Market Newsdesk

December 9, 2020 6:03 am

CIBC clients can now tap for debit purchases up to $250 using their mobile wallet ahead of holiday shopping season

Canada NewsWire

Additional mobile banking enhancements make touchless transactions through Google Pay and Interac e-Transfer even easier

TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2020 /CNW/ – CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) today announced enhancements to its contactless payment options, enabling clients to tap their CIBC Advantage Debit Card^® using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay on mobile devices or smart watches for purchases of up to $250 at a growing list of retailers in Canada. The change, now effective, increases the contactless debit payment limit for mobile wallet transactions from $100 just in time for the holiday season, offering clients greater convenience when shopping at local retailers for gifts or dining.¹ Plans are underway to increase tap limits on physical debit cards in 2021.

In addition, it’s now easier for clients to add their credit cards directly from the CIBC Mobile Banking^® App to Google Pay, without having to manually enter their credit card details, making it faster to set up Google Pay for tap and online shopping.

“We know many of our clients want more options for touchless transactions, and want to support local retailers in the crucial holiday shopping season,” said Laura Dottori-Attanasio, Group Head, Personal and Business Banking, CIBC. “We’re expanding the digital and contactless options available to clients to offer greater peace of mind and convenience to our clients.”

CIBC has also added more features to Interac e-Transfer^®, making it easier for clients to receive money from their contacts, which reduces the need to use cheques or make in-person transactions:

Clients can now register for Interac e-Transfer Autodeposit with their mobile number and will receive a notification when funds are deposited into their account, keeping them informed on-the-go.
The Interac e-Transfer Request Money dollar limit has been increased to $10,000 per transaction, enabling clients to do more contactless banking, with up to 200 Request Money transactions active at one time.²

“During the pandemic, we’ve seen more clients adopt digital banking, including a dramatic increase in the use of the Interac e-Transfer service as an alternative to using cheques or in-person transactions. We’ve heard clients’ requests to improve this service, and the payment enhancements announced today reflect this feedback, allowing clients to receive their money securely and conveniently,” added Ms. Dottori-Attanasio.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 10 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc/media-centre.html.

Interac Flash, Interac e-Transfer and the Interac logo are registered trade-marks of Interac Corp.

¹ Tap limit may vary by retailer.

² This feature is also dependent on dollar and transaction limits set at the recipient’s financial institution.

SOURCE CIBC

December 9, 2020 6:03 am

O3 Mining Intersects 10.4 g/t Au Over 3.0 Metres, 400 Metres West Of Simkar Deposit At Alpha

PR Newswire

TSXV:OIII – O3 Mining

TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – O3 Mining Inc. (TSXV: OIII) (“O3 Mining” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to provide initial drilling results from the Simkar zone, located 400 metres west of the historic deposit, within the Sector 3 of its Alpha property in Val-d’Or, Québec, as part of a fully-funded 150,000 metre drilling program. The Simkar deposit hosts 43,000 oz Au at 5.52 g/t in Measured and Indicated resources and 20,000 oz Au at 6.36 g/t in Inferred category.

The press release is available on the Corporation’s website at https://o3mining.com/news/

O3 Mining’s 2020-2021 drilling program includes 100,000 metres for the Alpha property, which hosts multiple mineralized systems over an approximate 20 kilometres strike length. Current drilling is focused on exploring extensions of the Simkar (historic production of 54,500 oz Au at 5.99 g/t) and El Sol zones in Sector 3 and the Valdora, Sabourin and Jolin zones in Sector 2 as well as testing the extensions at depth of the Orenada mineralized system in Sector 1 (see Figure 1). These are exploration targets generated by our exploration team, tested by a channel sampling program and verified using artificial intelligence (“AI”) (See Press Release December 02^nd, 2020).

“At Simkar, we are successfully executing our systematic approach to exploration based on geological analysis and AI, channel sampling and field work, and drilling. It is always exciting when the third step, drilling, achieves what it sets out to do. Today’s results show we are successfully extending the mineralized zones at Simkar and other areas in Sector 3 of Alpha beyond the known resources. We are also identifying new areas with the potential of increasing the mineral resources in this Sector. With a lot more drilling to come at Alpha initial results leave us confident of significantly growing the resources of the project,” said President and CEO Jose Vizquerra.

New assay results from five holes drilled in the western extensions at the Simkar zone include:

Drilling Highlights:

10.4 g/t Au over 3.0 metres in hole O3AL-20-310
14.0 g/t Au over 0.8 metres in hole O3AL-20-311
32.4 g/t Au over 0.5 metres in hole O3AL-20-312

Hole O3AL-20-310 cut mineralization at the bedrock interface, 400 meters west of the historical Simkar Zone A (see Figure 2). This discovery is in an area with no historical drilling which opens the potential for the definition of a new ore shoot along the historical Simkar Zone A structure. Hole O3AL-20-311 intersected the extension of the Simkar Zone C, 350 metres to the west, and hole O3AL-20-312 intersected a new zone between zones A and C, some 350 meters to the west.

The drilling program at Simkar is targeting down-plunge extensions of the Simkar A-B-C zones (raking at 30 degrees to the west) as well as potential new ore shoots and stacked zones within the prospective Anamaque sill where gold mineralization is associated with quartz-tourmaline-pyrite vein systems typical of the Val d’Or district. Initial results show that the gold-bearing veins expand well beyond the historical Simkar resource, including potential continuity up to the El Sol and Paramaque zones, which if proven, would represent a 2,000 x 500 metre veins field. The encouraging results received so far support a decision to continue the exploration program at Simkar to further explore for mineralized extensions of these intercepts, which remain fully open to the west and at depth. Assays are pending for two drill holes drilled 100 m further west to follow up on the high-grade intercepts reported here. More holes are planned to expand the mineralized zone to the west into El Sol and Paramaque areas.

Table 1: Drill Hole Intercepts (only intercepts above 5 g/t Au * m are reported)

Drill Hole	From (m)	To (m)	Interval (m)	Au uncut (g/t)	Ag (g/t)	Cu (%)	Mineralized Zone
O3AL-20-310	18.0	21.0	3.0	10.4			Simkar A
O3AL-20-310	28.5	31.5	3.0	2.3			Simkar A
O3AL-20-311	39.2	40.0	0.8	14.0	5.6	0.3	Simkar C
O3AL-20-311	671.0	672.0	1.0	8.4	0.8		Simkar A
O3AL-20-312	169.9	170.4	0.5	32.4	3.2	0.4	Between Simkar A and C
O3AL-20-315	35.0	38.5	3.5	1.5	0.9		Between Simkar A and B

NOTE: True width determination is currently unknown but is estimated at 65-80% of the reported core length interval for the zones.

Table 2: Drill Hole Details

Drill Hole	Azimuth (˚)	Dip (˚)	Length (m)	UTM E	UTM N
O3AL-20-310	357	-50	501	308300	5326500
O3AL-20-311	357	-75	672	308400	5326340
O3AL-20-312	357	-50	521	308400	5326340
O3AL-20-313	357	-50	537	308400	5326655
O3AL-20-315	359	-72	206	308850	5326631

Hole O3AL-20-310 intersected a few quartz veinlets, one of them with visible gold, within a monzonite intrusion in the first samples of the hole, at the bedrock interface. It returned 10.4 g/t Au over 3.0 m. Ten metres deeper in the same monzonite, a fractured zone yielded 2.3 g/t Au over 3.0 m. Hole O3-AL-20-310 is located 400 meters west of and on strike with the historical Simkar Zone A. The monzonite is in contact with the iron-rich gabbro of the Anamaque sill which is the main host of the Simkar zones.

Hole O3AL-20-311 intersected a 12 cm quartz vein with 10% pyrite in a brecciated basalt, 350 m west of the Zone C. The quartz vein yielded 14.0 g/t Au, 5.6 g/t Ag and 0.3 % Cu over 0.8 m. The hole was stopped in the iron-rich gabbro of the Anamaque sill. The last sample of the hole shows a weak alteration and yielded 8.4 g/t Au over 1.0 m which corresponds to the beginning of the Zone A. The hole will be deepened in December.

On the same section, hole O3AL-20-312 intersected a small quartz veinlet with visible gold within a gabbro, 85 m south of the Zone A. The veinlet yielded an intercept of 32.4 g/t Au, 3.2 g/t Ag and 0.4 % Cu over 0.5 m.

In the area of the historical mine, the hole O3AL-20-315 intersected few centimetric quartz tourmaline veins within the iron-rich gabbro, between Zone A and B. It yielded 1.5 g/t Au over 3.5 m.

Qualified Person
The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed, prepared, and approved by Mr. Louis Gariepy. (OIQ #107538), VP Exploration, who is a “qualified person” as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).

Quality Control and Reporting Protocols
True width determination is currently unknown but is estimated at 65-80% of the reported core length interval for the zones. Assays are uncut except where indicated. Intercepts occur within geological confines of major zones but have not been correlated to individual vein domains at this time. Half-core samples are shipped to Agat laboratory in Val-d’Or, Québec and Mississauga, Ontario for assaying. The core is crushed to 75% passing -2 mm (10 mesh), a 250 g split of this material is pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns (200 mesh) and 50 g is analyzed by Fire Assay (FA) with an Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) finish. Samples assaying >10.0 g/t Au are re-analyzed with a gravimetric finish using a 50 g charge. Commercial certified standard material and blanks are systematically inserted by O3 Mining’s geologists into the sample chain after every 18 core samples as part of the QA/QC program. Third-party assays are submitted to other designated laboratories for 5% of all samples. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control (“QA/QC”) and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a QA/QC program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices.

About O3 Mining Inc.

O3 Mining, which forms part of the Osisko Group of companies, is a mine development and emerging consolidator of exploration properties in prospective gold camps in Canada – focused on projects in Québec and Ontario – with a goal of becoming a multi-million ounce, high-growth company.

O3 Mining is well-capitalized and holds a 100% interest in properties in Québec (133,557 hectares) and Ontario (25,000 hectares). O3 Mining controls 66,064 hectares in Val-d’Or and over 50 kilometres of strike length of the Cadillac-Larder Lake Faut. O3 Mining also has a portfolio of assets in the Chibougamau region of Québec.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about the transaction; and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be “forward-looking information”. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “interpreted”, “management’s view”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Corporation, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the restart of operations; further steps that might be taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19; the impact of COVID-19 related disruptions in relation to the Corporation’s business operations including upon its employees, suppliers, facilities and other stakeholders; uncertainties and risk that have arisen and may arise in relation to travel, and other financial market and social impacts from COVID-19 and responses to COVID 19. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the parties cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Corporation nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. The Corporation does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.

Neither the 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 news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

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SOURCE O3 Mining Inc.

December 9, 2020 6:03 am

West Announces First-Quarter 2021 Dividend, 2021 Share Repurchase Program and Participation in Upcoming Investor Conference

PR Newswire

EXTON, Pa., Dec. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE: WST), a global leader in innovative solutions for injectable drug administration, announced today that the Company’s Board of Directors has approved a first-quarter 2021 dividend of $0.17 per share. The dividend will be paid on February 3, 2021, to shareholders of record as of January 20, 2021.

On December 8, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for calendar-year 2021 of up to 631,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately-negotiated transactions, as permitted under Exchange Act Rule 10b-18. The number of shares to be repurchased and the timing of such transactions will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions. The share repurchase program is expected to be completed by December 31, 2021. The Company’s previously-authorized share repurchase program will expire on December 31, 2020.

The Company also announced that management will be presenting an overview of the business at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference at 5:20 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. A live audio webcast of the presentations and a copy of the presentation materials will be accessible from the Company’s website at www.westpharma.com/en/investors.

About West
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of packaging components and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products. Working by the side of its customers from concept to patient, West creates products that promote the efficiency, reliability and safety of the world’s pharmaceutical drug supply. West is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, and supports its customers from locations in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. West’s 2019 sales of $1.84 billion reflect the daily use of more than 100 million of its components and devices, which are designed to improve the delivery of healthcare to patients around the world.

All trademarks and registered trademarks used in this release are the property of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or its subsidiaries, in the United States and other jurisdictions, unless otherwise noted.

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SOURCE West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

December 9, 2020 6:03 am

“New Nielsen” Debuts at Investor Day 2020

— Accelerating Growth Across Three Essential Solutions: Audience Measurement, Audience Outcomes and Gracenote Content Services

— Reiterates Recently Improved 2020 Outlook and Will Provide Preliminary 2021 Outlook

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN) announced that at today’s Investor Day it will provide a detailed view of its focused growth strategy and medium-term financial framework following its recently announced plan to sell the Nielsen Global Connect business to affiliates of Advent International Corporation. Key members of Nielsen’s focused and diverse leadership team will discuss the company’s solutions, technology, and transformation into the “New Nielsen,” which adjusts for the planned Connect divestiture. Specific topics include:

New growth across three essential solutions: Audience Measurement, Audience Outcomes and Gracenote Content Services
A cultural shift driven by the core operating principles: Fewer, Faster, Bolder
A compelling financial model underpinned by accelerating revenue growth and improving free cash flow conversion

David Kenny, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Diversity Officer commented, “This is a transformative time for Nielsen. We have redesigned our products, our business platform, and our operating model, positioning Nielsen to better deliver the solutions our clients need in the rapidly changing global media ecosystem. We are now fully aligned around three essential solutions that are designed to drive growth by leveraging a single media platform across a global digital-first footprint.”

“For the New Nielsen, Audience is Everything. As the essential provider of data and analytics to the media marketplace, we have a significant opportunity to expand our role as we help our end markets better find and monetize their audiences. We are uniquely positioned as the only company that can offer a de-duplicated cross-media audience measurement solution. Yesterday’s launch of Nielsen ONE, our cross-media solution, marks a major milestone for Nielsen and the media industry. We have made significant progress in our efforts to enhance value for our clients and our shareholders.”

Reiterates 2020 Outlook; Will provide 2020 pro-forma outlook and preliminary 2021 outlook for the New Nielsen

The company is reiterating its recently improved full year 2020 outlook and will provide a pro-forma 2020 outlook, adjusting for the proposed sale of Nielsen Global Connect, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. The company will also provide a preliminary 2021 outlook and introduce a medium-term financial framework that Nielsen expects will create significant shareholder value. The company plans to provide detailed 2021 guidance on its Q4’20 earnings call in February 2021.

The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The event will be video broadcast and can be accessed via the Registration link on Nielsen’s Investor Relations website at ir.nielsen.com. The event will also be accessible through a listen only conference call. Within the United States, listeners can access the event by dialing 1+(833)-502-0473. Callers outside the U.S. can dial + 236-714-2183. The participant access code is 1288338. A copy of the presentation will be posted on the website at the start of the event. A replay of the video and transcript will be provided on ir.nielsen.com following the event.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release includes information that could constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include those set forth under “Reiterates 2020 Outlook”, those set forth relating to the proposed sale by Nielsen of its Global Connect business to an affiliate of Advent International Corporation (the “proposed transaction”), as well as those that may be identified by words such as “will”, “intend”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “should”, “could”, “shall”, and similar expressions. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results and events could differ materially from what presently is expected. Factors leading thereto may include, without limitation, the risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and financial markets, the uncertainties relating to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nielsen’s business, the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental or regulatory approvals of the proposed transaction that could reduce the anticipated benefits of or cause the parties to abandon the proposed transaction, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the stock purchase agreement entered into pursuant to the proposed transaction (the “Agreement”), the possibility that Nielsen shareholders may not approve the Agreement and the proposed transaction, the risk that the parties to the Agreement may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the proposed transaction in a timely manner or at all, risks related to the disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction, the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Nielsen’s ordinary shares, the risk of any unexpected costs or expenses resulting from the proposed transaction, the risk of any litigation relating to the proposed transaction, the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of Nielsen to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and other business relationships and on its operating results and business generally, the risk the pending proposed transaction could distract management of Nielsen, the failure of our new business strategy in accomplishing our objectives, conditions in the markets Nielsen is engaged in, behavior of customers, suppliers and competitors, technological developments, as well as legal and regulatory rules affecting Nielsen’s business and other specific risk factors that are outlined in our disclosure filings and materials, which you can find on http://www.nielsen.com/investors, such as our 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports that have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in addition to Nielsen’s preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”), filed with the SEC on December 1, 2020. Please consult these documents for a more complete understanding of these risks and uncertainties. This list of factors is not intended to be exhaustive. Such forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this communication, and we assume no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf as a result of new information, future events or other factors, except as required by law.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication relates to the proposed transaction involving Nielsen. In connection with the proposed transaction, Nielsen has filed and will be filing relevant materials with the SEC, including the Proxy Statement. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement, the definitive proxy statement to be filed by Nielsen or for any other document that Nielsen may file with the SEC and send to its shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. The proposed transaction will be submitted to Nielsen’s shareholders for their consideration. Before making any voting decision, Nielsen’s shareholders are urged to read all relevant documents filed or to be filed with the SEC, including the Proxy Statement and the definitive proxy statement (when it is filed), as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents, when they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction.

Nielsen’s shareholders will be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement, as well as other filings containing information about Nielsen, without charge, at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). Copies of the Proxy Statement and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Nielsen Holdings plc, 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004, Attention: Corporate Secretary; telephone (646) 654-5000, or from Nielsen’s website, www.nielsen.com.

Participants in the Solicitation

Nielsen and certain of its directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding Nielsen’s directors and executive officers is available in the Proxy Statement, Nielsen’s definitive proxy statement for its 2020 annual meeting, which was filed with the SEC on April 1, 2020, and Nielsen’s Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on April 30, 2020. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in the Proxy Statement, and will be contained in the definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction when they become available. Free copies of this document and such other materials may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

About Nielsen

Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN) is a global measurement and data analytics company that provides the most complete and trusted view available of consumers and markets worldwide. Nielsen is divided into two business units. Nielsen Global Media provides media and advertising industries with unbiased and reliable metrics that create a shared understanding of the industry required for markets to function. Nielsen Global Connect provides consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers with accurate, actionable information and insights and a complete picture of the complex and changing marketplace that companies need to innovate and grow.

Our approach marries proprietary Nielsen data with other data sources to help clients around the world understand what’s happening now, what’s happening next, and how to best act on this knowledge. An S&P 500 company, Nielsen has operations in over 90 countries, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit www.nielsen.com.

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SOURCE Nielsen Holdings plc

December 9, 2020 6:03 am

XPeng Announces Pricing of Follow-on Public Offering of American Depositary Shares

XPeng Announces Pricing of Follow-on Public Offering of American Depositary Shares

GUANGZHOU, China–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
XPeng Inc. (“XPeng” or the “Company”, NYSE: XPEV), a leading Chinese smart electric vehicle (“Smart EV”) company, today announced the pricing of its underwritten follow-on offering of 48,000,000 American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each representing two Class A ordinary shares of the Company, at a public offering price of US$45.00 per ADS. The underwriters will have a 30-day option to purchase up to an aggregate of 7,200,000 additional ADSs from the Company. The gross proceeds from the offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by the Company, will be approximately US$2.2 billion, excluding any exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional ADSs. The offering is expected to close on December 11, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions.

The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering for (i) research and development of its Smart EVs and software, hardware and data technologies, (ii) sales and marketing and expansion of sales and service channels and super charging network, as well as the expansion of its footprints in the international markets, (iii) potential strategic investments in core technologies of Smart EV, and (iv) general corporate purposes, including working capital needs.

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Securities, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. are acting as the joint bookrunners for the offering.

The Company’s registration statement on Form F-1 relating to these securities has been filed with, and declared effective by, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained, when available, by contacting:

(1) Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department at 11 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010-3629, United States of America, or by calling 1-800-221-1037, or by email at [email protected];

(2) J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Attention: Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, United States of America, or by calling 1-866-803-9204;

(3) BofA Securities, Inc., NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd Floor, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, United States of America, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by calling +1 (800) 294-1322 or by email at [email protected]; and

(4) Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, via telephone: 1-800-831-9146 or via email at [email protected]

This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities described herein, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About XPeng

XPeng Inc. is a leading Chinese smart electric vehicle company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs that appeal to the large and growing base of technology-savvy middle-class consumers in China. Its mission is to drive Smart EV transformation with technology and data, shaping the mobility experience of the future. In order to optimize its customers’ mobility experience, XPeng develops in-house its full-stack autonomous driving technology and in-car intelligent operating system, as well as core vehicle systems including powertrain and the electrification/electronic architecture. XPeng is headquartered in Guangzhou, China, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, and San Diego. The Company’s Smart EVs are manufactured at plants in Zhaoqing and Zhengzhou, located in Guangdong and Henan provinces, respectively. For more information, please visit https://en.xiaopeng.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about XPeng’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: XPeng’s goal and strategies; XPeng’s expansion plans; XPeng’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the trends in, and size of, China’s EV market; XPeng’s expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; XPeng’s expectations regarding its relationships with customers, contract manufacturer, suppliers, third-party service providers, strategic partners and other stakeholders; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in XPeng’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and XPeng does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201209005448/en/

For Investor Enquiries:

IR Department

XPeng Inc.

E-mail: [email protected]

Jenny Cai

The Piacente Group

Tel: +1-212-481-2050 or +86-10-6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

For Media Enquiries:

Marie Cheung

XPeng Inc.

Tel: +852 9750 5170 / +86 1550 7577 546

E-mail: [email protected]

KEYWORDS: China Asia Pacific

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: General Automotive Automotive Alternative Vehicles/Fuels

MEDIA:

December 9, 2020 6:03 am

NanoString’s GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler Identifies Diverse Immune Responses Within COVID-19 Patients in Study Published in Nature Communications

NanoString’s GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler Identifies Diverse Immune Responses Within COVID-19 Patients in Study Published in Nature Communications

Massachusetts General Hospital-led study uncovers that patient immune cell abundance and response are directly related to SARS-CoV-2 virus location

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
NanoString Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:NSTG), a leading provider of life science tools for discovery and translational research, today announced the publication of a new peer-reviewed study utilizing its GeoMx® Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) platform to uncover new information in patients’ responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study published in Nature Communications titled, “Temporal and Spatial Heterogeneity of Host Response to SARS-CoV-2 Pulmonary Infection,” revealed the spatial heterogeneity of patients’ immune responses based on GeoMx DSP profiling of active SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lungs. These learnings identifying the relationship between viral location and immune response have the potential to be applied towards future therapeutic and clinical applications.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201209005326/en/

Figure A: SARS Co-V2 is visualized in infected lung tissue from 6 different tissue samples with ACD RNAscope probe (pink), and corresponding virus-positive and virus-negative ROIs were selected from a serial section for GeoMx profiling with the Cancer Transcriptome Atlas. (Graphic: Business Wire)

COVID-19 is still poorly understood within the scientific community, and outcomes vary greatly across individual patients. Research efforts have been challenged by the scarcity of patient-derived tissue samples, as well as the necessity of fixing such samples prior to analysis to reduce the risk of viral transmission. However, the ability of GeoMx DSP to perform high-plex, spatial profiling of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples enables researchers to gather more information from each precious sample and rapidly evaluate the body’s response to infection.

“We now have the ability to better understand the diversity of SARS-CoV-2 infections in patient lung samples using the unprecedented spatial transcriptomic and proteomic analysis that the GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler provides,” said David Ting, Associate Clinical Director for Innovation at the Mass General Cancer Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “We hope these findings, along with continued spatial analysis of infected tissue samples, will inform the design of prospective interventional trials.”

In this study, FFPE autopsy samples from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were analyzed with the GeoMx DSP, using the >1,800+ plex GeoMx COVID-19 Immune Response Atlas and a 79-plex GeoMx protein assay. GeoMx DSP revealed high intra- and inter-patient heterogeneity in the abundance and localization of immune markers. A critical step prior to quantitative profiling with GeoMX DSP is to determine the cells that contain the SAR-CoV-2 virus. Those cells are grouped into regions of interest with high and low viral loads using RNAscope SARs-CoV-2 probes from Advanced Cell Diagnostics (ACD), a Bio-techne brand. Immune cell types were classified in each region of interest, uncovering spatial relationships between the virus location and immune cell abundance, which may have therapeutic implications.

“This study detected differences in immunoregulatory markers that were not identified using traditional immunohistochemical staining and whole slide analysis, illustrating the importance of high-plex spatial analysis,” said Joe Beechem, chief scientific officer and SVP of R&D for NanoString. “The ability of GeoMx DSP to perform robust, highly sensitive spatial profiling of FFPE samples was critical to enable researchers to gather more information from clinically relevant samples.”

Data from this study has been uploaded to NCBI GEO and is accessible to the public for continued analysis. To learn more about the ways that NanoString’s products enable COVID-19 research, and to access the GeoMx images and data from this study, please visit www.nanostring.com/COVID19.

To learn more about NanoString’s GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler, please visit https://www.nanostring.com/products/geomx-digital-spatial-profiler/geomx-dsp.

About NanoString Technologies, Inc.

NanoString Technologies is a leading provider of life science tools for discovery and translational research. The company’s nCounter® Analysis System is used in life sciences research and has been cited in more than 3,800 peer-reviewed publications. The nCounter Analysis System offers a cost-effective way to easily profile the expression of hundreds of genes, proteins, miRNAs, or copy number variations, simultaneously with high sensitivity and precision, facilitating a wide variety of basic research and translational medicine applications, including biomarker discovery and validation. The company’s GeoMx® Digital Spatial Profiler enables highly-multiplexed spatial profiling of RNA and protein targets in a variety of sample types, including FFPE tissue sections.

For more information, please visit www.nanostring.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201209005326/en/

Doug Farrell, NanoString

Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Phone: 206-602-1768

KEYWORDS: Washington United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology Technology Health Medical Devices Research Infectious Diseases Software Nanotechnology Genetics Science Hardware

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December 9, 2020 6:03 am

Walgreens Flu Index® Reveals Flu Activity for the 2020-2021 Flu Season

Walgreens Flu Index® Reveals Flu Activity for the 2020-2021 Flu Season

Returning for its seventh season, Walgreens Flu Index® encourages consumers to take protective health measures and avoid a ‘twindemic’ as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

DEERFIELD, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Walgreens today launched its Walgreens Flu Index® for the 2020-2021 season to help communities track flu activity in their area and serve as a reminder to get vaccinated against the flu, just in time for National Influenza Vaccination Week Dec. 6 – Dec. 12. With COVID-19 cases continuing to surge across the country, health experts are encouraging flu shots to prevent the spread of two respiratory illnesses circulating at the same time and hospitals reaching capacity.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201209005234/en/

“It’s important everyone remain vigilant in getting vaccinated against the flu to reduce the burden on our already strained healthcare system during the pandemic,” said Kevin Ban, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Walgreens. “Even once COVID-19 vaccines are approved, it takes time for them to reach the general population. Flu shots are available today at local Walgreens pharmacies nationwide and something everyone can do to protect their health, and the health of their loved ones.”

The Walgreens Flu Index shows that in the month of November, overall flu activity was low nationwide compared to a normal flu season. Several Texan communities topped the list, with southern markets showing the most widespread flu activity both this flu season and in the 2019-2020 flu season. Many of the same states topped the list during the month of November for both the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 flu seasons, including Nevada, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, New Mexico, Tennessee and Arkansas.

“The unprecedented demand we’ve seen for flu shots this season, along with safety precautions everyone is taking to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, wearing facemasks and frequently washing their hands, may be contributing to lower flu activity this season,” added Dr. Ban.

Through the time lapse feature of the Walgreens Flu Index, users can see how current flu activity compares to last season.

Top 10 DMAs with Flu Activity

For the Month of November

San Angelo, Texas
Abilene-Sweetwater, Texas
El Paso, Texas
Tyler-Longview, Texas
Las Vegas
Jackson, Tenn.
Laredo, Texas
Alexandria, La.
Wichita Falls, TX & Lawton, Okla.
Odessa-Midland, Texas

Top 10 States with Flu Activity

For the Month of November

Nevada
Texas
Mississippi
Alabama
New Mexico
Tennessee
Oklahoma
Louisiana
Arkansas
New Jersey

What It Is

The Walgreens Flu Index is an online, interactive tool that ranks the top markets and states for flu activity in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, as well as the top markets and states showing the largest increases in flu activity week-over-week. Users can search by market or state to see where their geographic area ranks for flu activity in any given week, as well as how current flu activity compares to last season. On a weekly basis, we track the incremental change of antiviral medications used to treat influenza across thousands of Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide to create the Walgreens Flu Index.

What It Is Not

The Index is not intended to illustrate levels or severity of flu activity, but rather, based on this methodology, to show which populations are experiencing the highest incidence of influenza within the U.S. and Puerto Rico each week.

Flu Index Frequency

The Walgreens Flu Index is updated weekly each Tuesday and is available through an online, interactive map, linked here.

Behind the Methodology

Data for the Walgreens Flu Index is analyzed at state and geographic market levels to measure absolute impact and incremental change of antiviral medications on a per store average basis, and does not include markets in which Walgreens has fewer than 10 retail locations. Low-high rankings are designated based on a normal flu season, defined by an average of the last five flu seasons nationwide. For example, red regions on the Walgreens Flu Index map indicates a much higher than a normal flu season, while green regions indicate a much lower than normal flu season.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), a global leader in retail and wholesale pharmacy. As America’s most loved pharmacy, health and beauty company, Walgreens purpose is to champion the health and well-being of every community in America. Operating more than 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving approximately 8 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with platforms bringing together physical and digital, supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in local communities nationwide.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201209005234/en/

Alex Brown

[email protected]

(224) 441-5991

http://news.walgreens.com

@WalgreensNews

facebook.com/Walgreens

KEYWORDS: Illinois United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Consumer Discount/Variety Infectious Diseases Specialty Convenience Store General Health Pharmaceutical Consumer Health Retail

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December 9, 2020 6:03 am

Piedmont Announces Intent to Re-Domicile to United States

Piedmont Announces Intent to Re-Domicile to United States

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Piedmont Lithium Limited (“Piedmont” or “Company”) is pleased to announce its intention to re-domicile from Australia to the United States via a proposed Scheme of Arrangement (the “Scheme”), subject to shareholder, regulatory and court approvals.

If the Scheme is approved, Piedmont will move its primary listing from the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) to the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) and will retain an ASX listing via Chess Depositary Interests (“CDIs”).

To implement the re-domiciliation, Piedmont has entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed (“SID”) with Piedmont Lithium Inc., a newly formed Delaware corporation (“Piedmont USA”), which will become the ultimate parent company of the Piedmont group of companies following the implementation of the Scheme.

Pursuant to the Scheme:

Holders of Piedmont ordinary shares will be entitled to receive one (1) CDI in Piedmont USA for each ordinary share held in Piedmont on the Scheme record date (with each CDI to represent 1/100th of a share of common stock in Piedmont USA); and
Holders of Piedmont American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) (each ADS currently represents 100 Piedmont ordinary shares) will be entitled to receive one (1) share of common stock in Piedmont USA for each ADS held in Piedmont on the Scheme record date.

The re-domiciliation is not expected to result in any material changes to Piedmont’s assets, management, operations, or strategy, and is expected to be structured on a tax-neutral basis to Piedmont and its shareholders.

Rationale for the Scheme

Piedmont’s Board of Directors believe that becoming a U.S. company will allow Piedmont to streamline its business operations given substantially all of our core assets and management team are currently in the United States and the re-domiciliation may deliver certain additional benefits to Piedmont and its shareholders, including:

Increased attractiveness of Piedmont USA to a broader U.S. investor pool who previously could not invest in non-U.S. securities, leading to Piedmont being more fully valued over time by a greater number of investors;
Improved access to lower-cost debt and equity capital in the U.S. markets, which are larger and more diverse than Australian capital markets, thus enabling future growth to be financed at a lower cost;
Increased demand for Piedmont USA shares due to the Company’s expected inclusion in important U.S. stock market indices such as the Russell 2000 and the S&P Total Market; and
A simplified corporate structure for potential future merger, sale or acquisition transactions, which may increase Piedmont’s attractiveness to potential merger partners, sellers or acquirers.

Board Recommendation

The Board will appoint an independent expert to assess if the Scheme is in the best interest of Piedmont’s shareholders. A report prepared by the independent expert will form part of the Scheme Booklet, which will contain detailed information regarding the Scheme. Piedmont encourages its shareholders to read the Scheme Booklet carefully.

The Directors of Piedmont unanimously recommend that Piedmont shareholders vote in favor of the Scheme and all of the Directors personally intend to vote all Piedmont shares in their control in favor of the Scheme, subject to the independent expert concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of Piedmont shareholders.

Details of the Scheme Implementation

The implementation of the Scheme is subject to several customary conditions including the approval of Piedmont shareholders and the Federal Court of Australia, as well as other necessary regulatory approvals.

Full details of the terms and conditions of the Scheme are set out in the SID, a copy of which is attached to this announcement.

Indicative Timetable and Next Steps

Piedmont shareholders do not need to take any action at this time.

A Scheme Booklet containing, among other things, more detailed information relating to the Scheme, reasons for the directors’ recommendation, information on the Scheme Meeting and the Independent Expert’s Report is expected to be mailed to Piedmont shareholders in late January 2021.

Piedmont shareholders will be given the opportunity to vote on the Scheme at a Scheme Meeting expected to be held in March 2021 and, subject to the conditions of the Scheme being satisfied, the Scheme is expected to be implemented in March 2021. These dates are indicative and subject to change.

New Board Composition

As part of the re-domiciliation, the Company is pleased to announce that it has appointed U.S. Independent Director, Mr. Jeffrey Armstrong, as Independent Chairman of the Board, replacing Mr. Ian Middlemas who will resign as a Director. The Company will make additional changes to its Board to comply with U.S. requirements in due course.

Mr. Armstrong joined the Board in 2018 and resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mr. Armstrong has extensive financial services experience with major corporations and entrepreneurs alike. He has served as CEO of North Inlet Advisors for the past 11 years and previously served as Head of M&A and Corporate Finance at what is now Wells Fargo’s Investment Bank. Mr. Armstrong’s deep experience in complex corporate transactions will be ideal as Piedmont explores strategic opportunities to build and maximize shareholder value in coming years.

The Board would like to thank Mr. Middlemas for his dedication and leadership in progressing Piedmont from a junior explorer into a A$500 million dual-listed U.S. lithium developer with a world class resource base. Mr. Middlemas will be stepping back from some of his broader corporate responsibilities to deal with family health issues, and Piedmont’s transition to become a U.S. company marks an opportune time for this shift. Mr. Middlemas remains very supportive of Piedmont’s strategic growth plans and has informed Piedmont that he intends to remain a large shareholder of the Company going forward.

Keith D. Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“I’m very pleased that Piedmont will become a U.S. corporation, reflecting the location of our core assets and management team, and joining industry leaders Albemarle and Livent as the only American domiciled and listed lithium company. Lithium has been identified by the federal government as a critical material for America’s national security, and this re-domiciling will cement Piedmont’s position as an important part of the U.S. supply chain.

“Since our initial Nasdaq listing in 2018 we have seen the proportion of U.S. investors in Piedmont grow substantially, so that currently most of our average daily trading volume occurs on Nasdaq. Despite this progress, numerous U.S. investors are unable to invest in non-U.S. companies, and this re-domiciling will meaningfully expand the pool of eligible investors in our Company. We hope that this additional shareholder demand, combined with the Company’s future inclusion in important U.S. indices such as the Russell 2000, will lead to increased shareholder value over time. We will of course maintain a strong presence in the Australian market via a continued ASX listing, reflecting the strong support we have received from Australian institutional and individual shareholders over the past several years.

“I want to thank Ian Middlemas for his strong leadership and personal mentoring during the time I’ve been with Piedmont. Ian is a renowned entrepreneur and industrialist, and his focus on measured growth combined with prudent cash management have been critical to our success as an organization. I further want to welcome and congratulate Jeff Armstrong for his appointment as Chairman. Jeff is a seasoned strategic thinker and is well-established in the Charlotte community. I am confident he will be a strong leader of our Board going forward.”

About Piedmont Lithium

Piedmont Lithium Limited (ASX:PLL; Nasdaq:PLL) holds a 100% interest in the Piedmont Lithium Project, a pre-production business targeting the production of 160,000 t/y of spodumene concentrate and 22,700 t/y of battery quality lithium hydroxide in North Carolina, USA to support electric vehicle and battery supply chains in the United States and globally. Piedmont’s premier southeastern U.S. location is advantaged by favorable geology, proven metallurgy and easy access to infrastructure, power, R&D centers for lithium and battery storage, major high-tech population centers and downstream lithium processing facilities. Piedmont has reported 27.9Mt of Mineral Resources grading at 1.11% Li₂O located within the world-class Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt (“TSB”) and along trend to the Hallman Beam and Kings Mountain mines, which historically provided most of the western world’s lithium between the 1950s and the 1980s. The TSB has been described as one of the largest lithium provinces in the world and is located approximately 25 miles west of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Forward Looking Statements

This announcement may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Piedmont’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Piedmont, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Piedmont makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this announcement, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that announcement.

Not an offer of securities

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States. Any securities described in this announcement have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or in transactions exempt from registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

This announcement has been authorized for release by the Company’s CEO, Mr. Keith Phillips.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201209005171/en/

Keith Phillips

President & CEO

+1 973 809 0505

[email protected]

Tim McKenna

Investor and Government Relations

+1 732 331 6457

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Ireland Australia/Oceania United States United Kingdom North America Australia Europe New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Mining/Minerals Natural Resources

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December 9, 2020 6:03 am

Stratasys to Acquire Origin, Bringing New Additive Manufacturing Platform to Polymer Production

Stratasys to Acquire Origin, Bringing New Additive Manufacturing Platform to Polymer Production

Origin’s resin-based Programmable PhotoPolymerization (P³) technology expands Stratasys leadership in the fast-growing market for 3D-printed mass production parts

SAN FRANCISCO & REHOVOT, Israel–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS) announced today it signed an agreement to acquire 3D printing start-up Origin Inc. in a transaction for total consideration of up to $100 million, including cash and stock. The merger enables Stratasys to expand its leadership through innovation in the fast-growing mass production parts segment with a next-generation photopolymer platform. Subject to various approvals and other closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to close in January 2021.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201209005324/en/

Origin’s 3D printers are particularly well-suited to mass production of end-use parts, which is the fastest growing segment of the 3D printing industry and a strategic priority for Stratasys. (Photo: Business Wire)

Stratasys expects Origin’s proprietary Programmable PhotoPolymerization (P³) technology to be an important growth engine for the company, adding up to $200 million incremental annual revenue within five years. The acquisition will help fortify Stratasys’ leadership position in polymers and production applications of 3D printing in industries such as dental, medical, tooling, and select industrial, defense, and consumer goods segments.

Under the terms of the agreement, the total consideration for the transaction is comprised of $60 million paid on closing ($6 million of which is subject to the founders’ retention over 3 years) and $40 million that is subject to performance-based earnouts over 3 years. The acquisition will be paid using a combination of stock of approximately $45 million and cash of approximately $55 million at closing and throughout the earnout period. Approximately $32 million of the cash expenditure will be at closing. The acquisition is expected to accelerate Stratasys’ growth rate and be slightly dilutive to non-GAAP earnings per share in 2021, and accretive to Stratasys’ non-GAAP earnings per share by 2023. The Origin team will join Stratasys and lead the development of its technology and product platform, with a full global launch via the Stratasys go-to-market organization towards mid-2021.

“Our customers are looking for additive manufacturing solutions that enable use of industrial-grade resins for mass production parts with process and quality control,” said Stratasys CEO Yoav Zeif. “We believe Origin’s software-driven Origin One system is the best in the industry by combining high throughput with incredible accuracy. When combined with Origin’s extensive materials ecosystem and our industry-leading go-to-market capabilities, we believe we will be able to capture a wide range of in-demand production applications on a global scale. Together with our intended entry into powder bed fusion technology, the acquisition of Origin reflects another step in fulfilling our objective to lead in polymer additive manufacturing by offering comprehensive, best-in-class technologies and solutions to create a fully digital additive value chain, designed for Industry 4.0 integration.”

According to an internal Stratasys market analysis, manufacturing applications show the most potential for significant growth in the 3D printing industry, reaching approximately $25 billion by 2025. Stratasys anticipates that production-oriented resin-based solutions can address a significant part of the total market for polymer additive manufacturing. In fact, it is estimated that resin polymer-based additive systems will grow at a 20% annual rate from 2020 to 2025.

Origin’s P³ technology, an advancement on Digital Light Processing (DLP) principles, cures liquid photopolymer resin with light. The company’s first manufacturing-grade 3D printer, Origin One, precisely controls light, heat, and force, among other parameters, via Origin’s closed-loop feedback software. This new technology enables customers to build parts with industry-leading accuracy, consistency, size and detail, while using a wide range of commercial-grade, durable resins.

Origin works with a network of material partners such as Henkel, BASF and DSM to develop resins for its system. “We partnered and developed materials with Origin before Origin One was launched because we believed in their technology and vision for the future of photopolymers in additive manufacturing,” said François Minec, Managing Director at BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH. “Now, as part of Stratasys, we’re confident that together we can take on the broader manufacturing ecosystem.”

Origin One systems have been successfully deployed across a variety of industries, including shoe manufacturer ECCO. “We’re pleased to continue our cooperation with the Origin team as an exclusive partner within the area of the footwear industry categorized as Direct Injection Production, now also by leveraging Stratasys’ global infrastructure,” said Jakob Møller Hansen, Vice President Research & Development, ECCO.

The COVID-19 pandemic further illustrated Origin’s technology fit for production applications, including hundreds of thousands of clinically validated nasopharyngeal swabs, thousands of PPE face shields, and ventilator splitters for hospitals.

“We founded Origin to create a whole new additive manufacturing platform that enables mass production of end-use parts with incredible accuracy, consistency, and throughput along with a wide range of available materials,” said Origin CEO and co-founder Christopher Prucha. “Stratasys is the best company for us to join to achieve our vision, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to significantly expand market reach and enable us to bring our P³ technology to a larger audience.”

Stratasys Ltd. Acquisition of Origin Conference Call Details

Stratasys will hold a conference call to discuss the acquisition of Origin on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 8:30 a.m. EST.

The conference call will be available via live webcast on the Stratasys website at investors.stratasys.com, or directly at the following web address: https://78449.themediaframe.com/dataconf/productusers/ssys/mediaframe/42481/indexl.html

Participants may join by phone by calling U.S. toll-free 1-877-407-0619 or international 1-412-902-1012. Listeners are advised to dial into the call at least ten minutes prior to the start time to register. The webcast will be available for six months at investors.stratasys.com or by accessing the above web address.

Based in San Francisco, Origin is pioneering a new approach to additive manufacturing of end-use parts. Origin One, the company’s manufacturing-grade 3D printer, uses Programmable PhotoPolymerization to precisely control light, heat, and force, among other variables, to produce parts with exceptional accuracy and consistency. The company works with a network of partners to develop a wide range of commercial-grade materials for its system, resulting in some of the toughest and most resilient materials in additive manufacturing. The company was founded in 2015 and is led by alumni from Google and Apple. Investors include Floodgate, DCM, Mandra Capital, Haystack, TDK Ventures, Stanford University, and Joe Montana. Learn more at www.origin.io.

Stratasys is a global leader in additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology and is the manufacturer of FDM^®, PolyJet Technology™, and stereolithography 3D printers. The company’s technologies are used to create prototypes, manufacturing tools, and production parts for industries including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer products and education. For more than 30 years, Stratasys products have helped manufacturers reduce product-development time, cost, and time-to-market, as well as reduce or eliminate tooling costs and improve product quality. The Stratasys 3D printing ecosystem of solutions and expertise includes 3D printers, materials, software, expert services, and on-demand parts production.

To learn more about Stratasys, visit www.stratasys.com, the Stratasys blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Stratasys reserves the right to utilize any of the foregoing social media platforms, including the company’s websites, to share material, non-public information pursuant to the SEC’s Regulation FD. To the extent necessary and mandated by applicable law, Stratasys will also include such information in its public disclosure filings.

Stratasys, FDM, and PolyJet Technology are trademarks of StratasysLtd. and/or its affiliates. Origin is a registered trademark of Origin. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and Stratasys assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of these non-Stratasys products.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained in this press release may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “believe,” “should,” “intend,” “project” or other similar words, but may be identified in other ways as well. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the anticipated completion of the acquisition of Origin by Stratasys, Stratasys’ objectives, plans and strategies with respect to Origin following its acquisition, statements that contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition with respect to Origin and Stratasys after the acquisition, and all statements (other than statements of historical fact) that address activities, events or developments that Stratasys intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Stratasys has based these forward-looking statements on assumptions and assessments made by its management and, in certain cases, by Origin’s management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Important factors that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, among other things: any potential obstacles to closing the acquisition of Origin; the degree of success of Stratasys in efficiently and successfully integrating the operations of Origin into Stratasys after the acquisition; the general economic environment and the economic environment for 3D printing and Stratasys’ customers in particular; the impact of competition and new technologies; general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which Stratasys operates, particularly in respect of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; government regulations and approvals; changes in customers’ budgeting priorities; litigation and regulatory proceedings; and those factors referred to under “Risk Factors”, “Information on the Company”, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”, and generally in Stratasys’ annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on February 26, 2020, and in other reports that Stratasys furnishes to or files with the SEC from time to time, including, most recently, the report of foreign private issuer on Form 6-K reporting Stratasys’ results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2020, furnished to the SEC on November 12, 2020. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in Stratasys’ SEC reports, which are designed to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and Stratasys undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201209005324/en/

Stratasys Corporate &

North America

[email protected]

+1 612-716-9228

Europe, Middle East, and

Africa

Jonathan Wake / Miguel Afonso, Incus Media

[email protected]

+44 1737 215200

Asia Pacific and Japan

Alice Chiu

[email protected]

+852 9189 7273

Investor Relations

Yonah Lloyd

[email protected]

+972-54-4382464

Brazil, Central America and South America

[email protected]

+55 (11) 2626-9229

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The acquisition of Origin by Stratasys is a clear illustration of the growing global interest in the flexibility and efficiency of additive manufacturing using 3D printers. (Graphic: Business Wire)

December 9, 2020 6:03 am

Pandemic upends Canadians’ professional future, with one in four considering career change

Pandemic upends Canadians’ professional future, with one in four considering career change

Morneau Shepell’s Mental Health Index™ for November continues to trend below the pre-pandemic benchmark, led by significant psychological strain

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Morneau Shepell, a leading provider of total wellbeing, mental health and digital mental health services, today released its monthly Mental Health Index™ report, showing a consistent negative mental health score among Canadians for the eighth consecutive month. The findings show that worsening psychological health, an increase in employment dissatisfaction and extended mental strain continue to impact the mental wellbeing of Canadians.

The Mental Health Index™ score is -11.1, a slight improvement from October (-11.4). The score measures the improvement or decline in mental health from the pre-2020 benchmark of 75. The Mental Health Index™ also tracks sub-scores against the benchmark, measuring financial risk (2.9), psychological health (-3.2), isolation (-11.1), work productivity (-11.1), depression (-12.5), anxiety (-12.5) and optimism (-12.9). When compared to the previous month, all sub-scores improved except for psychological health, which has declined 0.7 points month-over-month and reached its lowest point since the inception of the Index in April (down 2.8 points from -0.4).

“We’re at a pivotal point in navigating the pandemic. On one hand, the recent news about potentially life-saving vaccines being administered in the first half of next year should bring Canadians some encouragement. On the other hand, we are also approaching some of the most difficult months of the year for many Canadians as we approach the holidays and winter months,” said Stephen Liptrap, president and chief executive officer. “Information overload will continue to be an issue in the coming months. Employers cannot assume that all employees are feeling positive about the new pandemic-related developments and must continue to check in on their wellbeing to maintain a productive workforce.”

Many Canadians consider changing careers, despite their employers handling the pandemic well

The pandemic has created both challenges and opportunities for Canadians, leading many to consider the future of their personal and professional lives and, in some instances, a change in employment. Overall, 24 per cent of respondents indicated that the pandemic has led them to consider a job or career change. Thirty-six per cent of respondents under the age of 40 said they are considering a job/career change, compared to only 15 per cent of respondents over the age of 50 who indicated the same. Additionally, 20 per cent said they are undecided, suggesting a greater proportion of workers may be at risk of turnover.

Since the pandemic started almost one in five (18 per cent) indicated that their view of their employer worsened, while 12 per cent indicated that it became more positive. The majority of employees (72 per cent) believe that their employers are handling health and safety well, compared to only seven per cent of employees that believe it has been poorly handled. Similarly, 63 per cent of employees believe their employer is handling technology well, 56 per cent of employees believe their employer is handling flexible work hours well, and 50 per cent of employees believe their employer is handling work-from-home policies well.

“Employers have been faced with many challenges throughout the pandemic, with one of the most significant being their ability to sustain the relationship with employees as virtual communication replaces in-person conversations,” said Paula Allen, global leader, research and total wellbeing. “Beyond the perception of how employers are handling the pandemic, we’re also seeing that some employees are viewing their employer more negatively than before the pandemic. This demonstrates that maintaining the status quo is not enough and employers need to take a proactive effort to prioritize communication and put the needs and wellbeing of employees first in everything they do.”

Parents concerned about the mental health of both young and adult children

Parents of young children have struggled throughout the pandemic, both when balancing work and children’s education needs while schools were closed, and when navigating health concerns as children returned to the classroom. The most common concerns cited among parents with children under 18 years old are quality of education (49 per cent), mental health of their children (42 per cent), the physical health of their children (37 per cent) and the safety of attending school in person (37 per cent). When considering the greatest concern, however, the mental health of children was the top concern (24 per cent), followed by quality of education (22 per cent). Physical health was the greatest concern for 13 per cent.

Parents of older children reported a unique set of concerns regarding the pandemic. The top three most common concerns among respondents with children aged 18 to 30 include the financial impact of the pandemic (49 per cent), mental health (46 per cent) and job or career impact (41 per cent). When asking about children of any age, a detrimental mental health score was observed by parents whose top concern is their child’s mental health (-20.0 for parents with young children and -14.6 for those with adult children).

About the Mental Health Index™

The monthly Mental Health Index™ by Morneau Shepell was conducted through an online survey in English and French from October 25 to November 5, 2020, with 3,000 respondents in Canada. All respondents reside in Canada and were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflect this population. The Mental Health Index™ is published monthly, beginning April 2020, and compares against benchmark data collected in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The full Canada report can be found at https://www.morneaushepell.com/permafiles/93166/mental-health-index-report-canada-november-2020.pdf.

About Morneau Shepell

Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201209005133/en/

Heather MacDonald

Morneau Shepell

[email protected]

855-622-3327

Catherine Snider

Kaiser & Partners

[email protected]

416.419.8333

ID-CORP, ID-MH

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