Markforged Appoints Mark Schwartz as Chief Financial Officer

Markforged Appoints Mark Schwartz as Chief Financial Officer

WATERTOWN, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Markforged (the “Company”), creator of an integrated metal and carbon fiber additive manufacturing platform, The Digital Forge, today announced that Mark Schwartz has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective April 1, 2021. Schwartz brings extensive experience as a public company CFO, leading capital markets transactions and as part of management teams at high-growth hardware manufacturing and SaaS and AI companies.

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Markforged announced that Mark Schwartz has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. Schwartz brings extensive experience as a public company CFO, leading capital markets transactions and as part of management teams at high-growth hardware manufacturing and SaaS and AI companies. (Photo: Business Wire)

Markforged announced that Mark Schwartz has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. Schwartz brings extensive experience as a public company CFO, leading capital markets transactions and as part of management teams at high-growth hardware manufacturing and SaaS and AI companies. (Photo: Business Wire)

Schwartz takes over from interim CFO Assaf Zipori, who will now lead the Company’s Corporate Development & Strategy. Markforged is in the process of completing a definitive agreement to merge with one (NYSE: AONE), a special purpose acquisition company, and will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “MKFG” upon completion of the transaction.

“Mark Schwartz is a seasoned financial executive with deep, relevant experience and a track record of driving results and accelerating growth,” said Shai Terem, Markforged’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “He’s a strong addition to our leadership team, and his experience and track-record as a public company CFO will be invaluable as we prepare to become a public company. I look forward to working with him and am confident his leadership will play a crucial role in fulfilling our vision to reinvent manufacturing and execute for our customers.”

“Markforged’s combination of software, hardware, and materials make it uniquely positioned to capture growing market opportunities and empower manufacturers to create more resilient and agile supply chains,” said Schwartz. “This is a pivotal time in Markforged’s trajectory, and I am excited to work with the team to accelerate growth and execute on the Company’s strategic plan so that customers can build anything they imagine.”

Schwartz brings more than 20 years of finance experience to Markforged, including serving as a public company CFO. Schwartz is joining Markforged from his recent role as Chief Financial Officer of Trax, a leading provider of computer vision and artificial intelligence in the retail sector. Prior to that role, he served as CFO & EVP Strategy & Corporate Development at Fabrinet (NYSE: FN) a leading provider of precision optical and electromechanical engineering and manufacturing services. He has also been an advisor to and investor in SaaS and manufacturing companies across telecom, digital media, and healthcare. Previously, Schwartz was an attorney specializing in M&A transactions, private placements, and technology licensing.

About Markforged

Markforged transforms manufacturing with 3D metal and continuous carbon fiber printers capable of producing parts tough enough for the factory floor. The Markforged Digital Forge brings the power and speed of agile software development to industrial manufacturing, combining hardware, software, and materials to eliminate the barriers between design and functional part. Engineers, designers, and manufacturing professionals all over the world rely on Markforged metal and composite printers for tooling, fixtures, functional prototyping, and high-value end-use production. Founded in 2013 and based in Watertown, MA, Markforged has more than 250 employees globally. Markforged has been recognized by Forbes in the Next Billion-Dollar Startups list, and listed as the #2 fastest-growing hardware company in the US in the 2019 Deloitte Fast 500. In February 2021, Markforged announced it entered into a definitive agreement to merge with one (NYSE: AONE), a special purpose acquisition company founded and led by technology industry veteran Kevin Hartz. The transaction is expected to close in the summer of 2021, subject to regulatory and stockholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions. The combined company will retain the Markforged name and be listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “MKFG.” To learn more about Markforged, please visit https://markforged.com.

About one

one is a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by A* formed for the purpose of effecting a business combination with one or more businesses in the innovation economy. one completed its initial public offering in August 2020 raising $215 million in cash proceeds. A* was founded and is led by technology industry veteran Kevin Hartz. To learn more about one, please visit https://www.a-star.co/.

Non-Solicitation

This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of one, the combined company or Markforged, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act.

Participants in the Solicitation

one and Markforged and their respective directors and executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the potential transaction described in this document under the rules of the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of one is set forth in one’s final prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), on August 19, 2020 and is available free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: one, 16 Funston Avenue, Suite A, The Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94129, Attention: Secretary. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of the one shareholders in connection with the potential transaction will be set forth in the registration statement containing the preliminaryproxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed business combination, including the timing and structure of the transaction, as well as statements about the expected growth of the additive manufacturing industry, the combined company’s competitive position in the industry, and the anticipated growth of the combined company. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. These forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, general economic, political and business conditions; the inability of the parties to consummate the business combination or the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the parties following the announcement of the business combination; the risk that the approval of the shareholders of one for the potential transaction is not obtained; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, including as a result of a delay in consummating the potential transaction; the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the business combination; the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees; the amount of redemption requests made by one’s shareholders; the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of the combined company’s securities following the business combination; costs related to the business combination; and those factors discussed under the header “Risk Factors” in the registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed by one with the SEC and those included under the header “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus of one related to its initial public offering. Furthermore, if the forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Investors

[email protected]

Media

Jared Levy / Danya Al-Qattan

Sard Verbinnen & Co

[email protected]

Jenna Gilligan

V2 Communications

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Massachusetts

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Automotive Manufacturing Aerospace Technology Manufacturing Other Technology Other Manufacturing Software Networks Packaging Engineering Hardware

MEDIA:

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Markforged announced that Mark Schwartz has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. Schwartz brings extensive experience as a public company CFO, leading capital markets transactions and as part of management teams at high-growth hardware manufacturing and SaaS and AI companies. (Photo: Business Wire)

Funko Enters NFT Market with Majority Stake in TokenHead Developer

Funko Enters NFT Market with Majority Stake in TokenHead Developer

EVERETT, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Funko, Inc. (“Funko,” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: FNKO), a leading pop culture consumer products company, today announced it has acquired a majority ownership stake in TokenWave, LLC, the developer of TokenHead, a leading mobile app and website for showcasing and tracking Non-Fungible Token (“NFT”) holdings. TokenHead is available on iOS and Android, and currently displays over 10 million NFTs and has more than 100,000 visits per day. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.

The investment accelerates Funko’s initial entry into the NFT market and will extend the Company’s pop culture platform to include digital assets. Funko expects to launch its initial NFT offerings in June, featuring a unique property each week at a starting price point of $9.99. Products will be sold on the WAX platform, the leading decentralized wallet on the blockchain, which provides verifiable authenticity for purchases of Funko NFTs.

“Funko is thrilled to advance another platform that our fans and collectors will love and find valuable,” said Brian Mariotti, Chief Executive Officer of Funko. “Our strategy in this space is clear – bring the value-added NFT opportunity to our licensing partners to leverage our broad range of existing pop culture content across Television, Movies, Sports, Music, Anime, Video Games and Comic Books. Our amazing licensing partners are excited about our entry into this new digital space and we believe the diversity of our licensing portfolio sets us up for long-term success.”

“The marriage of digital and physical using WAX’s patented NFT technology known as vIRLs™ is powerful,” continued Mariotti. “Our ability to combine Funko Pop! digital NFTs with exclusive Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures has the potential to be a game changer. By backing the rarest of the Funko NFTs with exclusive redeemable Funko Pop!s, we are poised to enter the NFT market in a very unique manner. Importantly, we plan to make Funko NFTs broadly accessible to our fans by providing affordable entry pricing. Utilizing WAX Blockchain technology, we have the opportunity to eventually bring Funko collectible NFTs to our millions of fans around the globe. The NFT world is all about content, and Funko has been connecting fans to the content they love for over 20 years.”

About Funko

Headquartered in Everett, Washington, Funko is a leading pop culture consumer products company. Funko designs, sources and distributes licensed pop culture products across multiple categories, including vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, board games, housewares and accessories for consumers who seek tangible ways to connect with their favorite pop culture brands and characters. Learn more at https://www.funko.com/, and follow us on Twitter (@OriginalFunko) and Instagram (@OriginalFunko).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the market for NFTs, our strategy for Funko NFTs, the value of our licensing portfolio in the NFT market and our investment in TokenWave, LLC. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: risks related to the impact of COVID-19 on our business, financial results and financial condition; our ability to execute our business strategy; our ability to maintain and realize the full value of our license agreements; changes in the retail industry and markets for our consumer products; our ability to maintain our relationships with retail customers and distributors; our ability to compete effectively; and the potential for our electronic data or the electronic data of our customers to be compromised and other cybersecurity risks. These and other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Media:

Jessica Piha-Grafstein

Director, Corporate Communications & PR

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Washington

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Software Internet Specialty Licensing (Entertainment) Technology Retail Other Technology Entertainment

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Eyenovia Announces Appointment of Renowned Ophthalmologist and Scientific Leader Dr. Julia Haller to its Board of Directors

Eyenovia Announces Appointment of Renowned Ophthalmologist and Scientific Leader Dr. Julia Haller to its Board of Directors

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Eyenovia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYEN), a clinical stage ophthalmic company developing a pipeline of advanced therapeutics based on its proprietary microdose array print (MAP™) platform technology, today announced the appointment of renowned ophthalmologist and scientific leader, Julia Haller, M.D., to its Board of Directors.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210401005130/en/

Renowned ophthalmologist and scientific leader Dr. Julia Haller has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Eyenovia. (Photo: Business Wire)

Renowned ophthalmologist and scientific leader Dr. Julia Haller has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Eyenovia. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Haller to our Board of Directors at such an exciting time for Eyenovia,” commented Dr. Sean Ianchulev, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Eyenovia. “We believe that Dr. Haller’s decades of experience as an esteemed ophthalmic surgeon, scientist, professor, and business leader will be invaluable to the Eyenovia team as we strive to advance our late-stage ophthalmic pipeline and work towards our near-term clinical and regulatory milestones.”

“I have been familiar with Eyenovia and its MAP technology for some time now and believe the Company’s proprietary programs have the potential to become new standards of care in ophthalmic indications with significant unmet needs,” stated Dr. Haller. “I look forward to working with my fellow Eyenovia Board members and the leadership team to help create advances in the field.”

Since 2007, Dr. Haller has served as Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where she holds the William Tasman, M.D. Endowed Chair. She also is Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals.

One of the world’s most renowned retinal surgeons, Dr. Haller has published over 400 scientific articles and book chapters and innovated translational advances against blindness in many areas. Elected to the National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Haller, has been awarded the Rolex Achievement Award, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Honor Award, the AAO Senior Achievement Award, the Vitreous Society Senior Honor Award, the Crystal Apple Award (for mentorship) of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), the Kreissig Award from EURETINA, the President’s Award from Women in Ophthalmology (WIO), a Secretariat Award from the AAO, the Gertrude Pyron Award from the Retina Research Foundation/ASRS, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the AAO, the Louis Braille Award from Associated Services for the Blind, the Heed Award from the Society of Heed Fellows, the Gass Medal from the Macula Society, the Strittmatter Award from the Philadelphia Medical Society (their highest honor), the AAO EnergEYES Award, the WIO Suzanne Véronneau-Troutman Award, the Charles L. Schepens, MD, Award from the Retina Research Foundation/AAO and election to the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars. She holds Chair XVI of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis.

Dr. Haller serves on the board of directors of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. She also serves as president and board member for the Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation. Dr. Haller chairs the Heed Foundation and Society of Heed Fellows, is a member of the board of directors of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Johns Hopkins Medical and Surgical Association, and the Philadelphia Orchestra Association, and is a member of the American Ophthalmological Society Council and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation board of advisors. She is past president of the Retina Society and the American Society of Retina Specialists and was previously a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, as well as a founding member of Women in Retina. Her editorial board service includes RETINA, Retinal Physician, Retina Times, Ocular Surgery News, Retina Today, and Ophthalmology Times.

Dr. Haller was educated at Princeton University, where she graduated magna cum laude, and at Harvard Medical School, where she earned her M.D. She trained at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, where she served as the first female Chief Resident. She then joined the Johns Hopkins faculty, where she directed the retina fellowship program and held the Katharine Graham Chair in Ophthalmology before her current position leading Wills Eye Hospital.

About Eyenovia, Inc.

Eyenovia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYEN) is a clinical stage ophthalmic company developing a pipeline of advanced therapeutics based on its proprietary microdose array print (MAP™) platform technology. Eyenovia is currently focused on the late-stage development of medications for presbyopia, myopia progression and mydriasis. For more Information, visit www.eyenovia.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions, including estimated market opportunities for our product candidates and platform technology. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to numerous factors discussed from time to time in documents which we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, such statements could be affected by risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: our ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks of our and our licensees’ clinical trials, including, but not limited to, the costs, design, initiation and enrollment (which could still be adversely impacted by COVID-19 and resulting social distancing), timing, progress and results of such trials; the timing and our and our licensees’ ability to submit applications for, obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our product candidates; the potential advantages of our product candidates and platform technology; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our product candidates; intellectual property risks; changes in legal, regulatory and legislative environments in the markets in which we operate and the impact of these changes on our ability to obtain regulatory approval for our products; and our competitive position. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and except as may be required under applicable securities laws, Eyenovia does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Eyenovia Contact:

Eyenovia, Inc.

John Gandolfo

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

Eyenovia Investor Contact:

Eric Ribner

LifeSci Advisors, LLC

[email protected]

(646) 751-4363

Eyenovia Media Contact:

Sam Choinski

Pazanga Health Communications

[email protected]

(603) 489-5964

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology Medical Devices Health Pharmaceutical Optical

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Renowned ophthalmologist and scientific leader Dr. Julia Haller has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Eyenovia. (Photo: Business Wire)

Atlantic Power Corporation Executes New Agreement at Oxnard for 2022 and 2023

PR Newswire

DEDHAM, Mass., April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Atlantic Power Corporation (NYSE: AT) (TSX: ATP) (“Atlantic Power” or the “Company”) announced today that on March 31, 2021, it executed a new  agreement to sell capacity from the Oxnard plant for an additional two years, effective January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023.

Oxnard is an approximately 49 megawatt gas-fired plant located in Oxnard, California. The plant is currently operating under a Resource Adequacy (RA) agreement through December 31, 2021. Under this agreement, which satisfies the load obligations of a community choice aggregator, Oxnard receives a fixed monthly capacity payment and has the opportunity to receive revenue from the potential sale of energy and ancillary services.

The new RA agreement for 2022 and 2023 will satisfy the load obligations of a different entity than the current one. Oxnard will continue to receive fixed monthly capacity payments and potentially earn revenue from the sale of energy and ancillary services. The capacity payment is modestly higher than the level in place for 2021. The Company expects a modest level of Project Adjusted EBITDA from Oxnard in 2022 and 2023, similar to the level expected for 2021.

“The requirement for firm and reliable generation to support the further integration of intermittent renewable resources makes this new agreement for Oxnard possible,” said Joe Cofelice, Executive Vice President—Commercial Development of Atlantic Power. “We believe this new two-year agreement to sell capacity through 2023 is a further indication of the value of the Oxnard plant in the California market.”

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

To the extent any statements made in this news release contain information that is not historical, these statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and under Canadian securities law (collectively, “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 press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the following:

  • the Company’s expectation for Project Adjusted EBITDA from the Oxnard plant under the RA agreement in 2021, 2022 and 2023; and
  • the Company’s assessment of market conditions in California.

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-corporation-executes-new-agreement-at-oxnard-for-2022-and-2023-301260524.html

SOURCE Atlantic Power Corporation

The NAGA Group AG reports record revenue of close to USD 14 million in Q1 2021 with an EBITDA of USD 3.7 milion and crosses 1 Million registered accounts.

The NAGA Group AG reports record revenue of close to USD 14 million in Q1 2021 with an EBITDA of USD 3.7 milion and crosses 1 Million registered accounts.

– Record of 2.9 million transactions and USD 70 billion in traded volume – Copy trading increased by 475%

– A record of 93,000 accounts added in Q1

– NAGA filed an application to allow cross-trading in the US market

– Convertible bond with a nominal value of € 8 million fully placed

HAMBURG, Germany–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The NAGA Group AG (XETRA: N4G, ISIN: DE000A161NR7), provider of the social network for financial market trading NAGA.com, reports its preliminary unaudited results of the first quarter 2021.

Unaudited group sales jumped by 69% to USD 13.7 million (Q1 2020: USD 8.1 million), whilst the number of real-money transactions jumped by 141% to 2.9 million (Q1 2020: 1.2 million). Traded volume crossed USD 70 billion, an increase of 155% (Q1 2020: USD 27 billion). Signups jumped by 480% to 93,000 in Q1 2021 compared to 16,000 account signups in Q1 2020 which resulted in another important milestone for NAGA crossing 1 million registered accounts to date. Another highlight is the growth in transactions of NAGAs unique auto-copy tool. More than 1.4 million trades were copied trades on the NAGA platform, which is an increase of more than 475% compared to 0.27 million copied trades in Q1 2020.

“We are pleased with our Q1 results and especially with the growth metrics. We see three-digit growth across our core metrics. Since the restructuring in 2019 we have delivered growth for the 9th consecutive quarter with Q1 2021 being the strongest in our entire company history. It confirms that 2020 was just the beginning of our growth story. Our social trading business is growing very strongly, and we are clearly expanding our competitive advantage underlining our FinTech and user-experience focused character. Compared to classical brokerage funnels our NAGA-Autocopy drives 150% more in user activity and dramatically improved our conversion rates, reduced acquisition cost metrics and improved churn metrics”, comments NAGA CEO Benjamin Bilski.

According to various research outlets, the amount of people joining the stock markets is gaining momentum and will continue to grow strongly. Given NAGAs median client age of 34 and 80% of the transactions taking place on a mobile device, it is a clear confirmation that users appreciate mobile, easy-to-use and community-driven investing platforms that allow them to manage their money independently and invest across all asset classes including digital assets such as Bitcoin. For further diversification, the company plans to open a new local office in Vietnam and actively prepares the entry into the Australian market.

“We are on track to hit our annual targets. We will continue to scale marketing and further optimize our acquisition funnels. Comparing growth and further potential to our competition, but also private FinTech companies, we are very confident about our future upside. Given the shift of user demands and the positive feedback we are receiving about our unique platform, we will announce major exciting product updates in the upcoming quarters to strengthen our position as social neo-broker and investing platform”, adds Bilski.

NAGA is also pleased to announce that it has filed an application with OTC Markets Group for the Company’s shares to be cross traded publicly on the OTCQX Venture Market which would make NAGA shares more widely available to North American investors. Trading on the US OTCQX market would have no impact on existing NAGA’s ordinary shares and no new ordinary shares will be issued as part of the cross-trade. NAGA will continue to rely on the announcements and disclosures it makes to Scale and will have no SEC reporting requirements. Should the application be successful, the cross-trading facility will be provided through OTC Markets Group Inc., located in New York, USA. OTC Markets operates the world’s largest electronic interdealer quotation system for US broker dealers and offers multiple media channels to increase the visibility of OTC-traded companies.

“We would like to make NAGA Group AG available to US markets in order to gain access to a broader investor base and enhance our visibility in North America. Cross trading on OTC Markets represents an important development for the company”, adds Bilski.

Furthermore, NAGA reports that the convertible bonds with a nominal value of EUR 8 million, as announced in the ad hoc announcement of March 8, 2021, have been placed in full.

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About NAGA

NAGA is an innovative fintech company that seamlessly connects personal finance transactions and investments through its social trading platform. The company’s proprietary platform offers a range of products from stock trading, investments and cryptocurrencies to a physical Mastercard. Additionally, the platform allows for exchanges with other traders, provides relevant information in the feed, and autocopy features for successful members’ trades. NAGA is a synergistic total solution that is easily accessible and inclusive. It provides an improved foundation to trade, invest, network, earn and pay. This applies to both fiat and crypto products.

Language: English
Company: The NAGA Group AG
Hohe Bleichen 12
20354 Hamburg
Germany
Email: [email protected]
Internet www.naga.com
ISIN: DE000A161NR7
WKN: A161NR
Indices: Scale 30
Listed: Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (Scale), Hamburg, Munich,
Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange

 

Press contact

Andreas Luecke

The NAGA Group AG

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Germany Europe

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Networks Finance Data Management Professional Services Technology

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Ingredion Expands Specialty Ingredient Portfolio With Acquisition of KaTech

  • Expands Food Systems platform with stabilizing and texturizing solutions broadening the Company’s customer base
  • Brings label-friendly ingredients and innovative solutions that align with the latest consumer trends

WESTCHESTER, Ill., April 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to the food and beverage industry, announced today that it has acquired KaTech, a privately held company headquartered in Lübeck, Germany that provides advanced texture and stabilization solutions to the food and beverage industry. The acquisition complements Ingredion’s existing specialty ingredient portfolio by expanding its Food Systems platform with a comprehensive suite of innovative solutions that assist food and beverage manufacturers with product formulation, ingredient functionality and technical assistance. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

“KaTech has deep food formulation expertise which complements our leading texture business in Europe,” said Jim Zallie, Ingredion’s president and chief executive officer. “The addition of KaTech enhances our ability to formulate customized, complete food solutions leveraging Ingredion’s expanded ingredient portfolio. It also expands the geographic footprint of our Food Systems growth platform complementing our positions in the U.S. and Asia.”

“We are committed to working together to continue to meet KaTech’s customers’ needs and building upon their world-class reputation in specialties for technical depth, applications know-how, and innovative texturizing solutions that create value for foods and beverages,” said Pierre Perez y Landazuri, Ingredion’s senior vice president, texture, protein and performance specialties.

“Our customers will benefit from a comprehensive suite of nature-based ingredients with access to tailored solutions and unrivalled speed to market,” added Mike O’Riordan, Ingredion’s president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “Ingredion’s complementary geographic reach will enable the KaTech business to thrive and continue growing.”

ABOUT KATECH

Founded in 2010, KaTech has four locations: two in Germany, one in the United Kingdom, and one in Poland with approximately 95 employees. The company develops bespoke food system solutions designed to help its customers bring products to market faster, solve technical problems and optimize product costs. KaTech has a strong focus on plant-based, dairy and dairy alternatives, meat and fish, savory, and bakery products providing a high level of technical expertise and formulation capabilities for texturization and stabilization and clean and simple formulations. The company has expertise both in ingredient functionality and applications including areas, such as stabilization, texture enhancement, protein protection and enrichment, mouthfeel improvement, and emulsification. 

ABOUT INGREDION

Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in more than 120 countries. With 2020 annual net sales of $6 billion, the Company turns grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing and industrial markets. With Ingredion Idea Labs® innovation centers around the world and approximately 12,000 employees, the Company co-creates with customers and fulfills its purpose of bringing the potential of people, nature and technology together to make life better. Visit ingredion.com for more information and the latest Company news.

Forward-looking Statement

This release contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Ingredion Incorporated (the “Company”) intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, among others, any statements regarding the Company’s prospects, future operations or future financial condition, including expectations regarding impacts of COVID-19, the Company’s net sales, operating income, margins, rates of returns from capital projects, project pipeline and earnings, as well as management’s plans or strategies and goals or objectives therefor, and any assumptions, expectations or beliefs underlying the foregoing.

These statements can sometimes be identified by the use of forward looking words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “plan,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “continue,” “pro forma,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “propels,” “opportunities,” “potential,” “provisional,” or other similar expressions or the negative thereof. All statements other than statements of historical facts in this presentation or referred to in or incorporated by reference into this presentation are “forward-looking statements.”

These statements are based on current circumstances or expectations, but are subject to certain inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control. Although we believe our expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, investors are cautioned that no assurance can be given that our expectations will prove correct.

Actual results and developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by these statements, based on various factors, including the impact of COVID-19 on the demand for our products and our financial results; changing consumption preferences relating to high fructose corn syrup and other products we make; the effects of global economic conditions and the general political, economic, business, and market conditions that affect customers and consumers in the various geographic regions and countries in which we buy our raw materials or manufacture or sell our products, including, particularly, economic and political conditions in Europe, and the impact these factors may have on our sales volumes, the pricing of our products and our ability to collect our receivables from customers; future financial performance of major industries which we serve and from which we derive a significant portion of our sales, including, without limitation, the food, beverage, animal nutrition, and brewing industries; the uncertainty of acceptance of products developed through genetic modification and biotechnology; our ability to develop or acquire new products and services at rates or of qualities sufficient to gain market acceptance; increased competitive and/or customer pressure in the corn-refining industry and related industries; the availability of raw materials, including potato starch, tapioca, gum Arabic, and the specific varieties of corn upon which some of our products are based, and our ability to pass along potential increases in the cost of corn or other raw materials to customers; energy costs and availability, including energy issues in Pakistan; our ability to contain costs, achieve budgets and realize expected synergies, including with respect to our ability to complete planned maintenance and investment projects on time and on budget and to achieve expected savings under our Cost Smart program as well as with respect to freight and shipping costs; the behavior of financial and capital markets, including with respect to foreign currency fluctuations, fluctuations in interest and exchange rates and market volatility and the associated risks of hedging against such fluctuations; our ability to successfully integrate the KaTech businesses with our current business operations; operating difficulties at our manufacturing facilities; the impact of impairment charges on our goodwill or long-lived assets; changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liability; our ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations; the impact on our business of natural disasters, war or similar acts of hostility, threats or acts of terrorism, the outbreak or continuation of pandemics such as COVID-19, or the occurrence of other significant events beyond our control; changes in government policy, law, or regulation and costs of legal compliance, including compliance with environmental regulation; potential effects of climate change; security breaches with respect to information technology systems, processes, and sites; our ability to raise funds at reasonable rates and other factors affecting our access to sufficient funds for future growth and expansion; volatility in the stock market and other factors that could adversely affect our stock price; risks affecting the continuation of our dividend policy; and our ability to remediate in a timely manner a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. If we do update or correct one or more of these statements, investors and others should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections. For a further description of these and other risks, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.

CONTACTS:

Investors: Tiffany Willis, 708-551-2592
Media: Becca Hary, 708-551-2602



uniQure to Participate in Multiple Upcoming Industry Conferences in April

LEXINGTON, Mass. and AMSTERDAM, April 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — uniQure N.V. (NASDAQ: QURE), a leading gene therapy company advancing transformative therapies for patients with severe medical needs, today announced its participation in the following upcoming virtual investor and scientific conferences:

  • Virtual Guggenheim Healthcare Talks

    2021 Genomic Medicines & Rare Disease, April 1, 2021

    • Members of uniQure’s management team will participate in virtual one-on-one investor meetings throughout the day on Thursday, April 1.
    • Matt Kapusta, chief executive officer, will participate on a panel discussion entitled, “The Low-Hanging Fruit in Gene Therapy Might Be Hard to Reach – Challenges for Hemophilia A and B” on Thursday, April 1 from 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. ET. The live webcast of the fireside chat can be accessed through the link displayed in the Investors & Newsroom section of the uniQure website.

    • Ricardo Dolmetsch, Ph.D., president of research and development, will participate in a panel discussion entitled, “An Idea Whose Time has Come – Disease Modifying Therapies for Huntington’s Disease” later the same day from 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. ET.

  • Wells Fargo Corporate Access Days, April 6-8, 2021

    • Members of uniQure’s management team will participate in virtual one-on-one investor meetings throughout the day on Tuesday, April 6.
  • Professional Patient Advocates in Life Sciences, April 13, 2021

    • Daniel Leonard, senior director of global patient advocacy, will participate on a virtual panel discussion entitled, “Building an Internal Patient Advocacy & HR Relationship Series – Part 1: Journey to Patient Advocacy” starting at 2:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 13.
  • 20

    th

    Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference, April 12 – 15, 2021

    • Members of uniQure’s management team will participate in virtual one-on-one investor meetings throughout the day on Thursday, April 15.
    • A company presentation with Matt Kapusta will take place the same day from 3:45 to 4:25 p.m. ET. The live webcast of the fireside chat can be accessed through the link displayed in the Investors & Newsroom section of the uniQure website.
  • Chardan 5

    th

    Annual Genetic Medicines Manufacturing Summit, April 26 – 27, 2021

    • Members of uniQure’s management team will participate in virtual one-on-one investor meetings on Tuesday, April 27.
    • A fireside chat with Matt Kapusta will take place the same day from 1:45 to 2:25 p.m. ET. The live webcast of the fireside chat can be accessed through the link displayed in the Investors & Newsroom section of the uniQure website.
  • Kempen Life Sciences Conference – 2021 Thematic Virtual Series “Cell, Gene & RNA based companies,” April 28, 2021

    • Members of uniQure’s management team will participate in virtual one-on-one investor meetings on Wednesday, April 28.
  • CHDI’s 16

    th

    Annual Huntington’s Disease Therapeutics Conference, April 27-29, 2021

    • David Cooper, M.D., vice president of clinical research CNS, will present in the clinical stage interventional programs session on Thursday, April 29 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. ET. His presentation is entitled, “Updates on HD-GeneTRX-1: A Phase 1-2 Clinical Trial of CNS-Administered Gene Therapy (AMT-130) for Early-Stage HD.” Following the pre-recorded presentation, Dr. Cooper will be available for live Q&A.
    • Astrid Valles-Sanchez, Ph.D., senior scientist at uniQure, will have a poster presentation entitled, “Lowering the Pathogenic Exon1 HTT Fragment by AAV5-miHTT Gene Therapy,” during the conference dates.
  • World Orphan Drug Congress, April 28, 2021

    • Nick Li, Ph.D., M.B.A., senior director, global/US market access lead, will participate on a panel entitled “Pricing & Reimbursement for Rare Diseases in the United States” starting at 3:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 28.

About uniQure

uniQure is delivering on the promise of gene therapy – single treatments with potentially curative results. We are leveraging our modular and validated technology platform to rapidly advance a pipeline of proprietary gene therapies to treat patients with hemophilia B, Huntington’s disease, Fabry disease, spinocerebellar ataxia Type 3 and other diseases. www.uniQure.com

uniQure Contacts:

FOR INVESTORS:    FOR MEDIA:
     
Maria E. Cantor Chiara Russo Tom Malone
Direct: 339-970-7536 Direct: 617-306-9137 Direct: 339-970-7558
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]



Quest Diagnostics Sells Ownership Interest in Q² Solutions to IQVIA

PR Newswire

SECAUCUS, N.J. and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced the sale of its minority share in Q2 Solutions to IQVIA (NYSE: IQV), a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services to the life sciences industry, for $760 million in an all-cash transaction.

Q2 Solutions is a leading global clinical laboratory services organization that provides comprehensive testing, project management, supply chain, biorepository, biospecimen and consent tracking solutions for clinical trials. IQVIA and Quest established Q2 Solutions as a joint venture in 2015. IQVIA previously owned a 60 percent majority share and Quest Diagnostics owned a 40 percent minority share.

“Divesting from Q2 Solutions supports our vision to be focused on empowering better health with diagnostic information services,” said Steve Rusckowski, Quest Diagnostics Chairman, CEO and President. “We are proud of our contributions to the growth of Q2 Solutions, and are confident that IQVIA has the strategic vision and agility to lead Q2 Solutions on the next phase of its journey as a global leader in central lab services.”

Under a multi-year agreement, Quest will remain the strategic preferred laboratory provider for Q2 Solutions’ clients, providing a range of complementary lab testing capabilities to augment Q2 Solutions’ core offerings and extend its industry leading suite of services.

About Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world’s largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve health care management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our approximately 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quest-diagnostics-sells-ownership-interest-in-q-solutions-to-iqvia-301260535.html

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics

COMPASS Pathways appoints Wayne J Riley MD to its Board of Directors




COMPASS Pathways appoints Wayne J Riley MD to its Board of Directors

London, UK – 1 April 2021        

COMPASS Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) (“COMPASS”), a mental health care company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health, announced today that it has appointed Wayne J Riley MD to its Board of Directors.

Dr Riley is President of the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, where he holds tenured professorships in internal medicine, and health policy and management. A primary care physician and an academic, he has more than 25 years of experience encompassing clinical and academic medicine, research programme oversight, biotechnology, primary care, public health, healthcare management and policy, healthcare quality, academic health science centre administration, and government service.

“We are delighted to welcome Wayne to the COMPASS Board,” said George Goldsmith, CEO and Co-founder of COMPASS Pathways. “He has dedicated his career to patients and to improving healthcare services. At COMPASS, we want to transform the patient experience in mental health care and to give people options. We look forward to benefitting from Wayne’s breadth of expertise as we continue to advance our evidence-based research and to work towards our vision of a world of mental wellbeing.”

Dr Riley said, “I am honoured to join the Board of COMPASS Pathways at this critical time when it is more important than ever to develop novel, effective treatments for depression and other mental health conditions. I look forward to working with the Board and the management team and contributing to advancing COMPASS’s quest to improve the lives of millions of patients worldwide.”

In addition to his position at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Dr Riley is also Chairman of the Board of the New York Academy of Medicine, an elected member of the US National Academy of Medicine, a Commissioner of the US Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, and President of the Society of Medical Administrators. He is a President Emeritus of the American College of Physicians (ACP).

Dr Riley is a member of the Board of Directors of HCA Healthcare Inc, a learning health system comprising 180 hospitals and more than 2,000 sites of care in the US and in the UK, where he serves as Chair of the Patient Safety & Quality Committee and a member of the Audit & Compliance and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees. He previously served as a Director of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. He holds a BA from Yale University, an MPH from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, an MD from the Morehouse School of Medicine, and an MBA from Rice University.

-Ends-

About COMPASS Pathways

COMPASS Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) is a mental health care company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health. Our focus is on improving the lives of those who are suffering with mental health challenges and who are not helped by current treatments. We are pioneering the development of a new model of psilocybin therapy, in which our proprietary formulation of synthetic psilocybin, COMP360, is administered in conjunction with psychological support. COMP360 has been designated a Breakthrough Therapy by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and we are currently conducting a phase IIb clinical trial of psilocybin therapy for TRD, in 22 sites across Europe and North America. We are headquartered in London, UK, with offices in New York, US. Our vision is a world of mental wellbeing. www.compasspathways.com

Availability of other information about COMPASS Pathways

Investors and others should note that we communicate with our investors and the public using our website (www.compasspathways.com), our investor relations website (ir.compasspathways.com), and on social media (LinkedIn), including but not limited to investor presentations and investor fact sheets, US Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. The information that we post on these channels and websites could be deemed to be material information. As a result, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in us to review the information that is posted on these channels, including the investor relations website, on a regular basis. This list of channels may be updated from time to time on our investor relations website and may include additional social media channels. The contents of our website or these channels, or any other website that may be accessed from our website or these channels, shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933.  

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “objective”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “contemplate”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” and “ongoing,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to, among other things, COMPASS’s business strategy and goals, COMPASS’s ability to continue to advance its research, and COMPASS’s expectations regarding the benefits of its psilocybin therapy. The forward-looking statements in this press release are neither promises nor guarantees, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond COMPASS’s control and which could cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, among others: preclinical research and clinical development is lengthy and uncertain, and therefore our preclinical studies and clinical trials may be delayed or terminated, or may never advance to or in the clinic; and those risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in COMPASS’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 9 March 2021 and in subsequent filings made by COMPASS with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as required by law, COMPASS disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are based on COMPASS’s current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof.          

Enquiries

Media: Tracy Cheung, [email protected], +44 7966 309024
Investors: Stephen Schultz, [email protected], +1 401 290 7423

 



Friday Health Plans Secures $160 Million in Funding Led by Vestar Capital Partners

Investment includes debt financing from Leadenhall Capital Partners to support expansion into multiple new markets

Denver, April 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Friday Health Plans, Inc. (“Friday”), a Denver-based health insurance holding company, announced today that it has signed an agreement to receive a $100 million equity investment led by Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm. Leadenhall Capital Partners, a London-based insurance-focused investment manager, will provide an additional $60 million in debt financing. Following robust membership growth of more than 400% in 2021, Friday will leverage the additional funds to expand into new markets with a focus on technology-driven individual and small-group health insurance.

“This funding will not only allow us to offer health plans to more people, but will also accelerate Friday’s technology innovation,” said Sal Gentile, CEO of Friday Health Plans. “Friday was built specifically for individuals seeking simplicity, practical health benefits, and great service – all at an affordable price. We’re able to offer that through a combination of efficient operational execution and consumer-centric technology.”

Friday currently serves more than 70,000 members in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas, with plans to expand its offerings into multiple new states each year. Most of Friday’s health plans include $0 primary care visits, $0 mental health counseling, free generic drugs and free telehealth visits. Consumers can purchase the plans on the national or state-based health exchanges, through brokers, or directly on Friday’s website.

“Friday has proven its ability to run an efficient, technology-driven health plan in the consumer health insurance market, and with our investment, we’re excited to support the company as it grows its footprint,” said Norm Alpert, Co-President and Co-Founder of Vestar Capital Partners. “There’s great demand for affordable, customer-driven insurance, and expanding nationwide will help bring better insurance options to those who need it most.”

 “Leadenhall is delighted to continue to support and further expand its successful partnership as Friday Health Plans grows its business,” said Tom Spreutels, Head of Origination at Leadenhall Capital Partners. “We are equally pleased to be supporting Friday as an innovative provider of affordable health insurance, bringing their plans to a wider group of individuals.”

Friday Health Plans was started in 2015 by Mr. Gentile and David Pinkert, two health technology industry veterans. After the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the pair wanted to start a simpler, friendlier health insurance company, better designed for consumers not receiving health insurance from their employer.

With headquarters in Denver, Friday Health Plans has grown exponentially through acquisition and organic growth. In 2017, the company acquired Colorado Choice Health Plans, a 45-year-old company located in Alamosa, CO. Friday continues to operate in Alamosa and has grown its employee base there to more than 175 people.

Closing of the investment is expected to occur within 90 days and is contingent upon regulatory approval and the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. This funding follows $50 million in institutional funding Friday received from Peloton Equity, Leadenhall Capital Partners and the Colorado Impact Fund in 2019.

TripleTree, LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Friday Health Plans for this transaction.

 

About Friday Health
Plans

Friday Health Plans is purpose-built specifically for people and small businesses who buy their own health insurance. The company focuses on overall simplicity to offer affordable health plans with benefits that help members stay healthy and cover them if they get sick or hurt. Operational efficiency, top-notch customer service, and smart technology are core to Friday’s consumer-centric approach. All insurance plans and services are offered and administered through licensed subsidiaries of Friday Health Plans, Inc. For more information and to find a health plan, visit www.fridayhealthplans.com.

About Vestar Capital Partners

Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since its founding in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $7 billion in 83 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $50 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.

About Leadenhall Capital Partners

Leadenhall Capital Partners is a London, UK-based institutional investment manager focused on managing life and non-life insurance linked investments with over US$6.4bn assets under management, with offices in the UK, Bermuda and the United States. Established in November 2008, Leadenhall Capital Partners has made over 125 investments in companies at various stages of their growth cycle, and at various points in the capital structure.  Leadenhall has the expertise to identify promising investment opportunities whilst also backing companies which may provide access to attractive life and health risks for its investment portfolios.  For additional information on Leadenhall, please visit www.leadenhallcp.com

 

 

 

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Tracy Faigin
Friday Health Plans
3038884803
[email protected]

Kent Sholars
Edelman
(281) 744-0170
[email protected]

Jennifer Hurson
Lambert & Co.
(845) 507-0571
[email protected]

Caroline Luz
Lambert & Co.
(203) 656-2829
[email protected]