Market Newsdesk

• Following highly successful Phase I program, drilling is expected to continue to significantly expand resources in the south zone

TORONTO, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ascendant Resources Inc. (TSX: ASND) (“Ascendant” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the start of its Phase 2 drilling program in the South Zone at the Lagoa Salgada project located on the Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. The Phase 2 program consists of 1,400m of drilling and downhole IP surveys and follows the very successful recently completed Phase 1 program. The continued objective of the program is to significantly increase and upgrade resources at the copper-rich South Zone, building upon the strong drill results highlighted in the Company’s press release on January 13, 2021. The increased resources are expected to build upon Phase 1 drilling and the existing 2.47Mt of Measured and Indicated resource and 6.09Mt of Inferred resource delineated in the South Zone as highlighted in the Company’s NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate, dated November 5, 2019.

The South Zone remains open along strike and at depth according to geological data collected during the Company’s previous exploration activities. Indications are that the mineralization is expanding southward where the Company’s next drill targets in this program are planned. Figure 1 highlights the completed and planned drill holes. The 1,400m of drilling in Phase 2 aims to better define this high-grade copper-rich zone on the Lagoa Salgada South Zone Resource, and in particular the LS_ST_23 drill hole defined by 5 main corridors of high-grade, strong stockwork mineralization.

Chris Buncic, President & CEO of Ascendant stated, “We are excited to continue our exploration activities in the South Zone where we hope to significantly grow copper and copper equivalent tonnage and grade. The results of Phase 1 drilling in the South Zone suggests that we are approaching a more intense system of stockwork and massive sulfide mineralization, which was also predicted by our geophysics program. The Phase 2 program should advance us a long way along the path of growing this copper rich resource.”

Figure 1: South Zone planned exploration program

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46c71d72-1384-4313-8d07-70908bcd1c92

Technical Disclosure/Qualified Person

All technical information contained herein has been reviewed and approved by Robert A. Campbell, M.Sc, P.Geo, an officer and director of the Company. Mr. Campbell is a “qualified person” within the meaning of NI 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).

About Ascendant Resources Inc.

Ascendant Resources Inc. is a Toronto-based mining company focused on the exploration and development of the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project located on the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. Through focused exploration and aggressive development plans, the Company aims to unlock the inherent potential of the project, maximizing value creation for shareholders.

Lagoa Salgada contains over 12.8 million tonnes of M&I Resources and over 10.3 million tonnes in Inferred Resources and demonstrates typical mineralization characteristics of Iberian Pyrite Belt VMS deposits containing zinc, copper, lead, tin, silver and gold. Extensive exploration upside potential lies both near deposit and at prospective step-out targets across the large 10,700ha property concession. The project also demonstrates compelling economics with scalability for future resource growth in the results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment completed in 2020. Located just 80km from Lisbon, Lagoa Salgada is easily accessible by road and surrounded by exceptional Infrastructure. Ascendant holds a 21.25% interest in the Lagoa Salgada project through its 25% position in Redcorp – Empreendimentos Mineiros, Lda, (“Redcorp”) and has an earn-in opportunity to increase its interest in the project to 80%. Mineral & Financial Investments Limited owns the additional 75% of Redcorp. The remaining 15% of the project is held by Empresa de Desenvolvimento Mineiro, S.A. (EDM), a Portuguese Government owned company supporting the strategic development of the country’s mining sector. The Company’s interest in the Lagoa Salgada project offers a low-cost entry to a potentially significant exploration and development opportunity, already demonstrating its mineable scale.

Ascendant Resources is also engaged in the ongoing evaluation of producing and development stage mineral resource opportunities. The Corporation’s common shares are principally listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “ASND”. For more information on Ascendant Resources, please visit our website at www.ascendantresources.com.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information please contact:

Katherine Pryde
Communications & Investor Relations
Tel: 888-723-7413
[email protected]

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “budget”, “guidance”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “strategy”, “target”, “intends”, “objective”, “goal”, “understands”, “anticipates” and “believes” (and variations of these or similar words) and statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” “occur” or “be achieved” or “will be taken” (and variations of these or similar expressions). Forward-looking information is also identifiable in statements of currently occurring matters which may continue in the future, such as “providing the Company with”, “is currently”, “allows/allowing for”, “will advance” or “continues to” or other statements that may be stated in the present tense with future implications. All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by this cautionary note.

Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the exploration activities and the results of such activities at the Lagoa Salgada Project, the ability of the Company to advance the Lagoa Salgada Project to a Preliminary Economic Assessment, and the ability of the Company to fund the exploration with funds from operations. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by Ascendant at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The material factors or assumptions that Ascendant identified and were applied by Ascendant in drawing conclusions or making forecasts or projections set out in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the success of the exploration activities at Lagoa Salgada Project, the Company advancing the project to a Preliminary Economic Assessment, the ability of the Company to fund the exploration program at Lagoa Salgada with funds from operations , and other events that may affect Ascendant’s ability to develop its project; and no significant and continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets.

The risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information may include, but are not limited to, risks generally associated with the mining industry, such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, currency fluctuations, energy prices and general cost escalation), uncertainties related to the development and operation of Ascendant’s projects, dependence on key personnel and employee and union relations, risks related to political or social unrest or change, rights and title claims, operational risks and hazards, including unanticipated environmental, industrial and geological events and developments and the inability to insure against all risks, failure of plant, equipment, processes, transportation and other infrastructure to operate as anticipated, compliance with government and environmental regulations, including permitting requirements and anti-bribery legislation, volatile financial markets that may affect Ascendant’s ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, the failure to obtain required approvals or clearances from government authorities on a timely basis, uncertainties related to the geology, continuity, grade and estimates of mineral reserves and resources, and the potential for variations in grade and recovery rates, uncertain costs of reclamation activities, tax refunds, hedging transactions, as well as the risks discussed in Ascendant’s most recent Annual Information Form on file with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities and available at

www.sedar.com

.

Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency, or other factor materialize, or should any factor or assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Ascendant does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

DENVER, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mydecine Innovations Group (CSE: MYCO) (OTC: MYCOF) (FSE: 0NFA) (“Mydecine” or the “Company’), an emerging biopharma and life sciences company committed to the research, development, and acceptance of alternative nature-sourced medicine for mainstream use, announced that it has submitted a formal application to list its common shares (“Shares”) on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange (“NASDAQ”). NASDAQ is the second largest exchange by market capitalization worldwide and is home to many of the world’s best technology companies.

In connection with its application to list on NASDAQ, Mydecine expects to, in due course, file a Form 20-F Registration Statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Acceptance for listing the Company’s shares is subject to approval based on several factors including satisfaction of minimum listing requirements for the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Company intends to satisfy all of the applicable listing requirements; however, there is no assurance that its application will be approved. During the NASDAQ review process, the Company’s common stock will continue to trade in Canada on the CSE under its current symbol, MYCO and on the OTC under the symbol, MYCOF.

“We believe the Company is entering an accelerated growth phase and the timing could not be better for listing our Shares to NASDAQ,” said Josh Bartch, CEO & Chair of Mydecine. “This listing is intended to open the investment opportunity to a larger and more diverse pool of investors and help create greater shareholder value. A listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market is a natural progression for the Company and our shareholders.”

The Company has engaged Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP (EGS) as its US legal counsel to oversee the process of the NASDAQ listing.

About Mydecine Innovations Group

Mydecine Innovations Group™ (CSE: MYCO) (OTC:MYCOF) (FSE:0NFA) is an emerging biotech and life sciences company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions for treating mental health problems and enhancing vitality. The company’s world-renowned medical and scientific advisory board is building out a robust R&D pipeline of nature-sourced psychedelic-assisted therapeutics, novel compounds, therapy protocols, and unique delivery systems. Mydecine has exclusive access to a full cGMP certified pharmaceutical manufacturing facility with the ability to import/export, cultivate, extract/isolate, and analyze active mushroom compounds with full government approval through Health Canada. Mydecine also operates out of a state-of-the-art mycology lab in Denver, CO to focus on genetic research for scaling commercial cultivation of rare (non-psychedelic) medicinal mushrooms.

At the heart of Mydecine’s core philosophy is that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy will continue to gain acceptance in the medical community with many of the world’s best accredited research organizations demonstrating its remarkable clinical effectiveness. Mydecine recognizes the responsibility associated with psychedelic-assisted therapy and will continue to position itself as a long-term leader across the spectrum of clinical trials, research, technology, and global supply. Mydecine has also successfully completed multiple acquisitions since its inception.

Learn more at: https://www.mydecine.com/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Mydecine Innovations Group Media Contacts

Anne Donohoe / Nick Opich
KCSA Strategic Communications
[email protected] / [email protected]
212-896-1265 / 212-896-1206

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Joshua Bartch, Chief Executive Officer
[email protected] 

Corp Communications:

Charles Lee, Investor Relations
[email protected] 
+1 720-277-9879

For further information about Mydecine Innovations Group, Inc., please visit the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or visit the Company’s website at


www.mydecine.com


.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof. This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management’s current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, without limitation, the ultimate approval of the Company’s listing application on the NASDAQ, the availability and continuity of financing, the ability of the Company to adequately protect and enforce its intellectual property, the Company’s ability to bring its products to commercial production, continued growth of the global adaptive pathway medicine, natural health products and digital health industries, and the risks presented by the highly regulated and competitive market concerning the development, production, sale and use of the Company’s products. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required under applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell securities and the Company is not soliciting an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. These securities have not and will not be registered under United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person unless so registered, or an exemption from registration is relied upon.

TORONTO, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global design and technology firm, IBI Group (TSX:IBG), has been named lead architect on the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Line 1 Subway Enhancement Program. In partnership with prime consultant WSP, IBI Group will manage the review and development of facility station modification requirements for the 11-year program, set to deliver capacity upgrades to manage increased ridership in the near and long term. The project builds on the firm’s recent transportation infrastructure contract wins, including its design role as part of the Acciona-Ghella joint venture on Vancouver’s Broadway Subway Expansion.

“We are proud to work together with WSP and the TTC to support its goal of improved customer experience, safety and satisfaction,” said IBI Group Director and Senior Practice Lead, Architecture, Lisa D’Abbondanza. “The TTC’s Enhancement Program also supports the continued growth of the City of Toronto, making the benefits of a healthy public transit system more accessible to city residents and visitors.”

As Lead Architect, IBI Group will review passenger and design capacities and provide design solutions that consider demand requirements 30 years beyond the target construction completion date, using growth forecasts provided by the TTC and the City of Toronto. Wayfinding, signage, and accessibility will be central considerations throughout the design process. Work on the project commenced in December 2020, and has an expected completion in 2031.

Toronto’s Line 1 (Yonge-University) is the busiest rapid transit line in Canada, serving more than 850,000 customers per day pre-COVID-19. Southbound trains departing from Bloor-Yonge Station carry between 28,000 to 30,000 passengers during the morning rush hour, at times exceeding Line 1’s scheduled capacity. Recent demand forecasts for Line 1, completed pre-COVID-19, indicate that morning rush hour heading southbound from Bloor-Yonge Station will soon exceed 36,000 passengers as a result of the completion of the Line 1 Yonge Subway Extension, and population and employment increases in the Toronto region.

With a breadth of experience in transportation engineering and planning, transit architecture, intelligent transportation systems, and smart cities, IBI Group has helped to define how people move through cities for over 40 years. This project adds to IBI Group’s global expertise designing transit infrastructure, including: Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT and Hurontario LRT, York Region’s vivaNext BRT, the Edmonton Valley Line LRT, Ottawa Confederation Line, and the Tel Aviv Light Rail Red Line.

For more information and/or to connect with an IBI Group professional, please contact Julia Harper at [email protected] or 647-330-4706.

About IBI Group

IBI Group Inc. (TSX:IBG) is a technology-driven design firm with global architecture, engineering, planning, and technology expertise spanning over 60 offices and 2,700 professionals around the world. For nearly 50 years, its dedicated professionals have helped clients create livable, sustainable, and advanced urban environments. IBI Group believes that cities thrive when designed with intelligent systems, sustainable buildings, efficient infrastructure, and a human touch. Follow IBI Group on Twitter @ibigroup and Instagram @ibi_group.

Media Contact:

Julia Harper, IBI Group
[email protected]
1-647-330-4706

TORONTO, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Medivolve Inc. (“Medivolve”) (NEO:MEDV; OTC:COPRF; FRA:4NC) is pleased to announce the launch of new COVID-19 testing centres by its wholly owned subsidiary, Collection Sites, LLC. Collection Sites has launched three new sites in Texas, two new sites in Florida and a new site in Virginia.

In order to maximize operational efficiency, Collection Sites is conducting a state by state expansion where possible. The new sites are currently located on the properties of Simon’s Property Group, an investment trust engaged in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company as well as Sandor Development Group. Additional sites are expected to be open in Texas, Florida, and Virginia within the coming week.

“As Collection Sites continues to expand across the nation, we will look to build out a strong presence in high-population regions to better leverage our local infrastructure and minimize the cost of our operations,” says Mr. Tim Shelburn, President of Collection Sites. “As the awareness and marketing initiatives increase for our locations we expect to see an increase in demand for our services and are proud to be able to provide important COVID-19 testing services to those seeking them in the state.”

About the Collection Sites

The pop-up labs will be managed by Las Vegas based company Collection Sites, LLC and powered by Alcala Testing and Analysis Services, a CLIA-licensed laboratory based in San Diego, California. Appointments and payments will be handled through an online portal www.testbeforeyougo.com.

The key to flattening the curve is to increase testing.

The testing centers will offer convenient access to rapid antibody and antigen (pending availability) tests – which take 8-10 minutes to administer and provide results within 24 hours. The sites also offer regular RT-PCR. All tests can be administered with insurance coverage options. The tests results can be communicated via text or email and can be accompanied with a certificate of good health via a HIPAA-compliant smartphone application.

For more information about the pop-up lab, the available sites and services visit 


www.testbeforeyougo.com


.

About Medivolve Inc.

Medivolve Inc.
(NEO:MEDV; OTC:COPRF; FRA:4NC) seeks out disruptive technologies, ground-breaking innovations, and exclusive partnerships to help combat COVID-19 and generate remarkable risk-adjusted returns for investors. Specifically, Medivolve offers investors a diversified investment in the COVID-19 medical space across three areas; prevention, detection, and treatment.

Medivolve has a team of renowned global medical and business advisors that have developed a proprietary business strategy to capitalize on high-margin opportunities in the COVID-19 space. This panel includes prominent immunologist Dr. Lawrence Steinman and Dr. Glenn Copeland, who has 45 years of experience in orthopaedic treatment, foot and ankle care, and sports medicine.

Medivolve’s primary focus is to provide convenient and assessable medical services for testing of the COVID-19 virus to help combat the pandemic. This is achieved largely through two acquisitions: 100% of Collection Sites, LLC and 28% of Colombian Sanaty IPS. Collection Sites is setting up a series of COVID-19 testing sites across the United States with appointments and payments will be handled through the online portal www.testbeforeyougo.com. Sanaty is setting up a series of full-service medical clinics offering a complete COVID-19 testing solution.

For additional information, please contact:

Doug Sommerville, CEO
[email protected]

For investing inquiries please contact:
Evan Veryard
[email protected]

For US media enquires please contact:
Veronica Welch
[email protected]
+1-508-643-8000

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information

This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the expansion of COVID-19 testing sites; the proposed roll-out of testing sites; projected timelines for testing results; projected revenues from the testing; the pursuit by Medivolve of investment opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such investments. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

• CEO continues to increase his ownership position.
• Open market buys of $125,000.
• Converts warrants for another $157,000.
• Purchased stock six times in the past 12 months.
• He purchased 1,279,885 common shares in the past 12 months.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nextech AR Solutions (Nextech) (OTCQB: NEXCF) (NEO: NTAR.NE) (CSE: NTAR) (FSE: N29), a leading provider of augmented reality (AR) and virtual event and video experience technologies (VXT) for 3D advertising, eCommerce, education, and conferences today announced that CEO Evan Gappelberg purchased a total of 250,000 shares including open market purchases and the exercising of warrants.

Nextech CEO, Evan Gappelberg, purchased the shares by exercising 225,000 warrants and buying 25,000 shares in the open market at $5.08/share CDN ($4/share USD). This purchase brings his total trailing 12-month cash investment in the company to $1,258,421.

Nextech CEO Evan Gappelberg comments, “When I look at our diversified business, I see a huge opportunity in the multiple markets that we operate in. The TAM or total available market just for the virtual events industry is $90 billion on its way to $400 billion, according to Grandview. We are just scratching the surface of this industry leaving many years of forward growth still on the table.” He continues, “When I think of our AR business, eCommerce business or our 3D ad network, I again see many years of forward growth ahead of us which is why I am investing so heavily in NEXCF. I strongly feel that we are undervalued compared to the huge multi-billion-dollar market opportunity and compared to other technology companies which is why I will continue to buy shares in my company.”

Nextech’s platforms have serviced many Fortune 500 businesses such as Amazon Viacom, Johnson and Johnson, Bell Canada, UNESCO, Dell Technologies, Luxottica, Vulcan Inc, Boehringer Ingelheim, TEDx, Grundfos, Arch Insurance. Security is a core feature of the company which reported a breakthrough in security with the help of Fastly, an edge computing company. Bringing token authentication to the edge greatly enhances security and performance, which is essential for winning more contracts from Fortune 500 companies.

Recent Company Highlights:

• January 26, 2021: The Company announced in partnership with ARB Meetings and Events it has signed a six-figure annual contract to supply its InfernoAR video conferencing and virtual events platform to NAMD.
• January 25, 2021: The Company announced that Strategic Site Selection (SSS), a 15 year old site selection leader in the meeting and events industry, has selected Nextech AR as a preferred channel partner, making Nextech’s industry leading virtual experience platform and services available to SSS clients.
• January 20, 2021: The Company announced that Microsoft’s Azure Cloud Services platform will be a standard offering across its virtual experience platforms and consumer apps enabling hyper-scalable, secure, and immersive events and applications for users.
• January 15, 2021: Company has signed a renewal agreement with Poly with an initial value of $470,000 for a six-month term and the potential for additional revenue after the six months.
• Record Q4 2020 Total Bookings of $7.3 million +275%
  growth over the same period last year
• CEO Evan Gappelberg purchased 250,000 shares. This purchase brings his 2020 purchased shares to 1,279,885 common shares of Nextech.
• Announced the launch of its ground-breaking “Genie in a Bottle” human hologram AR marketing platform and new eCommerce store for its TruLyfe brand of human supplements.
• Company graduated from the CSE and received approval to list its common shares with the NEO Exchange (“NEO”) senior exchange.
• Announced that it is expanding its services into the Asia-Pacific market after establishing a presence in Singapore. To support this expansion, Nextech has hired Yau Boon Lim, a technology industry veteran with over 25 years’ experience in strategy, planning, marketing, operations, and business management for various industries in the Asia Pacific market. Lim has held leadership positions within global enterprise technology companies, driving marketing and strategies for blue chip global tech companies, including IBM where he led marketing management, Motorola where he was Head of Strategy and Planning, and SAP where he was Vice President of Marketing for the Asia Pacific market. Lim is based out of Singapore.
• Coex chooses Nextech as its hybrid virtual event platform partner. Coex is a global leader in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events (MICE); it hosts over 200 exhibitions and 3,000 meetings & events in-house each year in Korea at the Coex convention and exhibition center. Coex also organizes numerous exhibitions throughout Korea and abroad, with international reach in Vietnam, Indonesia, and China.
• Achieved a record-breaking 315% increase in Black Friday sales year-over-year across its AR eCommerce platform. With 2020 being a year dominated by coronavirus, shoppers have shown that they will embrace the convenience and safety of online shopping more than ever.
• The
  
  Canadian Society of Nephrology
  
  (CSN) has chosen Nextech AR’s Virtual Experience Platform (VXP) to host its 2021 Annual General Meeting, taking place May 10-13.
• Launched a new collaborative streaming solution with AI and AR enhancements, that integrates with its existing Virtual Experience Platform (VXP) and its ARitize SaaS offerings.
• Appointed Dr. David Cramb to its Board of Directors bringing its board to five members. Having this fifth board member allows the company to meet one of the NASDAQ requirements to qualify for its uplisting, which is in progress.
• Selected by TEDx Malmö for its first ever virtual event, held on December 12, 2020 in Sweden.
• A virtual concert featuring Grammy-nominated artist and member of Migos, Offset, in collaboration with the AXR+EXP concert series. The event was hosted via Nextech’s newly acquired AiRShow app.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) chose Nextech’s Virtual Experience Platform (VXP) for its “High-Level Futures Literacy Summit.”
• Restaurants Canada chose Nextech’s Virtual Experience Platform (VXP) platform to transform the 2021 RC Show, taking place February 28-March 3, 2021, into a completely virtual experience. This is Canada’s largest foodservice and hospitality event, the RC Show showcases cutting-edge products, pioneering people, and transformative ideas.

Under the company’s stock option plan the company has issued 15,000 3-year options exercisable at $5.35/share.

About Nextech AR

Nextech is one of the leaders in the rapidly growing Augmented Reality market estimated to grow from USD $10.7B in 2019 and projected to reach USD $72.7B by 2024 according to Markets & Markets Research; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 46.6% from 2019 to 2024.

The company is pursuing four verticals:

Virtual Experience Platform (VXP):
An advanced Augmented Reality and Video Learning Experience Platform for Events, is a SaaS video platform that integrates Interactive Video, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality in one secure platform to allow enterprises the ability to create the world’s most engaging virtual event management and learning experiences. Automated closed captions and translations to over 64 languages. According to Grandview Research the global virtual events market in 2020 is $90B and expected to reach more than $400B by 2027, growing at a 23% CAGR. With Nextech’s VXP platform having augmented reality, AI, end-to-end encryption, and built-in language translation for 64 languages, the company is well positioned to rapidly take market share as the growth accelerates globally.

ARitize™ For eCommerce:
The company launched its SaaS platform for webAR in eCommerce early in 2019. Nextech has a ​‘full funnel’ end-to-end eCommerce solution for the AR industry including its ARitize360 app for 3D product capture, 3D/AR ads, its Aritize white label app, its ‘Try it On’ technology for online apparel, 3D and 360-degree product views, and ‘one click buy’.

ARitize™ 3D/AR Advertising Platform:
Launched in Q1 2020 the ad platform will be the industry’s first end-to-end solution whereby the company will leverage its 3D asset creation into 3D/AR ads. In 2019, according to IDC, global advertising spend will be about $725 billion.

ARitize™ Hollywood Studios
: The studio is in development producing immersive content using 360 video, and augmented reality as the primary display platform.

To learn more, please follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit our website: https://www.nextechar.com.

On behalf of the Board of Nextech AR Solutions Corp.

“Evan Gappelberg”
CEO and Director

For further information, please contact:

Evan Gappelberg
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]

The NEO has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information contained herein may constitute “forward-looking information” under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, “will be”, “looking forward” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, or results “will” occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the Company increasing investors awareness are based on the Company’s estimates and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements of Nextech to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including capital expenditures and other costs. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Nextech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. and PARIS, Ky., Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (“Stock Yards” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SYBT), the parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, and Kentucky Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: KTYB), the parent company of Kentucky Bank, jointly announced on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 the signing of a definitive agreement for Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. to acquire Kentucky Bancshares, Inc. The combined stock and cash transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2021, subject to approval of Kentucky Bancshares shareholders and completion of customary regulatory approval and closing conditions.

Management will host a conference call and webcast today at 4 p.m. (EST) to discuss the proposed merger. Please see the Conference Call/Investor Presentation section for complete details.

Kentucky Bancshares, headquartered in Paris, Kentucky, is the holding company for Kentucky Bank, which operates 19 branches in 11 communities throughout central Kentucky serving the Lexington, Kentucky metropolitan statistical area and each of its contiguous counties. As of December 31, 2020, Kentucky Bancshares reported approximately $1.2 billion in assets, $767 million in loans, $979 million in deposits and $114 million in tangible common equity. Kentucky Bancshares also maintains a Wealth Management and Trust Department with total assets under management of $258 million at December 31, 2020. The combined franchise will serve customers through 63 branches with total assets of approximately $5.9 billion, $4.3 billion in gross loans, $5.0 billion in deposits and over $4.1 billion in trust assets under management.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Kentucky Bancshares’ shareholders will have the right to receive 0.64 shares of Stock Yards Bancorp’s common stock and $4.75 in cash for each share of common stock of Kentucky Bancshares with total consideration to consist of approximately 85% stock and 15% cash. Based upon the closing price of Stock Yards Bancorp common stock of $42.24 on January 25, 2021, the implied per share purchase price is $31.78, with an aggregate transaction value of approximately $190 million. First full year earnings (2022) per share accretion is estimated at approximately 12.5% and the tangible book value per share dilution is expected to be earned back in approximately 2.5 years under the crossover method including Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) “Day 2” accounting treatment.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kentucky Bancshares and its employees to the Stock Yards team,” commented James A. (Ja) Hillebrand, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stock Yards Bancorp. “This transaction expands our presence into the attractive Central Kentucky market and represents a complementary fit, both strategically and culturally, with our business model. The combination of our two organizations provides the opportunity to create efficiencies and enhance the value of the combined company while offering Kentucky Bank customers broader product offerings, increased lending capabilities and an expanded branch delivery system that stretches throughout the Louisville, Indianapolis and Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati metropolitan markets. Also, I am very excited to announce that Louis Prichard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kentucky Bancshares, will serve as our new Central Kentucky Market President.”

“Stock Yards is an excellent match for us,” said Prichard. “This combination allows us to partner with a strong community bank that is focused on providing outstanding customer service, a deep commitment to the communities they serve and offers an excellent environment for our employees. We are proud of our long history of developing genuine, lasting relationships with our clients while supporting our market area. We look forward to working with the management team at Stock Yards to expand the scope of our products and services to better serve Central Kentucky’s residents and businesses.”

In addition, two directors that previously served on Kentucky Bancshares Board of Directors will be added to the Stock Yards Board – Shannon B. Arvin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Keeneland Association, Inc. and Edwin S. Saunier, President of Saunier North American, Inc.

Keefe Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, served as financial advisor and Frost Brown Todd PLLC acted as legal counsel to Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. Raymond James served as financial advisor and Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC acted as legal counsel to Kentucky Bancshares, Inc.

Conference Call / Investor Presentation

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. executive management will host a conference call to discuss the strategic and financial implications of the transaction on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. (EST). The call will also be broadcast live via the internet.

Interested investors may listen to the call live via webcast by visiting www.syb.com and clicking on the Investor Relations tab. Investment professionals are invited to call the toll-free dial-in number: 1-866-652-5200. A telephone replay will be available for two weeks at 1-877-344-7529 using the access code 10151961 and the webcast will be archived on the Company’s website www.syb.com for 90 days. A copy of the investor presentation is also available on the Company’s website www.syb.com.

About Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

Louisville, Kentucky-based Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. with $4.6 billion in assets, was incorporated in 1988 as a bank holding company. It is the parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, which was established in 1904. The Company’s common shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SYBT. For more information about Stock Yards Bancorp, visit the Company’s website at www.syb.com.

About Kentucky Bancshares, Inc.

Paris, Kentucky-based Kentucky Bancshares, Inc. with $1.2 billion in assets, was incorporated in 1981 as a bank holding company. It is the parent company of Kentucky Bank, which was established in 1851. The Company’s common shares trade on the OTCQX under the symbol KTYB. For more information about Kentucky Bancshares, visit their website at www.kybank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this communication, which are not statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, certain plans, expectations, goals, projections and benefits relating to the proposed merger transaction between Stock Yards and Kentucky Bancshares, which are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “aim,” “can,” “conclude,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “foresee,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “possible,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “will likely,” “would,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, as well as similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Please refer to each of Stock Yards’ and Kentucky Bancshares’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and, in the case of Stock Yards, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2020, as well as their other filings with the SEC for a more detailed discussion of risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead express only management’s beliefs regarding future results or events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the management’s control. It is possible that actual results and outcomes may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results or outcomes indicated in these forward-looking statements. In addition to factors disclosed in reports filed by Stock Yards and Kentucky Bancshares with the SEC, risks and uncertainties for Stock Yards, Kentucky Bancshares and the combined company include, but are not limited to: the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that integration of Kentucky Bancshares’ operations with those of Stock Yards will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected; the parties’ inability to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and accounting and tax treatments of the merger; the inability to complete the merger due to the failure of Kentucky Bancshares’ shareholders to adopt the merger agreement; the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including receipt of required regulatory and other approvals; the failure of the proposed transaction to close for any other reason; diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities due to the merger; the challenges of integrating and retaining key employees; the effect of the announcement of the merger on Stock Yards’, Kentucky Bancshares’ or the combined company’s respective customer and employee relationships and operating results; the possibility that the merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; dilution caused by Stock Yards’ issuance of additional shares of Stock Yards common stock in connection with the merger; the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy and financial market conditions and the business, results of operations and financial condition of Stock Yards, Kentucky Bancshares and the combined company; and general competitive, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations. All forward-looking statements included in this communication are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available at that time. Except as required by law, neither Stock Yards nor Kentucky Bancshares assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

Additional Information Regarding the Proposed Transaction

This communication is being made in respect of the proposed merger transaction between Stock Yards and Kentucky Bancshares. Stock Yards will file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. The registration statement will include a proxy statement of Kentucky Bancshares that also constitutes a prospectus of Stock Yards which, when finalized, will be sent to the shareholders of Kentucky Bancshares seeking their approval of the merger-related proposals. This document is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document that Stock Yards or Kentucky Bancshares may file with the SEC. KENTUCKY BANCSHARES’ SHAREHOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4 AND THE RELATED PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT STOCK YARDS, KENTUCKY BANCSHARES AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. When filed, the registration statement, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents relating to the merger transaction filed by Stock Yards and Kentucky Bancshares can be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents also can be obtained free of charge by accessing Stock Yards’ website at www.syb.com under the tab “Investors Relations” and then under “SEC Filings.” Alternatively, these documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from Stock Yards upon written request to Stock Yards, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, 1040 East Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40206 or by calling (502) 582-2571, or to Kentucky Bancshares, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, 339 Main Street, Paris, Kentucky 40361 or by calling (859) 987-1795.

Participants in the Solicitation

Stock Yards, Kentucky Bancshares and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Kentucky Bancshares’ shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Stock Yards and their ownership of Stock Yards common stock is set forth in the definitive proxy statement for Stock Yards’ 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, as previously filed with the SEC on March 13, 2020, and Stock Yards’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as previously filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020, as well as other documents filed with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of Kentucky Bancshares and their ownership of Kentucky Bancshares common stock is set forth in the definitive proxy statement for Kentucky Bancshares’s 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, as previously filed with the SEC on May 11, 2020, and Kentucky Bancshares’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as previously filed with the SEC on March 10, 2020, as well as other documents filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by securities holdings or otherwise, will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents regarding the proposed transaction to be filed with the SEC when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents from Stock Yards or Kentucky Bancshares using the sources indicated above.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. This communication is also not a solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction pursuant to the proposed transactions or otherwise. No offer of securities or solicitation will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Non-GAAP Measures

This communication contains certain non-GAAP financial measures of Stock Yards and Kentucky Bancshares determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We use non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance. We believe these non-GAAP measures are beneficial in assessing our operating results and related trends, and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP disclosures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or preferable to, financial results determined in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures we use may differ from the non-GAAP financial measures other financial institutions use to measure their results of operations.

Contact:	T. Clay Stinnett
	Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.
	Executive Vice President, Treasurer
	and Chief Financial Officer
	(502) 625-0890
Contact:	Gregory J. Dawson
	Kentucky Bancshares, Inc.
	Senior Vice President, Secretary
	and Chief Financial Officer
	(859) 988-1303

 

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Although the initial lockdowns at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a widespread, sudden halt to many commercial real estate transactions, certain pockets of the industry are projected to have a slow, steady comeback in 2021, while others may experience a V-shaped recovery or a continuing lag, according to a survey of U.S.-based commercial real estate debt and equity investment professionals. The research was conducted by FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) and Real Estate Fund Intelligence (“REFI”) during the third quarter of 2020.

“Our research shows how varied the expectations for the recovery across commercial real estate sectors are,” said Josh Herrenkohl, a Senior Managing Director and Leader of Business Transformation Services within the Real Estate Solutions practice at FTI Consulting. “The areas where investors expect a V-shaped recovery reflect the thinking that in 2021 there will be a vaccine and that everything gets back to normal. But investors also believe that the recovery for some asset classes will take either a slow, steady U-shaped recovery or an L-shaped scenario, with a further drop and no recovery for an extended period (depression).”

Among the FTI Consulting/REFI study’s key findings:

• In the short-term, 77% of respondents said they were attracted to traditional asset classes, with another 39% interested in debt.
• Looking long term, traditional assets classes are the favorite, with 81% of respondents indicating so. However, 39% also said they were attracted to specialty housing such as affordable housing, senior housing and student housing.
• The industrial sector — which has remained relatively stable throughout the pandemic — is expected to recover the quickest, with 75% of respondents predicting a quick, decisive V-shaped recovery for the asset class. Another 13% of respondents expect a U-shaped recovery for the sector.
• For urban multifamily assets, 56% of institutional believe the recovery will be U-shaped, while another 15% expect to see either a V-shaped or W-shaped recovery, which shows a quick recovery, followed by a downturn, and then another quick uptick.
• In suburban multifamily, 41% foresee a V-shaped, quick recovery; 33% foresee a U-shaped recovery; and 22% predict a W-shaped recovery.
• For office, a U-shaped recovery was strongly predicted for both urban (49%) and suburban (48%) assets; only 7% expect to see a V-shaped recovery in urban office, and 21% expect a V-shaped recovery in the suburban office market.

Jahn
S.
Brodwin, a Senior Managing Director and Co-Leader of the Strategic and Transaction Advisory group within the Real Estate Solutions practice at FTI Consulting, said, “The office market will be a zero-sum game over time: a shift to more remote workers, office occupants demanding more square footage per head, and select suburban offices becoming the spokes to urban hubs for the next two to three years. However, over the long term, I expect the workforce will return to urban centers.”

The survey revealed expectations for a far slower recovery of the retail and hospitality sectors:

• Only 1% of respondents expect a quick revival of high street retail and mall shopping. For shopping malls, 70% predict an L-shaped recovery.
• Fifty-eight percent of respondents foresee a U-shaped recovery, and 16% of respondents expect a V-shaped recovery in neighborhood shopping.
• The hospitality sector is projected to make a slower rebound, with 75% predicting a U- or L-shaped recovery for that asset class.

The 2021 Outlook

In general, U.S.-based institutional investors expect transaction volume will be significantly higher in 2021: 44% of respondents believe 2021 transaction volume will be above average or at record highs if there is a cure or vaccinate by the end of 2020.

The research also revealed that because other kinds of investments will be more turbulent as a result of market volatility, institutional investors may remain keen on long-term commercial real estate investment: 87% of respondents said they thought there will be more or similar amounts of institutional investment in 2021 than in 2020.

With 38% of investors seeing distress in the commercial real estate market in 2020 and 54% expecting to see it in 2021, institutional investors foresee new opportunities in the marketplace.

“Institutional investors have the capital and fortitude to play the long game and weather the storm, which will create opportunity,” Herrenkohl said. “Real estate continues to be a good hedge for many investors looking to manage risk and diversify their portfolios.”

About the FTI Consulting/REFI Study

REFI Global conducted the survey for FTI Consulting over a two-month period in partnership with REFI’s July 2020 Global Investors Virtual Summit among 64 U.S.-based commercial real estate investment professionals, including fund and investment managers, REITs and other institutional investors. These findings and insight from FTI Consulting are the basis of a new white paper, How the COVID-19 Pandemic has Impacted the Commercial Real Estate Landscape in the Short and Long Term.

About the FTI Consulting Real Estate Solutions Industry Practice

FTI Consulting Real Estate Solutions professionals have the industry expertise and experience to help real estate owners, users, investors and lenders better navigate the market’s complexities and manage its inherent risks. As unbiased and independent advisors, FTI Consulting represents leading public and private real estate entities and stakeholders, including REITs, financial institutions, investment banks, opportunity funds, insurance companies, hedge funds, pension advisors and owners/developers, offering real estate consulting services that help align strategy with business goals.

About FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 6,200 employees located in 28 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. The Company generated $2.35 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2019. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter (@FTIConsulting), Facebook and LinkedIn.

FTI Consulting, Inc.

555 12^th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
+1.202.312.9100

Investor Contact:

Mollie Hawkes
+1.617.747.1791
[email protected]

Media Contact:

Nina Dietrich
+1.201.493.8944
[email protected]

 – High Times initial release sold out in hours –

 – This second release will be available in 30 dispensaries throughout Michigan –

TORONTO, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB) (OTCQX: RWBYF) (“RWB” or “Red White & Bloom” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the second release of the High Times^® exclusive line of cannabis products to the Michigan market are shipping now and will be available for purchase tomorrow, January 28^th 2021 through licensed operators in the state.

After quickly selling out within hours of the initial launch, and significant demand from both consumers and Provisioning Centers (dispensaries), this next limited release will be carried by twice as many handpicked dispensaries and in three new unique strains; Mind Blown, Night Moves & Ratso’s Delight.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b8426cac-d9d5-44ae-a79d-5529ce755aef
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a80d4fd5-307b-4e15-873e-a3763d8151be
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45f73bed-b4df-4503-a3c0-05f79f4f9de3

“I couldn’t be more excited about our latest High Times^® launch. The fact these products are in such insatiable demand is a testament to the brand and the quality of the products being released to the Michigan market,” stated RWB Chairman & CEO Brad Rogers. “There is much more coming over the course of the next few weeks and this is a very exciting time for all who recognize and respect the fight and fortitude of High Times^® as the only brand and the true “OG” of the cannabis industry.”

“We have a storied history in Michigan through our hosting of over 13 Cannabis Cup events that have been attended by nearly 300,000 thousand people from across the region,” stated Hightimes Holding Corp.’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Horvath, adding “we expect this next release to see even greater demand and have expanded access to additional locations to help provide additional geographic coverage in the state for our many loyal followers.”

Once fully launched, the collection of products will feature over 30 High Times^® SKUs. In addition to the 6 strains of packaged flower already released, the line will bring prerolls, vapes and edibles in a number of varieties. The full line of products will be in market Q1 2021. The Company has exclusive licencing rights to brand dispensaries as well as manufacture and sell cannabis products for the most well-known brand in the industry throughout Michigan.

According to an article in New Cannabis Ventures, cannabis sales increased sharply in Michigan during December, according to the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency with combined AU and Med sales of $101 million for the month. For the full year, combined cannabis sales were $984.6 million, with medical accounting for $474 million and adult-use generating $510.7 million.

In addition to its rights in Michigan, the Company holds the exclusive licencing rights to brand dispensaries as well as manufacture and sell cannabis products in Illinois and Florida, subject to regulatory approval, and rights to use additional Hightimes Holding Corp’s licenses throughout the world for CBD and other non-THC cannabinoids-based products, though not branded as High Times^®.

The Company also reports, that it has issued 354,645 restricted shares units of the Company (“RSUs”) under the Company’s shareholder approved restricted share unit plan (the “RSU Plan”) to two consultants as an incentive for the consultants to drive the growth of the Company. The RSUs will vest upon successful completion of pre-determined milestones (as determined by the board of directors and agreed upon by each consultant) being met and shall entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company, underlying each such RSU by delivering a notice of acquisition to the Company in accordance with the RSU Plan. In accordance with the RSU Plan, the RSUs were priced at $1.17 based on the closing price of the common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange on January 26, 2021.

About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

The Company is positioning itself to be one of the top three multi-state cannabis operators active in the U.S. legal cannabis and hemp sector. RWB is predominantly focusing its investments on the major US markets, including Michigan, Illinois, California, Oklahoma, Arizona and Massachusetts with respect to cannabis, and the US and internationally for hemp-based CBD products.

About High Times

For more than 46 years, High Times has been the world’s most well-known cannabis brand – championing the lifestyle and educating the masses on the benefits of this natural flower. From humble beginnings as a counterculture lifestyle publication, High Times has evolved into a rapidly growing network of cannabis dispensaries, the host and creator of industry-leading events like the Cannabis Cup, the producer of globally distributed merchandise, benefactor of international licensing deals and provider of content for millions of fans and supporters across the globe. In the world of Cannabis, High Times is the most trusted arbiter of quality. For more information on High Times visit http://www.hightimes.com.

For more information about Red White & Bloom Brands Inc., please contact:

Tyler Troup, Managing Director

Circadian Group IR
[email protected]

Visit us on the web: www.RedWhiteBloom.com

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @rwbbrands
Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands
Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company’s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes information relating to the phase one roll-out of an exclusive line of cannabis products to the Michigan market through existing licensed operators and the product offerings that the Company expects to be available to ship in Q1 2021. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s business plan and matters relating thereto, risks associated with the cannabis industry, competition, regulatory change, the need for additional financing, reliance on key personnel, the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors, and the volatility of the Company’s common share price and volume. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the Company’s proposed business, such as failure of the business strategy and government regulation; risks related to the Company’s operations, such as additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key and qualified personnel, insurance, competition, intellectual property and reliable supply chains; risks related to the Company and its business generally. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company’s forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

TULSA, Okla. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Further to its news release dated January 22, 2021, announcing its agreement to acquire all the assets of Hydrogen Technologies Inc. (“HTI”), Jericho Oil Corporation (“Jericho” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: JCO; FRA: JLM; OTC PINK: JROOF) is pleased to introduce a re-branded website and Corporate Presentation outlining HTI’s patented and novel high-temperature cleanH2steam Dynamic Combustion Chamber boiler that enables zero emissions hydrogen to generate heat, hot-water, high-temperature steam, and Combined Heat & Power (“CHP”) through a closed-loop process. 

HTI’s new website and Corporate Presentation can be found at: www.hydrogentechnologiesinc.com.

Janet Reiser, President of HTI, states, “We are excited to work with the Jericho Team to bring our best-in-class Hydrogen Technology to the world. Hydrogen, as a zero-emission fuel and feedstock, is witnessing an increasing demand from Governments, NGOs, Investors amid societal pressure for more sustainable energy systems and fuels. With traditional boilers being one of the world’s most significant source of carbon emissions, we believe the timing of this transaction is the first step in commercializing HTI’s zero-emission technology among carbon-intensive industries worldwide.”

As Previously Released by Jericho on January 22, 2021:

As a part of the transaction, Jericho is adding the highly dedicated and robust technical team from HTI including its founder, Ed Stockton and President, Janet Reiser. Adding Ed’s technical capabilities and expertise related to the hydrogen market will allow for a seamless transition in building up the DCC boiler’s commercial success within our low-carbon energy portfolio. Prior to founding HTI in 2005, Ed spent most of his career with Florida Power & Light (now NextEra Energy) focused on low-carbon technologies with direct power plant experience, including equipment startup, maintenance, due diligence, government relations and regulation promulgation. Janet, with over 35 years of experience in energy management and engineering, most recently running the governmental Alaska Energy Authority, will continue to lead HTI’s day-to-day operations and sales efforts.

HTI’s patented zero emissions DCC boiler system aims to decarbonize the nearly $30 billion global commercial and industrial heating industry while providing best-in-class energy efficiencies.

• The traditional water heating, steam generation and CHP market has been powered by fossil fuel for over 100 years, producing harmful Carbon Dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions which are increasingly being phased out or eliminated through government-led emission-based performance standards worldwide
• Globally, 85% of all Industrial Boilers emit harmful greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) with over 35% of the Industrial Boiler install base still powered by coal
• Critically, 37% of all fossil fuels utilized in US Industry today are burned to produce steam, with all the major industrial energy users devoting significant proportions of their fossil fuel consumption to steam production: food processing (57%), pulp and paper (81%), chemicals (42%), petroleum refining (23%) and primary metals (10%)
  • Steam is used in 80% of the electrical generation in the US

HTI’s DCC can be used for a variety of commercial and industrial applications, generating zero emission electricity when combined with a turbine genset in CHP applications. The patented DCC technology:

• Awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label in 2019
• Requires no air permit, with water as the only by-product
• Eliminates all NOx, SOx and CO2 emissions through a closed-loop combustion process
• Produces at a 30% greater efficiency than traditional fossil fuel boilers with a 97% overall boiler thermal efficiency
• Critically, the Total Cost of Production ($ / lb steam) is cost competitive to traditional hydrocarbon boiler systems

There are large commercial and industrial (“C&I”) markets which HTI is specifically targeting with their zero emissions DCC Hydrogen Boiler. According to market research, the C&I market for boilers represents a $30 billion annual market and is estimated to grow between 5 to 7% per year, over the next seven years, with low and zero carbon solutions expected to outpace:

• Commercial markets for heat or hot water as an end-use: Shopping malls, universities and institutions, airports, hotels, stadiums, hospitals, and government buildings
• Industrial markets for steam-generation as an industrial process end-use: refining and petrochemical, pulp and paper, chemical and pharmaceutical, food processing, refrigeration, metals, and mining among others
• For Combined Heat & Power applications: Utility Power Generation, Energy Storage, On-Site Distributed Energy, and Data Centers will be critical markets for a zero-emissions DCC solution.

This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Jericho’s beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Jericho’s control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “will continue”, “will occur” or “will be achieved”. Although Jericho believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Forward-looking information and statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information and statements which include, but are not limited to:
the effects of and risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,
the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and current and future commodity prices including sustained low oil prices, significant and ongoing stock market volatility, currency and interest rates, governmental regulation of the oil and gas industry, including environmental regulation; geological, technical and drilling problems; unanticipated operating events; competition for and/or inability to retain drilling rigs and other services; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; liabilities inherent in oil and gas exploration, development and production operations; and the other factors described in our public filings available at


www.sedar.com


. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Jericho does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CONTACT:

Adam Rabiner
Director, Investor Relations
604.343.4534
[email protected]