Deal Facilitated by Viking Mergers & Acquisitions

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- JBI Technologies Inc. (JBI), a full-service IT consulting and systems integration firm serving the hospitality industry exclusively, has been acquired by EP Technology Group in a strategic transaction designed to accelerate the company's growth while preserving the relationships and industry reputation that have defined the business since its founding in 2011.

Founder Jerry Balousek will remain actively involved in the business, providing leadership and continuity as JBI enters its next phase of growth.

"Successful outcomes like this transaction are a source of pride for Viking," said Larry Lawson II, President of Viking's Florida Division. "Andrew and Max demonstrated the value of a focused deal team, combining transaction expertise with an unwavering commitment to exceeding our clients' expectations."

Founded by Balousek after more than 20 years in the technology industry, JBI has built a strong reputation for supporting hotel properties through technology infrastructure projects, new construction deployments, structured cabling, IT buildouts, and ongoing support services. What began as a specialized focus on hotel development projects evolved into a trusted technology partner serving hospitality brands across the country. Through organic growth and a continued commitment to client service, the company established itself as a respected provider within the hospitality technology sector.

EP Technology Group pursued the acquisition as part of its strategy to expand its capabilities and strengthen its position within the managed services and technology infrastructure market. The combination brings together JBI's deep hospitality expertise with EP Technology Group's broader operational resources and growth platform, creating new opportunities for employees, customers, and partners.

The transaction also reflects a carefully managed process that generated significant buyer interest. As the business reached an inflection point, Balousek sought a partner that could help expand JBI's capabilities while preserving the culture and customer-focused approach that had contributed to its success. After evaluating multiple opportunities, EP Technology Group emerged as a strong strategic fit to support the company's long-term vision and continued growth.

Andrew Hakkarainen, Associate Partner, and Max Roix, Advisor, of Viking Mergers & Acquisitions represented JBI throughout the transaction.

"JBI had established a strong reputation within a highly specialized segment of the technology services industry," said Hakkarainen. "This transaction brought together a founder who was committed to the future of the business and a buyer with the resources and strategic vision to help accelerate growth. We are proud to have helped both parties achieve a successful outcome."

With the support of EP Technology Group and its leadership team, JBI is well-positioned to expand its service offerings, strengthen client relationships, and continue serving the hospitality industry with the same commitment to quality and expertise that has defined the business since its founding.

About Viking Mergers and Acquisitions Florida Division

Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, with offices strategically located throughout Florida, supports business owners with annual revenues ranging from $2M to $250M. Viking offers complimentary business valuation services, ongoing valuation updates, and comprehensive exit planning and strategy for small and middle-market business owners.

As one of the largest and most successful mergers and acquisitions firms in the United States, Viking is headquartered in Tampa, FL, and Charlotte, NC. The firm has offices strategically positioned across the U.S., providing exceptional brokerage services as well as mergers & acquisitions advisory work. Over the past three decades, Viking has successfully sold over 950 businesses, achieving a closing ratio of nearly four times the industry average. Viking consistently maintains an impressive 85% closing rate, securing sellers an average of 96% of their asking price.

Visit https://www.vikingmerger.com to request a confidential, complimentary business valuation or to access more information regarding selling or buying a business.

SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions

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ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Market Updates News Commentary - Executives and directors receive stock in many ways: grants, option exercises, performance awards. None of those require them to spend their own money. An open-market purchase does. When an insider buys shares at the market price, with personal capital, and then reports the trade to regulators, it is one of the few public signals of how the people closest to a business view its stock. Since the start of September, that signal has shown up across defense, aerospace and national security technology, from a newly independent aerospace company to a Virginia-based decision intelligence software developer whose chair and CEO both bought shares this week. Companies mentioned in today's commentary include: Edge Total Intelligence Inc. (TSXV: CTRL) (OTCQB: UNFYF) (FSE: Q5I), Honeywell Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ: HONA), Karman Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KRMN), Castellum, Inc. (NYSE American: CTM), CSP Inc. (NASDAQ: CSPI).

Key Takeaways

- Open-market buys are the insider trades that cost insiders money. Grants and option exercises are compensation; a purchase at market price is a personal investment, disclosed on SEDI in Canada and on Form 4 in the United States.

- edgeTI's chair and CEO bought 320,000 shares between them. Chair James Barrett and CEO Jason Nichols bought shares on October 13 and 14, with Mr. Barrett nearly doubling his holding and Mr. Nichols increasing his by about 70%.

- The buying runs across the sector. A Honeywell Aerospace director bought $998,400 of stock in September, and three Karman Holdings directors bought roughly $1.04 million combined on a single day.

- Smaller national security names saw buying too. Castellum's COO bought 50,000 shares and a 10% owner of CSP Inc. added 4,600 shares in September.

Why Open-Market Buying Gets Watched

Insiders sell stock for many reasons: taxes, diversification, a house, a planned schedule. They generally buy for one. That asymmetry is why investors pay closer attention to open-market purchases than to sales, and why the filings are worth reading line by line. A purchase is not a forecast and it guarantees nothing about future returns, but it is a disclosed decision by someone with detailed knowledge of the business to put personal money into the shares at the prevailing price.

In defense and national security technology, where contract timing, budgets and program awards drive results, that kind of disclosure can be especially useful context for investors trying to understand how management and boards are positioned.

edgeTI's Chair and CEO Buy in the Same Week

Edge Total Intelligence Inc. (TSXV: CTRL) (OTCQB: UNFYF) (FSE: Q5I), an Arlington, Virginia-based developer of real-time digital operations and decision intelligence software, saw both its board chair and its chief executive officer report open-market purchases this week, according to insider reports filed on SEDI.

James Barrett, Chair of the Board, bought 170,000 subordinate voting shares across five transactions on October 13 and 14 at prices between C$0.3944 and C$0.4405, a total of approximately C$69,300. His reported holding rose from 183,467 shares to 353,467 shares.

Jason Nichols, Chief Executive Officer, bought 150,000 subordinate voting shares in three transactions on October 13 at prices between US$0.2970 and US$0.3110, a total of approximately US$45,600. His reported holding rose from 213,000 shares to 363,000 shares.

edgeTI's edgeCore platform is designed to act as a digital twin of an organization, connecting existing applications and data sources into a single real-time operational view without creating a new data store. The Company works with partners including Austal USA and Sabel Systems Technology Solutions.

Insider Buying Elsewhere in the Sector

Honeywell Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ: HONA)

Director Craig Arnold reported an open-market purchase of 6,400 shares of Honeywell Aerospace common stock on September 1, 2026, at $156.00 per share, or $998,400 in total. The filing shows 6,400 shares held directly after the purchase. Honeywell Aerospace began trading as an independent company this year following its separation from Honeywell International.

Karman Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KRMN)

Three Karman directors bought shares on September 16, 2026. David Stinnett reported a purchase of 27,000 shares at a weighted average price of $37.3203, about $1.01 million, bringing his direct holding to 3,530,395 shares. Directors Mary D. Petryszyn and Stephen Twitty bought 500 shares and 275 shares, respectively. Karman designs, tests, manufactures and sells mission-critical systems for missile, defense and space programs, including payload protection, aerodynamic interstage and propulsion systems.

Castellum, Inc. (NYSE American: CTM)

Chief Operating Officer Andrew Merriman reported open-market purchases of 50,000 shares on September 9, 2026, at $0.6193 and $0.62 per share, about $31,000 in total, raising his direct holding to 588,531 shares. Vienna, Virginia-based Castellum provides cybersecurity, electronic warfare, software development and data analytics services focused on the U.S. federal government.

CSP Inc. (NASDAQ: CSPI)

Joseph R. Nerges, a 10% owner of CSP Inc., reported six open-market purchases between September 11 and 15, 2026, totaling 4,600 shares at prices from $7.75 to $7.96, about $36,100 in all, for a holding of 1,423,500 shares. CSP provides technology solutions and high-performance products, including managed IT services and its ARIA cybersecurity platform.

Stocks, technical analysis, insider buying, and regular market commentary can all be found here: StockPreachers.com

Track the Signals Before the Crowd

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SOURCE Market Updates

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DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh Thyme Market, a Midwest grocer specializing in fresh, organic, and better-for-you foods, vitamins and beauty care items, announces five of its team members were named 2026 Progressive Grocer GenNext honorees.

The highly respected GenNext Awards celebrate emerging leaders who are helping shape the future of the grocery industry through their commitment to customers and the local communities they serve, innovative thinking, and leadership. GenNext award winners demonstrate the ability to overcome challenges, identify opportunities to better serve shoppers and make a difference in and beyond the workplace.

Fresh Thyme Market's 2026 GenNext honorees are:

- Joe Sanchez – Deli Category Manager

- Zachary Robbins – Store Director (Newport, KY)

- Bri Chin – Natural Living Category Manager

- Jared Anderson – Vegetable Category Manager

- Manny Perez – IT Network & Systems Infrastructure Manager

"I am proud to see Joe, Zach, Bri, Jared and Manny recognized for their exemplary efforts demonstrating Fresh Thyme's core values, quality, experience and community, and for their abilities to inspire our team. It is exciting to see these leaders not only deliver on our values every day, but to be recognized by an award that embodies these same principles," said Liz Zolcak, President of Fresh Thyme. "Congratulations to our GenNext winners! Your efforts ensure we continue placing the customer experience first, and helps set us apart as a brand."

To learn more about Fresh Thyme, its leadership and community-driven mission, visit freshthyme.com.

About Fresh Thyme Market

Fresh Thyme Market is a better-for-you, Midwest-based grocer with a mission to foster healthier communities by offering real, fresh food, vitamins and body care products. The grocery retailer was born from a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives and does so by focusing on three core pillars: quality, experience, and community. Every day Fresh Thyme works to be a trusted resource in the communities where it operates, bringing people access to real food that is accessible. By offering an immersive, intuitive shopping experience and a local focus on the demands of each local community, each store offers fresh, organic and better-for-you foods, vitamins and body care products. To learn more, visit freshthyme.com.

Media Contact:

Phase 3 Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Fresh Thyme

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Newk's Eatery Earns Top Spot on 2026 Franchise Times Top 400 List

The nearly 100-unit fast-casual restaurant brand earned national recognition after a year of franchise expansion, menu innovation, and strategic investments in technology and the guest experience.

JACKSON, Miss., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Newk's Eatery, the premium fast-casual restaurant brand known for its freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas, has earned the No. 244 spot on the 2026 Franchise Times Top 400 list, an annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales.

The ranking comes as the overall franchise industry continues to show resilience amid economic uncertainty. According to Franchise Times, the 400 largest U.S.-based franchise systems generated $784 billion in global sales in 2025. That was a 4.3% increase over the previous year.

"Landing on the Franchise Times Top 400 is a credit to our franchisees and restaurant teams, who show up every day and make our food from scratch the right way," said Chris Elliott, CEO of Newk's Eatery and parent company FSC Franchise Co. "Fast casual is a crowded category, and guests have plenty of choices. Seeing Newk's ranked among the largest franchise systems in the country tells us that our focus on quality and hospitality is paying off where it matters most, in our restaurants."

Founded in 2004, Newk's Eatery has become a differentiated player in the booming fast-casual restaurant industry through its commitment to fresh ingredients, scratch-made meals and a guest experience that combines quality with convenience. The brand continues to expand its footprint and currently operates nearly 100 locations nationwide.

The Franchise Times Top 400 is compiled through an extensive annual research process that evaluates franchise systems based primarily on global systemwide sales. The ranking incorporates company-reported data, franchise disclosure documents and other financial information to provide a comprehensive look at the performance of the largest franchise brands.

"Our franchisees told us what they needed to run better restaurants, and we listened," Elliott said. "We put more into training, upgraded the tools our teams use every day and gave guests some new reasons to come back. You can see it in places like Wichita, where we just opened our second restaurant. Now we want more experienced operators who believe in scratch cooking the way we do, because there are a lot of towns that still don't have a Newk's."

In addition to its Franchise Times Top 400 recognition, Newk's was named No. 25 on the 2026 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers list.

Looking ahead, Newk's remains focused on accelerating franchise development, strengthening relationships with existing operators and introducing its fresh, made-from-scratch dining experience to new communities nationwide.

ABOUT NEWK'S EATERY

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk's Eatery is a fast-casual restaurant brand known for its signature hospitality and scratch-made meals. With nearly 100 locations across 12 states, Newk's offers a diverse menu of hand-crafted salads, sandwiches, soups and pizzas — all made in-house with fresh, premium ingredients and without the use of fryers or microwaves. Guests can also enjoy convenient grab-and-go options and mobile ordering through the Newk's app, available on Google Play and the App Store, for curbside, in-store pickup or delivery.

Newk's has earned national recognition from Nation's Restaurant News, Restaurant Business and Entrepreneur and continues to be celebrated for food quality and guest loyalty. To learn more, visit Newks.com, join the Newk's Rewards program or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. For franchise opportunities, visit https://ownanewks.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Julie Maw

Mainland

209.617.6518

[email protected]

SOURCE NEWK'S

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KFF's Larry Levitt and the Peterson Center on Healthcare's Caroline Pearson will address health policy, affordability and employer action

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KFF's Larry Levitt and Peterson Center on Healthcare's Caroline Pearson are the keynote speakers for the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions' 2026 Annual Forum, Beyond Transparency | Seeing Clearly, Acting Boldly: Employers' Moment of Truth, Nov. 16-18 in Arlington, Virginia. Employers, coalition leaders, policymakers and healthcare experts from across the nation will gather to examine policy and affordability challenges and identify steps employers can take to address rising costs.

Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF and incoming CEO beginning in January, will open the main program with an analysis of the post-midterm federal health policy landscape and its implications for affordability. Pearson, executive director of the Peterson Center on Healthcare, will join Jenny Goins, interim president and CEO of the National Alliance, to discuss how philanthropy and employers can work together to advance affordable, high-value care.

The 2026 theme reflects a pivotal moment for employers. With greater access to healthcare information, purchasers have an opportunity to challenge unsustainable prices and demand greater affordability, quality and accountability.

"Employers have more healthcare data than ever, but information only matters when it leads to actionable decisions," said Goins. "This year's Forum will help purchasers see the system more clearly, ask tougher questions and act boldly to improve affordability, quality and accountability for working families."

Through plenary sessions, breakouts and workshops, attendees will gain practical insights into federal policy and affordability, employer fiduciary oversight, pharmacy benefit manager transparency, the future of the 340B program, biosimilars, artificial intelligence in benefits decision-making, claims data and high-cost claims.

Forum session highlights include:

- From Policy to Progress: Federal Leadership and the Future of Healthcare Affordability

- Back to the Future: Reclaiming the Patient-Centered Mission of 340B

- An Employer Case Study: Framework for Procuring AI Predictive Health Models

- Beyond Rebates: How to Move From Maximizing Rebates to Maximizing Clinical Value

- From Promise to Practice: How Employers Can Unlock Savings Through a Biosimilars-First Strategy

- Defining Transparency: What Employers Should Expect From Their PBM

The event begins Nov. 16 with an employer-only pre-forum workshop offering practical strategies for managing high-cost claims, including oncology and other complex care needs.

Employers and other healthcare purchasers affiliated with a National Alliance member coalition receive discounted registration for the Annual Forum. Review the agenda and register at the 2026 Annual Forum website.

About National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions

For more than 30 years, the National Alliance has brought together business coalitions and their employer and purchaser members to drive high-quality healthcare that enhances patient experience, promotes health equity, and improves outcomes while lowering costs. Its members represent public and private sectors, nonprofits, and labor unions that provide health benefits to more than 90 million Americans — more than half of the employer-sponsored insurance market — spending over $850 billion annually. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org and connect on LinkedIn.

SOURCE National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions

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The article outlines how to recognize pet symptoms, identify a pet emergency, and determine when veterinary care is necessary.

POST FALLS, Idaho, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- How can pet owners tell if a condition requires emergency care or can safely wait?

HelloNation has published an article that provides the answer, featuring insights from Dr. Annie Bowes of Aspen Veterinary Service in Post Falls, ID.

The HelloNation article explains that understanding pet symptoms is essential for protecting pet health and making informed decisions. While some conditions may be mild and manageable at home, others can quickly develop into a pet emergency. Knowing the difference helps pet owners respond appropriately and seek veterinary care when needed.

Some pet symptoms may be monitored over a short period before seeking veterinary care. Minor limping, small cuts, or slight behavioral changes may not always require emergency care. The article notes that careful observation can help determine whether these pet symptoms improve or worsen, allowing pet owners to make thoughtful decisions about their pet's health.

However, certain signs clearly indicate a pet emergency. Difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, seizures, or collapse require immediate veterinary care. The article emphasizes that these pet symptoms should never be ignored, as delaying emergency care can place pet health at serious risk.

Changes in eating and drinking habits can also signal potential concerns. While a brief loss of appetite may not always indicate a serious issue, ongoing refusal to eat or drink may require veterinary care. Monitoring these pet symptoms helps determine whether the situation is becoming more serious.

Pain is another important factor when evaluating pet symptoms. Signs such as whining, restlessness, or reluctance to move may indicate discomfort. The article explains that while mild pain may sometimes be observed, worsening or persistent symptoms often require veterinary care to protect pet health.

Injuries should be assessed carefully to determine whether emergency care is needed. Minor scrapes may be manageable at home, but deeper wounds, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection may indicate a pet emergency. Recognizing the severity of injuries helps guide appropriate action.

Behavioral changes can also be early indicators of underlying issues. Sudden aggression, withdrawal, or confusion may signal problems that are not immediately visible. Tracking these pet symptoms over time can help determine whether veterinary care is necessary.

Environmental factors in Post Falls can also influence how pet symptoms are evaluated. Exposure to extreme temperatures, wildlife, or unfamiliar substances may increase the likelihood of a pet emergency. Being aware of these risks helps pet owners respond quickly and appropriately.

The duration of symptoms is another key consideration. The article notes that mild issues that resolve quickly may not require immediate veterinary care, but persistent or worsening pet symptoms should not be ignored. Monitoring how long symptoms last helps determine whether emergency care is needed.

The article concludes that recognizing the difference between mild concerns and a pet emergency is essential for maintaining pet health. By monitoring pet symptoms, understanding warning signs, and seeking veterinary care when necessary, pet owners in Post Falls can ensure their pets receive the right level of care at the right time.

How to Tell If Your Pet's Condition Can Wait or Needs Immediate Attention features insights from Expert Veterinarian Dr. Annie Bowes of Aspen Veterinary Service in Post Falls, ID, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America's Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. 

SOURCE HelloNation

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BERETTA HOLDING S.A. ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF CASH TENDER OFFER FOR SHARES OF STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.

LUXEMBOURG, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beretta Holding S.A. ("Beretta Holding") announced today the preliminary results of its cash tender offer to purchase up to 2,400,184 of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Shares"), of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) ("Ruger") at a price of $44.80 per share in cash (the "Tender Offer"). The Tender Offer expired at one minute following 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Based on a preliminary count by the depositary for the Tender Offer, a total of 3,589,647 Shares were validly tendered and not properly withdrawn, excluding 2,652,256 Shares tendered by notice of guaranteed delivery.

Because the Tender Offer was oversubscribed, the number of Shares that Beretta Holding will purchase from each tendering stockholder will be prorated to limit the aggregate purchase to 2,400,184 Shares. Based on the preliminary information provided by the depositary, and including all Shares tendered by notice of guaranteed delivery, Beretta Holding estimates that the proration factor for the Tender Offer will be approximately 38.45%.

The proration factor is based on the depositary's preliminary count and the assumption that all Shares tendered by notice of guaranteed delivery will be delivered within the required one-trading-day period, and is subject to confirmation by the depositary. The final proration factor will be announced following the expiration of the guaranteed delivery period and completion by the depositary of its confirmation process. Payment for Shares accepted for purchase under the Tender Offer, and the return of all other Shares tendered and not purchased, will occur promptly following determination of the final proration factor.

Pietro Gussalli Beretta, Chairman and CEO of Beretta Holding, stated, "This investment represents a significant milestone for Beretta Holding. It marks our first participation in a publicly listed company and opens a new chapter in our development as a long-term investor in the U.S. capital markets. Our cooperation with Ruger expands our position in the United States, our largest market, while creating new opportunities to expand Ruger's presence internationally."

Saratoga Proxy Consulting LLC is the Information Agent for the Tender Offer, and any questions or requests for assistance with respect to the Tender Offer may be directed to Saratoga Proxy Consulting LLC.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements," many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will," or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements about the expected future business and financial performance of Beretta Holding. Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to the number of Shares to be purchased in the Tender Offer, the proration factor and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the Tender Offer documents filed by Beretta Holding and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement filed by Ruger. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE Beretta Holding S.A.

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In Addition, Artera Named to Inc. 5000 for Seventh Consecutive Year and Ranked Black Book Research's Top-Rated AI Patient Communications Platform

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Artera, an agentic company strengthening how healthcare providers communicate and care for patients, today announced three recent industry accolades that further validate its position as a leader in agentic patient access. Trusted by more than 1,000 healthcare organizations over 11+ years, Artera pairs its secure agentic platform with dedicated AI Service Squads to custom-build agentic solutions for providers, from intake and referrals to scheduling and more.

TIME's World's Top HealthTech Companies of 2026

Artera has been named to TIME's World's Top HealthTech Companies of 2026 list in the "Health Information and Management" category, earning a "Very High Performance" score. TIME partnered with global data firm Statista to identify leading companies using digital technologies to make healthcare more effective and accessible. Companies were evaluated based on financial performance, reputation and online engagement.

Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Company

Artera was named to the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America for the seventh consecutive year, ranking No. 3,000 with 102 percent three-year revenue growth. The recognition underscores sustained demand for Artera's approach to agentic patient access solutions for healthcare providers.

Black Book Research 2027 Client Satisfaction Awards

Artera was named the 2027 Top Client-Rated AI Patient Communications and Omnichannel Engagement Platform by Black Book Research, which announced its Medical Group Technology and Services Client Satisfaction Awards ahead of the 2026 MGMA Annual Conference. Users evaluated AI-enabled voice and digital interactions, outreach, appointment communications, escalation, message routing and omnichannel engagement.

"Every week there's a new AI startup promising to fix healthcare. But you don't learn healthcare in a few months - you learn it over years, one EHR integration, one security review and one patient conversation at a time," said Guillaume de Zwirek, co-founder and CEO of Artera. "These recognitions reflect more than a decade of deep commitment to patient access innovation, to our customers and to the mission we've had since day one: making healthcare #1 in customer service."

These recent awards add to Artera's growing list of industry accolades. Founded in 2015 and based in Santa Barbara, California, Artera has also been named to:

- KLAS: Best in KLAS, #1 for Patient Communications, 2026

- Deloitte: Technology Fast 500 company, five consecutive years

- BuiltIn: Best Company to Work For, six consecutive years

- Forbes: America's Best Startup Employer

- Newsweek: World's Best Digital Health Companies

- Business Insider: 44 Startups to Bet Your Career On, 2024

- Medtech Breakthrough Awards: Best Overall Patient Engagement Company, 2025; Best Patient Communication Solution, 2024

- Frost & Sullivan: Technology Innovation Leader, 2025; Customer Value Leader, 2023

Continued Innovation in Agentic Patient Access

The recognitions come as Artera continues to advance its vision for agentic patient access. In May 2026, the company unveiled its AI Services Model - deploying specialized AI Service Squads that partner directly with healthcare providers to build custom agentic solutions. The model pairs AI builders with deep healthcare expertise to address complex workflows from day one, replacing traditional SaaS development cycles and consultant-led custom projects with speed-of-software delivery tailored to each provider's needs.

The AI Services Model builds on Artera Harmony, the company's Best in KLAS agentic platform powering AI-driven patient communications across text, phone, web and agents. Today, Artera serves more than 1,000 healthcare organizations - including specialties, FQHCs, health systems and federal agencies - delivering more than 2 billion annual patient communications to over 200 million patients.

About Artera

Artera is an agentic company strengthening how healthcare providers communicate and care for patients. As an agentic partner, we bring over a decade of healthcare experience to address urgent workflows from day one and build custom solutions as healthcare providers' needs evolve. Trusted by 1,000+ specialties, FQHCs, health systems, and federal agencies, Artera strengthens and enhances patient relationships across every interaction - from intake and scheduling to referral management, post-visit care, and more.

2B+ Annual Comms. | #1 Best in KLAS (Patient Communications) | 11+yrs Experience | FedRAMP Class D Certification | 200M+ Patients | 1,000+ Provider Customers | Voice AI, SMS, Web

Forward-looking statements: These statements reflect current expectations as of the date of publication, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and may change without notice. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Artera undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

No representation or warranty. This content is provided for informational purposes only and on an "as is" basis. Artera makes no representation or warranty as to its completeness, accuracy, or currency, and nothing herein is intended as medical, legal, or professional advice. Artera disclaims liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this content.

Right to make changes: Artera may change the design, features, specifications, and availability of its services at any time without notice. Nothing in this content constitutes a commitment, promise, or legal obligation to deliver any product, feature, or functionality.

SOURCE Artera

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Peptide Tracker Adds Symptom Tracking and Weekly Check-Ins in v2.25.0

New feature lets users log symptoms, rate their impact, and see which doses they took on the days symptoms appeared

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Peptide Tracker, the free app for logging and managing peptide protocols, today released version 2.25.0, introducing symptom tracking and a weekly check-in designed to give users a clearer picture of how they feel alongside what they take.

With the update, users can record symptoms, note how much each one got in the way of their day, and view the doses they took on the days those symptoms showed up. A new weekly check-in on the Today screen prompts users to report anything they noticed, or confirm they felt fine, in just a few taps.

"Our users have always been meticulous about logging their doses, but the other half of the story is how they actually feel," said Kev Miller, Co-Founder and CEO of Peptide Tracker. "Symptom tracking puts both side by side, so people walk into conversations with their providers with real notes instead of fuzzy memories."

What's new in v2.25.0:

- Symptom logging. From Symptoms on the Today screen, users can pick a symptom from a list or describe it in their own words, tap the days they noticed it, rate how much it got in the way, and add an optional note.

- Doses in context. Tapping any logged symptom shows the doses taken on the days it appeared, with options to edit or delete the entry.

- Weekly check-ins. Once a week, Today asks whether anything came up. The check-in can also appear right after a scheduled dose is logged, and users can turn it off or back on from Symptoms.

- Units to draw. Stack and protocol details now show how many units to draw.

- End-of-protocol countdown. During a protocol's final week, Stack, Today, and protocol details display the number of days left.

Since launching in May 2026, Peptide Tracker has surpassed 50,000 downloads and maintains a 4.9-star average rating on the App Store.

Version 2.25.0 is available now on the App Store and Google Play.

About Peptide Tracker: Peptide Tracker is a free iOS and Android app that helps people log doses, manage protocols, set reminders, and track their progress over time. Founded in 2026 by Kevin Miller and JP Sio, Peptide Tracker is built by Flat Six Labs. Peptide Tracker is a tracking tool and does not provide medical advice.

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Kevin Miller

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Withings BodyScan 2 Named One of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026

The world's first longevity station is honored for turning the daily weigh in into a complete view of cardiometabolic health

BOSTON, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Withings is honored to announce that Withings BodyScan 2 has been named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026. The world's first at-home longevity station, BodyScan 2 turns a simple daily weigh in into a complete cardiometabolic check, helping people see whether their everyday habits are adding years to their healthy life or taking them away.

For Withings, this honor is a meaningful milestone. Since inventing the first smart scale in 2009, the company has been guided by a simple belief: the body is already sending signals long before anything feels wrong, and everyone deserves an easy way to hear them at home. BodyScan 2 is the latest expression of that belief, built on more than 50 patents and fifteen years of medical engineering.

"When we invented the first smart scale in 2009, we believed the bathroom scale could become a window on health. BodyScan 2 shows how far that idea can go. We are honored by TIME's recognition, and even more excited by what it represents: the future of health starts long before the doctor's office, at home, every morning, while there is still time to change the story," said Eric Carreel, Chairman and Co-founder of Withings.

BodyScan 2 tracks more than 60 biomarkers and fits into a routine people already have. The Daily Scan captures weight, body composition, visceral fat, heart rate and vascular age every morning in seconds. The Longevity Scan goes further: with both arms raised on the retractable handle, users get segmental body composition across six body zones through 13 frequency bioimpedance spectroscopy, a six lead ECG with AFib detection, blood oxygen (SpO2) and Blood Pressure Insight Notifications. Results appear on the color display built into the handle and sync to the Withings App, building a continuous picture of how the body changes over time.

The recognition is shared with the engineers, designers, clinicians and researchers who brought it to life, as well as the people who step on it every morning. It also marks the third time a Withings product has been named to TIME's Best Inventions list, following Body Scan in 2022 and BeamO in 2024, and comes on the heels of BodyScan 2 being named a CES 2026 Innovation Award Honoree.

Withings BodyScan 2 is available in the US at withings.com for $599.95 and is FSA/HSA eligible. Every purchase includes a one month free trial of Withings+, which unlocks scores such as Heart Age. The full list of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 is available at https://time.com/collection/best-inventions/2026/

ABOUT WITHINGS

Withings empowers people to live longer, healthier lives. Founded in 2008, Withings invented the first smart scale just one year later and has since pioneered connected health devices that bring clinical-grade measurement into everyday life, at home and without extra effort. For its over 15 million users worldwide, Withings turns daily routines into a continuous view of their health, helping them see how their body changes over time, catch early signals before they become urgent, and share what they learn with their doctors. Withings works with leading academic and clinical research institutions to keep every measurement grounded in science. To learn more, visit withings.com. Withings. With you. For life.

PRESS CONTACT

Alex McKechnie

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475.399.4056

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