The proposed plan would replace aging infrastructure and add electricity system capacity for Ontario's growing electricity needs

TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One) submitted its 2028-2032 Joint Rate Application to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) with a proposed investment plan for its transmission and distribution systems. If approved, the approximately $37 billion five-year plan will address Ontario's growing electricity demand and strengthen the reliability and security of the electricity system. The plan was informed by feedback from more than 100,000 customers across the province and prioritizes the right investments at the right time to deliver value for people across Ontario.

"Ontario's growth, prosperity and competitiveness depend on a reliable and secure electricity system," said Megan Telford, President and CEO, Hydro One. "As demand continues to increase, this proposed plan invests in the work needed now to replace aging infrastructure to support reliability, build new partnerships, strengthen the system against severe storms and evolving security threats, and add capacity for growing communities and businesses."

If approved, the plan would:

- Add transmission capacity to connect and deliver approximately 6,000 megawatts of new electricity – enough to power the equivalent of approximately five million homes.

- Modernize approximately 1,400 kilometres of transmission lines – roughly the distance from Toronto to Thunder Bay – helping deliver more reliable power and supporting Ontario's increasing electricity needs.

- Replace or refurbish more than 85,000 distribution poles, the majority made of Canadian lumber, to help reduce equipment failures and strengthen the electricity system.

- Equip approximately 90 per cent of major distribution lines with smart switching technology that can automatically detect outages, isolate damaged sections of line and enable faster restoration of power.

- Modernize critical infrastructure and strengthen physical and cyber security measures that help protect the electricity system and keep power flowing to homes, businesses and communities.

- Deploy 5,400 residential energy storage systems to help reduce outage duration by approximately 95 per cent for customers most affected by prolonged outages.

If the five-year plan is approved, the monthly bill for a typical year-round medium-density residential customer (R1) would increase by $0.50 in 2028 and by an average of $1.14 each year from 2028 to 2032 for transmission1. For distribution, monthly base charges would decrease by about $0.10 in 2028 and would remain unchanged in the following years, largely reflecting the impact of the Distribution Rate Protection Program (DRP) for eligible residential customers and a proposed customer refund. These estimates could change based on the OEB's decisions.

Through targeted investments, the plan would support jobs and businesses across the province and strengthen Ontario's ability to build and maintain critical infrastructure with Canadian materials and expertise. It would also support opportunities for Indigenous communities and businesses to partner in projects that support Ontario's energy future and economic reconciliation.

Additional information about Hydro One's Joint Rate Application is available here.

Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)

Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with 1.5 million valued customers, $39.7 billion in assets as at December 31, 2025, and annual revenues in 2025 of $9 billion.

Our team of 9,600 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2025, Hydro One invested $3.4 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy by purchasing $3.0 billion of goods and services.

We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives.

Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com/, www.sedarplus.com or www.sec.gov.

For More Information

For more information about everything Hydro One, please visit www.hydroone.com where you can find additional information including links to securities filings, historical financial reports, and information about the Company's governance practices, corporate social responsibility, customer solutions and further information about its business.

Forward-looking statements and information:

This press release and the application and investment plan to which it refers may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Statements containing forward-looking information are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Such information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding Hydro One's anticipated capital investments including in respect of the company's five-year $37 billion investment plan, and expectations relating to impacts. Words such as "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "attempt", "may", "plan", "will", "can", "believe", "seek", "estimate", and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions and involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking information. Some of the factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed, implied or forecasted by such forward-looking information, including some of the assumptions used in making such statements, are discussed more fully in Hydro One's filings with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Hydro One does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, except as required by law.

In this press release, Hydro One presents information about potential future capital investments. The purpose of providing information about potential future capital investments is in order to give context to the nature of some of Hydro One's future plans and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Information about potential future capital investments, including the various assumptions underlying it, should be read in conjunction with "Forward–looking statements and information" above and as may be found in Hydro One's filings with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Hydro One does not intend to update the information about future capital investments except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Hydro One Inc.

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The merger brings together two long-standing BryteBridge Group companies into a single accounting division built to serve nonprofits of every size, with Lora Lahoda as Vice President and General Manager.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Foundation Group, the nation's leading provider of nonprofit formation and compliance services, today announced the combination of its legacy Bookkeeping division with Nonprofit Suite, a boutique accounting firm serving larger nonprofit organizations. Together, the two teams will operate as Foundation Group Accounting Services, providing a comprehensive range of accounting and financial management services designed specifically for the nonprofit sector.

For more than eight years, Foundation Group's Bookkeeping division has helped small and mid-sized nonprofits maintain accurate books. Meanwhile, Nonprofit Suite has built a reputation for boutique, high-touch accounting services tailored to larger, more complex nonprofit organizations for over 20 years. By bringing these capabilities together, Foundation Group Accounting Services will provide clients with a unified team and consistent service experience that can evolve as their organizations grow.

"Our clients have always come to us because they wanted a true accounting partner, not just a vendor who processes transactions," said Greg McRay, president and founder of Foundation Group. "Bringing Nonprofit Suite and Foundation Group Bookkeeping together allows us to support organizations from their earliest accounting needs through increasingly complex financial reporting and management requirements. Most importantly, our clients can continue working with a trusted partner as their organizations grow."

One Division Supporting Every Stage of Growth

Foundation Group Accounting Services will continue providing the core bookkeeping and compliance-focused services that have supported smaller nonprofit organizations for years, while expanding access to the operational accounting, financial reporting, and strategic advisory capabilities historically provided by Nonprofit Suite.

The combined practice creates a scalable continuum of services. Organizations can begin with essential bookkeeping support and transition seamlessly into more comprehensive financial management services as their budgets, programs, funding sources, staffing, and reporting requirements become more complex.

Foundation Group Accounting Services will focus on three core areas:

- Accurate, GAAP-compliant bookkeeping that provides organizations with a reliable financial foundation.

- Operational accounting and financial reporting that gives leadership and boards timely, meaningful insight into organizational performance.

- Strategic financial support for organizations navigating budgeting, audits, grant and funder requirements, and increasingly complex financial decisions.

New Leadership for the Combined Division

Foundation Group Accounting Services is led by Lora J. Lahoda, CPA, CGMA, Vice President and General Manager. In this role, Lahoda leads the integration of the combined teams and oversees service delivery, staffing, operational strategy, and growth for the accounting division.

"This combination allows us to provide nonprofits with something that can be difficult to find—an accounting partner capable of growing alongside their organization," said Lahoda. "Whether an organization needs support with its foundational bookkeeping or requires sophisticated financial reporting, operational accounting, and interim CFO services, our team can meet clients where they are today and continue supporting them as their needs evolve. Our goal is to provide nonprofit leaders with reliable financial information and the accounting expertise they need to make informed decisions and advance their missions."

Lahoda has spent most of her career dedicated to the nonprofit sector. She has served as an auditor, CFO, and consultant for various nonprofit organizations.

Continuity of Services

Foundation Group Accounting Services will continue to offer the core bookkeeping services nonprofits have relied on for more than eight years, including:

- Monthly bank account reconciliation

- Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activities, and Statement of Cash Flow preparation

- Dedicated U.S.-based bookkeepers with nonprofit-specific accounting expertise

- Preferred rates on Foundation Group compliance services

- Best-practice accounting advice and counsel

New and Expanded Services

Building on Nonprofit Suite's boutique accounting model, Foundation Group Accounting Services also provides expanded services for nonprofit organizations with more complex financial and operational needs, including:

- Operational accounting, including cost allocation by program or grant, and monitoring of restricted fund releases

- Full financial reporting packages, including financial dashboards, statements of financial position and activities, and budget-to-actual reporting

- Customized, board-ready reporting formats

- Budget development and audit process support

- Customized grant and funder invoicing and reporting

- Interim CFO services

Availability

Foundation Group Accounting Services is available now to both new and existing clients of Foundation Group and Nonprofit Suite. Organizations can request a consultation with an accounting specialist to determine the appropriate level of support based on their size, complexity, and financial management needs. More information is available at https://www.501c3.org/501c3-services/nonprofit-bookkeeping/.

About Foundation Group

Foundation Group is a Nashville-based provider of nonprofit formation, tax, compliance, and accounting services, and a member of the BryteBridge Group family of companies. For more than 30 years, Foundation Group has helped nonprofit organizations establish and maintain their tax-exempt status, serving more than 50,000 organizations nationwide.

SOURCE Foundation Group

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Free new database gives women X-ray vision into whether every major U.S. company promotes women equally -- rankings from real workforce numbers.

ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Every working woman has asked herself the same quiet question: do women actually get ahead here? Until now, the only way to answer it was to take the job and wait years to find out. Now the answer takes about thirty seconds. Type nearly any major U.S. employer's name into a free public site recently launched by data scientists and funded by the Women Leaders Association, and see its Glass Ceiling Score: a simple measure of whether women there rise into management and executive jobs at the same rate as men, calculated from the company's actual workforce numbers -- not its recruiting brochure.

Think of it as a Glassdoor for promotions. Before accepting an offer, before asking for a raise or a bigger role, before believing a Careers page that promises "women thrive here," a woman can check what the numbers say -- about the company courting her, and about the one she works for now. Women earn roughly 15 percent less than men on average, Pew Research estimates, and that gap usually starts with who gets picked for management. Pay gets measured constantly; promotion almost never -- until now.

Two scores, built from the numbers companies cannot massage

By analyzing each employer's workforce counts by gender and job title, the team developed two metrics:

- The Glass Ceiling Score measures whether women advance into executive roles at the same rate as men.

- The Management Entry Score measures whether women reach first-level management at comparable rates -- the rung where research shows most careers stall.

Anyone can look up a company at no cost and see both scores, compare employers within an industry, and drill down by metro area and state, where the tool ranks the major employers in each market and highlights the top performers.

"Women have been told for fifty years to try harder, negotiate harder, and find a mentor. The missing piece was never effort -- it was information," said Lydia Price, 2026-2027 Volunteer Chair of the Women Leaders Association. "When a woman can compare how her employer advances women on average in comparison to men on average it changes the entire frame of reference, the conversation changes from trust us to show me." The companies that excel in promoting women equally into management also receive Top Women's Workplace awards at the chapter and national levels.

Who the data serves

Women entering the workforce or considering offers can identify employers with strong advancement records. Current employees can benchmark their own company and bring data to promotion and career-development conversations. Consumers and investors can direct support toward companies with fair practices, and corporate leaders can see -- often for the first time -- how their promotion patterns compare with competitors'.

Building on a decade of gender-equality research

The Glass Ceiling Score stands on the shoulders of a decade of important, groundbreaking work. The Economist's influential Glass Ceiling Index (https://www.economist.com/interactive/graphic-detail/glass-ceiling-index) has put the issue on the global agenda by ranking conditions for working women annually -- though at the country level, not by employer. The Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (https://www.bloomberg.com/company/press/bloomberg-2023-gei/) helped set early standards for corporate transparency, tracking several hundred public companies that self-reported through voluntary disclosure. Forbes' widely read Best Employers for Women list (https://www.forbes.com/lists/top-companies-women/) surveys employees at a few hundred large firms each year, and The Times and Business in the Community's respected Top 50 Employers for Gender recognizes UK organizations that apply for consideration.

The Glass Ceiling Score builds from that and goes further on every dimension: it covers far more companies, publishes an individual score by company rather than a limited list of a few hundred, offers location-level drill-downs, and rests on unambiguous workforce statistics rather than surveys, self-disclosure, or applications. And because every score is computed directly from actual workforce data without remuneration, sponsorships, payments, and public relations cannot influence a company's result -- and no employer can opt out of being measured.

"Earlier indexes did pioneering work, but each could only cover the companies that participated or made a short list. We measured everyone," Price said. "If an employer promotes women fairly, the data will celebrate it. If it doesn't, the data will say that too -- and for the first time, a woman gets to see it before she signs the offer letter."

What comes next

The initial release covers most major U.S. employers, with expansion planned across Europe and Asia. Future versions will add deeper demographic analysis, including promotion-fairness scoring for women of color and other underrepresented groups. The project was funded by the Women Leaders and organizers expect additional women's foundations and equal-pay philanthropists to support the effort, with the goal of keeping the platform permanently free to women worldwide.

The tool is available now at https://WomanLeaders.org/r/GlassCeiling

About the Women Leaders Association

The Women Leaders Association is a non-profit committed to the development and advancement of women in the corporate arena, with chapters in most major U.S. cities. The tool includes analysis by key metros and states, with rankings of the major employers in each, including Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Denver, Washington, Dallas, Houston, San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, Charlotte, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Nashville, Detroit, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Omaha, St. Louis, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Phoenix, Portland, Miami, Austin, Baltimore, Tampa, Orlando, Hartford, Raleigh, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Norfolk, Richmond, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Greensboro, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Columbus, Tulsa, Sacramento, Jacksonville, Birmingham, Albuquerque, Rochester, Boise, Knoxville, New Orleans, Buffalo, Baton Rouge, Charleston, Spokane, El Paso, Chattanooga, Little Rock, Greenville, Providence, Springfield, Honolulu, Madison, Columbia, Tucson, Stockton, Des Moines, Syracuse, Harrisburg, Jackson, Bakersfield, Akron, Wichita, and Augusta, plus most states including California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

Media Contact:

Lydia Price

2026-2027 Volunteer Chair, Women Leaders Association

[email protected] 678-427-6771

SOURCE Women Leaders Association

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America Haunts names the Top 5 Scariest Haunted Attractions and gives thrillseekers a look at the experiences waiting inside

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fear does not have just one face. For some thrillseekers, it is a dark corridor where something could be anywhere. For others, it is stepping into a world so detailed that reality and fiction begin to blur. It can be a creature, a character, a strange environment, a sudden shift in perspective, or the anticipation of what might be around the next corner.

America Haunts, the national association of premier haunted attractions, ranked the Top 5 Scariest Haunted Attractions in the United States, recognizing five mega-haunts that have mastered very different approaches to creating the kind of fear thrillseekers actively seek.

The five attractions are The Dent Schoolhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio; Spooky World Presents Nightmare New England in Litchfield, New Hampshire, within the Boston area; The 13th Gate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Bennett's Curse Haunted House in Dundalk, just outside of Baltimore, Maryland; and Thrillvania Haunted House Park in Terrell, Texas, near Dallas.

What they have in common is not a particular monster, effect, room, or scare technique. It is the ability to create an immersive world that keeps guests wondering what will happen next while relentlessly layering scares upon scares.

The Dent Schoolhouse | Cincinnati, Ohio

At The Dent Schoolhouse, the fear begins with the setting itself. The attraction transforms an old schoolhouse into an immersive world of classrooms, Charlie's Basement, catacombs, Zobo's Backlot CarnEvil, Dr. Dent's Laboratory, and a werewolf- and spider-infested greenhouse. The schoolhouse celebrates its 30th season in 2026.

One scare thrillseekers can look forward to is the Ceiling Crawler in Detention Hall, where a character stalks guests from above rather than from the floor. An actor moves above guests in a padded room specifically designed and built for the scare – scaring from above literally goes above and beyond. The schoolhouse also continues its tradition of chainsaws, immersive environments, animatronics, and unusual physical spaces to keep guests guessing where the next scare will appear.

That attention to environmental detail has long been a hallmark of Dent. Reviews have singled out everything from its classrooms and basement to its sewer, greenhouse, carnival, and body-disposal scenes, noting how thoroughly the environments reinforce the schoolhouse tragedy.

Spooky World Presents Nightmare New England | Litchfield, New Hampshire (Boston-area)

At Spooky World, the scare doesn't end when guests leave one of the attraction's haunts. The entire night becomes part of the experience.

For 2026, Spooky World has introduced a new flow that begins with its Haunted Hayride and Nightmare in 3D, followed by additional attractions and midway entertainment, including its fifth new haunt, Petrified. The park also features fire pits, photo opportunities, nightly explosions, food and bars, and other activities that extend the experience beyond a single haunted house.

The Haunted Hayride is one of the experiences to anticipate, with riders facing a total onslaught of fright. This mile-long journey through the woods uses large-scale scenes, special effects, and actors along the route to bring the fright face-to-face.

That combination of outdoor scale, multiple attractions, live performers, and unexpected effects gives Spooky World a different kind of challenge: staying ready for the next scare even when the surroundings change completely.

The 13th Gate | Baton Rouge, Louisiana

At The 13th Gate, the line between haunted attraction and cinematic reality begins to disappear.

For more than three decades, The 13th Gate has built its reputation on massive, extraordinarily detailed environments designed to make guests feel as though they have stepped into another world. The journey moves through more than a dozen radically different realms, from underground tunnels, crypts and a city morgue to a snake-infested Louisiana swamp, claustrophobic passageways and enormous scenes that feel more like movie sets than haunted-house rooms.

New for 2026, guests descend into the ruins of an ancient temple reclaimed by the jungle. Towering stone structures, sacrificial chambers, and crumbling passageways surround a massive tree that has broken through the temple itself. Deeper inside, strange creatures lurk among the ruins, and a bone-covered throne sits beneath an enormous skull.

But the sets are only part of the fear. Elaborate special effects, highly trained actors, animatronics, and carefully concealed scares make it difficult to determine what is real, what is mechanical, and what may suddenly come to life.

That uncertainty is the heart of The 13th Gate: fully realized worlds where nearly anything around you could become the next scare.

Bennett's Curse Haunted House | Dundalk, Maryland (Baltimore area)

At Bennett's Curse, thrillseekers do not have to choose which type of horror they want. They get four.

The attraction combines Halloween 3D, The Crypts, House of the Demons, and Ravenbrook Asylum into one continuous experience. The result is a progression through very different forms of fear, from disorienting visual effects and dark catacombs to towering monsters and psychological horror.

The House of the Demons offers a gothic world populated by vampires, demons, towering sets, and grotesque creatures, while Ravenbrook Asylum shifts the experience toward psychotic inmates, deranged doctors, and twisted nurses, creating the feeling of being trapped inside a place where order has disappeared.

Bennett's Curse is also marking a significant moment in 2026. After more than 25 years in operation, this is the final opportunity to experience Bennett's Curse at its long-time Eastpoint Mall location.

Thrillvania Haunted House Park | Terrell, Texas (Dallas area)

At Thrillvania, fear comes with a story.

The attraction's signature Verdun Manor is rooted in the legend of Baron Verdun and Lady Cassandra, a vampire and werewolf whose story unfolds through the haunted manor, cemetery, and Voodoo Bayou. Guests enter the world before reaching the mansion itself, making the journey part of the narrative.

Then comes Cassandra's House of Clowns, where a giant brain connected to a mysterious apparatus has transformed the attraction's clown world into something even more surreal. Sam Hain's Trail of Torment adds another shift, asking guests to determine what is real and what is delusion.

The attraction's sprawling setting and continual updates have shaped its reputation for decades, but don't expect refuge just because the space is big. When the scarecast seeks, it knows how to find its target. With three haunted houses spread across 50 haunted acres, there are plenty of opportunities for frightening encounters. So fair warning: expect the unexpected anywhere on site!

The Scare Is the Destination – and Thrillseekers Seek the Best

From an old schoolhouse to a New England scream park, a Louisiana swamp, four radically different haunted experiences, and a cursed Texas manor, the Top 5 Scariest Haunted Attractions demonstrate how broad professional haunt entertainment has become.

The scares may be different, but the objective is the same: create enough anticipation, immersion, surprise, and suspense that guests willingly walk toward the unknown to be among America's scariest.

They know they are going to be scared at these nationally ranked haunts. And the suspense of not knowing how is part of the fun.

America Haunts is the national association of premier haunted attractions, representing some of the most respected and recognized haunts in the United States. Its members set the standard for safety, creativity, and innovation, delivering immersive entertainment experiences that have helped make haunted attractions a destination for Halloween entertainment. Find attractions, locations, and ticket links at AmericaHaunts.com.

SOURCE America Haunts

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Expanded Fly & Sail departures join Drake Express, classic Drake crossings

and farther-reaching Antarctic expeditions for 2028/29

Imagery may be downloaded here.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlas Ocean Voyages has unveiled its 2028/29 Antarctica season, offering travelers more ways to experience the White Continent through an expanded collection of 25 intimate, yacht-style expeditions sailing from October 2028 through March 2029.

The new season expands Atlas' popular Drake Fly & Sail program from two departures in 2027/28 to four, while continuing to offer Drake Express expeditions that fly across the Drake Passage in both directions, classic Antarctic voyages that make the legendary crossing by sea, and extended journeys reaching the Antarctic Circle, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

"Antarctica has a remarkable ability to change the way you see the world," said James A. Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of Atlas Ocean Voyages. "Its vast landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and profound sense of remoteness inspire a perspective that stays with you long after the journey ends. Our 2028/29 season offers guests more ways to experience this transformative destination, while preserving what defines an Atlas Polar Expedition: intimate exploration, expert-led discovery and highly personalized service aboard our yachts."

Three Ways to Experience the Drake

Atlas offers three distinct approaches to one of expedition travel's most legendary passages:

- Drake Fly & Sail: Four nine-night expeditions combine a Drake Passage crossing by sea with a private charter flight over the other leg. Atlas doubles its Fly & Sail departures from two in 2027/28 to four in the new season.

- Drake Express: Two seven-night expeditions fly across the Drake Passage in both directions, giving guests six full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula.

- Antarctic Discovery: Nine-night expeditions sail the Drake Passage roundtrip, preserving the classic maritime journey to and from the White Continent.

Beyond the Antarctic Peninsula

For travelers seeking a more extensive polar journey, the season also features expeditions venturing beyond the Antarctic Peninsula.

Two 12-night Crossing the Antarctic Circle expeditions travel south of 66°33' South, with seven expedition days exploring Antarctica's remote landscapes, wildlife and waterways.

The 18-night Grand Antarctica expedition, departing Jan. 7, 2029, combines three of the Southern Ocean's most remarkable destinations: the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Guests can experience the dramatic landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica alongside South Georgia's renowned king penguin colonies and the abundant birdlife and rugged scenery of the Falklands.

Select departures throughout the season also give guests the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's or Valentine's Day surrounded by Antarctica's extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.

A Century of Antarctic Aviation

The 2028/29 season also coincides with a milestone in Antarctic exploration. On Nov. 16, 1928, Sir Hubert Wilkins and Carl Ben Eielson departed from Deception Island on a pioneering powered flight over Antarctica, helping usher in a new era of exploration on the continent. Exactly 100 years later, Atlas' Antarctic Discovery expedition departing Nov. 16, 2028, will commemorate that historic date, connecting a century of Antarctic exploration with the many ways travelers can experience the continent today.

A Season Shaped by Antarctica

Every Antarctic journey is different, with wildlife and landscapes evolving throughout the austral summer. Early-season voyages may coincide with penguin courtship and nesting, followed by chick season and increasing whale activity as the summer progresses.

Atlas expedition teams adapt each day's exploration to weather, sea, ice and wildlife conditions, with opportunities for guided shore landings and Zodiac safaris throughout the voyage. Each Polar Expedition is led by a multidisciplinary expedition team of up to 17 experts, bringing insight into the region's wildlife, geology, history and environment. Optional experiences including sea kayaking and Antarctic camping are available on select departures.

Atlas Polar Expeditions also include a pre-expedition hotel stay, charter air where applicable, destination briefings and enrichment programs, guided shore landings, Zodiac safaris, expedition gear, the Polar Plunge and Atlas Ocean Voyages' signature yacht-style hospitality.

2028/29 Antarctica Launch Offer

To celebrate the launch of the 2028/29 Antarctica season, guests can receive up to 10% Bonus Savings plus complimentary Explorer's Choice, allowing guests to select from benefits including up to $2,000 in air savings per suite, a one-night hotel package or enhanced unlimited Wi-Fi. Guests who book by Dec. 31, 2026, can also secure current published fares before new pricing takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

For information or reservations, contact your preferred travel advisor or call 1-844-44-ATLAS. Discover more at www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Follow Atlas on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages and www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages.

About Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages is the luxury expedition cruise line brand of Mystic Invest Holding, offering year-round exploration aboard its World-class fleet: World Navigator, World Traveller, and World Voyager. Atlas Adventurer, an innovative class of luxury expedition sailing yacht, is set to debut in 2028. These luxurious vessels are expertly designed to explore some of the world's most remote and captivating destinations while providing exceptional boutique hospitality. Guests can expect an ambiance of refined elegance on board, complemented by immersive adventures ashore that enable deep connections with diverse cultures and communities. Atlas Ocean Voyages creates transformative experiences that resonate with travelers, connecting them meaningfully with people, places, and cultures around the globe.

SOURCE Atlas Ocean Voyages

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Operating as Formation, the combined team brings together two leading crypto platforms spanning trading, credit and vault infrastructure to expand access to capital across AI, robotics and other frontier industries.

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Orca and Loopscale today announced their merger, bringing together Orca's trading and liquidity infrastructure with Loopscale's credit and vault infrastructure. The combined team will operate as Formation, led by Loopscale co-founder Luke Truitt as CEO. Formation aims to give emerging assets a path from issuance to financing and liquidity, while expanding the range of assets and strategies available to capital allocators. Both the Orca and Loopscale protocols will remain the foundation of the ORCA and xORCA token network. Formation will build new, unified capabilities across origination, vault strategies, and distribution, building on the existing protocols.

Closing the gap between capital and innovation

AI, energy, robotics and defense companies are driving a new wave of capital demand. Apollo estimates that nearly $3 trillion will be needed for AI infrastructure alone through 2028.

Many of the companies behind that demand do not fit neatly into traditional capital market boxes, where fixed underwriting, legal, servicing and distribution costs favor larger, standardized deals.

Formation broadens access to capital by reducing the cost and complexity of structuring, distributing and financing assets.

"The frontier economy is creating new business models and financing needs more rapidly than traditional market infrastructure is evolving to serve them," said Luke Truitt, CEO of Formation. "Every major technological revolution has been paired with a financial one. We're at an inflection point that requires capital markets to keep pace with the industries reshaping the economy."

Built on proven infrastructure

Orca has processed more than $550 billion in trading volume since 2021. Loopscale has more than $150 million in deposits and has facilitated more than $2 billion in loans. Together, they bring a battle-tested platform and decade of operating history across trading, credit and vault strategies.

"Orca has spent years building deep liquidity, and we've seen firsthand that liquidity alone isn't enough to scale an asset," said Christopher Montagano, Chief Strategy & Legal Officer of Orca. "The greater challenge is building the credit and distribution those assets need to grow, and Orca and Loopscale built complementary pieces of that infrastructure. Together, we can give issuers a complete path from launch to long-term market adoption."

Powering the next capital formation cycle

Formation is building across origination, issuance, liquidity, credit and distribution, with a path into regulated U.S. capital markets. Over the next 12 months, the team plans to introduce new tools for issuers and capital allocation strategies alongside its existing trading, lending and vault offerings.

Formation is already working with Figure, Shinhan Asset Management, Superstate, R3 and Securitize to bring new assets to market and expand distribution.

"Having originated over $30 billion of credit onchain and scaled tokenized products to more than $650 million in DeFi, we know how much high-quality distribution partners matter for growth," said Reid Simon, President of Digital Assets at Figure Technology Solutions, Inc. "We've worked closely with both the Orca and Loopscale teams over the past year, and are excited by what the unification of trading, credit and vault strategies will unlock for tokenized asset growth."

Formation's leadership includes Luke Truitt as Chief Executive Officer, Mary Gooneratne as Chief Operating Officer, and Christopher Montagano as Chief Strategy & Legal Officer.

About Orca

Orca is a decentralized exchange on Solana, providing trading infrastructure for digital assets. Since 2021, it has processed more than $500 billion in trading volume. Learn more at orca.so.

About Loopscale

Loopscale is a credit and vault infrastructure platform with more than $150 million in deposits and over $2 billion in loans facilitated across a broad range of markets. Learn more at loopscale.com.

About Formation

Formation is building capital markets for the frontier economy. Established through the merger of Orca and Loopscale, it brings together trading, credit and capital allocation infrastructure. Learn more at formation.so and join the conversation on X.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements, including regarding planned products and the expected benefits of the merger. Actual results may differ materially. Planned products are subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements and may not be available in all jurisdictions or to U.S. persons. Nothing in this release is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or other financial product, or investment, legal or tax advice.

Media

[email protected]

SOURCE Orca Management Company S.A.

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PUNE, India, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Maximize Market Research, the Travel Bag Market was valued at USD 33.68 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 86.15 Billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 11% from 2026 to 2034.

Explore 121 market data tables and 70 figures across 308 pages, along with a detailed Table of Contents covering the Global Travel Bag Market.

Global Travel Bag Market Size & Forecast

Market Size (Base Year 2025): USD 33.68 Billion

Forecast Market Size (2034): USD 86.15 Billion

CAGR (2026–2034): 11%

Base Year: 2025

Forecast Period: 2026–2034

Historical Period: 2020–2025

Global Travel Bag Market Overview

The Global Travel Bag Market continues to expand as international tourism, domestic travel, air passenger traffic, leisure trips, business travel, and e-commerce-based luggage purchases increase worldwide. Travel bags include backpacks, trolley bags, duffel bags, travel totes, garment bags, cabin bags, rolling bags, and other portable storage products used to carry clothing, electronics, documents, and personal belongings. Rising disposable incomes, frequent travel, changing lifestyles, and growing demand for premium and fashion-oriented luggage are strengthening the Travel Bag Market size, market share, market demand, and long-term market forecast.

The market is also being shaped by sustainable materials, smart luggage technologies, premiumization, direct-to-consumer brands, and online retail. Manufacturers are increasingly using recycled polyester, regenerated nylon, recycled plastics, durable fabrics, and repairable product designs to meet growing demand for sustainable travel products. North America held the highest market share in 2025, supported by frequent travel, strong purchasing power, premium luggage demand, and developed retail and e-commerce networks. Companies are focusing on lightweight materials, sustainable designs, smart features, product durability, premium aesthetics, omnichannel distribution, and geographic expansion to strengthen their competitive position in the Travel Bag Market.

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The Global Travel Bag Market is evolving as travelers increasingly seek lightweight, durable, multifunctional, sustainable, and stylish luggage solutions. Rising tourism, frequent air travel, e-commerce adoption, smart luggage technologies, recycled materials, premium product demand, and specialized travel designs are creating stronger market opportunities. Companies that combine durability, low-weight construction, sustainability, smart functionality, attractive design, and convenient digital distribution are expected to shape the Travel Bag Market through 2034.

Travel Bag Market Growth Drivers, Opportunities & Key Highlights

The Global Travel Bag Market is expanding as international tourism, domestic travel, air passenger traffic, business travel, e-commerce, and demand for lightweight and multifunctional luggage increase. International tourist arrivals reached around 1.52 billion in 2025, while global passenger traffic increased 10.4% in 2024. Rising demand for backpacks, trolley bags, duffel bags, premium luggage, sustainable travel bags, and airline-friendly products is strengthening the Travel Bag Market size, market share, demand, and forecast.

New Travel Bag Market opportunities are emerging through recycled materials, smart luggage, GPS tracking, digital locks, lightweight construction, repairable luggage, direct-to-consumer sales, and premium travel accessories. 88% of passengers want real-time baggage tracking, creating additional potential for smart and connected travel bags. North America held the highest market share in 2025, while Asia-Pacific remains a major growth region.

Key Market Highlights

- USD 33.68 Billion: Market size in 2025

- USD 86.15 Billion: Projected market size by 2034

- 11% CAGR: Growth during 2026–2034

- 1.52 Billion: International tourist arrivals in 2025

- 88% of Passengers: Want real-time baggage tracking

- North America: Leading regional market in 2025

- Backpacks & Polyester: Key product and material segments

- Lightweight, Sustainable & Smart Travel Bags: Major market trends

TUMI Launches Fall/Winter 2026 Travel and Lifestyle Collection

In September 2026, TUMI launched its Fall/Winter 2026 collection and campaign, introducing the new TUMI Axis range alongside refreshed travel and lifestyle products. The collection focuses on modern minimalist design, functional bags, backpacks, premium travel accessories, and contemporary colors. The launch highlights growing Travel Bag Market demand for premium luggage, multifunctional backpacks, fashion-oriented travel bags, durability, and lifestyle-focused travel products.

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The Global Travel Bag Market is segmented by Product Type, Material, Capacity, Price Range, Distribution Channel, End User, Application, and Region.

By Product Type, Backpacks are expected to hold a significant share of the Travel Bag Market, supported by strong demand from leisure travelers, students, business travelers, and younger consumers. Their lightweight design, portability, laptop compartments, expandable storage, ergonomic structure, and multifunctional use make them suitable for short and long trips. Trolley Bags are also witnessing strong demand because of their durability, wheeled mobility, organized storage, and suitability for air travel, while Duffel Bags remain popular for weekend trips, sports travel, and short journeys.

By Material, Polyester is expected to account for a major share of the Travel Bag Market because of its affordability, lightweight construction, durability, and resistance to everyday wear. It is widely used across backpacks, duffel bags, travel totes, and mid-range luggage. Nylon is also gaining demand because of its strength, abrasion resistance, and suitability for premium and multifunctional travel bags, while Leather and Canvas continue to serve premium, luxury, and casual travel segments.

North America Leads the Travel Bag Market as Frequent Travel and Premium Luggage Demand Strengthen

North America held the highest share of the Global Travel Bag Market in 2025, supported by frequent leisure and business travel, strong air passenger activity, high consumer purchasing power, and rising demand for premium and durable luggage. The United States remains a major contributor, with consumers increasingly purchasing lightweight travel bags, backpacks, trolley bags, smart luggage, airline-compliant bags, and multifunctional travel products. Strong specialty retail, brand-owned websites, e-commerce platforms, and growing demand for premium travel accessories continue to support North America's Travel Bag Market position.

Asia-Pacific represents a major growth region, driven by expanding tourism, urbanization, rising disposable incomes, growing middle-class consumption, and increasing domestic and international travel across China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Europe remains an important market for lightweight, fashionable, sustainable, and premium travel bags, supported by strong tourism and demand for recycled materials. The Middle East & Africa is expanding through aviation growth, tourism investment, business travel, and religious tourism, while South America is witnessing gradual growth through domestic tourism, e-commerce expansion, and rising demand for affordable, durable, and multifunctional travel bags.

Global Travel Bag Market Competitive Landscape

The Global Travel Bag Market is highly competitive, with leading companies focusing on lightweight materials, durability, sustainable fabrics, premium design, smart luggage features, and e-commerce expansion. Major players include Samsonite International S.A., TUMI, American Tourister, VIP Industries, Delsey Paris, RIMOWA, Travelpro, Briggs & Riley, Victorinox, Safari Industries, Away, Monos, and July. In 2026, Samsonite expanded its Nexis and UpLIFT collections and strengthened sustainability initiatives, while TUMI introduced new premium travel collections and RIMOWA expanded fashion-oriented luggage designs. Competition is increasingly centered on premiumization, recycled materials, smart features, direct-to-consumer sales, and product innovation.

Global Travel Bag Market Recent Development

In 2026, Samsonite strengthened its position in the Global Travel Bag Market with the launch of its Nexis premium luggage collection in Europe, using advanced ROXKIN material to combine lightweight construction, durability, and premium design. The company also expanded its UpLIFT collection and continued focusing on recycled materials, repair solutions, and circular product development. These developments reflect the market's growing emphasis on lightweight travel bags, sustainable luggage, premium travel products, durable materials, and product innovation.

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Travel Bag Market – Key Players

- Samsonite International S.A.

- Tumi Holdings, Inc.

- American Tourister

- VIP Industries Limited

- Delsey Paris

- Rimowa GmbH

- Travelpro Products Inc.

- Briggs & Riley Travelware

- Victorinox AG

- VF Corporation

- Herschel Supply Company

- Eagle Creek

- Thule Group AB

- Osprey

- IT Luggage Limited

- Safari Industries (India) Ltd.

- Antler Ltd.

- SwissGear

- Ricardo Beverly Hills

- Calpak

- Away (JRSK Inc.)

- Monos Travel Ltd.

- July

- Paravel

- Solgaard

- Horizn Studios GmbH

- Heys International Ltd.

- Bric's Industria Valigeria Fine S.p.A.

- Globe-Trotter Group Limited

- Piquadro S.p.A.

- Valigeria Roncato S.p.A.

- Carl Friedrik

- Ace Co., Ltd.

PUNE, India, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Camping Equipment Market is witnessing steady growth, rising from USD 19.68 Billion in 2025 to an estimated USD 35.28 Billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 6.7% during 2026–2034, according to a new analysis by Maximize Market Research.

Explore 155 market data tables and 70 figures across 318 pages, along with a detailed Table of Contents covering the Global Camping Equipment Market.

Global Camping Equipment Market Size & Forecast

Market Size (Base Year 2025): USD 19.68 Billion

Forecast Market Size (2034): USD 35.28 Billion

CAGR (2026–2034): 6.7%

Base Year: 2025

Forecast Period: 2026–2034

Historical Period: 2020–2025

Global Camping Equipment Market Overview

The Global Camping Equipment Market is growing as outdoor recreation, trekking, hiking, leisure camping, backpacking, car camping, adventure camping, and glamping gain popularity. Demand is rising for tents, sleeping bags & mats, camping furniture, cooking equipment, lighting equipment, backpacks & bags, coolers, and camping accessories. Growing leisure spending, tourism development, fitness awareness, and preference for lightweight, durable, weather-resistant, and portable camping gear are strengthening Camping Equipment Market size, market share, demand, growth, trends, and long-term market forecast.

The market is also being shaped by eco-friendly camping gear, sustainable materials, premium outdoor equipment, ultralight products, e-commerce, and omnichannel retail. North America remains the leading region, while Asia Pacific is expected to grow rapidly as tourism infrastructure, disposable income, and outdoor participation increase. Companies are focusing on product innovation, advanced materials, portability, sustainability, premium camping gear, and stronger online and offline distribution.

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The Global Camping Equipment Market is gaining momentum as consumers seek lightweight, durable, sustainable, and comfortable outdoor gear. Growth in camping, trekking, backpacking, adventure tourism, and glamping is creating strong opportunities across tents, sleeping systems, cooking equipment, backpacks, coolers, and accessories through 2034.

Camping Equipment Market Growth Drivers, Opportunities & Key Highlights

The Global Camping Equipment Market is expanding as outdoor recreation, trekking, hiking, backpacking, leisure camping, adventure camping, car camping, and glamping gain popularity worldwide. Rising leisure spending, fitness awareness, tourism development, and demand for lightweight, durable, weather-resistant, portable, and comfortable camping gear are supporting Camping Equipment Market size, market share, market demand, growth, trends, and long-term market forecast. Demand is increasing across tents, sleeping bags & mats, camping furniture, camping cooking equipment, lighting equipment, backpacks & bags, coolers, and camping accessories.

New Camping Equipment Market opportunities are emerging through eco-friendly camping gear, recycled materials, ultralight equipment, premium outdoor products, portable cooking systems, advanced tents, sustainable product designs, direct-to-consumer sales, and e-commerce. North America remains the leading regional market, while Asia Pacific is expected to grow rapidly as tourism infrastructure, disposable income, and outdoor recreation spending increase.

Key Market Highlights

- USD 19.68 Billion: Camping Equipment Market size in 2025

- USD 35.28 Billion: Projected market size by 2034

- 6.7% CAGR: Market growth during 2026–2034

- 40.5 Million Americans: Have participated in camping

- 13.7%: Share of the U.S. adult population that has camped at least once

- North America: Leading Camping Equipment Market region

- Asia Pacific: Major high-growth regional market

- Tents, Sleeping Bags & Mats, Backpacks & Bags: Key Camping Equipment Market product categories

- Lightweight, Sustainable & Premium Camping Gear: Major Camping Equipment Market trends and opportunities

United States Camping Equipment Market Advances with The North Face Universal Collection Launch

In April 2026, The North Face launched its Universal Collection in the United States, introducing accessible camping and outdoor products including the Universal Wawona 3 Tent, Universal One sleeping bag, Universal Daypack 20L, and other adaptive outdoor gear. The collection was developed with input from adaptive athletes and focuses on easier setup, improved accessibility, comfort, and functional outdoor design. The launch highlights growing U.S. Camping Equipment Market demand for inclusive camping gear, innovative tents, sleeping systems, backpacks, lightweight outdoor equipment, and user-friendly products, strengthening the country's role in camping and outdoor recreation innovation.

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The Global Camping Equipment Market is segmented by Product Type, Camping Type, Distribution Channel, End User, and Region.

By Product Type, Tents remain a key segment of the Camping Equipment Market as demand increases for lightweight, durable, weather-resistant, portable, and easy-to-install shelters for leisure camping, backpacking, adventure camping, car camping, and glamping. Sleeping Bags & Mats are gaining demand with the rise in overnight and multi-day camping trips, while Camping Furniture, Camping Cooking Equipment, Camping Lighting Equipment, Backpacks & Bags, Coolers, and Camping Accessories are strengthening the overall Camping Equipment Market size, market share, market demand, and growth. Consumers increasingly prefer compact, comfortable, sustainable, premium, and high-performance outdoor camping gear that improves portability, safety, convenience, and campsite functionality.

By Distribution Channel, Offline Stores continue to hold an important position in the Camping Equipment Market as consumers can physically inspect tents, sleeping systems, backpacks, cooking equipment, and other outdoor gear for quality, size, weight, durability, and comfort before purchase. Online Stores are gaining momentum through wider product availability, competitive pricing, discounts, customer reviews, home delivery, and growing e-commerce adoption. The expansion of omnichannel retail, direct-to-consumer platforms, and online outdoor equipment sales is creating new Camping Equipment Market opportunities and strengthening the long-term market forecast through 2034.

North America Leads the Camping Equipment Market as Outdoor Recreation and Premium Camping Gear Demand Strengthen

North America leads the Global Camping Equipment Market, supported by strong participation in camping, hiking, trekking, backpacking, outdoor recreation, and adventure tourism. The United States remains the major contributor, with 40.5 million Americans, or 13.7% of the adult population, having camped at least once, driving demand for tents, sleeping bags & mats, camping furniture, cooking equipment, lighting equipment, backpacks & bags, coolers, and camping accessories. Rising expenditure on outdoor activities, demand for lightweight and durable camping equipment, premium outdoor gear, and strong offline and online retail networks continue to strengthen the North America Camping Equipment Market size, market share, demand, and forecast.

Asia Pacific is expected to record faster Camping Equipment Market growth as tourism infrastructure, disposable income, leisure spending, and outdoor recreation expand across India, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Japan, and other regional markets. Europe also holds a significant position due to strong camping, caravan tourism, travel, and adventure activity, while Middle East & Africa and South America are gradually expanding through tourism development, outdoor recreation, e-commerce, and rising demand for portable, sustainable, comfortable, and weather-resistant camping gear.

Global Camping Equipment Market Competitive Landscape

The Global Camping Equipment Market is highly competitive and fragmented, with leading companies focusing on lightweight and durable camping gear, premium outdoor equipment, sustainable materials, portability, comfort, and omnichannel distribution. Major players include Johnson Outdoors, Decathlon, Newell Brands, Dometic Group, Big Agnes, NEMO Equipment, YETI Holdings, VF Corporation, Oase Outdoors, Exxel Outdoors, Snow Peak, The North Face, REI Co-op, Osprey, Primus, and Coleman. In 2026, NEMO Equipment launched updated Dragonfly OSMO tents and ultralight sleeping products, The North Face introduced its Universal Collection, Dometic launched the Feather-Lite II Rooftop Tent, Primus introduced the Moto Stove, and Snow Peak expanded its camping product portfolio.

Global Camping Equipment Market Recent Development

In 2026, NEMO Equipment strengthened its position in the Global Camping Equipment Market with the launch of its Spring 2026 collection, including updated Dragonfly OSMO tents, ultralight sleeping pads, and the Satellite Recliner. The new OSMO tent range uses recycled materials and focuses on lighter weight, improved strength, water resistance, and lower environmental impact. This development reflects the market's growing emphasis on lightweight camping equipment, sustainable materials, durable tents, ultralight outdoor gear, premium camping products, and product innovation.

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Camping Equipment Market – Key Players

- Newell Brands Inc.

- Decathlon S.A.

- YETI Holdings, Inc.

- Dometic Group AB

- Johnson Outdoors Inc.

- Naturehike

- Big Agnes, Inc.

- NEMO Equipment, Inc.

GALWAY, Ireland, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic plc (Medtronic; NYSE: MDT) today announced the final exchange ratio for its previously announced offer to exchange outstanding Medtronic ordinary shares for shares of common stock of MiniMed Group, Inc. (MiniMed; Nasdaq: MMED). Medtronic is offering to exchange up to 225,361,295 shares of MiniMed common stock for outstanding Medtronic ordinary shares in the exchange offer and, if the exchange offer is oversubscribed, Medtronic currently intends to exchange all of Medtronic's remaining interest in MiniMed (an additional 27,452,053 shares of MiniMed common stock), without extending the exchange offer period.

For each Medtronic ordinary share that is validly tendered and not validly withdrawn by shareholders and that is accepted by Medtronic pursuant to the exchange offer, Medtronic will deliver 4.5939 shares of MiniMed common stock to or at the direction of any such tendering shareholder.

The final calculated per-share value of Medtronic ordinary shares and the final calculated per-share value of MiniMed common stock, in each case determined in the manner described in the Prospectus filed by MiniMed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), would have resulted in an exchange ratio of more than the upper limit of 4.5939. Accordingly, the final exchange ratio has been set at 4.5939 shares of MiniMed common stock for each Medtronic ordinary share accepted in the exchange offer.

Based on the final exchange ratio, assuming the exchange offer is oversubscribed, Medtronic would accept for exchange approximately 55,032,401 Medtronic ordinary shares if Medtronic decides to exchange all of its remaining interest in MiniMed, or approximately 49,056,639 Medtronic ordinary shares if Medtronic does not increase the number of shares to be accepted, as described in the Prospectus. Because the exchange offer will be subject to proration if the exchange offer is oversubscribed, the number of Medtronic ordinary shares that Medtronic accepts in the exchange offer may be less than the number of shares validly tendered by Medtronic shareholders.

The exchange offer and withdrawal rights will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the day on October 9, 2026, unless the exchange offer is extended or terminated.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and BofA Securities, Inc. are the dealer managers for the exchange offer.

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary.

Cautions Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties, including risks related to the expected effects on Medtronic and MiniMed of the exchange offer, the anticipated timing and benefits of the exchange offer, Medtronic's ability to satisfy the necessary conditions to consummate its separation of MiniMed, Medtronic's ability to successfully consummate the separation of MiniMed and realize the anticipated benefits from the separation (including consummating the transaction on a basis that is generally tax-free to shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes), MiniMed's ability to succeed as an independent publicly traded company, competitive factors, difficulties and delays inherent in the development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of medical products, government regulation, geopolitical conflicts, changing global trade policies, general economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties described in Medtronic's and MiniMed's periodic reports on file with the SEC including their most recent respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words or expressions, such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "looking ahead," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "project," "should," "going to," "will," and similar words or expressions, the negative or plural of such words or expressions and other comparable terminology. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Medtronic does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements or any of the information contained in this press release, including to reflect future events or circumstances.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to sell or exchange, a solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange any securities or a recommendation as to whether investors should participate in the exchange offer. There shall be no solicitation, offer, sale or exchange of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such solicitation, offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. MiniMed has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") that includes a Prospectus. The exchange offer is made solely by the Prospectus. The Prospectus contains important information about the exchange offer, Medtronic, MiniMed and related matters, and Medtronic has delivered the Prospectus to holders of Medtronic ordinary shares. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROSPECTUS, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT DECISION, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. None of Medtronic, MiniMed or any of their respective directors or officers or the dealer managers appointed with respect to the exchange offer makes any recommendation as to whether you should participate in the exchange offer.

Medtronic has filed with the SEC a Schedule TO, which contains important information about the exchange offer.

Holders of Medtronic ordinary shares may obtain copies of the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Schedule TO and other related documents, and any other information that Medtronic and MiniMed file electronically with the SEC free of charge at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Holders of Medtronic ordinary shares may also obtain a copy of the Prospectus by clicking on the appropriate link at http://www.dfking.com/MDTSeparation.

Medtronic has retained D.F. King & Co., Inc. as the information agent for the exchange offer. To obtain copies of the exchange offer Prospectus and related documents, or for questions about the terms of the exchange offer or how to participate, you may contact the information agent at +1 (877) 361-7972 (toll-free for shareholders) or +1 (646) 845-0146 (banks, brokers, and all others outside the United States).

Contacts:

Justin Paquette

Public Relations

+1-612-271-7935

Ingrid Goldberg

Investor Relations 

+1-763-505-2696

SOURCE Medtronic plc

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ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Okami Medical, a medical technology company developing novel vascular embolization solutions, announced today that the U.S. FDA has granted an expanded indication for its LOBO® Vascular Occlusion System. The expanded indication extends the use of LOBO into peripheral veins, broadening embolization options for patients with venous conditions such as pelvic venous disease and portal hypertension.

"The LOBO Vascular Occluder represents the natural evolution of embolization devices - providing fast and predictable occlusion across a wide range of vascular conditions," said Raj Pyne, MD, FSIR of Rochester Regional Health. "Previously in venous embolization, physicians often needed multiple redundant devices, contended with trackability issues, and faced significant CT metallic artifact that obscured follow-up imaging. LOBO's expanded indication brings venous embolization into the next generation, providing quick and confident occlusion with precise placement while minimizing streak artifact on CT, thus simplifying procedures for physicians and follow-up for patients."

The LOBO device is a novel embolization system that gives physicians fast, reliable occlusion with controlled, mechanical precision across a broad range of peripheral vessel anatomies. At its core is Okami's proprietary HDBRAID construction, engineered to optimize deliverability, occlusivity, and stability for efficient procedures.

"In my experience, the LOBO vascular occlusion system has proven to be a rapid and reliable embolization platform," said Harris Chengazi, MD of Great Lakes Medical Imaging. "The venous indication expansion is an exciting frontier, bringing an intuitive and effective device into the paradigm for treating a myriad of venous conditions."

"This venous indication expansion reflects Okami's continued investment in the peripheral embolization space," said Drew Hykes, Chief Executive Officer of Okami Medical. "We look forward to bringing the benefits of LOBO to more patients."

About Okami Medical

Stopping flow. Restoring lives. This is the mission of Okami Medical, Inc., a privately held medical device company committed to addressing the evolving needs of patients and physicians through the development of innovative, versatile, and intuitive devices for the occlusion of peripheral vessels. For more information, please visit www.okamimedical.com.

949-446-9710

[email protected]

SOURCE Okami Medical, Inc.

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