In the news release, BERTRAM CAPITAL COMPLETES INVESTMENT IN PERCOPO COATINGS, issued 06-Oct-2026 by Bertram Capital over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:

BERTRAM CAPITAL COMPLETES INVESTMENT IN PERCOPO COATINGS

Extends Firm's Trade Services Platform

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bertram Capital ("Bertram") announced today its investment in Percopo Coatings Company, LLC ("PCC" or the "Company"), a leading provider of coatings and restoration services for commercial, industrial, and institutional structures across the Southeastern United States. PCC represents the fifth platform investment in Bertram's Ignite fund. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

PCC was founded in 2003 by Mike and Victoria Percopo and is headquartered in Longwood, FL. The Company has built a reputation among general contractors, developers, and facility owners for quality and speed to self-perform across multiple trades, eliminating the need for clients to manage multiple contractors.

"We are proud to partner with Bertram to accelerate our next phase of growth and continue building on more than two decades of expertise, craftsmanship, and client relationships," said Mike Percopo, Founder and CEO of PCC. "The team at Bertram demonstrated a clear understanding of our business, our people, and the standards we hold ourselves to. With the added digital capabilities of Bertram Labs, we believe we can further strengthen our operations and better serve our clients across the South."

PCC delivers painting, coatings and restoration solutions for commercial, institutional, hospitality, aviation, education, and government customers, with recognized project work spanning airports, resorts, theme parks, schools, and federal buildings.

"As backers of several scaled platforms across the trades, we appreciate the deep industry knowledge, relationships, entrepreneurial spirit, and grit required to operate a successful business in these categories," said Zack Bassi, Vice President at Bertram Capital. "Mike and Victoria have worked tirelessly to establish PCC as a household name in painting and specialty coatings with discerning GCs, developers and facility managers. We look forward to supporting PCC's next phase of growth with the assistance of Bertram Labs, our in-house technology team."

Bertram would like to recognize the teams at Cook M&A, led by Arnis Kins, and Ashurst Perkins Coie, led by Blake Schell, for their efforts in making this partnership possible. PCC is actively pursuing acquisition and partnership opportunities that expand the Company's geographic footprint and bring additional high-quality operators into the platform. Interested business owners may contact our partnerships team directly at [email protected].

Percopo Coatings Company, LLC

Founded in 2003 and based in Longwood, FL, Percopo Coatings Company (PCC) specializes in interior and exterior painting, coatings, waterproofing, seamless flooring, sandblasting, fireproofing/intumescent coatings, and restoration services for industrial, commercial, and institutional structures. PCC is trusted by clients including major airports, resort and hospitality operators, school districts, and federal agencies across the Southeastern United States. For more information, visit www.pccusa.com.

About Bertram Capital

Bertram Capital is a private equity firm targeting investments in lower middle-market companies. Since its inception in 2006, the firm has raised over $4.0 billion in capital commitments. In addition to providing strategic growth capital, Bertram Capital seeks to leverage proprietary processes and services, Bertram High-5℠ and Bertram Labs, to empower its portfolio companies to unlock their full potential.

Bertram High-5℠ is an operationally focused value-creation strategy that includes management augmentation, operational initiatives, complementary acquisitions, sales and marketing improvements, and technology integration. The cornerstone of this strategy is Bertram Labs, its in-house technology team, which drives growth through digital marketing, e-commerce, big data and analytics, application development, and platform optimization.

Bertram Capital V focuses on control investments in business services, consumer, and industrial sectors with EBITDA above $7.5 million. Bertram Ignite I focuses on both control and non-control investments in similar sectors, with a minimum EBITDA of $3 million.

For more information, visit www.bcap.com.

Media Contact

David Hellier

[email protected]

Correction: An earlier version of this release required an email address update. 

SOURCE Bertram Capital

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With modern Global PAYplus, BDO is enabling cost efficient modernization, greater automation, and more innovative and flexible payment services for customers

MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Finastra, a global leader in financial services software, today announced that BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) has enhanced its payments infrastructure with Finastra's modern Global PAYplus (GPP), reinforcing the bank's ability to support growing transaction volumes, strengthen operational resilience, and advance interoperability across the payments ecosystem.

As a leading universal bank in the Philippines, BDO serves retail, commercial, and institutional clients across a broad range of banking and financial services. The bank also supports correspondent banking and fintech partners with payment distribution capabilities into the Philippine market.

The deployment of GPP's high-value and mass-payments capabilities provides a scalable foundation for current and future payment requirements. BDO currently utilizes the platform for Swift and inbound PESONet processing and is the largest commercial bank in the Philippines leveraging GPP.

With GPP, the bank benefits from greater automation, flexible rule-based payment processing, and improved operational efficiency, while gaining the agility to support evolving industry standards such as ISO 20022 and connect to new domestic and cross-border payment networks as they emerge.

"Payments are a critical enabler of commerce and economic activity, making resilient and scalable infrastructure increasingly important," said Carlo B. Nazareno, head of Cash Management Services at BDO. "By enhancing our payments architecture with Finastra's Global PAYplus, we have strengthened our ability to support growing transaction volumes, improve operational efficiency, and adapt to evolving market requirements. This provides a strong foundation for delivering a seamless client experience today while supporting future innovation across the payments ecosystem."

"Banks around the world are under growing pressure to deliver payment experiences that are immediate, reliable, and tailored to increasingly diverse customer needs," said Radha Suvarna, Chief Product Officer of Payments at Finastra. "By bringing high-value and mass-payments processing together on Global PAYplus, BDO is reducing complexity while creating a more flexible foundation for innovation. We are proud to support the bank as it advances its payments capabilities and expands the services it can provide to customers. Our partnership demonstrates both the international capabilities of our solution, as well as our commitment to supporting banks with complex requirements, including multiple clearing systems and nuanced corporate client needs."

This approach reflects a broader shift in the industry toward unified, AI-enabled payment hubs that consolidate and orchestrate multiple rails. It also reflects the importance of cloud-native, API-enabled architecture, ISO 20022 support, and intelligent operations as important foundations for payments innovation, operational efficiency, and faster time to market.

To learn more visit: Finastra's Global PAYplus solution | Finastra.

About Finastra

Finastra provides the mission-critical software that powers thousands of financial institutions in more than 100 countries - including many of the world's leading banks. Its technology helps financial institutions move money as well as extend and service loans that financial services businesses and consumers rely on every day. Backed by Vista Equity Partners, Finastra combines deep financial services expertise with secure, reliable, and scalable technology to help customers modernize operations, accelerate innovation, and grow their businesses in a rapidly evolving industry.

Visit Finastra or follow Finastra on LinkedIn.

About BDO

BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail services such as loan and deposit products, treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, thrift banking and microfinance, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, life insurance, property & casualty insurance brokerage, cash cards, credit cards, and online and non-online stock brokerage services. BDO has the country's largest distribution network, with over 2,000 consolidated operating branches and more than 7,900 teller machines nationwide. It also has 13 international offices (including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore) in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

SOURCE Finastra

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GET ENGAGED JOINS SAMY, CREATING A POWERFUL GLOBAL PLATFORM AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOCIAL, CREATORS, ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE

Partnership combines Get Engaged's deep U.S. relationships and culture-driven expertise with SAMY's global social-first scale and data, strategy and creative capabilities.

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Get Engaged, a leading U.S. social-first agency specializing in creators, talent, entertainment and culture, today announced that it is joining SAMY, a global independent social-first agency. The combination brings together two social specialists to create one of the largest independent social-first influencer/creator agencies in the world, expanding the capabilities both organizations can offer brands globally.

For Get Engaged clients, the combination provides access to greater global reach and international activation capabilities, complemented by deeper social-first expertise across data and insights, strategy, creative, content production, social commerce, and product and technology development. At the same time, Get Engaged will retain its founders, leadership, culture, client-first approach and hands-on service model.

Alex Dermer, CEO of Get Engaged said, "We built Get Engaged to help brands connect with culture in ways that move their businesses forward. Joining SAMY gives us the global reach, technology and talent to take that vision further. What excites me most is our shared ambition for where this industry is going and the role we can play in shaping it. As I step into the CEO role of Get Engaged, I'm proud of what we've built and energized by what this partnership makes possible for our clients and our team."

"The next era of marketing will belong to brands that create moments people want to be part of. We see a huge opportunity to bring brands, creators and talent together in ways that go well beyond a single campaign. With SAMY, we can take bigger swings and turn bold ideas into experiences and partnerships that reach audiences around the world." - Cam Fordham (Co-Founder)

Juan Andres Elhazaz, CEO of SAMY said, Joining forces with Get Engaged consolidates SAMY as an independent, global leader in social and creator marketing. Having established a proven track record as a leader in Europe and Latin America scaling our U.S. footprint was one of SAMY's primary growth objectives and Get Engaged is the ideal partner to lead that expansion. We now bring our data and insight- driven Influencer and Social capabilities, powered by tech and AI, to maximize strategy and creative output, allowing leading brands to resonate authentically with today's audiences.

Founded in 2016 by Alex Dermer, Cam Fordham and Ben Hiott, Get Engaged drives culture with the power of influence and cross-platform orchestration, building genuine connections between celebrities, creators and brands through engaging content. The company has grown to more than 120 employees across Atlanta, New York, Nashville and Los Angeles, serving clients including Sephora, Raising Cane's, DoorDash, Live Nation, NBCUniversal, EA Games, Sazerac, Universal Music Group, and Perplexity.

SAMY is a global, social-first agency that builds brand relevance by seamlessly integrating intelligence, creativity, and technology. Headquartered in Madrid, the agency operates with over 1,200 specialists across 20 offices and 55 markets worldwide, driving high-impact campaigns for leading global brands including L'Oréal, Barilla, The North Face, Diageo, Microsoft, Red Bull, Grindr and Unilever.

"Get Engaged has been a valued partner of Raising Cane's since 2018 and has helped the Brand reach new audiences in fun and engaging ways that feel authentic and genuine to both the Brand and our Customers," said Raising Cane's owner and founder Todd Graves. "The team at GE is collaborative, resourceful, and skilled at helping identify opportunities for Brands to capitalize on cultural moments and maintain that momentum through fresh ideas and industry-leading insight."

The partnership also expands opportunities for Get Engaged's existing clients, who will gain access to SAMY's global organization and the ability to activate campaigns across Europe, Asia and Latin America. Get Engaged will anchor SAMY's operations in the United States, with its founders, leadership and teams continuing to lead the business and its client relationships.

Beyond combining services, the combination will result in one of the largest independent social-first marketing organizations globally, built around how modern audiences discover and engage with brands across creators, entertainment and social ecosystems.

For employees, the combination creates new opportunities to collaborate internationally, work alongside a larger network of specialists, operate across additional markets and participate in building the next phase of a growing global organization.

"We've spent years developing a deep understanding of what captures attention, what people choose to share, and what makes content move across the internet. Joining SAMY gives us the global infrastructure, resources, and reach to build on that expertise at a much greater scale, helping more clients earn a meaningful place in the conversations shaping culture." Ben Hiott (Co-founder, Get Engaged)

The combined business will also benefit from the proprietary technology and AI-powered tools already in use across SAMY, as well as further developments to be brought to market together, enabling greater speed, intelligence and scale for clients. By pairing this technology with Get Engaged's access to talent and creators, cultural understanding and local-market expertise, the two agencies will help brands participate meaningfully in culture rather than simply advertise around it.

Héctor Pérez, Deputy Managing Partner of Bridgepoint Europe said "This is another important milestone in SAMY's global growth journey, bringing together two highly complementary social first businesses and significantly strengthening the group's presence in the US. Together, SAMY and Get Engaged will create a leading social first agency globally, with the scale, capabilities and local expertise to support clients across markets. We are pleased to continue supporting the team as they deliver on that ambition."

The Raine Group served as exclusive financial advisor to Get Engaged.

About Get Engaged

Founded in 2016 by Alex Dermer, Cam Fordham and Ben Hiott, Get Engaged is a social-first marketing company operating at the intersection of brands, entertainment, creators, talent and culture. With more than 100 employees and offices in Atlanta, New York, Nashville and Los Angeles, the company's capabilities include campaign ideation, social media management, influencer marketing, celebrity partnerships, content production and paid media. Get Engaged works with leading brands, platforms, labels, studios, creators and talent.

About SAMY

SAMY is a global social-first marketing organization with approximately 1,200 employees and operations across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. The company brings together social-first strategy, technology, research and market intelligence, content and production, creator marketing and international operating infrastructure to help brands connect with audiences globally and execute effectively in local markets.

SOURCE Get Engaged

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–  PADCEV™ (enfortumab vedotin) plus pembrolizumab data highlight durable survival benefit in advanced bladder cancer –

– VYLOY™ (zolbetuximab) research reinforces the role of CLDN18.2 in shaping gastric cancer treatment decisions –

TOKYO, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") today announced that 21 abstracts from its oncology portfolio will be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2026 (ESMO 2026), taking place October 23–27 in Madrid, Spain. The presentations span prostate, urothelial, gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), lung and pancreatic cancers, reflecting Astellas' commitment to advancing standards of care and pursuing new scientific approaches designed for cancers where significant unmet need remains.

Moitreyee Chatterjee-Kishore, Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President and Head of Oncology Development, Astellas:

"Standards of care do not change by accident. The data being presented at ESMO 2026 demonstrate how a deep understanding of disease biology and differentiated modalities is helping advance care for patients with bladder, gastric, and prostate cancers, including through approaches such as PADCEV™ (enfortumab vedotin) plus pembrolizumab, VYLOY™ (zolbetuximab), and XTANDI™ (enzalutamide). We are building upon this knowledge to develop the next generation of therapeutic options for cancers where unmet needs remain and look forward to engaging in discussions about this work at the congress."

Highlights from Astellas' ESMO 2026 presentations include:

- Enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab presentations include the longest follow-up reported to date in locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, along with analyses across patient subgroups and treatment settings. Additional presentations include trials in progress exploring bladder preservation in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

- Zolbetuximab presentations examine CLDN18.2 assessment, patient identification and real-world use, reinforcing the growing body of evidence supporting CLDN18.2-guided treatment decisions in gastric and GEJ cancers.

- Pipeline presentations feature trials-in-progress across Astellas' investigational programs, including Phase 3 trials of setidegrasib in KRAS G12D-mutated pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancers, a Phase 1 trial of ASP5834 in KRAS-mutated or amplified solid tumors, and a Phase 1b/2 trial of ASP546C in CLDN18.2-expressing solid tumors. Together, these investigational studies illustrate Astellas' continued investment in advancing new approaches aimed at overcoming challenges that have limited progress in hard-to-treat cancers.

Additional details on Astellas' presentations at ESMO 2026 are included below.

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into value for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at www.astellas.com.

About PADCEV and the Pfizer, Astellas and MSD Collaboration

Seagen and Astellas previously entered a clinical collaboration agreement with MSD to evaluate the combination of Seagen's and Astellas' PADCEVTM (enfortumab vedotin) and MSD's KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in patients with urothelial cancer. Pfizer Inc. successfully completed its acquisition of Seagen on December 14, 2023. KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada).

About XTANDI and the Pfizer/Astellas Collaboration

In October 2009, Medivation, Inc., which is now part of Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), and Astellas (TSE: 4503) entered into a commercial agreement to jointly develop and commercialize XTANDI® (enzalutamide) in the United States, while Astellas has responsibility for manufacturing and all additional regulatory filings globally, as well as commercializing the product outside the United States. Pfizer receives alliance revenues as a share of U.S. profits and receives royalties on sales outside the U.S.

Cautionary Notes

In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions, and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc.

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Denise McCormick, as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

CORALVILLE, Iowa, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Denise McCormick is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Personal Development and Educational Empowerment.

Denise McCormick has built a distinguished career in personal development, education, and mentorship, recognized for her commitment to empowering individuals through mindset coaching, literacy advocacy, and motivational speaking. As an associate producer and speaker with Success Mindset Mentorship LLC, she inspires audiences worldwide with messages centered on growth mindset, faith over fear, and overcoming adversity.

Ms. McCormick specializes in personal development and educational mentorship, combining decades of experience in K through 12 literacy instruction with transformational coaching and public speaking. Her work supports educators, students, and communities through workshops, presentations, and mentorship programs designed to foster confidence, resilience, and lifelong learning.

She earned a master's degree from Viterbo University and a bachelor's degree from Iowa Wesleyan College. In addition, she is a licensed Worldwide WomanSpeak Circle Leader and a certified Canfield Trainer in The Success Principles through The Canfield Training Group, where she has been affiliated since 2019.

Throughout her career, Ms. McCormick has served in a variety of educational and leadership roles, including elementary teacher within the Mount Pleasant Community School District, lecturer in reading and K through 12 reading specialist at Iowa Wesleyan University, and graduate instructor with the Iowa Writing Project at the University of Northern Iowa. Since 2021, she has continued her mission through Success Mindset Mentorship LLC as an associate producer and speaker.

She is also recognized as an international bestselling author and associate producer of the PBS documentary Authentic Conversations, created alongside Dr. Angela Sadler Williamson. In addition, she is developing a children's book focused on empowerment and literacy.

Ms. McCormick's contributions to her community and the field of education have earned her multiple awards recognizing her impact and dedication to service. Her affiliations include Worldwide WomanSpeak, The Canfield Training Group, World Class Speaker Society, and collaborative work with Links Across Borders, reflecting her commitment to educational outreach and global advocacy.

Outside of her professional work, she enjoys swimming, writing music, playing piano, singing, yoga, fitness training, traveling, and community and church involvement.

Looking ahead, Ms. McCormick plans to organize an international event supporting educators and promoting literacy initiatives worldwide in partnership with nonprofit organizations. She also intends to continue advocating for personal development strategies that help combat teacher burnout while supporting the creation of libraries and educational opportunities around the world.

Guided by a philosophy rooted in spirituality, service, and personal growth, Ms. McCormick remains committed to empowering others through education, mentorship, and mindset development.

Contact:

Katherine Green

516-825-5634

[email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Scage Future Announces Plan to Implement ADS Ratio Change

NANJING, China, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Scage Future ("Scage Future" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: SCAG), a zero-emission solution provider of new energy heavy-duty commercial vehicles and e-fuel solutions, today announced that it plans to change the ratio of its American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") to its ordinary shares (the "ADS Ratio"), from the current ADS Ratio of one (1) ADS to one (1) ordinary share to a new ADS Ratio of one (1) ADS to fifteen (15) ordinary shares (the "ADS Ratio Change"). The Company anticipates that the ADS Ratio Change will be effective on or about October 30, 2026 (the "Effective Date").

For Scage Future's ADS holders, the change in the ADS Ratio will have the same effect as a one-for-fifteen reverse ADS split. On the Effective Date, holders of ADSs as of the Effective Date will be entitled to receive one (1) new ADS for every fifteen (15) existing ADSs then held, and the exchange will occur automatically, with the then-held ADSs being cancelled and new ADSs being issued by Citibank, N.A., as the depositary bank for the Company's ADS program ("Depositary Bank"). Holders of ADSs will not be required to take any action in connection with the ADS Ratio Change.

No fractional new ADSs will be issued in connection with the change in the ADS Ratio. Instead, fractional entitlements to new ADSs will be aggregated and sold by the Depositary Bank, and the net cash proceeds from the sale of the fractional ADS entitlements (after deduction of fees, taxes and expenses) will be distributed to the applicable ADS holders by the Depositary Bank.

The change in the ADS Ratio will have no impact on Scage Future's underlying ordinary shares, and no ordinary shares will be issued or cancelled in connection with the change in the ADS Ratio. Scage Future's ADSs will continue to be traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "SCAG." In connection with the ADS Ratio Change, the CUSIP number for the ADSs will also change from 80590A105 to a new CUSIP number to be announced.

As a result of the change in the ADS Ratio, the ADS trading price is expected to increase proportionally, although the Company can give no assurance that the ADS trading price after the change in the ADS Ratio will be equal to or greater than fifteen times the ADS trading price before the change.

About Scage Future

Scage Future is a leading zero-emission technology provider in China, dedicated to decarbonizing global commercial transportation through its portfolio of advanced heavy-duty NEV trucks and innovative e-fuel systems. Through strategic partnerships with top-tier vehicle manufacturers and a strong quality control framework, the Company delivers intelligent, high-performance NEVs addressing the transport needs across logistics, mining and port operations. The Company has a proven track record in the design, production, and testing of next-generation heavy-duty NEVs, including the Dragon II plug-in hybrid dump truck, Galaxy II plug-in hybrid truck, and Q-Truck autonomous tractor trailer.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing and completion of the ADS Ratio Change, the expected Effective Date of the ADS Ratio Change, the anticipated effects of the ADS Ratio Change on the trading price of the Company's ADSs, and the Company's expectations regarding the treatment of fractional ADS entitlements and the exchange of existing ADSs for new ADSs. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "approximates," "assesses," "believes," "hopes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "plans," "will," "would," "should," "could," "may" or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, please contact:

Scage Future

Investor Relations

Emily Wang

Head of Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Scage Future

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vivo X500 Series Debuts with Advanced ZEISS Telephoto Lens System and Cinematic Video Capabilities

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- vivo today unveiled the new X500 Series globally, comprising three flagship models: the X500 Pro Max, X500 Pro, and X500. The series introduces an advanced ZEISS Telephoto Lens System, with powerful telephoto cameras and extenders to deliver exceptional long-range imaging. Leading the lineup, the X500 Pro Max features a 200 MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, paired with the 400 mm Equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra for outstanding telephoto performance. Powered by the smoother, smarter experience of OriginOS 7 and the largest battery capacity ever offered in the X Series, the new lineup elevates the flagship smartphone experience to new heights, delivering effortless versatility and professional-grade creative capabilities.

Next-Level Flagship Imaging, From Pro Telephoto to Everyday Moments

Co-engineered with ZEISS, the X500 series combines vivo's innovation with ZEISS's expertise in imaging to deliver a comprehensive flagship imaging experience, from professional telephoto to everyday creation. X500 Pro Max features a 200 MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera with a 1/1.4-inch Ultra-Sensing Sensor HP0 and an 85 mm equivalent focal length. It incorporates CIPA 7.0 Professional Stabilization, enabling longer handheld exposure times in low-light conditions while reducing motion blur.

Powered by the X-Track Engine, the X500 Pro Max and X500 Pro deliver professional-grade subject tracking across both snapshot and video modes. Lock-On Subject Tracking[1] keeps subjects sharply in focus, even when they briefly move out of the frame or become temporarily obstructed. The X500 Pro Max supports AF Tracking at up to 60 fps in Snapshot Mode, delivering smooth and responsive tracking performance. The Super Snapshot Engine enhances long-range shooting capabilities, with 30x Long-Range Motion Snapshot on X500 Pro Max and 20x on X500 Pro. This makes it easier to capture fast-moving subjects from a distance with clarity and consistency. For video creation, 4K 120 fps Pro AF Tracking Video and Auto Framing Video further support precise subject tracking and framing. Together, these advanced capabilities enhance the motion photography experience when capturing fast-moving subjects in dynamic scenarios such as sports, wildlife, and concerts.

For creators demanding even greater reach, X500 Pro Max supports the 400 mm Equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra, delivering powerful super-telephoto capabilities for effortless long-range creation. Supporting more than 10 shooting modes, including Stage, Snapshot, and Pro, it gives creators greater flexibility to capture distant subjects across a range of shooting conditions.

X500 Pro, another flagship model in the X500 series, shares some of the imaging DNA of X500 Pro Max, while distinguishing itself with an 85 mm equivalent ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera equipped with a 64 MP vivo x Sony LYTIA 610 sensor. Certified to ZEISS APO standards for chromatic aberration control and featuring ZEISS T* Coating, the camera delivers accurate color reproduction and exceptional clarity, even at high zoom levels. The camera supports 20x Long-Range Motion Snapshot and is compatible with the 200 mm Equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2.

The third model in the series, X500, is designed as an everyday creative companion, combining a 72 mm equivalent ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera with a ZEISS Pro-Level Ultra-Sensing Camera featuring a 50 MP 1/1.28-inch sensor like the one used in the X300 Pro. For portrait enthusiasts, the all-new Cinematic Portrait intelligently optimizes portrait lighting across daylight, dusk, and indoor environments, applying film-inspired styles to make it easy to capture natural-looking portraits anytime, anywhere. Taking portraiture a step further, vivo Color Palette offers granular control over tone, glow, and grain, helping users achieve a more distinctive and personalized portrait color expression.

Cinematic Excellence, Mastered from Dynamic Action to Portraits

X500 Pro Max and X500 Pro feature imaging systems centered around a ZEISS TrueDynamic Main Camera, empowering professional creators to produce exceptional video content with rich details and dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions.

The ZEISS TrueDynamic Main Camera supports Cinematic Pro Log Video, capturing greater detail across highlights and shadows for cinematic visual latitude comparable to professional cinema cameras. A dedicated Log curve, specifically tuned to the camera's 17 EV ultra-high dynamic range[2], preserves rich detail and tonal gradation while providing professional creators with greater flexibility in post-production. From backlit portrait videos to sunrise and sunset scenes, creators can maintain greater control throughout the entire video workflow, from capture to final edit.

The main camera also debuts groundbreaking 4K Cinematic Portrait Video, bringing cinematic image quality and intelligent portrait enhancement to video. It preserves rich tonal depth and natural skin tones across complex lighting conditions, making it easy to capture stunning portrait videos against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. The new 4K Cinematic Portrait Video mode offers a range of cinematic color styles, including the Sunny Day and Vibrant styles co-developed by vivo and ZEISS. Combined with ultra-high dynamic range, these styles deliver a classic cinematic look straight out of the camera.

For high-speed video capture, the ZEISS TrueDynamic Main Camera supports native 4K 240 fps High Frame Rate Video with extended recording time. Available in Video, Pro Video, and Slo-mo modes, it offers greater flexibility for slow-motion shooting and post-production, preserving fine detail and fluid motion even when capturing fast-moving subjects. Complementing this high-speed capture capability, X500 Pro Max features 3° Gimbal-Grade OIS, helping keep footage stable and smooth.

Meanwhile, the X500 series is an ideal companion for everyday content creation, offering versatile and effortless video capabilities. It supports Multi-Focal 4K 120 fps High-Spec Video and 4K Cinematic Color Video. With Film Style mode, it delivers a 2.4:1 aspect ratio and industry-leading film effects, including motion blur, halation, and grain, to faithfully recreate the distinctive look of film—enabling cinematic, atmospheric footage to be captured with a single tap. Stage Mode 3.0 features Auto Framing Fancam Video, 4K Dual-View Stage Video, 4K Stage All-in-One Recording, and Super Telephoto Stage Snapshot, making it easy to capture memorable concert moments—whether recording themselves, their favorite artist, or both together.

To further enable cinematic storytelling, the X500 series features enhanced 4K Cinematic Color Video, offering classic film-inspired color styles including Paris Afterglow, Golden Hour, and Pastel, along with support for 4K recording.

Beyond color and image effects, additional creative tools in Movie Workshop on the X500 series bring greater versatility and creative possibilities to video creation. Auto Framing intelligently tracks subjects to keep them centered in the frame, while Vortex Shot enables ultra-steady 360° rotating shots with just one tap.

OriginOS 7: Smoother, More Connected, and Smarter

X500 Series runs on OriginOS 7, delivering a fresh smartphone experience that combines lasting smoothness, seamless cross-device connectivity, and AI-powered productivity.

For a smoother experience, Origin Workbench enables seamless task switching with floating windows and drag-and-drop file transfers across apps, making complex workflows feel effortless. Origin Smooth Engine delivers fluid animations with interruptible interactions, making every swipe and tap feel instantly responsive. Powered by the Ultra-Core Computing, Memory Fusion, and Dual Rendering, it is designed to maintain a consistently smooth experience over time.

One of the key highlights of OriginOS 7 is its enhanced cross-ecosystem connectivity, enabling seamless interoperability with Apple devices, including AirPods and Apple Watch, as well as connectivity with iCloud. For everyday sharing, Quick Share[3] simplifies file transfers across devices, supporting interoperability with AirDrop, while Seamless Device Switch supports one-tap migration by transferring only essential information and excluding unnecessary cached data. For productivity and entertainment, vivo Office Kit facilitates collaboration between vivo smartphones and Mac computers through tools such as Jovi PC and Camera Sharing. It enhances productivity by providing convenient access to content and seamless continuity across devices. Together, these capabilities enable a more seamless cross-device workflow across multiple ecosystems, helping content creators stay connected and productive.

On the design front, OriginOS 7 offers a rich range of personalization features. Dynamic Translucent Material adds a distinctive visual aesthetic, while Wiggle (Boing) transforms static images into dynamic visuals. System-level StickIt extracts subjects from photos, allowing subjects to be placed anywhere for greater creative expression.

AI-powered productivity tools further simplify everyday tasks. Snap & Go intelligently recognizes information in screenshots, while AI Next Up turns recognized schedules into automatic reminders on the home screen. AI Recorder enhances recording with intelligent features, including speaker recognition, transcript outlining, transcript refinement, and smart summaries. Supporting six templates, such as Meeting Summary, Lecture Notes, and Interview Summary, it helps turn recorded conversations and content into clear, structured insights.

Alaska fishermen caught 30 million wild sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay this summer.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This October is National Seafood Month, and Alaska's Bristol Bay is giving seafood lovers 30 million reasons to celebrate. Americans already have a strong appetite for salmon; it is the nation's second-most consumed seafood. Bristol Bay in western Alaska is the world's largest source of wild sockeye. The fishery supports roughly 8,000 commercial fishermen and generates economic activity for rural Alaska communities throughout the region.

[Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon: Wild Taste, Amazing Place]

FIND WILD SOCKEYE NEAR YOU

Consumers nationwide can use Bristol Bay's online Fish Finder to buy this year's wild sockeye catch directly from fishermen who ship across the U.S. or find retailers carrying Bristol Bay sockeye nearby.

"These fish make a pretty amazing journey back to Bristol Bay every summer" said Doug Morgan, longtime Bristol Bay fisherman and president of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association. "We get to be there to catch them, but the story doesn't stop with us. When you buy Bristol Bay sockeye and bring it home, or order it on a menu, you become part of that journey too. You're helping keep this fishery and the communities around it going strong."

VERIFIED NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE

An independent analysis conducted earlier this year puts numbers behind the nutritional value of this abundant wild protein. Testing of Bristol Bay sockeye found a single 113-gram serving contains:

- 23 grams of protein

- 163% of the daily value for vitamin D

- 56% of the daily value for selenium

Compared with USDA reference data for farmed Atlantic salmon, Bristol Bay sockeye contained 40% more EPA omega-3, 2.6 times more vitamin D and 4.3 times more calcium. The analysis also found no detectable microplastics in any Bristol Bay sockeye samples tested.

"Bristol Bay sockeye is a true product of place, shaped by one of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth," said Lilani Dunn, BBRSDA Executive Director. "These findings put numbers behind what Bristol Bay fishermen have known for generations: this salmon is exceptional. It is nature's perfect protein."

Visit https://bristolbaysockeye.org/ for wild Bristol Bay sockeye salmon recipes, cooking tips, fishermen profiles and more.

ABOUT BBRSDA

The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) is a fishermen-funded group working to increase the value of the Bristol Bay fishery through education, quality outreach and marketing.

MEDIA CONTACT

Christine Fanning, Brand Partnerships & Retail

Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association

[email protected], 907.321.5129

SOURCE BRISTOL BAY REGIONAL SEAFOOD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

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Prohibition Partners pairs a decade of cannabis market infrastructure with the international network of PPX's new Managing Director.

LONDON, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prohibition Partners is pleased to announce that Heidi Whitman has joined the company as Managing Director of PPX, a new strategic pillar from the organisation that has tracked, analysed and shaped the global cannabis industry for a decade.

PPX will bring Prohibition Partners' existing clients, some of whom it has worked with since 2017, together with Whitman's extensive international network of regulators, financiers and formulators.

In turn, the clients she brings across from her own practice gain the reach of the largest cannabis B2B network in the world from across Prohibition Partners' portfolio, including flagship industry events and agenda-setting publications like Cannabis Europa, Cannabis Health, Mind Forward, and Business of Cannabis.

"PPX is an advisory and media pillar under Prohibition Partners," Whitman said. "With this combination, clients will have access to the full suite of Prohibition Partners' brands and services, the intelligence, the data, the media, the journalism, and the events, alongside my trusted international curated network of decision makers. The scope and quality of what we're now able to offer clients simply cannot be found anywhere else in the industry."

The PPX pillar will provide expanded holistic services for operators, spanning proprietary market intelligence, direct introductions to investors and operators, visibility through its expansive media network, and strategic guidance informed by regulatory insight across every major market.

Whitman has spent more than a decade in the global cannabis industry, cultivating a network of trusted and influential industry figures spread across the UK, the EU and Latin America. Across three independent business ventures, a company exit, and years of independent advisory work, this network has evolved into an invaluable platform, one that will now be coming to Prohibition Partners.

People 'who have already been speaking to me and engaged with me' will continue with her inside PPX, she emphasised. "Nothing has changed…. If my name's attached to it, it needs to be good people, my good people network, trying to do the right thing."

The Trust Business

With Prohibition Partners' team of some of the industry's most respected and talented individuals under her leadership at PPX, Whitman aims to bring an unrivalled suite of services to her clientele.

The teams' expertise will not only be able to identify the brightest opportunities the sector has to offer for each individual business, but the relationships built over decades of combined industry presence can open the door for them to walk through.

Whitman's vision is simple: grow the value of our clientele, and the value of the company follows. "Our clients access within PPX advisory, a network of some of the most respected and talented individuals in the space, plus full access to the Prohibition Partners pillars across advisory and media," she says.

"That means validating their strategic growth plans and staying on the leading edge of where the industry is going. It's a combination no other advisory can match, and we do it with equality built in throughout."

Underpinning this network is a focus on compliance and trust. Whitman names Cannavigia, a client of PPX and a cannabis traceability and compliance software provider, as one of her existing clients and says the same discipline runs through everything she plans to bring to PPX.

"Compliance is going to be key to everything I do. Ethics, compliance, honesty and trust, those are all the things we absolutely need."

For Whitmann, who has enjoyed a long and varied career in the cannabis industry, the move also marks a shift from operating alone.

"There's a team behind me now. I've been on my own for some time. Now I have in-house all the intelligence and all the other media opportunities and branding and marketing tools. That's something I would have had to outsource before, but it can be all wrapped up into one package now."

Based between the UK and continental Europe, with an active network in Latin America and North America, she believes PPX is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the anticipated interest in the UK as a European base as the US moves through federal rescheduling.

"Being on the leading edge means you're able to pivot," she says. "You're able to understand the importance of having an adviser on the ground if you're not in this country."

Her framing of the opportunity is unapologetically ambitious: "It's time to raise standards in business and operations. We have to look at this as a renaissance. Business models are shifting, and those who are the loudest do not always harness best practices. We are here to shine a light on excellence in practice and bring those to the forefront at whatever stage their business is currently sitting. Everyone deserves to participate when ethics, morals and practice in operations support the industry and community which it serves."

"PPX opens the door to the full power of the Prohibition Partners pillars, connecting global clients with the resources and momentum they need for their next phase of growth."

She is equally insistent that the offer isn't only for the largest operators: "I'm here for all stages of business, for all opportunities, working with everyone based on their budgets and their growth plans."

Heidi's appointment closes a gap in our offering," said Stephen Murphy, Founder and CEO of Prohibition Partners. "Since 2017, we have built the intelligence, the media reach and the events infrastructure that operators rely on. What Heidi brings is the relationships that turn that infrastructure into outcomes: introductions to regulators, investors and formulators, built over more than a decade in the market.

"Prohibition Partners' unique network and knowledge means clients no longer need to assemble data, advisory, media and access separately. It is now one service, with one point of contact."

Two Networks, One Platform

Whitman's advisory career has run alongside a second, more personal project. In 2023, on the sidelines of Prohibition Partners' own Cannabis Europa conference, she co-founded EmpowHer Cannabis Society with Rebecca Allan-Tapp after finding herself one of few women in the room.

EmpowHer has since grown into a WhatsApp network spanning more than 40 countries and a formally registered association in Berlin. In November 2024, Whitman won the Cannabis Industry Council's Contribution to Social Impact award for the initiative at the body's inaugural awards dinner.

"For 2027, my goal is to lead PPX clients into their next phase across regional, emerging and international markets, and to convene a female health symposium that fills an economically game-changing gap for our industry."

For companies, entrepreneurs or even the cannabis industry curious, PPX's offering is simple – Whitman's relationships provide the access; the Prohibition Partners platform provides the scale. Whitman's relationships provide the access, Prohibition Partners platform provides the scale.

Shawna Seldon, 1-917-971-7852, [email protected]

SOURCE Heidi Whitman; Prohibition Partners

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LOWELL, Mass., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Draper held a groundbreaking ceremony today for a new microelectronics building in Lowell, Massachusetts. The building will house Draper's Integrated Microelectronics Production & Advanced Chip Technology (IMPACT) Center.

An integral part of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC), the IMPACT Center will be a 111,000 square foot building with advanced microelectronic design, production, and packaging facilities to deliver cutting-edge technology to Draper's customers. The Center will create more than 100 new highly skilled jobs, including technicians, advanced degree engineers, and business executives.

Construction is being supported, in part, by state and local funding in partnership with the city of Lowell to strengthen the defense ecosystem in the Commonwealth.

"Microelectronics are a critical component in nearly every system used to safeguard our nation's interests. To ensure the integrity of these systems, we must build and maintain a domestic microelectronics supply chain – one that is free from foreign influence and disruption," said Jerry M. Wohletz, Ph.D., Draper's president and CEO. "The IMPACT Center will expand our onshore capacity to create and deploy the systems our nation depends on. At the same time, the IMPACT Center will drive the local economy by creating new jobs for Lowell residents and UMass Lowell graduates and strengthen Massachusetts' position in the defense industrial base."

"The groundbreaking of the IMPACT Center reflects the continued growth of LINC and UMass Lowell's relationship with Draper," said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. "By bringing industry and academia together in close proximity, LINC creates an innovation ecosystem where researchers can exchange ideas, students can gain career-connected experiences, and companies can tap into the university's resources and expertise. The IMPACT Center will deepen those connections, leading to innovations in microelectronics while helping develop the future workforce."

"Today's groundbreaking represents an exciting investment in Lowell's future and strengthens our city's growing innovation and technology economy," said Lowell Mayor Erik Gitschier. "Draper's new IMPACT Center will bring more skilled jobs, expand opportunities for our residents, and strengthen the partnership between the City of Lowell, UMass Lowell, and the Commonwealth. This project is another important step in positioning Lowell as a center for advanced manufacturing, research, and workforce development. On behalf of the City Council, we welcome this investment and look forward to the opportunities it will create for our Lowell community."

Upon completion in 2029, the IMPACT Center will offer manufacturing services spanning design to field-ready systems that meet the specific needs of Draper's customers. The Center will enable high-mix, low-volume production supporting domains ranging from microelectronics to advanced precision navigation and timing systems.

"Advanced chip packaging, which bundles multiple chips into a single assembly for placement onto a circuit board, is a critical part of building complex, high-performance systems," said Colleen Anderson, Electronic Systems program director at Draper. "But only 3 percent of chip packaging is performed in the United States today. The IMPACT Center will help to fill this void by providing a reliable domestic source for some of the most sophisticated systems our country produces."

The IMPACT Center will be located in the Hamilton Canal Innovation District and is part of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC). LINC is an innovation ecosystem that stretches from the UMass Lowell campus into downtown Lowell that drives research, workforce development and economic growth while creating opportunities for students, faculty, companies and the community. Draper is an anchor tenant in LINC and currently has a corporate campus established within the corridor.

Draper is pleased to be teaming with Wexford Science & Technology as the real estate developer for the project alongside GMH Communities and First Atlantic. In support of the development team is Shawmut Design and Construction and Burns & McDonnell.

Distinguished guests attending the ceremony included Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan, University of Massachusetts Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, and Lowell Mayor Erik R. Gitschier. Draper President and CEO Jerry Wohletz hosted the event. He was joined by Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President of Development at Wexford Science & Technology, John Grady.

About Draper

Draper is a non-profit research, development, and manufacturing company that solves some of the nation's most important challenges. With more than 2,800 employees working in collaboration across 12 locations, Draper delivers transformative, mission-driven solutions that successfully meet our customers' requirements. These efforts focus on four critical mission areas: Strategic Systems, Space Systems, Electronic Systems, and Biotechnology Systems. To extend our legacy into the future, the Draper Scholars program engages with the next generation of innovators while DraperSPARX™ seeks to partner with startups and small businesses that can further our mission. To learn more about Draper, visit www.draper.com. Follow Draper on Linked In and Instagram.

SOURCE Draper Laboratory

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