Market Newsdesk

SURREY, British Columbia, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westland Insurance Group Ltd. (“Westland”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Nova Scotia-based Storm Insurance Group (“Storm”), with a scheduled close date of January 6, 2021. This acquisition supports Westland’s expansion strategy to serve more communities nationally, and it is the company’s first acquisition with offices in the provinces of Nova Scotia and Quebec.

With this acquisition, Westland Insurance will be adding new branches across the Western, Central, Quebec, and Atlantic regions, over 120 employees in six provinces, and over 100,000 clients across Canada.

Storm Insurance Group is an award-winning brokerage group operating under several brands, including retail brokerages A.P. Reid, Sheppard, and Axxium; group brokerage MyGroup; MGA Agile Underwriting Solutions; and digital insurance platform ZipSure.ca. Storm specializes in partnering with carriers, brokerages, associations, and other organizations to provide custom insurance solutions and programs.

“We’re thrilled to be expanding our presence across Canada with such an entrepreneurial, innovative and well-established leader in the insurance industry,” said Jamie Lyons, President & Chief Operating Officer of Westland Insurance. “Similar to Westland, the Storm Insurance Group was started in 1980 as a small, family-owned business. It is now a national multi-channel insurance distributor, servicing Canadians in all provinces and territories. Under its founder Aileen Reid, and more recently under the visionary leadership of CEO Jamie Reid and his executive team, Storm has set itself apart in the industry by investing in cutting-edge, customer-centric solutions. We’d like to welcome the whole Storm team to the Westland family.”

“Joining Westland is an exciting next step in Storm’s journey to become a leader in the Canadian Insurance Industry,” said Jamie Reid, President and CEO of Storm Insurance Group. “This move will advance our strategic position and build on the growth and success of our employees and businesses. As part of Westland, we will benefit by expanding our capacity, resources, and market position. Joining Westland will also allow us to continue investing in innovative platforms and attracting top industry talent.”

Post-acquisition, Westland will have over 150 locations and 1,700 employees in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.

About Westland Insurance Group

Westland Insurance Group is one of the largest and fastest-growing independent property and casualty insurance brokers in Canada. With a national network of over 150 locations and 1,700 employees, the company continues to expand coast to coast. Westland’s brokers provide expert advice to home, business, farm, life, and auto insurance clients. Since its founding in 1980, Westland has remained a family-owned company that is committed to supporting its local communities. For more information, please visit www.westlandinsurance.ca

Media Contact:

Westland Insurance Group Ltd.
Cari Watson, VP, Customer Experience
604-543-7788
[email protected]
www.westlandinsurance.ca

EDMONTON, Alberta, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Brick, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leon’s Furniture Limited (TSX:LNF), is excited to announce that it has raised a total of $467,956 for Children’s Miracle Network following two successful fundraising initiatives.

Hundreds of people joined world renowned chef David Rocco for an exclusive virtual cooking class this past month, raising $45,020 for Children’s Miracle Network. The inaugural “Cooking for the Kids” event, sponsored by KitchenAid, produced more than just delicious food, with 100 per cent of the funds raised through registration fees and individual donations being redistributed to children’s hospitals across the country, supporting critical treatments and health care services.

“The Brick has a longstanding commitment to Children’s Miracle Network – it is an organization that our employees, their families and our generous customers feel truly passionate about supporting,” said Dave Freeman, President, The Brick. “We couldn’t be more thrilled about the success of this event. With David Rocco’s support, we were able to raise funds that will go toward exceptional medical care, the latest equipment and important medical research for children in need.”

The virtual event on November 19 was the first of its kind hosted by The Brick. Participants from across the country joined the live and interactive cooking class, learning to prepare some of Rocco’s favourite recipes from the comfort of their own homes.

“As a father of three, I recognize the important work of Children’s Miracle Network and their impact on children and families,” said Rocco. “Sharing my passion for food with home cooks across Canada, while working with The Brick to raise funds for an incredible cause, was an opportunity I’m proud to have been a part of.”

In addition to the funds raised from Cooking for the Kids, The Brick raised an additional $422,936 for Children’s Miracle Network through the recent Buy More, Save More, Give More campaign.

The Brick has been a proud partner of Children’s Miracle Network since 2014. As a symbol of its philanthropic commitment, The Brick launched Brickley Bear for purchase, with 100 per cent of proceeds going towards Children’s Miracle Network. The Brick’s robust fundraising campaign also includes corporate and employee donations and events including Children’s Miracle Network Charity Day, Teddy Bear Toss events, and The Brick Invitational Super Novice Hockey Tournament.

Since making its philanthropic commitment to Children’s Miracle Network six years ago, The Brick has raised over $7.8 million in support of local children’s hospitals. In 2020, The Brick was recognized as Children’s Miracle Network’s Corporate Partner of the Year.

The Brick is committed to helping Canadians through various community and fundraising initiatives, such as supporting the health and well-being of children, investing in local companies, and practicing environmental sustainability.

For more information about The Brick’s ongoing community relations work, please visit: http://csr.thebrick.com/.

About Children’s Miracle Network

Children’s Miracle Network® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada.  Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and research. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles are, at http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.ca and http://www.facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

About The Brick

Focused on Saving You More, as part of the LFL Group (Leon’s Furniture Limited – TSX: LNF), The Brick is Canada’s largest retailer of furniture, appliances, mattresses and electronics. Serving Canadians since 1971, with over 220 locations and more than 5,000 employees across Canada, The Brick is proud to be part of your community. The Brick is online at TheBrick.com. Keep up-to-date, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Leon’s Furniture Limited

LFL is the largest retailer of furniture, mattresses, appliances and electronics in Canada. Our retail banners include: Leon’s; The Brick; Brick Outlet; and The Brick Mattress Store. Finally, with The Brick’s Midnorthern Appliance banner alongside with Leon’s Appliance Canada banner, this makes the Company the country’s largest commercial retailer of appliances to builders, developers, hotels and property management companies. The Company has 305 retail stores from coast to coast in Canada under various banners. The Company operates three websites: leons.ca, thebrick.com and furniture.ca. For more information, visit lflgroup.ca 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Shauna MacDonald
Brookline Public Relations, Inc. for The Brick
403-585-4570
[email protected]

• Proceeds to be used to acquire THC license and assets in Illinois, repay 12% coupon debt with lower 7% coupon debt, and improve working capital position

TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB and OTC: RWBYF) (“RWB” or the “Company”) has executed a Term Sheet for a US$60,000,000 (Sixty Million) non-revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with an arm’s-length institutional lender (the “Lender”).

The Credit Facility will be provided by the Lender under a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) to be entered into between the Lender, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Borrower”) and each of the Company and MichiCann Medical Inc. (another wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) as Guarantors.

The aggregate principal amount of the Credit Facility will be US $60,000,000 (the “Credit Facility Limit”) with a 3 year term and will bear interest at 7 percent per annum. The Credit Facility will be advanced in two tranches:

(a)        US$40,000,000 shall be advanced on initial closing; and
(b)        US$20,000,000 shall be advanced upon the closing of a transaction to acquire a THC licensed entity and associated assets in the State of Illinois, for which the company has executed definitive agreements (the “Proposed Target”).

The use of proceeds of the Credit Facility will be used for: (i) the retirement of certain existing indebtedness; (ii) the acquisition of the Proposed Target; and (iii) for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The transactions set out in the Term Sheet are subject to a number of terms and conditions including the completion of the necessary definitive documents for the Credit Facility, due diligence, regulatory approvals as well as other requirements that are customary when entering into transactions of this nature. Additional details about the Credit Facility will be available in the Company’s filings which are available under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com following the closing.

About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

The Company is positioning itself to be one of the top three multi-state cannabis operators active in the U.S. legal cannabis and hemp sector. RWB is predominately focusing its investments on the major US markets, including Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts and California with respect to cannabis, and the US and internationally for hemp-based CBD products.

For more information about Red White & Bloom Brands Inc., please contact:

Tyler Troup, Managing Director
Circadian Group IR
[email protected]

Visit us on the web: www.RedWhiteBloom.com

Follow us on social media:
Twitter: @rwbbrands
Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands
Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands

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

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company’s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes information relating to the implementation of the Company’s business plan including the completion of the Credit Facility and the acquisition of the Proposed Target. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s business plan and matters relating thereto, risks associated with the cannabis industry, competition, regulatory change, the need for additional financing, reliance on key personnel, the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors, and the volatility of the Company’s common share price and volume. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the Company’s proposed business, such as failure of the business strategy and government regulation; risks related to the Company’s operations, such as additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key and qualified personnel, insurance, competition, intellectual property and reliable supply chains; risks related to the Company and its business generally as well as with respect to proposed acquisitions. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company’s forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

MALVERN, Pa., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced that its RAMK060 rotational absolute magnetic kit encoder has been recognized by industry magazine Elecfans with a 2020 China IoT Innovation Award in the “Sensor Technology” category.

Now in its fifth year, the China IoT Innovation Awards recognize products and technologies introduced over the past year that have delivered a far-reaching impact on the IoT industry. Finalists are determined by online voting, with Elecfans editors and industry experts voting to select the winners. This year Vishay’s RAMK060 high precision position sensor was recognized for offering designers more robust performance than existing absolute encoders and better resolution and accuracy than traditional Hall effect sensors.

The 60 mm RAMK060 uses advanced contactless technology to achieve > 13-bit accuracy, 19-bit resolution, and > 16-bit repeatability while maintaining robustness against external magnetic fields, moisture, airborne pollution, vibration, mechanical shock, and changes in temperature. This technology architecture provides the best performance with safety guarantees. The device’s rotor + stator kit design, as well as its off-axis design (for hollow shaft mounting), slim ~6.5 mm profile, and light weight (< 55 g) make it ideal for applications where little space is available but an angular position needs to be detected with high accuracy.

The rotational absolute magnetic kit encoder’s patented design is particularly suited for applications calling for precise and repetitive motion such as arm joints for industrial robots and collaborative robots; steering wheels for automated guided vehicles; and machine tools used in printing, textile manufacturing, and milling. The key advantages of the RAMK060 in these applications include self-calibration to compensate for mechanical misalignment; built-in self-monitoring; and memorization of the last absolute position before power-off.

Award winners were announced at an awards ceremony on Dec. 4 in Shenzhen following the fifth annual China IoT Conference, hosted by Elecfans. A complete list of winners can be found at www.elecfans.com/iot/1407251.html.

Vishay manufactures one of the world’s largest portfolios of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components that are essential to innovative designs in the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Serving customers worldwide, Vishay is The DNA of tech.™ Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH). More on Vishay at www.Vishay.com.

The DNA of tech™ is a trademark of Vishay Intertechnology.

Vishay on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/VishayIntertechnology

Vishay Twitter feed:
http://twitter.com/vishayindust

Share it on Twitter: http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=.@vishayindust high precision position sensor receives 2020 China IoT Innovation Award From Elecfans. Vishay’s RAMK060 rotational absolute magnetic kit encoder has been recognized for delivering robust, high resolution performance. #ChinaIoTConfernece – https://bit.ly/386bueg

Link to DNA of Tech image:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/vishay/50342588442/sizes/l/

For more information please contact:

Vishay Intertechnology
Peter Henrici, +1 408 567-8400
[email protected]
or
Redpines
Bob Decker, +1 415 409-0233
[email protected]

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Attorney Advertising– Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC reminds investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Covia Holdings Corporation f/k/a Fairmount Santrol Holdings Inc. (“Covia” or “the Company”) (OTC: CVIAQ) (NYSE: CVIA) (NYSE: FMSA) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired Covia securities between March 15, 2016 to June 29, 2020, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/cviaq.

This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Covia’s proprietary “value-added” proppants were not necessarily more effective than ordinary sand; (2) Covia’s revenues, which were dependent on its proprietary “value-added” proppants, was based on misrepresentations; (3) when Covia insiders raised this issue, defendants did not take meaningful steps to rectify the issue; and (4) as a result, defendants’ statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/cviaq or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in Covia you have until February 8, 2021 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn’t require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firm’s expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contact:
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz
212-697-6484 | [email protected]

Richmond, Va., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, today announced a new partnership with the NBA, WNBA and Turner Sports. As part of the multiyear agreement, CarMax is now the official auto retailer of the NBA and WNBA – the first automotive retail partnership in WNBA history – as well as the presenting partner of NBA Tip-Off on TNT. 

CarMax’s inaugural season as an NBA partner will premiere on Tuesday, December 22, with TNT’s NBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax — featuring the Emmy^®-Award winning studio team of host Ernie Johnson and analysts Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith, and four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal — followed by a doubleheader on TNT starting at 7 p.m. ET to tip off the 2020-21 NBA season.  CarMax will also see in-game exposure across TNT’s 66-game NBA regular-season broadcasts, and on NBA TV broadcasts and digital platforms, as well as on TNT’s NBA Playoff games, which culminate with the network’s exclusive presentation of the 2021 NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

The league partnership expands upon CarMax’s long-standing history of NBA team relationships, including the designation of official auto retailer sponsor of the LA Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors.  

“CarMax has had strong partnerships with local teams in the NBA ecosystem for more than a decade and we are excited to expand our relationship and brand awareness at the league level,” said Jim Lyski, Executive Vice President and CMO at CarMax. “The NBA, WNBA and CarMax are all innovative brands dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience for fans and customers. Like CarMax, the NBA and WNBA are passionate about giving back to our local communities and we look forward to continuing to make an impact together in the years to come.”

“CarMax has been woven into the fabric of the NBA for many years through successful relationships with NBA teams,” said Dan Rossomondo, NBA Senior Vice President, Media and Business Development.  “We’re looking forward to collaborating with CarMax on a larger scale moving forward and creating unique opportunities for engagement with fans of both the NBA and WNBA.”

In CarMax’s upcoming “Call Your Shot” campaign, the company is debuting partnerships with four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird and three-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, as well as bringing back two-time AT&T NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Zach LaVine, and newly acquired Golden State Warrior Kelly Oubre, Jr., for the second year of the content series. The “Call Your Shot” campaign highlights the parallels of players’ on-court confidence with the confidence CarMax instills in its customers. Award-winning journalist Adrian Wojnarowski is also featured in the series.

In addition to CarMax’s NBA, WNBA, TNT, and talent partnerships, The CarMax Foundation is also partnering with Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s co-founded Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, KABOOM!, and the Oakland Unified School District to build a new schoolyard at Franklin Elementary School in Oakland, California. Students at Franklin Elementary will have the opportunity to provide input for the design of the playspace, which will include a new playground, multi-sport court, and garden. The project is estimated to be completed in early 2021 and in anticipation for students’ return to in-person learning. The isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates in dramatic effect how valuable playspaces are for children and this project is an example of what’s possible when partners and communities come together to address the needs of kids, especially in times of crisis. 

For game and national-television schedules across ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV for the first half of the 2020-21 NBA season, visit NBA.com, where fans can find star matchups, thrilling game action and exciting storylines across the league #OnlyHere in the NBA.

About CarMax

CarMax, the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, revolutionized the automotive retail industry by driving integrity, honesty and transparency in every interaction. The company offers a truly personalized experience with the option for customers to do as much, or as little, online and in-store as they want. CarMax also provides a variety of vehicle delivery methods, including home delivery, contactless curbside pickup and appointments in its stores. During the fiscal year ending February 29, 2020, CarMax sold more than 830,000 used cars and more than 465,000 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. CarMax has 220 stores, over 25,000 Associates, and is proud to have been recognized for 16 consecutive years as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®. For more information, visit www.carmax.com.

About the NBA

The NBA is a global sports and media business built around four professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the NBA G League and the NBA 2K League. The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 40 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2019-20 season featured 108 international players from 38 countries and territories. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 1.9 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.

About the WNBA

Entering its 25^th season in 2021, the WNBA is a bold, progressive basketball league that stands for the power of women.  Featuring 12 teams, the W is a unique sports property that combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion and social responsibility.  Through its world-class athletes, the in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content and community outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it.

In 2020, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) signed a groundbreaking eight-year CBA that charts a new course for women’s basketball – and women’s sports overall – with a focus on increased player compensation, improvements to the player experience, expanded career development opportunities and resources specifically tailored to the female professional athlete.  Key elements of the agreement are supported through the league’s new partnership platform, WNBA Changemakers. Inaugural WNBA Changemakers include AT&T, Deloitte and Nike. In addition, during the 2020 season, the WNBA and WNBPA launched the WNBA Justice Movement forming the Social Justice Council with the mission of being a driving force of necessary change and continuing conversations about race and voting rights, among other important societal issues.

For more information, visit WNBA.com. 

Attachments

• Stephen Curry – CarMax
• Sue Bird – CarMax

Lindsey Duke, Public Relations Manager
CarMax
(855) 887-2915
[email protected]

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Attorney Advertising– Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (“Semiconductor” or “the Company”) (OTC: SMICY) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired Semiconductor securities between April 23, 2020 and September 26, 2020, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/smicy.

This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) there was an “unacceptable risk” that equipment supplied to SMIC would be used for military purposes; (2) SMIC was foreseeably at risk of facing U.S. restrictions; (3) as a result of restrictions by the U.S. Department of Commerce, certain of SMIC’s suppliers would need “difficult-to-obtain” individual export licenses; and (4) as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/smicy or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in Semiconductor you have until February 8, 2021 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn’t require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firm’s expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contact:
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz
212-697-6484 | [email protected]

ALEXANDRIA, La., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red River Bank has purchased a banking center building located at 1855 Country Club Road in Lake Charles as it continues to expand its banking operations in the Southwest Louisiana market. After all necessary regulatory approvals, Red River Bank expects to open a full-service banking center at the Country Club Road location in early 2021. This will be Red River Bank’s third banking center in the Lake Charles/Sulphur area and its 26^th banking center in Louisiana.

Barry Brown is the Red River Bank Southwest Louisiana Market President and has been leading the effort to develop Red River Bank’s presence in Lake Charles/Sulphur since 2017 when the bank opened for banking operations in the area. Brown can be reached at 337-656-6511 or at [email protected].

About Red River Bank

Red River Bank is the fifth largest Louisiana-based community bank and serves customers from its 25 banking centers in and surrounding Alexandria, Shreveport/Bossier City, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and Covington, Louisiana, and one combined loan and deposit production office in Lafayette, Louisiana. Headquartered in Alexandria, Louisiana and founded in 1999, the bank specializes in financial services and solutions for Louisiana consumers and small to mid-size businesses. Red River Bank is a subsidiary of Red River Bancshares, Inc., which trades under the trading symbol RRBI on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Additional information can be found at redriverbank.net.

Media Contact
Evelyn Jones, Marketing Director   
[email protected]          
Cell-318-664-1513
Office-318-561-5903

DALLAS, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Total new home sales in Texas were strong statewide, higher in all four of its major new home markets last month, according to a new report from HomesUSA.com. Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio all saw fewer Days on Market for new homes sold in November, and for the first time this year, pending sales were lower, indicating tightening inventory.

The HomesUSA.com report is based on data from the North Texas Real Estate Information Systems, Houston Association of REALTORS, Austin Board of REALTORS Multiple Listing Services and San Antonio Board of REALTORS.

“Texas new home sales continue to impress,” said Ben Caballero, owner of HomesUSA.com and a current Guinness World Record title holder. “However, the rapid sales pace has caused inventory to decline and fewer pending sales and listings are occurring. Builders simply can’t build homes fast enough to meet the remarkable demand.”

For the last twelve months straight, the sales velocity of new homes improved with average Days on Market (DOM) dropping to 96.82 days in November from 99.22 days in October, based on the 12-month moving average. In January, the statewide DOM average was 107.04 days. “New homes DOM averages 60 days higher than resale because most are listed in MLS before construction is complete,” he added.

New home sales in November were higher statewide and in the state’s biggest new home markets including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. According to the 12-month moving average, Texas new home sales in November were 4,434 versus 4,380 in October.

HomesUSA.com notes that pending sales and active listings both showed the continued tightening of inventory. The 12-month average of pending sales declined in November to 5,185 versus 5,424 in October. Active new home listings were down statewide in November to 18,345 versus 18,824 in October.

The average new home price statewide in November rose to $358,050 versus $356,833 in October. New home prices last month were higher in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Austin and San Antonio. Houston reported a marginally lower average home price for November.

Caballero is sharing this new homes report in advance of the release by the Commerce Department of its nationwide New Residential Sales report for November set for Wednesday, December 23, at 10:00 am Eastern.

Days on Market – New Homes in Texas (Exclusive Data)

New homes sold faster statewide last month as Days on Market dropped for new homes sales in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. According to the HomesUSA.com New Home Sales Index, the DOM for Dallas-Ft. Worth was 91.62 days in November versus 93.81 days in October. In Houston, the DOM was 109.02 days in November versus 111.71 days in October. Austin’s DOM was 87.43 days in November versus 90.50 days in October. In San Antonio, the DOM was 91.26 days in November versus 93.08 days in October. (See Chart 1: Texas New Homes Days on Market)

Texas New Home Sales Data

Sales of new homes were strong statewide and in all four major markets, according to the 12-month moving averages. In Dallas-Ft. Worth, November sales totaled 1,564 versus 1,551 in October. Houston posted November sales totaling 1,499 versus 1,468 in October, while San Antonio November sales totaled 642 versus 631 in October. Austin’s November sales were up marginally, totaling 730 versus 729 in October. (See Chart 2: Texas New Home Sales)

Texas New Home Prices

In three of the state’s four biggest new homes markets — Dallas-Ft. Worth, Austin and San Antonio — the 12-month moving average price was higher. Dallas-Ft. Worth reported its average price was $373,128 in November versus $370,546 in October. Austin’s average price was $397,504 in November versus $394,956 in October. In San Antonio, the average price was $299,321 in November versus $298,459 in October. In Houston, the average new home price was $348,181 in November versus $348,455 in October. (See Chart 3: Texas New Home Prices)

Texas Sales-to-List Price Ratio

Sales prices as a percent of their list prices were stable again last month. The 12-month moving average of the November sales-to-list price ratio for new homes statewide was 98.197 percent of the asking price versus 98.152 percent in October. In Dallas-Ft. Worth, it was 98.079 percent in November versus 98.026 percent in October. In Houston, it was 97.881 percent in November versus 97.811 percent in October. The Austin ratio was 98.896 percent in November versus 98.848 percent in October, and San Antonio’s ratio was 98.465 percent last month versus 98.477 percent in October. (See Chart 4: Texas Sales-to-List Price Ratio)

Texas Pending New Homes Sales Data

Last month, the 12-month rolling average for pending new home sales were lower statewide for the first time in 2020. All of the state’s top new home markets reported lower average pending sales. In Dallas-Ft. Worth, last month pending sales were 1,842 versus 1,924 in October. In Houston, November’s pending sales were 1,773 versus 1,850 in October. In Austin, it was 771 in November versus 819 in October, and in San Antonio, it was 799 in November versus 831 in October. (See Chart 5: Texas Pending New Home Sales)

Texas Active Listings for New Homes

The 12-month rolling average for active listings new home sales fell across the board in November. Dallas-Ft. Worth reported 6,568 last month versus 6,762 in October and in Austin, it was 3,401 in November versus 3,518 in October. In Houston, November’s Active Listings were 8,375 versus 8,543 in October. (There is no data currently available for San Antonio) (See Chart 6: Texas Pending New Home Sales)

About the HomesUSA.com New Home Sales Index

The HomesUSA.com Index is a 12-month moving average of the Days on Market (DOM) for new homes listed in the local Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) for the four largest Texas markets, including Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Created by Ben Caballero, founder and CEO of HomesUSA.com, it is the first index to track Texas’ new home market specifically.

About Ben Caballero and HomesUSA.com®

Ben Caballero, founder and CEO of HomesUSA.com, holds the current Guinness World Record title for “Most annual home sale transactions through MLS by an individual sell side real estate agent.” Ranked by REAL Trends as America’s top real estate agent for home sales since 2013, Ben is the most productive real estate agent in U.S. history. He is the only agent to exceed $1 billion in residential sales transactions in a single year, a feat first achieved in 2015 and repeated each year through 2018, when he achieved more than $2 billion. An award-winning innovator and technology pioneer, Ben works with more than 60 home builders in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. His podcast series is available on iTunes and Google Play. An infographic illustrating Ben’s sales production is here. Learn more at HomesUSA.com |Twitter: @bcaballero – @HomesUSA | Facebook: /HomesUSAdotcom.

Note for journalists: You may contact Ben Caballero directly on his cell at (214) 616-9222 or by email at


[email protected]


.

“REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.”

Media Contact:

Kevin Hawkins
(206) 866-1220
[email protected]

Image:

Ben Caballero


https://www.homesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/L-38017_bcaballero_photo.jpg

Individual Chart images:

Chart 1: Texas New Homes Tracking – Days on Market – November 2020:
https://homesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Chart-1-Texas-Days-on-Market.jpg

Chart 2: Texas New Home Sales – November 2020:
https://homesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Chart-2-Texas-New-Home-Sales.jpg

Chart 3: Texas New Home Sales Prices – November 2020:
https://homesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Chart-3-Texas-New-Home-Prices.jpg

Chart 4: Texas Sales-to-List-Price Ratio – November 2020:
https://homesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Chart-4-Texas-Sales-to-List-Price-Ratio.jpg

Chart 5: Texas Pending New Home Sales – November 2020:
https://homesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Chart-5-Texas-Pending-New-Home-Sales.jpg

Chart 6: Texas Active Listings for New Homes – November 2020:
https://homesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Chart-6-Texas-Active-Listings.jpg

Chart 7: Texas 3-Month Rolling Averages – New Homes – November 2020:
https://homesusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Chart-7-3MonthChart-DataOnly.jpg