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indie Semiconductor Introduces Ultrasonic Automotive Parking-Assist Solutions

indie Semiconductor Introduces Ultrasonic Automotive Parking-Assist Solutions

Addresses Growing Demand for Enhanced Safety Features in Vehicles; Products Fully Qualified to Stringent AEC-Q100 Requirements

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
indie Semiconductor, an Autotech solutions innovator, which is currently in the process of merging with Thunder Bridge Acquisition II, Ltd. (Nasdaq: THBR), a special purpose acquisition company, today unveiled a family of high-performance sensing solutions supporting automotive parking-assist applications. Leveraging its mixed signal, digital signal processing (DSP) and power management expertise, indie’s highly integrated Echosense™ and Sonosense™ devices incorporate proprietary DSP algorithms that reduce hardware requirements and lower overall costs. The solutions embody the company’s holistic and optimized approach to solving the Autotech industry’s most challenging architectural issues.

“With increasing global concerns over enhanced safety, automotive manufacturers are actively including features such as intelligent parking-assist systems into their vehicles,” said Paul Hollingworth, indie’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “indie is excited to be enabling differentiated technologies that support advanced driver assistance systems, and ultimately fully autonomous vehicles. Our Echosense™ and Sonosense™ platforms provide OEMs with comprehensive architectures that simplify their design cycles, offer significant cost advantages and deliver the safety benefits drivers demand.”

In addition to its suite of parking-assist solutions, indie is also developing cutting-edge platforms for computer vision cameras, FMCW LiDAR, radar and sensor fusion applications serving Tier 1 customers and major automotive OEMs.

indie’s products serve four types of automotive applications: safety systems, connected car, user experience and electrification. According to IHS research, these key functions are projected to grow at a 19 percent compounded annual growth rate, from $16 billion in 2020 to $38 billion by 2025, substantially outpacing the broader global automotive semiconductor market during the same period.

About Sonosense™ and Echosense™

Sonosense™ (iND83207) and Echosense™ (iND83208) are high performance, ultrasonic automotive parking-assist solutions. Both incorporate a powerful 32-bit ARM® M0 core with 64kB of FLASH and 16kB of SRAM. A low-noise receiver is combined with proprietary DSP hardware to detect object echoes. Object identification algorithms are implemented in the ARM® M0 core, reducing the hardware requirements of the devices and substantially lowering overall system cost. Both devices include an integrated power management unit (PMU) directly connected to the car battery, from which all the supplies required by the device are generated. Connectivity is provided through fully-integrated LIN interfaces.

The Echosense™ ultrasound transducer is driven by a high-voltage full-bridge driver enabling a transformer-less solution. Sonosense™ integrates two regulated current sources for driving the primary side of a center-tapped transformer, with the secondary side powering an ultrasonic transducer.

For more information about these devices and other indie solutions, please contact [email protected].

About indie

indie is empowering the Autotech revolution with next generation automotive semiconductors and software platforms. We focus on edge sensors for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including LiDAR, connected car, user experience and electrification applications. These technologies represent the core underpinnings of both electric and autonomous vehicles, while the advanced user interfaces transform the in-cabin experience to mirror and seamlessly connect to the mobile platforms we rely on every day. We are an approved vendor to Tier 1 partners and our solutions can be found in marquee automotive OEMs around the world. Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, CA, indie has design centers and sales offices in Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Detroit, MI; San Francisco and San Jose, CA; Budapest, Hungary; Dresden, Germany; Edinburgh, Scotland and various locations throughout China.

Please visit us at www.indiesemi.com to learn more.

In December 2020, indie announced it entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Thunder Bridge Acquisition II, Ltd. (Nasdaq: THBR), a special purpose acquisition company. The transaction is expected to close in early Spring 2021, subject to regulatory and stockholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions. The combined company will retain the indie Semiconductor name and be listed on Nasdaq under the new ticker symbol “INDI.”

About Thunder Bridge Acquisition II, Ltd.

Thunder Bridge Acquisition II, Ltd. is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. In August 2019, Thunder Bridge Acquisition II, Ltd. consummated a $345 million initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 34.5 million units (reflecting the underwriters’ exercise of their over-allotment option in full), each unit consisting of one of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares and one-half warrant, each whole warrant enabling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share. Thunder Bridge Acquisition II’s securities are quoted on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbols THBRU, THBR and THBRW.

Additional Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, Thunder Bridge Acquisition II filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Form S-4”), which includes a proxy statement/prospectus, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 25, 2021, which was amended on March 23, 2021, and intends to file any and all additional relevant materials and other documents, as they become available, regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. All persons, including Thunder Bridge Acquisition II’s shareholders are urged to read, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, included in the Form S-4, and the amendments thereto and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and documents incorporated by reference therein filed in connection with the proposed business combination, as these materials will contain important information about indie, Thunder Bridge Acquisition II and the proposed business combination. Promptly after the Form S-4 is declared effective by the SEC, Thunder Bridge Acquisition II will mail the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and a proxy card to each shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting relating to the approval of the Business Combination and other proposals set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and shareholders of Thunder Bridge Acquisition II are urged to carefully read the entire Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus, when they become available, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. The documents filed by Thunder Bridge Acquisition II with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to Thunder Bridge Acquisition II, Ltd., 9912 Georgetown Pike, Suite D203, Great Falls, Virginia, 22066, Attention: Secretary, or by calling (202) 431-0507.

Participants in the Solicitation

indie Semiconductor and Thunder Bridge Acquisition II and their respective directors and executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from Thunder Bridge Acquisition II shareholders with respect to the business combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Thunder Bridge Acquisition II or indie Semiconductor is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed business combination included in the Form S-4, which is available at www.sec.gov. Information about Thunder Bridge Acquisition II’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Thunder Bridge Acquisition II ordinary shares is set forth in Thunder Bridge Acquisition II prospectus, dated August 9, 2019 and in the proxy statement/prospectus included in the Form S-4, as may be modified or supplemented by any Form 3 or Form 4 filed with the SEC since the date of such filings. These documents can be obtained free of charge from www.sec.gov.

Forward Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our addressable market, our intentions to merge with Thunder Bridge Acquisition II; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. In addition to factors previously disclosed in Thunder Bridge Acquisition II’s reports filed with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this communication, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: inability to meet the closing conditions to the business combination, including the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive agreement; the inability to complete the transactions contemplated by the definitive agreement due to the failure to obtain approval of Thunder Bridge Acquisition II’s shareholders; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed business combination, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and in Thunder Bridge Acquisition II’s other filings with the SEC. Indie cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive.

All information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof in the case of information about Thunder Bridge Acquisition II and indie or the date of such information in the case of information from persons other than Thunder Bridge Acquisition II or indie, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication except as required by law.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities nor shall it constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

indie Media Relations:

Pilar Barrigas

949-608-0854

[email protected]

indie Investor Relations:

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Semiconductor Automotive General Automotive Technology Other Technology Software

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Legion Partners Nominates Seven Highly-Qualified, Independent Candidates for Election to Genesco’s Board

Legion Partners Nominates Seven Highly-Qualified, Independent Candidates for Election to Genesco’s Board

Issues Letter to Shareholders that Details the Case for Meaningful Boardroom Change and Highlights how Transforming Genesco into a Stronger, More Focused Company Can Unlock Significant Value

Seeks to Hold the Board Accountable for Presiding over Years of Chronic Underperformance, Deteriorating Operating Results, Inadequate Strategic Planning and Poor Capital Allocation Decisions

Raises Concerns About the Board’s Commitment to Sound Corporate Governance in Light of its 10-Year Average Director Tenure, Meager Shareholdings and Questionable Compensation Decisions

Underscores that Legion Partners has Recruited a Diverse Slate with the Corporate Governance Acumen, Capital Markets Expertise, Leadership Skills and Retail Sector Experience Needed to Transform Genesco for the Benefit of All Stakeholders

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Legion Partners Asset Management, LLC (together with its affiliates, “Legion Partners” or “we”), which collectively with the other participants in its solicitation beneficially owns approximately 5.6% of the outstanding common shares of Genesco, Inc. (NYSE: GCO) (“Genesco” or the “Company”), today issued a letter to shareholders in connection with its nomination of seven highly-qualified and independent individuals for election to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Marjorie L. Bowen, Thomas M. Kibarian, Margenett Moore-Roberts, Dawn H. Robertson, Patricia M. Ross, Georgina L. Russell and Hobart P. Sichel.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210412005498/en/

Legion Partners, which is a top five shareholder of Genesco, has invested in the Company multiple times over the years and knows its brands and operating businesses exceptionally well. We also possess a record of advocating for value-enhancing actions that previously benefited our fellow Genesco shareholders, including incremental Board refreshment in 2018 and the divestiture of Lids Sports Group in early 2019. Unfortunately, we believe that the Board has failed to build on the momentum we helped establish and the Company is now on a concerning, downward trajectory that could result in the permanent impairment of value. This is why we are seeking to facilitate meaningful boardroom change and a long overdue transformation at Genesco.

A high-level overview of the issues detailed in today’s letter includes:

  • The Board has Presided Over Years of Financial Underperformance – Over various time horizons, Genesco has dramatically underperformed its peers, the Russell 2000 Index, the S&P 1500 Footwear Index and the S&P 500 Index.
  • The Board has Overseen Deteriorating Operating Performance –Over the past several years, Genesco’s operating performance and returns on invested capital have steadily declined. We believe this reflects the incumbents’ collective inability to help management achieve better execution and deliver enhanced margins.
  • We Believe the Board has Consistently Misallocated Capital – As detailed in our letter, we contend that a major contributor to Genesco’s poor performance is the Company’s illogical commitment to a conglomerate holding company structure and private equity investing model. In our view, poor acquisitions have consistently resulted in abysmal returns and prevented management from focusing on bolstering operations and pursuing the right investments in the core Journeys business.
  • The Board has Embraced a Bloated Cost Structure – Genesco has maintained an excessive corporate cost structure. As detailed in our letter, the Company’s SG&A as a percentage of revenue is higher than the vast majority of its peers and the peer group median. We believe this is because the Board has been focused on maintaining an oversized corporate infrastructure in Nashville, even though the Company’s revenue is derived from underlying operating businesses with their own leadership teams.
  • We View the Board’s Executive Compensation Program as Not Properly Aligned with Performance – Despite Genesco’s poor operating and share price performance, management has been handsomely rewarded. Genesco’s executive compensation appears to serve leaders far more than employees or shareholders. The ratio of the annual total compensation of the Chief Executive Officer to the median employee increased to 1,441:1 in 2020, implying a 143% increase from 593:1 just two years ago. We suspect this undermines corporate morale and sends the wrong message to hardworking employees and other stakeholders.
  • We Contend the Board Lacks Sufficient Ownership Perspectives and Fresh Thinking –Despite receiving approximately $8 million in compensation since fiscal year 2012, the Company’s directors have purchased just about $300,000 in shares. It is equally troubling that the Board has an average director tenure of more than 10 years,leading us to conclude the boardroom is lacking fresh perspectives and objectivity. Indeed, our interactions with the Board suggest it is entrenched and resistant to veering off its stagnant path.

In the upcoming weeks, our nominees intend to release more of their analysis and then share a comprehensive strategic plan for transforming Genesco into a stronger, more focused Company that can deliver near-term and long-term value. We firmly believe that if our nominees are elected and their strategic plan is fully implemented, Genesco can produce $7.50 in earnings per share by fiscal 2023 and see its stock double from current levels. In our view, this level of earnings is possible by achieving a 6% operating income margin, monetizing non-core assets and implementing a prudent capital allocation framework that contemplates organic investments and share repurchases. We further believe that bringing financial and operational stability to the Company, and in turn the important core business of Journeys, will be in the long-term best interests of customers, employees and partners across the supply chain.

It is important to underscore that Legion Partners has devoted considerable energy and time to recruiting a diverse, well-rounded slate of director candidates with leadership backgrounds and complementary experience. In addition to having impressive pedigrees and skills, our nominees have a vision for working with Chief Executive Officer and Director Mimi Vaughn to execute a transformation. Our nominees include:

  • Marjorie L. Bowen, an experienced public company director with extensive knowledge of corporate governance, capital markets strategies and strategic transactions. In addition to previously serving as an independent director of Genesco in 2018-2019, Ms. Bowen has served as a director of companies such as Centric Brands and Talbots. Her background as an investment banker at Houlihan Lokey would also add tremendous value to the Board.
  • Thomas M. Kibarian, an experienced retail executive with a background that also includes advising and investing in companies across the industry. He possesses a deep understanding of retail operations, merchandising, transactions and turnarounds. He was previously Chief Executive Officer at Garden Ridge (n/k/a At Home Group Inc.) (NYSE: HOME) and a retail-focused consultant at McKinsey & Company. We believe his industry expertise, leadership credentials and practical operational acumen make him an ideal fit for the Board.
  • Margenett Moore-Roberts, a seasoned marketing strategist and an expert in diversity and inclusion initiatives. She currently serves as Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer for IPG DXTRA, a global collective of 28 marketing services and agency brands as a part of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). We believe her decades of conventional and digital marketing experience, combined with her knowledge of sound human capital management and diversity practices, would add tremendous value to the Board.
  • Dawn H. Robertson, a proven retail sector leader and an omnichannel sales and marketing expert. She has extensive operational, sales and financial turnaround experience at Old Navy, Myer, Sak’s, OCM, May Dept Stores and Macy’s. She also has deep expertise in e-commerce and customer experience. We believe her executive management background and strong retail sector pedigree enable her to add sorely-needed skills to the Board.
  • Patricia M. Ross, a veteran public company director with experience in areas that include corporate governance, operations, enterprise technology, e-commerce and strategic planning. She spent the majority of her career with Nike, Inc. (NYSE: NKE), where she focused on strategy, process re-engineering, operations and general management. She also pioneered, developed and implemented Nike’s first global e-commerce B2B website for retailers. We believe Ms. Ross’ public company background and retail and footwear experience make her an ideal fit for the Board.
  • Georgina L. Russell, a capital markets expert who also possesses valuable experience in the software and information technology fields. Most recently, she oversaw a portfolio of credit and equity securities at Willett Advisors LLC, which manages the philanthropic assets of Michael R. Bloomberg. Before embarking on a career in investing, Ms. Russell was a software engineer and authored cloud-based distributed systems. We believe this dynamic combination of capital markets experience and information technology knowledge would make Ms. Russell a very strong addition to the board, particularly as the retail sector continues diversifying into e-commerce and prioritizing data security.
  • Hobart P. Sichel, a proven marketing leader and veteran c-level executive in the retail space. He previously worked at Burlington Stores (NYSE: BURL) from 2011 to 2019, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. He was a key member of the leadership team that turned around the business and led its push into e-commerce. Previously, he was a leader in McKinsey’s Marketing and Retail practices in North America. Mr. Sichel’s retail marketing experience and executive leadership background would enable him to immediately add value to the Board.

A full copy of our letter can be reviewed here: https://www.gcoforward.com/assets/files/Legion-LettertoGCOShareholders4.12.2021.pdf.

About Legion Partners

Legion Partners is a value-oriented investment manager based in Los Angeles, with a satellite office in Sacramento, California. Legion Partners seeks to invest in high-quality businesses that are temporarily trading at a discount, utilizing deep fundamental research and long-term shareholder engagement. Legion Partners manages a concentrated portfolio of North American small-cap equities on behalf of some of the world’s largest institutional and high-net-worth investors.

CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PARTICIPANTS

Legion Partners Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Legion Partners Holdings”), together with the other participants named herein, intend to file a preliminary proxy statement and accompanying WHITE proxy card with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to be used to solicit votes for the election of its slate of highly-qualified director nominees at the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders of Genesco Inc., a Tennessee corporation (the “Company”).

LEGION PARTNERS HOLDINGS STRONGLY ADVISES ALL SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC’S WEB SITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, THE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS PROXY SOLICITATION WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF THE PROXY STATEMENT WITHOUT CHARGE, WHEN AVAILABLE, UPON REQUEST. REQUESTS FOR COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE PARTICIPANTS’ PROXY SOLICITOR.

The participants in the proxy solicitation are anticipated to be Legion Partners Holdings, Legion Partners, L.P. I, a Delaware limited partnership (“Legion Partners I”), Legion Partners, L.P. II, a Delaware limited partnership (“Legion Partners II”), Legion Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Legion Partners GP”), Legion Partners Asset Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Legion Partners Asset Management”), Christopher S. Kiper, Raymond T. White, Marjorie L. Bowen, Thomas M. Kibarian, Margenett Moore-Roberts, Dawn H. Robertson, Patricia M. Ross, Georgina L. Russell and Hobart P. Sichel.

As of the date hereof, Legion Partners I directly beneficially owns 791,552 shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”). As of the date hereof, Legion Partners II directly beneficially owns 44,526 shares of Common Stock. As the general partner of each of Legion Partners I and Legion Partners II, Legion Partners GP may be deemed to beneficially own the 836,078 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned in the aggregate by Legion Partners I and Legion Partners II. As the investment advisor of each of Legion Partners I and Legion Partners II, Legion Partners Asset Management may be deemed to beneficially own the 836,078 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned in the aggregate by Legion Partners I and Legion Partners II. As of the date hereof, Legion Partners Holdings directly beneficially owns 100 shares of Common Stock and, as the sole member of each of Legion Partners Asset Management and Legion Partners GP, Legion Partners Holdings may also be deemed to beneficially own the 836,078 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned in the aggregate by Legion Partners I and Legion Partners II. As a managing director of Legion Partners Asset Management and managing member of Legion Partners Holdings, each of Messrs. Kiper and White may be deemed to beneficially own the 836,078 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned in the aggregate by Legion Partners I and Legion Partners II and 100 shares of Common Stock held of record by Legion Partners Holdings. As of the date hereof, none of Messrs. Kibarian and Sichel or Mses. Bowen, Moore-Roberts, Robertson, Ross and Russell own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company.

For Investors:

Kingsdale Advisors

Michael Fein / Lydia Mulyk, 646-651-1640

[email protected] / [email protected]

For Media:

Profile

Greg Marose / Charlotte Kiaie, 347-343-2999

[email protected] / [email protected]

KEYWORDS: Delaware Tennessee California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Other Professional Services Professional Services Finance

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Workiva Named Best Place to Work for Third Consecutive Year

Workiva Named Best Place to Work for Third Consecutive Year

Culture Continues to be at the Forefront of Employee Innovations and Satisfaction

AMES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Workiva Inc. (NYSE:WK), the company that simplifies complex work, today announced, for the third consecutive year, it has been named a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®. The Company ranked 61 on the coveted 100 Best list. In addition, Workiva was also named a 2021 Fortune Best Workplace in Technology™.

“As we’ve grown and worked remotely for over a year now, we’ve been very intentional about prioritizing our culture and standing behind our values,” said Workiva CEO Marty Vanderploeg. “This recognition is a testament to the efforts of the entire Workiva team. Our employees quickly embraced the new working environment, drove rapid innovation and delivered superior customer experiences to achieve record company results. I’m proud to be a part of this company.”

Responding to Extraordinary Challenges

Workiva continues to make its employees a priority and provides them the resources and support they need to thrive in the workplace and at home. During 2020, several new efforts were created or expanded, including:

  • Formalized a flexible work and mobility policy to help alleviate stress and support work-from-home while balancing the many challenges employees faced.
  • Hosted weekly all-company, livestream meetings by executive leadership to keep global employees updated and connected to each other.
  • Maintained full pay and benefits for all employees across the global enterprise.
  • Invested in additional SaaS applications to empower employees across multiple departments and global locations to work more efficiently and collaboratively.
  • Provided a work-from-home stipend to help employees make home offices more functional.
  • Added additional company-wide holidays to support the well-being of employees, provide the break needed to inspire innovation and to vote.
  • Supported the communities where employees live and work through diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and charitable giving.
  • ERGs (employee resource groups), such as the Connected Nomads (remote workers) and It Takes a Village (caregiver advocacy) provided work-from-home strategies and best practices.
  • Employees throughout the company pulled together special projects to keep their fellow coworkers connected through happy hours, informational meetings, guided yoga breaks and physical and mental wellness initiatives.

Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®

To determine the list each year, global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine considers extensive culture audits and survey responses from over half a million employees across all industries in the United States. Employees rated their workplace on many factors including trust in leadership, fairness and camaraderie.

This year, Great Place to Work® surveyed employees on issues including how trustworthy, caring and fair their company is in times of crises; employees’ physical, emotional and financial health; and the company’s broader community impact.

Particular attention was paid to how employees’ experiences varied depending on their job role, gender, race/ethnicity, payroll status and other characteristics to ensure that the company is creating a great workplace for all. This is Workiva’s 18th recognition from Great Place to Work and Fortune, including three consecutive years on the 100 Best list.

Company rankings are derived from over 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place to Work Trust Index™ survey.

About Workiva

Workiva Inc. (NYSE:WK) simplifies complex work for thousands of organizations worldwide. Customers trust Workiva’s open, intelligent and intuitive platform to connect data, documents and teams. The results: more efficiency, greater transparency and less risk. Learn more at workiva.com.

Request a Workiva demo: www.workiva.com/request-demo

Read the Workiva blog: www.workiva.com/blog

Follow Workiva on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/workiva

Like Workiva on Facebook: www.facebook.com/workiva/

Follow Workiva on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Workiva

Follow Workiva on Instagram: www.instagram.com/workivalife

Media Contact

Kevin McCarthy

Workiva Inc.

[email protected]

1.515.663.4471

KEYWORDS: United States North America Iowa

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Consulting Data Management Banking Accounting Technology Professional Services Security Other Technology Software Human Resources Finance

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Citi’s Digital Channels Process One Billion API Calls From Corporate Clients

Citi’s Digital Channels Process One Billion API Calls From Corporate Clients

Citi’s Digital Channels Reach Another Significant Milestone in API Adoption

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
CitiConnect® API, Citi’s Application Programming Interface (API) connectivity platform, has reached a new milestone of processing more than one billion API calls since its launch in late 2017. This rapid rise in API volume is fueled by the many changes our clients are facing due to the rapidly evolving business environment, including supporting direct-to-consumer flows, new e-commerce models, the switch from batch to real-time, and the advance of Instant Payments. Whether it is to top up mobile wallets in India, disburse micro loans in Argentina, or pay instantly in the USA, Citi’s digital channel solutions play a pivotal role in helping clients of Citi Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) reach their goals and navigate a transforming industry. Citi has collaborated with leading providers of enterprise resource platforms (ERP) and treasury workstation systems and FinTechs to embed API capabilities in an effort to build a seamless integration experience.

“Our ultimate goal is to deliver an exceptional client experience that is fully digitized and highly automated,” said Shahmir Khaliq, Global Head of Citi Treasury and Trade Solutions. “As a part of our ongoing digitization efforts, we continue to elevate our user experience by providing clients with improvements driven by data insights and feedback, as well as expanding our intelligent and seamless connectivity solutions.”

The rapid adoption of APIs is driven primarily by companies in the fintech, telecom, multimedia and technology industries. The APIs for Treasury Services, accessed through CitiConnect®, allow clients to integrate seamlessly with Citi to access a growing number of Citi solutions directly from their treasury workstations or ERP of choice. To help solve important needs for visibility and transparency, some popular API calls include Account Balance Inquiries, Payment Status Reports, requesting FX rates and booking FX contracts. During the pandemic, CitiConnect API volume steadily increased 60% from the prior year in 2020, as measured by message volume and transactional value, helping our clients with operational resiliency while they continue to operate in remote or continuity-of-business (COB) modes.

“Flywire is trusted to deliver on our customers’ most important moments.  We do this by using technology that enables organizations to optimize the payment experience for their customers while eliminating operational challenges,” shares Emily Watson, Senior Director of Payments, Global Banking at Flywire. “Partnering with Citi through API-based integration has allowed us to deliver on our commitment to our clients with ease by instantly sending payments to Citi, and getting real-time feedback on the status of these payments. Through our agile process this provides us with utmost flexibility, and operational cost savings.”

 “Our clients are looking to drive efficiencies in their Treasury Operations. Operational tasks that used to take days to complete, are now being completed in minutes, powered by APIs,” said David Terra, Executive Director at TOTVS. “TOTVS has partnered with Citi to initiate payment instructions, and get real-time status updates. Using APIs allows us to help our clients reconcile transactions faster and more accurately. This in turn helps our clients to better manage their working capital.”

The CitiConnect® solution offers over 83 APIs for both data-driven services and transactions. These APIs allow clients to directly access products and services to help provide a seamless and real-time banking experience. Services provided include self-service reports, real-time FX information, and account services such as statements, cut-off times and proof of payment. Transactions include payments, instant payments, request-to-pay, and WorldLink® transfers.

CitiConnect® is part of an omni-channel digital banking product suite that also includes CitiDirect BE® Online Banking and Mobile. CitiConnect APIs are supported through an ecosystem that includes strategic partnerships with various treasury software providers, including FIS, Kyriba, Oracle and SAP. Along with the CitiConnect® API Developer Portal and Testing Portal, Citi TTS supports API-based integration in a globally consistent way across TTS’ global footprint.

For more information about CitiConnect®, visit here.

Citi Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) enables its clients’ success by providing an integrated suite of innovative and tailored cash management and trade finance services to multinational corporations, financial institutions and public sector organizations across the globe. Based on the foundation of the industry’s largest proprietary network with banking licenses in over 90 countries and globally integrated technology platforms, TTS continues to lead the way in offering the industry’s most comprehensive range of digitally enabled treasury, trade and liquidity management solutions.

About Citi

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Additional information may be found at http://www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://blog.citigroup.com/| Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi.

Media:

Citi:Nina Das
Tel: 1-212-816-9267
Email: [email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Mobile/Wireless Finance Banking Telecommunications Professional Services Software Internet Data Management

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BlackRock Announces Closing of Reorganizations of Three Municipal Closed-End Funds

BlackRock Announces Closing of Reorganizations of Three Municipal Closed-End Funds

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
BlackRock Advisors, LLC today announced that the reorganizations of each of BlackRock New York Municipal Income Quality Trust (“BSE”, CUSIP: 09249U105) and BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust II (“BFY”, CUSIP: 09249R102), with and into BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust (“BNY”, CUSIP: 09248L106 and together with BSE and BFY, the “Funds”) (the “Reorganizations”) is effective as of the opening for business of the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, April 12, 2021.

In the Reorganizations, common shareholders of BSE and BFY received an amount of BNY common shares equal to the aggregate net asset value of their holdings of BSE and BFY common shares as determined at the close of business on April 9, 2021. Fractional shares of BNY common shares were not issued in the Reorganizations and consequently cash will be distributed for any such fractional shares.

Relevant details pertaining to the Reorganizations are as follows:

Fund

Ticker

Net Asset Value/Share

($)

Share Conversion Ratio

BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust

BNY

15.0212

N/A

BlackRock New York Municipal Income Quality Trust

BSE

14.9056

0.99230421

BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust II

BFY

15.4738

1.03013075

In addition, BSE and BFY preferred shareholders received on a one-for-one basis BNY preferred shares in an amount equal to the aggregate preferred share liquidation preference held by BSE and BFY preferred shareholders immediately prior to the Reorganizations.

This communication is not intended to, and shall not, constitute an offer to purchase or sell shares of any of the BlackRock funds, including BNY, the surviving fund in the Reorganization. Investors should consider BNY’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses carefully and consider in its entirety the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the Reorganizations, which contains important information regarding the investment objectives and policies, risks, charges, expenses and other important information about BNY.

About BlackRock

BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com | Twitter: @blackrock | Blog: www.blackrockblog.com | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

Availability of Fund Updates

BlackRock will update performance and certain other data for the BlackRock closed-end funds on a monthly basis on its website in the “Closed-end Funds” section of www.blackrock.com as well as certain other material information as necessary from time to time. Investors and others are advised to check the website for updated performance information and the release of other material information about the Funds. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Funds and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, and other statements that BlackRock or the Funds may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to the Funds’ or BlackRock’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions.

BlackRock cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and BlackRock assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance.

With respect to the Funds, the following factors, among others, could cause actual events to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) changes and volatility in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment, foreign exchange rates or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for the Funds or in the Funds’ net asset value; (2) the relative and absolute investment performance of the Funds and its investments; (3) the impact of increased competition; (4) the unfavorable resolution of any legal proceedings; (5) the extent and timing of any distributions or share repurchases; (6) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; (7) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to the Funds or BlackRock, as applicable; (8) terrorist activities, international hostilities, health epidemics and/or pandemics and natural disasters, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries or BlackRock; (9) BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (10) the impact of BlackRock electing to provide support to its products from time to time; and (11) the impact of problems at other financial institutions or the failure or negative performance of products at other financial institutions.

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and other regulatory filings of the Funds with the SEC are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.govand on BlackRock’s website at www.blackrock.com, and may discuss these or other factors that affect the Funds. The information contained on BlackRock’s website is not a part of this press release.

Contact:
1-800-882-0052

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Finance

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BlackRock Announces Closing of Reorganizations of Four Municipal Closed-End Funds

BlackRock Announces Closing of Reorganizations of Four Municipal Closed-End Funds

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
BlackRock Advisors, LLC today announced that the reorganizations of each of The BlackRock Strategic Municipal Trust (“BSD”, CUSIP: 09248T109), BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund (“MFT”, CUSIP: 09254T100), BlackRock Municipal Income Investment Trust (“BBF”, CUSIP: 09248H105) with and into BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II (“BLE”, CUSIP: 09249N101 and together with BSD, MFT and BBF, the “Funds”) (the “Reorganizations”) is effective as of the opening for business of the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, April 12, 2021.

In the Reorganizations, common shareholders of BSD, MFT and BBF received an amount of BLE common shares equal to the aggregate net asset value of their holdings of BSD, MFT and BBF common shares as determined at the close of business on April 9, 2021. Fractional shares of BLE common shares were not issued in the Reorganizations and consequently cash will be distributed for any such fractional shares.

Relevant details pertaining to the Reorganizations are as follows:

Fund

Ticker

New Asset

Value/Share

($)

Share Conversion

Ratio

BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II

BLE

15.0242

N/A

The BlackRock Strategic Municipal Trust

BSD

14.6961

0.97816190

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund

MFT

14.3767

0.95690286

BlackRock Municipal Income Investment Trust

BBF

14.3831

0.95732884

In addition, BSD, MFT and BBF preferred shareholders received on a one-for-one basis BLE preferred shares in an amount equal to the aggregate preferred share liquidation preference held by BSD, MFT and BBF preferred shareholders immediately prior to the Reorganizations.

This communication is not intended to, and shall not, constitute an offer to purchase or sell shares of any of the BlackRock funds, including BLE, the surviving fund in the Reorganization. Investors should consider BLE’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses carefully and consider in its entirety the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the Reorganizations, which contains important information regarding the investment objectives and policies, risks, charges, expenses and other important information about BLE.

About BlackRock

BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com | Twitter: @blackrock | Blog: www.blackrockblog.com | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

Availability of Fund Updates

BlackRock will update performance and certain other data for the BlackRock closed-end funds on a monthly basis on its website in the “Closed-end Funds” section of www.blackrock.com as well as certain other material information as necessary from time to time. Investors and others are advised to check the website for updated performance information and the release of other material information about the Funds. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Funds and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, and other statements that BlackRock or the Funds may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to the Funds’ or BlackRock’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions.

BlackRock cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and BlackRock assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance.

With respect to the Funds, the following factors, among others, could cause actual events to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) changes and volatility in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment, foreign exchange rates or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for the Funds or in the Funds’ net asset value; (2) the relative and absolute investment performance of the Funds and its investments; (3) the impact of increased competition; (4) the unfavorable resolution of any legal proceedings; (5) the extent and timing of any distributions or share repurchases; (6) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; (7) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to the Funds or BlackRock, as applicable; (8) terrorist activities, international hostilities, health epidemics and/or pandemics and natural disasters, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries or BlackRock; (9) BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (10) the impact of BlackRock electing to provide support to its products from time to time; and (11) the impact of problems at other financial institutions or the failure or negative performance of products at other financial institutions.

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and other regulatory filings of the Funds with the SEC are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.govand on BlackRock’s website at www.blackrock.com, and may discuss these or other factors that affect the Funds. The information contained on BlackRock’s website is not a part of this press release.

BlackRock Closed-End Funds

1-800-882-0052

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

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Charles River Development Wins 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Award

Charles River Development Wins 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Award

Prestigious Awards Program Recognizes Outstanding Financial Technology Products and Companies

BURLINGTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Charles River Development, a State Street Company (NYSE:STT), today announced that its Charles River Investment Management Solution (Charles River IMS) has been selected as winner of the “Best Trading Platform” award in the fifth annual FinTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by FinTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global FinTech market today. Charles River Development was a winner in last year’s awards program, having been recognized for “Best Wealth Management Platform”.

Charles River IMS combines Order and Execution Management on a single platform, integrated with data, FIX connectivity and trade analytics. The solution allows traders to automate trade execution strategies, find liquidity, execute trades across all asset classes and currencies, and ensure compliance from one blotter.

Additionally, Charles River IMS enables investment firms and wealth managers to eliminate the multiple interfaces, fragmented workflows and order staging problems inherent with separate order and execution management platforms. By combining OMS and EMS (OEMS) capabilities, the solution streamlines workflows and improves communication between portfolio managers and traders. Multi-asset order and execution management capabilities also improve trade execution and provide access to more than 1200 liquidity providers including brokers, broker algorithms, and ECN’s.

“Charles River IMS is a powerful platform, supporting the full range of financial products, from asset class-specific to solution oriented, and complex multi-asset products, including derivatives,” said James Johnson, Managing Director, FinTech Breakthrough. “This represents a true FinTech breakthrough and we’re proud to be able to award Charles River Development with our ‘Best Trading Platform’ award in the 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Awards program.”

The FinTech Breakthrough Awards is the premier awards program founded to recognize the FinTech innovators, leaders and visionaries from around the world in a range of categories, including Digital Banking, Personal Finance, Lending, Payments, Investments, RegTech, InsurTech and many more. The 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Award program attracted more than 3,850 nominations from across the globe.

“Investment managers are challenged by growing complexity, resulting in fragmented workflows and lost productivity. Our global solution provides traders with a single, consistent interface for trading equities, fixed income, derivatives, futures and FX,” said Michael Beattie, Director of Product Strategy, Charles River Development. “We are thrilled to be recognized for our multi-asset trading platform in the 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Awards program.”

Deployed in the Microsoft Azure cloud, Charles River’s open architecture platform provides interoperability with a growing ecosystem of third-party trade analytics, TCA, data and liquidity providers. This enables all firms, from hedge funds to large institutional multi-fund firms to address the demands of their investment process and product mix. The EMS is supplied with real-time Level I & II data, time and sales, price history, news, indications of interest (IOI), valid counterparties, and dealer inventory, providing traders with a complete picture of price, liquidity and volume. Extensive analytics and integrated pre- and post-trade TCA help traders quickly discover and incorporate market signals into trading decisions.

About Charles River, A State Street Company

Investment firms, asset owners, wealth managers, hedge funds and insurers in more than 30 countries rely on Charles River’s front and middle office investment management platform to manage more than US$30 Trillion in assets. Together with State Street’s middle and back office capabilities, Charles River’s cloud-deployed software technology forms the foundation of State Street AlphaSM. The Charles River Investment Management Solution (Charles River IMS) is designed to automate and simplify the institutional investment process across asset classes, from portfolio management and risk analytics through trading and post-trade settlement, with integrated compliance and managed data throughout. Charles River’s growing partner ecosystem enables clients to seamlessly access external data and analytics, applications and liquidity venues that support the unique demands of their product and asset class mix. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, we serve clients globally with more than 1,000 employees in 11 regional offices. (Statistics as of as of February 2021)

About FinTech Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for technology innovation and leadership around the globe, the FinTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Financial Technologies and Services companies and products. The FinTech Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of FinTech companies and products in categories including Payments, Personal Finance, Wealth Management, Fraud Protection, Banking, Lending, RegTech, InsurTech and more. For more information visit FinTechBreakthrough.com.

About State Street Corporation

State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) is one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors including investment servicing, investment management and investment research and trading. With $38.8 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $3.5 trillion* in assets under management as of December 31, 2020, State Street operates globally in more than 100 geographic markets and employs approximately 39,000 worldwide. For more information, visit State Street’s website at www.statestreet.com.

*Assets under management as of December 31, 2020 includes approximately $75 billion of assets with respect to SPDR® products for which State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (SSGA FD) acts solely as the marketing agent. SSGA FD and State Street Global Advisors are affiliated.

© 2021 State Street Corporation – All Rights Reserved

State Street Corporation, One Lincoln St, Boston MA 02111

Disclaimer:

Charles River Development – A State Street Company is a wholly owned business of State Street Corporation (incorporated in Massachusetts).

This document and information herein (together, the “Content”) is subject to change without notice based on market and other conditions and may not reflect the views of State Street Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“State Street”). The Content is provided only for general informational, illustrative, and/or marketing purposes, or in connection with exploratory conversations; it does not take into account any client or prospects particular investment or other financial objectives or strategies, nor any client’s legal, regulatory, tax or accounting status, nor does it purport to be comprehensive or intended to replace the exercise of a client or prospects own careful independent review regarding any corresponding investment or other financial decision. The Content does not constitute investment research or legal, regulatory, investment, tax or accounting advice and is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities or any other product, nor is it intended to constitute any binding contractual arrangement or commitment by State Street of any kind. The Content provided was prepared and obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of preparation, however it is provided “as-is” and State Street makes no guarantee, representation, or warranty of any kind including, without limitation, as to its accuracy, suitability, timeliness, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights, or otherwise. State Street disclaims all liability, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, for any claims, losses, liabilities, damages (including direct, indirect, special or consequential), expenses or costs arising from or connected with the Content. The Content is not intended for retail clients or for distribution to, and may not be relied upon by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to applicable law or regulation. The Content provided may contain certain statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements; any such statements or forecasted information are not guarantees or reliable indicators for future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those depicted or projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No permission is granted to reprint, sell, copy, distribute, or modify the Content in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of State Street.

The offer or sale of any of these products and services in your jurisdiction is subject to the receipt by State Street of such internal and external approvals as it deems necessary in its sole discretion. Please contact your sales representative for further information.

State Street may from time to time, as principal or agent, for its own account or for those of its clients, have positions in and/or actively trade in financial instruments or other products identical to or economically related to those discussed in this communication. State Street may have a commercial relationship with issuers of financial instruments or other products discussed in this communication

©2021 STATE STREET CORPORATION

3509294.1.1.GBL.

Mary Masi-Phelps

+1 781-789-5029

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Massachusetts

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Insurance Finance Consulting Banking Data Management Professional Services Technology Other Technology

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Akers’ Proposed Merger Partner MyMD Pharmaceuticals Announces Formation of Scientific Advisory Board

Akers’ Proposed Merger Partner MyMD Pharmaceuticals Announces Formation of Scientific Advisory Board

  • Chaired by Katharine Whartenby, Ph.D., members include experts in molecular medicine, aging, pathology and oncology

BALTIMORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Akers Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKER), today announced that its proposed merger partner MyMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“MyMD”), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company committed to extending healthy lifespan by focusing on developing two therapeutic platforms, has completed the formation of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The board will be chaired by Katharine Whartenby, Ph.D., associate professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Department of Neurology, Department of Oncology and in Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

“Each member of our Scientific Advisory Board was hand-selected for their wealth of knowledge and passion in the areas of autoimmune, aging and age-related diseases,” said Chris Chapman, M.D., President and Chief Medical Officer at MyMD Pharmaceuticals.

“I’m honored to work alongside true leaders in these fields,” said Katharine Whartenby, Ph.D., Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board. “We have an excellent opportunity to help shepherd MyMD Pharmaceuticals’ pipeline of therapeutic platforms to address many of the unmet needs in medical treatment today.”

“I am excited to be in a position to help shape the development of MYMD-1 through my experience in studying age-related conditions such as sarcopenia and physical frailty,” said member Jeremy Walston, M.D.

Members of the MyMD Scientific Advisory Board include:

Chair, Katharine Whartenby, Ph.D., The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Katharine Whartenby, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Neurology, Department of Oncology and in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Jeremy Walston, M.D., The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Jeremy Walston, M.D., is the Raymond and Anna Lubin Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Director at the Biology of Healthy Aging Program and Co-Principal Investigator of the Older American Independence Center.

Scott Freeman, M.D., Co-Founder and Clinical Advisor at MindMed

Scott Freeman, M.D., is a physician- scientist with extensive experience in laboratory and clinical therapeutics development. He has been a leader in research and development in academic and industry settings and most recently co-founded MindMed. His experience in clinical trial design and implementation along with his FDA regulatory strategy will provide an invaluable contribution.

Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D., The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D., is a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Vandrey’s research focuses primarily on the behavioral pharmacology of cannabis (marijuana) and includes controlled laboratory studies with adult research volunteers, clinical trials, web-based survey research, and natural history studies with patient populations using cannabis/cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes.

Alison O’Mahony, Ph.D., Eurofins Discovery

Alison O’Mahony, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Translational Biology in the Phenotypic Services Unit of Eurofins Discovery. She has extensive expertise in translational biology in the areas of autoimmunity, inflammation, fibrosis, immuno-oncology (I-O), cardiovascular, skin, pulmonary diseases and oncology.

Anupama Kumar, M.B.B.S., The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Anupama Kumar, M.B.B.S., is a Research Associate, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Anupama is also the Co-Director of Johns Hopkins TREAT Depression Clinic and is skilled in planning and running Phase II and III clinical trials.

About MyMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

MyMD is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company committed to extending healthy lifespan by focusing on developing two therapeutic platforms. MYMD-1 is a drug platform based on a clinical stage small molecule that regulates the immunometabolic system to control TNF-α and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. MYMD-1 is being developed to treat autoimmune diseases, including those currently treated with non-selective TNF-α blocking drugs, and aging and longevity. SUPERA-CBD is a drug platform based on a novel (patent pending) synthetic derivative of cannabidiol (CBD) that targets numerous key receptors including CB2 and opioid receptors and inhibits monoamine oxidase. SUPERA-CBD is being developed to address the rapidly growing CBD market, that includes FDA approved drugs and CBD products not currently regulated as a drug. For more information, visit www.mymd.com.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No public offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Important Additional Information for Investors and Stockholders

In connection with the proposed transaction between Akers and MyMD, Akers has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that includes a proxy statement and prospectus of Akers. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on March 23, 2021, and the proxy statement of Akers and prospectus was mailed to the stockholders of Akers on or about March 24, 2021. Akers may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. AKERS URGES INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AKERS, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and shareholders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement, prospectus and other documents filed by Akers with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and shareholders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement, prospectus and other documents filed by Akers with the SEC by contacting Investor Relations by mail at Akers Biosciences, Inc., Attn: Investor Relations, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, New York USA 10036. Investors and stockholders are urged to read the proxy statement, prospectus and the other relevant materials before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed transaction.

Participants in the Solicitation

Akers and MyMD, and each of their respective directors and executive officers and certain of their other members of management and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about Akers’ directors and executive officers is included in Akers’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021. Additional information regarding these persons and their interests in the transaction is included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus referred to above. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this communication regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, known as the PSLRA. These include statements regarding management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Akers and MyMD undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. We use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA. Such forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, risks relating to the completion of the merger, including the need for stockholder approval and the satisfaction of closing conditions; the cash balances of the combined company following the closing of the merger; the ability of Akers to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market in connection with the merger; and expected merger-related cash outlays, including the timing and amount of those outlays. Risks and uncertainties related to MyMD that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: the timing of, and MyMD’s ability to, obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for clinical trials of MyMD’s pharmaceutical candidates, the timing and results of MyMD’s planned clinical trials for its pharmaceutical candidates, the amount of funds MyMD requires for its pharmaceutical candidates; increased levels of competition; changes in political, economic or regulatory conditions generally and in the markets in which MyMD operates; MyMD’s ability to retain and attract senior management and other key employees; MyMD’s ability to quickly and effectively respond to new technological developments; MyMD’s ability to protect its trade secrets or other proprietary rights, operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of others and prevent others from infringing on MyMD’s proprietary rights; and the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on MyMD’s results of operations, business plan and the global economy.

New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such factors, nor can we assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the combination, are more fully discussed in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus referred to above. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Akers’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC. Forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to Akers and MyMD as of the date of this release. Neither Akers nor MyMD undertakes any obligation to update such forward- looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Investor Contact:

Brett Mass

646-536-7331

[email protected]

www.haydenir.com

Media Contact:

Will Johnson

201-465-8019

[email protected]

www.antennagroup.com

KEYWORDS: Maryland United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Science Other Science Biotechnology Research Pharmaceutical Health FDA Clinical Trials

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L3Harris Technologies Named Among FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For

L3Harris Technologies Named Among FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For

Highlights:

  • Acknowledges companies who have created an exemplary work environment
  • Recognizes L3Harris’ employee-centric, high-performance culture
  • Follows being named to magazine’s 2021 World’s Most Admired Companies list

MELBOURNE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has been named among FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2021. This represents L3Harris’ second FORTUNE recognition this year. The company was named among FORTUNE’s 2021 World’s Most Admired Companies in February.

“L3Harris’ success is driven by our 48,000 dedicated employees who are committed to excellence and delivering mission-critical solutions to customers around the globe,” said William M. Brown, Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “We strive to establish an inclusive, high-performance culture that supports their efforts with a positive work environment and exciting career opportunities where they can help create a safer and more secure world.”

To be considered a Best Companies to Work For, companies submitted over 200 datapoints describing their human resources programs and practices, a detailed 10-page COVID-19 response essay and an employee feedback survey. Visit fortune.com.

In addition to the FORTUNE awards, L3Harris also has been named to Forbes’ Best Employers for New Grads list, Bloomberg’s Gender Equality Index, and the Human Rights Campaign’s Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality Index, among others.

L3Harris hired about 6,000 employees in 2020 and plans to hire thousands more this year. Those interested in learning more about joining L3Harris can visit the careers page.

About L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $18 billion in annual revenue and 48,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries. L3Harris.com.

Sara Banda

Media Relations

[email protected]

321-674-4498

Jim Burke

Media Relations

[email protected]

321-727-9131

KEYWORDS: United States North America Florida

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Aerospace Technology Manufacturing Other Technology Satellite Software Other Defense Defense Engineering Mobile/Wireless Hardware

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Airspan Networks Announces Hiring of VP of Government and Strategic Affairs to Assist in Pursuit of U.S. Broadband Stimulus Opportunities

Airspan Networks Announces Hiring of VP of Government and Strategic Affairs to Assist in Pursuit of U.S. Broadband Stimulus Opportunities

Expands DC-Based Public Policy Team Presence with Hiring of Chris Salemme as VP of Government and Strategic Affairs

5G Innovator and Disruptor Planning to Go Public through a Merger with New Beginnings Acquisition Corp. (NYSE American: NBA)

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Airspan Networks Inc., which provides groundbreaking, secure, disruptive solutions for 5G service providers, announced today it is expanding its public policy/government relations presence in Washington, DC, with the hiring of a new Vice President of Government and Strategic Affairs, Chris Salemme. Salemme will lead Airspan’s public policy strategy. He has more than a decade of telecom experience with expertise in spectrum and cybersecurity. Salemme served as a government affairs executive for the telecom industry’s trade association, CTIA, which represents the U.S. wireless industry and companies throughout the mobile ecosystem.

Airspan believes the hiring of Mr. Salemme better positions Airspan to accelerate its 5G product portfolio to capitalize on many sustainable 5G revenue and market share growth opportunities. These opportunities include the expected 5G network upgrade deployments across the world, the replacement of banned overseas-based legacy network infrastructure providers, and several federal stimulus packages including funding for broadband expansion as part of the American Rescue Plan – which provides flexibility for municipalities and counties to invest the funding in local broadband deployments – the CARES Act and the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).

“We are in the early stages of a rapid and capital-intensive upgrade, as 5G deployments drive the future growth of existing mobile carriers, new market entrants, and private and enterprise buildouts that we believe will transform numerous industries,” said Eric Stonestrom, President and CEO of Airspan. “These seismic 5G industry trends play right into Airspan’s strengths, and we are investing to take advantage of these numerous opportunities for sustainable revenue and market share growth.”

Airspan Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) addresses COVID-19 broadband demand, RDOF and beyond

Mimosa by Airspan’s Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solutions take advantage of the new Wi-Fi 6E 6 GHz bands to affordably deliver Gigabit speeds. These solutions are ready for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for rapid deployment to tap into the broadband stimulus, COVID-19 recovery and infrastructure development funding proposed by the Biden Administration.

C-Band Spectrum A Key Opportunity

Airspan engineers are working hard to support the latest 5G 3GPP and O-RAN Alliance features for customers with products covering new bands, like the recently auctioned C-Band spectrum and the 3.45-3.55 GHz band which will be auctioned later this year – good examples of how governments around the world continue to release more spectrum in the push for ubiquitous high-speed, always-on connectivity. “The recent success of the U.S. government’s $80 billion+ C-band spectrum auction demonstrates significant levels of investment from operators and new market entrants, and the allocation of additional new spectrum blocks in licensed mid-band and unlicensed 6 GHz ranges shows the FCC’s commitment to providing more airwaves,” said Stonestrom. “As the Biden Administration rolls out plans to bring reliable, high-speed broadband to every American, we are pleased to welcome Chris to Airspan and welcome his public policy expertise in helping us navigate the U.S. legislative and regulatory landscape.”

About Airspan

Airspan is a US-based 5G end-to-end, Open RAN hardware and software provider with a product portfolio spanning 150 patents granted and 94 patents pending. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida and has global offices in London, Tel Aviv, Mumbai, and Tokyo. For more information, visit www.airspan.com.

In March 2021, Airspan entered into a business combination agreement with New Beginnings Acquisition Corp. (“NBA”) (NYSE American: NBA) pursuant to which Airspan will become a wholly owned subsidiary of NBA. The closing of the business combination with NBA is subject to customary closing conditions, including shareholder approvals and the expiration or early termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. Upon closing, NBA will be renamed “Airspan Networks Holdings Inc.” and its common stock is expected to be listed on the NYSE American with the ticker symbol “MIMO.” For more information, visit www.airspan.com.

About New Beginnings Acquisition Corp.

New Beginnings Acquisition Corp. (NBA) (NYSE American: NBA), is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. New Beginnings Acquisition Corp. business strategy is to identify and complete its initial business combination with a company that can benefit from (i) the managerial and operational experience of its management team (ii) additional capital and (iii) access to public securities markets.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated revenues and market share, expected stimulus funding levels, Airspan product developments, and the closing of the business combination between Airspan and NBA. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

NBA intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a proxy statement / prospectus on Form S-4 relating to the proposed business combination (the “Proposed Transaction”), which will be mailed to its stockholders once definitive. This news release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the Proposed Transaction and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the Proposed Transaction. NBA’s stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement / prospectus and the amendments thereto and the proxy statement / prospectus and other documents filed in connection with the Proposed Transaction, as these materials will contain important information about Airspan, NBA and the Proposed Transaction. When available, the proxy statement / prospectus and other relevant materials for the Proposed Transaction will be mailed to stockholders of NBA as of a record date to be established for voting on the Proposed Transaction. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement / prospectus, the definitive proxy statement / prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: New Beginnings Acquisition Corp., 800 1st Street, Unit 1, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and shall not constitute a proxy statement or the solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Proposed Transaction and is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

Participants in Solicitation

NBA and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from NBA’s stockholders with respect to the Proposed Transaction. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in NBA is contained in NBA’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed on September 21, 2020, which was filed with the SEC and is available free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to New Beginnings Acquisition Corp., 800 1st Street, Unit 1, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the proxy statement / prospectus for the Proposed Transaction when available.

Airspan and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of NBA in connection with the Proposed Transaction. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the Proposed Transaction will be included in the proxy statement / prospectus for the Proposed Transaction when available.

Paul Wakefield

US: 011 44 (0) 1895 467181

Outside US: +44 (0) 1895 467181

[email protected]

Howie Waterman

917-359-5505

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Florida

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Mobile/Wireless Software Networks Internet Hardware

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