Vector Announces Notice of Conditional Redemption for Senior Notes

Vector Announces Notice of Conditional Redemption for Senior Notes

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Vector Group Ltd. (NYSE: VGR) (“Vector” or the “Company”) announced today that it has delivered a conditional notice of redemption (the “Notice”) to the trustee of the outstanding 6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”) issued by the Company. The Notice calls for the redemption of all of the outstanding $850 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes on February 1, 2021 (the “Redemption Date”) and is conditioned on closing of a refinancing transaction in a principal amount of at least $850,000,000 through one or more offerings of debt securities (the “Condition”), which condition the Company may waive at its discretion. The redemption price for the Notes is 101.531% of the principal amount redeemed, plus interest accrued and unpaid to the redemption date, in accordance with the provisions of the indenture governing the Notes.

This press release does not constitute a notice of redemption of the Notes. Information concerning the terms and conditions of the redemption are described in the Notice distributed to holders of the Notes by U.S. Bank, the trustee with respect to the Notes. Beneficial holders with any questions about the redemption should contact their respective brokerage firm or financial institution.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase the Notes or any other security, and there will not be any offer, solicitation or sale of the Notes or any other security in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements using words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “could” and similar expressions. These statements reflect the Company’s current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to it. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements.

All information set forth in this press release is as of December 31, 2020. Vector does not intend, and undertakes no duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances. Risk factors and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include, among others, our ability to successfully complete the proposed notes offering.

Vector Group is a holding company that indirectly owns Liggett Group LLC and Vector Tobacco Inc. and directly owns New Valley LLC, which owns a controlling interest in Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC.

Emily Claffey/Benjamin Spicehandler/Columbia Clancy

Sard Verbinnen & Co.

212-687-8080

KEYWORDS: Florida United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Retail Tobacco Commercial Building & Real Estate Finance Construction & Property Banking

MEDIA:

DarkPulse Inc Appoints Director for APAC and MENA

Latest appointment will establish a physical presence for the company in India and Dubai

NEW YORK, Dec. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DarkPulse, Inc. (OTC Markets: DPLS) (“DarkPulse” or the “Company”), a technology-security company focused on the manufacture, sale, installation and monitoring of laser sensing systems based on its patented BOTDA dark-pulse sensor technology (the “DarkPulse Technology”) which provides a data stream of critical metrics for assessing the health and security of infrastructure for applications in border security, railroad, oil and gas, aviation and aerospace, and mine safety, today announced it has appointed Mr. Faisal Farooqui as its Director for Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) and Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) global regions. Mr. Farooqui will establish sales operations for MENA and APAC regions. He is responsible for establishing India & Dubai offices for the company while tasked with building an engineering and sales team.

“The company recognizes the market potential in the respective regions as both territories continue to build and upgrade their infrastructure,” said Dennis O’Leary, Chairman and CEO of DarkPulse. “The appointment of Mr. Faisal Farooqui is a direct result of the company’s desire to enter the global infrastructure monitoring market.”

The Company continues to explore additional potential opportunities in strategic locations worldwide with the goal of accelerating the adoption of its DarkPulse Technology Products and expand its global market position.

About DarkPulse, Inc.

DarkPulse, Inc. uses advanced laser-based monitoring systems to provide rapid and accurate monitoring of temperatures, strains and stresses. The Company’s technology excels when applied to live, dynamic critical infrastructure and structural monitoring, including pipeline monitoring, perimeter and structural surveillance, aircraft structural components, train rails and mining safety. The Company’s fiber-based monitoring systems can assist markets that are not currently served, and its unique technology covers extended areas and any event that is translated into the detection of a change in strain or temperature. In addition to the Company’s ongoing efforts with respect to the marketing and sales of its technology products and services to its customers, the Company also continues to explore potential strategic alliances through joint venture and licensing opportunities to further expand its global market position.

For more information, visit www.DarkPulse.com  

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains “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, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this news release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Media contact:

DarkPulse, Inc.

[email protected]

1.800.436.1436



Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Announces Commencement of Dosing in Phase 2 Clinical Study of LX9211 in Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Dec. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: LXRX), announced today the commencement of patient dosing in RELIEF-PHN 1, a Phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical study of LX9211 for the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia. LX9211 is a potent oral small molecule inhibitor of adaptor associated kinase 1 (AAK1).

“We are pleased to commence dosing in our second proof-of-concept study of LX9211,” said Praveen Tyle, Ph.D., executive vice president of research and development. “People who develop shingles often suffer with persistent pain for months to years after the rash clears with limited treatment options. We believe LX9211 has the potential to offer a novel therapeutic approach to treating post-herpetic neuralgia. We look forward to completing this study and our other proof-of-concept study of LX9211 in diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain toward the end of next year.”

About the RELIEF-PHN 1 Study

RELIEF-PHN 1 is a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study evaluating the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of LX9211 in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia. The study is designed to enroll approximately 74 patients at approximately 30 clinical sites. The primary efficacy endpoint under evaluation is the change from baseline (Day 1) to Week 6 in Average Daily Pain Score (ADPS), based on the 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS).

About LX9211

LX9211 is a potent, orally delivered, selective small molecule inhibitor of AAK1. Lexicon identified AAK1 in its target discovery efforts as a promising approach for the treatment of neuropathic pain, and identified LX9211 and another development candidate in a neuroscience drug discovery alliance with Bristol-Myers Squibb from which Lexicon holds exclusive development and commercialization rights. Preclinical studies of LX9211 demonstrated central nervous system penetration and reduction in pain behavior in models of neuropathic pain without affecting opiate pathways. LX9211 has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the development in diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.

About Lexicon Pharmaceuticals

Lexicon is a biopharmaceutical company with a mission of pioneering medicines that transform patients’ lives. Through its Genome5000™ program, Lexicon scientists studied the role and function of nearly 5,000 genes and identified more than 100 protein targets with significant therapeutic potential in a range of diseases. Through the precise targeting of these proteins, Lexicon is pioneering the discovery and development of innovative medicines to safely and effectively treat disease. Lexicon advanced one of these medicines to market and has a pipeline of promising drug candidates in discovery and clinical and preclinical development in neuropathic pain, heart failure, diabetes and metabolism and other indications. For additional information, please visit www.lexpharma.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” including statements relating to Lexicon’s financial position, long-term outlook on its business and the clinical development and therapeutic and commercial potential of its drug candidates. In addition, this press release also contains forward looking statements relating to Lexicon’s growth and future operating results, discovery and development of products, strategic alliances and intellectual property, as well as other matters that are not historical facts or information. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions and expectations and involve risks, uncertainties and other important factors, specifically including Lexicon’s ability to meet its capital requirements, successfully conduct preclinical and clinical development and obtain necessary regulatory approvals of LX9211, sotagliflozin and its other potential drug candidates on its anticipated timelines, achieve its operational objectives, obtain patent protection for its discoveries and establish strategic alliances, as well as additional factors relating to manufacturing, intellectual property rights, and the therapeutic or commercial value of its drug candidates. Any of these risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause Lexicon’s actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Information identifying such important factors is contained under “Risk Factors” in Lexicon’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lexicon undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For Inquiries:

Chas Schultz
Executive Director, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals
(281) 863-3421
[email protected]



Northern Technologies International Corporation to Announce Fiscal 2021 First Quarter Financial Results and Host Conference Call

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northern Technologies International Corporation (NASDAQ: NTIC) today announced that it expects to release its fiscal 2021 first quarter financial results on Thursday, January 7, 2021, before the market opens. A copy of the news release will be available on the Investor Relations section of NTIC’s webpage (www.ntic.com).

In conjunction with NTIC’s release of its financial and operating results, investors, analysts and other interested parties are invited to participate in a conference call with management on Thursday, January 7, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Patrick Lynch, President and CEO, and Matt Wolsfeld, CFO will review NTIC’s fiscal 2021 first quarter financial results and outlook, which will be followed by a question and answer session.

Details for the conference call are as follows.

CONFERENCE CALL CONFIRMATION AND PHONE NUMBER:

Confirmation Code: 6482797

Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (877) 670-9776

NTIC Fiscal 2021 First Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

January 7, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. ET (8:00 A.M. CT, 7:00 A.M. MT, 6:00 A.M. PT)

URL EVENTS & PRESENTATIONS WEBPAGE:

The live audio webcast can be accessed at the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ah8yryif. A link to the webcast is also available on the Investor Relations section of NTIC’s webpage. Participants are advised to go to the website at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to participate in the live webcast, a replay of the webcast will be archived and accessible for approximately one year on the Investor Relations section of NTIC’s webpage.

About Northern Technologies International Corporation

Northern Technologies International Corporation develops and markets proprietary environmentally beneficial products and services in over 60 countries either directly or via a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures, independent distributors and agents. NTIC’s primary business is corrosion prevention marketed primarily under the ZERUST® brand. NTIC has been selling its proprietary ZERUST® rust and corrosion inhibiting products and services to the automotive, electronics, electrical, mechanical, military and retail consumer markets for over 40 years and in recent years has targeted and expanded into the oil and gas industry. NTIC offers worldwide on-site technical consulting for rust and corrosion prevention issues. NTIC’s technical service consultants work directly with the end users of NTIC’s products to analyze their specific needs and develop systems to meet their technical requirements. NTIC also markets and sells a portfolio of bio-based and biodegradable polymer resins and finished products marketed under the Natur-Tec® brand.

Investor and Media Contact:

Matthew Wolsfeld, CFO
(763) 225-6600



HC2 Announces Sale of Beyond6 Clean Energy Business for Approximately $169 Million

Net Proceeds Will Enhance HC2’s Capital Structure, Position Company for Growth

NEW YORK, Dec. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HC2 Holdings, Inc. (“HC2” or “the Company”) (NYSE: HCHC) announced today that it has agreed to sell its majority-owned clean energy subsidiary Beyond6, Inc. (“Beyond6”) to Mercuria Investments US, Inc. (“Mercuria”) for approximately $169 million. HC2, which owns approximately 61% of Beyond6 on a fully diluted basis, expects to receive approximately $65 million in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments.

“The sale of Beyond6 is another significant step forward for HC2 as our Board continues to actively evaluate businesses across our portfolio and monetize assets that improve our capital structure and provide increased flexibility, which will allow us to more effectively allocate resources to high growth, value generating areas of the business,” said Wayne Barr, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of HC2. “The net proceeds from the sale will allow HC2 to significantly reduce debt as we continue to chart our path forward.”

HC2 intends to use its portion of the net proceeds from the transaction to reduce debt. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of HC2.

Added Barr, “Since HC2 acquired a majority stake in Beyond6 in 2014, the company has grown into one of the largest providers of alternative fuels in the U.S. With the support of Mercuria’s resources and expertise, we’re confident the business will continue to take advantage of emerging opportunities as the world moves toward cleaner, safer and more efficient sources of fuel. We wish Beyond6 and its talented team continued success.”

“Mercuria is excited to continue to execute on its corporate strategy of increased investment in the energy transition to clean, renewable energy sources,” said Chief Investment Officer, Brian Falik. “We look forward to building on the success of the brand built by Andrew West and working with the Beyond6 team in creating holistic turnkey solutions for decarbonization in the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle segments for its blue-chip corporate customers.”

Mercuria, one of the world’s largest integrated independent energy and commodities companies, has stated 50 percent of its new investments would be in renewable energy over the next five years.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as advisor to Beyond6 in connection with the transaction. Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP is acting as legal advisor to HC2, and Vinson & Elkins LLP is acting as legal advisor to Mercuria.

About HC2

HC2 Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HCHC) has a class-leading portfolio of assets primarily in Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Spectrum, Insurance and Clean Energy. HC2 is headquartered in New York, New York and through its subsidiaries employs 2,864 people. 

About Beyond6, Inc.

At Beyond6, Inc., the future is within reach and we can bring you closer to doing your part for sustainability. Beyond6, Inc. is a diversified energy solutions company focused on decarbonization. Through our growing network of CNG stations for the transportation industry and other decarbonization services, we are delivering opportunity to fleets across the country. Our team of highly-trained strategists, designers and operations professionals are changing perspectives as we move the alternative fuel industry forward. To learn more, visit www.beyond6.com

About Mercuria Energy Group

Founded in 2004, Mercuria is one of the largest independent energy and commodity groups in the world, bringing efficiency to the commodity value chain with cutting-edge technology and unmatched expertise and solutions. Mercuria’s business includes trading flows, strategic assets and structuring activities that generate more than USD 120 billion in turnover. It operates from offices around the world, with a strong presence in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Information on Mercuria can be found on its website at www.mercuria.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains, and certain oral statements made by our representatives from time to time may contain, forward-looking statements regarding the proposed sale of Beyond6 to Mercuria, including the expected closing date and the amount and use of proceeds thereof, and our expectations regarding our ongoing evaluation of our business, capital structure and allocation of resources, including, without limitation , any statements regarding evaluation of our businesses, monetization of assets, allocation of resources and debt reduction, as well as those that may be identified by words such as “will,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “could” and similar expressions, all of which involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, and are subject to change. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the proposed sale of Beyond6 to Mercuria will be completed as proposed, or at all. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and unless legally required, HC2 undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. HC2’s actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, that may be revised or supplemented in subsequent statements and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including in our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K. These risks and other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and our other reports filed with the SEC could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release.

Media Contact:

Reevemark
Paul Caminiti/Pam Greene/Luc Herbowy
[email protected] 
(212) 433-4600

Investor Contact:

FNK IR
Matt Chesler, CFA
[email protected]
(212) 235-2691



NEWS RELEASE – HUNTER TECHNOLOGY CLOSES FINFABRIK ACQUISITION

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hunter Technology Corp. (TSX-V: HOC; OTCQB: HOILF; WKN: A2QEYH, FSE: RWPM, ISIN: CA4457371090) (“Hunter” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has closed the acquisition of FinFabrik Limited (“FinFabrik”).

Hunter has acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of FinFabrik in exchange for 12,110,203 common shares of Hunter (the “Shares”) at a deemed price of USD $0.90 per Share and the payment of USD $250,000 in cash, for total consideration of USD $11,149,182. The Shares issued to the former shareholders of Finfabrik are subject to statutory holds periods as well as a contractual hold period of up to one year. For additional information regarding FinFabrik or the transaction, please see Hunter’s news release dated December 14, 2020, which is available on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com.

About Hunter Technology Corp.

Hunter Technology Corp. is an oil industry service provider developing interactive platforms to enable the facilitation of physical oil transactions throughout the trade lifecycle, with more favourable economics for producers and access to a fair market for all. Through oilex.com Hunter will operate a physical oil marketplace to facilitate the buying and selling of physical oil by independent producers to corporate consumers, traders and sovereign purchasers.  And through oilexchange.com, Hunter will offer robust supply chain management tools that track physical oil throughout the supply chain and automate the reporting process.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andrew Hromyk
Chief Executive Officer
(888) 977-0970

For further information, visit our
website at


www.huntertechnology.com



NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information.

This news release contains certain statements which may constitute forward-looking statements or information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) regarding Hunter’s business development plans. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Hunter’s control, including execution risk, market risk, industry risk, market reaction, the impact of general economic conditions and competition from other industry participants, stock market volatility, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and the receipt of final TSX Venture Exchange approval of the acquisition of FinFabrik.  Although Hunter believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate.  Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, Hunter does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Trading in the securities of Hunter should be considered highly speculative. There can be no assurance that Hunter will be able to achieve all or any of its proposed objectives. Please review Hunter’s Filing Statement dated October 21, 2020 and filed under the Company’s SEDAR
profile at 

www.sedar.com

for a more fulsome discussion of risk factors affecting Hunter
.



Ebang International Holdings Inc. to Launch Cryptocurrency Exchange in the First Quarter of 2021

HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ebang International Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: EBON, the “Company,” “we” or “our”), a blockchain technology company in the global market, today announced that the Company expects to commence public testing of its cryptocurrency exchange and officially launch the exchange in the first quarter of 2021. Currently, the Company has completed the internal testing of its cryptocurrency exchange.

Mr. Dong Hu, Chairman and CEO of the Company, commented, “The completion of the internal testing of our cryptocurrency exchange is another step forward in expanding our blockchain financial services business. Meanwhile, we will also explore other business opportunities in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry such as establishing mining farms and cryptocurrency mining to optimize the structure of our offerings in the blockchain industry value chain.”

About Ebang International Holdings Inc.

Ebang International Holdings Inc. is a blockchain technology company with strong application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip design capability. With years of industry experience and expertise in ASIC chip design, it has become a leading bitcoin mining machine producer in the global market with steady access to wafer foundry capacity. With its licensed or registered entities in various jurisdictions, the Company seeks to launch a professional, convenient and innovative digital asset financial service platform to expand into the upstream and the downstream of blockchain and cryptocurrency industry value chain. For more information, please visit https://ir.ebang.com.cn/.


Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s development plans and business outlook, which can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “potential,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “continue,” “likely to” and other similar expressions. Such statements are not historical facts, and are based upon the Company’s current beliefs, plans and expectations, and the current market and operating conditions. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date indicated, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Ebang International Holdings Inc.
Email: [email protected]

Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Ms. Tina Xiao
Tel: (917) 609-0333
Email: [email protected]



Clubhouse Media Group Looks Back on 2020’s Big Branding Deals as Traction Builds for 2021

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via InvestorWire — Tongji Healthcare Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS:TONJ) (name change to “Clubhouse Media Group, Inc.” currently pending) (“Tongji,” “Clubhouse Media Group,” “Clubhouse” or the “Company”) is pleased to take a look back at an exciting year featuring a number of branding deals with high-profile client brands.

“We can’t disclose our biggest clients quite yet, though we hope to in the very near future,” commented Amir Ben-Yohanan, CEO of Clubhouse Media Group. “Nonetheless, we have established a branding footprint that has drawn some of the most sought-after names in the fashion, luxury goods, and consumer products markets in the world. We have built a formidable global branding machine at Clubhouse, and we have big plans to mobilize and monetize it further in 2021.”

Over recent months, Clubhouse Media Group, with its influencers, has provided social media awareness for these brands:

  • Boohoo Group, PLC, an iconic fashion name that has grown into a billion-dollar operation based in the EU,
  • Lanvin of Paris, a French multinational high fashion house founded by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889,
  • Fashion Nova, a “fast fashion” brand driving nine-digit revenues,
  • Halo Top Creamery, an ice cream company based in the U.S. that became the best-selling ice cream pint at grocery stores in the United States in July 2017,
  • Revolve Group Inc, a next-generation fashion retailer for Millennial and Generation Z consumers with nine-digit sales, and
  • Beautyblender, which offers the top-selling makeup sponge in the world.

Management notes that this is not a comprehensive list, and the Company’s most high-profile clients are not named here. However, pending approval, the Company intends to reveal these relationships to current and prospective investors very soon.

About Tongji Healthcare

The Company had previously operated Tongji Hospital, a general hospital with 105 licensed beds, offering a variety of medical care treatment areas. However, with this transition, the Company is moving entirely into the social media branding marketplace through its recent acquisition of Clubhouse Media Group.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by the Company and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management’s current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “will” and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance.

Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance.

Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for products and services of the company, the effects of competition and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this report.

Contact
Simon Yu, MBA
Phone: +1-702-479-3016

Wire Service Contact

InvestorWire (IW)
Los Angeles, California
www.InvestorWire.com
212.418.1217 Office
[email protected]

Public Relations:

Tiger Marketing & Branding Agency
[email protected]
www.TigerGMP.com



Markel Surety expands into National Accounts and increases geographic footprint

PR Newswire

RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced today that Markel Surety, a part of Markel’s Specialty division, has increased its capacity offering to $500 million for the most qualified accounts with the establishment of a National Accounts segment. This segment will be led by Michael Bond, who joined Markel on December 31, and his background includes roles as the US Head of Surety for both Euler Hermes and Zurich Surety.

The target market for the National Accounts segment includes contractors with larger program needs up to $500 million, co-surety accounts, reverse-flow business, and Fortune 2000 commercial accounts. Markel Surety’s Core Accounts segment will continue to be led by Lindey Jennings, Chief Underwriting Officer, Markel Surety, and will include its legacy business.

“Coming off a record year for our surety operation and with Markel’s superior capital position and corporate support, the timing couldn’t be better to expand our capacity offering in the marketplace. Mike’s experience and deep relationships make him the ideal person to lead Markel Surety into the National Accounts space,” said Mike Keimig, President and CEO, Markel Surety division. “As always, we remain true to our roots as a market that provides solutions for lower-limit accounts. The National Accounts segment will be additive to our core and will enhance Markel Surety’s value to our key strategic partners.”

“I am excited to be able to build out a National Accounts business on the strong Markel Surety platform,” said Bond. “This will allow Markel Surety to service the full spectrum of surety customers—from small contractors to the largest global players.”

Markel Surety also announced the expansion of their branch network with new office locations in Red Bank, New Jersey; Chicago; and Sacramento, California; along with additional underwriting resources in Baltimore and Dallas.

Keimig said, “With the branch locations and underwriting resources we’ve added, Markel Surety will have a true national footprint for the first time in our history. We are excited to formally enter new territories while deepening our relationships across the country.”

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel on the web at markel.com.

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SOURCE Markel Corporation

Creative Medical Technology Holdings Announces Patent filing based on Preclinical Data in Model of Heart Attack using ImmCelz® Regenerative Immunotherapy

Clinical Stage Stem Cell Company Expands its Cellular Therapy Platforms

PR Newswire

PHOENIX, Dec. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — (OTC – CELZ) Creative Medical Technology Holdings Inc. announced today positive preclinical data using ImmCelz® in treatment of a model of heart attack. 

Patent application #63/132472, entitled “Treatment of Heart Failure and/or Post Infarct Pathological Remodeling by Ex Vivo Reprogrammed Immune Cells” covers data in which mice with restricted blood flow to the heart had significantly improved survival when treated with ImmCelz® as compared to control mice.

“The role of the immune system in numerous aspects of regenerative medicine can not be overstated.” Said Dr. Amit Patel, Board Member of the Company and co-inventor of the patent. “The data described today, while preliminary, supports the belief that ImmCelz®, which is a “regenerative immunotherapy” can be applied across a broad range of conditions.”

The ImmCelz® product, based on decades of immunological research by Drs Thomas Ichim and Amit Patel, involves extraction of patient immune cells, “training” the immune cells to exhibit regenerative properties by incubation with regenerative cells outside of the body, followed by re-infusion of the patient’s own cells.  To date the Company has demonstrated that ImmCelz® has therapeutic activity in stroke and liver failure.

“It is my honor that the work we initiated more than a decade ago is coming to fruition.” Said Thomas Ichim, Ph.D, coinventor of the patent. “Ten years ago, Dr. Patel, myself and a team of colleagues described the potent synergies that occur when various cell types are utilized in combination for treatment of heart failure1.  ImmCelz® is the product of all these years of working and perfecting multi-cellular approaches to regenerative medicine.”

“As we round out 2020, we have significantly expanded our Intellectual Property portfolio based on many years of collaborative research and development. Utilizing the ImmCelz® technology for the treatment of heart failure is an excellent addition to this robust patent portfolio as it effects millions of patients in the U.S. alone. Patients with end stage heart failure in many cases have no options but heart transplantation, which is extremely limited.” Said Timothy Warbington, President and CEO of the Company. “We are excited with the progress that the Company is making in advancing ImmCelz®, which approaches regenerative medicine from a completely unique perspective.  Given that the active cells in ImmCelz® are derived from the same patient, we anticipate an accelerated path to FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance.”

“We encourage industry colleagues and other interested parties to review our early priority date patent filings to learn more about the ImmCelz® technology and how it applies to multiple indications” Mr. Warbington further said.

About Creative Medical Technology Holdings

Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. is a commercial stage biotechnology company specializing in stem cell technology in the fields of urology, neurology and orthopedics and trades on the OTC under the ticker symbol CELZ. For further information about the company, please visit www.creativemedicaltechnology.com. 

Forward Looking Statements

OTC Markets has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming clinical trials and laboratory results, marketing efforts, funding, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and, therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. See the periodic and other reports filed by Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

Creativemedicaltechnology.com

www.StemSpine.com

www.Caverstem.com

www.Femcelz.com

1 Ichim et al. Combination stem cell therapy for heart failure. Int Arch Med. 2010; 3: 5. Combination stem cell therapy for heart failure (nih.gov)

 

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SOURCE Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc.