Steampunk Fortune game, new operator tools and an expanded EdgeLabs Connect network will also be on show at Stand B551.

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EdgeLabs gaming studio is heading back to SBC Summit Lisbon with a question for operators: What's next after Blue Bird Bonus?

The answer begins at Stand B551 with Blue Bird Bonus Extreme, a new spin-off featuring higher multipliers and more volatile gameplay. Visitors will also be able to play Steampunk Fortune and get an early look at new releases built around 3Pot and 4Pot mechanics resembling the studio's infamous title Flaming Skulls.

EdgeLabs will be showing the games live throughout the event, giving operators a chance to see them in action and speak directly with the team about where they could fit in their portfolios.

"There's a big difference between hearing about a new game and sitting down to play it," said Marina Rodov, CEO of EdgeLabs. "We're bringing our new releases to Lisbon so operators can experience them for themselves. We're especially excited to see their reaction to what we've done with Blue Bird Bonus Extreme."

There will be more to explore beyond the games. EdgeLabs will demonstrate additional promo features like prize drops and tournaments, and its back-office tools that allow operators to configure games and promotions and view analytics. The team will also be discussing ideas for new products and player experiences like slot battles and mystery packs.

EdgeLabs Connect, the studio's aggregation platform, has also grown its provider network. Recent additions include ELA Games, Net Gaming, Gaming Corps and AJOY, giving operators access to more content through a single API, with hands-on support that doesn't stop at launch.

EdgeLabs will exhibit at Stand B551, Hall 2, alongside the other businesses of Invicta Entertainment Group. Visitors can explore content, aggregation, platforms, operations, and marketing with the teams behind them in one place.

The studio's blue and green bird plushies will return after proving popular at last year's show. EdgeLabs will also hold live prize giveaways at 4:00 p.m. Lisbon time on September 29 and 30, with prizes including AirPods, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and an iPhone 17 Pro.

SBC Summit Lisbon runs from September 29 to October 1. Visit EdgeLabs at Stand B551, Hall 2, to play the new releases. To connect with the team after the show, send a note at https://www.edgelabs.game/contact.

Come for the games. Stay for the opportunities and maybe leave with an iPhone.

About EdgeLabs

EdgeLabs is a B2B iGaming content provider developing engaging, high-performance games powered by modern technology and player-focused mathematical models. Its growing portfolio includes slots, fish-shooting games and instant-win titles, as well as branded, exclusive and custom content.

With operations across North America, Europe and Asia, EdgeLabs delivers scalable, fully integrated gaming solutions designed to support player engagement, retention, customization and gamification.

Learn more at edgelabs.game.

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Football icon Luka Modrić joins Gorenje as brand ambassador

The partnership brings together shared values of consistency, performance and simplicity, while highlighting Gorenje's Life Simplified range for modern everyday living

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gorenje, one of Europe's leading home appliance brands and part of Hisense Group, has announced football icon Luka Modrić as its brand ambassador in the Middle East, bringing together two names united by a commitment to consistency, performance and excellence.

Built around the idea that "True Greatness Begins at Home," the collaboration reflects the importance of having a home environment that makes everyday life simpler and creates more time and space to focus on what truly matters.

At the heart of this philosophy is Gorenje's Life Simplified product range. Designed around the needs of modern households, Gorenje appliances combine intuitive functionality, smart technology and distinctive European design to simplify everyday routines across cooking, refrigeration, laundry and dishwashing.

For Luka Modrić, performance on the pitch is closely connected to the stability and support he finds at home. "My performance on the pitch reflects the stability and support I have at home. Gorenje shares these values by creating an environment that allows me to focus on training, matches, and my family," said Luka Modrić.

The partnership reflects the shared belief that simplicity can make a meaningful difference in everyday life. By taking complexity out of household routines, Gorenje aims to create a more effortless home experience, allowing people to dedicate more time to their families, ambitions and the moments that matter most.

Through its collaboration with Modrić, Gorenje further strengthens its presence in the Middle East while reinforcing its positioning around simplified living, thoughtful innovation and European design.

Gorenje's approach is rooted in creating appliances that fit naturally into contemporary lifestyles. From intelligent features that reduce everyday effort to practical solutions designed around real consumer needs, the brand continues to deliver on its promise of making life at home simpler.

About Gorenje

Gorenje is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of household appliances, with over 75 years of heritage and a presence in more than 160 countries worldwide. Known for combining advanced technology with distinctive European design, Gorenje creates intuitive, energy-efficient appliances that simplify everyday living.

Headquartered in Slovenia, Gorenje operates production facilities across Europe and has been part of Hisense Group since 2018, one of the world's leading consumer electronics and home appliance corporations. Driven by a vision to be a design-focused innovator, Gorenje continues to deliver life-simplifying solutions tailored to modern homes and evolving lifestyles.

Stay updated with all the latest developments on the website: https://gorenje.com/

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Best friends turned business partners bring community first child care to Washington County

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kiddie Academy of Woodbury, the new franchise location of nationally recognized Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care®, is now open, expanding quality child care access for families in Washington County. Kiddie Academy of Woodbury, which officially opened in February 2026, is owned by long-time friends Josh Orloff and Andrew Lemon and their wives Caitlin Orloff and Amye Lemon.

"Andy, my co-owner, and I grew up together, so it's been incredibly meaningful to walk through this stage of our lives side by side, raising our families and building an Academy that reflects the guidance and education we want for our own children," said Josh Orloff.

What sets Kiddie Academy of Woodbury apart is its personal, family-first foundation. The owners aren't just investors; they're parents actively navigating the same early childhood journey as their enrollment community.

"As we searched for child care while awaiting our first children, born just six weeks apart, we realized there was a gap in high-quality options, and we felt called to help fill that need within our community," added Josh Orloff. "All three of our collective children now attend the Academy, two in the toddler room and one in the infant."

Kiddie Academy of Woodbury, which is located at 805 Stephens Way in Woodbury, is licensed to serve 160 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years and offers programs for infants (6 weeks) through Pre-K, summer camp, and before- and after-school care. The 11,000-square-foot Academy features 12 classrooms and features an indoor gross motor room, professional Zono disinfecting cabinet and live-stream camera access for families.

Established in 1981, Kiddie Academy is celebrating 45 years of serving children and families through high-quality educational child care.

For more information, visit kiddieacademy.com/academies/woodbury/.

About Kiddie Academy®

Since its inception in 1981, the Kiddie Academy system has been recognized as a leading brand in educational child care. The company, headquartered in Maryland, serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full- and part-time care, before- and after-school care, and summer camp programs, through the Kiddie Academy system. The Kiddie Academy brand's proprietary Life  Essentials® Curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities, and techniques  help prepare children for life. The company's philanthropic efforts, including support of national nonprofit Family Promise and multiyear sponsorship of John Hopkins  Community Center, take character education lessons learned in the classroom beyond Academy walls. Kiddie Academy is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), signifying its commitment to quality professional education and training. For more information, visit kiddieacademy.com or find Kiddie Academy on Facebook at Facebook.com/KiddieAcademy.

About Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising, LLC

Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising, LLC is based in Abingdon, Md. and has received corporate accreditation from the globally recognized Cognia accreditation system. There are currently more than 375 open Academies in the Kiddie Academy system, located in 40 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 40,000 children. Each franchised location in the Kiddie Academy system is an independently owned and operated business. For more information, visit franchising.kiddieacademy.com.

Media Contact:

Samantha Terwilliger

[email protected]

865.230.3408

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The "Wynn Signature - 2026 Hypercar Exhibition" Opening Ceremony Reveals a Curated Collection of Over 20 Legendary Hypercars

Retracing the evolution of iconic masterpieces over the past 60 years in the spirit of the "Fire Horse" at Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace

MACAO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The fourth edition of the "Wynn Signature – 2026 Hypercar Exhibition", presented by "Wynn Signature", the exclusive lifestyle brand at Wynn, is officially open now through November 22 at Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace. In celebration of the 2026 Year of the Fire Horse, this year's exhibition pays special tribute to the untamed spirit of the "Fire Horse" – a symbol of innovation, bold breakthroughs and unstoppable energy. Witness a meticulously curated showcase of more than 20 iconic hypercars from the world's leading automotive powerhouses – Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Pagani, Aston Martin and more. This complimentary, public display traces the definitive evolution of these legendary masterpieces from the 1960s to the present day, offering a spectacular celebration of automotive craftsmanship spanning six decades.

With the generous support of the Macao Government Tourism Office and the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, this hypercar showcase will perfectly complement the Macau Grand Prix season, igniting the city's passion for motorsport and delivering a spectacular, multifaceted "Tourism + Sports" experience for visitors from around the world.

The grand unveiling: A showcase of thoroughbreds 

Today, Wynn Palace hosted a celebratory opening ceremony for the highly anticipated "Wynn Signature – 2026 Hypercar Exhibition", now a premier annual fixture on the global automotive calendar. Official dignitaries attending this year's ceremony included: Mr. Cheng Wai Tong, Acting Director of Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr. Jeremy Ho, Head of Special Projects Division of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Ms. Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited; Mr. Frederic Luvisutto, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited; Mr. Price Karr, Chief Financial Officer of Wynn Macau, Limited; Ms. Zoe Zou, Chief Marketing Officer of Resort Marketing for Wynn Macau, Limited and members of the media.

Ms. Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited said: "Macao boasts a rich motorsport heritage through the legendary Macau Grand Prix – a proud tradition that spans more than 70 years and has become the city's unique cultural signature. By continuing to host the "Wynn Signature – Hypercar Exhibition" each year, Wynn aims to leverage Macao's distinctive strengths – blending cutting-edge automotive craftsmanship and premium lifestyle experiences with integrated tourism – to offer visitors an unparalleled, world-class journey. The year 2026 marks the 20th Anniversary of Wynn's established presence in Macao, and the spirit of the "Fire Horse" resonates deeply with Wynn's core development philosophy over the past 20 years. Moving forward, Wynn will continue to enrich Macao with diverse, world-class experiences, expand the horizons of integrated leisure travel through the "Tourism+" model and showcase Macao's vibrant, multifaceted appeal as a World Center of Tourism and Leisure."

Legendary masterpieces across the decades

Returning for a fourth consecutive year, the "Wynn Signature – 2026 Hypercar Exhibition" redefines the hypercar exhibition through the lens of elite curation. Each masterpiece on display stands as a definitive benchmark of its era, tracing decades of pinnacle automotive craftsmanship. Headline features of this year's lineup include the ultimate flagship heritage of two legendary titans: Ferrari and Porsche.

Three generations of Ferrari's ultimate flagship masterpieces converge at Wynn Palace, retracing the evolution of the Prancing Horse:

- F40: The final masterpiece personally approved by founder Enzo Ferrari, created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Ferrari.

- F50: Limited to 349 units worldwide, a legendary masterpiece that brings Formula 1 technology directly to the road.

- LaFerrari: Limited to 499 units worldwide, this definitive flagship ushered in a bold new era of hybrid performance for the brand.

Four era-defining Porsche masterpieces take the stage at Wynn Macau, charting the brand's legendary trajectory of engineering evolution:

- 959: The ultimate realization of 1980s pioneering technology, introducing electronically controlled all-wheel drive, twin-turbocharging and adjustable suspension to the road.

- Carrera GT: Powered by a race-derived V10 engine paired with a pure manual transmission, it is revered as the definitive icon of the analog supercar era.

- 935: Limited to just 77 units worldwide, a track-only thoroughbred built in homage to the legendary "Moby Dick" race car.

- 911 GT3 RS 4.0: The absolute pinnacle of naturally aspirated engines, highly coveted by elite collectors across the globe.

Crossover collaborations with the trendsetters

Following the success of last year's hypercar exhibition, Wynn is thrilled to once again showcase an exciting new automotive and fashion powerhouse crossover collaboration with the debut of the BAPE® × Pagani Huayra R hypercar. As a pioneer in streetwear culture, BAPE® redefines premium streetwear with its innovative designs and collections. Created to celebrate the official opening of the BAPE STORE® MACAU at Wynn Palace, the collaboration features a track-only Pagani Huayra R in a unique BAPE STORE® MACAU CAMO livery. While the Huayra R itself is limited to just 30 units globally, this one-of-a-kind design brings together Italian hypercar engineering with a distinct street aesthetic.

To learn more about the "Wynn Signature – 2026 Hypercar Exhibition", please visit: https://www.wynnresortsmacau.com/en/wynn-signature/hypercar-exhibition

The "Wynn Signature – 2026 Hypercar Exhibition"

The following is the current lineup of hypercars on display at the "Wynn Signature – 2026 Hypercar Exhibition":

- Ferrari F40

- Ferrari F50

- Ferrari LaFerrari

- Ferrari 812 Competizione Aperta

- Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale

- Ferrari Dino 246 GT

- Ferrari 488 Pista

- Ferrari F8 Tributo

- Porsche 935

- Porsche 959

- Porsche Carrera GT

- Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

- Lamborghini Miura

- Lamborghini Centenario Roadster

- Lamborghini Countach

- Lamborghini Huracán STO

- Lamborghini Murciélago LP640

- Pagani Huayra Oro Giallo

- Pagani Huayra R x BAPE®

- Pagani Zonda F Absolute

- Aston Martin Valhalla

SOURCE Wynn Macau, Limited

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AUBURN, Ala., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NICHOLAS AIR is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming Auburn Business Aviation Days, hosted by Auburn University's School of Aviation. The multi-day event allows aspiring collegiate aviators and maintenance technicians to interface with industry leaders and professionals to explore career pathways shaping the future of business aviation.

The School of Aviation at Auburn University has long been recognized as a premier institution for generating highly qualified aviation professionals. NICHOLAS AIR is pleased to feature Pilots and a static display to address students and young professionals who are interested in pursuing careers in the Business Aviation industry. For low-time pilots, the STEEL JET Pathway Program provides a direct line from the Cessna Caravan to Jet Pilot within 2-4 years. NICHOLAS AIR's highly coveted home-based pilot model and compensation packages, provide young aviators an unrivaled career trajectory, industry-leading opportunities, and a superior quality of life. The company also leads the industry with unrivaled benefits and longevity awards such as a Rolex or Bell & Ross watch for Pilots who reach their 5-year anniversary and a personal Jet Card for Pilots who reach a 10-Year Anniversary mark.

"Our partnership with Auburn Business Aviation Days underscores our commitment to investing in the next generation of business aviation professionals," said Abby Carlton, Director of Recruitment of NICHOLAS AIR. "Business aviation requires operators who prioritize uncompromising safety, operational discipline, and exceptional service. Auburn's aviation program shares that standard of excellence, and we look forward to connecting with talented students ready to build a lasting career with an operator that treats them as individuals, not numbers."

As the largest independently owned Part 135 Operator, NICHOLAS AIR maintains complete autonomy of its entire flight operations, flying one of the newest fleets in the industry—including the Phenom 100 and 300E, Citation CJ3+, Citation Latitude, Bombardier Challenger 350, and Gulfstream G600. Attendees are encouraged to visit with the NICHOLAS AIR team during event sessions and static displays to explore flight deck opportunities.

About NICHOLAS AIR

NICHOLAS AIR is the premier leader in luxury private aviation and Home-Based Part 135 flight operations, recognized as the largest independently owned air travel provider led by its original Pilot, Founder, and CEO. The company operates the nation's youngest and most exclusive fleet and is known for its Private Jet Card Programs, Fractional Ownership, and highly coveted Part 135 Pilot careers.

Media Contact:

Paxton Song

[email protected]

www.nicholasair.com

SOURCE Nicholas Air

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Giti Tire steers 'VW ID.Buzz World Tour' into record books

HANNOVER, Germany, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Giti Tire's GitiSynergyH2, fitted to a VW ID.Buzz, ensured Rainer Zietlow safely navigated 99,800km and by visiting 92 countries in a row set a new world record for a continuous global tour using a battery powered electric vehicle.

Partnering with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV), the expedition, led by professional globetrotter, Rainer, visited Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South and North America and the Middle East over 16 months.

The mammoth journey started in Hannover, Germany on July 1, 2025 with Giti focusing on safety and reliability, all while assisting Rainer by connecting him to its global support network.

Giti Tire chose to use two sets of GitiSynergyH2 tyres, swapped at the halfway point of the journey, to ensure the world record itinerary stayed on track. Final inspection of the equipped tyres showed over half the total tread depth remaining.

The VW ID.Buzz was fitted with size 235/60 R18 on the front and 255/55 R18 on the rear axles, as per the Original Equipment (OE) agreement which commenced with VWCV in September 2023.

The AA European label rated tyres utilise a new generation of tread compound to achieve significantly reduced rolling resistance without compromising on wear and the key safety elements of wet and dry braking and handling.

The tour ended at the IAA Transportation in Hannover on September 14, 2026 when Rainer was presented with a certificate officially recognising the new EV world record.

Rainer said: "Having driven almost 100,000kms I have no hesitation in saying the GitiSynergyH2 tyres deliver a premium quality driving experience.

"Excellent rolling resistance gave us around 400 kilometers between every charge and we drove through some insanely heavy rain, especially in South East Asia, where there was zero aquaplaning. All this was achieved with a top tier tyre. Amazing."

Chris Bloor, Executive Director at Giti Tire, added: "We wanted to demonstrate our advanced EV tyre technology by proving performance under real-world conditions and showing long-term commitment to durability and safety, as well as innovation and sustainability. This has been proven, again."

Giti Tire also entered the record books when the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme (U9X) achieved a top speed of 496.22km/h on GitiSport e.GTR2 Pro tyres, making it the fastest production car on the planet.

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Segway Brings Global Shared Micromobility Partners Together to Shape the Industry's Next Chapter

CHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this month, Segway brought together more than 160 guests in Changzhou, including representatives from over 60 shared mobility operators, industry partners and international and domestic media. The event combined factory visits, product launches, test rides and discussions around the operational challenges facing the sector.

Segway has worked with shared micromobility operators since the industry's early growth years. As operators have shifted their focus from fleet size towards profitability, uptime and long-term asset performance, Segway has expanded its role beyond hardware to technology, service and lifecycle support.

"We don't just provide products. We also provide services and solutions. We want to work with our partners to solve real-world challenges and help them operate more efficiently," said Cid Wang, CEO and Co-Founder of Segway.

A central theme of the event was TCO, Segway's framework for assessing fleet economics through revenue generation, operating expenditure and capital investment. Rather than focusing on purchase price alone, it considers vehicle availability, maintenance, energy use and asset life — all of which affect long-term fleet returns.

"TCO is never just about building a cheaper vehicle. It's about designing fleets that deliver stronger returns year over year," said Alan Zhao, General Manager of Segway-Ninebot Commercial Mobility Business Division.

Segway also unveiled its third-generation shared e-scooter, the R1, alongside the new C Series shared e-bikes, including the C100 and C200.

The platforms were developed around what Segway calls OCG — Operators, Consumers and Government. For operators, the focus is on uptime, serviceability and operating efficiency; for riders, safety, comfort and ease of use; and for cities, more accurate positioning, safer riding and more responsible fleet management.

The R1 features a modular architecture, integrated IoT, improved positioning and rider-assistance technologies. The C Series applies a similar platform approach to shared e-bikes, with greater component commonality and maintenance-focused design.

Segway also presented the F100, an e-bike developed for delivery applications, as it explores broader first- and last-mile use cases together with customers and partners.

For Segway, the next stage of shared micromobility is about keeping vehicles in service longer, reducing operating resources and helping fleets integrate more effectively into urban transport systems.

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AUSTIN, Texas and NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Eventus, a leading provider of comprehensive, at-scale trade surveillance and financial risk solutions, and Underdog, the sports prediction market and fantasy sports pioneer, today announced that Underdog is using the Eventus Validus platform for trade surveillance on its designated contract market (DCM). Surveillance and monitoring procedures are actively running across Underdog's markets, and the marketplace is continuing to expand its use of Validus capabilities.

In July, Underdog announced the launch of its own federally licensed prediction market exchange, wholly owned and operated by Underdog and licensed by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which provides customers even more ways to express their opinions on sports, culture and beyond, all within the existing Underdog app.

Nick Thompson, Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) at Underdog Exchange, said Eventus' standing as a known, trusted platform among regulators, including the CFTC, and experience across exchanges, futures commission merchants (FCMs) and broker-dealers helped Underdog hit the ground running on surveillance infrastructure.

He said: "Underdog's mission is to build markets people can trust, and that starts with rigorous oversight. Robust trade surveillance isn't a compliance checkbox for us; it's core to maintaining a fair, orderly market as we scale. We take very seriously our responsibilities as a market operator, and we're investing in institutional-grade surveillance infrastructure proactively."

Underdog recognized that it needed a platform that would scale to accommodate rapid growth.

Thompson said: "As our volume and product set continue to grow, we need surveillance technology that grows with us. Validus' configurability lets us tailor alerts and monitoring procedures to our specific market structure rather than adapting our business to fit the tool. We're also excited about Eventus' investment in automation and machine learning."

He added: "I've used Eventus' Validus platform since 2019, first as CCO of a high-frequency trading firm, and later to lead swap execution facilities and DCMs through the thorough CFTC application process, where the surveillance demonstration is the centerpiece. Surveillance is where my compliance career started, not just a function I oversee. Eventus is the platform that's kept up with that standard across every environment I've deployed it in."

Eventus CEO Cameron Routh said: "Prediction markets are one of the fastest-growing and most closely watched corners of finance, and the surveillance bar has to match that scrutiny. Underdog is building in that oversight from the ground up, rather than treating it as an afterthought, and we're proud Validus is the platform they trust to do it. Partnerships like this shape our roadmap directly, and are why Validus keeps getting better for prediction markets, traditional capital markets and digital assets."

About Eventus

Eventus provides state-of-the-art, at-scale trade surveillance software across all lines of defense. Its powerful, award-winning Validus platform is easy to deploy, customize and operate across equities, options, futures, foreign exchange (FX), fixed income, digital asset and prediction/information markets. Validus is proven in the most complex, high-volume, and real time environments of Eventus' rapidly growing client base, including tier-1 banks, broker-dealers, futures commission merchants (FCMs), proprietary trading groups, market centers, buy-side institutions, energy and commodity trading firms, and regulators. Clients rely on the platform, coupled with the firm's responsive support and product development, to overcome their most pressing trade surveillance regulatory challenges. For more, visit www.eventus.com.

About Underdog

Founded in 2020, Underdog's mission is simple: make sports more fun by building products focused on what fans actually want. The company offers sports prediction markets, fantasy sports games, and an industry-leading breaking-news operation — all designed to deepen how fans experience the games they love. Built for fans, by fans. Visit underdogsports.com.

SOURCE Eventus

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EcoPhage and CNI AG Signed a Non-Exclusive Distribution Agreement for GoldenEco® in the U.S. Market

Strategic partnership will support the commercialization of EcoPhage's innovative phage-based biological solution for bacterial diseases in tomatoes and peppers

REHOVOT, Israel, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EcoPhage, a leader in the development of sustainable phage-based biopesticides for the control of bacterial plant diseases, today announced that it has entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement with CNI AG for the marketing and sales of its innovative biological product, GoldenEco®, in the United States.

The agreement represents an important milestone in EcoPhage's commercial expansion in the U.S. market and brings together EcoPhage's proprietary phage-based technology platform with CNI AG's extensive distribution network and strong relationships with independent agricultural retailers across the country.

GoldenEco® is a phage-based biological product developed to address bacterial diseases affecting tomatoes and peppers, including diseases caused by Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas species. EcoPhage submitted GoldenEco® to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in late 2023 and currently expects regulatory approval later this year.

A New Approach to Bacterial Disease Management

Bacterial diseases remain a significant challenge for growers, while disease-management programs have historically relied heavily on copper-based products. The emergence of resistance, concerns regarding environmental and chemical footprints, and evolving regulatory requirements are increasing the demand for innovative and more sustainable solutions.

EcoPhage's proprietary research and development platform is designed to identify, develop, and optimize phage-based solutions targeting bacterial plant pathogens across multiple crops. The platform supports the development of natural, non-GMO and zero-residue biological products, with the potential to provide effective disease management while supporting more sustainable agricultural practices.

Expanding Access to Biological Solutions for U.S. Growers

CNI AG, founded in 1974 by independent agricultural business owners, is a nationwide wholesale distributor supplying crop protection products, fertilizers, and seeds to independent agricultural retailers. CNI AG operates 24 distribution centers across 40 states and serves more than 600 independent agricultural retailers.

Through this partnership, EcoPhage and CNI AG will work together to introduce GoldenEco® to the U.S. agricultural market and provide growers with access to EcoPhage's new biological approach to bacterial disease management.

"We are excited to see GoldenEco® receive EPA approval and to help bring this innovative phage-based technology to U.S. growers", said Conner Maple, CNI AG's Business Unit Lead, Specialty Ag. "Bacterial diseases remain a significant challenge in tomato and pepper production, and growers are looking for additional effective and sustainable tools. GoldenEco® represents an important addition to the biological toolbox, and we look forward to working closely with EcoPhage and growers to support its introduction and adoption across the U.S."

"We are thrilled to partner with CNI AG, an organization with an extensive network and strong relationships throughout the U.S. agricultural retail channel," added Guy Elitzur, CEO of EcoPhage. "This agreement is an important step in our U.S. commercial strategy and reflects the growing demand for effective and sustainable biological solutions for bacterial diseases. We believe GoldenEco® has the potential to provide growers with a valuable new tool for disease management while supporting efforts to reduce reliance on conventional copper-based programs."

With EPA approval now secured, the parties are moving forward with their collaboration to bring GoldenEco® to U.S. growers and provide an effective biological tool for managing bacterial diseases in tomatoes and peppers.

About CNI AG

Founded in 1974 by independent agricultural business owners, CNI AG is a nationwide wholesale distributor serving independent agricultural retailers across the United States. The company distributes crop protection products, fertilizers, seeds, and other agricultural inputs through its network of 24 distribution centers across 40 states, serving more than 600 independent agricultural retailers

About EcoPhage

EcoPhage is an agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative biological solutions for the control of bacterial plant diseases. Based on its proprietary phage discovery and development platform, EcoPhage develops targeted, natural, non-GMO and zero-residue biopesticides designed to provide effective disease management across a broad range of crops.

The company is advancing a growing pipeline of phage-based products targeting important bacterial diseases and is focused on delivering sustainable solutions that support growers and the future of modern agriculture.

Media Contact:

Email: [email protected] 

SOURCE EcoPhage

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VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- OceanaGold Corporation (TSX: OGC) (NYSE: OGC) ("OceanaGold" or the "Company") announces results from 16 new drill holes from the ongoing exploration and resource conversion program at Wharekirauponga, located approximately 10 kilometres ("km") north of the Company's Waihi Operation in New Zealand.

The Company is also providing an update on the Waihi North Project, which continues to progress to plan, and on the evaluation of several value-enhancing technical studies which are expected to be included in the upcoming Waihi District technical report planned for release in January 2027. These include a potential processing plant expansion to 1.2 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa") that would support the continuation of mining at the Martha Underground mine ("MUG") concurrent with mining the Wharekirauponga Underground mine ("WUG") once it is in production in 2032.

6.3 m @ 97.2 g/t Au from 481.5 m, East Graben ("EG") Vein (WKP146C)

8.5 m @ 41.5 g/t Au from 399.0 m, EG Vein (WKP150)

9.6 m @ 18.5 g/t Au from 401.0 m, EG Hanging Wall ("HW") Veins (WKP146A)

6.6 m @ 24.0 g/t Au from 403.4 m, incl.1.2 m @ 107.7 g/t Au, EG HW Veins (WKP146C)

5.9 m @ 25.9 g/t Au from 485.6 m, EG Vein (WKP146B)

4.2 m @ 32.4 g/t Au from 602.9 m, EG Vein (WKP147A)

Gerard Bond, President and CEO of OceanaGold, said "Drill results from Wharekirauponga continue to demonstrate the exceptional grade and continuity of the EG Vein zone, and include some of the highest-grade intercepts reported to date. These results confirm further continuity and up-dip extension of the southern high-grade zone which currently lies outside of reported reserves, therefore representing outstanding conversion and growth potential. With five drill rigs now active and the Wharekirauponga orebody remaining open in multiple directions, we continue to accelerate drilling towards the southern end to further unlock value for shareholders at this phenomenal deposit.

"I am also excited about the upcoming Waihi District technical report. With the improved performance of the Martha Underground and good drilling results, we see the potential to extend the life of the Martha Underground and increase processing capacity from that assumed in our last technical report which would enable concurrent mining and processing of both Martha and Wharekirauponga ore, driving increased value for the Waihi District."

VRIFY note: Drill results reflect only those set forth in OceanaGold's news release dated September 24, 2026, and do not include all historical results except those relevant to the current Wharekirauponga drill program.

Waihi North Project Development Update

Construction and underground tunnelling activities at the Waihi North Project continue to advance to plan. Decline development, which commenced in May 2026, has advanced approximately 350 metres ("m") to date. Construction of the first ventilation shaft has commenced, with a second jumbo expected to be added in the first half of 2027 to begin development of the twin tunnel toward the Wharekirauponga orebody. Bulk earthworks at the Willows Portal site continue, with water management related activities involving sedimentation ponds, haul roads, waste rock stack and magazine now completed, and the surface facilities area remaining on track for completion by year-end. The water treatment plant began staged commissioning in September 2026 and early works on the new tailings storage facility are expected to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

Waihi District Technical Report

The Waihi District comprises the Company's Waihi Operation, which includes the currently producing Martha Underground (MUG), and the Waihi North Project, which includes Wharekirauponga Underground (WUG).

An updated National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") technical report on the Waihi District is planned for release in January 2027 and will include updated Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates.

The technical report is planned to include an updated mine plan for the Waihi District, incorporating the results of ongoing technical evaluations. These evaluations are assessing the potential to extend mining at MUG beyond 2033, in conjunction with the commencement of mining at WUG. To support this opportunity, the Company is also evaluating a potential processing plant expansion to increase throughput capacity up to 1.2 Mtpa from the 0.8 Mtpa contemplated in the previous technical report.

Wharekirauponga Drill Results

Drilling activity at Wharekirauponga has accelerated with the recent expansion of the fleet to five active rigs, and the construction of a new drill site (Drill Site 10), which is strategically positioned to better target the open southern high-grade zone.

Since the Company's April 1, 2026 news release, a total of sixteen drill holes have been completed from five drill sites with results returned from the EG, HW and footwall ("FW") Veins, collectively referred to as the "EG Vein zone" (Figure 1). Results both within the EG Vein and its HW structures continue to confirm continuity and quality of the southern high-grade zone. Importantly, this area remains unconstrained, with mineralization open along strike, up-dip and at depth, and significant scope remains to further grow the Mineral Resource through additional drilling.

East Graben Vein

Drilling on the EG Vein returned multiple wide, high-grade intercepts demonstrating the continuity of the system to the south (Figure 2). Results include 6.3 m @ 97.2 g/t Au (WKP146C) in the upper part of the vein, one of the highest-grade results returned to date. Nearby holes, including 5.9 m @ 25.9 g/t Au (WKP146B) and 4.2 m @ 32.4 g/t Au (WKP147A), also returned high-grade intercepts confirming the grade and continuity of the vein in this area. A further 110 m to the north, drill hole WKP150 returned 8.5 m @ 41.5 g/t Au, strengthening confidence in the continuity, thickness and grade of the EG Vein in this area.

Across the sixteen EG Vein intercepts reported, results continue to extend mineralization up-dip, demonstrating incremental growth of the southern high-grade zone (Figure 3, Figure 4).

This drilling supports the potential upgrade of a substantial portion of the southern high-grade zone from Inferred to Indicated Mineral Resources, underpinning an expected increase to Mineral Reserves in the Company's 2026 year-end Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve statement and in the upcoming NI 43-101 technical report.

Hanging Wall Veins

The HW Veins and associated sub-parallel structures that lie immediately west of the EG Vein also yielded strong results. Drilling of the HW Veins continues to demonstrate a broadening zone of mineralization, headlined by 9.6 m @ 18.5 g/t Au and 1.2 m @ 107.7 g/t Au (WKP146A and WKP146C, respectively) (Figure 5). Several holes, notably WKP146C, which returned three separate high-grade HW intercepts in addition to its EG Vein result, intersected multiple, closely stacked mineralized structures, pointing to a well-developed vein array in this part of the system. These results continue to highlight a zone of high-grade mineralization outside the current resource model, which remains a target for future growth.

Wharekirauponga 2026 Exploration Program

With five active drill rigs now operating at Wharekirauponga, drilling through the remainder of 2026 will focus on both resource conversion and growth-oriented step-out drilling along strike of the EG Vein, reflecting the substantial upside that remains in this open, unconstrained vein system.

Table 1: Wharekirauponga drill intersections subsequent to the news release dated April 1, 2026

OceanaGold is a global intermediate gold and copper producer committed to safely and responsibly maximizing the generation of Free Cash Flow from our operations and delivering strong returns for our shareholders. We have a portfolio of four operating mines: the wholly-owned Haile Gold Mine in the United States of America; the wholly-owned Macraes and Waihi Operations in New Zealand; and the 80%-owned Didipio Mine in the Philippines.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information in this news release relating to Mineral Reserves, mine planning, mine scheduling and mine development for the Waihi District, including the Martha Underground and Wharekirauponga Underground mines and the Waihi North Project, has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Euan Leslie, Chartered Professional Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Group Mining Engineer for OceanaGold and an employee of the Company, a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101.

The scientific and technical information in this news release relating to exploration results, drilling, sampling, data verification, quality assurance and quality control, and Mineral Resources has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Leroy Crawford-Flett, Chartered Professional Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Exploration & Geology Manager of the Waihi Operation and an employee of the Company, a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Crawford-Flett has verified the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the exploration information disclosed in this news release, including review of assay certificates and the performance of certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates against the Company's QA/QC protocols, and the drillhole database. No limitations on that verification were identified other than the reduced core recovery in drill hole WKP146D described above.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control ("QA/QC")

All exploration samples are assayed for gold by 30g fire assay with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry ("AAS") finish. Since mid-2022, drill core sample intervals where visible electrum is logged are followed up by a subsequent screen fire assay after the routine 30g fire assay.