Author: Ravi Shankar

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Belite Bio, Inc (NASDAQ: BLTE) (“Belite Bio^®” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, today announced that its data will be presented at the Euretina Innovation Spotlight (EIS) being held on September 30, 2026, and Euretina being held on October 1-4, 2026, in Vienna, Austria.

EIS Presentation Details
Session: EURETINA Innovation Spotlight – Inherited and Rare Retinal Diseases
Title: Belite Bio Company Overview
Presenter: Hendrik Scholl, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Belite Bio
Date and Time: September 30, 2026, 2:28 – 3:06 p.m. CEST
Location: Vienna Congress & Convention Center, Room 1/Hall A

Euretina Presentation Details
Session: EURETINA Free Paper 47 – Inherited Retinal Disease
Title: Topline Results from the Phase 3 DRAGON Study of Tinlarebant for Adolescent Stargardt Disease
Presenter: Michel Michaelides, M.D., Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
Date and Time: October 4, 2026, 1:20 – 1:27 p.m. CEST
Location: Vienna Congress & Convention Center, Free Paper Forum 2

About Tinlarebant (a/k/a LBS-008)

Tinlarebant is a novel oral therapy that is intended to reduce the accumulation of vitamin A-based toxins (known as bisretinoids) that cause retinal disease in Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and also contribute to disease progression in geographic atrophy (GA), or advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Bisretinoids are by-products of the visual cycle, which is dependent on the supply of vitamin A (retinol) to the eye. Tinlarebant works by reducing and maintaining levels of serum retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), the sole carrier protein for retinol transport from the liver to the eye. By modulating the amount of retinol entering the eye, tinlarebant reduces the formation of bisretinoids. Tinlarebant has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Fast Track Designation, and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation in the U.S., Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Switzerland, and Sakigake Designation in Japan for the treatment of STGD1.

About Stargardt Disease

STGD1 is the most common inherited macular dystrophy in both adults and children. The disease is caused by mutations in a retina-specific gene (ABCA4), which results in progressive accumulation of bisretinoids leading to retinal cell death and progressive loss of central vision. The fluorescent properties of bisretinoids and the development of high-resolution retinal imaging systems have helped ophthalmologists identify and monitor disease progression. Currently, there are no approved treatments for STGD1.

About Belite Bio

Belite Bio is a clinical-stage drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, such as Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and geographic atrophy (GA) in advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in addition to specific metabolic diseases. Belite Bio’s lead candidate, tinlarebant, is an oral therapy intended to reduce the accumulation of bisretinoid toxins in the eye. The Company has completed a Phase 3 trial (DRAGON) in adolescent and adult subjects with STGD1, which met its primary endpoint, and the Company’s new drug application for tinlarebant for the treatment of STGD1 was accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with priority review, in August 2026. The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date of February 12, 2027. Tinlarebant is also currently being evaluated in a Phase 2/3 trial (DRAGON II) in adolescent and adult subjects with STGD1 and a Phase 3 trial (PHOENIX) in subjects with GA. For more information, follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit us at www.belitebio.com.

Media and Investor Relations Contact:
ir@belitebio.com

— Filing seeks approval for a biomarker-directed, all-oral treatment option for patients whose tumors have MET overexpression or amplification, after progression on an EGFR-TKI therapy —

— Application supported by SAFFRON, the first global Phase III trial to demonstrate statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in progression-free and overall survival in this setting —

— SAFFRON builds on evidence from the SACHI Phase III and SAVANNAH Phase II trials —

HONG KONG, SHANGHAI and FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HUTCHMED (China) Limited (“HUTCHMED”) (Nasdaq/AIM:HCM; HKEX:13) today announces that AstraZeneca has submitted a New Drug Application (“NDA”) to the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for ORPATHYS^® (savolitinib) plus TAGRISSO^® (osimertinib) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (“NSCLC”) whose tumors have MET overexpression or amplification, and who had disease progression on or after an epidermal growth factor receptor (“EGFR”) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (“TKI”) therapy.

The NDA is supported by the global SAFFRON Phase III trial. SAFFRON showed ORPATHYS^® plus TAGRISSO^® demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in both progression-free survival (“PFS”) and overall survival (“OS”) versus doublet platinum-based chemotherapy in patients who progressed on treatment with TAGRISSO^®. The safety profile was consistent with the known profiles of each medicine, and there were no new safety concerns. These results will be presented in a Presidential Symposium at the upcoming European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2026.

Third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (“TKIs”) have significantly improved outcomes for patients with EGFRm NSCLC. However, MET overexpression or amplification is one of the most common mechanisms of resistance on third-generation EGFR-TKI treatment. MET-driven progression is associated with poor prognosis, and there remains a significant unmet need for effective and well-tolerated treatment options in this setting.

Mr Johnny Cheng, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of HUTCHMED, said: “This filing is an important step toward potentially bringing ORPATHYS^® plus TAGRISSO^® to patients in the US, after its approval in China based on the SACHI Phase III trial. The success of the global SAFFRON Phase III trial reflects the long-standing collaboration between HUTCHMED and AstraZeneca in addressing MET-driven progression in EGFR-mutated lung cancer. We remain committed to supporting the regulatory review and making this biomarker-directed, chemotherapy-free oral combination available to eligible patients.”

ORPATHYS^® is being jointly developed by AstraZeneca and HUTCHMED and is commercialized by AstraZeneca.

About NSCLC and MET aberrations

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally, accounting for almost one in four (23%) cancer deaths.¹ Lung cancer is broadly split into NSCLC and small cell lung cancer, with 80-85% of patients diagnosed with NSCLC.² Approximately 75% of NSCLC patients are diagnosed with advanced disease.³ Additionally, about 10-15% of NSCLC patients in the US and Europe, and 30-40% of patients in Asia, have EGFRm NSCLC.^​4,5,6

MET is a tyrosine kinase receptor that has an essential role in normal cell development.⁷ MET overexpression or amplification can lead to tumor growth and the metastatic progression of cancer cells.^7,8 An estimated 34% of tumors will develop high levels of MET overexpression or amplification after progression on a third-generation EGFR TKI.¹

About SAFFRON

SAFFRON is a randomized, open-label, multi-center, global Phase III trial studying the efficacy of ORPATHYS^® (300 mg twice daily) added to TAGRISSO^® (80 mg once daily) versus doublet platinum-based chemotherapy in 338 patients with EGFRm, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with MET overexpression or amplification whose disease progressed following first- or second-line treatment with TAGRISSO^®. The trial enrolled patients in 230 centers across 29 countries, including in North America, Europe, South America and Asia. The primary endpoint is PFS and key secondary endpoint includes OS.

Patients were prospectively selected for SAFFRON using the high MET level cut-offs identified in the SAVANNAH Phase II trial. ​In SAVANNAH, MET overexpression or amplification levels were determined by two tests: immunohistochemistry (IHC), which detects if cancer cells have a particular protein or marker on their surface, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which detects a specific DNA sequence from cancer cells.

About ORPATHYS^®

ORPATHYS^® (savolitinib) is an oral, potent and highly selective MET TKI that has demonstrated clinical activity in advanced solid tumors. It blocks atypical activation of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase pathway that occurs because of mutations (such as exon 14 skipping alterations or other point mutations), gene amplification or protein overexpression.

ORPATHYS^® is approved in China for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping alteration, representing the first selective MET inhibitor approved in China. ORPATHYS^® also received a conditional approval in China for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction (GC/GEJ) adenocarcinoma patients with MET amplification who have failed at least two prior systemic treatments. ORPATHYS^® in combination with TAGRISSO^® is approved in China for patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR mutation-positive non-squamous NSCLC with MET amplification after disease progression on EGFR TKI therapy based on the SACHI Phase III trial. The combination was also granted a temporary authorization in Switzerland for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC and high levels of MET overexpression or amplification who progressed on prior treatment with TAGRISSO^®. This was based on results from the global SAVANNAH Phase II trial. The global, randomized, SAFFRON Phase III trial in the same treatment setting comparing the combination with doublet platinum-based chemotherapy reported positive high-level results, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS and OS in August 2026.

About TAGRISSO^®

TAGRISSO^® (osimertinib) is a third-generation, irreversible EGFR-TKI with proven clinical activity in NSCLC, including the treatment of central nervous system metastases.

TAGRISSO^® is approved as monotherapy in more than 120 countries including the US, EU, China and Japan. Approved indications include for first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC, locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, adjuvant treatment of early-stage EGFRm NSCLC and locally advanced, unresectable NSCLC following platinum-based chemoradiation therapy. TAGRISSO^® is also approved in combination with chemotherapy in more than 80 countries, including the US, EU, China and Japan, for first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC.

About HUTCHMED

HUTCHMED (Nasdaq/AIM:HCM; HKEX:13) is an innovative, commercial-stage, biopharmaceutical company. It is committed to the discovery and global development and commercialization of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and immunological diseases. Since inception it has focused on bringing drug candidates from in-house discovery to patients around the world, with its first four medicines marketed in China, the first of which is also approved around the world including in the US, Europe and Japan. For more information, please visit: www.hutch-med.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect HUTCHMED’s current expectations regarding future events, including its expectations regarding the therapeutic potential of ORPATHYS^®, the further clinical development for ORPATHYS^®, its expectations as to whether any studies on ORPATHYS^® would meet their primary or secondary endpoints, and its expectations as to the timing of the completion and the release of results from such studies. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, assumptions regarding enrollment rates and the timing and availability of subjects meeting a study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria; changes to clinical protocols or regulatory requirements; unexpected adverse events or safety issues; the ability of ORPATHYS^®, including as a combination therapy, to meet the primary or secondary endpoint of a study, to obtain regulatory approval in different jurisdictions and to gain commercial acceptance after obtaining regulatory approval; the potential market of ORPATHYS^® for a targeted indication; the sufficiency of funding; HUTCHMED’s and AstraZeneca’s ability to successfully develop and commercialize ORPATHYS^®. In addition, as certain studies rely on the use of other drug products such as TAGRISSO^® as combination therapeutics with ORPATHYS^®, such risks and uncertainties include assumptions regarding the safety, efficacy, supply and continued regulatory approval of these therapeutics. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. For further discussion of these and other risks, see HUTCHMED’s filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and on AIM. HUTCHMED undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Medical Information

This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.

CONTACTS

Investor Enquiries	+852 2121 8200 / ir@hutch-med.com
Media Enquiries
FTI Consulting –	+44 20 3727 1030 / HUTCHMED@fticonsulting.com
Ben Atwell / Tim Stamper	+44 7771 913 902 (Mobile) / +44 7779 436 698 (Mobile)
Brunswick – Zhou Yi	+852 9783 6894 (Mobile) / HUTCHMED@brunswickgroup.com
Panmure Liberum	Nominated Advisor and Joint Broker
Atholl Tweedie / Emma Earl / Rupert Dearden	+44 20 7886 2500
Cavendish	Joint Broker
Geoff Nash / Nigel Birks	+44 20 7220 0500
Deutsche Numis	Joint Broker
Duncan Monteith / Ramin Naji	+44 20 7545 8000

REFERENCES

1         World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Lung Fact Sheet. Available at: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/15-trachea-bronchus-and-lung-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed August 2026.

2         American Cancer Society. What Is Lung Cancer? Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html. Accessed August 2026.

3         Chen HJ, et al. Long-term survival of advanced lung adenocarcinoma by maintenance chemotherapy followed by EGFR-TKI. Medicine. 2021;100(6):e24688.

4         Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, et al. EGFR Mutation Testing on Cytological and Histological Samples in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: a Polish, Single Institution Study and Systematic Review of European Incidence. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6:2800-2812.

5         Keedy VL, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation Testing for Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Considering First- Line EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29:2121-2127.

6         Ellison G, et al. EGFR Mutation Testing in Lung Cancer: a Review of Available Methods and Their Use for Analysis of Tumour Tissue and Cytology Samples. J Clin Pathol. 2013;66:79-89.

7         Uchikawa E, et al. Structural basis of the activation of c-MET receptor. Nat Commun. 2021;12(4074)

8         Wang Q, et al. MET inhibitors for targeted therapy of EGFR TKI-resistant lung cancer. J Hematol Oncol. 2019;63.

TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Energy Income Fund (TSX – ENI.UN) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that unitholders will have the opportunity to redeem up to 253,384 units (the “Units”) of the Fund.

The annual redemption date has been set for November 27, 2026. Units will be redeemed for an amount per Unit equal to net asset value less redemption costs equal to 5% of net asset value per Unit plus applicable taxes (as contemplated in the Fund’s declaration of trust which is available on the Fund’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca). If requests for redemptions exceed 253,384 Units, Units will be redeemed on a pro rata basis.

In order to redeem their Units, holders must deliver a redemption notice to their broker sufficiently in advance to ensure that such notice is then delivered to the Fund’s transfer agent by no later than 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on October 30, 2026. Unitholders wishing to participate in the redemption should contact their brokers if they have any questions about how to provide a redemption notice.

Units tendered for this redemption will be entitled to receive the October 2026 distribution which, as previously announced, will be paid on November 16, 2026.

On or about December 4, 2026, the Fund will announce the annual redemption price and the Fund expects to pay the redemption proceeds to redeeming unitholders on or before December 18, 2026.

For further information, please contact Artemis Investment Management Limited, the manager of the Fund, at (647) 494-0338 or email at info@artemisfunds.ca or visit our website at www.artemisfunds.ca.   

TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Citadel Income Fund (TSX – CTF.UN) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that unitholders will have the opportunity to redeem up to 262,689 units (the “Units”) of the Fund.

The annual redemption date has been set for November 27, 2026. Units will be redeemed for an amount per Unit equal to net asset value less redemption costs equal to 5% of net asset value per Unit plus applicable taxes (as contemplated in the Fund’s declaration of trust which is available on the Fund’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca). If requests for redemptions exceed 262,689 Units, Units will be redeemed on a pro rata basis.

In order to redeem their Units, holders must deliver a redemption notice to their broker sufficiently in advance to ensure that such notice is then delivered to the Fund’s transfer agent by no later than 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on November 6, 2026. Unitholders wishing to participate in the redemption should contact their brokers if they have any questions about how to provide a redemption notice.

Units tendered for this redemption will be entitled to receive the October 2026 distribution which, as previously announced, will be paid on November 16, 2026.

On or about December 4, 2026, the Fund will announce the annual redemption price and the Fund expects to pay the redemption proceeds to redeeming Unitholders on or before December 18, 2026.

For further information, please contact Artemis Investment Management Limited, the manager of the Fund, at (647) 494-0338 or email at info@artemisfunds.ca or visit our website at www.artemisfunds.ca.

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, Newfoundland and Labrador, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Atlantic Nickel & Cobalt Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P210) (“First Atlantic” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has closed a no-warrant, non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,767,700.25. Following this closing, the Company has raised aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $9.925 million from financings completed in September 2026. The Offering consisted of 2,333,667 flow-through common shares of the Company (each, an “FT Share”) at a price of $0.75 per FT Share, and 2,570,000 charity flow-through common shares of the Company (each, a “CFT Share”) at a price of $0.785 per CFT Share. Each FT Share and CFT Share qualifies as a “flow-through share” within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). No warrants were issued in connection with the Offering.

In connection with the Offering, a strategic investor exercised its participation right under an existing Investor Rights Agreement. The investor’s participation was limited so that, following completion of the Offering, its beneficial ownership of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares will not exceed 9.99%, remaining below the 10% early warning reporting threshold.

First Atlantic welcomes calls directly from shareholders and prospective investors. For questions about the Company or the Pipestone XL project, or simply to learn more, investors are invited to call Rob Guzman, Investor Relations, at +1-844-592-6337 or email rob@fanickel.com.

Proceeds will fund follow-up and expansion drilling at the Alloy Max North and Alloy Max South Zones, the Company’s new large-scale awaruite discovery extending up to approximately 7.7 kilometres north of the RPM Zone. Alloy Max spans approximately 4 kilometres of strike and up to 1.5 kilometres in width, larger than the RPM Zone, and both the Alloy Max discovery hole, XL-26-15, and XL-26-16, the deepest hole to date at Pipestone XL, ended in visible awaruite mineralization. Proceeds will also fund definition drilling and metallurgical test work at the RPM, Alloy Max South and Alloy Max North Zones.

Upgrades to project access roads and trails are expected to enable faster, year-round drilling and a scale-up of exploration activities along the approximately 30-kilometre mineralized trend, including targets north of Alloy Max toward the historic Atlantic Lake Zone that were previously reachable only by helicopter or have never been fully explored. In each case, these expenditures will be funded only to the extent they qualify as Qualifying Expenditures (as defined below).

PIPESTONE XL: A DISTRICT-SCALE NICKEL-COBALT ALLOY PROJECT

Pipestone XL is First Atlantic’s wholly owned, district-scale project spanning the entire 30-kilometre Pipestone Ophiolite Complex in central Newfoundland, a belt of ultramafic rock enriched in nickel, cobalt, and chromium. The Project hosts multiple zones of awaruite (Ni₃Fe) mineralization, including RPM, Alloy Max, Super Gulp, Atlantic Lake, and Chrome Pond. The RPM Zone is the most advanced, with drilling having outlined magnetically recoverable awaruite over more than 1.2 kilometres of strike and more than 800 metres of width. Drilling is ongoing at Alloy Max, a second large-scale zone spanning approximately 4 kilometres of strike and up to 1.5 kilometres in width, making it larger than the RPM Zone.

Awaruite at Pipestone XL is the product of serpentinization, which drives sulphur out of the system and leaves a sulphur-free alloy which carries no acid mine drainage risk and can be concentrated by the Company’s ONSHORE MAX™ process without smelting, roasting, or high-pressure acid leaching. This smelter-free pathway addresses the midstream bottleneck in North America, where the United States has no operating nickel smelters and only two remain in Canada, and supports a vertically integrated supply chain moving directly from mine to downstream battery refining, stainless steel and specialty alloy production. The Company is also evaluating secondary chromium mineralization as a potential co-product, along with low-carbon Engineered Mineral Hydrogen (EMH) in partnership with VEMA Hydrogen¹.

Figure 1: Map showing multiple target zones across the 30-kilometer nickel trend over total magnetic intensity (TMI) at the Pipestone XL Project highlighting the showing, the 30-kilometre Pipestone Ophiolite Complex and the RPM, Alloy Max, Super Gulp, Atlantic Lake and Chrome Pond Zones.

Pipestone XL is located in an established infrastructure corridor with year-round road access, nearby high-voltage transmission and clean hydroelectric power from the Bay d’Espoir generating station. It is also located approximately 200 kilometres from Gander International Airport and Vale’s Long Harbour nickel processing plant. This positioning aligns with growing U.S. and allied policy focus on critical mineral supply chains, including nickel’s addition to the U.S. critical minerals list in 2022, the January 2026 White House proclamation on processed critical minerals², the Company’s acceptance into the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium³, and the June 2026 G7 Leaders’ Declaration naming nickel one of two pilot critical minerals for allied investment and offtake⁴.

Newfoundland and Labrador is consistently recognized as one of the world’s leading mining jurisdictions in the Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies, ranking 7th globally on the Policy Perception Index in the most recent survey, published in February 2026, and placing in the global top 10 for overall investment attractiveness in each of the three prior surveys. Pipestone XL is positioned to become a secure and reliable North American source of nickel and cobalt for the stainless steel, electric vehicle, aerospace, and defense industries.

AWARUITE AT PIPESTONE XL: A SMELTER-FREE NICKEL-COBALT ALLOY (Ni₃Fe)

Awaruite is a naturally occurring, magnetic, sulphur-free nickel-iron-cobalt alloy (Ni₃Fe) containing approximately 77% nickel. Because it already exists in a metallic state, awaruite can be concentrated without smelting, roasting, or high-pressure acid leaching. Mineralogical and electron microprobe analysis at the Company’s RPM Zone has confirmed the awaruite averages 77.62% nickel and 1.69% cobalt, with grades as high as 86.68% nickel and 6.05% cobalt⁵.

Initial metallurgical test work using the Company’s ONSHORE MAX™ (Magnetic Alloy eXtraction) process upgraded rock samples from the project’s RPM Zone into a high-grade alloy concentrate averaging 67.4% nickel and grading up to 71.9% nickel and 1.76% cobalt⁶. Low-intensity magnetic separation first produced a magnetic concentrate grading approximately 1.6% nickel, which flotation then upgraded to the final concentrate. By comparison, a typical nickel concentrate grades 10% to 15% nickel, according to the Nickel Institute. This concentrate can move directly to downstream battery chemical refining or the manufacture of specialty alloys and stainless steel.

The absence of sulphur reduces acid mine drainage risk and related permitting challenges, positioning Pipestone XL to supply North American industries including stainless steel, electric vehicles, aerospace, and defence.

Figure 2: USGS quote on awaruite nickel-iron-cobalt alloy.

The gross proceeds of the Offering will be used to incur eligible “Canadian exploration expenses” that qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures,” as those terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Qualifying Expenditures”), in connection with the exploration programs described above at the Company’s Pipestone XL Nickel-Cobalt Alloy Project and exploration activities at its Ophiolite X Project in Newfoundland. The Company will incur the Qualifying Expenditures on or before December 31, 2027 and renounce them in favour of subscribers effective December 31, 2026.

All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, expiring on January 26, 2027 and January 29, 2027, under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Offering remains subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

No finder’s fees were paid in connection with the Offering.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or any applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

INVESTOR INFORMATION

The Company’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “FAN”, on the OTCQB under the symbol “FANCF”, and on several German exchanges, including Frankfurt and Tradegate, under the symbol “P210”. Investors can get updates about First Atlantic by signing up to receive news via email and SMS text at www.fanickel.com.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Adrian Smith, P.Geo., a director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. The qualified person is a member in good standing of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and is a registered professional geoscientist (P.Geo.). Mr. Smith has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed herein.

ABOUT FIRST ATLANTIC NICKEL & COBALT CORP.

First Atlantic Nickel & Cobalt Corp. (TSXV: FAN | OTCQB: FANCF | FSE: P210) is a critical mineral exploration company in Newfoundland and Labrador developing the Pipestone XL Nickel-Cobalt (Ni-Fe-Co) Alloy Project. The project spans the entire 30-kilometre Pipestone Ophiolite Complex, where multiple zones, including RPM, Alloy Max, Super Gulp, Atlantic Lake and Chrome Pond, contain awaruite (Ni₃Fe), a naturally occurring magnetic nickel-iron-cobalt alloy of approximately 77% nickel with no sulphur and no sulphides, along with secondary chromium mineralization. Awaruite’s sulphur-free composition removes acid mine drainage risk, while its magnetic properties enable processing through magnetic separation and flotation, eliminating the electricity requirements, emissions and environmental impacts of conventional smelting, roasting or high-pressure acid leaching, while reducing dependence on overseas nickel processing infrastructure.

The U.S. Geological Survey recognized awaruite’s strategic importance in its 2012 Annual Report on Nickel, noting that these deposits may help alleviate prolonged nickel concentrate shortages since the natural alloy is much easier to concentrate than typical nickel sulphide. In 2026, initial metallurgical test work using the Company’s ONSHORE MAX™ (Magnetic Alloy eXtraction) process upgraded RPM Zone material into a high-grade alloy concentrate averaging 67.4% nickel and grading up to 71.9% nickel and 1.76% cobalt, demonstrating a smelter-free, mine-to-refinery pathway. First Atlantic is a member of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium. The Company is also advancing a parallel geologic hydrogen initiative at Pipestone XL, where the same serpentinization process that formed awaruite also generates natural hydrogen, and has signed a letter of intent with VEMA Hydrogen to jointly develop low-carbon Engineered Mineral Hydrogen (EMH) through a proposed 50/50 joint venture. The Pipestone XL project is located near existing infrastructure with year-round road access and proximity to hydroelectric power, providing favorable logistics for exploration and future development and strengthening First Atlantic’s role to establish a secure and reliable source of North American nickel and cobalt production for the stainless steel, electric vehicle, aerospace, and defense industries. This mission gained importance when the U.S. added nickel to its critical minerals list in 2022, recognizing it as a non-fuel mineral essential to economic and national security with a supply chain vulnerable to disruption.

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

Forward looking statements

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking information”). Forward-looking information is often identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “potential,” and similar expressions.

Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding: final acceptance of the Offering by the Exchange; the intended use of proceeds; the qualification of expenditures as Canadian exploration expenses and flow-through mining expenditures, the incurrence of those expenditures by December 31, 2027 and their renunciation in favour of subscribers effective December 31, 2026; the scope, timing and anticipated results of exploration and metallurgical programs at the Pipestone XL Nickel-Cobalt Alloy Project and Ophiolite X Project, including district-scale drilling, expansion of the RPM Zone and testing of newly identified targets; the potential capabilities, scalability and benefits of the ONSHORE MAX™ process; the potential to concentrate awaruite without smelting, roasting or high-pressure acid leaching; the suitability of concentrates for downstream refining and the manufacture of battery chemicals, specialty alloys and stainless steel; potential environmental and permitting benefits; and the potential for Pipestone XL to supply North American industrial markets.

This forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions, including that required regulatory approvals will be obtained; planned expenditures will satisfy applicable tax requirements and be incurred and renounced within the specified timelines; necessary permits, personnel, contractors, equipment and laboratory capacity will be available; exploration and metallurgical programs can be completed within anticipated budgets and schedules; further testing will support the applicability of initial metallurgical results to representative project material and larger-scale operations; any resulting concentrates will meet relevant downstream processing and customer specifications; and that further environmental studies will support the anticipated environmental benefits.

Forward-looking information is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include failure to obtain regulatory approvals or complete additional financing; changes in market conditions, commodity prices, costs or the availability of financing; failure to incur sufficient qualifying expenditures within the required period, adverse tax determinations or changes in tax laws or their interpretation; exploration results that do not support anticipated mineralization or expansion targets; geological and metallurgical variability; the preliminary nature of test results and the risk that such results cannot be replicated at larger scale or achieved economically; concentrate impurities, recovery limitations or failure to meet downstream specifications; permitting delays, environmental liabilities and findings that differ from anticipated environmental benefits; operational, weather, equipment, contractor and laboratory delays; and other risks described in the Company’s continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Initial metallurgical results do not establish commercial viability or guarantee future recoveries, concentrate quality or processing performance. There can be no assurance that the anticipated exploration, processing, environmental or commercial outcomes will be achieved.

Although management considers its expectations and assumptions reasonable as of the date of this news release, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on it. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect subsequent events, circumstances or changes in expectations.

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¹ https://fanickel.com/20260608-vema-hydrogen-and-first-atlantic-nickel-cobalt-sign-loi-to-develop-engineered-mineral-hydrogen-at-pipestone-xl-awaruite-project-in-newfoundland
² https://fanickel.com/20260115-first-atlantic-nickel-highlights-relevance-of-pipestone-xl-awaruite-nickel-cobalt-alloy-discovery-to-address-u-s–critical-mineral-supply-chain-vulnerabilities-identified-in-january-14-2026-white-house-proclamation
³ https://fanickel.com/20260331-first-atlantic-nickel-announces-acceptance-into-defense-industrial-base-consortium-dibc—pipestone-xl-smelter-free-nickel-cobalt-alloy-project-addresses-midstream-smelting-bottleneck-in-u-s–defense-supply-chain
⁴ https://fanickel.com/20260619-first-atlantic-nickel-cobalt-highlights-g7-leaders-declaration-on-critical-minerals-g7-names-nickel-one-of-only-two-pilot-minerals-for-a-new-allied-traceability-framework-moves-to-mobilize-equity-investment-and-offtake-and-establishes-a-critical-
⁵ https://fanickel.com/20260521-first-atlantic-nickel-cobalt-reports-electron-microprobe-analysis-returning-77-62-nickel-and-1-69-cobalt-in-awaruite-at-the-rpm-zone-pipestone-xl-project-a-rare-naturally-magnetic-ni-fe-co-high-grade-alloy-mineralogically-capable-of-bypassing-mid
⁶ https://fanickel.com/20260624-first-atlantic-nickel-cobalt-produces-high-grade-alloy-concentrate-up-to-71-9-nickel-and-1-76-cobalt-from-its-pipestone-xl-nickel-cobalt-alloy-project-using-its-first-ever-onshore-max-magnetic-alloy-extraction-recovery-concentration-process-unvei

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/560ed2db-31fa-48a5-983a-084c7dec90f3
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d77e19f0-b6e3-4af2-b1e0-1f592726fc26

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Entrée Resources Ltd. (TSX:ETG; OTCQB:ERLFF – the “Company” or “Entrée”) today issued the following letter to shareholders from Chris Adams, President and CEO.

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

Autumn is off to a very busy start at Entrée. Since my appointment as President and CEO in July, I have been focused on building personal relationships with many of our larger shareholders, our Joint Venture partner, and other key stakeholders. Most importantly, I traveled to Mongolia at the start of September to personally see our interest in the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project and to meet Entrée’s Mongolian employees as well as in-country representatives of Rio Tinto and Oyu Tolgoi LLC, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, and certain leaders in the business community. We also welcomed an experienced new director to our Board in August following Stephen Scott’s retirement. With this important groundwork completed, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself, update you on recent developments, and give you a preview of several initiatives that we have underway at Entrée.

Before I begin, on behalf of the Board of Directors and our teams in Vancouver and Ulaanbaatar, I would like to convey our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of our former President and CEO, Stephen Scott, who passed away suddenly earlier this month. Steve was a valued colleague and friend, and he will be greatly missed.

Introduction

For those shareholders I haven’t yet had the pleasure to meet I’d like to introduce myself and provide some insight as to how I became involved with Entrée.

I joined the Board and the Audit Committee as an independent director in January 2026, when Dr. Michael Price retired after many years of service. Prior to this I spent over 30 years working for CIBC Capital Markets and Macquarie Group in all aspects of mining finance including equity research, equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, debt finance and investing in growth-stage mining companies. I was initially attracted to Entrée for its carried interest in a portion of the world-class Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project managed by Rio Tinto, the potential for near-term production on the Joint Venture property, and Entrée’s experienced Board and management team.

Following the announcement in May of Steve’s upcoming retirement, I had the honor of being selected by the Board to lead the management team at the head office in Vancouver, working alongside a group of dedicated professionals. As CEO, I remain focused on engagement with Oyu Tolgoi project stakeholders and the Government of Mongolia in order to finish the work Steve started. Resolution of outstanding issues to enable the resumption of Hugo North Extension Lift 1 underground mining would mark a pivotal moment in Entrée’s 25-year history, unlocking value for Entrée shareholders and the people of Mongolia alike.

Development of Hugo North Extension Lift 1 on the Shivee Tolgoi license area at Oyu Tolgoi.
Source: Entrée Resources – Sept 2026

Recent Board Refreshment Initiatives

Entrée has a robust Board refreshment program in place to ensure the collective skill set possessed by its members meets the evolving needs of the Company. In August, Sarah Strunk was appointed to the Board as an independent director. Sarah has served on the board of international copper producer Teck Resources since 2022 and was a director of Arizona Sonoran Copper until its acquisition in June 2026 by Hudbay Minerals in an all-share transaction valued at approximately US$1.5 billion. Sarah is also a highly accomplished business and finance lawyer with extensive experience in the mining industry, serving as a director and shareholder of the law firm Fennemore Craig, P.C. based in their San Diego office.

Richard Williams, who was elected as a director at our 2026 Annual General Meeting of shareholders held in June, is also a valuable addition to our Board. Richard is currently the CEO and a director of Winshear Metals Corp. (TSX-V:WINS, FRA:9HR) and was formerly the CEO and a director of Cornish Metals PLC (AIM:TIN) for nine years until March 2024. Richard is a geologist by training and brings extensive experience acquired over a 35-year career with exploration and development companies in both emerging and developed jurisdictions.

Our Board, with its great balance of retained institutional knowledge possessed by our Chair, Alan Edwards, and other longer tenured directors, complemented by the fresh voices and perspectives brought by Sarah, Richard and me, is well-positioned to guide Entrée forward.

Visit to Mongolia

One of my immediate priorities as the new President and CEO was to visit Mongolia and the Oyu Tolgoi project in order to spend time with our valued employees, Joint Venture partner and project stakeholders in-country, and to gain a more detailed and holistic understanding of the interest we hold in this world-class asset.

In early September, Oyu Tolgoi LLC hosted me and our CFO, Duane Lo, on a site visit to see the project and meet their management team. We were impressed with the scale, efficiency, and longevity of the operations, and the expertise of their people. In addition to the site visit, we also held productive meetings with other project stakeholders and local business leaders in Ulaanbaatar, including the Mongolian Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources and our in-country advisors.

Oyu Tolgoi underground inclined conveyor in Mongolia.
Source: B. BAYANJAVZAN – 2025/11/19

A key part of our in-country community engagement is our commitment to fund scholarships for students studying mining related programs at three of Mongolia’s leading universities. A very gratifying part of the trip was visiting two of the universities to meet their faculty leaders and to hear about the positive impact our scholarship program has had on the students and the country.

Representatives of Entrée and Mongolia University of Science & Technology, where Entrée provides scholarships.
Source: Entrée Resources Ltd. files May 2024 and Sept 2026

Updated Technical Report

We are targeting Q1 2027 for completion and release of a technical report discussing Oyu Tolgoi LLC’s updated resource model for Hugo North Extension Lifts 1 and 2. The update follows significant Lift 2 in-fill drilling and other work undertaken since 2022 on the Joint Venture property. Oyu Tolgoi LLC has advised us that an updated Lift 1 underground mine plan and production schedule, which will be incorporated into our technical report, are expected to be completed in Q4 2026. The updated technical report will also use current costs and forecast metal prices that reflect today’s market environment (compared to an assumed copper price of US$3.25/lb and a gold price of US$1,591/oz used in the 2021 report) allowing investors to better understand the potential value of our interest in Hugo North Extension Lift 1. The technical report will include a new resource estimate for Hugo North Extension Lift 2, where in-fill drilling designed to support a feasibility study has increased the level of resource confidence. Our QPs continue to review and validate data as it is received from our Joint Venture partner.

LEFT: Lift 2 in-fill drilling on the Shivee Tolgoi license.
Source: Entrée Resources – Sept 2026
RIGHT: Road train delivering ore to underground crushers.
Source: Entrée Resources – Sept 2026

Update on Joint Venture License Transfers

Key to our success as an organization is the progress of the transfer of the Joint Venture mining licenses to Oyu Tolgoi LLC. We continue to engage with the Government of Mongolia in cooperation with our Joint Venture partner and our respective advisers.

In June, the Joint Venture partners updated the valuation calculations for the licenses and paid the license transfer tax to the Mongolian tax authority in accordance with applicable laws. The parties continue to engage with the Mongolian tax authority to obtain the tax payment certificate required to be submitted to the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia for registration of the transfer of the licenses.

We note reports that Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott was in Mongolia in September to formalize an agreement to lower the management fees and shareholder loan interest rate in the 2011 Oyu Tolgoi Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement. Rio Tinto also reaffirmed its commitment to work with the Government of Mongolia towards a dividend for both Oyu Tolgoi LLC shareholders (Rio Tinto and State-owned Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC) in 2027. Rio Tinto had publicly announced on June 30 its agreement to work together with the Government of Mongolia to bring forward distributions to shareholders, as well as to resolve matters relating to the Joint Venture license areas in a timely manner.

Subject to completion of the license transfers, we intend to continue working with Oyu Tolgoi LLC to convert our Joint Venture interest into a simplified structure of equivalent economic value. Conversion would be subject to Toronto Stock Exchange acceptance and satisfaction of Canadian regulatory requirements applicable to a related party transaction.

September 11, 2026 joint briefing by Uchral Nyam-Osor, Prime Minister of Mongolia, and Simon Trott, Chief Executive Officer of Rio Tinto.
Source: https://www.montsame.mn/

Shareholder Feedback

One of my top priorities has been to engage with our shareholders and invite their constructive feedback about the Company. Since my appointment in July, I have had the opportunity to interact with many shareholders representing the overwhelming majority of our shares. We appreciate the support and confidence of our investors, as evidenced by the strong support for all items at our recent Annual General Meeting.

However, several shareholders commented they would like to receive more frequent updates from us. As a result of that feedback, we are working to increase our investor relations activities and attendance at conferences, and we look forward to connecting with our shareholders more frequently and through more channels than in the past. Consider this letter the first action on this item, not the last.

Outlook

My experiences over the past few months have only reinforced my belief that we have a bright future ahead of us. Our Company is built on a solid foundation underpinned by an interest in a world-class asset. Our leadership team has been refreshed and re-energized by the addition of new members with complementary skills, connections, and ideas. At the same time, we continue to leverage the collective knowledge, experience, and long-standing relationships of our directors and senior executives.

Copper trades near all-time highs and has an excellent outlook as mainstream investors begin to appreciate the implications of constrained supply and high demand growth rates driven by electrification. Oyu Tolgoi is ramping up to be the fourth largest copper mine in the world with bottom-quartile operating costs and a large gold by-product, and our interest is projected to generate cash flow for many decades to come.

I encourage you to follow our progress and look for regular updates. We always welcome your input and feedback, and you can contact us at info@EntreeResourcesLtd.com or 1.866.368.7330.

Sincerely,

Chris Adams

President and Chief Executive Officer

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f570d19-4e9d-47e8-8394-d1a9836b90a2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/762f4995-2e4e-481b-af6e-896be990784b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7166ed7f-f7c9-4634-9876-00c8523736a1

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e35c8fb8-d44f-4564-96ff-1ddc8c471e6d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/532f9651-8c65-40e0-aeb8-41f8b59c9e1e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1790806c-362d-4c4e-94d5-09da442b2e64

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f36dd8c-db9f-47d7-b710-5d2eb2e6b364

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Galaxy Gaming, Inc.® (OTC: GLXZ), the world’s leading independent developer and distributor of casino table games and technology, today announced that MONOPOLY® Table Games Progressive has been named Product Innovation of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards Americas 2026, held in Las Vegas.

MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive, developed through Galaxy Gaming’s exclusive licensing agreement with Hasbro®, transforms one of the world’s most recognizable brands into a linked progressive table game experience. Since launch, the game has quickly become one of the industry’s most talked-about new products, with installations now spanning North America and EMEA.

“This recognition means a great deal to our entire team,” said Matt Reback, President and CEO of Galaxy Gaming. “MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive set out to prove that a licensed brand and a progressive jackpot could come together in a way that’s genuinely new and exciting for the casino floor, and this award confirms that players and operators feel the same way. It’s especially meaningful to receive it during G2E week, as we introduce the next chapter of that innovation with MONOPOLY Building Riches, Spotlight Spin Progressive, and Galaxy Link.”

Now in its second decade, the Global Gaming Awards Americas is produced by Gaming America and Gambling Insider and is regarded as one of the gaming industry’s most prestigious honors. Winners are selected by a panel of C-level industry executives, with the voting process independently overseen to ensure transparency and fairness.

Claire Hunter Gregson, Director, Business Development at Hasbro, shared, “MONOPOLY holds a unique position in casino gaming, with a level of recognition and enduring appeal few third-party brands can match. This award is a strong reflection of that brand strength and of Galaxy Gaming’s innovation in bringing MONOPOLY to life on the casino floor.

The award comes as Galaxy Gaming exhibits at G2E 2026, running September 28 through October 1 at the Venetian Expo. At booth #4452, attendees can see MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive alongside its newest MONOPOLY-branded successor, MONOPOLY Building Riches™, as well as Spotlight Spin Progressive™ and Galaxy Link™, the connective technology linking both new games together.

Visit Galaxy Gaming at booth #4452 during G2E 2026 to experience the award-winning MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive alongside MONOPOLY Building Riches™, Spotlight Spin Progressive™, and Galaxy Link™.
Hasbro, MONOPOLY, and Yahtzee are trademarks of Hasbro Inc. group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Galaxy Gaming

Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Galaxy Gaming (galaxygaming.com) develops and distributes innovative games, bonusing systems, and technology solutions to physical and online casinos worldwide. Galaxy Gaming offers games proven to perform, developed by gaming experts and backed by the highest level of customer support. Galaxy Gaming Digital is the world’s leading licensor of proprietary table games to the online gaming industry. Galaxy Gaming has over 140 licenses worldwide, including licenses in 28 U.S. states and more than 30 countries around the world.

Contact:

Media: 
Phylicia Middleton (702) 938-1753 

Investors:         
Steve Kopjo (702) 727-8886

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orca Energy Group Inc. (“Orca” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: ORC.A, ORC.B) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash distribution (the “Special Distribution”) of $1.50 (Cdn) per Class A Common Voting Share (the “Class A Shares”) of the Company and $1.50 (Cdn) per Class B Subordinate Voting Share (the “Class B Shares”, and together with the Class A Shares, the “Common Shares”) of the Company. The Special Distribution will be payable on October 19, 2026 (the “Payment Date”) to holders of Common Shares of record on October 5, 2026 (the “Record Date”).

The Special Distribution will be completed in accordance with the applicable “due bill” trading procedures of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Common Shares will be traded in accordance with the “due bill” procedures from the Record Date until the close of trading on the Payment Date (the “Due Bills Period”). Any trades executed on the TSX Venture Exchange during the Due Bills Period will be identified to ensure that purchasers of Common Shares receive entitlement to the Special Distribution, whereby sellers of Common Shares during the Due Bills Period will also sell their entitlement to the Special Distribution to the respective purchasers of such Common Shares. The Common Shares will commence trading on an “ex-distribution” basis without an attached due-bill entitlement to the Special Distribution from the opening of trading on October 20, 2026, the next trading day after the Payment Date. The last day for settlement of trades executed during the Due Bills Period will be October 20, 2026, which is the redemption date for the due bills.

For Canadian income tax purposes, the paid up capital of the Class B Shares is approximately $45,990,000.

About Orca Energy Group Inc.

Orca is an international public company engaged in natural gas exploration, development and supply in Tanzania through its subsidiary PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited. Orca trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbols ORC.A and ORC.B.

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

CONTACT: For further information please contact:

Jay Lyons
Chief Executive Officer
+44 (0)20 8434 2754
ir@orcaenergygroup.com

Lisa Mitchell
Chief Financial Officer
+44 (0)20 8434 2754
ir@orcaenergygroup.com

For media enquiries:
Celicourt (PR)
Mark Antelme
Orca@celicourt.uk
+44-20 8434 2643

NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AIRE Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“AIRE” or the “Company”) announced today that it has entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) with OceanLight Acquisition Corporation (“OceanLight”), a Cayman Islands exempted company and special purpose acquisition company, AIRE Global Group Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company and wholly owned subsidiary of OceanLight (the “Purchaser”), and OCLT Merger Sub Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Purchaser (the “Merger Sub”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Purchaser, and OceanLight will merge with and into the Purchaser, with the Purchaser surviving as the publicly traded company (the “Proposed Transaction”).

AIRE is a home textile and green sleep technology company dedicated to the development and global commercialization leveraging environmentally friendly advanced materials. The Company aims to provide customers with innovative and trusted sleep solutions while remaining committed to protecting the Earth’s ecological environment.

Daniel Khoo, Chief Executive Officer of AIRE, said, “We believe the Proposed Transaction represents an important milestone for AIRE as we continue to grow our textile trading business in the United States. Becoming a publicly traded company is expected to provide us with greater access to the capital markets and support our continued growth and development.” 

Ping Zhang, Chief Executive Officer of OceanLight, said, “We are pleased to partner with AIRE in this transaction. We believe AIRE’s textile trading business provides a strong foundation for its continued development, and we look forward to working together toward the completion of the transaction.”

Transaction Overview

Pursuant to the Agreement, OceanLight will merge with and into the Purchaser, its wholly owned subsidiary, with the Purchaser surviving the merger and becoming the publicly listed company, and the Purchaser’s wholly owned subsidiary, Merger Sub, will merge with and into AIRE, with AIRE surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Purchaser, in each case subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement.

The Agreement provides for a Company Net Value of $1.0 billion. The number of Closing Payment Shares to be issued to the Company’s shareholders will be equal to the Company Net Value divided by $10.00. Additional information regarding the Proposed Transaction and pro forma ownership will be included in the registration statement and other transaction-related materials to be filed in connection with the Proposed Transaction.

The Proposed Transaction has been approved by the board of directors of OceanLight and duly authorized by AIRE, subject to the requisite shareholder approvals, and is subject to regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of certain other customary closing conditions, including, among others, the registration statement on Form F-4 being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the approval of the Proposed Transaction by the shareholders of OceanLight and AIRE, respectively, and the approval by Nasdaq of the additional listing application for the Closing Payment Shares.

The description of the Proposed Transaction contained herein is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Agreement relating to the Proposed Transaction. A more detailed description of the Proposed Transaction and a copy of the Agreement will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by OceanLight with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. 

Advisors

Celine and Partners, P.L.L.C. serves as legal advisor to OceanLight. Torres & Zheng at Law, P.C. serves as legal advisor to AIRE. Chain Stone Capital Limited (CTM) is serving as financial advisor to AIRE.

About AIRE Inc.

AIRE is a home textile and green sleep technology company dedicated to the development and global commercialization leveraging environmentally friendly advanced materials. The Company aims to provide customers with innovative and trusted sleep solutions while remaining committed to protecting the Earth’s ecological environment.

About OceanLight Acquisition Corporation

OceanLight is a special purpose acquisition company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company. OceanLight’s units are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol OCLTU, and its ordinary shares, rights and warrants are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols OCLT, OCLTR and OCLTW, respectively. OceanLight was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.

Important Additional Information Regarding the Transaction Will Be Filed With the SEC

This press release relates to the proposed business combination between OceanLight and AIRE. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The Purchaser intends to file a Registration Statement on Form F-4 (as may be amended from time to time) with the SEC, which will include a document that serves as a joint prospectus and proxy statement, referred to as a proxy statement/prospectus. A proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all OceanLight shareholders. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. OceanLight and the Purchaser will also file other documents regarding the proposed business combination with the SEC. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the business combination. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF OCEANLIGHT ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by OceanLight and the Purchaser through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The documents filed in connection with the Proposed Transaction with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge upon written request to OceanLight, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 349, New York, NY 10036. 

Participants in the Solicitations

OceanLight, AIRE and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management, and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from OceanLight’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. A list of the names of the directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees of OceanLight and AIRE, as well as information regarding their interests in the business combination, will be contained in the Registration Statement on Form F-4 to be filed with the SEC by Purchaser. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants in the solicitation process may also be included in other relevant documents when they are filed with the SEC. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to OceanLight and AIRE. These forward-looking statements are based on OceanLight’s and AIRE’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “target,” “seek” or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including projections of market opportunity and market share, the capability of AIRE to execute its business plans, including its plans to expand, the consideration to be issued in connection with the proposed business combination, anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination and expectations related to the terms and timing of the proposed business combination, are also forward-looking statements.

Although each of OceanLight and AIRE believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this communication, each of OceanLight and AIRE cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond OceanLight’s and AIRE’s control. In addition, there will be risks and uncertainties described in the proxy statement/prospectus on Form F-4 relating to the proposed business combination, which is expected to be filed by Purchaser with the SEC and other documents filed by OceanLight or the Purchaser from time to time with the SEC. These filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

There may be additional risks that neither OceanLight nor AIRE presently knows or that OceanLight and AIRE currently believe are immaterial and that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by OceanLight or AIRE, their respective directors, officers or employees or any other person that OceanLight and AIRE will achieve their objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for OceanLight or AIRE to predict these events or how they may affect OceanLight or AIRE. Except as required by law, neither OceanLight nor AIRE has any duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere after the date this communication is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect OceanLight’s and AIRE’s future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the business combination; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against OceanLight or AIRE, the combined company or others following the announcement of the business combination; the inability to complete the business combination due to the failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of OceanLight or AIRE or to satisfy other conditions to closing; changes to the proposed structure of the business combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations; the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards following the consummation of the business combination; the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations of OceanLight or AIRE as a result of the announcement and consummation of the business combination; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and retain its management and key employees; costs related to the business combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations; OceanLight’s estimates of expenditures and profitability and underlying assumptions with respect to shareholder redemptions; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in laws and regulations that impact AIRE; ability to enforce, protect and maintain intellectual property rights; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in OceanLight’s final prospectus, dated August 7, 2026 and filed with the SEC on August 7, 2026, relating to its initial public offering and in subsequent filings with the SEC, including the registration statement on Form F-4 relating to the business combination expected to be filed by the Purchaser.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or an exemption therefrom.

For further queries, please contact:

Ping Zhang
Chief Executive Officer
OceanLight Acquisition Corporation
Email: admin@oceanlightacq.com

Daniel Khoo
Chief Executive Officer
AIRE Inc.
Email: IR@aire-usa.com

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orca Energy Group Inc. (“Orca” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: ORC.A, ORC.B) provides an update regarding the previously announced sale of its Tanzanian business (the “Proposed Transaction”), the impending expiry of the Songo Songo Development Licence and related gas supply contracts, and the withdrawal of claims in the arbitration commenced by Swala Oil & Gas (Tanzania) Plc (in liquidation) and Swala UK Operations Limited.

Proposed Transaction

As previously disclosed, Orca entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Taifa Gas Tanzania Limited (“Taifa”) and Amber Energy Investment L.L.C-FZ (“Amber”) pursuant to which Orca agreed to sell all of the outstanding shares of PAE PanAfrican Energy Corporation (“PAEM”), Orca’s Mauritian holding subsidiary through which Orca indirectly owns PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited (“PAET”). Upon closing of the Proposed Transaction, Taifa will acquire 49% of PAEM and Amber will acquire 51%.

The Proposed Transaction remains subject to the receipt of the required approvals and other closing conditions.

Songo Songo Licence and Operations

PAET’s Songo Songo Development Licence is scheduled to expire on October 10, 2026. Certain gas supply contracts associated with Songo Songo operations are also scheduled to expire on that date. PAET has advised customers, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (“TPDC”), and relevant regulatory authorities that uncertainty remains regarding whether the Proposed Transaction will complete prior to the licence expiry date.

PAET has communicated that two principal outcomes presently exist:

• completion of the Proposed Transaction and continuation of operations under new ownership; or
• cessation of PAET’s operation of the Songo Songo field and associated infrastructure following licence expiry, with transition activities undertaken in consultation with TPDC and applicable regulatory authorities.

In light of the uncertainty surrounding timing and regulatory approvals of the Proposed Transaction, PAET has recommended that TPDC, customers, and other stakeholders immediately advance transition planning activities, including operational familiarization and asset-mapping exercises, to facilitate an orderly transfer of responsibilities should the Proposed Transaction not complete before October 10, 2026.

The Company continues to support efforts to achieve an orderly outcome that maintains continuity of operations and natural gas supply.

Withdrawal of Swala Arbitration Claims

The Company has been advised that Swala Oil & Gas (Tanzania) Plc (in liquidation) and Swala UK Operations Limited (together, “Swala”) have formally withdrawn all claims, allegations, demands and causes of action asserted against Orca, PAEM, and PAET in the arbitration proceedings disclosed by the Company on February 27, 2026.

The arbitral tribunal has acknowledged receipt of the withdrawal by Swala and related correspondence. The Company and its counsel are assessing the procedural consequences of the withdrawal, including the Company’s request that the tribunal proceed to determine outstanding matters arising from the arbitration.

About Orca Energy Group Inc.

Orca is an international public company engaged in natural gas exploration, development and supply in Tanzania through its subsidiary PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited. Orca trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbols ORC.A and ORC.B.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All information, other than historical fact included in this news release, which address activities, events or developments that Orca expects or anticipates to occur in the future, are forward-looking information. Forward-looking information often contains terms such as may, will, should, anticipate, expect, continue, estimate, believe, project, forecast, plan, intend, target, outlook, focus, could and similar words suggesting future outcomes. More particularly, this news release contains, without limitation, forward-looking information pertaining to the following: the expiration of the Songo Songo Development Licence and associated contracts, the potential outcomes communicated by PAET following the expiration of the Songo Songo Development Licence, the Company’s expectation to continue to engage with the TPDC and other stakeholders in relation to the Songo Songo Development Licence and associated contracts, the anticipated results of the Proposed Transaction, the completion of the Proposed Transaction and the timing thereof, the receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of closing conditions of the Proposed Transaction, the potential cessation of PAET’s operation of the Songo Songo field and associated infrastructure, the potential continued operation of the Songo Songo field following the completion of the Proposed Transaction, transition activities for the Songo Songo field and associated infrastructure subsequent to the licence expiry, and the potential outcomes of the withdrawal of all claims by Swala in the arbitration proceedings.

Such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors the Company believes are appropriate in the circumstances, including, but not limited to: the value, costs, and liabilities associated with the Songo Songo field and associated infrastructure and the Company and shareholders’ exposure thereto; that the outcomes communicated by PAET regarding the expiration of the Songo Songo Development Licence are likely and reasonable; the ability of the Company to continue its operating activities subsequent to the expiration of the Songo Songo Development Licence and associated contracts; the current status of the Company’s relationship with the TPDC and other stakeholders; the ability of the Company, Taifa, and Amber to satisfy the closing conditions of the Proposed Transaction; the receipt of regulatory approvals for the Proposed Transaction; the actions of the arbitral tribunal resulting from Swala’s withdrawal from the arbitration proceedings; the anticipated supply and demand of natural gas are in line with the Company’s expectations; that the Company will have sufficient cash flow, debt or equity sources or other financial resources required to fund its capital and operating expenditures and requirements as needed; availability of skilled labor; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; current or, where applicable, proposed industry conditions, laws and regulations will continue in effect or as anticipated as described herein; and other matters.

Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation: the risk that the Songo Songo Development Licence and associated contracts expire prior to completion of the Proposed Transaction; uncertainty regarding the operating environment of PAET and continued operation of the Company subsequent to the expiry of the Songo Songo Development Licence and associated contracts; that the TPDC and other stakeholders may not continue to engage with the Company regarding the Songo Songo Development Licence and associated contracts; that the outcomes communicated by PAET regarding the expiry of the Songo Songo Development Licence are not the only outcomes; that the satisfaction of closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals of the Proposed Transaction may require commercial concessions or other arrangements that are unacceptable to one or more of the parties to the Proposed Transaction; the risk that the Proposed Transaction is not completed on terms anticipated or at all; uncertainties regarding actions of the arbitral tribunal following Swala’s withdrawal from the arbitration proceedings; occurrence of circumstance or events which significantly impact the Company’s cash flow and liquidity and the Company’s ability cover its long-term and short-term obligations or fund planned capital expenditures; the impact of general economic conditions in the areas in which the Company operates; civil unrest; changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new laws and regulations; availability of qualified personnel or management; fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign exchange or interest rates; risks associated with negotiating with foreign governments; and risks and uncertainties associated with oil and gas operations. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results and performance or achievement since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, operational, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

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

CONTACT: For further information please contact:
Jay Lyons
Chief Executive Officer
+44 (0)20 8434 2754
ir@orcaenergygroup.com

David W. Ross
Chair and Non-Executive Director
+1 (403) 830-2455
dross7915@gmail.com

For media enquiries:
Celicourt (PR)
Mark Antelme
Orca@celicourt.uk
+44-20 8434 2643