Market Newsdesk

SHENZHEN, May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Taoping Inc. (NASDAQ: TAOP, the “Company”), a provider of Internet-based smart display screens, and a new-media ecosystem that enables targeted advertising and online retail, announces today that it has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Singapore-based ZNDS Global Technology PTE. LTD. (“Zionodes”), a leading computing power trading platform for a 5-year term from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2026. The two parties will work together to develop the GPU cloud computing market.

Pursuant to the strategic cooperation agreement, TAOP plans to increase the supply of computing power to Zionodes in stages totaling at least $10 million. In the first stage, based on TAOP’s supply of computing power in its global data centers, Zionodes will purchase from TAOP general-purpose and high-performance GPU services with a value of not less than $1 million before September 30, 2021.

“High-performance computing power is widely used for cloud desktop, cloud rendering, cloud gaming, artificial intelligence services, and digital assets mining,” said Mr. Jianghuai Lin, the Chairman and CEO of TAOP. “We are happy to have Zionodes as a customer and a partner for our expansion in international market.”

About
Zionodes

Zionodes is the world’s leading computing power trading platform and generalized ASICs-GPU technology service company. It uses blockchain technology to create a unique trading platform that brings together hardware vendors, data centers, and users. Users can use smart contracts based on blockchain technology and dApps for computing power transactions. Zionodes has passed Certik’s audit and strives to fulfill its promise of “maintaining professional ethics of transparency and integrity”.

About
Taoping
Inc.

Taoping Inc. (TAOP), is a leading provider of smart display terminals and solutions for targeted advertising and online retails. The Company provides the integrated end-to-end digital advertising solutions enabling customers to distribute and manage ads on cloud-based ad display screens. Connecting owners of Taoping screens, advertisers and consumers, it builds up a resource sharing “Smart IoT Screen Network- Taoping App – Taoping Go (e-Store)” media ecosystem to ultimately achieve the mission “our technology makes advertising and branding affordable and effective for everyone.” To learn more, please visit http://www.taop.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of Taoping Inc., and its subsidiaries and other consolidated entities. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, are “forward-looking statements” in nature within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, often identified by the use of forward-looking terminologies such as “believes”, “expects” or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company and its subsidiaries and other consolidated entities or persons acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

For further information, please contact:

Taoping
Inc.

Chang Qiu
Email: [email protected]
http://www.taop.com/
or

Dragon Gate Investment Partners LLC

Tel: +1(646)-801-2803
Email: [email protected]

• Company Well Positioned to Facilitate Hydrogen Growth Strategy

NEWTOWN, Pa. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jericho Energy Ventures (TSXV: JEV; Frankfurt: JLM0; OTC: JROOF) (“Jericho” or “JEV” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that existing shareholders, including insiders, have early exercised 33,990,303 share purchase warrants, providing the Company with gross proceeds of CAD$4,414,739. The three-year share purchase warrants were granted in June 2020.

Brian Williamson, CEO of JEV, stated, “We are grateful for the continued support of our long term, major investors who strongly back our hydrogen growth strategy. We are well-capitalized and positioned to accelerate the commercialization of our patented, zero-emissions, hydrogen-based, cleanH2steam Dynamic Combustion Chamber™ boiler solution at a pivotal time when more and more steam intensive industries are focused on decarbonizing their processes to meet rapidly evolving carbon emissions regulations and reduction policies globally.”

About Jericho Energy Ventures

Jericho Energy Ventures (www.jerichoenergyventures.com) (JEV) is focused on advancing the low-carbon energy transition with investments in hydrogen technologies, energy storage, carbon capture and new energy systems. JEV’s wholly owned subsidiary, Hydrogen Technologies, delivers patented, zero-emission, boiler technology to the $30 Billion Commercial & Industrial heat and steam industry. JEV also owns and operates producing oil and gas assets in the US Mid-Continent, predominantly in Oklahoma.

CONTACT:

Adam Rabiner
Director of IR
Jericho Energy Ventures
604.343.4534
[email protected]

This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Jericho’s beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Jericho’s control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “will continue”, “will occur” or “will be achieved”. Although Jericho believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Forward-looking information and statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information and statements which include, but are not limited to:
the effects of and risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,
the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and current and future commodity prices including sustained low oil prices, significant and ongoing stock market volatility, currency and interest rates, governmental regulation of the oil and gas industry, including environmental regulation; geological, technical and drilling problems; unanticipated operating events; competition for and/or inability to retain drilling rigs and other services; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; liabilities inherent in oil and gas exploration, development and production operations; and the other factors described in our public filings available at


www.sedar.com


. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.
The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Jericho does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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

BURLINGTON, Mass., May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC), AI for a world in motion, will announce its second quarter, fiscal year 2021 financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. EST / 4:00 a.m. PST.

The company will host a live conference call and webcast, with accompanying slides to discuss the results, on the same day at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Interested investors and analysts are invited to dial into the conference call by using 1.844.467.7116 (domestic) or +1.409.983.9838 (international) and entering the pass code 7998527. Webcast access will be available in the Investor Information section of the company’s website at www.cerence.com.

The teleconference replay will be available through May 17, 2021. The replay dial-in number is 1.855.859.2056 (domestic) or +1.404.537.3406 (international) using pass code 7998527. The webcast replay will be available on the company’s website at www.cerence.com.

About Cerence Inc.

Cerence (NASDAQ: CRNC) is the global industry leader in creating unique, moving experiences for the mobility world. As an innovation partner to the world’s leading automakers and mobility OEMs, it is helping advance the future of connected mobility through intuitive, powerful interaction between humans and their cars, two-wheelers, and even elevators, connecting consumers’ digital lives to their daily journeys no matter where they are. Cerence’s track record is built on more than 20 years of knowledge and more than 350 million cars shipped with Cerence technology. Whether it’s connected cars, autonomous driving, e-vehicles, or buildings, Cerence is mapping the road ahead. For more information, visit www.cerence.com.

Investor Contact Information

Rich Yerganian
Vice President of Investor Relations
Cerence Inc.
Tel: 617-987-4799
Email: [email protected]

Boston, MA, May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Friday, April 30, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts allowed Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment, finding the asserted claims of Worlds Inc. (OTCQB: WDDD) against Activision/Blizzard et al regarding asserted patents invalid under 35 U.S.C. § 101 as directed to ineligible subject matter. 

Worlds CEO Thom Kidrin stated, “We are obviously disappointed in the court’s decision, but we believe the ruling is contrary to the established law of section 101 as announced by the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.” Mr. Kidrin further noted, “The court’s decision focused much of its analysis on claim 4 of the ‘690 patent, which was fully considered and found valid and patentable by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board in the challenges raised by Bungie in 2015.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Kidrin stated, “Worlds has faced many obstacles while enforcing its intellectual property rights against parties such as Activision, Linden Lab, and Microsoft. Some thought Bungie’s 2015 challenges would put an end to Worlds’ patents, but Worlds persevered and each of the challenged patents emerged successfully with claims intact. Friday’s ruling is just another obstacle, and Worlds intends to continue fighting to overturn that ruling.”

 # # #

About Worlds Inc.

Worlds, Inc. (OTCQB: WDDD), is a leading intellectual property developer and licensee of patents related to 3D online virtual worlds. The Company has a portfolio of 10 U.S. patents for multi-server technology for 3D applications. The earliest of these patents issued on an application filed November 12, 1996. A provisional patent application, serial number 60/020,296, was filed on November 13, 1995. These patents are related to each other and disclose and claim systems and methods for enabling users to interact in a virtual space. For additional information about Worlds, Inc., please visit: www.Worlds.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to Worlds Inc. that are based on the beliefs of Worlds’ management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events including estimates and projections about its business based on certain assumptions of its management, including those described in this Release. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Additional risk factors are included in the Company’s public filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as “hoped,” “anticipated,” “believed,” “estimated,” “should,” “preparing,” “expected” or words of a similar nature. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

Media Relations:
847-275-3643
[email protected]

Baton Rouge, La., May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Technical Services Group (TSG), a leading broadcast engineering and commercial AV solutions provider, today announced it has been awarded the bid to upgrade the statewide microwave distribution system for Alabama Public Television (APT) to support ATSC 3.0 transmission. Valued at approximately $2.8 million, the project will require an upgrade of 30 locations with bi-directional, high-speed IP components from Vislink, Inc. (Nasdaq: VISL), the global technology leader in collection, delivery, and management of high-quality live video and associated data.

“Before we could upgrade to an ATSC 3.0 on our transmitters, we had to have an IP network over the microwave system designed to handle an ATSC 3.0 signal,” explained Windell Wood, director of engineering and COO for APT. The current system has been in place since 2010, and is only capable of supporting ATSC 1.0.

The APT network utilizes nine transmitters and 21 repeaters to maintain statewide coverage. The master signal originates from the network operations center at APT’s flagship station, WBIQ, in Birmingham, Ala. To achieve bi-directional connectivity and full redundancy across the entire network, TSG will install 120 of Vislink’s most popular transceivers, the IPLink 3.0 – four at each site.

Vislink’s all-indoor digital video microwave system, which features a touchscreen display and clean front panel design in a 2RU chassis, will allow APT to transition from traditional ASI transport to an IP-centric system architecture. The new system will also utilize Simple Network Management Protocols (SNMP), which will monitor and manage the overall health of the APT network.

Both TSG and Vislink have worked with APT in the past. During the recent FCC Repack, for example, TSG replaced three IOT transmitters with GatesAir solid-state transmitters for APT, so Wood is confident in the company’s ability to upgrade the microwave distribution system. “We’re very pleased with their work,” he added.

“Alabama has one of the best public television organizations in the country, with one of the most robust microwave infrastructures,” said Mickey Miller, CEO of Vislink. “We have worked with APT for more than 20 years, and we’re proud to continue our relationship as they prepare for an ATSC 3.0 migration and move toward a total IP-centric network. TSG is an incredible company that provides great technical solutions, and we value our collaboration.”

Work on the project is expected to begin in early summer and be completed by the end of the year. With the built-in redundancy (and hot standby feed) of the system, APT should be able to minimize or avoid signal disruption during the upgrade, according to Wood.

Once ATSC 3.0 is implemented across the state, a portion of the bandwidth will be allocated to emergency services, including police and fire departments, while part will maintain distribution of the ATSC 1.0 signal. The remaining bandwidth will be allocated to the ATSC 3.0 feed.

Another key technical layer to the APT plan for ATSC 3.0 adoption is a separate fiber network, currently in the planning stage, which will connect all 30 transmission sites throughout the state. Fiber connectivity will provide additional redundancy and seamless failover for APT.

“ATSC 3.0 is the next step in the evolution of broadcast television. With their emphasis on infrastructure, Alabama Public Television is in front of the curve,” said Bo Hoover, CEO of TSG. “APT’s transition to ATSC 3.0 is going to serve as a model for other statewide networks, and we are excited to work with Vislink to deliver this solution.”

About Vislink, Inc.

Vislink is a global technology business specializing in the collection, delivery, and management of high quality, live video and associated data from the scene of the action to the viewing screen. For the broadcast markets, Vislink provides solutions for the collection of live news, sports, and entertainment events. Vislink also furnishes the surveillance and defense markets with real-time video intelligence solutions using a variety of tailored transmission products. The Vislink team also provides professional and technical services utilizing a staff of technology experts with decades of applied knowledge and real-world experience to the areas of terrestrial microwave, satellite, fiber optic, surveillance, and wireless communications systems, to deliver a broad spectrum of customer solutions. Vislink’s shares of Common Stock are publicly traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “VISL.” For more information, visit www.vislink.com.

About TSG

With more than 30 years of industry experience, Technical Services Group provides engineering teams and expert solutions that are integrated by design. From transmitters to control rooms, TSG offers design, installation, repair, and managed services for radio and television broadcasters. Our commercial AV solutions deliver innovative presentation and control technologies for sports venues, government offices, schools, houses of worship, healthcare facilities, and hospitality sites. Before you go live, visit tsgcom.com.

Press Contact


Brian Galante
Dimension PR
207-494-8428
[email protected]

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alpha Peak Capital Inc. (formerly, Alpha Peak Leisure Inc.) (“Alpha Peak” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has altered its notice of articles to change its name to “Alpha Peak Capital Inc.” (the “Name Change“) and has consolidated its issued and outstanding common shares (the “Common Shares“) on the basis of ten (10) pre-consolidation Common Shares for one (1) post-consolidation Common Share (the “Consolidation“). The Name Change and Consolidation were approved by shareholders of the Company at its annual and special meeting held on April 15, 2021 and came into effect today, on May 3, 2021. A new CUSIP number for the post-consolidation Common Shares has been obtained to replace the previous CUSIP number.

Following the Consolidation, the Company has 7,207,709 Common Shares outstanding. No fractional Common Shares have been issued pursuant to the Consolidation and any fractional shares that would have otherwise been issued have been rounded to the nearest whole Common Share. The change in the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares resulting from the Consolidation will not materially affect any shareholder’s percentage ownership in the Company, although such ownership will be represented by a smaller number of Common Shares.

The Company is distributing the post-Consolidation Common Shares by way of a direct “push-out” from the Company’s transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company (the “Transfer Agent”). Common Shares held by shareholders through brokerage accounts will be consolidated with no further action required by the shareholder, and Common Shares held in certificated form directly by shareholders will have replacement certificates and/or DRS Advices sent by mail to each registered shareholder’s address on file with the Transfer Agent.

For more information, please contact:

Zachary Goldenberg, CEO
Phone No.: 647-987-5083
Email: [email protected]

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: will, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include administrative or legal delays in processing the Consolidation through the Transfer Agent or with brokerage firms, and other factors that are beyond the control of the Company. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Company’s public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials.

This press release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States.

MIAMI, May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 38th Annual New York Metro McDonald’s Gospelfest will present a virtual concert and showcase free to the public. The event will air on Mother’s Day May 9th, 2021 on Fox 5 and then continues on Fox’s website. The full hour show will also be available on Fox Soul streaming Network.

As fans and viewers prepare for the mega virtual show, they can expect an all-star gospel line up featuring local talent along with some of the greats including Yolanda Adams, Kelly Price, Hezekiah Walker with his Love Fellowship Tabernacle Choir, Tremaine Hawkins, Deitrick Haddon, Jonathan McReynolds, a Special Guest Appearance by Erica Campbell, plus, Group Fire and Tiffany Andrews ,said Robert Alexander CEO of 360WiSE.

“Gospelfest has been a treasured part of the McDonald’s New York Tri-State Owner/Operators. For 38 years we have brought renown gospel singers, local choirs and other performers to the stage to entertain, enlighten and inspire the community. In times like these, this music strengthens us and serves as a reminder of what has kept us through difficult times. I believe gospel music has been a bridge that has brought us through the challenging,” said Brian Hairston, President of the NY/NJ Black McDonald’s Owners Association.

In addition to viewers being uplifted and inspired by the show’s star-studded performers, the show will also feature opportunities to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities. McDonald’s Owner/ Operators have been helping support Ronald McDonald House Charities for over 40 years in their work to keep millions of families together when they need it most. As our local communities continue to navigate these unprecedented challenges and work toward recovery, donations to the RMHC will enable them to continue serving families with ill and sick children, said producer, director A Curtis Farrow,

The 2021 line-up includes:

Yolanda Adams

After twelve albums, five Grammys and performing for several U. S. presidents, she still wows audiences all over the world. Her dazzling rendition of the National Anthem was the hit of last year’s Super Bowl. Ever since her 1988 debut album, “Just As I Am.” Yolanda Adams is renowned for pioneering the blend of modern gospel music infused with soul and jazz. For decades, she has empowered fans through her inspirational and contemporary music. Her albums have earned her multiple awards from music’s highest honors such as the Stellars, Grammys, BMI, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image, BET, and more. In 2001, she opened a new category and was the first artist to receive an American Music Award for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist.” Although the Gospel Music Association has continuously honored Yolanda through multiple Dove Awards, on May 9,2017, she was inducted into GMA’s Hall of Fame for her outstanding achievements in the Christian music industry. In addition to being a gospel superstar, she has reigned on radio airwaves for more than ten years as the host of her own show, “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show,” which has been heard in over sixty markets nationally.

Kelly Price

Nine-time Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Kelly Price is the second of three daughters, born and raised in Queens, New York, in the church. Price has collaborated with the likes of Mariah Carey, George Michael, Elton John, The Isley Brothers, The Clark Sisters, Brian McKnight and Sean “Diddy” Combs as well as Faith Evans, Yolanda Adams, the late Whitney Houston, Donnie McClurkin, Eric Clapton, Shirley Ceasar, Fantasia, Jay-Z, Kanye West, DJ Khaled, Bonnie Raitt, the late James Brown and the list goes on and on. She has taken her talents to the screen and stage with roles in Soul Food, the series, Bringing Down the House and the stage plays Why Did I Get Married? Kelly Price can currently be seen as a series regular for the critically acclaimed Drama American Soul now in its second season which tells the life story of the late Don Cornelius and how he launched the iconic television show and global brand “Soul Train”. Price has also been given the distinguished honor of joining the iconic panel of Judges for Sunday’s Best for the second time now in its 10th season.

Hezekiah Walker

Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, composer and choir leader Hezekiah Walker, known as “the hip-hop pastor,” has brought many young people to gospel and choir music and has shown that he has no problem using modern vernacular and recording techniques to expand his fan and worship base. Pastor Walker’s following is worldwide. Since 1985 he has released more than 15 albums, garnering 10 Grammy nominations and two wins. For more than a decade, Pastor Hezekiah has anchored Afternoon Drive on New York’s WLIB 1190, bringing star power, conversation and inspiration to millions of loyal listeners.

Tramaine Hawkins

An American award–winning Gospel singer whose career spans over five decades. Since beginning her career in 1966, Tramaine has won two Grammy Awards, two Doves, 19 Stellar Awards , NAACP Image Award, BMI Award. At the age of 17, Hawkins sang on the Edwin Hawkins Singers Choir’s single & “Oh Happy Day.” With her distinctive soprano and extensive vocal range, she became better known as a featured soloist with late husband Walter Hawkins Love Center Choir as well as the Hawkins Family. Hawkins scored several hits as a solo artist in the 1980s while signed to Light Records, and released now-classic albums, such as her 1979 self-titled debut, Tramaine, and its 1983 follow-up Determined. Songs such as “Changed”; & “Goin Up Yonder,” “He’s That Kind Of Friend,” “Jesus Christ Is The Way,” & “Highway” quickly became staples and fan favorites.

Deitrick Haddon

A gospel singer, songwriter, music producer, pastor, and actor. He is best known for progressive gospel, and contemporary styles of music. He has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, four BET Awards and an NAACP Image Award. He is also one of the cast members in Oxygen’s reality television show Preachers of L.A.

Jonathan McReynolds

A gospel musician. Hailed as one of the leaders of the new school of gospel, he has garnered millions of fans worldwide and broken new ground for gospel in mainstream media. He began his music career in 2012 with the release of Life Music via Entertainment One Music. He has had two #1 Billboard Gospel Albums since with Life Music: Stage Two and Make Room, eight Stellar Awards, a GMA Dove Award and three Grammy Award nominations.

Erica Campbell

A Grammy winning urban contemporary gospel, Christian R&B and contemporary R&B recording artist, musician and radio host. She started her music career in 1998 with her younger sister, Tina Campbell, as part of the gospel music group, Mary Mary. Her solo music career began in 2013 and has since released two albums with Entertainment One Music, which both charted on the Billboard magazine charts. She won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album at the 57th edition of the event. Since May 2016, she serves as the
host of Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell with comedian Griff, that currently airs on Urban Gospel, which is owned by Radio One.

Group Fire

Nominated in 2018 for a Stellar Award for Quartet of the Year for their project “Join the Praise Party”. This project has helped catapult them onto the main stage in gospel music. As a result, the quartet has worked closely with Producer Steve Cooper and followed up with their 2019 single “Again”. This single is from their forthcoming project entitled “Heal the Land”. Group Fire’s single has charted in the top 20 on Billboard and has remained in the top 30 for over 28 weeks. This song has also helped Group Fire receive two Stellar Award nominations for Duo/Chorus Group of the Year and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year. In addition, the “Again” video is actively seen on BET Gospel.

Tiffany Andrews

was the fans favorite of BETs Sundays Best Season 9. She hails from Newark NJ, known for her powerhouse vocals she’s an anointed preacher and singers who loves people and ministry.

About Producer, Director A. Curtis Farrow

2021 marks the 22nd year Mr. Farrow has joined with McDonald’s to bring this phenomenal celebration to life. He has received two Emmy awards for producing McDonald’s Gospelfest 2000 and 2001 and eleven nominations in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011 through 2014, 2016 and 2017. In February of 2014, Mr. Farrow fulfilled a longtime dream by organizing and leading 1171 voices to break the Guinness World Record for World’s Largest Gospel Choir. He has since produced a 2000 voice choir at Madison Square Garden and a 5000 voice choir at the Nassau Coliseum. He was responsible for the organization, planning and execution of the home going services for the Late Whitney Houston and most recently he produced the homegoing services for the Late Aretha Franklin which was seen around the world. Mr. Farrow credits everything in his life to his strong belief in God.

About McDonald’s Gospelfest

McDonald’s Gospelfest originated in 1983 under the auspices of the McDonald’s Corporation and the McDonald’s New York Metro Owner/Operator Association. Over thirty years later, it has emerged as the nation’s preeminent Gospel celebration, bringing joy, inspiration, encouragement and hope to millions of Americans. Previous McDonald’s Gospelfest participants have gone on to successful careers in entertainment, including the renowned Bishop Hezekiah Walker.

About McDonald’s New York Tri-State Restaurants

McDonald’s serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. There are more than 560 McDonald’s restaurants, owned by 65 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Tri-State area.

ABOUT 360WiSE

360WiSE MEDiA is one of the largest major-market media operators in the United States and the undisputed leader in influence marketing, powered with the positive iconic advice of MC Hammer, 360WiSE MEDiA is in the top 1% of public relations, influence branding, and marketing of celebrities, actors, public figures, recording artists, small businesses, events and major brands.

360WiSE MEDiA is known for its first of class, best use of social network platforms, local and national SEO, offline mobile marketing, geofencing, human behavior marketing, international press, and news access, Roku TV stream marketing, and content placement along with verified social media marketing to increase your engagement, positive visibility, and ROI.

The 360WiSE ® brand is registered with the USPTO United States Patent Trademark Office along with the International Trademark Registration Extension of Protection to the European Union Intellectual Property Office. Please note that this protection is tied to the International Registration under the Madrid Protocol.

For more information contact :
Lisa Hudson
Public Relations Department
1-844-360-WISE (9473)
360WiseMedia
https://360WiseMedia.com
1-888-618-SCLC

BOTHELL, Wash., May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP), (“Cocrystal” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication machinery of influenza viruses, coronaviruses, hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses, announces progress in developing broad-spectrum antiviral drug candidates that target coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Cocrystal initiated its COVID-19 program in March 2020 and has since expanded the program with additional development and licensing.

“We are aggressively developing novel coronavirus protease inhibitors for COVID-19 prophylactic and therapeutic use,” said Sam Lee, Ph.D., President of Cocrystal. “These drug candidates bind to a highly conserved region of the active site of SARS-CoV-2 protease that is required for SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. Our high-resolution x-ray cocrystal structures further confirmed the specific covalent interaction with this conserved region of the proteases of the coronaviruses SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV viruses.

“We believe that, due to their novel mechanism of action, our protease inhibitors are likely to be effective against new variants of SARS-CoV-2. This may include the recent variants first identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil and India, which may be more contagious forms of the virus and may evade immunity produced by vaccines or previous infection,” he added.

Lead
c
andidate
CDI-45205

In December 2020 Cocrystal announced the selection of CDI-45205 as its lead coronavirus development candidate among a group of protease inhibitors obtained under an exclusive license agreement with Kansas State University Research Foundation (KSURF) announced in 2020.

CDI-45205 showed good bioavailability in mouse and rat pharmacokinetic studies via intraperitoneal injection, and also no cytotoxicity against a variety of human cell lines. The Company recently demonstrated a strong synergistic effect with the FDA-approved COVID-19 medicine remdesivir. Additionally, a proof-of-concept animal study demonstrated that daily injection of CDI-45205 exhibited favorable in vivo efficacy in MERS-CoV-2 infected mice. Cocrystal has obtained promising preliminary pharmacokinetic results and is continuing to further evaluate CDI-45205.

“The immediate next steps in the process of advancing this candidate toward clinical development require scale-up synthesis and the subsequent manufacture of several kilograms of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to support Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies and Phase 1 trials,” said Dr. Lee. “Similar to our influenza CC-42344 program, we are exploring multiple routes of administration of preclinical lead molecules including oral, inhalation and injection. We will also be examining in vitro activities of our compounds against the SARS-CoV-2 variants.”

Novel SARS-CoV-2
replication inhibitors

Cocrystal has leveraged its antiviral development expertise by using its proprietary technology and drug discovery platform to launch a second COVID-19 program with additional antiviral compounds developed.

“While we are highly encouraged by preclinical progress with CDI-45205, we continue developing a new class of SARS-CoV inhibitors. We applied our proprietary drug discovery platform technology and high-throughput protein crystallography approach to design new chemical scaffolds to improve in vitro potency and pharmacokinetic properties,” explained Dr. Lee. “Lead discovery and optimization are ongoing. We anticipate identifying another SARS-CoV-2 preclinical lead for oral administration this year. In addition to these two SARS-CoV-2 protease programs, we are also developing novel SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors that block viral replication and transcription. Our goal is to rapidly advance multiple SARS-CoV-2 lead molecules to the clinical trial stage.”

“Public health officials are calling for the urgent development of potent antivirals that inhibit the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2,” said Gary Wilcox, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cocrystal. “Among the significant challenges scientists face is inhibiting viral replication without damaging the inner workings of healthy cells. Cocrystal’s approach to drug discovery could provide a solution for designing antivirals for use against a range of viruses, including coronaviruses, with limited off-target interaction.

“Our established, proprietary drug discovery platform is comprised of computation, medicinal chemistry and x-ray crystallography together with extensive knowledge of viruses and drug targets. This is a far different approach from traditional, empirical, medicinal chemistry approaches that often require iterative high-throughput compound screening and lengthy hit-to-lead processes,” Dr. Wilcox concluded.

About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.

Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), influenza viruses, hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the future effectiveness of the protease inhibitors, including against new variants of SARS-CoV-2, our expectations regarding the identification of another SARS-CoV-2 preclinical lead for oral administration, and the ability of our approach to drug discovery to yield effective antivirals with limited off-target interaction. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events. Some or all of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties arising from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the national and global economy and on our Company, including supply chain disruptions and our continued ability to proceed with our programs, including our coronavirus program, our ability to recruit patients into clinical trials, the results of future preclinical and clinical studies, and general risks arising from clinical trials. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Investor Contact:

LHA Investor Relations
Jody Cain
310-691-7100
[email protected]

# # #

Transaction Expected to Accelerate Growth of the Internet and Digital Media Leader

Verizon to Maintain Minority Stake in the New Company to be Known as Yahoo

NEW YORK, May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE: APO) (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Apollo”) today announced that funds managed by affiliates of Apollo (the “Apollo Funds”) entered into an agreement to acquire Verizon Media for $5 billion. Verizon will retain a 10% stake in the company, which will be known as Yahoo at close of the transaction and continue to be led by CEO Guru Gowrappan.

One of the world’s premier global technology and media companies, Verizon Media is comprised of iconic brands such as Yahoo and AOL, as well as leading ad tech and media platform businesses. The corporate carveout will allow Verizon Media to aggressively pursue growth areas and stands to benefit its employees, advertisers, publishing partners and nearly 900 million monthly active users worldwide.

“We are excited to be joining forces with Apollo,” said Guru Gowrappan, CEO, Verizon Media. “The past two quarters of double-digit growth have demonstrated our ability to transform our media ecosystem. With Apollo’s sector expertise and strategic insight, Yahoo will be well positioned to capitalize on market opportunities, media and transaction experience and continue to grow our full stack digital advertising platform. This transition will help to accelerate our growth for the long- term success of the company.”

“We are thrilled to help unlock the tremendous potential of Yahoo and its unparalleled collection of brands,” said Reed Rayman, Private Equity Partner at Apollo. “We have enormous respect and admiration for the great work and progress that the entire organization has made over the last several years, and we look forward to working with Guru, his talented team, and our partners at Verizon to accelerate Yahoo’s growth in its next chapter.”

“We are big believers in the growth prospects of Yahoo and the macro tailwinds driving growth in digital media, advertising technology and consumer internet platforms,” said David Sambur, Senior Partner and Co-Head of Private Equity at Apollo. “Apollo has a long track record of investing in technology and media companies and we look forward to drawing on that experience to help Yahoo continue to thrive.”

“Verizon Media has done an incredible job turning the business around over the past two and a half years and the growth potential is enormous,” said Hans Vestberg, CEO, Verizon. “The next iteration requires full investment and the right resources. During the strategic review process, Apollo delivered the strongest vision and strategy for the next phase of Verizon Media. I have full confidence that Yahoo will take off in its new home.”

Verizon Media reported strong, diversified year-over-year revenue growth the past two quarters, driven by innovative ad offerings, consumer ecommerce, subscriptions, betting and strategic partnerships. Yahoo, one of the best recognized digital media brands in the world and the fourth most visited internet property globally, continues to evolve as a key destination for finance and news among Gen Z. This was most recently marked by Yahoo News becoming the fastest growing news organization on TikTok.

Under the terms of the agreement, Verizon will receive $4.25 billion in cash, preferred interests of $750 million and retain a 10% stake in Verizon Media. The transaction includes the assets of Verizon Media, including its brands and businesses. The transaction is subject to satisfaction of certain closing conditions and expected to close in the second half of 2021.

Goldman Sachs served as lead financial advisor to Verizon in the transaction. Evercore also served as financial advisor to Verizon. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP are serving as legal counsel to Verizon.

LionTree served as lead financial advisor to and will invest alongside the Apollo Funds, bringing its global strategic relationships to Yahoo as the company continues to accelerate growth and pursue strategic investments in key verticals and product areas.

RBC Capital Markets also served as financial advisor to the Apollo Funds in connection with the transaction, alongside Barclays, BMO Capital Markets Corp., Deutsche Bank and Mizuho Securities USA LLC; all are also providing financing for the transaction. Mizuho Securities USA LLC also served as lead structuring advisor to the Apollo Funds. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Apollo Funds.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

About Apollo

Apollo is a leading global investment manager with offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Houston, Bethesda, London, Frankfurt, Madrid, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo, among others. Apollo had assets under management of approximately $455 billion as of December 31, 2020 in credit, private equity and real assets funds. For more information about Apollo, please visit www.apollo.com.

About Verizon Media

Verizon Media, a division of Verizon Communications, Inc., houses a trusted media ecosystem of premium brands like Yahoo, TechCrunch and Engadget to help people stay informed and entertained, communicate and transact, while creating new ways for advertisers and media partners to connect. From XR experiences to advertising and content technology, Verizon Media is an incubator of innovation and is revolutionizing the next generation of content creation in a 5G world.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:

Allison Butler
Corporate Communications
Verizon Media
(202) 669- 9887
[email protected] 

Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0491
[email protected]

Kim Ancin
+ 1 908-801-0500
[email protected] 

Investor Contact

Peter Mintzberg
Head of Investor Relations
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0528
[email protected] 

NEW YORK, May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: PTMN) (the “Company” or “Portman Ridge”), a business development company, today announced that on April 30, 2021, it closed a private placement of $80 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior unsecured notes due 2026 (the “Notes”), which were initially assigned a BBB- rating by Egan-Jones. The net proceeds to the Company were approximately $77.7 million, after deducting payment of fees and estimated offering expenses.  

The Notes bear an interest rate of 4.875% per year, payable semiannually and will mature on April 30, 2026 and may be repaid in whole or in part, at Portman Ridge’s option, at any time or from time to time at par plus a “make-whole” premium, if applicable. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the private placement to redeem in full its 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due September 2022, make investments in portfolio companies in accordance with its investment objectives, and for general corporate purposes.

“We are very pleased to announce the closing of this debt offering which addresses a near-term debt maturity while significantly reducing our cost of debt,” said Ted Goldthorpe, Chief Executive Officer of Portman Ridge. “We continue to assess options to improve our overall cost of capital to support our portfolio companies and generate value for shareholders.”   

This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes and will not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. Any offers of the Notes will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum. This press release is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135c under the Securities Act.

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.

About Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: PTMN) is a publicly traded, externally managed investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Portman Ridge’s middle market investment business originates, structures, finances and manages a portfolio of term loans, mezzanine investments and selected equity securities in middle market companies. Portman Ridge’s investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC, an affiliate of BC Partners Advisors, LP.

Portman Ridge’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), earnings releases, press releases and other financial, operational and governance information are available on the Company’s website at www.portmanridge.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The matters discussed in this press release, as well as in future oral and written statements by management of Portman Ridge Finance Corporation, that are forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations that involve substantial risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and include, but are not limited to, projected financial performance, expected development of the business, plans and expectations about future investments and the future liquidity of the Company. We generally identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “outlook”, “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar words. Forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required to be reported under the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Contacts:


Portman Ridge Finance Corporation
650 Madison Avenue, 23rd floor
New York, NY 10022
[email protected]

Jason Roos
[email protected]
(212) 891-2880

Jeehae Linford
The Equity Group Inc.
[email protected]
(212) 836-9615