Day: August 2, 2022

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Sphera Named a Market Leader for Carbon Management Software in Independent Research Report

Sphera’s ESG software was recognized in inaugural report on enterprise carbon management solutions by independent analyst firm

CHICAGO, Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sphera®, a leading global provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services, has been named a leader in the carbon management software market by Verdantix, an independent analyst firm, in its newest Green Quadrant report.

The Green Quadrant Carbon Management Software report aims to help organizations better understand the market evolution of the carbon management software ecosystem by taking a deep dive into the current software platform offerings. The benchmark report, based on the proprietary Verdantix Green Quadrant methodology, assessed 17 capability and 10 market momentum categories. The analysis was also based on a two-hour, live brief and product demonstration, vendor responses to 103 questions and customer interviews.

Sphera was awarded the highest score among vendors for carbon emissions calculation engine, data modelling for both Scope 3 upstream and downstream and carbon disclosure management. Sphera’s strong capabilities in the storage, sourcing, calculation and coverage of emissions factors were noted by Verdantix. Sphera’s Product Sustainability LCA Database (formerly GaBi), which covers over 15,000 datasets and contains LCA models for more than 700 grid mixes across 92 countries, was cited as a key differentiator. According to the Green Quadrant report, “Sphera is particularly well-positioned to serve firms in need of understanding their products’ carbon footprints and identify emissions hotspots within the supply chain,” and that Sphera “offers pre-built data models for upstream and downstream Scope 3 calculations.”

Sphera also received top scores for net-zero strategy development, data acquisition and data management, with automated data capture capabilities and integration with internal IT systems noted as key strengths. Additionally, Sphera received the highest score among vendors for carbon financial management. As noted in the report, “Asset managers and private equity fund managers can leverage Sphera’s financial data aggregation capabilities to collect information from different divisions, funds and portfolio organizations.” Just this year, the Blackstone Group, one of the largest private equity firms in the world and Sphera’s investor, integrated Sphera’s carbon accounting solutions into its emissions reduction program, which seeks to reduce carbon emissions by 15% across a number of Blackstone’s portfolio companies.

“We are very proud to be recognized by Verdantix as a leader in carbon management software,” said Paul Marushka, Sphera’s CEO and president. “Sphera is committed to helping our customers develop robust, science-based net zero targets that are measurable, actionable and auditable. And we’re excited to see the acknowledgement and validation of our solutions that have been adopted by leading companies across industries. Bringing innovative solutions to market that enable organizations to assess their emissions baseline, accelerate their decarbonization efforts and improve corporate sustainability performance is critical to our mission of creating a safer, more sustainable and productive world.”

Carbon accounting is an essential part of any climate strategy. Sphera’s carbon accounting and reporting solution enables companies to easily collect GHG emissions data, automatically calculate their organization’s carbon footprint, address and solve Scope 3 quantification challenges and respond to a multitude of reporting frameworks and stakeholder initiatives. The report also noted that for companies wanting both software and consulting from one firm, “Sphera offers an integrated solution, incorporating software, data and consulting expertise. [Its] sustainability consultants advise clients on defining net zero objectives and strategies that are then tracked in the software.”

About Sphera

Sphera is the leading provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services focusing on Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S), Operational Risk Management and Product Stewardship. For more than 30 years, we have served over 6,700 customers and a million-plus users in 80 countries to help companies keep their people safe, their products sustainable and their operations productive. Learn more about Sphera at www.sphera.com. Follow Sphera on LinkedIn.

Contact:
Astrid Dickinson
sphera@aspectusgroup.com

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Russia backs China on Taiwan as sanctions, incursions expected during Pelosi visit

Russia on Tuesday backed Beijing’s disapproval of an expected visit by U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the democratic island of Taiwan, calling it a “provocation,” as China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) engaged in live-fire military exercises across the Taiwan Strait.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing that Moscow opposes Taiwanese independence “in any form.”

Her comments came as the official media of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) made no mention of escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait after Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned President Joe Biden not to “play with fire” ahead of Pelosi’s planned arrival on Tuesday evening.

Neither the People’s Liberation Army Daily nor the CCP’s official newspaper, the People’s Daily, made any mention of the story, with the People’s Daily leading with agricultural developments in Fujian.

However, the English-language Global Times ran a top story titled “Tension escalates hours ahead of Pelosi’s potential Taiwan visit as PLA remains fully prepared for any crisis.”

It said any visit by Pelosi would be “a serious provocation and violation to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity which would be met with severe countermeasures from the Chinese military.”

The article largely repeated comments also made on Tuesday by Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

It also cited a maritime safety warning to shipping reporting live-fire military exercises off Weifang in the Bohai Sea on Aug. 3, while “military training in parts of the South China Sea” was reported by the Guangdong maritime authorities.

The paper’s former editor Hu Xijin tweeted on Tuesday: “Based on what I know, in response to Pelosi’s possible visit to Taiwan, Beijing has formulated a series of countermeasures, including military actions.”

Hu also tweeted on Monday: “If she dares to stop in Taiwan, it will be the moment to ignite the powder keg of the situation in the Taiwan Straits.”

Tacit understanding?

Current affairs commentator Johnny Lau said he expects there is more likely to be a tacit understanding between Beijing and Washington enabling Xi to step up the appearance of military threat to boost his support at home.

“Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is highly beneficial to Xi Jinping, who is taking the opportunity ensure that top military and political figures must unite around him ahead of the 20th CCP national congress [later this year],” Lau said.

“The mainland could have the PLA’s planes cross over the median line of the Taiwan Strait, and neither the U.S. nor Taiwan will attack them,” he said.

“Both sides know where the lines are drawn, and whoever fires the first shot will be responsible [for starting a war],” he said.

“Everyone is flexing their muscle in what is both a political show and a military gesture aimed at certain circles,” Lau said.

Wu Qiang, an independent researcher at Beijing’s Tsinghua University, said China could also announce sanctions on members of the Congressional delegation, including Pelosi, including banning them from entering China.

“If the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs imposes sanctions after Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, it would be no more than the sanctions imposed on other U.S. politicians in recent years,” Wu said.

“They could ban them from entering China or Hong Kong, freeze their assets there, and ban companies from doing business with their families,” Wu said.

Diplomacy failures

He said Beijing has little other recourse short of military action.

“Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan marks an unprecedented change in Sino-U.S. relations, which is of course due to the failure of Chinese diplomacy [in recent years],” he said.

China has also suspended imports from 35 Taiwanese exporters of biscuits and pastries since Monday.

Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported on Tuesday that China has listed 2,066 foodstuffs as being subject to “import suspension.”

Wu said such trade sanctions would likely continue as international support for the democratic island, which has never been ruled by the CCP, nor formed part of the People’s Republic of China, grows.

He said China could also try to restrict international maritime access to the Taiwan Strait.

“They could declare that the Taiwan Strait is China’s territorial waters, and its airspace part of China’s airspace, and say that foreign vessels [or aircraft] must get approval from China to enter them,” Wu said.

International relations scholar Zhong Shan agreed.

“China will definitely react in some way, maybe by including Taiwan in its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) … with military aircraft flying over or around the island,” Zhong said.

“It’s fairly easy for the foreign ministry to whip up populist sentiment, but it’s not so easy to suppress it again,” he said.

Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.

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Fogo de Chão Announces Plans to Enter Canada

Global restaurant brand continues expansion momentum with 10-unit deal with premier developer Debut Development Group

BarraShopping

Fogo de Chão recently opened the doors to its newest location at Rio de Janeiro’s BarraShopping, one of the largest retail and dining destinations in South America. https://fogodechao.com/newsroom

DALLAS, Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fogo de Chão, the internationally-renowned restaurant from Brazil that allows guests to make discoveries at every turn, today announced the signing of a franchise development agreement that will bring Fogo’s award-winning dining experience to Canada for the first time. Through the agreement, Debut Development Group, a leading developer, owner and operator of high-end restaurants, hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues worldwide, will bring 10 Fogo locations to Canada over the next 11 years. The announcement follows Fogo’s recently announced plans to enter Asia with its first development deal in the Philippines and is a key step in the Company’s strategic growth plans as it continues to expand throughout the United States and globally. Debut Development Group joins Fogo’s existing international franchise partners in the Philippines, Mexico, and the Middle East.

With 66 locations worldwide and growing, earlier in 2022 Fogo announced a 15 percent planned annual growth rate through company-owned restaurants, with an additional international capital light franchise development strategy. With the goal to bring the culinary art of churrasco to guests worldwide, the Company has announced 8-10 company-owned and 1-2 international franchise restaurant openings for 2022, supported by a strong pipeline of new restaurant development to meet demand in new and existing markets. Fogo’s newest openings include restaurants in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, El Segundo, Calif., Coral Gables, Fla. and Monterrey, Mexico, with planned openings in Queens, N.Y., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Paramus, N.J. and others expected later this year.

“We are proud to partner with Michael Wilkings, Chairman & CEO, and Jim Bowen, Chief Development Officer, and their experienced team at Debut Development Group, who’ve built an incredible reputation for success in developing and operating high-end hospitality brands around the world,” said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “We are focused on scaling Fogo and executing on our strategic growth goals. The Canadian market represents a strong opportunity to continue our growth in North America and to bring our distinctive Fogo experience to local guests, many of whom have visited us on their travels around the globe.”

El Segundo

In May of 2022 Fogo opened its newest U.S. location and third Los Angeles-area restaurant in El Segundo, Calif. https://fogodechao.com/newsroom

Toronto-based Debut Development Group is a leading hospitality and hotel owner, developer, and operator with a proven track record of successfully scaling concepts internationally. With an extensive global footprint, Debut Development Group’s portfolio includes high-end brands including Grand Hyatt, Margaritaville, Nikki Beach, Wolfgang Puck Café, Juliana’s, Cipriani, the Vogue Club, and more.

“Fogo de Chão is a very attractive partner for us given its established, proven concept and unique experience built on discovery,” said Michael Wilkings, CEO, Chairman and Founder of Debut Development Group. “We’re honored to partner with Fogo to create additional value for the brand and bring Canadian guests a dining experience unlike any other.”

Coral Gables

Guests can enjoy new brand extensions such at the Next Level Lounge and The Butchery in the recently opened Coral Gables, Fla. Location. https://fogodechao.com/newsroom

Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo de Chão is a nearly 45-year-old brand known for its dining experience of discovery and showcasing the culinary art of churrasco where guests can watch as gaucho chefs butcher, hand-carve and grill high-quality cuts of protein over an open flame. With a modern, timeless design and signature offerings including a fresh and seasonal Market Table and an award-winning Bar Fogo menu featuring hand-crafted cocktails and South American wines, Fogo has become a destination of choice by both brand advocates and new guests globally.

Monterrey

Fogo de Chão opened a location in Monterrey, Mexico earlier this year as part of their larger international franchise expansion plan. https://fogodechao.com/newsroom

For more information about Fogo de Chão, visit fogo.com. To learn more about global franchising opportunities, visit fogo.com/global-development/.

About Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão (fogo-dee-shown) is an internationally renowned restaurant that allows guests to discover what’s next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old cooking technique of churrasco – the art of roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame – into a cultural dining experience of discovery. In addition to its Market Table and Feijoada Bar – which includes seasonal salads and soup, fresh vegetables, imported charcuterie and more – guests are served simply-seasoned meats that are butchered, fire-roasted and carved tableside by gaucho chefs. Guests can also indulge in dry-aged or premium Wagyu cuts, seafood a la carte, All-Day Happy Hour including signature cocktails, and an award-winning South American wine list, as well as smaller, sharable plates in Bar Fogo. Fogo offers differentiated menus for all dayparts including lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and group dining, plus full-service catering and contactless takeout and delivery options. For locations and more information about Fogo de Chão, visit fogo.com.

About Debut Development Group
Debut Development Group is a developer, owner, operator and consultant for high-end hotels, resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues, with worldwide experience and credentials. The Debut team has worked at the leading edge of hospitality for over 40 years and are known for fostering signature leisure experiences. Specializing in high-end brand relationships, the Debut group is associated with many premium resort, restaurant and entertainment concepts globally, including the Grand Hyatt Resort & Residences in Grand Cayman, the Cipriani Dining & Entertainment Complex in Abu Dhabi, and a forthcoming 300 key, 5-Star, major-brand resort in Tulum, Mexico.

Media Contact:
FogoPR@icrinc.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/61d12c95-d29d-45d7-87eb-2bad1f30d04d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ce384bd1-778c-4d3d-98a7-2e864c86259b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4389a5b2-94bf-4bc1-bdd6-8da938749f3a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc8c9293-b054-44c1-b9a4-baadd81b90f1

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NYI Expands 60 Hudson Street Operations

The acquisition of the Equinix NY8 facility brings additional datacenter capacity and cost-effective access to a broad carrier ecosystem in New York City

60 Hudson Street, New York City

A global interconnection hub

NEW YORK, Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NYI, a leading provider of hybrid infrastructure solutions and managed services, has expanded its 60 Hudson Street operations through the addition of space formerly occupied by Equinix. The expansion is the result of a joint venture with QTD Systems, who acquired the Equinix space in a transaction that closed on August 1, 2022.

With this integration, NYI doubles its datacenter footprint and immediately expands the carrier ecosystem available to customers. The expansion also includes significant additional conduit infrastructure and access to POE’s which will provide for unmatched capacity and reach in NYC’s most connected building. Together with NYI’s existing in-building capabilities, customers will now have access to unparalleled levels of resilience as they deploy their interconnection strategy.

“With the accelerating pace of digital transformation, the role of 60 Hudson Street as the preeminent home for global carriers in New York City becomes invaluable in terms of meeting the growing connectivity needs of customers,” says Phillip Koblence, NYI Co-Founder and COO. “With this integration, NYI grows in its ability to serve as the premier facilitator of access to this global interconnection gateway while making deployments at 60 Hudson Street simpler and more cost effective.”

“I have a long history at 60 Hudson Street, where I established several long-standing and still operational data center and connectivity businesses over the last twenty years. I look forward to NYI’s continued quality of services and their building upon Equinix’s 60 Hudson NY8 infrastructure in driving the future of interconnection,” adds Peter Feldman, CEO of QTD Systems.

The expansion will benefit multiple parties:

  • Former Equinix customers will enjoy operational continuity and access to NYI’s on-premise expert technical staff, cost-effective interconnection platform and suite of hybrid infrastructure solutions and high-touch managed services.
  • Domestic and international customers will gain access to more space and power, and to an expanded carrier ecosystem.
  • Telecommunication providers and carriers will benefit from seamless and cost-effective access to NYI’s expanded in-building conduit infrastructure and additional points of entry.

With expanded capabilities and a continued commitment to cutting through complexity and providing a seamless customer experience, NYI hopes to level the playing field, making interconnection at 60 Hudson Street simpler and more accessible from both a deployment and cost perspective, for carriers, content providers, and enterprises of all sizes.

About NYI

NYI is a leading provider of hybrid infrastructure, network, and interconnection solutions. The company is known for cutting through the complexity of the IT landscape and facilitating custom solutions to address the critical infrastructure and connectivity needs of clients across industries. NYI is headquartered in New York City and provides enterprise services into key global markets through a trusted ecosystem of partners. To learn more about NYI, visit nyi.net or follow NYI on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Iromie Weeramantry, VP Marketing
marketing@nyi.net

About QTD Systems

Peter Feldman, CEO of QTD Systems, has 25+ years of datacenter development, operations, management, and design experience including the founding of two long-standing businesses at 60 Hudson Street in New York City — Telx (Now Digital Realty Trust) and DataGryd (now Hudson IX). He also co-founded Digital Crossroads in Hammond, Indiana. QTD Systems will be focusing on developing the next generation of Quantum technology in partnership with Novum Industria, an MIT spinoff and member of the Quantum Economic Development Corp (QED-C) in the former NY8 facility.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0cab232c-0c8d-4915-9d67-15f658bcef3b

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OKX makes peer-to-peer trading safe, accessible and fee-free

  • In addition to expanding payment methods to make P2P Trading more accessible, OKX acts as an intermediary to offer risk management to traders
  • OKX also does not charge any fees for P2P Trading

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — World-leading cryptocurrency platform OKX has today introduced its new-and-improved P2P (peer-to-peer) Trading platform. The service not only allows users to trade seamlessly between one another, but makes safe, reliable P2P trading available to a far broader range of users.

P2P Trading on OKX empowers users to become their own marketplace by issuing “advertisements” in order to trade with one another and better control the price they buy and sell at. This includes users in unbanked markets who may lack access to conventional banking infrastructure. OKX’s P2P Trading platform not only offers more than 900 payment methods from across 40 different currencies, but is offered to users free of fees.

Lennix Lai, Director of Financial Markets, OKX, said: “P2P Trading on OKX empowers users to trade on their own terms. But more importantly, it makes secure person-to-person trading accessible to far more people, including those around the world who lack access to traditional banking services. This is one of the ways in which OKX is empowering users the world over to liberate themselves from traditional financial systems and strive to attain financial independence.”

The OKX platform plays a facilitation and risk management role in P2P trades. After a deal is struck between users, OKX holds the funds in escrow until the buyer’s payment is confirmed. This allows the exchange to manage the risks faced by users and ensure safe and stable trading between them.

OKX’s overhaul of its P2P Trading platform includes a new-and-improved homepage UI, and an easy-to-use navigation bar that makes it easy to switch seamlessly between the marketplace, orders and ads. The revamp also provides streamlined access to P2P guides, FAQs and tutorials to help users learn how to get the best out of the platform.

Discover more about how to P2P trade on the OKX Academy, or check OKX P2P Trading out for yourself here.

For further information, please contact:
Media@okx.com

About OKX
OKX is a leading crypto trading app, and a Web3 ecosystem. Trusted by more than 20 million global customers in over 180 international markets, OKX is known for being the fastest and most reliable crypto trading app of choice for investors and professional traders globally.

To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com

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EV Technology Group Appoints Mark Stubbs, Former Radford Executive and Designer at Ford, Bugatti and Nissan, as Head of Design

TORONTO, Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  EV Technology Group Ltd. (the “Company” or “EV Technology Group”) (OTCQB: EVTGF, NEO: EVTG, DE: B96A), announces today the appointment of Mark Stubbs as Head of Design of EV Technology Group. The ex-Radford Motors Executive and designer at legendary automotive brands from Ford to Bugatti to Nissan and General Motors is the latest key hire for EV Technology Group as they continue with their expansion plans.

As Head of Design, Mr. Stubbs will lead the design direction of all the iconic brands under the EV Technology Group strategic brands group. This currently includes iconic brands such as the MOKE as owned by MOKE International. Mr. Stubbs was formerly the Founder and Chief Designer at Radford Motors, the luxury coachbuilder that was originally founded in 1948. Mr. Stubbs notably relaunched the brand in 2021 with the Lotus Type 62-2 at the exclusive Quail Lodge gathering in Pebble Beach.

Mr. Stubbs holds over 20 years of experience in automotive design, with a successful track record of leading design for top OEMs such as Ford, General Motors, and Bugatti, making him one of the most prevalent car designers of today.

Stubbs will play an integral role at EV Technology Group, bringing his specialised knowledge and expertise to the board to create value to the brand and align with the Company’s mission to bring back the joy of motoring in an electric world. He will be working alongside Chief Product Officer Dan Burge, focusing on product in the United States, a key market for the Company where rapid growth is expected in the next 12 months.

Pictured: Mark Stubbs, Head of Design at EV Technology Group

Pictured: Mark Stubbs, Head of Design at EV Technology Group

“I am incredibly pleased to announce that Mark is joining EV Technology Group,” said Wouter Witvoet, EV Technology Group’s CEO and Founder. “Mark is a highly regarded veteran within the automotive world who has helped shape the designs of many celebrated vehicles. He also has an incredibly specialised design skillset, making him an integral piece of our puzzle as we go through the phases of rapid growth.”

“When I saw the vision of EV Technology Group I wanted to be involved,” said Mark Stubbs, Head of Design at EV Technology Group. “Wouter and the team have discovered the secret ingredient to success in the EV space. I believe what’s important and missing in this space is understanding the essence that makes an iconic car an icon, the key is preserving this experience yet still embracing tomorrow’s technology and design. I’m passionate about brands and their historic value and I’m excited to bring my design and industry knowledge to the company, and honoured to be able to bring back iconic automotive brands and create future iconic vehicles under the EV Technology Group’s EV portfolio.”

EV Technology Group

EV Technology Group was founded in 2021 with a vision of electrifying iconic brands – and a mission of redefining the joy of motoring for the electric age. By acquiring iconic brands and bringing beloved motoring experiences to the electric age, EVT Group is driving the EV revolution forward. Backed by a diversified team of passionate entrepreneurs, engineers and driving enthusiasts, EVT Group creates value for its customers by owning the total customer experience — acquiring and partnering with iconic brands with significant growth potential in unique markets, and controlling end-to-end capabilities. To learn more visit: https://evtgroup.com/

Media
Rachael D’Amore
rachael@talkshopmedia.com
+1519-564-9850

Investor Relations
Dave Gentry
dave@redchip.com
+14074914498

EV Technology Group
Wouter Witvoet
CEO and Chairman of the Board
wouter@evtgroup.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the appointment of Mark Stubbs and statements about the Company’s strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions. Often, but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as “estimated”, “potential”, “open”, “future”, “assumed”, “projected”, “used”, “detailed”, “has been”, “gain”, “planned”, “reflecting”, “will”, “containing”, “remaining”, “to be”, or statements that events, “could” or “should” occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements, including those factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the filing statement of the Company. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except where required by law. There can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

THE NEO STOCK EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4489245e-5aee-4a52-b79a-b0b8f989aaaa