S&P Global Ratings Provides Full Alignment Opinion On Yorkshire Building Society’s Social Bond Framework

PR Newswire

MADRID, March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — S&P Global Ratings said today that Yorkshire Building Society’s (YBS’s) Social Bond Framework is fully aligned with the four components of the Social Bond Principles (SBP). The Framework Alignment Opinion report is available here.

“YBS’s social bond framework is considered fully aligned because it commits to using net proceeds of financing issued under the framework to fund eligible social projects that fit into categories defined in the SBP, specifically socioeconomic advancement and empowerment and access to essential services,” said Nicolas Cabrera, the primary contact at S&P Global Ratings.

In addition, the framework outlines the process for project evaluation and selection. YBS will form a social bond working group to evaluate and select different social projects and include a list of activities excluded from any of its financings, such as those related to weapons.

“In terms of management of proceeds, the issuer commits to track net proceeds allocated to eligible social projects until they have been fully allocated,” added Mr. Cabrera. “YBS will also report the allocation of proceeds as well as the social impact of the financed loans on an aggregated basis.”

Finally, YBS has a comprehensive sustainability-focused agenda to contribute positively to a variety of local social and environmental issues. YBS is committed to providing access to affordable finance through its higher-rate savings products and competitively priced mortgages to individuals underserved by other lenders in the market.

S&P’s Green, Social, or Sustainability Framework Alignment Opinions are not credit ratings. They are a point-in-time second opinion on a seeker of finance’s financing framework’s alignment with the International Capital Market Assn.’s (ICMA’s) Green Bond Principles (GBPs), Social Bond Principles (SBPs), or a combination of the GBPs and SBPs, collectively known as ICMA’s Sustainability Bond Guidelines (SBGs), and/ or the Loan Market Assn.’s (LMA’s) Green Loan Principles (GLPs; the Principles). FAOs reflect the financing framework only, and do not consider individual financial transactions. They remain effective until such time as there is a change in the financing framework or the relevant Principles.

This report does not constitute a rating action.

The report is available to subscribers of RatingsDirect at www.capitaliq.com. If you are not a RatingsDirect subscriber, you may purchase a copy of the report by calling (1) 212-438-7280 or sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Ratings information can also be found on S&P Global Ratings’ public website by using the Ratings search box located in the left column at www.standardandpoors.com. Alternatively, call one of the following S&P Global Ratings numbers: Client Support Europe (44) 20-7176-7176; London Press Office (44) 20-7176-3605; Paris (33) 1-4420-6708; Frankfurt (49) 69-33-999-225; Stockholm (46) 8-440-5914; or Moscow (7) 495-783-4009.

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SOURCE S&P Global Ratings

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Rigrodsky Law, P.A. Announces Investigation of Super League Gaming, Inc. Merger

WILMINGTON, Del., March 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rigrodsky Law, P.A. announces that it is investigating Super League Gaming, Inc. (“Super League”) (NASDAQ GS: SLGG) regarding possible breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of law related to Super League’s agreement to merge with Mobcrush Streaming, Inc.

To learn more about this investigation and your rights, visit: https://www.rl-legal.com/cases-super-league-gaming-inc.

You may also contact Seth D. Rigrodsky or Gina M. Serra cost and obligation free at (888) 969-4242 or [email protected].

Rigrodsky Law, P.A., with offices in Delaware and New York, has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of investors and achieved substantial corporate governance reforms in securities fraud and corporate class actions nationwide.

Attorney advertising.  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

CONTACT:         

Rigrodsky Law, P.A.
Seth D. Rigrodsky
Gina M. Serra
(888) 969-4242 (Toll Free)
(302) 295-5310
Fax: (302) 654-7530
[email protected]
https://rl-legal.com



SECU Foundation Provides $200,000 Grant for Project Addressing Student Learning Inequities

RALEIGH, N.C., March 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SECU Foundation has awarded a $200,000 grant to the North Carolina Education Fund in support of a new project, the North Carolina Education Corps (NCEC). The initiative was developed in 2020 by North Carolina educators and leaders to help tackle some of the most pressing needs of public schools throughout the state – specifically addressing the learning inequities intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Foundation grant will assist the North Carolina Education Fund with administrative services, including NCEC training programs and in-service support for the first cohort of corps members delivering services to students and school systems as tutors, mentors, or technology navigators. NCEC is a joint project of the North Carolina State Board of Education, the Governor’s Office, and Local Education Agencies.

Through the initial launch of the project, NCEC will recruit, train, and deploy over 250 corps members across the state to provide wraparound support services virtually and/or in-person for K-12 students. Corps members were selected from a diverse applicant pool of more than 1,000 North Carolinians – college students, recent graduates, and retirees who applied to participate in the program launch. All corps members commit to six months of service and will be compensated for their time serving students and school districts. NCEC deployed the first wave of corps members in January to 21 school districts with an emphasis on Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties.

“Among the many major disruptions in our lives caused by COVID-19 has been the necessity for schools, teachers, and students to shift to remote education options,” observed Jo Anne Sanford, SECU Foundation Board Chair. “This shift has exposed the heightened economic, health, and social disparities among student families and school systems, especially in the state’s most economically distressed counties. We are so pleased to join with the North Carolina Education Corps to help address the stark academic learning challenges students and schools are experiencing.”

“North Carolina Education Corps creates opportunities for North Carolinians to learn, earn, and serve public school students in roles such as tutor and contact tracer, and our corps members offer relief to hardworking teachers and administrators across the state,” said John-Paul C. Smith, NCEC Executive Director. “SECU Foundation will expand these opportunities and fuel the launch of North Carolina Education Corps as it seeks to recruit, train, and deploy corps members to support public school students and teachers this year and beyond.”

A
bout SECU and the SECU Foundation

A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 83 years.  The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves over 2.5 million members through 271 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone, a website, www.ncsecu.org and a Mobile App.  Members can also follow and subscribe to SECU on Facebook and YouTube. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services.  Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $200 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide. In addition to the website, highlights are also available on the SECU Foundation Instagram page.

Contact:  Jama Campbell, Executive Director
Office:  919-839-5562 | [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/14f882c1-fb2c-47bf-af0b-127f2db20187



Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP: Reminds Investors of Securities Fraud Class Action Filed Against Velodyne Lidar, Inc.

PR Newswire

RADNOR, Pa., March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP alerts investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against Velodyne Lidar, Inc. (NASDAQ: VLDR, VLDRW) (“Velodyne”) on behalf of those who purchased or acquired Velodyne securities between November 9, 2020 and February 19, 2021, inclusive (the “Class Period”).


Investor Deadline Reminder:  Investors who purchased or acquired Velodyne securities


during the Class Period may, no later than May 3, 2021, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information or to learn how to participate in this litigation please contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP:  James Maro, Esq. (484) 270-1453 or Adrienne Bell, Esq. (484) 270-1435; toll free at (844) 887-9500; via e-mail at

[email protected]; orclick https://www.ktmc.com/velodyne-lidar-inc-securities-fraud-class-action?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=velodyne

The Class Period commences on November 9, 2020, when Velodyne filed its quarterly report on a Form 10-Q with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the period ended September 30, 2020. The report stated “[b]ased on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.”

However, the truth began to be revealed on February 22, 2021, before the market opened, when Velodyne announced that its Board of Directors had “removed David Hall as Chairman of the Board and terminated Marta Hall’s employment as Chief Marketing Officer of the Company” after the Audit Committee’s investigation “concluded that Mr. Hall and Ms. Hall each behaved inappropriately with regard to certain Board and Company processes, and failed to operate with respect, honesty, integrity, and candor in their dealings with [Velodyne] officers and directors.” In addition, Velodyne’s Board formally censured Mr. Hall and Ms. Hall, but they would remain directors of Velodyne.

Following this news, Velodyne’s common stock fell $3.14, or approximately 15%, to close at $17.97 per share on February 22, 2021. Additionally, Velodyne’s warrants fell $1.47, or approximately 20%, to close at $5.90 per warrant on February 22, 2021.

Velodyne investors may, no later than May 3, 2021, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member’s claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
James Maro, Jr., Esq.
Adrienne Bell, Esq.
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
(844) 887-9500 (toll free)
[email protected]

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SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

GenMark Merger Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLP Announces Investigation Into Whether the Sale of GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. Is Fair to Shareholders; Investors Are Encouraged to Contact the Firm – GNMK

GenMark Merger Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLP Announces Investigation Into Whether the Sale of GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. Is Fair to Shareholders; Investors Are Encouraged to Contact the Firm – GNMK

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Halper Sadeh LLP, a global investor rights law firm, is investigating whether the sale of GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. (NASDAQ: GNMK) to Roche is fair to GenMark shareholders. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Roche will acquire all outstanding shares of GenMark common stock for $24.05 per share in cash.

Halper Sadeh encourages GenMark shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or [email protected] or [email protected].

The investigation concerns whether GenMark and its board of directors violated the federal securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to, among other things: (1) obtain the best possible consideration for GenMark shareholders; (2) determine whether Roche is underpaying for GenMark; and (3) disclose all material information necessary for GenMark shareholders to adequately assess and value the merger consideration. On behalf of GenMark shareholders, Halper Sadeh LLP may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits.

Halper Sadeh encourages GenMark shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or [email protected] or [email protected].

Halper Sadeh LLP represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Halper Sadeh LLP

Daniel Sadeh, Esq.

Zachary Halper, Esq.

(212) 763-0060

[email protected]

[email protected]

https://www.halpersadeh.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America Illinois

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Legal Professional Services

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ASML reports transactions under its current share buyback program

ASML reports transactions under its current share buyback program

VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands – ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) reports the following transactions, conducted under ASML’s current share buyback program.

Date Total repurchased shares Weighted average price Total repurchased value
8-Mar-21 73,715 437.60 32,257,706.11
9-Mar-21 72,605 444.30 32,258,532.19
10-Mar-21 71,953 448.32 32,257,911.40
11-Mar-21 70,746 455.97 32,258,046.55
12-Mar-21 72,139 447.16 32,257,942.15

ASML’s current share buyback program was announced on 22 January 2020, and details are available on our website at https://www.asml.com/en/news/share-buyback

This regular update of the transactions conducted under the buyback program is to be made public under the Market Abuse Regulation (Nr. 596/2014).

Media Relations Contacts Investor Relations Contacts
Monique Mols, phone +31 6 528 444 18 Skip Miller, phone +1 480 235 0934
  Marcel Kemp, phone +31 40 268 6494



Capital Farm Credit to return $98.3 million to borrowers

Bryan, Texas, March 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Despite the major disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Capital Farm Credit once again posted a year of strong financial results in 2020. As a result, the largest agricultural lender in Texas is able to return $98.3 million in cash patronage to its borrowers, with another $117.6 million in earnings allocated to the membership for future disbursement consideration. This total 2020 patronage declaration of $215.9 million continues building on Capital Farm Credit’s strong reputation for returning earnings to its members.

Since 2006, Capital Farm Credit’s combined cash returned and allocated equities for members is almost $2 billion – more than any agricultural lender in the state of Texas.

“When you borrow from Capital Farm Credit, you become one of our owners,” said Ben Novosad, chief executive officer. “That means when our borrower-owned cooperative has earnings, they get their share through our cooperative returns program. We return almost all of our earnings back to our members and believe our patronage dividend program is the strongest in the country. We work hard to ensure we can continue returning profits to our members.”

Capital Farm Credit has a long tradition of strong earnings, which accrues to the benefit of our members. We bring value to our members by delivering credit and other financially related services to them effectively and efficiently. As we return the earnings through our patronage dividend program, we effectively lower the cost of doing business for our farmers, ranchers, and recreational property owners, which helps to strengthen the agricultural economy and rural communities we serve.

“We’re proud to support rural Texas communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services by providing farmers and ranchers with the capital they need to make their businesses successful,” Novosad added. “We know by returning money to our borrowers, it helps to strengthen the rural communities our members call home.”

As a borrower-owned cooperative, our members are also our owners. When Capital Farm Credit is successful, our members are successful.  We’re in this together with our members, and together we’re better.

For more than 100 years, Capital Farm Credit has supported rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Capital Farm Credit is a proud member of the Farm Credit system and serves more than 21,500 members, with loans outstanding totaling more than $8 billion. Headquartered in Bryan, Texas, Capital Farm Credit has offices serving 192 of Texas’ 254 counties. For more information about its patronage dividend program, financial services and office locations, visit CapitalFarmCredit.com.

Attachment



Jeff Moder
Capital Farm Credit
979.822.3018
[email protected]

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: WeissLaw LLP Investigates Super League Gaming, Inc.

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — WeissLaw LLP is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of Super League Gaming, Inc. (“Super League” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SLGG) in connection with the Company’s acquisition of privately-held Mobcrush Streaming, Inc. (“Mobcrush”).  Under the terms of the merger agreement, current holders of Mobcrush common and preferred stock will receive 0.528 shares of the Company’s common stock for each share of Mobcrush that they hold, which will result in Super League issuing approximately 12.5 million new shares to current Mobcrush stockholders.  


If you own Super League shares and wish to discuss this investigation or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, visit our website:


https://www.weisslawllp.com/SLGG/


Or please contact:



Joshua Rubin, Esq.

WeissLaw LLP
1500 Broadway, 16th Floor
New York, NY  10036
(212) 682-3025
(888) 593-4771
[email protected]

WeissLaw LLP is investigating whether Super League’s board acted in the best interest of Super League’s public stockholders in agreeing to the proposed transaction, whether the board was fully informed as to the valuation of Mobcrush and the dilutive effect of the share issuance, and whether all information regarding the process undertaken by the board and the valuation of the transaction will be fully and fairly disclosed to Super League’s public stockholders. 

WeissLaw LLP has litigated hundreds of stockholder class and derivative actions for violations of corporate and fiduciary duties.  We have recovered over a billion dollars for defrauded clients and obtained important corporate governance relief in many of these cases.  If you have information or would like legal advice concerning possible corporate wrongdoing (including insider trading, waste of corporate assets, accounting fraud, or materially misleading information), consumer fraud (including false advertising, defective products, or other deceptive business practices), or anti-trust violations, please email us at [email protected]

 

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SOURCE WeissLaw LLP

STAY Merger Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLP Announces Investigation Into Whether the Sale of Extended Stay America, Inc. Is Fair to Shareholders; Investors Are Encouraged to Contact the Firm – STAY

STAY Merger Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLP Announces Investigation Into Whether the Sale of Extended Stay America, Inc. Is Fair to Shareholders; Investors Are Encouraged to Contact the Firm – STAY

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Halper Sadeh LLP, a global investor rights law firm, is investigating whether the sale of Extended Stay America, Inc. (NASDAQ: STAY) to a joint venture between funds managed by Blackstone Real Estate Partners (“Blackstone”) and Starwood Capital Group (“Starwood Capital”) for $19.50 per share in cash is fair to Extended Stay shareholders.

Halper Sadeh encourages Extended Stay shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or [email protected] or [email protected].

The investigation concerns whether Extended Stay and its board of directors violated the federal securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to, among other things: (1) obtain the best possible consideration for Extended Stay shareholders; (2) determine whether Blackstone and Starwood Capital are underpaying for Extended Stay; and (3) disclose all material information necessary for Extended Stay shareholders to adequately assess and value the merger consideration. On behalf of Extended Stay shareholders, Halper Sadeh LLP may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits.

Halper Sadeh encourages Extended Stay shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or [email protected] or [email protected].

Halper Sadeh LLP represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Halper Sadeh LLP

Daniel Sadeh, Esq.

Zachary Halper, Esq.

(212) 763-0060

[email protected]

[email protected]

https://www.halpersadeh.com

KEYWORDS: Illinois New York United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Legal Professional Services

MEDIA:

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Stanley Black & Decker Names Joe Simms Chief Diversity Officer

PR Newswire

NEW BRITAIN, Conn., March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) today announced that it has named Joe Simms Chief Diversity Officer. In this role, Simms will champion a broad approach to diversity, equity and inclusion to accelerate company performance, optimize organizational culture, enhance transparency and strengthen accountability. Simms will also establish key external partnerships to enhance the company’s ecosystem of diverse sources of talent and expertise.  

Simms will report to Jim Loree, CEO, Stanley Black & Decker.  

“Joe’s appointment represents another elevation and investment in our DE&I efforts,” said Loree. “Our purpose, For Those Who Make The World, reinforces our commitment to inclusivity for all people. More broadly, diversity, equity and inclusion are cornerstones of our culture. Joe’s strong leadership and expertise in building a diverse and inclusive culture will help accelerate our progress in achieving true equality.”

Prior to assuming the role of Chief Diversity Officer, Simms was Vice President, Human Resources for the company’s $10B Global Tools & Storage business. He oversaw HR responsibility for all commercial regions, business units and functions, in addition to centralized HR activities such as diversity and inclusion, talent acquisition and development. Simms currently serves as co-chair of the company’s African Ancestry Network and contributed to the company’s 10 Commitments to Racial Equity and Social Justice.

Simms began his career at Stanley Black & Decker in 2013 as Vice President, Human Resources for U.S. Sales & Marketing. Before joining the company, Simms worked in a variety of human resource leadership roles at PepsiCo, including Senior Director, Human Resources for Pepsi Beverage Company’s (PBC) Mid-Atlantic Region. He joined PBC in 1995 and held a number of roles with increasing leadership responsibilities during his 17-year tenure at PepsiCo.

Simms graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. After completing his undergraduate work, Simms received a Master of Arts degree in Labor & Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Stanley Black & Decker has taken a number of steps to advance its diversity and inclusion efforts, supporting nine employee resource groups (including a Women’s Network), joining the Paradigm for Parity Coalition to address the gender gap in corporate leadership and signing on to the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion. The company has also participated in the Business Roundtable Diversity & Inclusion Index, where the largest U.S.-based employers are committed to building a more inclusive environment. In addition, the company’s CEO, Jim Loree was among a group of prominent CEOs to sign on to the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion.

For more information about Stanley Black & Decker’s gender equality efforts, visit https://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/equality-for-everyone.


About Stanley Black & Decker

Stanley Black & Decker is a purpose-driven, $14.5 billion revenue industrial organization. Stanley Black & Decker has 53,000 employees in more than 60 countries and operates the world’s largest tools and storage business, the world’s second-largest commercial electronic security services company, a leading engineered fastening business as well as Oil & Gas and Infrastructure businesses. The company’s iconic brands include BLACK+DECKER, Bostitch, CRAFTSMAN, DEWALT, FACOM, IRWIN, LENOX, Porter Cable and STANLEY. Stanley Black & Decker is a company for the makers and innovators, the craftsmen and the caregivers, and those doing the hard work to make the world a better place. Learn more at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com.

 

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SOURCE Stanley Black & Decker