s suite of investment solutions extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and individual investors to institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds and endowments and foundations.

AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America, Europe and Asia. With over $40 billion in total assets under management, AGF serves more than 700,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual fund securities are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurances the fund will be able to obtain its net asset value at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the fund will be returned to you.

Media Contact

Amanda Marchment
Director, Corporate Communications
416-865-4160
[email protected]



Posted on

Atlantic Power Provides an Update on Convertible Debentureholder Meeting

PR Newswire

DEDHAM, Mass., April 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Atlantic Power Corporation (NYSE: AT) (TSX: ATP) (“Atlantic Power” or the “Company”) announced today that the parties to the previously announced proposed transaction among Atlantic Power, Atlantic Power Preferred Equity Ltd. (“APPEL”), Atlantic Power Limited Partnership (“APLP”) and certain affiliates (collectively the “Purchasers”) of infrastructure funds managed by I Squared Capital Advisors (US) LLC (the “Transaction”) are continuing to work through the steps required to close the Transaction without the approval of holders of the Company’s 6.00% Series E convertible unsecured subordinated debentures due January 31, 2025 (the “Convertible Debentures”).

It is expected that these steps will still offer to the holders of Convertible Debentures the benefit of the “make whole premium” contemplated by the indenture governing the Convertible Debentures. Additional details will be provided once these steps are substantially finalized.

As previously announced, the parties intend to close the Transaction without the approval of the holders of the Convertible Debentures unless a sufficient number of Convertible Debentures are voted in favor of the Transaction as currently structured.

In the interim, the Company also announced that it is adjourning the meeting (the “Debentureholder Meeting”) of holders of the Convertible Debentures currently scheduled to be held at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on April 15, 2021 to consider the Transaction. The Debentureholder Meeting is being adjourned until 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on April 29, 2021. Holders of Convertible Debentures are urged to submit their proxies or voting instructions well in advance of the revised proxy cut-off time of 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on April 27, 2021. Unless a sufficient number of Convertible Debentures are voted in favor of the Transaction as currently structured, it is expected that the adjourned Debentureholder Meeting will be cancelled and the condition precedent to the Transaction that the holders of the Convertible Debentures approve the Transaction will be mutually waived.

The Transaction remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including court approval of the Transaction, approval of the holders of Convertible Debentures, certain remaining regulatory approvals and third-party consents and other customary closing conditions. As previously disclosed, the Transaction has already received approval from the holders of common shares of the Company, preferred shares of APPEL and medium term notes of APLP, and the Transaction has also received certain required regulatory approvals, including an advance ruling certificate from the Canadian Commissioner of Competition under the Competition Act (Canada) on February 5, 2021, the expiration of the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 on March 9, 2021, and the approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on April 2, 2021. The parties currently expect to close the Transaction in the second quarter of 2021.

About Atlantic Power

Atlantic Power is an independent power producer that owns power generation assets in eleven states in the United States and two provinces in Canada. The Company’s generation projects sell electricity and steam to investment-grade utilities and other creditworthy large customers predominantly under long–term PPAs that have expiration dates ranging from 2021 to 2043. The Company seeks to minimize its exposure to commodity prices through provisions in the contracts, fuel supply agreements and hedging arrangements. The projects are diversified by geography, fuel type, technology, dispatch profile and offtaker (customer). Approximately 75% of the projects in operation are 100% owned and directly operated and maintained by the Company. The Company has expertise in operating most fuel types, including gas, hydro, and biomass, and it owns a 40% interest in one coal project.

Atlantic Power’s shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AT and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ATP. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.atlanticpower.com or contact:

Atlantic Power Corporation 
Investor Relations
(617) 977-2700 
[email protected]

Copies of the Company’s financial data and other publicly filed documents are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml under “Atlantic Power Corporation” or on the Company’s website.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which reflect the expectations of management regarding the future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities of the Company and its projects. These statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company’s future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of the words “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “targets”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, “outlook”, “objective”, or “continue”, or equivalents or variations, including negative variations, of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results, “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Examples of such statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to whether the Transaction will close, the anticipated timing of any such closing of the Transaction and the timing and outcome of any Debentureholder Meeting, and the parties’ intentions with respect to the Convertible Debentures if the Transaction is not approved by the required percentage of holders of the Convertible Debentures.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not or the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. Please refer to the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Information” in the Company’s periodic reports as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) from time to time for a detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what are believed to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atlantic-power-provides-an-update-on-convertible-debentureholder-meeting-301269794.html

SOURCE Atlantic Power Corporation