Highlights:

- After a pause in exploration activity while engaging First Nations, a 5,000 metre diamond drilling program at W2 has recommenced, focusing on the CA1 Zone.

- Concurrent soil sampling and prospecting programs are also underway to refine existing targets and help identify additional prospects.

- First Nation businesses and community members continue to participate directly in W2 field programs, providing employment, local procurement and community support.

- Exploration permit in place for the current phase of work, providing regulatory certainty for the planned program.

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PTX Metals Inc. (TSXV: PTX) (OTCQB: PANXF) (Frankfurt: 9PX) ("PTX" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the recommencement of exploration activities at its flagship W2 Copper-Nickel-PGE Project in northwestern Ontario.

W2 Copper-Nickel-PGE Project

The Company has recommenced a 5,000 meter diamond drilling program within the underexplored Central area of the W2 Project.

An overall detailed exploration strategy will follow in the coming weeks.

Further, PTX has also commenced a soil sampling and prospecting program at W2 over the summer and fall season, designed to advance priority exploration targets across the property in the Central area and the T-Target, Lake Rowell and North Limb areas (see Corporate presentation for specific areas). Results from this work will be incorporated into PTX's evolving geological model and used to refine targets for future drilling.

This program has targeted a range of locations within the south and southeastern portion of the W2 property; testing primarily a Cu-Ni zone at, or near, what has been referred to as the CA1 Zone (see Company presentation). Situated under a suite of deformed and metamorphosed Archean supracrustal roof pendant rocks, the Landsdowne House Igneous Complex (LHIC) is host to a range of mineralization processes in addition to the magmatic Cu-Ni processes, including late to post magmatic, hydrothermal, and possible metamorphic shear-hosted mineralization. The range of mineral occurrence types includes in addition to the Cu-Ni-PGE currently being tested, Cu-Ni-PGE, PGE, Fe-Ti-V, Au, and Cu-Au.

Based on historic exploration and diamond drilling completed to date, the predominantly gabbroic 'Middle Zone' (MZ) of LHIC contains the majority of the magmatic related Cu-Ni mineralization encountered in the south-central western half of the W2 Property. Two styles of magmatic related mineralization occur in the south-central Property: 1) PGE-dominated mineralization within a sulphide gabbro layer, a potential reef, in the upper part, and 2) Cu-Ni-dominated mineralization associated with disseminated net-textured and semi-massive to massive sulphides at the base of MZ near the ultramafic basal zone of the LHIC. These two mineralization styles are consistent with the gravitational sulphide segregation process that involves forming of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide deposits in layered intrusions (e.g., Bushveld, South Africa; and Ring of Fire Intrusions in northwestern Ontario).

Community Update:

PTX gratefully acknowledges the engagement received from First Nations communities connected to the W2 project area and reaffirms its commitment to continued respectful, transparent, and collaborative engagement with communities who's Traditional or Treaty Territories include or are connected to the W2 project area. The current exploration program is supported by the Company's recently extended exploration permit for W2, providing continued regulatory certainty for our activities at W2 following a comprehensive Crown consultation process. In parallel with the Crown consultation process, PTX has conducted its own direct engagement with First Nation communities connected to the project area over the past four years.

"W2 is moving forward, both in the field and through the relationships we have worked hard to build," said Greg Ferron, President and CEO of PTX Metals. "Our next phase of exploration activities is an important step as we continue advancing one of the most strategically located copper-nickel-PGE projects at the gateway to the Ring of Fire. Importantly, we are doing that work with communities in the region and we are grateful for their involvement in all of our past six exploration programs in the field."

Further, a signed letter of intent with one of the First Nations community provides ongoing communication and outlined initial opportunities for members and the company's commitment to advance the relationship.

"Importantly, the services including exploration, training and supplies provided by First Nations communities at W2 are essential to ensure safe and healthy working conditions are maintained for staff while working in remote parts of Ontario," added Greg Ferron.

PTX continues to work directly with First Nations and all local communities connected to the W2 project area regarding planned activities, opportunities for local participation in employment, training and business, and the environmental practices incorporated into its exploration programs.

Since April 2025, PTX has also engaged with another First Nation which holds Aboriginal rights to and over their Traditional Territory. On July 10, 2026, President & CEO Greg Ferron and members of the PTX team had the distinct privilege of being welcomed into community meeting attended by the Chief and Council, Elders and community members. The discussion provided an opportunity for PTX to further explain the early-stage nature of its work at W2, the environmental practices incorporated into its exploration programs, and potential opportunities related to employment, training and local business participation.

In January 2026, the Company paused exploration activities at W2 to allow for additional constructive periods of discussions and community meetings.

Marketing Update

The Company is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with 15605237 Canada Inc., operating as DK Capital Partners ("DKCP"), principal office locate at 503-5885 Avenue, Marc-Chagall, Cote-St-Luc, Quebec, a company controlled by Daniel Kozel, to provide investor outreach services (the "Services") on behalf of the Company. DK Capital Services has agreed to organize and facilitate meetings with investment advisors, portfolio managers, and accredited investors.

Under the terms of the engagement. In consideration for these services, the Company has agreed to pay DKCP a cash fee of $18,500 CAD, plus applicable taxes, payable in two installments; $15,000 due on signing and $3,500 (plus applicable taxes) to be paid halfway through the program. The company will also issue DKCP, 200,000 stock options exercisable at a price of $0.11 per share for three years, subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") and acceptance thereof. The options will vest over 12 months as follows: 25% at 3 months and 25% every 3 months thereafter. The term of the agreement is for a period of four months and may be terminated on providing 15 days' notice. Neither DKCP and Daniel Kozel has any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest except the stock options noted above. The engagement, and the option grant, remain subject to the approval of the Exchange.

Qualified person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Rhys Davies, P. Geo and Kyle Pedersen, P. Geo, both are independent consultant of the Company and qualified person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, who is responsible for ensuring that the related technical information provided in this news release is accurate.

About PTX

PTX is a proudly Canadian mineral exploration company advancing gold and critical minerals projects in Northern Ontario, including its flagship W2 copper-nickel-PGE project near the gateway to the Ring of Fire and the Shining Tree Gold Project in the Timmins Gold Camp. PTX offers shareholders exposure to copper, gold, nickel and platinum group element (PGE) discoveries in one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions.

PTX's objective is to advance its portfolio through disciplined exploration, technical excellence and responsible engagement with local communities while creating long-term value for shareholders.

SOURCE PTX Metals Inc

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As 2026 defense tech funding sets records, Backswing Ventures says the number that matters isn't the valuation on a term sheet. It's the cash that eventually lands back in an investor's account.

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mach Industries doubled its valuation to $3.7 billion in three months. A year earlier, the company was worth $470 million. Numbers like that used to belong to consumer apps riding a viral moment. Now they belong to a drone and munitions manufacturer in El Segundo, and that says something about where defense technology sits in venture capital today.

Backswing Ventures has been watching that shift for months. The Orlando-based defense venture capital firm invests exclusively in early-stage defense and national security companies, and its founder, Kyle Asman, has been warning that the sector's funding boom is starting to outrun its fundamentals.

"None of this means Mach or any other company raising at a big number is doing anything wrong," Asman said. "It means the bar for what counts as a win keeps moving, and founders need to be honest about whether they're building toward that number or borrowing against it."

A RECORD YEAR FOR FUNDING, A QUIET YEAR FOR EXITS

Crunchbase News reported this month that 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year on record for defense startup funding, even as venture investors are only beginning to look for exits. Asman said that gap matters more in defense tech than in most sectors, because government sales cycles run long and dual-use commercial traction takes years to prove out.

"Raising money has never been faster in this sector," Asman said. "Turning that money into an exit is a separate problem, and a much slower one. A company can post a striking valuation and still be years from giving an investor anything more than a number on a spreadsheet."

Fewer than 20% of 2017-2018 vintage venture funds have returned even 1x DPI to their limited partners, according to Carta's Q1 2026 State of Private Markets report. A markup on paper is an estimate. It isn't cash in an investor's account until a company sells, goes public, or otherwise returns capital.

WHY BENCHMARKING OFF THE LAST BIG RAISE IS RISKY

Asman said one of the clearest signs of a hype cycle is when founders start pricing their own round off someone else's. It's a natural instinct. Nobody wants to raise below what a comparable company just got. But he said a valuation isn't a market consensus. It's a deal between one company and whichever investors decided to write the check that week.

"Ask five people at a defense conference what a given startup is worth, and you'll get five different numbers," Asman said. "A number that looked cautious in one round can look aggressive in the next one. Chasing the last headline is a poor way to set a price."

WHAT BACKSWING VENTURES LOOKS FOR INSTEAD

Backswing's own portfolio points to a different approach. The firm led financing for Isengard Industries to expand munitions manufacturing for allied militaries. It backed Orion Edge's $3 million seed round to bring tactical electronic warfare systems to military and commercial customers. Both raises were sized to hit specific milestones. Neither was built to set a headline number.

That approach shapes how Backswing measures its own results, too. Fund II surpassed 1.0x DPI in under three years, placing it among the better-performing 2023-vintage venture funds in the country, according to the firm.

"IRR and paper markups tell you what a fund might be worth someday," Asman said. "DPI tells you what it's worth right now, because it's the money that already made it back to an investor's account. That's the number we want to be judged on, and it's the number we tell founders to build toward."

THE ADVICE FOR FOUNDERS RAISING RIGHT NOW

Asman's advice to founders in the current market is simple. Raise enough to reach the next milestone, then stop. Product validation. A government contract. A first paying customer. Those are the things that hold up once a hype cycle cools. A valuation on its own doesn't.

"The founders who do well over the next five years probably won't be the ones who raised at the highest number this year," Asman said. "They'll be the ones still standing, and still credible, once the number stopped being the story."

ABOUT BACKSWING VENTURES

Backswing Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in dual-use and defense technology companies across aerospace, autonomy, munitions, cybersecurity, and national security. The firm's Fund II surpassed 1.0x DPI in under three years, placing it among the top-performing 2023-vintage venture funds in the country.

CONTACT

Backswing Ventures | [email protected]

SOURCE Backswing Ventures

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Geering brings two decades of privacy, risk and public policy experience to spearhead global data privacy and AI regulatory compliance

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Instructure, the leading learning ecosystem and maker of Canvas LMS, today announced Stephan Geering as chief privacy officer. In this role, Geering will lead Instructure's global data privacy programs, working across legal, security and product teams to guide how the company builds and governs technology for educators and learners worldwide. He will define Instructure's data privacy strategy and ensure compliance with evolving AI regulations worldwide, overseeing how Instructure evaluates AI features for data privacy and safety risks before they reach customers, setting requirements for how new products handle learner and educator data, and leading the company's response to emerging AI regulation.

Geering will also serve as a trusted advisor to Instructure's leadership team on data privacy and AI compliance. He will work directly with product and engineering teams to build data privacy and AI governance requirements into the company's roadmap from the earliest stages of development.

Two Decades in Data Privacy and Risk Leadership

Geering joins Instructure after more than 20 years in data privacy, risk management and public policy roles spanning the technology, financial services and government sectors. Most recently, he led the data privacy, AI governance, and compliance programs at a major education technology firm, where he helped secure key ISO certifications.

Earlier in his career, he oversaw international data privacy compliance for global financial institutions and developed regulatory frameworks while serving at a government data protection authority.

Geering holds Masters of Law from the University of Basel and University College London. He is a Certified Information Privacy Professional in both Europe and the United States, an IAPP board member and the London co-chair of the Future of Privacy Forum's Privacy Executives Network.

"AI is changing education faster than most institutions can plan for, and getting data privacy and governance right is critical to how we build and support our products," said Steve Daly, CEO at Instructure. "Stephan will play a key role in that work, helping Instructure and our customers use AI responsibly as the pace of change keeps accelerating."

About Instructure

Instructure builds the learning ecosystem that organizations, educators and learners depend on across K-12, higher education and the workforce. Canvas, Mastery and Parchment serve thousands of school districts, university systems, statewide agencies and employers, reaching tens of millions of learners in more than 100 countries. Everything Instructure makes is built for education first, with the data privacy protections, evidence and institutional control that schools, colleges and employers require. That is how learning becomes opportunity, at every age, every stage and every pivotal transition. Discover more at Instructure.com.

CONTACT

Brian Watkins

Corporate Communications

Instructure

(801) 658-7525

SOURCE Instructure

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This acquisition expands Endpoint into clinical supply planning while keeping Bluefin independent and RTSM-agnostic.

RALEIGH, N.C. and BOSTON, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Endpoint Clinical L.P., a global leader in randomization and trial supply management ("RTSM") solutions and a portfolio company of Arsenal Capital Partners, today announced it has acquired Bluefin, a Boston-based provider of clinical supply forecasting and planning technology.

The acquisition expands Endpoint into clinical supply chain planning while keeping Bluefin focused on its core forecasting and planning mission. Bluefin will operate independently and continue to connect with RTSM systems across the industry. Endpoint will support Bluefin with global project management, implementation, quality, and customer support capabilities to help sponsors deploy the platform reliably and efficiently.

"Clinical supply planning is becoming more complex, more connected to trial execution, and more dependent on timely intelligence," said Nagaraja "Sri" Srivatsan, Chief Executive Officer of Endpoint Clinical. "Bluefin gives Endpoint a strong foundation in clinical supply planning while preserving customer choice across RTSM providers. Together, we have the opportunity to bring intelligence into every aspect of clinical supply, connecting planning, forecasting, enrollment signals, inventory movement, and RTSM execution data so every sponsor can make faster, better-informed decisions across all their studies. Endpoint can also bring the implementation discipline and support needed to deploy these capabilities reliably at scale."

Clinical supply teams have long recognized that better outcomes come from connecting supply plans to the data that trials generate in real time; the challenge has been bringing those data sources together in a way that supports timely, actionable decision-making. Endpoint and Bluefin are helping close that gap, linking supply plans to trial execution data so teams can anticipate enrollment shifts and automate forecasting rather than react to them. Bluefin will maintain its open, RTSM- and forecasting-agnostic model, which both companies see as core to advancing the industry.

"We're thrilled to be joining the Endpoint team," said Andy Maltun, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bluefin. "The connection between RTSM and clinical supply forecasting is so natural that it's one of the first opportunities we discuss with every sponsor. Together, we are building a clinical supply intelligence platform that uses modern technology to automate manual work, reduce risk, and lower cost through optimized supply plans."

"This acquisition is consistent with our strategy of building technology-rich companies that solve meaningful enterprise problems for healthcare customers," said Mark A. Goldberg, MD, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Endpoint Clinical and Operating Partner at Arsenal Capital Partners. "Endpoint gains a path into clinical supply planning, Bluefin gains resources to scale, and the market continues to benefit from an independent planning platform that works across any RTSM environment." Arsenal acquired Endpoint Clinical in 2024 and continues to support the company's growth and evolution of its RTSM platforms and AI capabilities.

By bringing clinical supply planning closer to real-time trial execution, Endpoint and Bluefin aim to give sponsors greater intelligence and confidence in managing increasingly complex global studies.

For more information, visit Endpoint Clinical and Bluefin.

About Endpoint Clinical

Endpoint Clinical is a trusted clinical trial technology and service partner that delivers reliable RTSM solutions. Endpoint blends seamlessly into clinical trial processes by providing anticipatory and adaptive solutions to proactively mitigate risks. With decades of experience, Endpoint offers a deep understanding of the challenges that sponsors and CROs face. Its tech-forward dedication to innovation and high-touch services enable Endpoint to control the controllables and proactively generate speedy, strategic solutions, so sponsors and CROs can focus on running seamless clinical trials.

About Bluefin

Bluefin is a clinical supply forecasting and planning technology company focused on helping sponsors and CROs make smarter, data-driven supply decisions. Its platform enables organizations to forecast demand, evaluate supply scenarios, optimize distribution strategies, and proactively manage supply risk across the clinical trial lifecycle. Through advanced modeling and planning capabilities, Bluefin helps clinical supply teams improve visibility, increase operational confidence, and support more efficient trial execution.

About Arsenal Capital Partners

Arsenal Capital Partners is a leading private equity investment firm that specializes in building market-leading industrial growth and healthcare companies. Since its inception in 2000, Arsenal has raised institutional equity investment funds totaling more than $10 billion, completed more than 300 platform and add-on acquisitions, and achieved more than 35 realizations. The firm partners with management teams to build strategically important companies with leading market positions, high growth, and high value-add. For more information, visit www.arsenalcapital.com.

Media Contact

Isabella Buhman

[email protected]

SOURCE Endpoint Clinical

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sound Credit Union (Sound) and the University of Washington Tacoma Milgard Center for Business Analytics (UWT) have announced the return of HuskyHack: Turning Innovation into Trust, a financial technology (FinTech) innovation event that invites college students from across Washington State to develop solutions that improve financial confidence and enhance the user experience.

The second annual hackathon will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the University of Washington Tacoma. Students from colleges and universities throughout the state will have the opportunity to innovate, design, and pitch FinTech solutions that address real-world challenges facing consumers and financial institutions.

"We are thrilled to host the second annual HuskyHack," said Jennifer Reed, Vice President of Public Relations at Sound Credit Union. "Last year, we didn't know what to expect. To say we were impressed by the innovation, collaboration, and dedication demonstrated by the participants would be an understatement. The students exceeded our expectations and developed creative solutions to real financial challenges. We are excited to see what this year's participants will create."

Participants may compete individually or in teams and will have 24 hours to develop a product, prototype, or concept that empowers consumers to manage their financial lives with greater confidence while strengthening trust in financial services. The specific challenge participants will be tasked with addressing will be revealed during the opening ceremonies of HuskyHack on October 17.

Participants may compete individually or as teams and will spend 24 hours developing a product, prototype, or concept designed to help consumers manage their financial lives with greater confidence while strengthening trust in financial services.

The competition will unfold in two phases. During Phase One, students will build and present their initial concepts to a panel of judges. The top three submissions will each receive a $1,000 award in recognition of their innovation and progress. Participants will then continue refining their projects before submitting final solutions for evaluation.

In Phase Two, a panel of judges – that consist of business leaders, mentors, and industry experts will evaluate submissions based on technical execution, functionality, user experience, scalability, and presentation quality. The team behind the top overall project will receive a $15,000 grand prize, along with mentorship opportunities, expert coaching, a six-month membership to CoMotion Labs, and the opportunity to explore potential partnerships that could help bring their ideas to life.

"HuskyHack gives students a unique opportunity to move beyond the classroom and apply their skills to complex, real-world challenges," said Michael Turek, Director of the Milgard Center for Business Analytics at the University of Washington Tacoma. "By bringing together students, industry professionals, and mentors, we're creating an environment where students can experiment, collaborate, and turn innovative ideas into solutions with real potential to improve people's financial lives. We're excited to partner with Sound Credit Union again to provide this kind of experiential learning opportunity for students across Washington."

Beyond competition, HuskyHack provides students with hands-on experience in product development, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with business leaders, credit union professionals, and technology experts while gaining valuable experience in what it takes to build and pitch a fintech solution from the ground up.

Registration and additional event details are available on the event website

About Sound Credit Union

Sound Credit Union was founded in 1940 and today is one of Washington State's largest credit unions. With 26 full-service branch locations throughout the Puget Sound area, Sound provides their over 185,000 members with authentic and trusted financial support and services. Sound is driven by the purpose of standing with members, employees and the community through all waves of life.

About University of Washington Tacoma Center for Business Analytics

The Center for Business Analytics (CBA) in the Milgard School of Business at University of Washington Tacoma serves as a catalyst for research, education and innovation. It advances the use of "analytics", "big data" and "smart machines" for actionable insights and business decision-making. The CBA draws on the expertise of the Milgard School's faculty in Accounting, Business Analytics & Operations, Economics, Finance, Management and Marketing. The Center works directly with corporate partners to identify, frame and study critical business issues and opportunities. 

SOURCE Sound Credit Union

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Mercy Medical Center Among First in the Mid-Atlantic to Offer Mako SmartRobotics™ Technology for Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Dr. Gregory Gasbarro Leads Introduction of Advanced Robotic-Arm Assisted Shoulder Arthroplasty at Mercy

BALTIMORE, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercy Medical Center is advancing orthopedic care in the Mid-Atlantic region with the introduction of Mako SmartRobotics™ technology for shoulder replacement surgery. The technology, which enhances precision and personalization in shoulder arthroplasty procedures, is now available to patients through orthopedic shoulder specialist Gregory V. Gasbarro, M.D., among the first in the Mid-Atlantic region performing robotic Mako shoulder arthroplasty.

The addition of Mako SmartRobotics™ for shoulder replacement represents the latest advancement in Mercy's comprehensive orthopedic program and provides patients with access to cutting-edge surgical technology close to home.

Mako SmartRobotics™ for shoulder replacement utilizes a detailed 3D CT scan to create a personalized surgical plan based on each patient's unique anatomy. During surgery, the robotic-arm assisted technology aids the surgeon in executing that plan with enhanced precision and control while allowing the surgeon to make real-time adjustments as needed.

"Bringing Mako SmartRobotics™ shoulder technology to Mercy represents a significant advancement in the care we provide patients suffering from shoulder arthritis and other debilitating shoulder conditions," said Dr. Gasbarro. "This technology allows us to create a highly individualized surgical plan and execute it with exceptional precision. The result is a more personalized approach to shoulder replacement that may improve implant positioning, optimize outcomes, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy."

A board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained shoulder specialist, Dr. Gasbarro focuses exclusively on shoulder injuries and conditions. His expertise spans both complex shoulder reconstruction and shoulder replacement procedures, making Mercy a regional destination for advanced shoulder care.

"As orthopedic technology continues to evolve, Mercy remains committed to providing our patients with the most advanced treatment options available," said Marc W. Hungerford, M.D., Chief of Orthopedics at Mercy Medical Center. "The introduction of robotic-arm assisted shoulder replacement further strengthens Mercy's position as a leader in orthopedic innovation and gives patients throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic access to the latest advances in shoulder care."

Shoulder replacement surgery is often recommended for patients experiencing chronic shoulder pain, arthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, or significant loss of shoulder function that has not responded to conservative treatments. The addition of Mako SmartRobotics™ technology expands the range of advanced surgical options available through Mercy's orthopedic team.

By offering robotic-assisted shoulder replacement, Mercy Medical Center continues its commitment to delivering leading-edge orthopedic care while helping patients achieve improved mobility, reduced pain, and a return to everyday activities, Dr. Hungerford said.

Gregory V. Gasbarro, M.D., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained shoulder specialist at The Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. He specializes in the repair and reconstruction of injuries to the shoulder and treats patients who are ages 15 and older.

Dr. Gasbarro serves as Medical Director of The Shoulder Joint Journey program, an initiative to optimize recovery and provide comprehensive patient education for shoulder replacement surgery. As part of program, Dr. Gasbarro works with his colleagues, orthopedic surgeons Dr. Joseph Ciotola, Dr. Mark Slabaugh and Dr. John-Paul Rue, treating patients with rotator cuff tears, fractures, arthritis, etc.

Founded in 1874 in Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a nonprofit Catholic health care organization and teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized nationally by both U.S. News and World Report and Newsweek for its achievements in the field of orthopedic surgery. For more information, visit Mercy online at www.mdmercy.com; MDMercyMedia on Facebook and Twitter(X); www.youtube.com/mmcbaltimore; or call 1-800-M.D.-Mercy.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dan Collins, APR, ABC

Senior Director of Media Relations, Mercy Medical Center

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 410-332-9714

Cell: 410-375-7342

SOURCE Mercy Medical Center

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NNS launches voluntary all-cash offer for OCI Shares

This is a press release by NNS Holding (Cyprus) Limited ("NNS"). This press release is issued pursuant to the provisions of Section 4, paragraph 1 and Section 10, paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Dutch Decree on public takeover bids (Besluit openbare biedingen Wft) (the "Decree") in connection with the cash offer by NNS for all the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of OCI N.V. ("OCI" or the "Company") (the "Offer"). This press release does not constitute an offer, or any solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any securities in OCI. Any such offer is made only by means of the offer memorandum approved by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten, the "AFM") and relating to the Offer (the "Offer Memorandum"). Capitalised terms not otherwise defined in this press release have the meaning as set forth in the Offer Memorandum. This press release is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, in or into, directly or indirectly, in any jurisdiction in which such release, publication or distribution would be unlawful.

Offer Period starts on 15 September 2026

LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NNS today announces that NNS is launching a voluntary all-cash public offer for all the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of OCI (each a "Share") at a cash amount of EUR 4.10 without interest ("Offer Price") cum dividend per Share, and that the Offer Memorandum has been published today.

Transaction highlights

- The Offer Memorandum is approved by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten).

- The Offer is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions included in the Offer Memorandum.

- The Offer is not subject to a minimum acceptance threshold, meaning that NNS will accept all Shares validly tendered under the Offer if the conditions under Section 5.5.1 of the Offer Memorandum are met, regardless of the number of Shares tendered.

- According to the press release by OCI dated 1 July 2026, the board of directors of OCI (the "Board") (excluding Nassef Sawiris and Nadia Sawiris and the Enterprise Chamber Directors[1]) recommends the voluntary all-cash public offer at an offer price of EUR 4.10 cum dividend per Share made by NNS; the Enterprise Chamber Directors support the Offer, with a neutral opinion in respect of the Offer Price. They concluded that the Offer Price is not unreasonable.

- NNS has entered into irrevocable non-tender undertakings with certain members of the Sawiris family, together holding 19,167,618 Shares, representing approximately 9.07% of OCI's issued share capital, thereby providing certainty as to a portion of the Company's share capital that will not be tendered into the Offer.

- The Offer Period is from 15 September 2026 to 17 November 2026 (unless extended in accordance with the terms described in the Offer Memorandum).

- OCI is expected to hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders at which the Offer will be discussed at the end of October 2026 (the "Offer EGM").

- Closing of the Offer is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions included in the Offer Memorandum.

- NNS is making the Offer on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Offer Memorandum. Further details on NNS, the Offer, including details on acceptance, settlement and the post-closing restructuring measures, can be found in the Offer Memorandum.

Support by the Board

On 1 July 2026, OCI issued a press release in which the Board (excluding Nassef Sawiris and Nadia Sawiris and the Enterprise Chamber Directors) formally recommended the Offer at EUR 4.10 cum dividend per Share. Additionally, the Enterprise Chamber Directors announced that, (i) based on independent valuation analyses performed by AXECO, the Offer Price is not unreasonable from a financial point of view, (ii) they have a neutral position in respect of the Offer Price, (iii) and having completed their assessment, they consented to the convocation of an extraordinary general meeting to approve project Rembrandt II (i.e. the transaction consisting of the proposed business combination between OCI and Orascom Construction PLC, an international construction and engineering company, domiciled in Abu Dhabi with a primary listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and a secondary listing on the Egyptian Exchange), subject to the condition that NNS shall have made, declared unconditional and settled the Offer. The Enterprise Chamber Directors also noted that they consider that the combination of Rembrandt II and the Offer give adequate and reasonable weight to the interests of OCI's minority shareholders.

OCI will publish its Position Statement containing the information required by Article 18 and Annex G of the Decree.

Extraordinary General Meeting

In accordance with Article 18, paragraph 1 of the Decree, OCI is required to hold the Offer EGM. Separate convocation materials with respect to the Offer EGM will be made available on OCI's website (www.oci-global.com). Reference is made to Section 5.17 (Offer EGM) of the Offer Memorandum.

Rationale of the Offer

NNS is OCI's largest shareholder, holding approximately 57.32% of OCI's issued share capital, and together with Mr Nassef Sawiris holding approximately 57.50% as of the date hereof.[2]

On 11 December 2025, OCI convened an extraordinary general meeting in connection with Rembrandt II, scheduled to be held on 22 January 2026. On 5 January 2026, the European Investors-VEB, a Dutch association representing the interests of mainly individual investors in the Netherlands ("VEB"), together with a group of other Shareholders, sought emergency relief from the Enterprise Chamber with the effect, among other things, of preventing the scheduled general meeting from approving the proposed Rembrandt II transaction. The Enterprise Chamber granted immediate measures (the appointment of the Enterprise Chamber Directors and the suspension of Rembrandt II) on 19 January 2026. One of the main objections raised against Rembrandt II by the applicants was that no cash exit option was offered to shareholders of OCI who did not want, or could not obtain, shares in Orascom through Rembrandt II. In an effort to constructively help navigate a satisfactory solution so that the company could move forward, NNS, supported by Mr Nassef Sawiris, decided to provide such a cash exit alternative. In this regard, NNS submitted an initial proposal on 11 May 2026 to the Board of OCI to acquire all issued and outstanding Shares. By 24 June 2026, the Board of OCI had not yet reached a decision regarding this proposal. To break the impasse surrounding OCI and Rembrandt II and provide Shareholders with a cash exit alternative, NNS decided to launch the Offer without the cooperation of the Board at that time. By doing so, NNS aims to provide all Shareholders with a guaranteed cash exit opportunity as an alternative to waiting for a possible resolution of the uncertainty surrounding Rembrandt II and OCI. The Offer reflects NNS' continued commitment, as OCI's largest shareholder, to all stakeholders of the Company.

NNS and Nassef Sawiris have been the major shareholders of OCI since its formation and remain highly committed to the Company. They both continue to support Rembrandt II and believe in the strategic rationale and synergy benefits that a combination between OCI and Orascom can offer. They both remain convinced that the management team will generate attractive returns on the investment (being both its existing shareholding and any incremental shareholding acquired pursuant to the Offer) in the business.

Indicative timetable

Offer Period

The Offer Period begins at 09:00 hours CEST on 15 September 2026 and ends at 17:40 hours CET on 17 November 2026, unless extended in accordance with Article 15 of the Decree and the provisions of the Offer Memorandum. Shares tendered on or prior to the Tender Closing Date may not be withdrawn, subject to the right of withdrawal of any tender during an extension of the Offer Period in accordance with the provisions of Article 15, paragraph 3 of the Decree. NNS reserves the right to extend the Offer Period once, for a minimum of two weeks and up to a maximum of ten weeks. If the Offer Period is extended, NNS will make an announcement to that effect no later than on the third Business Day following the Tender Closing Date in accordance with the provisions of Article 15, paragraph 1 and paragraph 2 of the Decree.

Acceptance by Shareholders

Holders of Shares which are held through an Admitted Institution are requested to make their acceptance known via their custodian, bank or stockbroker no later than 17:40 hours CET on the Tender Closing Date, unless the Offer Period is extended in accordance with Section 4.5 (Extension) of the Offer Memorandum. The relevant custodian, bank or stockbroker may set an earlier deadline for communication by Shareholders in order to permit the custodian, bank or stockbroker to communicate their acceptance to ABN AMRO in a timely manner.

In submitting an acceptance, the Admitted Institutions are required to submit a statement to the Settlement Agent containing the name and the number of Shares for all instances in which Shareholders tender more than 100,000 Shares.

Extension

If one or more of the Offer Conditions set out in Section 5.5.1 (Offer Conditions) is not satisfied or waived in accordance with the arrangement set out in Section 5.5.2 (Waiver), on the initial or any subsequent Tender Closing Date, NNS may extend the Offer Period once for a period of no less than two weeks and no more than ten weeks, subject to the provisions of Article 15 of the Decree or pursuant to an exemption by the AFM.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Payment Nerds, a merchant services and payment processing company, today announced that it has secured a $2 million credit facility from Espresso Capital, providing additional capital to support the company's continued growth and expansion.

The financing will enable Payment Nerds to accelerate investments across its sales organization, technology infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and merchant services capabilities as the company expands its reach across the payments industry.

Founded by payments industry veteran Shawn Silver, Payment Nerds was built around a simple goal: to create a more modern and flexible approach to merchant services while giving businesses the technology, support, and payment solutions they need to grow.

"We built Payment Nerds with a clear vision for what modern merchant services should look like — more flexible, more technology-driven, and more aligned with the needs of the businesses we serve," said Shawn Silver, Founder and CEO of Payment Nerds. "This partnership with Espresso Capital gives us additional capital and flexibility to invest in the business at an important stage of our growth. We're focused on expanding our team, strengthening our technology and infrastructure, and continuing to build a company that can scale alongside our merchants and partners."

The non-dilutive credit facility gives Payment Nerds additional financial flexibility to pursue growth initiatives while preserving the company's existing equity structure. The capital is expected to support continued expansion of the company's sales and marketing efforts, technology and integration capabilities, and strategic hiring.

The financing also comes as Payment Nerds continues to strengthen its leadership team and expand its capabilities across specialized merchant segments. The company recently appointed Jacob Martin as Vice President of Sales, bringing more than 10 years of payments and merchant services experience to the organization, and promoted Trae Holthouse to Sales Manager as part of its continued investment in sales leadership and team development.

"Securing this facility is an important milestone for Payment Nerds, but more importantly, it gives us the flexibility to keep executing on the opportunities in front of us," said Silver. "We have a lot of work ahead of us, and we're excited about where we're going."

About Payment Nerds

Payment Nerds is a merchant services and payment processing company providing businesses with flexible solutions for accepting and managing payments. The company serves businesses across retail, e-commerce, and specialized industries, with a focus on streamlined onboarding, payment technology, integrations, and dedicated merchant support.

Founded by payments industry veteran Shawn Silver, Payment Nerds was created to bring a more modern approach to merchant services and build long-term relationships with the businesses and partners it serves.

Learn more at paymentnerds.com.

About Espresso Capital

Espresso Capital provides innovative credit solutions to growth-stage technology companies. Since 2009, Espresso Capital has helped hundreds of technology companies and their investors accelerate growth, extend runway, and increase strategic flexibility through flexible, non-dilutive capital solutions.

Learn more at Espresso Capital.

SOURCE Payment Nerds

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fal has acquired Lucent, an AI agent-based platform for creative media, bringing its two founders in-house as the company invests in the exceptional builders shaping the future of generative media.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dimi Panagiotopoulos Lucent's Co-founder and CTO, is a blend of engineer and creative technologist. By the age of 21 he had built and shipped energy optimisation algorithms running on eight Formula 1 cars on the racing grid, and he has been a content creator since 13, producing videos that have reached millions of views. He went on to build an LLMOps product, work sitting directly at the intersection of large-scale AI systems and creative output.

Alex Koumpas, Co-founder and CEO, is an engineer and operator with a habit of getting to hard technical frontiers early and building where the value concentrates. A former quantitative trader at a multibillion-dollar hedge fund and pro track and field athlete, he built and sold an AI-driven quant trading startup to one of the fastest growing FinTech companies before turning to generative media.

Together they built Lucent into a unique agentic creative platform that reached more than 16,000 active creators generating more than 75,000 assets within just three weeks of its November 2025 launch, surpassing 30,000+ users shortly after. They built it in advertising, one of the most demanding domains in generative media, where high volume, strict brand requirements, and a hard bar for real-world performance leave little room for error. When Lucent launched, nothing else in the creator space worked the way it did: rather than handing users another canvas of tools to operate, it let them brief an agent in plain language and orchestrated the models, edits, and brand rules behind the scenes, an approach most of the market has only recently begun moving toward.

"We look for a specific kind of builder: technical enough to build anything, business-minded enough to understand why it matters, and wired to figure it out when the path isn't obvious," said Burkay Gur, CEO at fal. "Dimi and Alex both have exactly that. They took on one of the hardest domains you can point generative media at and moved fast enough to win in it. In a market that reshapes itself every few months, that instinct is the most valuable thing you can add to a team."

The acquisition reflects fal's belief that as generation quality converges across the industry, durable value moves to judgment and orchestration. Dimi and Alex bring that expertise to fal as the company advances generative media across the full journey from model to finished output. Terms were not disclosed.

About fal

fal is the generative media platform powering image, video, and audio generation for enterprises and developers, with access to over 1000 models and a differentiated inference engine with 1300+ production endpoints.

SOURCE fal

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Travel Together, Stay Together? Booking.com Invites Travelers to Test Compatibility Through Curated Trips - "Turbulence Tests" - at Partner Hotels Across the U.S.

NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fall is almost here, but before you call it quits on your summer fling, Booking.com has one more trip in mind: a "Turbulence Test."

With 69% of travelers saying they'd take a trip to test their relationship compatibility, Booking.com is collaborating with 9 partner hotels across the U.S. to offer experiences that reveal how well companions handle the moments that can make – or break – a trip. Think conversation starters, custom games to uncover travel "icks," blind taste challenges, and more, customized by each property for limited-time stays beginning September 14, 2026 (see the full list below).

To shape the Turbulence Test stays, Booking.com commissioned new research to reveal the top travel "icks" among American travelers. The company also partnered with Dr. Jess Carbino, a relationship expert and renowned sociologist known for her work with popular dating apps, to unpack the findings and explore what they reveal about compatibility on the road.

When travel reveals the truth about a relationship

One-third (32%) of U.S. travelers say travel compatibility is extremely important for a relationship. The numbers suggest they may be onto something: more than one-third (35%) say they have discovered a companion was incompatible with them after a trip, nearly 3 in 10 (28%) have considered ending a relationship or friendship because of a trip, and more than a fifth (21%) have left a trip early because of a bad travel partner.

"Travel can help reveal aspects of what we desire from and how we function in relationships," says relationship expert Dr. Jess Carbino. "It forces you to confront who you actually are, what you value, and whether the people you're with align with that. It's like relationship acceleration —- months of everyday tension show up in days."

Money: The conversation most travelers aren't having before they book

Money kills more travel relationships than anything else. Nearly 6 in 10 travelers (58%) would hesitate to travel again with someone who expects everyone else to pay, and 42% of travelers say that someone booking surprise upgrades or activities causes the most tension. The tension doesn't stop there: two in 5 travelers (39%) would second guess traveling again with people who won't spend money on experiences, and more than 1 in 3 (37%) hate constant price negotiations.

"Money conflicts during travel aren't really about the money," Dr. Carbino says. "They're about respect. When someone refuses to contribute or splurges without thinking about their travel partner, they're signaling something deeper—they lack a sense of boundaries and may not respect yours."

Icks while on the trip: Plane etiquette and mattress mishaps

Nearly all U.S. travelers (94%) say they have at least one in-flight pet peeve. Being rude to airport employees or flight attendants tops the list (53%). Playing videos without headphones (42%) and bringing strong-smelling food on board (38%) follow closely. Seat preference adds another layer: Men are more annoyed by sitting separately on a flight (22% vs. 15% of women). In fact, 26% of women say it's no problem at all. Yet in a finding that may surprise even frequent flyers, nearly three-quarters (73%) of travelers are unbothered by a companion who goes barefoot during a flight.

The annoyances don't stop once you touch down, either. When it comes to hotel habits, a partner who refuses to check the mattress for bed bugs is a travel turnoff for nearly half of travelers (45%). This is true for 60% of women vs. 40% of men. On the road, leaving trash in the car (50%) edges out reckless driving (49%) as the most annoying road trip behavior. This near-tie speaks volumes about how travelers weigh cleanliness.

Generational divide: Millennials holding grudges and Boomers craving quiet

Millennial travelers emerge as the most emotionally reactive generation in the data. When itinerary disputes arise, 16% of Millennials admit that even if they surrender, someone will quietly hold a grudge, compared with 10% of Gen X and older. Furthermore, Millennials are more likely than other generations to leave a trip early because of a bad travel partner (26%).

"There's a difference between compromising and pretending to compromise," Dr. Carbino explains. "Millennials tend to suppress their feelings rather than work through disagreements, which just builds resentment. It's less about whether they can compromise and more about whether they actually will."

The biggest travel "icks" also differ across generations. Boomers are especially likely to be annoyed by a companion who blasts the music volume (53%) and is tardy (49%). 25% of Millennials say the social butterfly who wants to talk to everyone would be one of the hardest to travel with. On the other hand, Gen Z is especially likely to say that "taking too many photos" is forgivable (30%).

These differences show that compatibility is not about agreeing on everything. It's about understanding what matters most to the person beside you and finding ways to enjoy the journey together. With flights, stays, rental cars and experiences in one place, Booking.com helps travelers plan the full trip – including the moments that take you from turbulence to a smooth ride.

The stays: Where to take the Turbulence Test

To help travelers navigate the make-or-break moments of travel, participating properties are offering an exclusive, limited-time package on Booking.com that comes with a physical Booking.com Turbulence Test Kit. Partners will challenge each other with a travel-themed conversation deck, "Would You Rather?" dilemmas, "Red Flag / Green Flag" speed rounds, and a blindfold for taste tests, before wrapping up with a survey to get their official compatibility verdict. Paired with property-specific additions like resort credits or local excursions, it's the ultimate way to see if you're truly travel-compatible.

New York:

- Lotte Hotel New York: This polished 4.5 star midtown hotel is offering a package inclusive of $200 F+B credits.

- Nova Hotel Brooklyn : A contemporary boutique hotel in the heart of Brooklyn gives guests the beloved hotel amenity of late check-out.

California:

- Hotel Zephyr San Francisco: The nautical theme at this Fisherman's Wharf District hotel sets the scene for a playful stay, with Skywheel Tickets, late check-out and an all-time favorite S'mores kit to be enjoyed in their courtyard.

Nevada:

- Circa Resort & Casino - Adults Only: On Fremont Street, this adults-only Vegas resort is offering a package that includes a $50 beverage credit, complimentary 1-hour late check-out and a Legacy Club glass of champagne, among other extras.

Florida:

- Westgate Resorts: Perfect for amusement park fans, this centrally located Orlando hotel is providing 2 tickets to onsite Treasure Island Water Park, a $50 resort credit, 2 bicycle rentals and complimentary mini-golf.

- The Elser Hotel: In downtown Miami, this stylish hotel pairs city and bay views with a range of amenities and a "305 Challenge" – a Miami-themed couples game where you divide up vacation decisions across the stay: one picks the pool spot, the other picks the drinks; one chooses the restaurants, the other books the reservation time.

- Legacy Vacation Resorts Kissimmee: Four outdoor pools give guests plenty of space to unwind, while customized compatibility challenges and a Make Your Own Cocktail amenity add something a little different to the stay.

- Legacy Vacation Resorts Lake Buena Vista + The Fold Orlando: Located just a few miles from Disney and Sea World, partners can enjoy their Make Your Own Mocktail kit between park hopping.

To explore more of Booking.com's research into relationship dynamics, money habits, and hidden travel pet peeves, visit the Booking.com Newsroom for a deeper look at the findings and full data set: https://news.booking.com/the-turbulence-test-what-travel-really-reveals-about-your-relationships/

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Methodology: Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 2,010 from the US). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.

- Turbulence Test research commissioned by Booking.com surveyed 1,253 individuals 18 or older, living in the U.S. and having taken an overnight trip within the last 12 months. The survey was fielded using Forsta and the panel was sourced from RepData. Fielding took place in July 2026.

About Booking.com: Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com's mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com's marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.

SOURCE Booking.com

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