Month: September 2026

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AXG Digital Holdings, LLC (“AXG Digital”), a U.S. subsidiary of SOLOWIN HOLDINGS (Nasdaq: AXG) (together with its subsidiaries, “AXG” or the “Company”), a leading financial technology firm bridging traditional and digital assets, today announced the appointment of key executives to spearhead the Company’s AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure strategy. 

Mr. Andrew Vickery will join AXG Digital as Chief Executive Officer and Director, leading the development, financing and execution of the Company’s AI and digital infrastructure strategy. Mr. Vickery brings more than two decades of experience across technology, power and infrastructure. At JPMorganChase, he spent six years in project finance across Europe and Asia, where he was involved in more than $20 billion in financings involving power generation and related infrastructure, before later serving as Head of Telecom, Media and Technology for Germany and Austria. He has been involved in technology and AI-related businesses since 2005, when he took a medical imaging company that utilized foundational AI tools public on the Alternative Investment Market (an LSE sub-exchange), and has since founded, financed or advised more than a dozen technology-focused businesses. Most recently, through Incept Phaedrus, which he co-founded with Mr. Carsten Bressel, he has focused on originating and developing AI compute, data center and associated power infrastructure projects.

Mr. Carsten Bressel will join AXG Digital as Vice President, Strategic and Business Development, with responsibility for strategic transactions, partnerships, joint ventures, project development and capital formation. Mr. Bressel is the Founder and Managing Partner of Phaedrus and co-founder of Incept Phaedrus. His background spans private equity, venture investing, principal investments and strategic transactions, with recent work focused on developing and capitalizing AI infrastructure projects across the United States and Europe.

The appointments, subject to the availability of funding for the projects identified, come as AXG Digital accelerates its AI infrastructure buildout. In August 2026, AXG announced its AI infrastructure expansion targeting more than 100 MW of operational HPC capacity by 2028, with a development pipeline representing more than 1 GW of potential capacity across Europe, the United States, and sub-Arctic markets.

Alongside Mr. Vickery and Mr. Bressel, AXG Digital is adding experienced executives focused on energy and sub-Arctic infrastructure development. AXG Digital is also in advanced discussions with an experienced data center developer regarding a broader development relationship covering the design, construction and operation of its facilities. Together, these capabilities are intended to combine regional operating expertise, energy relationships, data center development and AXG Digital’s expertise in structuring, project finance, capital formation and portfolio management.

AXG Digital’s strategy is focused on developing and acquiring AI-ready infrastructure in markets where access to power, connectivity and capital can create structural advantages. It is intended to combine power-intensive infrastructure development, institutional financing and long-term customer relationships to support the continued expansion of AI and HPC capacity. This infrastructure strategy builds on the Company’s existing AI software and ecosystem foundation, including KOVAR AI, KOVAR Cloud, KOVAR Router, and KOVAR KYA (Know Your Agent).

About SOLOWIN HOLDINGS

SOLOWIN HOLDINGS (Nasdaq: AXG) is a leading global regulated fintech company. Established in 2016, AXG combines blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies to operate a fully compliant dual-token digital economy super platform.

Guided by the mission “Mobilizing Tokens 24/7,” the Company operates two core business pillars: Digital Asset Tokens and AI Tokens. Its offerings span stablecoin issuance and payments, asset tokenization, securities trading and asset management, as well as AI-powered services including cloud infrastructure, Know-Your-Agent verification, and token router.

Through its integrated ecosystem, including AX COIN, AX ONE, FERION, Solomon JFZ, AgentX, and KOVAR, AXG empowers global institutions and investors to capitalize on the rapid growth of the dual-token economy.

For more information, visit www.alloyx.com and follow us on LinkedIn at AXG (Solowin Holdings).

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. The Company has attempted to identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) including the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as in its other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

SOLOWIN HOLDINGS
Investor Relations Department
Email: ir@solowin.io

Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Tina Xiao
Phone: +1-646-932-7242
Email: investors@ascent-ir.com

ROCK HILL, S.C., Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Atlas Copco Group has broken ground on a new state-of-the-art North American Service Center in Lancaster County, South Carolina. The custom-built, 355,000-square-foot facility marks a significant investment in the future of the company’s logistics and service operations across North America. Operations are expected to begin at the new facility in June 2027.

The new North American Service Center has been designed to meet the evolving needs of customers and the business for years to come. Selected through a comprehensive site evaluation process, the Lancaster County location provides strategic logistics advantages while offering the flexibility to support future growth.

Once complete, the facility will feature advanced robotics and automation, energy-efficient building design, and modern office space. The North American Service Center plays a critical role in supporting Atlas Copco Group’s customers by managing the warehousing and distribution of compressed air equipment, industrial tools, portable power solutions, and millions of spare parts throughout North America.

The project is a collaboration between Atlas Copco Group, Strategic Capital Partners, DCI Development and Construction, and Alston Construction.

“After more than 15 years in our current facility, it’s time for us to start a new chapter in a new home,” said Andrew Peters, General Manager of the North American Service Center. “Our focus is to build a facility that is ready to meet the future needs of our customers while creating an exceptional workplace for our employees. So many people across our organization have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality, and I want to thank everyone who helped bring us to this milestone.”

The new facility further strengthens Atlas Copco Group’s growing presence in the Lancaster and York County region, where the company first established operations in 1987. The North American Service Center will become the fourth large-scale Atlas Copco Group facility in the region. Collectively, the company employs approximately 1,000 people locally and will occupy more than one million square feet of manufacturing, service, and office space across York and Lancaster counties.

“This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region, our customers, and our employees,” added Peters. “As Atlas Copco Group continues to grow, this facility will help ensure we remain a world-class logistics operation capable of delivering the products and support our customers depend on every day.”

Atlas Copco Group enables technology that transforms the future. We innovate to develop products, services and solutions that are key to our customers’ success. Our four business areas offer technologies for air and gas compression, vacuum and abatement, automated assembly and quality control, mobile energy management and power generation as well as portable and industrial flow technologies. Across the United States, Atlas Copco Group operates more than 160 locations, including 25 production, remanufacturing, and distribution facilities, and employs more than 7,000 people.

www.atlascopcogroup.com

For more information please contact:
Paul Humphreys
Group.usa@atlascopco.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf0ee0dc-a8f5-4a7b-b945-cd8b342f7840
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eae89d6d-e188-412d-aa03-1742a7dd1ba3

ROSH PINNA, Israel, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

• Letter of Intent (“LOI”) signed to cooperate in the evaluation, research support, localization, commercialization preparation and regulatory preparation of the PressureSafe™ medical device in Japan.
• Collaboration addresses a significant potential market need in Japan, which includes more than 36 million people aged 65 and older and approximately 8,000 hospitals, 13,600 long-term care facilities, and 16,000+ home-visit nursing stations.
• Strategic collaboration combines IR-MED’s infrared spectroscopy technology and proprietary algorithm with Dice Technologies’ capabilities in coordinating clinical evaluation, localization and regulatory preparation activities in Japan.
• Clinical research and evidence-generation activities are expected to include cooperation with the Department of Plastic Surgery at Kobe University, subject to required ethics review, institutional approvals and separate written arrangements.

IR-MED Ltd. (OTC: IRME) (the “Company” or “IR-Med”), developer of infrared spectroscopy-based medical device technology,, and Dice Technologies Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese healthcare digital transformation and medical IT provider, today announced the signing of a LOI. The LOI sets forth a framework for the parties to cooperate in the evaluation, research support, localization, commercialization preparation and regulatory preparation of IR-MED’s PressureSafe™ device for the Japanese market. Except for certain provisions relating to confidentiality and data protection, intellectual property rights, and device management, return and disposal, the LOI is not intended to create legally binding obligations between the parties.

Ultimately, the partnership is driven by a shared, transformative vision: Build pressure-injury prevention platform — device, AI, and EHR systems unified across hospitals, LTC, and home care nation wide

The parties intend to evaluate PressureSafe™ for use in hospitals, long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings in Japan, with a focus on supporting the assessment of early signs of pressure injuries.

PressureSafe™ is a medical device that uses infrared technology to support the assessment of early changes associated with pressure injuries and skin conditions. It provides real-time, on-site, non-thermal and blood-flow-related indicators intended to support, and not replace, the clinical judgment of nurses and physicians. PressureSafe™ combines infrared spectroscopy with a proprietary algorithm and is intended to support the assessment of early signs of pressure injuries.

Market Need in Japan

Japan is facing an unprecedented demographic and systemic challenge. With an aging population of 36.19 million individuals aged 65 and older (29.4% of the total population), national care expenditures have reached a record ¥11.94 trillion. Concurrently, the healthcare sector is bracing for a projected shortage of hundreds of thousands of nurses and approximately 300,000 care workers.

This convergence of an aging population and severe workforce shortages has driven a significant increase in the prevalence of pressure injuries—particularly in the rapidly growing home care sector, which reports a 1.93% prevalence rate. To address this, Japan requires scalable, technology-assisted care solutions across its approximately 8,000 hospitals (1.2 million beds), 13,600 long-term care facilities (1.0 million residents), and 18,042 home-visit nursing agencies.

A complementary Strategic Synergy

The collaboration between IR-MED and Dice Technologies represents a highly complementary alignment of technological innovation and domestic operational mastery.

• The Technology & Science Engine (IR-MED): IR-MED brings its proprietary PressureSafe™ sensors, predictive AI algorithms, and a foundation of global clinical data. The technology addresses the crucial “Layer 1” of early risk assessment—sub-epidermal tissue health—providing objective metrics to a field that has historically relied on subjective visual observation.
• The Domestic Commercial & Integration Leader (Dice Technologies): Dice Technologies will lead and coordinate the evaluation program in Japan. Leveraging an established nationwide footprint serving over 1,000 clinics well-distributed across Japan, Dice Technologies will support Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (“PMDA”) consultation preparation and regulatory communications in Japan.. Crucially, Dice Technologies bridges the gap between device and daily workflow by integrating PressureSafe™ data into its existing CareNest platform and domestic Electronic Health Records (“EHR” ), creating a seamless data flow from the hospital to the patient’s home.

Phased Rollout and Clinical Validation

The partnership will execute a highly structured, reverse L-shaped Go-to-Market strategy. The initial phase will focus on real-world evaluations in long-term care (“LTC”) and home-visit settings to generate clinical utility data and user feedback.

Simultaneously, the partners will advance rigorous clinical research and PMDA consultation to support the regulatory pathway for PressureSafe™ in Japan. This validation process will be bolstered by anticipated cooperation with Japanese clinical leaders, including the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Kobe University, subject to required ethics review, institutional approvals and separate written arrangements.

Executive Commentary

Ken Ishiga, President and Representative Director of Dice Technologies Co., Ltd., stated, “Japan’s care crisis cannot be solved with isolated tools. We must unify prevention, observation, and discharge support. By combining IR-MED’s extraordinary ‘sensing the invisible’ technology with our EHR integrations and CareNest platform, we are delivering on our shared vision to build a continuous, patient-centered care infrastructure that supports our overstretched healthcare workforce over the long term.”

“Entering the Japanese market requires more than just groundbreaking technology; it requires a deep integration into the local care ecosystem. In Dice Technologies, we have found the perfect partner,” said Dr. Yaniv Cohen, Interim CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of IR-MED. “Their expertise in medical IT, their impressive footprint serving over 1,000 care facilities, and their ability to navigate PMDA regulations make them the ideal catalyst for PressureSafe™. Together, we are not just evaluating a device; we are working toward a new national standard for objective, preventive care.”

About IR-MED Ltd.

IR-MED Ltd. is developing a cutting-edge infrared spectroscopy and AI analysis platform technology as a basis for point-of-care decision support devices. The infrared spectroscopy technology allows harmless and non-invasive gathering of bio-information from patient blood and tissue. That data is then processed by the Company’s AI-based system to provide healthcare professionals with decision support in the assessment of various medical conditions. PressureSafe™, the Company’s lead platform product, is a handheld device designed to revolutionize the assessment of pressure injuries (PI) affecting skin and underlying tissue regardless of patient skin tone. IR-MED holds patents protecting its innovations in non-invasive tissue assessment.

For more information, visit: https://www.ir-medical.com/

About Dice Technologies Co., Ltd.

Based in Osaka, Japan, Dice Technologies Co., Ltd. specializes in comprehensive digital solutions optimized for clinics, hospitals, and welfare facilities. Backed by a strong national footprint encompassing over 1,000 clinics well-distributed across Japan, the company streamlines healthcare workflows through advanced medical IT systems, seamless electronic medical record (EMR) migrations, medical device distribution, and innovative home assessment applications. Dice Technologies leverages technology and community partnership to reduce operational burdens and build a sustainable healthcare future.

For more information, visit: https://d-technologies.co.jp/

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Statements that are not statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the timing and success of the strategic partnership, the activities contemplated by the LOI, the clinical evaluation results, PMDA regulatory consultations and classification, and commercial acceptance of PressureSafe™ in Japan, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including regulatory delays, the non-binding nature of most provisions of the LOI, clinical trial outcomes, competition, and general economic conditions. IR-MED undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Sources:

Statistics Bureau of Japan, Statistical Topics No.146 (published 14 Sep 2025) / MHLW, “Japan’s Population” / MHLW, Report on the Status of Long-Term Care Insurance (Nov 2024) / MHLW, Survey of Long-Term Care Benefit Expenditures FY2024 (published 30 Sep 2025) / MHLW, Survey of Institutions and Establishments for Long-Term Care 2024 (published Dec 2025) / MHLW, Survey of Medical Institutions and Hospital Report 2024 (published 26 Sep 2025; confirmed figures as of 1 Oct 2024)

Investor & Media Contacts:

IR-MED Ltd. Investor Relations Email: contact@ir-medical.com

Website: https://www.ir-medical.com/

Dice Technologies Co., Ltd.

Website: https://d-technologies.co.jp

Contact

IR-MED Ltd. Investor Relations

contact@ir-medical.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a6443cba-0277-42d2-8c5f-ee8361d759d1

The investment for an additional 5% gives Tessera a 15% stake in Motomea with exclusive option to acquire the remainder; secures license to MEA’s drone testing technology

NETANYA, Israel, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tessera Defense and Homeland Security Inc. (NYSE American: HLSQ) (“Tessera” or the “Company”) today announced that it has amended its existing investment agreement for the purchase of an equity stake in M.E.A. Testing Systems Ltd. (“MEA”, “Motomea”), an Israeli company that develops drone-related testing technology, from a 10% to 15% stake. As part of the original agreement, Tessera has secured an exclusive option to acquire the remaining interest in MEA held by its majority shareholder, Motomova Inc. (OTC: MTMV).

Motomea brings over a quarter-century of expertise to the field of electric motor and rotating-machine testing. The company provides testing solutions, including electric propulsion systems for drones, aircraft, robotics, and ground vehicles, to clients across the aerospace, automotive, energy, industrial, and transportation industries. Additionally, Motomea created and patented the industry’s first load-free inertial dynamometer systems, enabling motor performance evaluations during acceleration and deceleration without requiring traditional external mechanical loads.

Under the transaction as amended, Tessera will acquire the 15% interest for $50,000 in cash and 130,000 shares of Tessera common stock, and agreed to issue an additional 65,000 shares, subject to NYSE American approval. Tessera also agreed to an advance to MEA with a convertible loan facility of up to $475,000 to fund working capital and MEA’s drone-related activities. The loan may, at Tessera’s option, be converted into additional equity in MEA, subject to compliance with and approval of NYSE American. Additionally, as part of the closing, Tessera is to receive an exclusive, perpetual, worldwide license for MEA’s technology and know-how.

The option, entitles Tessera to acquire Motomova’s remaining holdings in MEA at a price based on MEA’s audited results for fiscal year 2027.

“Drone threats are now a reality at every site we protect, and effective defense begins with rigorous testing,” said Michael Oster, CEO of Tessera. “MEA adds a critical testing capability to Tessera’s AI-driven security platform, which connects predictive intelligence, sensing, analysis, decisioning and response. Over the long term, what we learn from MEA’s testing will strengthen many of those layers. The transaction structure provides a path to full ownership as MEA scales.”

Following the transaction, MEA will remain majority owned by Motomova, and its management will remain unchanged.

About Tessera Defense and Homeland Security Inc.

Tessera Defense and Homeland Security Inc. (NYSE American: HLSQ) is a physical security technology company providing integrated, bespoke security solutions that connect detection, intelligence and response across complex security environments. The Tessera platform integrates cameras, sensors, detection technologies, AI and other security infrastructure to identify threats, understand events and coordinate response in real time. Tessera provides the technology, hardware and implementation expertise needed to tailor security solutions to the specific requirements of each site, helping customers deploy and optimize integrated security systems across critical infrastructure and homeland security applications.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the investment in MEA, the integration of MEA’s technology with the Company’s platform, the Company’s intention or ability to exercise its option to acquire the remaining interest in MEA, the conversion of the loan and the issuance of additional shares, and the Company’s strategy and target markets. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including risks related to the Company’s ability to execute its strategy, obtain NYSE American approval for the issuance of additional shares, complete due diligence on MEA, and integrate and commercialize acquired technologies, and those risks described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as supplemented by the Form 10-K/A filed April 30, 2026, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.

Media Contact:
Yair Ohayon, IR & Communication Manager Yairo@thlsq.ai

Total national coverage footprint for PENFS increases to over 120 million covered lives

CARMEL, Ind., Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NeurAxis, Inc. (“NeurAxis” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: NRXS), a medical technology company commercializing neuromodulation therapies for chronic and debilitating conditions in children and adults, today announced significant new medical policy coverage from a major national health insurer for Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation (“PENFS”). The coverage spans multiple states and represents approximately 18 million health plan members.

NeurAxis’ proprietary PENFS technology, IB-Stim, is FDA-cleared for the treatment of functional abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Functional Dyspepsia (FD) including associated nausea symptoms in patients 8 years and older. IB-Stim is a non-invasive neuromodulation device that gently stimulates cranial nerve bundles in the ear to help regulate pain signaling between the gut and the brain. Currently, no FDA-approved drug therapies exist for pediatric patients with abdominal pain related to functional dyspepsia, a significant unmet medical need. In the absence of approved options, off-label prescription drugs are often used, despite limited efficacy data and potential safety concerns—underscoring IB-Stim’s unique position as the only FDA-cleared therapy specifically designed for this large and underserved pain related patient population.

“NeurAxis’ growth is accelerating as we execute on our plans to expand payer coverage, broaden patient access and scale commercialization of IB-Stim,” said Brian Carrico, Chief Executive Officer of NeurAxis. “Securing medical policy coverage for PENFS from one of the nation’s leading health insurers demonstrates tangible progress against these priorities. We are translating our clinical evidence into meaningful coverage gains and actively pursuing additional major national insurers to build on this momentum.

“With a Category I CPT code effective January 1, 2026, and our proprietary PENFS technology incorporated into leading national society clinical practice guidelines, we have established a strong foundation to support continued growth. Our focus is now on converting these achievements into broader physician adoption, increased patient access and sustained commercial expansion. Backed by a strengthened balance sheet and growing payer recognition, we believe NeurAxis is well positioned to deliver significant revenue growth and margin expansion as we continue executing on our strategy.”

About NeurAxis, Inc.

NeurAxis, Inc., is a medical technology company focused on neuromodulation therapies to address chronic and debilitating conditions in children and adults. NeurAxis is dedicated to advancing science and leveraging evidence-based medicine to drive the adoption of IB-Stim, its proprietary Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation (PENFS) technology, by the medical, scientific, and patient communities. IB-Stim is FDA-cleared for functional abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia, including FD-linked nausea symptoms in patients ages 8 and older. Additional clinical trials of PENFS in multiple pediatric and adult conditions with large unmet healthcare needs are underway. For more information, please visit http://neuraxis.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Company’s business, strategy, operations or financial performance, and actual results and other events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results, developments, business decisions or other events to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this press release. These factors include, among other things, the conditions in the U.S. and global economy, the trading price and volatility of the Company’s stock, public health issues or other events, the Company’s compliance with applicable laws, the results of the Company’s clinical trials and perceptions thereof, the results of submissions to the FDA, and factors described in the Risk Factors section of NeurAxis’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and, except to the extent required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of any new information, future events and developments or otherwise.

For contraindications, precautions, warnings, and IFU, please see: https://ibstim.com/important-information/.

For important RED information, including indications, precautions, and contraindications, visit: https://red4constipation.com/information/

Contacts:

Company
NeurAxis, Inc.
info@neuraxis.com

For contraindications, precautions, warnings, and IFU, please see: https://ibstim.com/important-information/.

Investor Relations
Lytham Partners
Ben Shamsian
646-829-9701
shamsian@lythampartners.com

Amid rising prices, holiday shoppers are tuning out ads and turning to social earlier for savings, according to new data from Sprout Social

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to new research from Sprout Social (NASDAQ: SPT), a leading AI-powered Social Intelligence platform, holiday shoppers are taking a more intentional approach to seasonal spending this year and relying on social media throughout their shopping experience. Amid tariff concerns and rising prices, Sprout Social’s Q3 2026 Pulse Survey finds consumers are shopping earlier, seeking discounts, and prioritizing useful social content over targeted ads.

With more than half of consumers (56%) planning to reduce holiday spending because of broader economic conditions, shoppers are looking to make their budgets go further. Nearly 7 in 10 consumers (69%) are concerned about tariff-related price increases, and 36% say they plan to start shopping earlier specifically to avoid them. For brands, that doesn’t mean simply moving holiday campaigns up; it means earning shopper consideration sooner.

Social media is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, which makes it a critical place to earn attention this holiday season. It has caught up to physical stores, tying as the leading destination for gift discovery among all consumers (46%) and emerging as the clear #1 place for Gen Z to discover products (54%). Social’s role extends beyond discovery and into a purchase platform, as 57% of consumers are open to purchasing directly within social apps.

The research also shows that consumers are looking for more useful content, like a deal or a product demonstration, rather than an influx of brand messaging. Promo codes shared by a company or an influencer are the top driver of holiday purchases followed by posts showing a product in action, while targeted social ads are the least effective driver.

“Because of a tighter economic climate, every purchase carries more weight, making it critical for brands to refine their messaging to ensure it is thoughtful and grounded,” said Scott Morris, CMO at Sprout Social. “As marketers conduct final check-ins on their holiday campaigns, there is a real opportunity to bring alignment across every channel. Brands can support creator partners by encouraging them to keep education and utility at the forefront of their content, while preparing care teams for fast responses. Our data shows shoppers are using social for their entire holiday journey, and delivering genuine utility across that total presence helps brands maximize their ROI while building lasting trust.”

Consumers are closing out their shopping journey on social by heading to platforms like TikTok (50%), Facebook (46%) and Instagram (44%) for customer service, and using direct messages as their preferred way to contact a brand (55%). To meet high expectations for customer care speed, 70% of consumers are comfortable with brands using AI-powered tools to deliver faster responses.

Beyond seasonal shopping, the Q3 2026 Pulse Survey highlights social media’s role in other timely events like upcoming elections:

• A new newsstand: Ahead of the 2026 midterms, social media serves as a primary news source, standing as the #1 channel for Millennials (38%) and Gen Z (33%).
• Politicians as influencers: Social posts from politicians have real influence with 55% of all consumers citing that a social post has informed or changed their opinion, while over half of Gen Z report actually changing their mind on an issue.
• Candidate followings: 45% of social users say they do not follow any politician on social media. Just over a quarter (26%) follow 1-2 politicians.
• Deepfake concerns: During the election cycle, 84% of voters are concerned about encountering AI-generated deepfakes on social platforms.

For more, including sentiment towards AI disclosure and how brands show up alongside online culture, access the full Q3 2026 Pulse Survey here.

About the data

This consumer survey was conducted online by Glimpse, a global market research firm, on behalf of Sprout Social. Participants included 2,286 social media users across the US, UK and Australia. The survey was conducted from August 11 2026 to August 18 2026.

About Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a leading AI-powered Social Intelligence platform, built on the belief that All Business is Social℠. Powered by Trellis, Sprout’s proprietary AI agent, the platform transforms real-time social media signals into actionable insights that drive business forward. Consistently recognized as a top software by G2, Sprout enables brands to deliver smarter, faster business impact through a suite of solutions including comprehensive publishing and engagement, customer care, influencer marketing, advocacy and predictive media intelligence. Sprout’s software operates across all major social networks and digital platforms. For more information about Sprout Social (NASDAQ: SPT), visit sproutsocial.com.

Social Media Profiles
www.x.com/SproutSocial
www.x.com/SproutSocialIR
www.facebook.com/SproutSocialInc
www.linkedin.com/company/sprout-social-inc-/
www.instagram.com/sproutsocial

Media Contact
Kaitlyn Gronek
Email: pr@sproutsocial.com
Phone: (773) 904-9674

^{All financial figures are in Canadian dollars.}

CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gibson Energy Inc. (“Gibson” or the “Company”), (TSX: GEI), announced today the renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”).

The Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has accepted Gibson’s notice of intention to commence its NCIB for an additional one-year period. This enables the Company to purchase and cancel up to 7,251,988 common shares, representing 5% of the Company’s public float as of September 4, 2026, over the 12-month period commencing September 18, 2026, in accordance with the applicable rules and policies of the TSX and applicable securities laws. As of September 4, 2026, the Company had 172,561,791 common shares issued and outstanding.

Under the NCIB, common shares may be repurchased in open market transactions on the TSX, and/or other Canadian alternative trading platforms. In accordance with the rules of the TSX governing an NCIB, the total number of common shares the Company is permitted to purchase is subject to a daily purchase limit of 202,097 common shares, representing 25% of the average daily trading volume of 808,390 common shares on the TSX calculated for the six-month period ended August 31, 2026. The NCIB will terminate at the earlier of September 17, 2027 and the date on which the maximum number of common shares that can be acquired pursuant to the NCIB has been purchased.

The price that Gibson will pay for common shares in open market transactions will be the market price at the time of purchase. Gibson continues to believe that the availability of an NCIB will enable the Company to maximize return to shareholders. The actual number of common shares that may be purchased, if any, and the timing of any such purchases, will be determined by Gibson based on several factors, including the continued adherence to its financial principles. Gibson has not purchased any common shares under its normal course issuer bid that commenced on September 18, 2025 and will end on September 17, 2026 (the “Prior NCIB”). 10,182,288 common shares were approved for purchase under the Prior NCIB.

The Company expects to enter into an automatic purchase plan with its broker, BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., to facilitate purchases of its common shares. The automatic purchase plan allows for purchases by the Company of its common shares at any time, including, without limitation, when the Company would ordinarily not be permitted to make purchases due to regulatory restriction or self-imposed blackout periods. Purchases will be made by Gibson’s broker based upon the parameters prescribed by the TSX and the terms of the parties’ written agreement.

About Gibson
Gibson is a leading liquids infrastructure company providing storage, optimization, processing, gathering, and waterborne vessel loading services for liquids and refined products. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the Company’s operations are located across North America, with core terminal assets in Hardisty and Edmonton, Alberta, Ingleside and Wink, Texas, and a facility in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Gibson shares trade under the symbol GEI and are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.gibsonenergy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information and statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) including, but not limited to, statements concerning the NCIB, common shares which may be purchased under the NCIB and related matters. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “can”, “should”, “would”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “target” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not undertake any obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by securities law. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in “Forward-Looking Statements“ and “Risk Factors” included in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated February 17, 2026 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis, dated July 27, 2026, as filed on SEDAR+ and available on the Gibson website at www.gibsonenergy.com.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations
(403) 776-3077
investor.relations@gibsonenergy.com

ibex Wave iX Virtual Agent Honored for Exceptional Innovation

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a global leader in outsourced business services and AI-powered customer experience solutions, today announced it was named a winner in the 13th Annual 2026 Globee® Awards for Excellence.

ibex was recognized with the Silver Globee® for its Wave iX Virtual Agent, the industry-leading conversational AI agent for voice and chat that automates customer interactions while increasing resolution rates and customer satisfaction. It delivers AI-driven, brand-aligned voice and text experiences that are human-like, hyper-personalized, and scalable, seamlessly integrating with human agent support systems to enable fast escalation and efficient resolution of complex issues.

“We are proud to accept this recognition from the Globee® Awards, which reflects ibex’s market leadership in leveraging Al to optimize both the customer and agent lifecycles,” said Julie Casteel, Chief Strategic Accounts Officer and CMO at ibex. “With Wave iX, we’re helping organizations connect AI, human expertise, and business insights across the entire customer journey to deliver faster resolutions, more personalized interactions, and measurable business outcomes.”

The Globee® Awards for Excellence recognize achievements across a wide range of categories, reflecting accomplishments in areas such as business performance, operational excellence, leadership, customer success, innovation, and organizational impact across industries. Nominations are evaluated across local, regional, and global achievements, ensuring that impactful work at every level is recognized.

San Madan, President of the Globee Awards, commented: “Congratulations to the 2026 winners for their achievements across diverse areas of business and industry. Your work reflects a commitment to excellence and continued progress across organizations worldwide.”

About ibex

ibex is a global leader in outsourced business services and AI-powered customer experience solutions, enabling the world’s best brands to deliver truly differentiated experiences for their customers. Leveraging a global team of more than 36,000 human CX experts – powered by the best AI technology, decades of CX innovation, and deep business insights – ibex engineers seamless, end-to-end customer journeys from AI agents to human agents at scale across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities, technology, logistics, and more. Discover more at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.

About the Globee® Awards

The Globee® Awards, a business awards program with worldwide participation, organize 10 awards programs that recognize achievements across multiple industries and sectors. These include programs focused on business, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, leadership, innovation, customer excellence, technology, and more. To learn more about the Globee® Awards, visit: https://globeeawards.com

Media Contact
Dan Burris
Ibex
Daniel.Burris@ibex.co

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32af2717-cca8-42cc-9f4b-e75c36ac63f1

Successful Paid Pilot Conversion Further Highlights Cross-Sell Opportunity Across Marchex’s Current Customer Base

SEATTLE, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marchex, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHX) (“Marchex” or the “Company”), a vertically focused, AI-driven conversation analytics, customer acquisition and optimization company, today announced that an advertising and media customer has expanded its relationship with Marchex through the commercial deployment of the Company’s conversational AI Voice Agent solution following a successful paid pilot program.

During the pilot, the AI Voice Agent qualified prospective customers when sales representatives were unavailable, improving call handling and helping the customer capture additional sales opportunities that might have been otherwise missed. The expanded relationship, which currently generates approximately $400,000 in annualized revenue, is expected to generate incremental revenue in 2026 and more than $200,000 in annualized incremental revenue in 2027.

“This expansion demonstrates the opportunity we have to deepen our existing customer relationships with new AI-powered solutions that address measurable business needs,” said Russell Horowitz, Chairman of Marchex. “Our Voice Agent delivered qualified leads when sales representatives were unavailable, creating a clear path from analytics to action and, ultimately, to incremental revenue opportunities for our customer.”

The agreement reflects Marchex’s strategy of expanding analytics relationships through the adoption of additional AI-driven products. “We believe these customer expansions demonstrate the foundation for broader platform growth,” Horowitz added. “As customers adopt additional Marchex AI solutions, their business outcomes improve while increasing the value of our relationship.”

Marchex has signed additional customers for its AI Voice Agent solution and is in discussions with several large enterprise customers on paid pilot programs. If successfully completed and converted to broader commercial deployments, Marchex believes these opportunities could generate significant incremental revenue growth in 2027.

Marchex’s AI Voice Agent helps businesses engage callers through natural, AI-powered conversations. The solution is designed to improve responsiveness, qualify opportunities, and reduce the number of valuable consumer interactions that go unanswered or unaddressed, generally due to employees being unavailable or call volumes exceeding available staffing.

About Marchex

Marchex and Archenia together harness proprietary AI-powered conversational intelligence and advanced customer acquisition technologies to transform consumer intent into actionable, outcome-driven business results. The combination of Marchex’s prescriptive analytics and omnichannel intelligence with Archenia’s AI-verified qualification, natural-language analytics, and automated decisioning capabilities creates a highly differentiated customer acquisition and optimization technology platform. Leveraging real-time AI signals, machine-learning models, and deep vertical market expertise, the company identifies consumer intent, improves qualification accuracy, and delivers verified outcomes such as high-intent conversations, appointments, and sales. Serving market leading companies across major verticals including automotive, insurance, home services, healthcare, and advertising/media, Marchex empowers organizations to optimize customer engagement and drive revenue growth through AI-driven insights, actions, and outcomes.

Please visit www.marchex.com, www.marchex.com/blog, or @marchex on X, where Marchex discloses material information from time to time about the Company, its financial information, and its business.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included above contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained herein, including regarding the Company’s strategy and future financial and operational performance, are forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in such forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors, which are described in greater detail in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent periodic report or registration statement filed with the SEC. All of the information provided herein is as of September 16, 2026 and the Company undertakes no duty to update the information provided herein.

For further information, contact:
Marchex Investor Relations
Email: ir@marchex.com