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Fifth Third Bancorp Builds Upon Healthcare Industry M&A and Investment Banking Capabilities with Acquisition of Hammond Hanlon Camp LLC

Fifth Third Bancorp Builds Upon Healthcare Industry M&A and Investment Banking Capabilities with Acquisition of Hammond Hanlon Camp LLC

CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Fifth Third Bancorp (Nasdaq: FITB) announced today that Fifth Third Acquisition Holdings, LLC., has agreed to acquire Hammond Hanlon Camp LLC (“H2C”), a premier strategic advisory and investment banking firm focused on hospitals, health systems, and related organizations.

“As Fifth Third continues to seek opportunities to build upon the strength of its healthcare team, the addition of H2C further deepens the value we provide to the industry,” said Kevin Lavender, executive vice president and head of Commercial Banking. “The healthcare industry is complex and dynamic. Given its concentrated expertise and its client-focused culture, we believe H2C is a great strategic fit for Fifth Third and its existing healthcare team.”

Founded in 2011, H2C has an emphasis on healthcare organizations with specialized expertise in the not-for-profit sector. Its core advisory services include mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, partnerships and strategic growth, capital markets and real estate investment banking.

With offices in Atlanta, Chicago, New York and San Diego, H2C leadership will report to Rob Schipper, head of Investment Banking. The addition expands Fifth Third’s Investment Banking and M&A group to more than 110 professionals, with experience advising a range of industry sectors, including consumer, diversified industrial, downstream petroleum, business and technology-enabled services, renewable energy and healthcare.

The announcement underscores Fifth Third’s commitment to develop a robust, best-in-class healthcare platform and builds upon Fifth Third’s acquisition of Coker Capital in 2018. Over the last decade, the Bank’s healthcare team has expanded its breadth and expertise to become one of the top platforms to middle-market and corporate clients. It serves one of the largest and fastest growing segments of the U.S. economy.

“The specialized capabilities brought by H2C strategically complement the healthcare team’s expertise,” added Lavender. “The combination will create an unparalleled offering to help healthcare organizations across the country achieve its goals.”

The H2C leadership team has more than 230 years of combined healthcare transaction experience and includes veteran healthcare investment bankers Michael Hammond, Bill Hanlon, PJ Camp, Thomas Barry, Rich Bayman and Victoria Poindexter.

“We are very excited to join forces with Fifth Third, and believe that together we will be ideally positioned with the breadth of capabilities and depth of expertise necessary to address the complex challenges facing our healthcare clients now and in the future,” said Bill Hanlon, principal and co-founder of H2C. “As our clients grow increasingly large and more sophisticated, combining with Fifth Third ensures that we have the resources and intellectual capital to meet our clients’ demand for forward-looking counsel and high-quality investment banking services.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020. Alston & Bird LLP acted as legal advisor to Fifth Third. Houlihan Lokey acted as financial advisor and Winston & Strawn acted as legal advisor to H2C.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, National Association, a federally chartered institution. As of Sept. 30, 2020, Fifth Third had $202 billion in assets and operated 1,122 full-service banking centers and 2,414 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 52,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of Sept. 30, 2020, had $422 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $53 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Deposit and Credit products are offered by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

About Fifth Third Capital Markets

Fifth Third Capital Markets is the marketing name under which Fifth Third Bank, National Association, and its subsidiary, Fifth Third Securities, Inc., provide certain securities and investment banking products and services. Fifth Third Capital Markets offers investment banking++, debt capital markets+, bond capital markets++, equity capital markets++, financial risk management+, and fixed income sales and trading++. Fifth Third Bank, National Association, provides access to investments and investment services through various subsidiaries, including Fifth Third Securities. Coker Capital is a division of Fifth Third Securities. Fifth Third Securities is the trade name used by Fifth Third Securities, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and registered investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

Securities and investments offered through Fifth Third Securities, Inc.:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Offer No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value

Are Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency

Are Not A Deposit

+ Services and activities offered through Fifth Third Bank, National Association.

About Hammond Hanlon Camp LLC (“H2C”)

Founded in 2011, H2C is an independent strategic advisory and investment banking firm committed to providing superior advice as a trusted advisor to healthcare organizations and related companies throughout the United States. H2C’s professionals have a long track record of success in healthcare mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and real estate transactions, acting as lead advisors on hundreds of transactions representing billions of dollars in value. H2C offers securities through its wholly owned subsidiary H2C Securities Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. For more information, visit h2c.com.

Shandi Grant (MEDIA)

[email protected]

Chris Doll (INVESTORS)

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Ohio

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

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VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. Awarded Notice of Allowance From US Patent and Trademark Office for VanadiumCorp-Electrochem Process Technology (“VEPT”)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. (TSX VENTURE: “VRB”) (OTCBB:”APAFF”) (FRANKFURT:”NWN”) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a notice of allowance for the US Patent Application invented by Dr. Francois Cardarelli referenced US 2020/0157696 A1 and entitled “Metallurgical and Chemical Process For Recovering Vanadium And Iron Values From Vanadiferous Titanomagnetite and Vanadiferous Feedstocks.”

Adriaan Bakker, VanadiumCorp’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Strengthening our Intellectual Property Portfolio “IP” is integral to our business strategy as we move forward with commercialization plans in 2021. Our wholly owned VanadiumCorp-Electrochem Process Technology (“VEPT”) represents green and efficient recovery of vanadium with all by-products which is the key to advancing vanadium redox flow batteries “VRFB, VRB”. This new patent will provide VanadiumCorp exclusivity in the USA for a period of twenty years from the filing date of the patent application. Patent issuance from USPTO is anticipated in Q1, 2021.”

Jurisdictions where patent protection for VEPT is filed and pending:

  • European Union [EP 18757453.8]
  • Canada [CA 3032329 A1]
  • United States [US 2020/0157696 A1]
  • Australia [AU 2018/225820]
  • India [IN 2019/17004662]
  • South Africa [ZA 2019/00743]

About VEPT

VEPT process and technology was invented by Dr. Francois Cardarelli in 2017 to address specific challenges and bottlenecks in the vanadium industry. VEPT was jointly owned and co-developed by Electrochem and VanadiumCorp over the past four years. VEPT was developed as a cost-effective, green and much higher yielding alternative to conventional pyro-metallurgical processes, for many new vanadium sources, such as calcine waste, steel slags and as a central process option of VanadiumCorp’s green development plan for its flagship Lac Dore Vanadium Project in Quebec, Canada. Electrochem’s in-house sulfation digestor built in February 2017, with a nameplate capacity up to 300 kg/month, facilitated subsequent trial production and successful testing of many global feedstocks provided by numerous global specialty steel, primary vanadium, hematite, and vanadiferous titano-magnetite “VTM” producers. The lower carbon footprint and maximum recovery of all metal values represent key advantages of VEPT over pollutive and limited recovery methods currently the mining industry. Metals recovered concurrently with VEPT include vanadium pentoxide, vanadyl sulfate, iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate (copperas), silica and titanium hydrolysate, which are all products with strong demand and market forecast.

A
bout VanadiumCorp

The Company is focused on the commercial development of its 100% owned VanadiumCorp-Electrochem Process Technology “VEPT”, a green and efficient chemical process invented by Dr. Francois Cardarelli, that addresses the recovery of vanadium, iron, titanium, and silica from feedstocks such as vanadiferous titano-magnetite, iron ores and other industrial by-products containing vanadium. VanadiumCorp’s mandate is to become a strategic supplier of renewable vanadium electrolyte for redox flow batteries and other high purity applications that benefit most from exclusively green and cost-effective vanadium. VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. plans to license VEPT globally and integrate VEPT into the development of the 100% owned Lac Doré vanadium-titanium-iron flagship project adjacent to Blackrock Metals Inc.’s property, which is currently permitted to build a mine and mill to produce a vanadium-rich magnetite concentrate product. VanadiumCorp provides investors with leverage to vanadium, titanium and iron in the mining-friendly and geopolitically stable jurisdiction of Québec, Canada. Green recovery technology, primary vanadium resource size, superior grades and well-developed infrastructure, puts VanadiumCorp in a valuable strategic position to take advantage of the strong vanadium market driven by supply shortages and growing demand from the Chinese steel industry, as well as the fast-emerging renewable use of vanadium in sustainable energy storage for residential to unlimited scale applications. Nearby infrastructure includes a 161kV Hydro Power at approximately $.02 kWh, CN Rail Line, available water, local airport, and a mining community of over 7,000 people in the city of Chibougamau.

On behalf of the board of VanadiumCorp:

Adriaan Bakker

President and Chief Executive Officer

For more information:

Adriaan Bakker,
President and CEO, VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. (TSX-V: “VRB”)
By phone: 604-385-4489
By email: [email protected]
Website: www.vanadiumcorp.com

Neither the 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 release.


Cautionary Note – 

The information in this news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, plans for and intentions with respect to the company’s properties, statements regarding intentions with respect to obligations due for various projects, strategic alternatives, quantity of resources or reserves, timing of permitting, construction and production and other milestones, are forward-looking statements. Statements concerning Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are also forward-looking statements in that they reflect an assessment, based on certain assumptions, of the mineralization that would be encountered and mining results if the project were developed and mined in the manner described. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from VRB’s expectations include the uncertainties involving the need for additional financing to explore and develop properties and availability of financing in the debt and capital markets; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests and the estimation of reserves and resources; the need for cooperation of government agencies and local groups in the exploration, and development of properties; and the need to obtain permits and governmental approval. VRB’s forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs,
opinions
and projections of management on the date the statements are made. VRB assumes no obligation to update the
forward looking
statements if management’s beliefs, opinions, projections,
or other factors should they change.



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Harsco Named to Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2021 List

  • Newsweek’s f
    inal list recognizes top 400 most responsible companies in the United States across 14 different industry subcategories.

  • Achievement
    reflects
    Harsco
    ’s
    commitment to becoming a leader on
    environmental, social and governance
    (ESG)
    issues as it
    transforms into a global, market-leading
    environmental solutions
    Company
    .

CAMP HILL, Pa., Dec. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Harsco Corporation (NYSE: HSC), a global market leader providing environmental solutions for industrial and specialty waste streams, announces today that it has been named to Newsweek’s 2021 list of America’s Most Responsible Companies. Out of the 400 companies included, Harsco ranked #12 in the professional services category and #16 overall for its corporate governance score. It is the first time the Company has been recognized on such a prestigious list.

Newsweek’s list recognizes top performing companies that are giving back to the communities they operate in. While the world has continuously changed this past year, Harsco has remained steadfast in its mission to provide essential services and safety measures for its customers and employees while striving to achieve our sustainability goals. The Newsweek achievement reinforces Harsco’s commitment to be an excellent corporate citizen, as the Company has long been an advocate for sustainability through innovative solutions.

“We are pleased with being named on Newsweek’s list, as it is a reflection of the strategy we’ve put forth to transform into a global, market-leading environmental solutions company,” said Chairman and CEO Nick Grasberger. “We believe there is room in this industry to become a best-in-class leader in ESG. Even more so over time, I envision us providing a different and greater value proposition to our customers by continuing to sharpen our operational focus so that we can best serve our people and planet. It’s a privilege to be considered a leading company when it comes to corporate citizenship and governance.”

Harsco’s approach to a comprehensive sustainability strategy is guided by the Company’s focus on urgent societal needs and providing environmental solutions for specialty and industrial waste streams. Future plans include the continuation of advancing sustainability and becoming an even more purpose-driven company.

Companies outlined in this list were selected from a pool of 2,000 based on publicly available key performance indicators derived from CSR Reports, Sustainability Reports and Corporate Citizenship Reports, in addition to an independent survey of 7,500 U.S. residents.

To view the full list of responsible companies, visit Newsweek’s site. To learn more about Harsco’s market-leading sustainability solutions, visit www.harsco.com/sustainability.

About Harsco Corporation

Harsco Corporation is a global, market leader providing environmental solutions for industrial and specialty waste streams, and innovative technologies for the rail industry. Based in Camp Hill, PA, the 13,000-employee company operates in more than 30 countries.  Harsco’s common stock is a component of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and the Russell 2000 Index. Additional information can be found at www.harsco.com.

Harsco Investor Contact  
David Martin
717.612.5628
[email protected]		 Harsco Media Contact
Jay Cooney
717.730.3683
[email protected]



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Unrelenting demand for Fraser Valley detached and townhomes continued in November

SURREY, British Columbia, Dec. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For the fifth consecutive month, demand for real estate in the Fraser Valley showed no signs of waning. Overall property sales for the month of November again set a new Board record. Sales records were also broken in September and October; and since July, all activity including new listings, has continued to be inordinately high.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,173 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November, an increase of 54.7 per cent compared to the 1,405 sales in November of last year, and an 8.3 per cent decrease month-over-month compared to the 2,370 sales in October.

The Board received 2,217 new listings in November, a 28.0 per cent decrease compared to October’s intake and an 18.1 per cent decrease compared to the 1,877 new listings received during the same month last year. For November, it was the second highest volume of new inventory in the last decade.

Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “We’re running out of superlatives. We expected November activity to moderate due to the season, but the desire for family-sized homes and their benefits continues to dominate. Since the summer, we’ve seen the strongest demand in our Board’s 99-year history specifically for single-family detached and townhomes.

“For example, in Cloverdale, demand for detached homes exceeded supply; and in four of our communities the sales-to-actives ratio for townhomes was 50 per cent or more. Meaning, for every 100 active listings, 50 were selling.”

November finished with 5,847 active listings, a decrease of 14.9 per cent compared to October and a decrease of 13.2 per cent year-over-year. November’s total inventory was the fourth lowest for the month in the last decade.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, “It’s impressive how consumers – in very high numbers, the highest ever – have adapted to the shifting realities and appreciate our industry’s adherence to strict safety measures. REALTORS® are working very hard currently serving their buyers and sellers using technology and innovation and the numbers clearly show that it’s working.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in October was 34 days, and 25 days for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on market for an average of 32 days before selling.

MLS®
HPI Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $1,061,500 the Benchmark price for a single–family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.4 per cent compared to October and, increased 11.5 per cent compared to November 2019.
  • Townhomes: At $570,100, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.2 per cent compared to October and increased 5.8 per cent compared to November 2019.
  • Apartments: At $435,900, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased by 0.3 per cent compared to October and increased 4.6 per cent compared to November 2019.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 3,
7
68
real es
tate professionals who live and
work in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission. The FVREB will mark its 100-year anniversary in 2021.

Contact  
Laurie Dawson, Communications Specialist
Fraser Valley Real Estate Board		 [email protected]
Telephone 604.930.7657
Fax 604.930.7623
www.fvreb.bc.ca
http://fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/eStats-2020-11.html

Images accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/422d558d-791b-4ee4-9d01-e3e46f093855

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/784a9dd4-acc7-4b86-a0da-3c04eeaa0ff9



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Luminar and Gores Metropoulos Announce Closing of Business Combination

Luminar and Gores Metropoulos Announce Closing of Business Combination

Luminar raises nearly $600M gross proceeds; begins trading Dec 3rd under ticker “LAZR”

PALO ALTO & LOS ANGELES, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Luminar Technologies, Inc. (“Luminar”), the global leader in automotive lidar hardware and software technology, and Gores Metropoulos, Inc. (“Gores Metropoulos”) (Nasdaq: GMHI, GMHIU and GMHIW), a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of The Gores Group, LLC and an affiliate of Metropoulos and Co., today announced the completion of their previously announced business combination (the “Business Combination”). The combined company will retain the Luminar Technologies, Inc. name and will commence trading on Nasdaq under the new ticker symbol “LAZR” on December 3, 2020. The Business Combination was approved at a special meeting of Gores Metropoulos stockholders on December 1, 2020.

The successful completion of the Business Combination is reinforced by several landmark achievements in 2020, including the introduction of Luminar’s Iris LiDAR and software products for series production across all three industry verticals: consumer vehicles, trucking, and robo-taxis. Earlier this year, Luminar signed the industry’s first production deal for autonomous consumer vehicles with Volvo Cars, while also recently striking deals with Daimler Truck AG and Intel’s Mobileye. Following the Business Combination, Luminar expects to accelerate commercial growth across its over 50 commercial partners while further expanding its autonomous software and Proactive safety ADAS solutions. Luminar’s Iris is designed into vehicle models planned to commence series production starting in 2022.

“This is an incredibly proud moment for the entire Luminar team and a milestone for the industry at large,” said Austin Russell, Founder and CEO of Luminar. “Over the past few years, we’ve made the transition from a technology development startup to now a global provider of autonomous systems to many of the world’s largest OEMs and commercial trucking players to power their autonomous future in production. We look forward to accelerating widespread commercial adoption of autonomy and proactive safety solutions and embarking on the next phase of our journey as a public company, which will solidify our leadership position well into the future and enable autonomy at an unprecedented scale.”

Alec Gores, CEO of Gores Metropoulos, said, “Luminar is unrivaled in its technology and ability to enable autonomy for production vehicles. As a public company, Luminar will now have the platform to fully execute against its vision, further accelerate its commercial programs and expand its already dominant market leadership. We are excited to close this transaction, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside Austin and the entire management team to make our safe autonomous future a reality.”

Transaction Details

As a result of the Business Combination, Luminar has received approximately $590 million total cash. This includes $406 million from Gores Metropoulos, as well as $184 million in proceeds from the financing completed in connection with the announcement of the Business Combination, led by institutional investors including Alec Gores, Van Tuyl Companies, Peter Thiel, Volvo Cars Tech Fund, Crescent Cove, Moore Strategic Ventures, Nick & Jill Woodman and VectoIQ. Upon closing of the Business Combination, Alec Gores, CEO of Gores Metropoulos, joined Luminar’s Board of Directors.

Advisors

Deutsche Bank Securities served as exclusive financial advisor, lead capital markets advisor and sole private placement agent to Gores Metropoulos. Credit Suisse LLC served as additional capital markets advisor and Moelis & Company LLC acted as additional financial advisor to Gores Metropoulos. Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP acted as legal advisor to Gores Metropoulos.

GCA Advisors, LLC and Jefferies Group LLC served as financial advisors to Luminar. GCA Advisors, LLC served as sole private placement agent on the direct investment into Luminar and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP acted as legal advisor to Luminar.

Additional information about the completed Business Combination will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by Luminar Technologies, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov.

About Luminar Technologies

Luminar is an autonomous vehicle sensor and software company with the vision to make autonomy safe and ubiquitous by delivering the only lidar and associated software that meets the industry’s stringent performance, safety, and economic requirements. Luminar has rapidly gained over 50 industry partners, including 7 of the top 10 global automotive OEMs. Earlier this year, Luminar signed the industry’s first production deal for autonomous consumer vehicles with Volvo Cars, while also recently striking deals with Daimler Truck AG and Intel’s Mobileye. Luminar has also received minority investments from the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Daimler Truck AG, and Volvo Cars, a global leader in automotive safety, to accelerate the introduction of autonomous trucks and cars at highway speed. Founded in 2012, Luminar is a 350-person team with offices in Palo Alto, Orlando, Colorado Springs, Detroit, and Munich. For more information please visit www.luminartech.com.

About Gores Metropoulos, Inc.

Gores Metropoulos, Inc. (Nasdaq: GMHI, GMHIU and GMHIW) is a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of The Gores Group, LLC, a global investment firm founded in 1987 by Alec Gores, and by an affiliate of Dean Metropoulos of Metropoulos & Co. Gores Metropoulos was formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Mr. Gores and Mr. Metropoulos together have more than 65 years of combined experience as entrepreneurs, operators and investors across diverse sectors including industrials, technology, media and entertainment, business services, healthcare and consumer products and services. Over the course of their careers, Mr. Gores and Mr. Metropoulos and their respective teams have invested in more than 180 portfolio companies through varying macroeconomic environments with a consistent, operationally-oriented investment strategy. For more information, please visit www.gores.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as “accelerate,” “feel,” “believes,” expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “should,” “will,” “future” “is to be,” or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein due to many factors, including, but not limited to: Luminar’s limited operating history; Luminar’s inability to reduce and control the cost of the inputs on which Luminar relies; the success of Luminar’s customers in developing and commercializing products using Luminar’s solutions; Luminar’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights; Luminar’s ability to meet Nasdaq’s listing standards following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination; the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of Luminar or its subsidiaries as a result of the announcement and consummation of the transactions described herein; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Luminar to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Luminar may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; the effects of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or other infectious diseases, health epidemics, pandemics and natural disasters on Luminar’s business; and those factors discussed in the Gores Metropoulos’ registration statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-248794) under the heading “Risk Factors,” filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Luminar undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Media

Nicole Phelan

[email protected]

Jennifer Kwon Chou

The Gores Group

[email protected]

John Christiansen/Cassandra Bujarski

Sard Verbinnen & Co

[email protected]

Investors

Michael Beer

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Software Mobile/Wireless Professional Services Hardware Electronic Design Automation General Automotive Technology Automotive Automotive Manufacturing Finance Consulting Manufacturing

MEDIA:

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Boss Fight Studio Announces Latest Edition to Their Crew of Licenses, Popeye The Sailorman!

Boss Fight Expands Their Action Figure Licenses to Include Popeye Classics

NORWOOD, Mass., Dec. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boss Fight Studio, creator of fan favorite action figures, announced today they had acquired the license to make action figures and collectibles of the iconic Popeye The Sailor comics and cartoons. The deal, brokered by FanGirl Consulting and Brand Management, with King Features Syndicate, is the latest in a great lineup of cult classic brands already in the Boss Fight arsenal, including Flash Gordon and The Phantom.

“Like so many, I grew up watching the classic Popeye animated cartoons,” says Andrew Franks, partner and art director at Boss Fight. “As an adult, I was drawn back to Popeye by E.C. Segar’s brilliant original comic strip. To be able to bring these characters to life as fully poseable toys is a dream.”

“This will be the fourth license we work with Boss Fight Studio on and we know their approach will bring these toys to life and quickly become fan favorites,” says Jarred M. Goro, VP North American licensing at King Features.

“We approach design with aesthetics but also functionality,” says Franks, “toys should be able to be posed into any scene your imagination can dream of.”

Founded in 2013, Boss Fight Studio is known for their highly articulated, poseable action figures. The first wave of Popeye Classics action figures, anticipated to hit shelves late summer 2021, will include Popeye, Olive Oyl, Bluto and Castor Oyl. The Popeye Classics figures will bring a new cult favorite to life and be a great complement to the Boss Fight arsenal of licenses.

“We’re digging deep into the comic strips to deliver Popeye toys like you’ve never seen before! Authentic styling, super articulation and great accessories – even packing in smaller characters like Swee’ Pea, Eugene The Jeep and Bernice The Whiffle Hen as bonuses!” added Franks. “We can’t wait to bring these toys to market. We’re sure they will delight Popeye fans, and celebrate the rich 90+ year legacy of these iconic characters.”


About Boss Fight Studio


Boss Fight Studio (BFS) is a creator-owned company focused on high-quality, collectible toys. BFS products are known for having multiple articulation points, which allow for innovative and creative poses. The H.A.C.K.S. line is also fully customizable, which empowers collectors to build their own characters using pieces from the range. For more information reach out to BFS at [email protected] or visit bossfightstudio.com.


About


 


Popeye


Sailor. Tough guy. Hero. Legend. That’s Popeye. An underdog with bulging forearms, a mean uppercut and a love of canned spinach. Unassuming, unsophisticated and undeterred by a challenge, from the minute he walked into the comic strip, The Thimble Theatre, and muttered his famous “Ja think I’m a cowboy?” line, Popeye the Sailor Man captured the hearts of millions of fans around the globe. As the star of his own comic strips and animated content on the big screen and small, Popeye became quickly ingrained in American culture, and today remains one of the most recognizable pop culture icons in the world. Popeye celebrated his 90th anniversary in 2019.


About


 


King Features


King Features is a premier producer and distributor of the world’s most iconic intellectual properties and a leader in classic character licensing and franchise development. With one of the longest-running consumer products programs in the industry, King Features’ portfolio includes world renowned pop culture brands such as Popeye®, Cuphead, Flash Gordon™, The Phantom™, Hägar the Horrible, Moomin, Prince Valiant® and Mandrake the Magician. King Features will produce The Cuphead Show! with Netflix Animation, set to debut in 2021. As content syndication specialists, the company distributes beloved comics such as Blondie, Beetle Bailey®, Mutts™ and dozens of others as well as columns, editorial cartoons and puzzles across multiple platforms and content providers around the globe. King Features is part of Hearst Newspapers, which publishes 24 dailies and 52 weeklies, including the Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle and Times Union (Albany, New York), and operates local digital marketing services and directories.



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DEADLINE ALERT for LVS, IPHA, JPM, and FAF: The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Reminds Investors of Class Actions on Behalf of Shareholders

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz reminds investors that class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of shareholders of the following publicly-traded companies.  Investors have until the deadlines listed below to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors suffering losses on their investments are encouraged to contact The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz to discuss their legal rights in these class actions at 310-914-5007 or by email to [email protected].

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS)
Class Period: February 27, 2016 – September 15, 2020
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: December 21, 2020

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that weaknesses existed in Marina Bay Sands’ casino control measures pertaining to fund transfers; (2) that the Marina Bay Sands’ casino was consequently prone to illicit fund transfers that implicated, among other issues, the transfer of customer funds to unauthorized persons and potential breaches in the Company’s anti-money laundering procedures; (3) that the foregoing foreseeably increased the risk of litigation against the Company, as well as investigation and increased oversight by regulatory authorities; (4) that Las Vegas Sands had inadequate disclosure controls and procedures; (5) that, consequently, all the foregoing issues were untimely disclosed; and (6) that, as a result, the Company’s public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

Innate Pharma SA (NASDAQ: IPHA)
Class Period: March 10, 2020 – September 8, 2020
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: December 22, 2020

The complaint filed alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Innate touted the results of their various Phase 2 trials as being within expectations; (2) Innate continued to reassure investors that they were eligible for the $100 million payment upon first dosing of Phase 3 trials; (3) Innate failed to timely disclose their renegotiations with AstraZeneca to split the $100 million payment into two $50 million payments, to be partially contingent on performance during the Phase 3 trials; and (4) as a result, Defendants’ statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

JP Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM)
Class Period: February 23, 2016 – September 23, 2020
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: December 23, 2020

The complaint filed alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) traders at the Company, with the knowledge and consent of their superiors, manipulated the precious metals market by “spoofing,” or placing fake orders to generate the appearance of market demand; (2) the Company had insufficient controls and compliance protocols to enable it to identify and stop the misconduct; (3) the Company’s earnings in the physical commodity market were, at least in part, ill-gotten; (4) such conduct would result in enhanced regulatory scrutiny; (5) the Company provided misleading information to CFTC investigators at early stages of the investigation into the misconduct; (6) resolution of the governmental investigation into the Company would result in a record-breaking $920 million fine; and (7) as a result, Defendants’ statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF)
Class Period: February 17, 2017 – October 22, 2020
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: December 24, 2020

The complaint filed alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) the Company failed to implement basic security standards to protect its customers’ sensitive personal information and data; (2) First American Financial faced a heightened risk of cybersecurity failure due to its automation and efficiency initiatives; and (3) as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/FRC_LAW.

To be a member of these class actions, you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about these class actions, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com.   If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contacts

The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles
Frank R. Cruz, 310-914-5007
[email protected]
www.frankcruzlaw.com 



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Ask Kodiak Partners with CIP for Real-Time Appetite and Eligibility

BOSTON, Dec. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ask Kodiak, an API platform providing real-time appetite and eligibility for commercial lines insurance companies, managing general agencies (MGAs), wholesalers, and agents, is pleased to announce a partnership with Commercial Insurance Partner LLC (CIP) to accurately share carrier appetite and eligibility information for dramatically improved quote speed and conversion rates.

Based in Moore, Oklahoma, CIP delivers a bolt-on efficiency solution through digital partnerships focused on lead acquisition, conversion, and risk appetite management for commercial lines insurance companies and utilized largely by sales centers. This partnership with Ask Kodiak is important to CIP since real-time knowledge of carrier appetite is critical to CIP’s ability to evaluate risk and match customers with the best commercial insurance partner.

“No one understands commercial appetite like Ask Kodiak,” said Jessica Chitwood-Long, president of CIP. “Without a complete understanding of a carrier’s appetite at any given point in time, it would be impossible for us to make recommendations and create efficiencies for our clients. We appreciate the unmatched accuracy Ask Kodiak brings to the table.”

In the rapidly changing world of commercial insurance, accurate underwriting is made even more difficult by rapidly changing eligibility rules in the insurance industry. Lack of real-time insight into carrier appetite by distribution partners compounds the problem by generating no quote situations and taking time away from more desirable business. Unfortunately, most carriers lack a viable digital mechanism for sharing appetite with partners submitting risks to the company’s call centers.

Utilizing the Ask Kodiak platform, insurance companies can store, update, and share appetite and eligibility information with any distribution partner via APIs for maximum efficiency, underwriting accuracy, quote-to-bind speed, and conversion rates. And, Ask Kodiak’s new industry standard for high-definition classification of commercial insurance risks, NAICS HD, utilizes all levels of the NAICS hierarchy, up to and including the sub-descriptions associated with six-digit national industry codes.

“CIP is building a very effective operation to supply carrier call centers with the exact type of customers they want to write,” said Michael Albert, co-founder of Ask Kodiak. “Ask Kodiak uses the most precise and granular classification code system – NAICS HD – to ensure our carrier partners efficiently classify and underwrite profitable risks.”

About Ask Kodiak

Ask Kodiak helps insurance carriers organize commercial insurance. The API-based technology platform that helps agents make product selections based on appetite and eligibility provided by insurance carriers wherever it’s needed. For more details, visit www.askkodiak.com.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Overhulse
St. Nick Media Services
(859) 803-6597
[email protected]



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VanEck Launches Two Corporate Bond ETFs Based on Leading1Credit Model From Moody’s Analytics

VanEck Launches Two Corporate Bond ETFs Based on Leading1Credit Model From Moody’s Analytics

MIG and MBBB utilize Moody’s Analytics credit risk data to look beyond traditional fixed income risk measures in selecting investment grade and BBB-rated bonds with the most attractive valuations

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–VanEck today announced the launch of two new corporate bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed to provide investors with important new tools to enhance their investment grade bond exposures. The VanEck Vectors® Moody’s Analytics® IG Corporate Bond ETF (MIG) and the VanEck Vectors® Moody’s Analytics® BBB Corporate Bond ETF (MBBB) both began trading today on the CBOE BZX Exchange, and join VanEck’s highly diversified family of income-focused ETF offerings.

Bonds are selected for the underlying indices by applying a Moody’s Analytics quantitative credit risk model, which provides investors with forward looking credit risk metrics, including a bond’s EDF™ (Expected Default Frequency) from which a fair value spread can be determined. The index methodology uses the model to identify bonds that offer attractive spreads relative to their embedded credit risk, and also uses the model to help identify bonds that are at a high risk of being downgraded to non-investment grade.

“The corporate bond universe is expansive and there can be a great deal of dispersion in terms of where the market is pricing risk and a bond’s fair value. Finding bonds with attractive valuations and achieving outperformance is built upon accurately evaluating a bond’s expected credit risk going forward. Incorporating market implied information into the selection process to evaluate credit risk allows you to do that, particularly in volatile markets,” said Fran Rodilosso, Head of Fixed Income ETF Portfolio Management at VanEck.

Moody’s Analytics, a subsidiary of Moody’s Corporation, is a leading provider of award-winning quantitative credit risk analysis tools. Moody’s Analytics CreditEdge® platform, which provides key inputs for the funds’ underlying indices, combines the industry’s leading probability of default model with cutting edge credit analytics to deliver a tool that can identify relative value and provide early warnings of credit deterioration.

“We have established a comprehensive set of metrics for early warning detection of credit defaults and downgrades,” said Nihil Patel, Managing Director at Moody’s Analytics. “Our research shows our credit risk metrics can help identify undervalued securities. We are thrilled to be able to offer our credit risk metrics for use in the indices underlying VanEck’s funds.”

MIG, which has an expense ratio of 20 bps, seeks to track the MVIS Moody’s Analytics US Investment Grade Corporate Bond Index (US IG Index). MBBB, which has an expense ratio of 25 bps, seeks to track the MVIS Moody’s Analytics US BBB Corporate Bond Index (BBB Index). Both indexes are rules-based and are the first U.S. investment grade bond indexes to be driven by Moody’s Analytics credit risk modeling. The indices rebalance monthly.

“Moody’s Analytics is the recognized industry leader in credit risk modeling so we are excited to be using their credit risk models and data to power these two new funds,” added William Sokol, Senior ETF Product Manager at VanEck. “We believe that these funds can offer investors the income potential and outperformance they are looking for without having to assume excessive risk, which is particularly important in this prolonged low yield environment.”

MIG and MBBB join a VanEck corporate bond ETF lineup that also includes the VanEck Vectors® Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF (ANGL®), which targets “fallen angel” high yield bonds and is ranked #1 out of 392 funds within the Morningstar High Yield Bond Category since inception1, and the VanEck Vectors® Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF (FLTR®), which focuses on U.S. dollar denominated floating rate notes issues by corporate issuers and rated investment grade and has a unique methodology that seeks to enhance yield potential without increasing interest rate risk.

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About VanEck

VanEck has a history of looking beyond the financial markets to identify trends that are likely to create impactful investment opportunities. We were one of the first U.S. asset managers to offer investors access to international markets. This set the tone for the firm’s drive to identify asset classes and trends – including gold investing in 1968, emerging markets in 1993, and exchange traded funds in 2006 – that subsequently shaped the investment management industry.

Today, VanEck offers active and passive strategies with compelling exposures supported by well-designed investment processes. As of October 31, 2020, VanEck managed approximately $60.2 billion in assets, including mutual funds, ETFs and institutional accounts. The firm’s capabilities range from core investment opportunities to more specialized exposures to enhance portfolio diversification. Our actively managed strategies are fueled by in-depth, bottom-up research and security selection from portfolio managers with direct experience in the sectors and regions in which they invest. Investability, liquidity, diversity, and transparency are key to the experienced decision-making around market and index selection underlying VanEck’s passive strategies.

Since our founding in 1955, putting our clients’ interests first, in all market environments, has been at the heart of the firm’s mission.

About Moody’s Analytics

Moody’s Analytics provides financial intelligence and analytical tools to help business leaders make better, faster decisions. Our deep risk expertise, expansive information resources, and innovative application of technology help our clients confidently navigate an evolving marketplace. We are known for our industry-leading and award-winning solutions, made up of research, data, software, and professional services, assembled to deliver a seamless customer experience. We create confidence in thousands of organizations worldwide, with our commitment to excellence, open mindset approach, and focus on meeting customer needs. For more information about Moody’s Analytics, visit our website or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Moody’s Analytics, Inc. is a subsidiary of Moody’s Corporation (NYSE: MCO). Moody’s Corporation reported revenue of $4.8 billion in 2019, employs approximately 11,400 people worldwide and maintains a presence in more than 40 countries.

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Important Disclosures

1 Source: ©2020 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Data as of 9/30/2020. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.

An investment in of the VanEck Vectors Moody’s Analytics IG Corporate Bond ETF or VanEck Vectors Moody’s Analytics BBB Corporate Bond ETF (the “Funds”) may be subject to risks which include, among others, investing in European issuers, foreign securities, BBB-rated bond, credit, interest rate, liquidity, restricted securities, consumer staples sector, financials sector, energy sector, communications sector, market, operational, high portfolio turnover, call, sampling, index tracking, authorized participant concentration, absence of prior active market, trading issues, passive management, non-diversified, and trading, premium/discount and liquidity of fund shares risks. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector and may be subject to more risk than investments in a diverse group of sectors.

An investment in VanEck Vectors Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF may be subject to risk which includes, among others, high yield securities, foreign securities, foreign currency, credit, interest rate, restricted securities, market, operational, call, sampling, basic materials, energy, financial services, telecommunications, index tracking, authorized participant concentration, no guarantee of active trading market, trading issues, passive management, fund shares trading, premium/discount and liquidity of fund shares and concentration risks, all of which may adversely affect the Fund.

An investment in VanEck Vectors Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF may be subject to risk which includes, among others, foreign securities, foreign currency, credit, interest rate, restricted securities, financial services, market, operational, sampling, index tracking, authorized participant concentration, no guarantee of active trading market, trading issues, passive management, fund shares trading, premium/discount and liquidity of fund shares, non-diversified and concentration risks, all of which may adversely affect the Fund.

Moody’s Analytics is a registered trademark of Moody’s Analytics, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used under license.

The Funds are not sponsored, promoted, sold or supported in any manner by Moody’s Analytics nor does Moody’s Analytics offer any express or implicit guarantee or assurance either with regard to the results of using the US IG Index and BBB Index (together, the “Indices”) and/or the Moody’s Analytics trademark or data at any time or in any other respect. Certain quantitative financial data used in calculating and publishing the Indices is licensed to the Funds manager by Moody’s Analytics. Moody’s Analytics has no obligation to point out errors in the data to third parties including but not limited to investors and/or financial intermediaries of the Funds. The licensing of data or the Moody’s Analytics trademark for the purpose of use in connection with the Indices and Funds does not constitutes a recommendation by Moody’s Analytics to invest capital in the Funds nor does it in any way represent an assurance or opinion of Moody’s Analytics with regard to any investment in this financial instrument.

MVIS does not sponsor, endorse, sell, promote or manage any investment fund or other investment vehicle that is offered by third parties and that seeks to provide and investment return based on the performance of any index. MVIS makes no assurance that investment products based on the index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. MVIS is not an investment advisor, and it makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in any such investment fund or other investment vehicle. A decision to invest in any such investment fund or other investment vehicle should not be made in reliance on any of the statements set forth in this document. MVIS is the index business of VanEck, a U.S. based investment management firm and provider of VanEck Vectors® ETFs.

Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus , which contains this and other information, call 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com/etfs . Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing.

1 Source: Moody’s Analytics based on various industry awards including Risk Technology Awards 2020 Winner (Best credit data provider, Best wholesale credit modelling software), Risk Technology Awards 2019 Winner (Best credit data provider, Best wholesale credit modelling software), and Data Management Awards 2018 Winner (Best risk data aggregation platform)

Chris Sullivan/Julia Stoll

MacMillan Communications

212.473.4442

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

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Progressive Care Announces Confidential Submission of Draft Registration Statement

MIAMI, FL, Dec. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire— Progressive Care Inc. (OTCQB: RXMD) (“Progressive Care” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that on November 9th it confidentially submitted a draft Registration Statement on Form S-1 to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to the proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The initial public offering is expected to take place after the SEC completes its review process, subject to market and other conditions.

This press release is being made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Rule 135 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or historical fact are forward-looking in nature and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding the occurrence and timing of the planned initial public offering of the Company’s common shares. When used herein, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “upcoming,” “plan,” “target,” “intend” and “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to Progressive Care Inc., its subsidiaries, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

Carlos Rangel
786-212-3459
[email protected]