Biotricity CEO Discusses Calculated Growth Strategy in Audio Interview with SmallCapVoice.com

AUSTIN, Texas, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SmallCapVoice.com Inc. (“SCV”) announces the availability of a new interview with Dr. Waqaas Al-Siddiq, CEO of Biotricity Inc. (OTCQB: BTCY) (“the Company”), a modern medical technology company delivering disruptive solutions to the multi-billion-dollar cardiac monitoring and diagnostic market.

Biotricity’s flagship Bioflux® product is a wearable medical device that enables physicians to accurately monitor and diagnose cardiac patients in real-time for effective treatment and pain management. While this technology alone targets a massive demographic, the Company’s full pipeline of remote cardiac monitoring and diagnostic solutions provides access to a multi-billion-dollar market hungry for digital innovation.

Speaking with SCV’s Stuart Smith, Dr. Al-Siddiq describes how Biotricity builds and delivers its technology to benefit patients, care providers and the broader healthcare industry, while building long-term value for the Company.

“What we’ve noticed primarily across healthcare, is that technology is owned by clinical players – players that are actually performing the diagnostic tests,” he says. “Our model is very different. We want to enable physicians, hospitals and organizations to do that work so we can stay focused on things of a technology company.”

Biotricity’s monitoring devices are built in-house and are reusable, which saves on costs and enables exponential revenue growth through a recurring technology fee and greater market reach.

“That’s where we have been really fortunate to have a cycle of growth over growth,” explains Dr. Al-Siddiq. “We have a sales force, and the idea is for us to continue to open up more clinics, more hospitals, and get our devices into more hands.”

Biotricity currently has a sales presence in 20 U.S. states. Near-term growth plans include launching more products from the Company’s pipeline and expanding its sales force to target a larger addressable market.

“The most successful medical device and pharma companies have a direct sales force in their key markets and then they have distribution elsewhere,” says Dr. Al-Siddiq. “We are following the exact same track.”

Dr. Al-Siddiq also highlights the experience of Biotricity’s staff and how it was able to leverage that expertise to stride through the challenges of the pandemic and meet demand for remote monitoring.

“Intelligent monitoring and the value of it became very, very clear because of the pandemic,” he says. “The awareness and the need for it increased. The ability to sell was of course limited, but despite that, we were able to grow … Once this pandemic is more under control, I think it’s going to actually crate a boost in our growth in the long term.”

As the Company ramps up its sales force, it is also focused on the release of a new product and uplisting to a national exchange for greater visibility. Of significance, says Dr. Al-Siddiq, is for investors to remember Biotricity’s application to the healthcare industry and how that affects revenues.

“We are a technology company, not a clinical company,” he tells Smith. “Our focus is providing technology to physicians and healthcare companies in a business model that is anchored in reimbursement and a reoccurring revenue model. That is something that creates and accelerated growth and gives us a very high value long term. Being a technology player with a reoccurring business model places us at the top of the food chain when it comes to how to value the company. And we’ve done that in a very specific and concerted way.”

The full interview can be heard at: https://www.smallcapvoice.com/interview-biotricity-btcy/.

About Biotricity Inc.

Biotricity is reforming the healthcare market by bridging the gap in remote monitoring and chronic care management. Doctors and patients trust Biotricity’s unparalleled standard for preventive & personal care, including diagnostic and post-diagnostic products for chronic conditions. The company develops comprehensive remote health monitoring solutions for the medical and consumer markets. To learn more, visit www.biotricity.com.

About SmallCapVoice.com

SmallCapVoice.com, Inc. is a recognized corporate investor relations firm, with clients nationwide, known for its ability to help emerging growth companies, small cap and micro-cap stocks build a following among retail and institutional investors. SmallCapVoice.com utilizes its stock newsletter to feature its daily stock picks, podcasts, as well as its clients’ financial news releases. SmallCapVoice.com also offers individual investors all the tools they need to make informed decisions about the stocks in which they are interested. Tools like stock charts, stock alerts, and Company Information Sheets can assist with investing in stocks that are traded on the OTCMarkets. To learn more about SmallCapVoice.com and its services, please visit https://www.smallcapvoice.com/small-cap-stock-otc-investor-relations-financial-public-relations/.

Socialize with SmallCapVoice and their clients at

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallCapVoice/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallcapvoice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallcapvoice/

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “may,” “should,” “would,” “will,” “could,” “scheduled,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “seek,” “project,” or “goal” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the plans, objectives, and goals of management for future operations, including plans, objectives, or goals relating to the design, development, and commercialization of Bioflux or any of the Company’s other proposed products or services, (ii) a projection of income (including income/loss), earnings (including earnings/loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, (iii) the Company’s future financial performance, (iv) the regulatory regime in which the Company operates or intends to operate and (v) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in points (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above. Such forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events, or circumstances and may not be realized because they are based upon the Company’s current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates, and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control over. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the inaccuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, the Company’s inability to obtain additional financing, the significant length of time and resources associated with the development of its products and related insufficient cash flows and resulting illiquidity, the Company’s inability to expand the Company’s business, significant government regulation of medical devices and the healthcare industry, lack of product diversification, existing or increased competition, results of arbitration and litigation, stock volatility and illiquidity, and the Company’s failure to implement the Company’s business plans or strategies. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in the Company’s filings with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release.

Biotricity Contacts:

Investor Relations
1-800-590-4155
[email protected]

Todd Kehrli or Mark Forney
MKR Investor Relations, Inc.
[email protected]

SmallCapVoice.com Contact:

Stuart T. Smith
512-267-2430
[email protected]

Source: SmallCapVoice.com



Denbury Announces Appointment of Cindy Yeilding to Board of Directors

PLANO, Texas, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Denbury Inc. (NYSE: DEN) (“Denbury” or the “Company”) today announced the appointment of Cindy A. Yeilding to its Board of Directors (“Board”) effective March 16, 2021.   Ms. Yeilding brings extensive energy and technical expertise to Denbury’s Board, including a deep understanding of the emerging Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage (“CCUS”) industry.   Ms. Yeilding will serve as a member of the Board’s Sustainability Committee and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.   Following Ms. Yeilding’s appointment, the Board will be comprised of eight directors, seven of whom are independent.

“We are thrilled to have Cindy join the Denbury Board,” said Dr. Kevin O. Meyers, Chairman of the Board. “Cindy is a widely recognized and broadly respected leader in both the CCUS and energy industries, and her deep experience and unique skills will be highly valuable as we continue to position Denbury as an essential industry partner in the transition to a lower-carbon future.”

Ms. Yeilding’s experience includes more than 35 years with BP in various roles of leadership and as a technical expert, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of BP America from April 2016 until her retirement in December 2020. While in this role, she chaired the coordinating subcommittee of the U.S. National Petroleum Council’s Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage study, leading a diverse group of over 300 participants from across the energy industry, other industries, state and federal government agencies, NGO’s, and other public interest groups, financial institutions, consultancies, academia, and research groups in the development of this influential study, which was published in 2020. Ms. Yeilding currently serves as the Board Chair for the Offshore Technology Conference and serves on the board of the Center for Houston’s Future Board of Directors.   She previously served on the board of directors and executive committee of the Greater Houston Partnership.   Ms. Yeilding has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of North Carolina.   Additionally, Ms. Yeilding was a founding member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Women’s Committee and initiated the women’s networking session for Women in Science and Engineering at the Offshore Technology Conference. In 2020, Ms. Yeilding was selected as one of Hart Energy’s “25 Most Influential Women in Energy”.

ABOUT DENBURY

Denbury is an independent energy company with operations focused on producing oil from mature oil fields in the Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountain regions. The Company is differentiated by its focus on CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and the emerging Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage (CCUS) industry, supported by the Company’s CO2 EOR technical and operational expertise and its extensive CO2 pipeline infrastructure. The utilization of captured industrial-sourced CO2 in EOR significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the oil that Denbury produces, underpinning the Company’s goal to fully offset its Scope 1, 2, and 3 CO2 emissions within the decade. For more information about Denbury, please visit www.denbury.com.



DENBURY CONTACTS:
Mark C. Allen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 972.673.2000
John Mayer, Director of Investor Relations, 972.673.2383

Auburn University Deploys First Beam Global EV ARC™ Off-Grid Sustainable EV Charging System in Alabama

SAN DIEGO, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM, BEEMW), the leading provider of innovative sustainable technology for electric vehicle (EV) charging, outdoor media and energy security, announced that Auburn University in Alabama is today deploying Alabama’s first EV ARC™ solar-powered EV charging system. Located at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, the system is available to staff and students for free on-campus EV charging.

“The EV ARC™ EV charging system is 100% solar-powered which supports the University’s Climate Action Plan for carbon neutrality by 2050. AU’s climate commitment shows in our teaching, research, outreach and operations, and is further demonstrated by this deployment,” said Mike Kensler, Auburn University’s Director of the Office of Sustainability. “We heard other universities had deployed EV charging this way, which piqued our interest. Installation was elegantly simple. The EV ARC™ charging system was deployed by placing it in one parking spot, with no construction, no electrical work, and no disruption to campus operations.”

The solar-powered EV ARC™ system at Auburn University is off-grid and generates and stores its own electricity so EVs can also charge during the night, inclement weather and power outages. The unit has two Enel X JuiceBox® Pro chargers to charge two vehicles simultaneously. An emergency power panel can provide vital power to campus security and first responders, adding to campus energy resiliency and emergency preparedness. The unit is transportable so can be moved as campus needs and EV charging patterns evolve.

“University Campuses are showing an increasing appetite to offer EV charging for staff, faculty, students and visitors. But the cost and complexity of tearing up campus, upgrading circuitry and closing access to parking lots can often be too high,” said Beam Global CEO Desmond Wheatley. “The EV ARC™ is lowered into a standard parking space in minutes, with any quality brand EV charger factory installed and powered by the sun so there’s no utility bill. Cars park on the base pad so there is no loss of important campus parking. As demands for EV charging increase, the university can add EV ARC systems anywhere without worrying about construction or circuit availability.”

The EV ARC™ deployment supports Auburn University’s Climate Action Plan, which commits them to carbon neutrality by 2050, and adds to Beam’s growing list of university customers which includes UCLA, Rice University, UC Berkeley, California State University East Bay, Bronx Community College, UC Santa Cruz and UC San Diego.

About Beam Global

Beam Global is a CleanTech leader that produces innovative, sustainable technology for electric vehicle (EV) charging, outdoor media, and energy security, without the construction, disruption, risks and costs of grid-tied solutions. Products include the patented EV ARC™ and Solar Tree® lines with BeamTrak™ patented solar tracking, and ARC Technology™ energy storage, along with EV charging, outdoor media and disaster preparedness packages.

The company develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced renewably energized products that save customers time and money, help the environment, empower communities and keep people moving. Based in San Diego, the company produces Made in America products. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbols BEEM and BEEMW (formerly Envision Solar, EVSI, EVSIW). For more information visit https://BeamForAll.com/, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Beam Global Press Release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements in this Press Release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may,” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results.

Media Contact:

The Bulleit Group
[email protected]
415-742-1894



Portnoy Law: Lawsuit Filed On Behalf of 9F, Inc. Investors

Click


here


to join the case

LOS ANGELES, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Portnoy Law Firm advises investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of 9F, Inc. (“9F” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: JFU) investors that acquired securities between August 3, 2020 and December 15, 2020.  

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, to determine eligibility to participate in this action, by phone 310-692-8883 or email, or click here to join the case.

It is alleged in this complaint that (1) the purported benefits and value of 9F’s financial institution partners and its tri-party cooperation business model were materially overstated and/or did not in fact exist, given that 9F and Property and Casualty Company Limited were engaged in an ongoing contractual dispute in regard to payment of service fees under their cooperation agreement; (2) the collectability of service fees owed by PICC to 9F under the cooperation agreement was in doubt and at serious risk of non-payment; (3) there was a significant risk that PICC would no longer guarantee protection to investors and institutional funding partners and would no longer provide credit insurance; (4) as a result of the foregoing, 9F’s platform, business model, reputation and financial results had been materially impaired; and (5) 9F’s statements about their business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times, as a result.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims arising from corporate wrongdoing. The Firm’s founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.
Admitted CA and NY Bar
[email protected]
310-692-8883
www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising

 



Immutep Enters Second Collaboration With MSD For A New Randomised Phase IIB Trial In Head And Neck Cancer

  • New Phase IIb trial called TACTI-003, to evaluate eftilagimod alpha in combination with MSD’s KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in 1st line head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
  • HNSCC is one of the more common cancers worldwide and has a high unmet medical need
  • First patient is expected to be enrolled in mid-2021

Sydney, AUSTRALIA, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) (“Immutep” or “the Company”), a biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapy treatments for cancer, infectious disease and autoimmune disease, announces a second clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with subsidiaries of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA (known as “MSD” outside the United States and Canada). Under the agreement, Immutep will conduct a new Phase IIb clinical trial in 1st line HNSCC patients, as initially described in the ASX announcement dated 28 September 2020.

The trial, called TACTI-003 (Two Active Immunotherapies), will be a 1:1 randomised, controlled clinical study in approximately 160 1st line HNSCC patients. It will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Immutep’s lead product candidate, eftilagimod alpha (efti or IMP321), when given in combination with MSD’s KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), compared to pembrolizumab alone. TACTI-003 will take place in 20+ clinical sites in the United States, Australia and Europe, and the first patient is expected to be enrolled in mid-2021.

The combination of efti and KEYTRUDA is also being evaluated in Immutep’s ongoing Phase II TACTI-002 study. The promising clinical results generated to date from the TACTI-002 trial have prompted the initiation of the new TACTI-003 trial. The combination brings together two immuno-oncology treatments with complementary mechanisms of action at two different positions in the cancer immunity cycle. Efti is a first-in-class antigen presenting cell activator which stimulates cancer-fighting T cells, while KEYTRUDA is an anti-PD-1 therapy which blocks the immunosuppressive PD-1 pathway.

“We are excited to be deepening our collaboration with MSD through this second agreement and the TACTI-003 clinical trial. Advancing to this later stage Phase IIb trial will allow us to explore the combination therapy in the commercially relevant 1st line therapy setting which has a high unmet medical need,” said Immutep CEO Marc Voigt.

HNSCC is the sixth most common cancer by incidence worldwide, with 890,000 new cases and 450,000 deaths reported in 2018.1,2,3 HNSCC is an aggressive, genetically complex, and difficult to treat cancer.4 Furthermore, HNSCC is associated with high levels of psychological distress and compromised quality of life (QOL).5 As such, patients with HNSCC are very much in need of improved treatment options.

About Immutep

Immutep is a globally active biotechnology company that is a leader in the development of LAG-3 related immunotherapeutic products for the treatment of cancer, infectious disease and autoimmune disease. Immutep is dedicated to leveraging its technology and expertise to bring innovative treatment options to market for patients and to maximise value to shareholders. Immutep is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (IMM), and on the NASDAQ (IMMP) in the United States.

Immutep’s current lead product candidate is eftilagimod alpha (efti or IMP321), a soluble LAG-3 fusion protein (LAG-3Ig), which is a first-in-class antigen presenting cell (APC) activator being explored in cancer and infectious disease. Immutep is also developing an agonist of LAG-3 (IMP761) for autoimmune disease. Additional LAG-3 products, including antibodies for immune response modulation, are being developed by Immutep’s large pharmaceutical partners.

Further information can be found on the Company’s website www.immutep.com or by contacting:

KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.

Australian Investors/Media:

Catherine Strong, Citadel-MAGNUS
+61 (0)406 759 268; [email protected]

U.S. Media:

Tim McCarthy, LifeSci Advisors
+1 (212) 915.2564; [email protected]


1 Ferlay, J. et al. Estimating the global cancer incidence and mortality in 2018: GLOBOCAN sources and methods. Int. J. Cancer 144, 1941–1953 (2019).

2 Bray, F. et al. Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J. Clin. 68, 394–424 (2018).

3 Ferlay, J. et al. Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer (accessed 18 September 2020). IARChttps://gco.iarc.fr/today (2018).

4 Alsahafi, E., Begg, K., Amelio, I. et al. Clinical update on head and neck cancer: molecular biology and ongoing challenges. Cell Death Dis 10, 540 (2019). 

5 Johnson, D.E., Burtness, B., Leemans, C.R. et al. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Nat Rev Dis Primers 6, 92 (2020).



JumpCloud Takes Employee Onboarding from Hours to Seconds with Addition of Zero-Touch Enrollment to Cloud Directory Platform

Integration of Apple MDM delivers advanced device management capabilities to IT teams from the directory platform, eliminating the need to adopt separate solutions for MDM and identity and access management (IAM)

LOUISVILLE, Colo., March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JumpCloud has introduced Zero-Touch Enrollment for Macs to its market-leading cloud directory platform, giving IT teams the ability to get employees up and running upon first login to a new Mac that has never been physically touched by the IT administrator. After the Mac is enabled through integration with the Apple Business Manager, formerly known as Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP), IT simply creates a user identity for the new employee in the JumpCloud Directory Platform and adds the user into existing groups, all of which takes just a few mouse clicks in JumpCloud’s administrative console. When the new user unboxes their Mac, the initial login unifies the identity with the device, configures the device, and gives the user appropriate access to all corporate resources through their JumpCloud credentials.

“Zero-Touch Enrollment for Macs, a feature traditionally associated with standalone MDM products, is another example of how JumpCloud is redefining the directory,” said Bill Mrochek, JumpCloud’s Head of Product. “IT should not have to adopt dozens of tools and be faced with managing multiple identities for a single employee. With a cloud directory platform, IT is able to get work done faster and easier, by having a single user identity that authorizes access to all corporate IT resources. The move to remote work has created an urgency for simplifying how IT manages employee access to different types of resources — regardless of what they are or where they are. JumpCloud is uniquely capable of making it easier for IT teams, especially those with limited resources, to get work done.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a world where millions of workers start new jobs without ever being in physical contact with colleagues — including the IT team. This has created big challenges for new hire onboarding as IT struggles to get new hires connected to the applications, files, and other corporate IT resources they need to access. With the addition of Zero-Touch Enrollment functionality in the cloud directory, both users and IT get a far better onboarding experience. For remote workers, this new feature means they can be productive upon receiving their new Macs without having to configure security, identity, and access protocols themselves or via support tickets to the IT department. This model for a single unified identity eliminates risk, complexities, and the cost associated with creating and managing user identities across multiple systems and having standalone device management.

“We can provision users and assign them directly to the device without touching the machine,” said Brian Coleman, founder of Matchstick Birmingham, an IT consulting and contracting firm in Birmingham, Alabama. “It’s a game changer to be able to create and provision new users no matter where they are — especially now, with the pandemic and offices essentially going away.”

JumpCloud is redefining the directory to enable the domainless enterprise, where admins can secure every user and device from the cloud, without any legacy on-premise infrastructure or networking required. The Zero-Touch Enrollment release follows a particularly strong start to 2021 for the company, which includes its oversubscribed $100M Series E round in January and its leadership across several categories in G2’s Best Software of 2021, including Highest Satisfaction, Best Software Product, Best IT Cloud Management, Best Remote Work Product, and Best Mid-Market Product. For IT admins with limited resources, the JumpCloud Directory Platform puts simple, secure, and cost-effective user management within reach by consolidating identity across any and all IT resources without the complexity of other enterprise solutions.

Resources:

About JumpCloud

JumpCloud’s mission is to Make Work Happen®, by providing people secure access to the resources they need to do their jobs. The JumpCloud Directory Platform gives IT, security operations, and DevOps a single, cloud-based solution to control and manage employee identities, their devices, and apply Zero Trust principles. JumpCloud has a global user base of more than 100,000 organizations, with over 3,700 customers including Cars.com, GoFundMe, Grab, ClassPass, Uplight, Beyond Finance, and Foursquare. JumpCloud® is backed by BlackRock, General Atlantic, OpenView, H.I.G. Capital, OurCrowd, and Foundry Group.



Contact:
Josie Judy
303-638-1024

Positive Signs Abound Even as Many Household Incomes Still Negatively Impacted by COVID-19

TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse study explores the pandemic’s financial impact during the last year

CHICAGO, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — U.S. consumers continue to be negatively impacted one year since the onset of COVID-19, though positive signs were observed in TransUnion’s (NYSE: TRU) newest Consumer Pulse study. The percentage of consumers who said their household income remains negatively impacted by the pandemic stands at 38% – significantly down from 53% one year ago in March 2020.

Formerly named the TransUnion Financial Hardship study, the Consumer Pulse study includes a survey of 2,995 U.S. consumers conducted between February 26 and March 1, 2021. As the impact on household income lessens, early indicators point to the COVID-19 vaccine having a positive effect on consumers’ outlook. Of those persons who said they had been fully vaccinated, 77% stated they are optimistic about the future compared to just 59% of those who had not been vaccinated.

“Over the last 12 months, TransUnion has maintained a monthly study of the economic hardship experienced by millions of consumers impacted by COVID-19 around the world,” said Chris Cartwright, CEO of TransUnion. “The insights from this rich data set provide an invaluable global barometer of the pandemic’s financial impact.” 


Pandemic Affecting “Consumer Types” Differently

One year since the pandemic, the Consumer Pulse study exhibited that three primary U.S. consumer types have formed as a result of COVID-19:

  • Stable (35% of the population) – those consumers whose income has not decreased, and finances are as planned;
  • Hopeful (27% of the population) – consumers with income that has decreased, but believe their finances will recover;
  • In Limbo (22% of the population) – people with income that has decreased, but say they are unsure or slightly doubtful their finances will recover.

The remaining U.S. consumer types include those persons who are resilient, thriving,devastated or financially hit. Resilient consumers, who make up 8% of the population, saw their income decrease, but say their finances have fully recovered. Thriving consumers (5% of the population) had no income drop and better than planned finances. Devastated consumers (2%) had decreased income and don’t think they’ll ever recover. Financially hit people (1%) include those whose household income has not been impacted, but say finances are worse than planned.

The study focused on the in limbo group since its participation in the financial recovery may play an outsized role. Comparing them to the total population, 62% of in limbo individuals cut back on discretionary spending vs 45% overall and 38% cancelled subscriptions/memberships vs 24% overall. The uncertain future of those in limbo is leading them to curb future spending as 54% expect to decrease discretionary spending vs 37% overall.

Though the in limbo group may be struggling, the report highlighted that many consumers may soon release pent-up demand for spending that was curbed during the pandemic. More than half (53%) of resilient consumers and nearly one-third of thriving (27%) and hopeful (29%) consumers expect to increase discretionary spending.

“Whether you are in limbo, hopeful, or stable, the expectation is that many consumers will soon be flexing their spending muscle,” said Charlie Wise, head of global research and consulting at TransUnion. “In addition to more people receiving vaccinations, consumers have been or soon will be buoyed by an improved employment picture, stimulus checks, income tax returns and more access to credit.”


Resources for Struggling Consumers

Despite the positives observed in the report, some consumers continue to struggle. Concern about the ability to pay bills and loans among consumers who state their income is currently down (38% of the population) has remained consistently high (73% in March 2020 and 74% presently). Government assistance continues to be important to impacted consumers – nearly four in 10 (39%) middle- and low-income consumers plan to use stimulus checks to pay their current bills or loans.

More consumers whose income is currently down are turning to borrowing cash (25% vs 17% in April 2020), taking out personal loans (16% vs 9% in April 2020) or opening new credit cards (15% vs 8% in April 2020) to cover their daily expenses.

“A benefit to consumers is that lenders are incorporating alternative data into their lending strategies. Leveraging such information can result in more trustworthy relationships between consumers and lenders, which is especially important when uncertainty has reigned over the credit landscape during much of the last year,” concluded Wise.

Consumers still feeling the impacts of COVID-19 and seeking advice to help manage pandemic-related financial hardship can view segments of the “The Game Plan” at www.cnn.com/thegameplan. The five-part video series is produced by TransUnion, American Express, VantageScore® and Courageous Studios. Segments discuss topics like debt management and saving for retirement, managing finances in times of crisis and investing in the future.

TransUnion’s COVID-19 support center also provides helpful information for consumers who are concerned about their ability to pay bills and loans. The complete Consumer Pulse study can be viewed here.

About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

TransUnion is a global information and insights company that makes trust possible in the modern economy. We do this by providing a comprehensive picture of each person so they can be reliably and safely represented in the marketplace. As a result, businesses and consumers can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good.®

A leading presence in more than 30 countries across five continents, TransUnion provides solutions that help create economic opportunity, great experiences, and personal empowerment for hundreds of millions of people.

http://www.transunion.com/business

Contact Dave Blumberg
TransUnion
E-mail [email protected] 
Telephone 312-972-6646



Bit Digital, Inc. Investors: Last Days to Participate Actively in the Class Action Lawsuit; Portnoy Law Firm

Investors with losses are encouraged
to contact the firm before March 22, 2021; click

here

to submit trade information

LOS ANGELES, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Portnoy Law Firm advises investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Bit Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: BTBT) investors that acquired shares between December 21, 2020 and January 8, 2021. Investors have until March 22, 2021 to seek an active role in this litigation.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, to determine eligibility to participate in this action, by phone 310-692-8883 or email, or click here to join the case.

It is alleged in the complaint that Bit Digital made misleading and false statements to the market. The size and capability of its bitcoin mining operation was overstated by Bit Digital. Bit Digital’s public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period, based on these facts. Investors suffered damages when the market learned the truth about Bit Digital.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 22, 2021.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims arising from corporate wrongdoing. The Firm’s founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.
Admitted CA and NY Bar
[email protected]
310-692-8883
www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising



Apollo Announces Commencement of the Tender Offer for All Outstanding Shares of The Michaels Companies

NEW YORK, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE: APO) (together with its consolidated subsidiaries “Apollo”) announced today that its affiliate, Magic MergeCo, Inc. (“Purchaser”), commenced the previously announced cash tender offer for all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of The Michaels Companies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MIK) (“Michaels”) at a price of $22.00 per share, net to the seller, in cash, without interest and less applicable withholding taxes. The tender offer is being made pursuant to the merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) executed on March 2, 2021 and announced by Apollo and Michaels on March 3, 2021, under which Purchaser will acquire Michaels in a transaction valued at approximately $5.0 billion. Purchaser and its parent company, Magic AcquireCo, Inc. (“Parent”), are wholly owned subsidiaries of Apollo.

The $22.00 per share all-cash tender offer represents a premium of approximately 78 percent to the 90-day volume-weighted average price, as well as a premium of approximately 47 percent over Michaels’ closing share price on February 26, 2021, the last trading day prior to press speculation about a potential transaction involving Michaels, and is being made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase, dated March 16, 2021.

A tender offer statement on Schedule TO that includes the Offer to Purchase and related Letter of Transmittal setting forth the terms and conditions of the tender offer has been filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by Purchaser. Additionally, Michaels has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 that includes the recommendation of Michaels’ board of directors that Michaels’ stockholders tender their shares in the tender offer.

The tender offer will expire one minute after 11:59 P.M., New York City time on April 12, 2021, unless the tender offer is extended in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. The completion of the tender offer is conditioned upon, among other things, Michaels’ stockholders tendering at least a majority of Michaels’ outstanding shares, expiration or termination of any waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976, approval under the Competition Act (Canada) and other customary closing conditions.

If, as a result of the tender offer, the Purchaser holds shares that represent at least one share more than 50% of all the issued and outstanding shares of Michaels’ common stock, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, the Purchaser will, as soon as practicable, merge with and into Michaels, with Michaels continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, under Section 251(h) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, without prior notice to, or any action by, any other stockholder of Michaels. Upon completion of the transaction, Michaels will cease to be a publicly traded company.

Georgeson LLC is acting as information agent for Parent in the tender offer. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is acting as depositary and paying agent in the tender offer. Requests for documents and questions regarding the tender offer may be directed to Georgeson LLC by telephone at (888) 663-7851.

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.


Forward-Looking Statements

Any forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction between Apollo and Michaels, the ability of the parties to complete the transaction and the expected timetable for completing the transaction, strategic and other potential benefits of the transaction, and other statements about Apollo’s future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects, are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Michaels’ periodic reports on file with the SEC. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on Apollo’s and Michaels’ current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to be different from those described in or implied by such forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties regarding: uncertainty about how many of Michaels’ stockholders will tender their shares in the tender offer; the possibility that any or all of the various conditions to the consummation of the tender offer may not be satisfied or waived in a timely manner, if at all; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; changes in financial markets; changes in economic, political or regulatory conditions; changes in facts and other circumstances and uncertainties concerning the proposed transaction; and other factors set forth from time to time in Michaels’ SEC filings, including its Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as the tender offer statement, solicitation/recommendation statement and other tender offer documents that will be filed by Apollo and Michaels, as applicable. Apollo and Michaels caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, Apollo does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.


Important additional information will be filed with the SEC

This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell common stock of Michaels or any other securities. This communication is for informational purposes only. The tender offer transaction commenced by affiliates of Apollo is being made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including the Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other offer materials) filed by such affiliates of Apollo with the SEC. In addition, Michaels will file a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC related to the tender offer. The offer to purchase shares of Michaels’ common stock is only being made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, the Letter of Transmittal and related offer materials filed as a part of the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, in each case as amended from time to time. THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND OTHER MATERIALS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9 CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
PRIOR TO MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING THE TENDER OFFER, MICHAELS STOCKHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CAREFULLY READ THESE DOCUMENTS, AS FILED AND AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE
. Michaels stockholders will be able to obtain the tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including the Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other offer materials) and the related solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 at no charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including the Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other offer materials) and the related solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 may be obtained free of charge from Georgeson LLC, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, 9

th

Floor, New York, New York 10104, Telephone Number (888) 663-7851.

Media Contact:

For Apollo:

Investor Contact:
Peter Mintzberg
Head of Investor Relations
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
212 822 0528
[email protected]

Media Contact:
Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
212 822 0491
[email protected] 



Precision Nutrition and Xplor Enter A New Partnership to Bring Leading Nutrition Education and Personal Training Software to Fitness Professionals Around the World

Toronto, Canada & Atlanta, GA, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Precision Nutrition, the world’s largest online nutrition and healthy lifestyle coaching and certification company, and Xplor Technologies, a leading global platform integrating software, payments and commerce-enabling solutions for businesses in Boutique Wellness, Education, Health and Fitness, Field Services and Personal Services, today announce their exclusive new partnership that aims to provide fitness professionals around with world with a differentiated offering that combines both nutrition and movement, accelerating the achievement of their clients’ health and wellness goals.

The new arrangement will provide both communities with previously unpublished product offers including special discounts and unique access to Precision Nutrition’s education and technology products, including their Level 1 (L1) Nutrition Certification, Level 2 (L2) Master Certification, and ProCoach software as well as Xplor’s expansive network of Boutique Wellness technology products. The two companies will also create a content series that will help fitness professionals incorporate more nutrition focus into their movement programming and similarly nutrition coaches with more options to coach movement.

Starting with Xplor’s online coaching software TrueCoach, and then expanding across Xplor’s boutique wellness software portfolio, the new partnership will allow fitness professionals to differentiate their services, by offering a combination of nutrition and fitness programs to their clients.

Precision Nutrition’s L1 Nutrition Certification provides fitness coaches with the quality education and credentials needed to add nutrition coaching to their services. With over 150,000 coaches across 140 countries using the curriculum, Precision Nutrition’s partnership with Xplor will enable fitness professionals to deliver leading nutrition content alongside personalized fitness programming with the intent of improving client results and retention.

With the recent surge in demand for at-home and remote workouts due to gym closures during COVID-19, both companies have helped fitness professionals across the globe shift their businesses remotely. Xplor’s TrueCoach software has supported the automation of administrative tasks like workout tracking, payments, and client engagement while Precision Nutrition’s L1 Nutrition Certification has provided the ability to diversify a coach’s services and revenue stream to go beyond just fitness with nutrition coaching.

Marc Zionts, Executive Chairman at Precision Nutrition said, “With wellness top of mind for so many following the pandemic, nutrition has emerged as a key requirement for clients and a compelling new income opportunity for fitness professionals. Together with Xplor, we will help fitness professionals at all stages of their careers to focus on meaningful growth, through access to leading educational resources alongside intuitive software to help them spend less time on administration.”

Christina Hamilton, CEO Boutique Wellness, at Xplor commented, “Combining Xplor’s world-class software with Precision Nutrition’s science-backed nutrition and behavior change curriculum, will help fitness professionals all over the world deliver a more engaging, personalized workout experience to their clients. Offering nutrition coaching alongside fitness services is the next way for fitness professionals to differentiate themselves, and cultivate new clients to grow their business at scale.”

About Precision Nutrition

Precision Nutrition offers a sustainable, practice-based approach to becoming fitter, getting healthier, and improving performance. As a global leader in providing health and fitness professionals the education, tools, and coaching they need, over 150,000 coaches in over 140 countries use the Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification—along with ProCoach, the company’s proprietary coaching software—to improve client results, increase operational efficiency, and drive business growth. Recognized as the number one recommended nutrition coaching certification by health, nutrition, and fitness professionals and the leader in customer satisfaction, Precision Nutrition offers the only nutrition certification endorsed by CrossFit®, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The American Council on Exercise (ACE) and The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) also approve Precision Nutrition for its professionals’ continuing education credits. Internationally, Precision Nutrition’s certifications have gained endorsements from the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS) and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

In addition, Precision Nutrition Coaching for Men and Women is a personalized, evidence-based healthy nutrition and lifestyle program, which has been validated in multiple peer-reviewed studies and helped over 100,000 people improve their nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle. For more information, visit www.precisionnutrition.com.

About Xplor

Advent International portfolio companies Clearent and TSG have merged to form Xplor Technologies, a superior global platform integrating software, payments and commerce-enabling solutions to help businesses succeed.

Xplor offers enterprise software solutions for businesses in five fast-growing ‘everyday life’ industries: Education, Health and Fitness, Boutique Wellness, Field Services and Personal Services – and a global, cloud-based processing platform that allows clients to seamlessly and securely process payments for their services.

With operations across North America, Australasia, Europe, and the United Kingdom, Xplor serves over 82,000 businesses that processed over $27 billion in payments, operating across 158 countries in 2020. Xplor Boutique Wellness serves 21,000+ fitness studios and professionals through its BrandBot, Mariana Tek, PTminder, Triib, TrueCoach, and Zingfit brands.

To learn more visit: https://www.xplortechnologies.com/

 

About TrueCoach

TrueCoach is a leading online coaching platform designed to help coaches and personal trainers manage and grow their fitness business. With workout builders, a video exercise library, nutrition tracking and real-time messaging, coaches and trainers can spend more time coaching clients and less time on admin. Now part of Xplor Technologies, TrueCoach serves over 15,000 coaches and personal trainers across 158 countries, facilitating over 53 million workouts in the past year. For more information, visit https://truecoach.co

Attachments



Allie Hartman
Precision Nutrition
[email protected]

Emily Lahey
Xplor Technologies
[email protected]