Comcast to Host Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Earnings Conference Call

Comcast to Host Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Earnings Conference Call

PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Comcast Corporation will host a conference call with the financial community to discuss financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2020 on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Comcast will issue a press release reporting its results earlier that morning.

The conference call will be broadcast live on Comcast’s Investor Relations website at www.cmcsa.com. Those parties interested in participating via telephone should dial (800) 263-8495 with the conference ID number 7964167.

A replay of the call will be available starting at 12:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 28, 2021 on the Investor Relations website or by telephone. To access the telephone replay, which will be available until Thursday, February 4, 2021 at midnight ET, please dial (855) 859-2056 and enter the conference ID number 7964167.

To automatically receive Comcast financial news by email, please visit our Investor Relations website and subscribe to Email Alerts.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest high-speed internet, video, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Investor Contacts:

Marci Ryvicker (215) 286-4781

Jane Kearns (215) 286-4794

Marc Kaplan (215) 286-6527

KEYWORDS: Pennsylvania United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Mobile/Wireless Technology Finance Entertainment Theme Parks Professional Services General Entertainment TV and Radio Internet Licensing (Entertainment)

MEDIA:

Logo
Logo

MyDataModels And Thales Selected by Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Council to Develop BlueGuard Underwater and Coastal Surveillance System

MyDataModels And Thales Selected by Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Council to Develop BlueGuard Underwater and Coastal Surveillance System

PARIS LA DÉFENSE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The BlueGuard project, developed under a partnership between Thales and the start-up MyDataModels, specialized in data processing and artificial intelligence, was selected on 3 December 2020 after a call for projects for the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolitan council’s Blue Innovation Challenge. The Blue Innovation Challenge aims to support local jobs and develop an innovation ecosystem focused on the maritime sector as an area of strategic importance for the region.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201217005457/en/

Port of Nice © Thales - 123RF/LiliGraphie

Port of Nice © Thales – 123RF/LiliGraphie

As the threat environment evolves, it is crucially important to protect the maritime and underwater space around sensitive coastal infrastructure such as ports, industrial facilities and sites of economic or military importance, and to ensure security for major events. The BlueGuard project involves developing a demonstrator of a smart surveillance system designed to monitor sensitive coastal sites and protect populations and the coastline reliably at all times from new and emerging threats such as unmanned underwater vehicles.

MyDataModels has a unique set of skills in AI-based data analytics and will be providing expertise in automatic data classification. Thales has already worked with the MyDataModels through AI@Centech, a start-up accelerator programme in Montreal, Canada.

With more than 60 years of experience in undersea defence and global recognition for its underwater systems expertise, Thales will provide its technical and operational insights as well sonar transmit and receive arrays and electronic systems.

“The city’s support for the BlueGuard project and Thales’ investment will enable the launch of a new surveillance product against coastal threats. This project illustrates the co-innovation developed by Thales with more than 160 startups,” Alexis Morel, Vice President, Underwater Systems, Thales.

“It is rare for a major corporation to work successfully in agile mode with a start-up. BlueGuard is a prime example of a win-win partnership focused on developing disruptive technology and demonstrating its capabilities in real-life conditions around the port of Nice thanks to the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolitan council.” Denis Bastiment, CTO, MyDataModels

About MyDataModels

Founded in March 2018, MyDataModels offers TADA, a predictive analytics platform powered by artificial intelligence. Powerful and easy to use providing fully interpretable models, TADA helps every professional to deeply analyse their data and make more informed decisions. As such, MyDataModels technology is the preferred solution for healthcare, research, industry and embedded systems. MyDataModels is based in France and employs 30 people. Learn more: www.mydatamodels.com

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global high technology leader investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust, which is vital to the development of our societies. The company provides solutions, services and products that help its customers – businesses, organisations and states – in the defence, aeronautics, space, transportation and digital identity and security markets to fulfil their critical missions, by placing humans at the heart of the decision-making process.

With 83,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of €19 billion in 2019 (on a basis including Gemalto over 12 months).

Press contact

Thales

Faïza Zaroual

+33 (0) 7 81 48 80 41

[email protected]

MyDataModels

Francine Fichter

+33 (0) 6 75 92 10 12

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: France Europe

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Software Environment Data Management Technology Maritime Transport Mobile/Wireless Security

MEDIA:

Logo
Logo
Photo
Photo
Illustration of the BlueGuard system © Thales
Logo
Logo
Photo
Photo
Port of Nice © Thales – 123RF/LiliGraphie

Nissan Sentra named as finalist for North American Car of the Year™

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Nissan Sentra is one of three finalists for the 2021 North American Car of the Year award. The winner, chosen by a jury of 50 leading independent American and Canadian automotive journalists, will be revealed on January 11, 2021.

All-new for 2020, Sentra offers unexpected refinement, technology and value, including the most standard safety features in its class1. Sentra features an exterior with a commanding presence and a “cut-above” interior that sets the standard for compact sedan quality and comfort.

“Sentra is designed to thrill customers with its fresh styling, advanced connectivity and Nissan Safety Shield® 360 technologies,” said Michael Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. and Marketing and Sales, Nissan North America, Inc. “Sentra is a major part of the Nissan NEXT transformation plan. More than just vehicles – Nissan NEXT is creating a stronger, more sustainable Nissan, providing vehicles and services that exceed customer expectations.”

Behind the wheel, Sentra is also fun-to-drive starting with its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine that delivers 149 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. Top-level driving dynamics are supported by an independent rear suspension matched to a MacPherson strut front suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers. A dual-pinion rack electric power steering system and Nissan Intelligent Trace Control technology are both standard for nimble and responsive handling.

In its debut year, the all-new Sentra has won numerous industry awards, including:

  • “Best-In-Show” among WardsAuto’s 10 Best Interiors
  • Top compact sedan in J.D. Power 2020 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM, scoring 42 points above segment average
  • Autotrader’s “Best New Cars of 2020” and “10 Best Cars for Recent College graduates”

For more information on the 2021 Sentra, along with the complete lineup of Nissan vehicles, please visit NissanNews.com.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN CAR, TRUCK, AND UTILITY OF THE YEAR™

The awards are intended to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. The organization gives out three awards. They are: “North American Car of the Year™,” “North American Truck of the Year™,” and the “North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™.” The awards are unique because they are given by an independent jury of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada instead of being given by a single publication, website, radio or television station.

Media Contact:
Jonathan Buhler
Product Communications – Sports Cars and Sedans
Phone 615/725-0966
[email protected]

  1. Ward’s Upper-Small Segmentation. 2021 Sentra vs. latest in-market competitors. See Owner’s Manual for safety information. Availability of features vary by vehicle model year, model, trim level, packaging and options. Base models compared. Based on manufacturers’ websites. 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e61bda2d-24d6-4452-becd-2096d659ac79



YRC Freight Driver James Banner Achieves Five Million-Mile Safety Milestone

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ: YRCW) YRC Freight professional driver, James Banner, has achieved the prestigious milestone of logging over five million driving miles without a single preventable accident.

Banner has been driving trucks for 50 years, with 42 of them spent driving for YRC Freight. Based in Chicago, he is now the longest-tenured employee at the Chicago Heights terminal. He drives an average of 3,084 miles every week on his current route from Chicago to Kansas City.

“We are truly honored to have James on our team and congratulate him on this extraordinary accomplishment,” said CEO Darren Hawkins. “Like all our Million-Miler drivers, James sets the standard in how to work with a focus on safety day in and day out.”

Though he has grown accustomed to driving over the past five decades, Banner attributes his safety record to remaining highly vigilant. He keeps his eyes on the road, looking far ahead to prepare for shifts in traffic flow and adjust accordingly. If there seems to be any risk, he always pulls over and urges other drivers to do the same.

Banner advises anyone on the road to not jeopardize their safety and the safety of others by driving in a hurry. “Being in a hurry only makes you lose time. Let all the fast traffic go; you will never gain a significant amount of time by trying to keep up. Let them go past you, keep your eyes on the road ahead, and never drive faster than you can stop.”

“We are tremendously proud of James and the professionalism he has demonstrated for decades,” said Tamara Jalving, Vice President, Safety. “Thank you for your continued dedication to keeping our highways safe and delivering award-winning service to our customers.”

When he is not driving, Banner enjoys spending time landscaping his property at his home in Orland Park, Ill. and supporting children’s education through volunteer work in the greater Chicago area.

Learn more at YRCW.com.

About YRC Worldwide

YRC Worldwide Inc., headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is the holding company for a portfolio of less-than- truckload (LTL) companies including Holland, New Penn, Reddaway, and YRC Freight, as well as the logistics company HNRY Logistics. Collectively, YRC Worldwide companies have one of the largest, most comprehensive logistics and LTL networks in North America with local, regional, national and international capabilities. Through their teams of experienced service professionals, YRC Worldwide companies offer industry-leading expertise in flexible supply chain solutions, ensuring customers can ship industrial, commercial and retail goods with confidence.

Investor Contact: Eric Birge
913-696-6108
[email protected]
   
Media Contact: Mike Kelley
913-696-6121
[email protected]

SOURCE: YRC Worldwide



Fitwel® Viral Response Module Continues to Attract Biggest Names in Real Estate with BentallGreenOak, Vornado and Hudson Pacific Properties Achieving Certification

With Fitwel’s impactful 3rd party Viral Response Certification, leading property owners are upgrading building operations and HR policies–effectively responding to COVID-19 and building trust among their occupants

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Fitwel®, the healthy building certification system operated by the Center for Active Design (CfAD), is pleased to announce that more of the world’s leading real estate investment managers and developers, including BentallGreenOak (BGO), Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP) and Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE: VNO) have certified their operational policies using the Viral Response (VR) module. These achievements demonstrate that the biggest names in real estate are choosing the Fitwel Viral Response module’s evidence-based operational policies and best practices to effectively mitigate the spread of infectious respiratory diseases, for implementation at scale across diverse asset portfolios.

As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March, CfAD announced its commitment to develop the premier evidence-based third-party certification for companies seeking guidance and recognition in upgrading their policies and practices to mitigate viral transmission. CfAD collaborated with global health experts and trusted industry advisors to rapidly prototype the VR module and set the gold standard for mitigating contagious diseases in buildings using the best scientific evidence available. The module establishes minimum standards and provides turn key strategies that building management and HR teams can implement in order to optimize indoor environments, encourage behavior change and build trust among occupants.

Today’s announcement underscores the rapid uptake and widespread impact of Fitwel’s VR module. A growing list of leading companies have successfully applied the VR module to upgrade and certify their companies’ policies and practices for contagious disease mitigation. Collectively, BGO, Vornado and Hudson Pacific’s Viral Response policies will potentially impact more than 36 million square feet of commercial and residential assets.

Dan Egan, SVP, Sustainability & Utilities at Vornado, said, “Vornado is pleased to be among the first companies to have earned the Fitwel Viral Response Certification from the Center for Active Design. In this unprecedented year, Vornado accelerated and built upon our long-standing commitment to provide safe, healthy workspaces that support and promote the well-being of our employees, tenants and visitors. Thank you to the Center for Active Design for this recognition and to our team at Vornado for stepping up during this challenging time and for their incredible efforts and dedication.”

Natalie Teear, Vice President, Sustainability and Social Impact at Hudson Pacific, added, “The health, safety and wellness of our employees and tenants is our top priority. Using Fitwel’s Viral Response module across our portfolio is a great way to ensure we are a leader in keeping our buildings COVID-safe.”

Amy Price, Managing Partner and Co-Head of US, BentallGreenOak, said, “Our clients, investors and tenants are living through the turbulence of this pandemic, and our firm understands the fiduciary responsibility we bear to integrate resilience, preparedness, and risk mitigation directly in to the real estate assets that we manage on their behalf. The investment manager of the future must be able to demonstrate a systems-wide readiness to address the threat of contagious disease, today. Through this entity-level certification, BentallGreenOak is further investing in its commitment to ESG by fostering an approach across our US office portfolio that prioritizes health and safety.”

Fitwel’s two-step VR module certification process enables companies the flexibility to establish and implement viral response policies at scale. Users can establish policies to cover any portfolio, selection of assets or individual tenant spaces that have consistent operational practices, then submit to have their policies certified by CfAD in a six-week, double-blind review process. Once the certified strategies policies and practices are implemented at the asset level, companies can submit to CfAD for asset-level approval. This step verifies that the strategies have been put into practice, at which point asset(s) are eligible to install a Viral Response decal and CfAD recognizes this achievement with a plaque that companies can use to convey to occupants that their building is optimized to mitigate the spread of infectious respiratory diseases.

Joanna Frank, President and CEO of CfAD, said, “The bottom line is residents and employees want to know that they can trust that the spaces where they spend the majority of their time have been optimized for their health. The VR module was created with this in mind and serves as a practical and cost-effective solution for real estate companies to roll out effective viral mitigation strategies at scale. The pandemic has created significant challenges across the world, but it has also made clear how our environments impact our well-being. We’re pleased to see the real estate industry rise to the challenge presented by COVID-19 to further advance the healthy building movement.”

Unlike other solutions that provide more generalized approaches to viral mitigation, Fitwel’s VR module has established specific best practices for companies to follow by setting minimum requirements that are necessary to mitigate viral transmission, while providing turnkey policies to ensure an efficient and consistent approach to guide the industry. The module also creates economies of scale, making it affordable to roll out an effective viral response across entire portfolios. For more information on the Viral Response module, click here.

About Fitwel and the Center for Active Design
Fitwel is the world’s leading certification system committed to building health for all®. Generated by expert analysis of 5,600+ academic research studies, Fitwel is implementing a vision for a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen health and well-being. Fitwel was originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and U.S. General Services Administration. The CDC remains the research and evaluation partner for Fitwel. The Center for Active Design, a global not-for-profit organization, was selected as the licensed operator of Fitwel, charged with expanding Fitwel to the global market. To learn more about Fitwel, please visit: www.fitwel.org

About BentallGreenOak 
BentallGreenOak is a leading, global real estate investment management advisor and a globally-recognized provider of real estate services.  BentallGreenOak serves the interests of more than 750 institutional clients with approximately $50 billion USD of assets under management (as of September 30, 2020) and expertise in the asset management of office, retail, industrial and multi-residential property across the globe. BentallGreenOak has offices in 24 cities across twelve countries with deep, local knowledge, experience, and extensive networks in the regions where we invest and manage real estate assets on behalf of our clients. BentallGreenOak is a part of SLC Management, which is the institutional alternatives and traditional asset management business of Sun Life.

The assets under management shown above include real estate equity and mortgage investments managed by the BentallGreenOak group of companies and their affiliates.

For more information, please visit www.bentallgreenoak.com

About Vornado Realty Trust
Vornado Realty Trust is a fully-integrated equity real estate investment trust.

About Hudson Pacific Properties
Hudson Pacific is a real estate investment trust with a portfolio of office and studio properties totaling nearly 19 million square feet, including land for development. Focused on premier West Coast epicenters of innovation, media and technology, its anchor tenants include Fortune 500 and leading growth companies such as Netflix, Google, Square, Uber, NFL Enterprises and more. Hudson Pacific is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol HPP and listed as a component of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information visit HudsonPacificProperties.com.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fitwel-viral-response-module-continues-to-attract-biggest-names-in-real-estate-with-bentallgreenoak-vornado-and-hudson-pacific-properties-achieving-certification-301195293.html

SOURCE Center for Active Design

United Development Funding IV Recommends Shareholders Reject Hedge Fund NexPoint’s Hostile Tender Offer

GRAPEVINE, Texas, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United Development Funding IV (“UDF IV” or the “Trust”) announced that it recommends Trust shareholders reject the unsolicited tender offer made by hedge fund NexPoint Strategic Opportunities Fund (the “Offeror”) to purchase all Trust common shares (the “Shares”) for $1.10 per share (the “Tender Offer”).

The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has reviewed the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer, considered other information relating to the Trust’s portfolio of assets, current financial condition and future opportunities and evaluated various other factors it deemed relevant, such as its knowledge of the Offeror and its affiliates, including James Dondero, NexPoint Advisors and Highland Capital Management, L.P. (collectively, “NexPoint/Dondero”).

The Trust recommends shareholders reject the Tender Offer for the reasons described below.

  • Shareholders who tender their Shares pursuant to the unsolicited tender offer may be deprived of the potential opportunity to realize the long-term value of their investment in the Trust, as well as restitution from Bass/Hayman.

The Board believes that the tender offer price of $1.10 per share represents a substantial discount to the current value of the Trust. In fact, the Offeror acknowledges in its Offer to Purchase that the tender offer price may not be reasonable.

  • The Board has serious concerns that NexPoint/Dondero’s principal interests in taking over the Trust may be to protect the participants in the illegal short and distort fraud scheme perpetrated against the Trust.       

The Trust was the victim of an illegal “short and distort” fraud scheme beginning in 2015 in which notorious hedge fund manager J. Kyle Bass (“Bass”) and his fund, Hayman Capital Management, L.P. (collectively, “Bass/Hayman”), anonymously published disparaging, false, and misleading statements about the Trust’s business operations to, among other things: (1) drive down the Trust’s stock price; (2) profit from its large short positions in the Trust; (3) destroy the Trust’s business; and (4) buy up Trust assets at fire sale prices. The Trust has spent the last five years fighting for restitution for its shareholders from Bass/Hayman on many fronts—including in ongoing litigation against Bass/Hayman.

Based on, among other things, discovery in the Bass/Hayman litigation and statements made by Mr. Dondero, the Trust is aware of meaningful connections among Bass/Hayman and NexPoint’s affiliates. So much so, that when NexPoint/Dondero previously approached the Trust about taking over Trust management, the Trust expressed its concerns and requested information from NexPoint/Dondero regarding their agreements and relationships with Bass/Hayman and others the Board believes may have been involved in the illegal short and distort fraud scheme.   The Board’s concerns and its reasons for such concerns are explained in the Board’s July 22, 2020 letter to NexPoint Advisors, L.P., a copy of which is available at udfiv.com, responding to a letter from NexPoint Advisors seeking to discuss management of the Trust with the Board. Despite being asked several times to answer a conflict-of-interest questionnaire to ensure that NexPoint/Dondero’s intentions were not harmful to the Trust, NexPoint/Dondero have not provided the requested information.

As described in a bankruptcy court filing made by the creditors of Highland Capital Management, L.P., James Dondero has a long history of mistreating investors in companies that he controls. Dondero and his affiliates have been found by a variety of courts, arbitration panels, and administrative tribunals to have breached their fiduciary duties to investors, engaged in intentional fraudulent transfers, willful misconduct, and self-dealing, and/or siphoned off assets of their affiliate companies.

As the Trust continues to successfully pursue its claims against Bass/Hayman, NexPoint/Dondero have sought to increase the pressure on the Trust, including by repeatedly demanding improper and unlawful access to the Trust’s books and records and commencing a litigation campaign against the Trust. The Board believes the tender offer represents NexPoint/Dondero’s next step in a series of actions to divert attention and resources from the Trust’s much more pressing concerns.

  • There is no guarantee that the Tender Offer can or will be completed on the timing, if at all, contemplated in the Tender Offer.

A number of facts reduce the likelihood that the Tender Offer will be consummated. The consummation of the Tender Offer is subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by the Offeror, of a number of conditions. For example, the Offeror conditioned the Tender Offer on the Board’s waiver of the ownership limitations in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust. The Board is not prepared to waive these limitations. In addition, the Offeror may terminate the Tender Offer before or on any scheduled expiration date without purchasing any Shares.

  • Shareholders that tender their Shares will no longer receive distributions from the Trust, most recently paid at an annualized rate of 0.26 per share, with respect to their tendered Shares.

Shareholders are urged to consult with their own financial, tax, accounting and legal advisors, and to exercise caution with respect to the Tender Offer.

Shareholders should be aware that they are not required to tender any Shares to the Offeror. To reject the Tender Offer, a shareholder should simply ignore it. A Shareholder that has already agreed to tender its Shares pursuant to the Tender Offer may withdraw any tender of shares up until January 13, 2021 (as described in the Tender Offer materials).

The Trust requests that a copy of this news release be included with all distributions of materials relating to the Tender Offer.

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to United Development Funding IV and the Tender Offer that are based on management’s current expectations and estimates, and are not guarantees of future performance or future events. Such forward-looking statements generally can be identified by our use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” or other similar words. Readers should be aware that there are various factors, many of which are beyond the Trust’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made in this correspondence. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this correspondence. Forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of the date on which such statements were made, and the Trust undertakes no obligation to update any such statements that may become untrue because of subsequent events.

About United Development Funding IV

United Development Funding IV is a Maryland real estate investment trust. UDF IV was formed primarily to generate current interest income by investing in secured loans and producing profits from investments in residential real estate. Additional information about UDF IV can be found on its website at www.udfiv.com. UDF IV may disseminate important information regarding its operations, including financial information, through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Investor Contact:

Investor Relations
1-800-859-9338
[email protected]

Media Contact:

[email protected]

817-835-0650



LeddarTech Expands its Collaboration with Renesas to Accelerate Autonomous Driving and ADAS Development

QUEBEC CITY, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech®, a global leader in Level 1-5 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving (AD) sensing technology announces a strengthened collaboration with Renesas by joining the RCarConsortium, and with a new collaboration on the development and promotion of an automotive ADAS reference platform. This platform combines LeddarTech’s industry-leading raw data sensor fusion stack and LiDAR technology with Renesas’ newly launched R-Car V3U – a best-in-class ASIL D system-on-chip (SoC) for ADAS and AD systems.

Renesas is already investing in LeddarTech SoC development and production for the LeddarEngine™, consisting of the world’s most advanced and integrated LiDAR SoCs, the LCA2 and LCA3, and accompanying LiDAR measurement software. These SoCs power the most cost-efficient LiDARs enabling mass deployment of advanced level 2 and 3 passenger car ADAS applications and a broad range of mobility and industrial applications.

This automotive ADAS reference platform expands the companies’ collaboration to the system level with a sensor fusion solution applicable to the camera and RADAR sensor-based systems plus systems that add LiDAR to deliver higher safety and performance. These improvements are achieved with a software-centric and extensible architecture compatible with the Renesas’ R-Car V3U processor and roadmap.

“The expanded collaboration with LeddarTech on this project introduces a higher performance ADAS system optimized for power and cost compatible with high volume deployment to the market,” said Tomomitsu Maoka, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Manager, Automotive Solution Business Unit, of Renesas. “The combination of LeddarTech’s sensor fusion and LiDAR technologies in an open platform model and Renesas’ R-Car V3U technology will help our customers develop value-added and differentiated solutions in this rapidly evolving ADAS & AD market.”

“Renesas is the market leader in automotive processors,” stated Charles Boulanger, CEO of LeddarTech. “Our collaboration on this project accelerates the market introduction of a safer and cost-efficient ADAS system that offers an improved user experience.” He continued, “the solution also enables software for extensible and upgradable ADAS & AD platforms, accelerating subsequent innovation and development cycles.” 

About LeddarTech

LeddarTech is a leader in environmental sensing platforms for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems. Founded in 2007, LeddarTech has evolved to become a comprehensive end-to-end environmental sensing company by enabling customers to solve critical sensing and perception challenges across the entire value chain of the automotive and mobility market segments. With its LeddarVision™ sensor-fusion and perception platform and its cost-effective, scalable, and versatile LiDAR development solution for automotive-grade solid-state LiDARs based on the LeddarEngine™, LeddarTech enables Tier 1-2 automotive system integrators to develop full-stack sensing solutions from Level 1-5. This platform is actively deployed in autonomous shuttles, trucks, buses, delivery vehicles, smart city/factory, and robotaxi applications. The company is responsible for several innovations in cutting-edge automotive and mobility remote-sensing applications, with over 95 patented technologies (granted or pending) enhancing ADAS and autonomous driving capabilities.

Additional information about LeddarTech can be found at www.LeddarTech.com, LinkedInTwitterFacebook, and YouTube.

Contact: 
Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Corporate Marketing, Communications and Product Management
LeddarTech Inc. 
Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 
[email protected] 

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarEngine, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, LeddarCore, VAYADrive, VayaVision, and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30a8ef9b-3c38-4703-b9e6-e1251363d593



Study: Restaurant Franchisors May Regret Sweetheart Deals to Grow Business During a Recession

Better Strategy is to Maintain Fairness with Existing Franchisees

BOCA RATON Fla., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Restaurant franchisors should think twice about loosening contract terms and lowering fees to expand operations during a recession even though lower fees may attract more franchisees, according to researchers at Florida Atlantic University and two other schools.

The study, published in the Journal of Retailing, is particularly timely as the restaurant industry seeks to regain its footing following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to closed establishments and reduced capacity nationwide.

“We believe franchisors and restaurant operators can learn from this research to rebound from this latest crisis,” said Rajeev Sawant, Ph.D., an assistant professor of management programs in FAU’s College of Business.

Franchising contributed roughly $785 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019, according to the International Franchise Association. To expand their businesses, franchisors may be motivated to offer reduced fees and favorable contract terms to new franchisees, but the unequal treatment serves to alienate existing franchisees, according to the study by Sawant, Mahima Hada, Ph.D., of City University of New York and Simon J. Blanchard, Ph.D., of Georgetown University.

The perceived lack of fairness increases existing franchisees’ freeriding, which reduces franchisors’ performance. Freeriding occurs when franchisees obtain benefits from being part of the franchise system without assuming a proportional share of costs.

By contrast, franchisors that increase fees and offer less favorable terms to new franchisees tend to maintain perceived equity among existing franchisees, who work harder at maintaining the brand, the study found. That reduces freeriding and improves franchisor profits.

The researchers studied 131 public and private franchisors, including Subway, Wing Stop and Cinnabon, from 2007 to 2010, a period that included the Great Recession. Those franchisors that offered better terms to new franchisees experienced lower profits after the recession, even though they attracted more operators. Franchisors with a larger number of existing franchisees performed even worse after the recession.

But franchisors offering less-favorable terms to new franchisees during the recession performed better afterward.

“It seems counterintuitive, but chasing growth by offering new franchisees good deals doesn’t work in the long run,” Sawant said. “The much more effective strategy is to maintain fairness with existing operators, who are the lifeblood of franchising.”



Paul Owers
Florida Atlantic University College of Business
5612214090
[email protected]

Beatons Creek Operational Update

Project Remains on Schedule and on Budget

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Novo Resources Corp. (“Novo” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: NVO & NVO.WT; OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased to provide an operational update from its Beatons Creek gold project (“Beatons Creek”) and Nullagine processing facility (“Golden Eagle Mill”).

Beatons Creek and Nullagine Gold Project Update:

Development at Beatons Creek and refurbishment at the Golden Eagle Mill continue to progress safely, on schedule and within budget. Recent key events and milestones include:

  • Iron Mine Contracting Pty Ltd (“IMCPL”) has commenced ramping up activities from today;
  • 1 in 500 year rain event on Dec 11th and 12th (320mm in 48 hours) caused flooding in the town of Nullagine and some damage to the haulage route and communications. Site access and regional communications were re-established without impacting project schedule;
  • Haulage of material to the Golden Eagle Mill will commence from 21st December once the main Newman to Marble Bar road is satisfactorily repaired;  
  • As a result of the recent rain event, the site now has in excess of 6 months water supply in the Golden Eagle pit adjacent to the plant to complement the site borefield supply;
  • Site is preparing for a scheduled holiday hiatus in processing plant construction activities from 22nd December until 4th January; and
  • Site personnel (including contractors) now total 90.

Please see the Company’s news release dated December 8, 2020 for the Company’s previous operational update.


Development activities at Beatons Creek:

  • IMCPL and Edwards Earthmoving P/L continuing with mining development works;
  • IMCPL Mining equipment mobilized to site includes 1 x D10 dozer, 1 x PC850 excavator, CAT 740B watercart, 14M grader and 3 x CAT 745 trucks, with additional fleet scheduled to arrive within a week (see figure 1 and figure 2 below);
  • Lacy Contracting Services P/L are preparing to commence haulage from Beatons Creek to the Golden Eagle Mill from 21st December;
  • Grade control reverse circulation drilling by Castle Drilling continues on two shifts across the Edwards and Grant’s Hill areas, with this initial grade control program schedule for completion by 22nd December;
  • Beatons Creek ROM pad has been widened;
  • Topsoil stripping of Grant’s Hill waste dump location has been completed; and
  • Office buildings have been relocated from the Golden Eagle Mill to Beatons Creek (see figure 3 below).


Refurbishment works on the Golden Eagle Mill:

Plant refurbishment:

  • The GR Engineering Services (“GRES”) scope currently stands at approximately 60% complete, with works continuing on schedule and within budget with no material issues or problems encountered thus far;
  • Works continue with refurbished key componentry returning from Perth for installation – all continues according to schedule;
  • Preparation and painting of the tanks will be completed prior to Christmas with only the inter-tank launders remaining to be painted in the first working week of January;
  • Gravity section steelwork erection continues ahead of receipt and installation of the upgraded gravity circuit components;
  • All long lead items have been ordered, with arrival dates remaining within the project schedule; and
  • Commissioning planning is well advanced and on schedule.

Civil works:

  • Foundations have now been completed for the upgraded Acacia reactor unit and new elution tank footings in the gold room.

Other major tenders:

  • The permanent surface haulage contract package is currently out for tender, with solid progress being made with numerous other commercial agreements for fuel supply, processing reagents, and flights.

Novo CEO and director Rob Humphryson commented, “Despite the challenges created by some recent heavy rainfall, the project is tracking safely, within budget and to schedule. All contractors at the site continue to perform outstanding work and we thank them for their cooperative efforts.”

Dr. Quinton Hennigh (P.Geo.) is the qualified person pursuant to NI 43-101 responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Hennigh is President, Chairman, and a director of Novo.

About Novo Resources Corp.

Novo is advancing its flagship Beatons Creek gold project to production while exploring and developing its highly prospective land package covering approximately 14,000 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. In addition to the Company’s primary focus, Novo seeks to leverage its internal geological expertise to deliver value-accretive opportunities to its shareholders. For more information, please contact Leo Karabelas at (416) 543-3120 or e-mail [email protected]

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Novo Resources Corp.

“Quinton Hennigh”

Quinton Hennigh
President and Chairman

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

Forward-looking information

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including, without limitation, the successful completion of development and plant refurbishments works on time and on budget, and that Novo’s board of directors will make the decision to commence full-scale production at Beatons Creek. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the successful completion of site establishment works at Beatons Creek, the successful completion of grade control drilling works, the successful completion of mining, camp management, fuel supply, processing reagents, assay laboratory services, flights, and haulage services contracts, and customary risks of the resource industry.

PDFs accompanying this announcement are available at:

http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/7a85f865-47a5-4657-aa34-34a59f6ca8c8

http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f8c3f956-a532-48cf-bf08-14d546fdfb60

http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/3ab0ce66-65eb-4cb7-b07a-6511654c2acb



Xperigo named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for a second time!

MARKHAM, ONTARIO, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xperigo, the Automotive industry’s leading provider of Emergency Roadside Assistance and Call Centre services proudly announced today that it was named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2020 by Waterstone Human Capital, a human capital management consulting firm specializing in retained executive search, cultural measurement and assessment, and leadership training and development.

Now in its 17th year, this annual program recognizes best-in-class Canadian organizations for building cultures that have allowed them to enhance performance and sustain their competitive advantage.

As part of the award assessment process, Xperigo surveyed it’s Team Members with both qualitative and quantitative components to gather feedback on employee engagement and corporate culture. Key results included:

  • 85% of Team Members indicated they were proud to work at Xperigo.
  • 86% of Team Members felt there was a customer focus at Xperigo.
  • 89% of Team Members felt that the culture at Xperigo had a high impact on their individual performance.

“Happy, highly engaged Team Members will intrinsically drive organizational performance,” says Dan Turner, President and CEO at Xperigo.  “It is much easier to reach new heights of performance when Team Members feel they are an integral part of a winning team.”

“Our brand promise to Team Members is that “Life is Better Here”,” shares Turner. “Despite a highly competitive industry and unexpected challenges like COVID-19, Xperigo Team Members excel at providing positive customer experiences in any situation.”

“At Waterstone we believe corporate culture drives performance and that it’s an organization’s greatest asset,” said Marty Parker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Waterstone Human Capital and Chair of Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures Awards. “This year’s winning organizations have all demonstrated an outstanding commitment to corporate culture and to leveraging their culture as a competitive advantage. They all align to three key themes: they are focused on building a high-performance culture, committed to employee career development and growth, and focused on creating a workplace culture that supports physical and psychological safety for their team members.”

With operations in both Markham, Ontario and Moncton, New Brunswick, this is Xperigo’s second Most Admired Cultures award in a row. To learn more about Xperigo and current career opportunities and why “Life is Better Here” visit www.xperigo.com

 

About Xperigo 

Xperigo has successfully managed customer experiences on behalf of the top automotive brands in the world for 29 years. Xperigo has developed a highly integrated service delivery platform that provides real-time access to a suite of automotive mobility services. These services include: Next Generation Roadside Assistance, Customer Experience Management, Connected Car Services, Telematics Solutions, Emergency 911 Services, Mobile Self-Serve Solutions, Data Analysis & Insights, Concierge and Professional Services.

For more information, please visit www.xperigo.com.

About Waterstone Human Capital 

At Waterstone Human Capital, we inspire organizations to build high performance cultures. We’re a human capital management consulting firm specializing in retained executive search, cultural measurement and assessment, and leadership training and development. We have successfully helped hundreds of entrepreneurial-minded, high-growth organizations across North America recruit, measure and train for fit. Waterstone is also the founder of the Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures and Canada’s Most Admired™ CEO programs. These national programs annually recognize best-in-class Canadian organizations and CEOs, for fostering cultures that enhance performance and help sustain a competitive advantage.

 

For more information please visit waterstonehc.com  or canadasmostadmired.com

Attachments



Stuart Morcombe
Xperigo
6475456676
[email protected]