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Silver Spring, MD, Nov. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Two Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) projects are finalists for the S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards, an annual program recognizing exemplary corporate and individual innovation, leadership and superior performance. The 2020 finalists, chosen from some 300 nominated entries from over three dozen countries, were just announced by program host S&P Global Platts, the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets. 

The CPV Fairview Energy Center and the CPV Three Rivers Energy Center are the two project finalists for this year’s Global Energy Awards in the categories of Construction Project of the Year and Deal of the Year – Financial, respectively.

CPV Fairview, a 1,050-MW natural gas-fired facility in Jackson Township, Pennsylvania is a $1 billion plant that came online in December 2019, several months ahead of schedule, through outstanding partnerships with Osaka Gas USA, Kiewit as construction contractor, and General Electric (GE) as CPV’s major equipment supplier. Located on a remediated brownfield site, CPV Fairview uses GE’s DLN2.6+ combustion system for enhanced plant economics and was constructed utilizing union labor through local and national contractors: Kiewit, as well as Charles J. Merlo, Laurel Management and Cenergy. It is the first and only facility of its scale in the world to possess high content ethane blending with natural gas capabilities.

CPV Three Rivers is a planned 1,250-megawatt natural-gas-fueled, combined-cycle electric generation facility representing more than $1.3 billion in private investment, including $875 million of senior credit facilities. The project’s financing was completed in partnership with GE Energy Financial Services, Osaka Gas USA, Axium Infrastructure, and Harrison Street. Capital raising for the project was challenged due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing market liquidity considerations but the sponsors prevailed and closed on the market’s first debt and equity raise in 2020 for a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) in the ComEd zone of PJM. Financial closing was arranged on a true club basis with broad-based support from a diverse group of 14 international financial institutions and investment from the equity partners. CPV Three Rivers will utilize GE’s latest highly-efficient HA turbine technology, which enables an unmatched efficiency of greater than 64%, with industry-leading flexibility, and meet the demand of up to 1.25 million homes and businesses serving Northern Illinois, including Chicago.

“We are honored to see CPV Fairview and CPV Three Rivers recognized as finalists in this year’s Global Energy Awards,” said CPV CEO Gary Lambert. “Given the unusual and difficult circumstances presented by a pandemic, I’m especially grateful to reflect back on all of our partners’ contributions toward CPV’s successes this past year in the financing, developing and constructing of these projects. We look forward to many more years of providing safe, reliable, cost effective and environmentally responsible energy to the communities where we build and operate.”

Established in 1999 and often described as “the Oscars” of the energy industry, the S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards highlight achievement in 21 categories spanning the entire energy complex.

“The Global Energy Awards, nominations and finalists continue to reflect the evolution of the industry, highlighting technology innovations, as well as accelerated focus on energy transition to a lower-carbon environment,” said Martin Fraenkel, president, S&P Global Platts. “Innovation, resolve and transformation were characteristic throughout this year’s applications and each of the finalists and nominees are to be congratulated for their accomplishments.”

Winners will be selected from each corresponding group of finalists by the Global Energy Awards’ independent panel of judges and announced at the live-streamed Global Energy Awards Virtual Gala on December 10^th. Energy Company of the Year will be chosen from the entire list of finalists, regardless of original category.

Emmy and Tony award-winning actor and comedian Jason Alexander (Seinfeld’s “George Costanza”) will emcee and entertain at this year’s Global Energy Awards program. View this link (https://youtu.be/NwN8FxgAYnk) to watch Alexander’s engaging and irreverent Global Energy Awards preview.

To view the full list of Awards categories and list of finalists for the 2020 S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards visit: https://www.spglobal.com/platts/global-energy-awards/finalists.

S&P Global Platts is the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets. Customers in over 150 countries look to Platts’ expertise in news, pricing and analytics to deliver greater transparency and efficiency to markets. S&P Global Platts coverage includes oil and gas, power, petrochemicals, metals, agriculture and shipping. S&P Global Platts is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for companies, governments and individuals to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit http://spglobal.com/platts.

About CPV

Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) is uniquely positioned to leverage global technology and financial partnerships to help modernize America’s power generation. Together with our investors, partners, host communities and other key stakeholders, we are driven to improve our energy infrastructure by developing and operating power generation facilities using cutting edge, domestically available natural gas and renewable power technologies. Headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, with an office in Braintree, MA, the company has ownership interest in 5.3 GW of clean generation across the United States. The company’s Asset Management division currently manages more than 10.6 GW of fossil and renewable generating facilities in nine states for 13 different owner groups. Our focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and sustained track record of success have enabled us to grow into the number one thermal developer and one of North America’s premier energy companies. For more information: www.cpv.com and follow CPV on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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EDMONTON, Alberta, Nov. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Cannabis Inc. (the “Company” or “Aurora”) (NYSE | TSX: ACB), the Canadian company defining the future of cannabinoids worldwide, announced today the closing of its previously announced overnight marketed public offering (the “Offering”) of units of the Company (the “Units”) for total gross proceeds of US$172,500,000. The Company sold 23,000,000 Units at a price of US$7.50 per Unit, including 3,000,000 Units sold pursuant to the exercise in full of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a “Common Share”) and one half of one
common share purchase warrant of the Company (each full common share purchase warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company (a “Warrant Share”) for a period of 40 months following the closing date of the Offering at an exercise price of US$9.00 per Warrant Share, subject to adjustment in certain events.

BMO Capital Markets and ATB Capital Markets acted as the bookrunners for the Offering.

The Company plans to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund growth opportunities, working capital, and other general corporate purposes.

In connection with the Offering, the Company filed a prospectus supplement (the “Prospectus Supplement”) to the Company’s short form base shelf prospectus dated October 28, 2020 (the “Base Shelf Prospectus”) with the securities commissions or similar securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as part of the Company’s registration statement on Form F-10 (the “Registration Statement”) under the U.S./Canada Multijurisdictional Disclosure System. The Prospectus Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus and the Registration Statement contain important detailed information about the Company and the Offering.

Copies of the Prospectus Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and copies of the Prospectus Supplement and the Registration Statement are available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Copies of the Prospectus Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus and the Registration Statement may also be obtained from BMO Capital Markets by contacting BMO Capital Markets, Brampton Distribution Centre C/O The Data Group of Companies, 9195 Torbram Road, Brampton, Ontario, L6S 6H2 or by telephone at (905) 791-3151 Ext 431 or by email at [email protected] or from BMO Capital Markets Corp., Attn: Equity Syndicate Department, 3 Times Square, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10036 (Attn: Equity Syndicate), or by telephone at (800) 414-3627 or by email at [email protected]. Copies of such documents may also be obtained from ATB Capital Markets Inc., Attn: Gail O’Connor, 410-585 8th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1G1, (403) 539-8629 or by email from [email protected].

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. This press release is for information purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Aurora 

Aurora is a global leader in the cannabis industry serving both the medical and consumer markets. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora is a pioneer in global cannabis dedicated to helping people improve their lives. The Company’s brand portfolio includes Aurora, Aurora Drift, San Rafael ‘71, Daily Special, AltaVie, MedReleaf, CanniMed, Whistler, and Reliva CBD. Providing customers with innovative, high-quality cannabis products, Aurora’s brands continue to break through as industry leaders in the medical, performance, wellness and recreational markets wherever they are launched. For more information, please visit our website at www.auroramj.com.

Aurora’s common shares trade on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol “ACB”, and is a constituent of the S&P/TSX Composite Index.

Further Information

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes statements containing certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities law (“forward-looking statements“). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “continue”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include statements regarding the expected use of proceeds of the Offering. These forward-looking statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward looking statements are based on the opinions, estimates and assumptions of management in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected developments at the date the statements are made, such as current and future market conditions, the ability to maintain SG&A costs in line with current expectations, the ability to achieve high margin revenues in the Canadian consumer market, the current and future regulatory environment and future approvals and permits. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances could cause actual events, results, level of activity, performance, prospects, opportunities or achievements to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks associated with: entering the U.S. market, the ability to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the acquisition of Reliva, achievement of Aurora’s business transformation plan, general business and economic conditions, changes in laws and regulations, product demand, changes in prices of required commodities, competition, the effects of and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form dated September 24, 2020 (the “AIF”) and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company’s issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and filed with and available on the SEC’s website at www.edgar.gov, any of which could cause the Company to change its use of proceeds from the Offering. The Company cautions that the list of risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the AIF is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA, “Playa”), a leading owner and operator of all-inclusive resorts across Mexico and throughout the Caribbean, has reopened Hilton La Romana an All-Inclusive Adult Resort and Hilton La Romana an All-Inclusive Family Resort since temporarily suspending operations in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On November 15, 2020, Hilton La Romana’s first guests since reopening were warmly welcomed by associates to a grand celebration with live music, dancing, acrobatic performances and a ribbon cutting ceremony. The celebration went into the night with a karaoke party and special gifts and continued the next day with special programming. All activities—including beach and pool activities, fitness classes, and more—are being held while following rigorous health and safety protocols, with proper equipment and social distancing.

The newly renovated and expanded Hilton La Romana all-inclusive resorts located in the fishing town of Bayahibe on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, offer an all-inclusive experience for adults and a separate setting for families. Presenting a private world of all-inclusive luxury, the two upscale resorts are known for one of nature’s most pristine beaches, exquisite accommodations, true gourmet dining and a wealth of amenities and activities for every age and interest.

“We are ecstatic to reopen these two fabulous resorts and to welcome all guests who have chosen Hilton La Romana in a very special way,” explained Carlos Fresco, Hilton La Romana General Manager. “We are grateful for the opportunity to host guests during this delicate time for the world. They can certainly count on the commitment of all our associates to not only ensure the enjoyment of their vacations, but also to protect them with the protocols and confidence that only a brand like Hilton can offer.”

Playa Safe Stay™

In response to COVID-19, Playa has developed Playa Safe Stay™ with the help of trusted global hospitality brands and key sectors of the travel industry to create a safe and fun vacation environment for guests.

For more information on Playa Safe Stay™, please visit PlayaResorts.com/safe-stay-promise.

Playa is currently offering amazing savings and free 24-hour cancelation as part of The Goodbye 2020 Sale. For more information on Hilton La Romana or Playa Hotels & Resorts and these special offers, visit PlayaResorts.com.

About Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V.

Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (“Playa”) is a leading owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive resorts in prime beachfront locations in popular vacation destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Playa owns and/or manages a total portfolio consisting of 21 resorts (8,172 rooms) located in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. In Mexico, Playa owns and manages Hyatt Zilara Cancun, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Panama Jack Resorts Cancun, Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen, Hilton Playa del Carmen an All-Inclusive Resort, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta and Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos. In Jamaica, Playa owns and manages Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa and Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa. In the Dominican Republic, Playa owns and manages Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Hilton La Romana an All-Inclusive Family Resort and Hilton La Romana an All-Inclusive Adult Resort. Playa also owns four resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic that are managed by a third party and Playa manages Sanctuary Cap Cana, in the Dominican Republic.

Media Contact:

Playa Hotels & Resorts
[email protected]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UFP Industries (Nasdaq: UFPI) today announced that affiliates of UFP Construction LLC acquired the assets of three companies: Atlantic Prefab, Inc.; Exterior Designs, LLC; and Patriot Building Systems, LLC. The companies, which had combined trailing 12-month sales through September of approximately $28 million, serve the commercial and multi-family construction markets in the Northeast. The operational leadership of the companies will remain unchanged.

“The employees of these three companies have done an excellent job growing their businesses, creating long-term relationships with customers, and developing expertise in areas of commercial and multi-family construction that are mostly new to UFP Industries. They will help us expand our product offerings and give other UFP companies opportunities to extend their existing business lines into new markets,” said Mike Ellerbrook, executive vice president, Site Built, for UFP Construction.

Based in Wilton, New Hampshire, Atlantic Prefab produces prefabricated steel wall panels and light gauge metal trusses. The company’s steel component and prefinished wall panel lines are new, value-added product additions for UFP Construction that help shorten project timelines.

Exterior Designs is a leading installer of siding and exterior cladding such as fiber cement, ACM (aluminum composite material) panels, phenolic panels, and EIFS (exterior insulation and finish systems). The company is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and serves commercial and multi-family clients throughout the Northeast.

Also based in Londonderry, Patriot Building Systems provides commercial and multi-family framing services in the Northeast and will focus on markets not currently served by companies of UFP Industries.

“It’s been a pleasure working with UFP Industries during this transaction,” said Mike Dion, majority owner of the acquired companies. “I want to thank the employees of all three companies for their commitment and excellent work over the years. It’s reassuring to know that our employees and customers are in good hands and will be well taken care of.”

“Last year, we reorganized our operations to bring more focus and more efficient use of capital and resources to the markets we serve,” said UFP Industries CEO Matthew J. Missad. “The acquisition of these three complementary companies is an example of how our reorganization is helping us grow and bring more value-added products and services to our construction customers. These companies have outstanding reputations, and we’re excited that they’ve joined the UFP family of companies.”

UFP Industries
, Inc.

UFP Industries is a holding company whose subsidiaries supply wood, wood composite and other products to three markets: retail, construction and industrial. Founded in 1955, the company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with affiliates throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more about UFP Industries, go to www.ufpi.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the markets we serve, the economy and the Company itself. Words like “anticipates,” “believes,” “confident,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “likely,” “plans,” “projects,” “should,” variations of such words, and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. These statements do not guarantee future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, events, or assumptions that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. Actual results could differ materially from those included in such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements are the following: fluctuations in the price of lumber; adverse or unusual weather conditions; adverse economic conditions in the markets we serve; government regulations, particularly involving environmental and safety regulations; and our ability to make successful business acquisitions. Certain of these risk factors as well as other risk factors and additional information are included in the Company’s reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

—————AT THE COMPANY—————

Dick Gauthier
VP, Business Outreach
(616) 365-1555

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Genius Brands International, Inc. (“Genius Brands” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GNUS), a global brand management company that creates and licenses multimedia entertainment content for children, today announced plans for a transformative acquisition of ChizComm Ltd., a leading North American marketing and media agency, as well as ChizComm Beacon Media, its best-in-class media research, planning and buying division.

ChizComm is the largest purchaser of children’s media across both traditional and digital platforms in North America, as well as a leader in PR, media, and marketing within the kids/family media and consumer product sectors. Founded by Harold and Jennifer Chizick in 2013, with offices in New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Toronto, the company represents more than 30 major toy companies and some of the most powerful and iconic brands in the children and family media and toy industries.

ChizComm Beacon Media has consistently been ranked the largest media buyer within the Kids 2-11 age group, representing over 32% of total Gross Rating Points (GRPs).  ChizComm Beacon Media has gained market share year-to-date, and now represents 34% of the total GRPs within the Kids 2-11 demographic.  The company’s unique purchasing power and extensive media relationships across networks, including Viacom, Warner Media, Disney, YouTube and other digital platforms, offer clients an unmatched competitive advantage and access to audiences of all ages.

“Our strategy has been to accelerate the growth of Genius Brands through smart and accretive acquisitions. ChizComm achieves this goal and more, by driving revenue and generating immediate synergies and strategic opportunities to enhance the core businesses of Genius,” stated Genius Brands’ Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward. “ChizComm’s reputation, integrity and unparalleled passion for the industry is completely aligned with what we stand for. Their team has very smartly built an incredible marketing engine with best-in-class ability to connect brands and consumers in a highly competitive market, and we see that as a powerful complement to our forward growth at Genius Brands, including Kartoon Channel!”

Well known for its growth, track record and extensive expertise in toy, kids entertainment, gaming and related industries, ChizComm’s comprehensive integrated marketing approach and deep understanding of kids, youth, millennials and parents help brands connect with audiences to drive growth and make noise using PR, social media, influencer marketing, and paid media strategies.

The addition of marketing and media buying expertise positions the Company to create synergies and fuel new opportunities with broadcast clients and toy companies, for innovative offerings, reach and engagement in a rapidly evolving landscape as well as fueling the growth of Kartoon Channel!.

As a part of the transaction, ChizComm Ltd and ChizComm Beacon Media will continue to operate as independent divisions of Genius Brands, under the leadership of Harold Chizick as CEO, Jennifer Chizick as COO, Donna MacNeil as President, and Kathleen Campisano as ChizComm Global CMO and GM of ChizComm Beacon Media.

“We are simply thrilled to find a partner in Genius Brands who shares our energy, enthusiasm and passion for the business of entertainment, media, licensing and consumer products,” said Harold Chizick, ChizComm CEO and Co-Founder. “Many of our clients are expanding into content development and licensing opportunities, so this partnership extends our capabilities to meet our clients’ evolving needs. This transaction also provides us a solid financial partner and additional resources to further accelerate our growth.”

About Genius Brands International

Genius Brands International, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNUS) is a leading global kids media company developing, producing, marketing and licensing branded children’s entertainment properties and consumer products for media and retail distribution. The Company’s award-winning ‘content with a purpose’ portfolio includes the upcoming Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and in partnership with Alibaba; Rainbow Rangers for Nick Jr.; Llama Llama, starring Jennifer Garner, for Netflix; award-winning toddler brand Baby Genius; adventure comedy STEM series Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab; and entrepreneurship series Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, and the recently announced SHAQ’S GARAGE produced in association with Shaquille O’Neal and Authentic Brands Group. Through licensing agreements with leading partners, characters from Genius Brands’ IP also appear on a wide range of consumer products for the worldwide retail marketplace. The Company’s new Kartoon Channel! is available in over 100 million U.S. television households via a broad range of distribution platforms, including Comcast, Cox, DISH, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, Apple iOs, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and more.

About
ChizComm

ChizComm is a full-service marketing and communications agency, specializing in the strategic planning and execution of public relations, digital marketing, social media, and creative services. Through its ChizComm Beacon Media division, ChizComm offers media research, planning, and buying services. The company is the largest purchaser of children’s media across traditional and emerging platforms (including TV, OTT, VOD, OLV, Social and Digital Media). Focused on cultivating long-lasting, impactful connections between consumers and brands across a diverse range of industries including consumer products, entertainment, gaming, lifestyle and tech. ChizComm’s integrated expertise brings the voice of brands to the forefront and makes them part of influential consumer conversation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2334d91e-d2ba-45d1-b76e-1c035791e355