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Knife River Corporation Invests in Blue Planet to Explore Synthetic Aggregates

PR Newswire

BISMARCK, N.D., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Knife River Corporation today announced it is investing in Blue Planet Systems Corporation to pursue a commercial means of creating and marketing synthetic limestone. The limestone would be produced using sequestered carbon dioxide.

With Blue Planet’s proprietary technology and Knife River providing expertise in construction aggregates, the companies are working together to develop construction-grade rock and ultimately concrete that would have a net-zero or net-negative carbon footprint – while maintaining the strength for which concrete is known. Knife River is the construction materials subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE: MDU). David C. Barney, president and CEO of Knife River, has joined the five-member Board of Directors at Blue Planet.

“Bringing Knife River’s aggregate knowledge to our team will help us fully understand how our products will need to perform in the construction world, particularly as a component of concrete,” Blue Planet Founder and CEO Brent Constantz said. “As we scale our technology, we are going to be running our aggregate products through industrial-level crushing, screening, filtering and placement processes, each of which Knife River knows well. Blue Planet’s aggregates are created using carbon-sequestration technology, and we will be able to see how they perform at this industrial level. We’ll be able to compare our products to traditional geological materials. And we’ll be able to see the effects of our products in concrete, which can be a highly impactful method of permanent sequestration of carbon dioxide.”

Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials on earth. By capturing CO2 from existing sources to create synthetic limestone, concrete can be produced while preventing that CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Additionally, using synthetic limestone would prolong the life of natural aggregate sources.

“We’re in the early stages with this technology, but the possibilities are extremely exciting,” Barney said. “Concrete is the foundation of the world’s infrastructure. We want to be proactive in finding ways to minimize our carbon footprint while continuing to build the strong roads, bridges, runways and driveways our nation uses every day.”

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this release includes certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release, including statements by the president and CEO of Knife River Corporation, by the Blue Planet founder and regarding synthetic aggregates, are expressed in good faith and are believed by the company to have a reasonable basis.
 Nonetheless, actual results may differ materially from the projected results expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, refer to Item 1A – Risk Factors in MDU Resources’ most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.

About Knife River Corporation

Knife River Corporation mines aggregates and markets crushed stone, sand, gravel and related construction materials, including ready-mix concrete, cement, asphalt, liquid asphalt and other value-added products. It also performs integrated construction services. For more information about Knife River, visit

www.KnifeRiver.com

. Knife River is a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE: MDU). For more information about MDU Resources, visit www.MDU.com.

Financial Contact:
Jason Vollmer, vice president and chief financial officer, 701-530-1755
Media Contact: Tony Spilde, Knife River communications, 541-693-5949

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/knife-river-corporation-invests-in-blue-planet-to-explore-synthetic-aggregates-301197120.html

SOURCE MDU Resources Group, Inc.

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ADDING MULTIMEDIA TAGRISSO Approved in the US for the Adjuvant Treatment of Patients With Early-Stage EGFR-mutated Lung Cancer

ADDING MULTIMEDIA TAGRISSO Approved in the US for the Adjuvant Treatment of Patients With Early-Stage EGFR-mutated Lung Cancer

Approval based on unprecedented results from the ADAURA Phase III trial where TAGRISSO reduced the risk of disease recurrence or death by 80%

WILMINGTON, Del.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
AstraZeneca’s TAGRISSO® (osimertinib) has been approved in the US for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after tumor resection with curative intent. TAGRISSO is indicated for EGFRm patients whose tumors have exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations as detected by an approved test.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201221005157/en/

TAGRISSO 80mg (Photo: Business Wire)

TAGRISSO 80mg (Photo: Business Wire)

The approval was granted under the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Real-Time Oncology Review (RTOR) pilot program. Five other countries participated in a concurrent submission and review process through FDA’s Project Orbis.

While up to 30% of all patients with NSCLC may be diagnosed early enough to have potentially curative surgery, disease recurrence is still common in early-stage disease and nearly half of patients diagnosed in Stage IB, and over three quarters of patients diagnosed in Stage IIIA, experience recurrence within five years.1-4

The approval was based on results from the ADAURA Phase III trial where TAGRISSO demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) in the primary analysis population of patients with Stage II and IIIA EGFRm NSCLC, and also in the overall trial population of patients with Stage IB-IIIA disease, a key secondary endpoint.

Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, chief of Medical Oncology at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven, CT and principal investigator in the ADAURA Phase III trial, said: “Adjuvant TAGRISSO has demonstrated an unprecedented disease-free survival benefit for early-stage lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations who face high rates of recurrence even after successful surgery and subsequent chemotherapy. This approval reinforces how critical it is to test all lung cancer patients for EGFR mutations before deciding how to treat them and regardless of their stage at diagnosis. This will help ensure as many patients as possible can benefit from this potentially practice-changing treatment.”

Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, said: “For the first time, a targeted, biomarker-driven treatment option is available to patients in the US with early-stage EGFR-mutated lung cancer. This approval dispels the notion that treatment is over after surgery and chemotherapy, as the ADAURA results show that TAGRISSO can dramatically change the course of this disease. We remain committed to treating cancer patients earlier, when they may still have a chance of being cured.”

Adjuvant treatment with TAGRISSO reduced the risk of disease recurrence or death by 83% in the primary endpoint of DFS in patients with Stage II and IIIA disease (hazard ratio [HR] 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.23; p<0.0001). DFS results in the overall trial population of patients with Stage IB-IIIA disease showed TAGRISSO reduced the risk of disease recurrence or death by 80% (HR 0.20; 95% CI 0.15-0.27; p<0.0001). At two years, 89% of patients treated with TAGRISSO remained alive and disease free versus 52% on placebo after surgery, the current standard of care. The safety and tolerability of TAGRISSO in this trial was consistent with previous trials in the metastatic setting.

TAGRISSO was recently granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for patients in the early-stage disease setting by the US FDA. In April 2020, an Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended for the ADAURA trial to be unblinded two years early based on a determination of overwhelming efficacy. Investigators and patients continue to participate in the trial and remain blinded to treatment. The results from the ADAURA trial were presented during the plenary session of the American Society of Clinical Oncology ASCO20 Virtual Scientific Program in May 2020 and were recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

The US regulatory submission was reviewed under the FDA’s RTOR pilot program which aims to ensure that safe and effective treatments are available to patients as early as possible. Five national health authorities collaborated with the FDA on this review through Project Orbis, an initiative of the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence, which provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology medicines among international partners. These included Health Canada, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa), Swissmedic, and Singapore Health Sciences Authority. The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency participated in the review as an observer.

In China, TAGRISSO is under priority review for the adjuvant treatment of patients with early-stage EGFRm NSCLC based on the ADAURA Phase III trial. This indication is also under regulatory review in the EU and additional global submission discussions are ongoing.

TAGRISSO is a once-daily oral tablet approved for the 1st-line treatment of patients with metastatic EGFRm NSCLC and for the treatment of metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC in the US, Japan, China, the EU and many other countries around the world.

TAGRISSO Important Safety Information

  • There are no contraindications for TAGRISSO
  • Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis occurred in 3.7% of the 1479 TAGRISSO-treated patients; 0.3% of cases were fatal. Withhold TAGRISSO and promptly investigate for ILD in patients who present with worsening of respiratory symptoms which may be indicative of ILD (eg, dyspnea, cough and fever). Permanently discontinue TAGRISSO if ILD is confirmed
  • Heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation occurred in TAGRISSO-treated patients. Of the 1479 TAGRISSO-treated patients in clinical trials, 0.8% were found to have a QTc >500 msec, and 3.1% of patients had an increase from baseline QTc >60 msec. No QTc-related arrhythmias were reported. Conduct periodic monitoring with ECGs and electrolytes in patients with congenital long QTc syndrome, congestive heart failure, electrolyte abnormalities, or those who are taking medications known to prolong the QTc interval. Permanently discontinue TAGRISSO in patients who develop QTc interval prolongation with signs/symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia
  • Cardiomyopathy occurred in 3% of the 1479 TAGRISSO-treated patients; 0.1% of cardiomyopathy cases were fatal. A decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥10% from baseline and to <50% LVEF occurred in 3.2% of 1233 patients who had baseline and at least one follow-up LVEF assessment. In the ADAURA study, 1.5% (5/325) of TAGRISSO-treated patients experienced LVEF decreases ≥10% from baseline and a drop to <50%. Conduct cardiac monitoring, including assessment of LVEF at baseline and during treatment, in patients with cardiac risk factors. Assess LVEF in patients who develop relevant cardiac signs or symptoms during treatment. For symptomatic congestive heart failure, permanently discontinue TAGRISSO
  • Keratitis was reported in 0.7% of 1479 patients treated with TAGRISSO in clinical trials. Promptly refer patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of keratitis (such as eye inflammation, lacrimation, light sensitivity, blurred vision, eye pain and/or red eye) to an ophthalmologist
  • Postmarketing cases consistent with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and erythema multiforme major (EMM) have been reported in patients receiving TAGRISSO. Withhold TAGRISSO if SJS or EMM is suspected and permanently discontinue if confirmed
  • Postmarketing cases of cutaneous vasculitis including leukocytoclastic vasculitis, urticarial vasculitis, and IgA vasculitis have been reported in patients receiving TAGRISSO. Withhold TAGRISSO if cutaneous vasculitis is suspected, evaluate for systemic involvement, and consider dermatology consultation. If no other etiology can be identified, consider permanent discontinuation of TAGRISSO based on severity
  • Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating TAGRISSO. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TAGRISSO and for 6 weeks after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception for 4 months after the final dose
  • Most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, anemia, rash, musculoskeletal pain, nail toxicity, neutropenia, dry skin, stomatitis, fatigue, and cough

INDICATIONS

  • TAGRISSO is indicated as adjuvant therapy after tumor resection in adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test
  • TAGRISSO is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test
  • TAGRISSO is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy

For additional information, please see the complete Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for about one-fifth of all cancer deaths.5 Lung cancer is broadly split into NSCLC and small cell lung cancer, with 80-85% classified as NSCLC.6 The majority of all NSCLC patients are diagnosed with advanced disease while approximately 25-30% present with resectable disease at diagnosis.1-3

For those with resectable tumors, the majority of patients eventually develop recurrence despite complete tumor resection and adjuvant chemotherapy.4 Early-stage lung cancer diagnoses are often only made when the cancer is found on imaging for an unrelated condition.7,8

Approximately 10-15% of NSCLC patients in the US and Europe, and 30-40% of patients in Asia have EGFRm NSCLC.9-11 These patients are particularly sensitive to treatment with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) which block the cell-signaling pathways that drive the growth of tumor cells.12

About ADAURA

ADAURA is a randomized, double-blinded, global, placebo-controlled Phase III trial in the adjuvant treatment of 682 patients with Stage IB, II, IIIA EGFRm NSCLC following complete tumor resection and adjuvant chemotherapy as indicated. Patients were treated with TAGRISSO 80 mg once-daily oral tablets or placebo for three years or until disease recurrence.

The trial enrolled in more than 200 centers across more than 20 countries, including the US, in Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East. The primary endpoint was DFS in Stage II and IIIA patients and a key secondary endpoint was DFS in Stage IB, II and IIIA patients. The data readout was originally anticipated in 2022. The trial will continue to assess overall survival.

About TAGRISSO

TAGRISSO® (osimertinib) is a third-generation, irreversible EGFR-TKI with clinical activity against central nervous system metastases. TAGRISSO 40 mg and 80 mg once-daily oral tablets have received approval in the US, Japan, China, the EU and many countries around the world for 1st-line EGFRm metastatic NSCLC and EGFR T790M mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC.

AstraZeneca in lung cancer

AstraZeneca has a comprehensive portfolio of approved and potential new medicines in late-stage development for the treatment of different forms of lung cancer spanning different histologies, several stages of disease, lines of therapy and modes of action.

AstraZeneca aims to address the unmet needs of patients with EGFRm tumors as a genetic driver of disease with the approved medicinesgefitinib and TAGRISSO, and its ongoing LAURA, NeoADAURA, and FLAURA2 Phase III trials.

AstraZeneca is committed to addressing tumor mechanisms of resistance through the ongoing Phase II trials SAVANNAH and ORCHARD which test TAGRISSO in combination with savolitinib, a selective inhibitor of c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase, along with other potential new medicines.

AstraZeneca in oncology

AstraZeneca has a deep-rooted heritage in oncology and offers a quickly growing portfolio of new medicines that has the potential to transform patients’ lives and the Company’s future. With seven new medicines launched between 2014 and 2020, and a broad pipeline of small molecules and biologics in development, the Company is committed to advance oncology as a key growth driver for AstraZeneca focused on lung, ovarian, breast and blood cancers.

By harnessing the power of six scientific platforms – Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody Drug Conjugates, Epigenetics, and Cell Therapies – and by championing the development of personalized combinations, AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer treatment and one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas – Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism and Respiratory & Immunology. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information, please visit https://www.astrazeneca-us.com/ and follow us on Twitter @AstraZenecaUS.

References

  1. Cagle P, et al. Lung Cancer Biomarkers: Present Status and Future Developments. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2013;137:1191-1198.
  2. Le Chevalier T. Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Resectable Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Where is it Going? Ann Oncol. 2010;21:196-198.
  3. Datta D, et al. Preoperative Evaluation of Patients Undergoing Lung Resection Surgery. Chest. 2003;123:2096-2103.
  4. Pignon et al. Lung Adjuvant Cisplatin Evaluation: A Pooled Analysis by the LACE Collaborative Group. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26:3552-3559.
  5. World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Lung Fact Sheet. http://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/15-Lung-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed August 2020.
  6. LUNGevity Foundation. Types of Lung Cancer. https://www.lungevity.org/about-lung-cancer/lung-cancer-101/types-of-lung-cancer. Accessed August 2020.
  7. Sethi S, et al. Incidental Nodule Management – Should There Be a Formal Process? J Thorac Dis. 2016;8:S494-S497.
  8. LUNGevity Foundation. Screening and Early Detection. https://lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/lung-cancer-101/screening-early-detection#1. Accessed August 2020.
  9. Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, et al. EGFR Mutation Testing on Cytological and Histological Samples in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: a Polish, Single Institution Study and Systematic Review of European Incidence. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6:2800-2812.
  10. Keedy VL, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation Testing for Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Considering First-Line EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29:2121-2127.
  11. Ellison G, et al. EGFR Mutation Testing in Lung Cancer: a Review of Available Methods and Their Use for Analysis of Tumour Tissue and Cytology Samples. J Clin Pathol. 2013:66:79-89.
  12. Cross DA, et al. AZD9291, an Irreversible EGFR TKI, Overcomes T790M-Mediated Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors in Lung Cancer. Cancer Discov. 2014;4(9):1046-1061.

US-43163 Last Updated 12/20

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SWI INVESTOR FRAUD INVESTIGATION: Hagens Berman, National Trial Attorneys, Investigating SolarWinds (SWI) $285 Million Insider Stock Sales, Knowledge of Hack in Orion Products, Encourages SWI Investors with Losses to Contact Firm Now

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hagens Berman urges SolarWinds Corporation (NYSE: SWI) investors with significant losses to submit your losses now. Certain investors may have valuable claims. The firm also welcomes contacts by persons who may be able to assist the investigation.

Visit:
www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/SWI

Contact An Attorney Now:
[email protected]

844-916-0895

SolarWinds Corporation (SWI) Investigation:

The investigation centers on whether SolarWinds misled investors about the security of its IT monitoring products.

More specifically, on Dec. 13, 2020, Reuters reported hackers believed to be working for Russia have been monitoring email traffic at the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments and the cyberspies are believed to have gotten in by surreptitiously tampering with updates released by SolarWinds, which serves government customers across the executive branch, the military, and the intelligence services.

On Dec. 14, 2020, SolarWinds announced it has evidence that the vulnerability was inserted in its Orion monitoring products and existed in updates released between March and June 2020.

On Dec. 15, 2020,

Reuters

reported that (1) security researcher Vinoth Kumar alerted SolarWinds last year that anyone could access the company’s update server by using the password “solarwinds123,” and (2) Kyle Hanslovan, co-founder of cybersecurity company Huntress, noticed that even days after SolarWinds knew their software was compromised the malicious updates were still available for download.

Days before these disclosures, two investors who reportedly control six of SolarWinds eleven-member board of directors sold approximately $285 million shares of company stock. The Washington Post reported “‘Of course the SEC is going to take a look at that,’ said Jacob S. Frenkel, a former senior counsel in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. ‘Large trades in advance of a major announcement, then an announcement: That’s a formula for an insider trading investigation.’”

“We’re focused on who at SolarWinds knew about the security vulnerabilities and when,” said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. “The huge insider sales just days before the news are mindboggling.”

If you are a SolarWinds investor and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm’s investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding SolarWinds Corporation should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].


About Hagens Berman


Hagens Berman is a national law firm with nine offices in eight cities around the country and eighty attorneys. The firm represents investors, whistleblowers, workers and consumers in complex litigation. More about the firm and its successes is located at hbsslaw.com. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @classactionlaw.

Contact:

Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895



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First Trust Expands December Target Outcome Series, Introducing Two New Buffer Strategies based on QQQ and EFA – Plus Two Buffer Strategies based on SPY

First Trust Expands December Target Outcome Series, Introducing Two New Buffer Strategies based on QQQ and EFA – Plus Two Buffer Strategies based on SPY

  • December Series includes: FT Cboe Vest Growth-100 Buffer ETF–December (QDEC) and the FT Cboe Vest International Equity Buffer ETF–December (YDEC), plus FDEC and DDEC (collectively, the “funds”)
  • Upside caps announced for QDEC, YDEC, FDEC and DDEC, all of which seek a balance of upside performance potential with a downside buffer
  • The funds join First Trust’s lineup of successful and fast-growing actively managed Buffer ETFs

WHEATON, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–First Trust Advisors L.P. (“First Trust”) a leading exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) provider and asset manager, announced today that it has expanded its suite of Target Outcome ETFs® with the launch of new Buffer strategies based on QQQ and EFA, as well as new Buffer and Deep Buffer strategies based on SPY.

The December Series includes the brand new strategies:

  • FT Cboe Vest Growth-100 Buffer ETF–December (Cboe: QDEC), based on the Invesco QQQ Trust℠, Series 1 (“QQQ”), and
  • FT Cboe Vest International Equity Buffer ETF–December (Cboe: YDEC), based on the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (“EFA”).

Additionally, the December Series includes new monthly versions of the Buffer and Deep Buffer ETFs, both of which are based on the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (“SPY”):

  • FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF–December (Cboe: FDEC), and
  • FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF–December (Cboe: DDEC).

The funds are actively managed ETFs that are designed to help investors maintain a level of protection in down markets, while taking advantage of growth opportunities in up markets. The funds seek to provide targeted market exposure to reference assets that are based on market indexes, while providing a defined downside buffer level, over specific Target Outcome Period, which removes some of the uncertainty associated with investing.

“We are gratified by the growing number of investment advisors that have embraced Target Outcome ETFs® for their clients, and we’re excited to expand this lineup to include hedged exposure to other indices, with the addition of QDEC and YDEC,” said Ryan Issakainen, CFA, ETF Strategist at First Trust.

The funds are the latest additions to First Trust’s suite of Buffer ETFs, which has over $1.5B in total net assets for the product line as of 11/30/20 and is among the fastest growing in the Target Outcome Investments/defined outcome space. The November Series recently completed its initial Target Outcome Period, in which it performed in-line with objectives and provided notably less volatility than SPY.

The funds are managed and sub-advised by Cboe Vest Financial LLC (“Cboe Vest”) using a “target outcome strategy” or pre-determined target investment outcome. Cboe Vest is the creator of Target Outcome Investments (also known as “defined outcome” investments) and manager of the longest running buffer strategy fund.

Outcome period values for the December Series of the Target Outcome ETFs®:

TICKER

CAP*

BUFFER

OUTCOME PERIOD

QDEC

16.14% (Net)

17.04% (Gross)

10%

12/21/2020 – 12/17/2021

YDEC

12.89% (Net)

13.79% (Gross)

10%

12/21/2020 – 12/17/2021

FDEC

13.15% (Net)

14.00% (Gross)

10%

12/21/2020 – 12/17/2021

DDEC

7.15% (Net)

8.00% (Gross)

25%**

12/21/2020 – 12/17/2021

*The upside caps shown are for the Target Outcome Period from 12/21/2020 – 12/17/2021. The gross cap is before fees, expenses and taxes. The net cap is after fees and expenses, excluding brokerage commissions, trading fees, taxes and extraordinary expenses not included in the funds’ management fee. The upside cap is set by a fund on inception date of the Target Outcome Period and is dependent upon market conditions at the time. The cap investors will experience may be different than what is illustrated herein.

**FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF seeks to shield investors against losses from -5% to -30%, over the outcome period.

If an investor purchases shares after the first day of the Target Outcome Period, they will likely have a different return potential than an investor who purchased shares at the start of the Target Outcome Period and the buffer the funds seek may not be available. At the end of the Target Outcome Period, the upside cap for the new Target Outcome Period is reset to prevailing market conditions. The funds have a perpetual structure and may be held indefinitely, providing investors a buy and hold investment opportunity.

First Trust believes a buffer against a level of losses can help investors stay invested during volatile times. The funds offer a way to gain access to outcome-based investing—specifically to buffer against a level of downside risk while allowing growth to a maximum cap— eliminating bank credit risk, in a convenient, flexible investment vehicle.

“Cboe Vest is pleased to continue leading innovation in the Target Outcome space, working with First Trust to extend the Buffer Strategy to new reference assets. The first-ever Target Outcome Buffer ETFs on SPY, built by Cboe Vest, have been well-received. We’ve seen broad interest from investors seeking to participate in some of the upside of other reference assets such as QQQ (with its heavy tilt toward technology companies and market cap weighting) and EFA (with its international exposure) with a level of protection against losses,” said Karan Sood, CEO of Cboe Vest and portfolio manager for the funds.

Karan Sood and Howard Rubin, of Cboe Vest, will serve as portfolio managers for the funds. The portfolio managers are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the funds.

For more information about First Trust, please contact Ryan Issakainen at (630) 765-8689 or [email protected].

About First Trust

First Trust is a federally registered investment advisor and serves as the funds’ investment advisor. First Trust and its affiliate First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”), a FINRA registered broker-dealer, are privately held companies that provide a variety of investment services. First Trust has collective assets under management or supervision of approximately $164 billion as of November 30, 2020 through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and separate managed accounts. First Trust is the supervisor of the First Trust unit investment trusts, while FTP is the sponsor. FTP is also a distributor of mutual fund shares and exchange-traded fund creation units. First Trust and FTP are based in Wheaton, Illinois. For more information, visit www.ftportfolios.com.

About Cboe Vest:

Cboe Vest is the creator of Target Outcome Investments®, which strive to buffer losses, amplify gains or provide consistent income to a diverse spectrum of investors. Today, Cboe Vest’s Target Outcome StrategiesTM are available in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), unit investment trusts (UITs), collective investment trusts (CITs), and customizable managed accounts / sub-advisory services. For more information about Cboe Vest and the evolution of Target Outcome Investments, visit www.cboevest.com or contact Linda Werner at [email protected] or 703-864-5483.

You should consider the funds’ investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing. Contact First Trust Portfolios L.P. at 1-800-621-1675 or visit www.ftportfolios.com to obtain a prospectus or summary prospectus which contains this and other information about the funds. The prospectus or summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

ETF Characteristics

The funds list and principally trade their shares on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.

Investors buying or selling fund shares on the secondary market may incur customary brokerage commissions. Market prices may differ to some degree from the net asset value of the shares. Investors who sell fund shares may receive less than the share’s net asset value. Shares may be sold throughout the day on the exchange through any brokerage account. However, unlike mutual funds, shares may only be redeemed directly from the funds by authorized participants, in very large creation/redemption units. If the funds’ authorized participants are unable to proceed with creation/redemption orders and no other authorized participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, fund shares may trade at a discount to the funds’ net asset value and possibly face delisting.

Risk Considerations

The funds have characteristics unlike many other traditional investment products and may not be appropriate for all investors.

If the underlying ETF experiences gains during a target outcome period, the funds will not participate in those gains beyond the cap.

In the event an investor purchases fund shares after the first day of a target outcome period and the fund has risen in value to a level near to the cap, there may be little or no ability for that investor to experience an investment gain on their fund shares. Similarly, in the event an investor purchases fund shares after the first day of a target outcome period, the buffer the fund seeks to provide may not be available. A shareholder may lose their entire investment.

The funds’ shares will change in value, and you could lose money by investing in the funds. One of the principal risks of investing in the funds is market risk. Market risk is the risk that a particular security owned by the funds, fund shares or securities in general may fall in value.

The outbreak of the respiratory disease designated as COVID-19 in December 2019 has caused significant volatility and declines in global financial markets, which have caused losses for investors. The COVID-19 pandemic may last for an extended period of time and will continue to impact the economy for the foreseeable future.

In managing the funds’ investment portfolios, the advisor will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not have the desired result. There can be no assurance that the funds’ investment objectives will be achieved.

A fund may be a constituent of one or more indices which could greatly affect a fund’s trading activity, size and volatility.

The use of options and other derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying asset, index or rate, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives.

The funds may invest in FLEX Options that reference an ETF, which subjects the funds to certain of the risks of owning shares of an ETF as well as the types of instruments in which the reference ETF invests.

Because the funds may hold FLEX Options that reference the index and/or reference ETFs, the funds have exposure to the equity securities markets.

The FLEX Options held by the funds will be exercisable at the strike price only on their expiration date. Prior to the expiration date, the value of the FLEX Options will be determined based upon market quotations or other recognized pricing methods.

There can be no guarantee that a liquid secondary trading market will exist for the FLEX Options and FLEX options may be less liquid than exchange-traded options.

The funds’ investment strategy is designed to deliver returns that match the reference asset if a fund’s shares are bought on the day on which the fund enters into the FLEX Options (i.e., the first day of a target outcome period) and held until those FLEX Options expire at the end of the target outcome period. In the event an investor purchases fund shares after the first day of a target outcome period or sells shares prior to the expiration of the target outcome period, the value of that investor’s investment in fund shares may not be buffered against a decline in the value of the reference asset and may not participate in a gain in the value of the reference asset up to the cap for the investor’s investment period.

A new cap is established at the beginning of each target outcome period and is dependent on prevailing market conditions. As a result, the cap may rise or fall from one target outcome period to the next and is unlikely to remain the same for consecutive target outcome periods.

The funds may, under certain circumstances, effect a significant portion of creations and redemptions for cash rather than in-kind securities. As a result, the funds may be less tax-efficient.

High portfolio turnover may cause a fund’s performance to be less than expected.

A fund may be subject to the risk that a counterparty will not fulfill its obligations which may result in significant financial loss to a fund.

As the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the funds have become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cyber security.

The funds currently have fewer assets than larger funds, and like other relatively new funds, large inflows and outflows may impact the funds’ market exposure for limited periods of time.

The funds intend to qualify as “regulated investment companies” (“RICs”), however, the federal income tax treatment of certain aspects of the proposed operations of the funds are not entirely clear. If, in any year, the funds fail to qualify as RICs under the applicable tax laws, the funds would be taxed as ordinary corporations.

The funds are classified as “non-diversified” and may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. As a result, the funds may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers, experience increased volatility and be highly concentrated in certain issuers.

First Trust Advisors L.P. is the adviser to the funds. First Trust Advisors L.P. is an affiliate of First Trust Portfolios L.P., the funds’ distributor.

The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.

Cboe® is a registered trademark of Cboe Exchange, Inc., which has been licensed for use in the name of the funds. The funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or marketed by Cboe Exchange, Inc. or any of its affiliates (“Cboe”) or their respective third-party providers, and Cboe and its third-party providers make no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the funds and shall have no liability whatsoever in connection with the funds.

Ryan Issakainen

First Trust

(630) 765-8689

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Illinois New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

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Cansortium Announces Resignation of Marcos Pedreira

PR Newswire

Co-Founder and Former CFO to assume Interim CFO role

MIAMI, Fla., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Cansortium Inc. (“Cansortium” or the “Company”) (CSE: TIUM.U), (OTCQB: CNTMF), a vertically-integrated provider of premium-quality medical cannabis operating under the Fluent™ brand, today announced that Marcos Pedreira has tendered his resignation as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Company, effective December 30, 2020, to pursue a new career opportunity. Marcos, who joined the Company in September 2018, will work with the Company on an orderly transition. Henry Batievsky, the Company’s co-founder, prior CFO and current Chief Production Officer (CPO), has agreed to serve as Interim CFO until a replacement is hired. Henry will retain the duties of CPO while serving as interim CFO. The Company has commenced its search for a new CFO.

“I am grateful for the opportunity Cansortium provided to me and the trust the Board displayed in elevating me from Head of Finance to CFO during my tenure,” said Marcos. “I believe that the work we have done and the team we have built, along with the restructuring of the balance sheet, the implementation of cost savings initiatives and the formalization of stronger internal controls and processes, will not only ease the transition to the new CFO but also leave the Company well-positioned for the future.”

“On behalf of the Company, I would like to sincerely thank Marcos for his many and significant contributions to the Company over these past two years,” said Chief Executive Officer, Robert Beasley. “We wish Marcos continued success in the next chapter of his career.”

About Cansortium Inc.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, and operating under the Fluent™ brand, Cansortium is focused on being the highest quality cannabis company in the State of Florida driven by an unrelenting commitment to operational excellence from seed to sale. Cansortium has developed strong proficiencies in each of cultivation, processing, retail, and distribution activities, resulting in successfully operating in the highly regulated cannabis industry. In addition to Florida, Cansortium seeks to create significant shareholder value in the attractive markets of Texas, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, where the Company has secured licenses and established operations.

Cansortium Inc.’s common shares and warrants trade on the CSE under the symbol “TIUM.U” and “TIUM.WT.U”, respectively, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol (OTCQB: CNTMF). Investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on many opinions, assumptions, and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in the public documents of the Company available at www.sedar.com. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For further information:

www.getfluent.com

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SOURCE Cansortium Inc

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Lydian Announces Extension of Stay Under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act

TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lydian International Limited – in liquidation (“Lydian” or the “Company”) announced today that the Company’s previously announced protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the “CCAA”) has been extended until the earlier of (i) the filing of the Monitor’s CCAA Termination Certificate (as defined in the Plan Sanction and Implementation Order of Chief Justice Morawetz dated June 29, 2020), and (ii) March 31, 2021, in order to facilitate the completion of the Company’s previously announced winding up pursuant to Article 155 of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 on a just and equitable basis (the “Just and Equitable Wind-Up”). While under CCAA protection, creditors and others are stayed from enforcing any rights against the Company. The Just and Equitable Wind-Up is one of the final steps of the Company’s plan of arrangement with its secured creditors under the CCAA that was approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) and became effective as of July 6, 2020.

All inquiries regarding the CCAA proceedings should be directed to the court-appointed monitor, Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc. (email: [email protected] or telephone: +1 416-847-5158). Information about the Company’s CCAA proceedings, including all court orders made and the monitor’s reports, are available on the monitor’s website, at: http://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/Lydian.

All inquiries regarding the Just and Equitable Wind-Up should be directed either to the court-appointed monitor (see contact details above) or to the joint liquidators of the Company in connection with the Just and Equitable Wind-Up (email: [email protected]). Information about the Company’s Just and Equitable Wind-Up proceedings, including all court orders made, are available on the monitor’s website, at: http://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/Lydian.

Caution regarding forward-looking information

Certain information contained in this news release is “forward looking”. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “intends”, “anticipates” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “will”, “would”, “should”, or “occur” or the negative or other variations of such terms. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements with respect to: the CCAA proceedings, the Jersey court proceedings and the just and equitable winding-up process, including the proposed outcome of such processes and their implementation and the effects of the implementation thereof.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, without limitation: risks associated with the Just and Equitable Wind-Up and the CCAA proceedings; risks associated with implementing the Just and Equitable Wind-Up; the effects that the implementation of the Just and Equitable Wind-Up, on the terms described herein or otherwise; as well as “Risk Factors” included in the disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results and future events could materially differ from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.



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Peloton Signs Agreement To Acquire Precor

Acquisition expected to establish Peloton’s U.S. manufacturing footprint, enhance R&D capabilities, and accelerate growth of commercial verticals

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Peloton (NASDAQ: PTON), the leading interactive fitness platform, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Precor, one of the largest global commercial fitness equipment providers with a significant U.S. manufacturing presence, in a transaction valued at $420 million USD. With the acquisition, Peloton plans to establish U.S. manufacturing capacity, boost research and development capabilities with Precor’s highly-skilled team, and accelerate Peloton’s penetration of the commercial market. Peloton plans to produce connected fitness products in the U.S. before the end of the calendar year 2021. Subject to the completion of the transaction, Precor will operate as a business unit within Peloton. Precor President Rob Barker will become CEO, Precor and General Manager, Peloton Commercial, reporting to William Lynch, Peloton’s President. Precor is a division of Finnish sporting goods company Amer Sports, which is owned by an investor consortium including ANTA Sports (HKG:2020.HK), FountainVest Partners, Anamered Investments Inc. and Tencent Holdings Limited. The transaction is expected to close in early calendar year 2021.

Committing to making the world happier and healthier
“Precor embodies the Peloton mission of putting Members first. Over the last few months, we’ve gotten to know the team and saw firsthand how much they care about their products, customers and, last but not least, their employees. By combining our talented and committed R&D and Supply Chain teams with the incredibly capable Precor team and their decades of experience, we believe we will be able to lead the global connected fitness market in both innovation and scale,” said Peloton’s Lynch. “We’re looking forward to integrating the Precor team into Peloton and excited about what this means for the future of our brand and our ability to continue delivering world-class Member experiences.”

“Precor is driven to create personalized health and fitness experiences that help people live the lives they desire. That passion has led us to create highly customizable solutions running on the fitness industry’s largest commercial network,” said Rob Barker, Precor’s President. “The Precor team is excited to combine our manufacturing expertise and more than 40 years of equipment innovations with Peloton’s award winning workout experiences to help commercial customers succeed and keep exercisers moving.”  

Establishing U.S. manufacturing
The acquisition adds 625,000 square feet of U.S. manufacturing capacity with in-house tooling and fabrication, product development, and quality assurance capabilities in Whitsett, North Carolina and Woodinville, Washington. Peloton will be able to control the entire production process, from design to ship, and increase total production scale, while maintaining a high level of product quality. By making fitness equipment closer to U.S. consumers, Peloton will be able to deliver connected fitness products to Members sooner.

The Precor U.S. facilities will join Peloton’s existing manufacturing network with its third party manufacturers and the Tonic facilities based in Taiwan. Once the transaction closes, the Precor U.S. facilities will provide Peloton with incremental operational scale and flexibility to support the growth of its connected fitness product line.

Investing more in research and development
The acquisition would add a team of nearly 100 dedicated research and development employees to Peloton’s accomplished R&D team. With decades of experience designing and engineering cardio and strength fitness equipment and user experiences, the Precor team plans to work with the Peloton R&D team to design and create the next generation of connected fitness experiences.

Scaling Peloton commercial offerings
Precor is one of the largest commercial fitness equipment providers in the world and has 40 years of experience and expertise building a customer-focused business at scale. Under the Peloton umbrella, Precor plans to make the award-winning Peloton experience accessible to more people through its long-standing relationships with hotels, multifamily residences, and college and corporate campuses. Precor will also continue to service its global network. When the transaction closes, the parties plan to make Peloton connected fitness products available to Precor’s broader network of commercial customers in Peloton’s existing markets.

For additional information, please refer to the Peloton Investor Relations website for a question and answer document relating to this proposed transaction.

About Peloton
Peloton is the leading interactive fitness platform, with a loyal community of more than 3.6 million Members. The company pioneered connected, technology-enabled fitness, and the streaming of immersive, instructor-led boutique classes for its Members anytime, anywhere. Peloton makes fitness entertaining, approachable, effective, and convenient, while fostering social connections that encourage its Members to be the best versions of themselves. An innovator at the nexus of fitness, technology, and media, Peloton has reinvented the fitness industry by developing a first-of-its-kind subscription platform that seamlessly combines the best equipment, proprietary networked software, and world-class streaming digital fitness and wellness content, creating a product that its Members love. The brand’s immersive content is accessible through the Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, Tread+ and Peloton App, which allows access to a full slate of fitness classes across disciplines, on any iOS or Android device, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku TVs, and Chromecast and Android TV. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City, Peloton has a growing number of retail showrooms across the U.S., UK, Canada and Germany. For more information, visit www.onepeloton.com.

About Precor
Precor, headquartered in Greater Seattle, WA, has been a pioneer in delivering fitness experiences for commercial customers and exercisers for more than 40 years. Precor serves more than 100 countries worldwide with offices in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC and operates two U.S.-based manufacturing locations. Precor products and services span across all major categories, including cardio, strength, functional fitness, group training, and connected solutions. In 2020, Precor reached the milestone of recording one billion workouts in its Preva® fitness cloud. That number represents more than 140,000 connected units in over 13,000 facilities. On average, Precor exercisers record more than 20 million minutes of workouts each day as recorded by the Precor digital platform Preva®. Precor segments include commercial clubs/facilities and the verticals of Hospitality, Multi-family Housing, Corporate, and Education. For more information, visit www.Precor.com

Advisors
Fenwick & West LLP is serving as legal advisor to Peloton. Citi is serving as sole financial advisor to Amer Sports and its investor consortium, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as their legal advisor.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected timing for completion of the transaction; statements related to the expected benefits of the proposed transaction, including but not limited to, the expected acceleration of Peloton and Precor strategies, expectations around gaining access to Precor customers and benefits to Peloton members, expected supply chain, manufacturing and fulfillment synergies over time, the expected enhancement in research and development capabilities and the expected acceleration in the penetration of Peloton’s commercial market; any statements concerning the expected development or competitive performance relating to Peloton’s products and services; any statements regarding Peloton’s future intention with Precor; statements regarding the anticipated timing to produce connected fitness products in the United States; any other statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. You can identify these statements by the use of terminology such as “believe”, “expect”, “will”, “should,” “could”, “estimate”, “anticipate” or similar forward-looking terms. You should not rely on these forward-looking statements as they involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that might contribute to such differences include, among others, the possibility that the closing conditions to the proposed transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant a regulatory approval; delay in closing the transaction or the possibility of non-consummation of the transaction; the risk of stockholder litigation in connection with contemplated transaction; the retention of Precor employees and Peloton’s ability to successfully integrate the Precor business; risks inherent in the achievement of anticipated synergies and the timing thereof; our ability to attract and retain our connected fitness product and digital subscription base; our limited operating history; our ability to anticipate and satisfy consumer preferences; the effects of the highly competitive market in which we operate; market acceptance of our connected fitness products; our ability to successfully develop and timely introduce new products and services; our ability to accurately forecast consumer demand and adequately manage our inventory; our ability to maintain the value and reputation of the Peloton brand; a decrease in sales of our Bike; the continued growth of the connected fitness market; the loss of any one of our third-party suppliers, manufacturers, or logistics partners; our ability to achieve our objectives and our strategic and operational initiatives; litigation and related costs; the impact of privacy and data security laws; and other general market, political, economic, and business conditions.

For more information regarding the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to our business in general, we refer you to the “Risk Factors” section of our Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including our most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q, which are available on the Investor Relations page of our website at https://investor.onepeloton.com/investor-relations and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

All forward-looking statements contained herein are based on information available to us as of the date hereof and you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. We undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this press release or to conform these statements to actual results or revised expectations, except as required by law. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

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SOURCE Peloton

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Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp. Announces Upcoming Automatic Unit Separation

PR Newswire

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: BREZU) (the “Company”) announced today that, on December 23, 2020, the Company’s units will no longer trade, and that the Company’s common stock, rights, and redeemable warrants, which together comprise the units will commence trading separately. The common stock, rights, and warrants will be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and trade with the ticker symbols “BREZ”, “BREZR” and “BREZW”, respectively. This is a mandatory and automatic separation, and no action is required by the holders of units.

Each unit consists of one share of common stock, one right, and one redeemable warrant. Each right entitles the holder to receive one-twentieth of one share of common stock upon the Company’s consummation of an initial business combination, and each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. In the separation, unit owners will receive the number of shares of common stock, the number of rights, and the number of redeemable warrants underlying such units.

About Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp.

Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company organized for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. It intends to focus on a business combination with a company in the energy industry in North America.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in the risk factors section of the prospectus used in connection with the Company’s initial public offering. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based, except as required by law.

 

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SOURCE Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp.

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Globe Life Inc. Declares Dividend

PR Newswire

MCKINNEY, Texas, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Globe Life Inc. (NYSE: GL) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $.1875 per share on all of the outstanding common stock of the Company held of record as of the close of business of the Company’s transfer agent on January 8, 2021.  The dividend will be paid on February 1, 2021.

Globe Life Inc. is a holding company specializing in life and supplemental health insurance for “middle income” Americans marketed through multiple distribution channels including direct response, and exclusive and independent agencies. 

 

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SOURCE Globe Life Inc.

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ReWalk Robotics Donates ReStore Exo-Suit to Brooks Rehabilitation to Support Stroke Survivors

Covid-19 Pandemic Has Further Illustrated Need for Innovative Stroke Rehab Solutions

PR Newswire

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — ReWalk Robotics, Ltd. (Nasdaq: RWLK) (“ReWalk” or the “Company”), a manufacturer of robotic medical devices for individuals with lower limb disabilities, today announced it has donated one of its ReStore Exo-suits to Brooks Rehabilitation, located in Jacksonville, Florida. The ReStore will be utilized by the therapy team in one of the the specialized Neuro Recovery Centers to conduct gait training sessions with patients seeking post-stroke rehabilitation.

Brooks combines highly trained clinicians with the latest technologies to advance rehabilitation through innovation and research-based practices. The ReStore Exo-suit is a first of its kind technology which is designed to be versatile and adaptable, allowing it to be used with a broader range of a clinic’s stroke rehabilitation patients than previous robotic technologies.

“Being able to offer robotic assistance devices is especially important for patients and clinicians during the COVID-19 crisis to help support public health safety protocols,” said Larry Jasinski, ReWalk CEO.  “Our ReStore exo-suit is an innovative solution for stroke patients, and we’re happy to deliver the device to a leading national care center known for adopting advanced care solutions to help serve their patients.”

“As a recognized leader in physical therapy for 50 years, Brooks’ sees technology not as a tool, but as a resource to help our clinicians achieve higher quality outcomes during a patient’s rehabilitation.  Thanks to this donation, we are able to offer our patients additional options for their stroke recovery,” said Robert McIver, PT, DPT, NCS, Director of Clinical Technology at Brooks Rehabilitation.

A video of patients training with the ReStore device at Brooks can be seen here.

For more information, please visit rewalk.com.


About ReWalk Robotics Ltd.

ReWalk Robotics Ltd. develops, manufactures and markets wearable robotic exoskeletons for individuals with lower limb disabilities as a result of spinal cord injury or stroke. ReWalk’s mission is to fundamentally change the quality of life for individuals with lower limb disability through the creation and development of market leading robotic technologies. Founded in 2001, ReWalk has headquarters in the United States, Israel and Germany. For more information on the ReWalk systems, please visit rewalk.com.

ReWalk® is a registered trademark of ReWalk Robotics Ltd. in Israel and the United States.

ReStore® is a registered trademark of ReWalk Robotics Ltd. in Europe and an allowed trademark in the United States.


About Brooks Rehabilitation

 

For 50 years, Brooks Rehabilitation, headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., has been a comprehensive source for physical rehabilitation services. As a nonprofit organization, Brooks operates one of the nation’s largest inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the U.S. with 160 beds, one of the region’s largest home healthcare agencies, over 40 outpatient therapy clinics, a Center for Inpatient Rehabilitation in partnership with Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, the Brooks Rehabilitation Medical Group, two skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and memory care. Brooks will treat more than 55,000 patients through their system of care each year. In addition, Brooks operates the Clinical Research Center, which specializes in research for stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and more to advance the science of rehabilitation. Brooks also provides many low or no cost community programs and services such as the Brooks Clubhouse, Brooks Aphasia Center and Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation to improve the quality of life for people living with physical disabilities. For more information, visit brooksrehab.org. Connect with us via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.


Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements may include projections regarding ReWalk’s future performance and other statements that are not statements of historical fact and, in some cases, may be identified by words like “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “future,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “seek” and similar terms or phrases. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management’s current expectations, which are subject to uncertainty, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of ReWalk’s control. Important factors that could cause ReWalk’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others: ReWalk’s management’s conclusion, and its independent registered public accounting firm’s statement in its opinion relating to its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, that there is a substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the current COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected and may continue to affect adversely  business and results of operations; ReWalk’s ability to have sufficient funds to meet certain future capital requirements, which could impair the Company’s efforts to develop and commercialize existing and new products; ReWalk’s ability to maintain compliance with the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market and the risk that its ordinary shares will be delisted if it cannot do so; ReWalk’s ability to establish a pathway to commercialize its products in China; ReWalk’s ability to maintain and grow its reputation and the market acceptance of its products; ReWalk’s ability to achieve reimbursement from third-party payors for its products; ReWalk’s limited operating history and its ability to leverage its sales, marketing and training infrastructure; ReWalk’s expectations as to its clinical research program and clinical results; ReWalk’s expectations regarding future growth, including its ability to increase sales in its existing geographic markets and expand to new markets; ReWalk’s ability to obtain certain components of its products from third-party suppliers and its continued access to its product manufacturers; ReWalk’s ability to repay its secured indebtedness; ReWalk’s ability to improve its products and develop new products; the outcome of ongoing shareholder class action litigation relating to its initial public offering; ReWalk’s compliance with medical device reporting regulations to report adverse events involving the Company’s products, which could result in voluntary corrective actions or enforcement actions such as mandatory recalls, and the potential impact of such adverse events on ReWalk’s ability to market and sell its products; ReWalk’s ability to gain and maintain regulatory approvals; ReWalk’s expectations as to the results of, and the Food and Drug Administration’s potential regulatory developments with respect to its mandatory 522 postmarket surveillance study; ReWalk’s ability to maintain adequate protection of its intellectual property and to avoid violation of the intellectual property rights of others; the risk of a cybersecurity attack or breach of the Company’s IT systems significantly disrupting its business operations; the impact of substantial sales of the Company’s shares by certain shareholders on the market price of the Company’s ordinary shares; ReWalk’s ability to use effectively the proceeds of its offerings of securities; the risk of substantial dilution resulting from the periodic issuances of ReWalk’s ordinary shares; the impact of the market price of the Company’s ordinary shares on the determination of whether it is a passive foreign investment company; and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in ReWalk’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC and other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made in this press release speaks only as of the date hereof. Factors or events that could cause ReWalk’s actual results to differ from the statements contained herein may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for ReWalk to predict all of them. Except as required by law, ReWalk undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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SOURCE ReWalk Robotics Ltd.