Author: Ravi Shankar

$15.0 Million Award to Support Advancement of RECLAIM-LN, a Phase 2 Potentially Registrational Trial of FT819 Off-the-Shelf CAR T-Cell Therapy in Lupus Nephritis

CLIN2 Grant is a highly competitive award from CIRM to fund advancing clinical trials for stem cell and gene therapies that have the potential to provide transformative benefits to patients and the healthcare system

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FATE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing a transformative pipeline of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cellular immunotherapies to patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases, today announced that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has awarded the Company a $15.0 million grant, through its CLIN2 program, to support the clinical development of RECLAIM-LN, the Company’s Phase 2, potentially registrational trial of FT819 off-the-shelf CAR T cell in patients with refractory moderate-to-severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) with Lupus Nephritis (LN).

“The CIRM Board’s award to Fate Therapeutics for its Phase 2 clinical trial of FT819 represents a significant step forward in transforming the clinical practice for patients living with a severe form of lupus,” said Sohel Talib, PhD, Senior Fellow in Clinical Development at CIRM. “This clinical study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of off-the-shelf immediately available CAR T-cell therapy with the ability to broaden the accessibility of this potentially curative therapy to patients who otherwise would not have access.”

LN is one of the most serious manifestations of SLE and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with the disease, affecting approximately 150,000 patients in the United States. Furthermore, there is a significant unmet need for patients that are refractory to the limited treatment options currently available. FT819 is designed to treat lupus by delivering deep and durable depletion of pathological B cells as an on-demand available CAR T-cell therapy that can be administered as outpatient treatment in the community setting, uniquely extending access beyond specialized treatment centers. Importantly, FT819 treatment may provide patients with the opportunity to discontinue standard therapies while significantly improving their quality of life, potentially providing refractory lupus patients with a chance to live a normal life.

“We appreciate CIRM identifying the urgent need for new options in refractory lupus and are honored that they have recognized the potential of FT819 off-the-shelf CAR T-cell therapy to treat large number of these patients in need, including in underserved regions,” said Bob Valamehr, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fate Therapeutics. “This prestigious grant by CIRM supports the continued advancement of RECLAIM-LN, our Phase 2 potentially registrational trial, and our commitment to making CAR T-cell therapy broadly accessible to patients living with this serious disease.”

CIRM’s CLIN2 program is a competitive funding opportunity designed to advance clinical-stage product candidates that have the potential to become transformative therapies while also addressing barriers to patient access. The grant review is a multi-step process including detailed scientific evaluation conducted by expert panels. Beyond funding, CIRM devotes internal resources and leverages a network of world-class subject matter experts to help ensure funded projects have a comprehensive clinical development strategy aimed at obtaining marketing approval, with a well-developed plan for ensuring patient access.

About the RECLAIM-LN Phase 2 Clinical Trial

RECLAIM-LN (FT819-201; NCT07570862) is a multicenter Phase 2, open-label, single-arm trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FT819 in patients with refractory moderate-to-severe SLE with Class III or IV lupus nephritis (with or without concomitant class V). One of the most serious manifestations of SLE, lupus nephritis is a leading driver of kidney failure among patients with lupus, many of whom have exhausted available immunosuppressive treatment options. The study is expected to enroll approximately 53 patients who are refractory to at least two prior systemic immunosuppressive therapies. The primary endpoint is the proportion of participants achieving complete renal response (CRR) at Week 26. Key secondary endpoints include disease activity and quality of life measurements. Preliminary data from the Phase 1 study demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability and clinically meaningful improvement with sustained improvements across several disease activity measures, including clinical Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2K and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCr). Both measures showed further reductions with the use of less-intensive bendamustine conditioning.

The RECLAIM-LN study was developed through interactions with the FDA under FT819 Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation. FT819 has also been selected for the FDA’s Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Development and Readiness Pilot (CDRP) program, which provides opportunities for early and enhanced communication with the FDA regarding CMC readiness for therapies with accelerated clinical development timelines.

About FT819

FT819 is an off-the-shelf CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell product candidate engineered to improve safety and efficacy. Analogous to master cell banks used to mass produce biopharmaceutical drug products such as monoclonal antibodies, a precisely engineered clonal master induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) bank serves as the starting cell source to manufacture FT819, overcoming numerous limitations associated with patient- and donor-sourced CAR T-cell therapies. FT819 is well-defined and uniform in composition, produced at a low cost of goods, and can be stored in inventory for off-the-shelf, on-demand availability to enable access for a broad patient population. This research was additionally made possible by funding from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), a state agency in California that supports research in regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and clinical trials. (Grant number: CLIN2-16303) and (Grant number: CLIN2-20291)

About Fate Therapeutics, Inc.

Fate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing a pipeline of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cellular immunotherapies to patients. Using its proprietary iPSC product platform, the Company has established a leadership position in creating multiplexed-engineered iPSC lines and in the manufacture and clinical development of off-the-shelf, iPSC-derived cell products. The Company’s pipeline includes iPSC-derived T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell product candidates, which are selectively designed, incorporate novel synthetic controls of cell function, and are intended to deliver multiple therapeutic mechanisms to patients. Fate Therapeutics is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.fatetherapeutics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including statements regarding the Company’s product candidates, clinical studies and preclinical research and development programs, the Company’s progress, plans and timelines for the clinical investigation of its product candidates, including the initiation and continuation of enrollment in the Company’s clinical trials, the initiation of additional clinical trials, including in new indications, and additional dose cohorts in ongoing clinical trials of the Company’s product candidates, the availability of data from the Company’s clinical trials and the Company’s plans to provide updates on its clinical trials, the therapeutic and market potential of the Company’s research and development programs and product candidates, the Company’s clinical and product development strategy, and the Company’s progress and plans relating to, and the anticipated timing and outcome of, interactions with the FDA and other regulatory authorities. These and any other forward-looking statements in this release are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Company’s research and development programs and product candidates, including those product candidates in clinical investigation, may not demonstrate the requisite safety, efficacy, or other attributes to warrant further development or to achieve regulatory approval, the risk that results observed in prior studies of the Company’s product candidates, including preclinical studies and clinical trials, will not be observed in ongoing or future studies involving these product candidates, the risk of a delay or difficulties in the manufacturing of the Company’s product candidates or in the initiation and conduct of, or enrollment of patients in, any clinical trials, the risk that the Company may cease or delay preclinical or clinical development of any of its product candidates for a variety of reasons (including requirements that may be imposed by regulatory authorities on the initiation or conduct of clinical trials, changes in the therapeutic, regulatory, or competitive landscape for which the Company’s product candidates are being developed, the amount and type of data to be generated or otherwise to support regulatory approval, difficulties or delays in patient enrollment and continuation in the Company’s ongoing and planned clinical trials, difficulties in manufacturing or supplying the Company’s product candidates for clinical testing, failure to demonstrate that a product candidate has the requisite safety, efficacy, or other attributes to warrant further development, and any adverse events or other negative results that may be observed during preclinical or clinical development), the risk that its product candidates may not produce therapeutic benefits or may cause other unanticipated adverse effects, and risks relating to regulatory interactions and the outcome of such interactions. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company’s most recently filed periodic report, and from time to time in the Company’s press releases and other investor communications. Fate Therapeutics is providing the information in this release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

Ryan Douglas
Fate Therapeutics, Inc.
IR@fatetherapeutics.com

Jonathan Rigby and Will Rust, Ph.D., to Discuss Proposed Merger to Form BetaNova Biotherapeutics and Advance a Differentiated Type 1 Diabetes Cell-Replacement Platform

TORONTO and GERMANTOWN, Md., Sept. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sernova Biotherapeutics (“Sernova”) (TSX: SVA) (OTC: SEOVF) (FSE/XETRA: PSHO), a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company focused on developing cell therapies with the goal of delivering a functional cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D), today announced Sernova and Seraxis Holdings, Inc. (“Seraxis”) will participate in Noble Capital Markets’ Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference on Thursday, October 1, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Jonathan Rigby, President and CEO of Sernova, will be joined by Will Rust, Ph.D., President and CEO of Seraxis, for a joint presentation and fireside-style Q&A focused on the companies’ proposed merger to form BetaNova Biotherapeutics (“BetaNova”) and the strategy for the combined company.

The discussion is expected to highlight the complementary technologies being brought together through the proposed merger, including Seraxis’ stem cell-derived pancreatic islet cell programs and in-house cGMP manufacturing capabilities and Sernova’s Cell Pouch Bio-hybrid Organ, as well as the companies’ plans to advance a differentiated approach to T1D cell replacement.

The live virtual presentation will include an interactive Q&A with questions from attendees. Qualified investors may also request scheduled one-on-one meetings with members of the Sernova and Seraxis management teams. 

On September 8, 2026, Sernova and Seraxis announced a definitive agreement to combine their businesses and technologies to create BetaNova Biotherapeutics, a proposed U.S.-domiciled, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on T1D islet cell replacement. The proposed combination brings together Seraxis’ SR-02 and SR-03 stem cell-derived pancreatic islet programs and scalable cGMP manufacturing with Sernova’s clinically validated, implantable and retrievable Cell Pouch Bio-hybrid Organ, creating an integrated platform spanning therapeutic cells, manufacturing and cell delivery. The merger is expected to close in November 2026, subject to shareholder, court, TSX and other customary approvals and closing conditions. The press release can be found here.

Presentation Details

Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Format: Virtual presentation and fireside-style Q&A

Attendees interested in viewing the presentation can join using this link: https://channelchek.cc/4ycad0e

Qualified investors interested in scheduling a 1×1 meeting with management may reach out to Giorgia Pigato of Noble Capital Markets, at gpigato@noblecapitalmarkets.com

A replay of the presentation will be available for 90 days following the event through Sernova’s website https://sernova.com, and as part of a complete catalog of presentations available on Channelchek www.channelchek.com, Noble Capital Markets’ investor platform.

ABOUT BETANOVA BIOTHERAPEUTICS

BetaNova Biotherapeutics is the proposed combined company of Sernova Biotherapeutics and Seraxis Holdings, Inc. Subject to completion of the proposed transaction, BetaNova will be a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company focused on advancing cell-replacement therapies for type 1 diabetes. BetaNova will combine Seraxis’ stem cell-derived pancreatic islet cells and cGMP manufacturing platform with Sernova’s Cell Pouch Bio-hybrid Organ.

ABOUT SERNOVA BIOTHERAPEUTICS

Sernova Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company developing cell-based therapies for type 1 diabetes. Its Cell Pouch Bio-hybrid Organ is a clinically validated, implantable and retrievable cell containment device designed to provide a vascularized environment for therapeutic cells and support cell survival, engraftment and function.

ABOUT SERAXIS

Seraxis is a clinical stage company that develops stem cell-derived pancreatic islets and scalable cGMP manufacturing processes. Seraxis’ mission is to demonstrate safety and potency of its islets in T1D patients without immune suppression therapy. To accomplish this goal, its lead allogeneic product, SR-02, is IND-cleared and will be paired with an immune tolerizing strategy. Seraxis’ follow-on product SR-03 adds gene edits to SR-02 that increase compatibility with the host and potentially enhance long-term engraftment without immune suppression. Seraxis operates in-house cGMP manufacturing capabilities to support scalable production of its cell therapies.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

David Burke
VP, Investor Relations
(917) 751-5713
David.Burke@sernova.com  

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

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Sernova has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the company’s expectation of receiving all necessary approvals to complete the merger with Seraxis. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Sernova appears in Sernova’s Annual Information Form for the year ended October 31, 2025, filed with Canadian securities authorities and available at www.sedarplus.ca, as updated by Sernova’s continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Sernova disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FactSet (NYSE: FDS | NASDAQ: FDS), a leading global intelligence and AI solutions provider to the financial markets, today announced the appointment of Marcel Prins to its Board of Directors.

Prins brings over 25 years of experience spanning operations, technology, and asset management. From 2022-2026, he served as Chief Operating Officer and a director of Robeco, a global asset manager based in the Netherlands.   During his tenure, he drove innovation and accelerated Robeco’s digital transformation, including defining and executing a multi-year technology strategy, introducing a modern data platform, strengthening data governance, and increasing resiliency.

Prior to Robeco, Prins spent more than a decade at APG N.V., first serving as Chief Operating Officer and director of APG Asset Management, and then additionally as the Chief Digital Officer of APG Group. Earlier in his career, he held roles at ABN AMRO Group N.V., Fortis Bank, and DCE International.

In addition to his role at FactSet, Prins serves on the boards of ABN Amro Clearing Bank and Mondu Financial Services. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

“We are pleased to welcome Marcel to our Board,” said Malcolm Frank, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His extensive technology and asset management experience will be a strong addition to the Board as FactSet moves into its next chapter and continues to put trusted financial data and advanced AI capabilities to work to empower our clients.”

“I am honored to join FactSet’s Board at a pivotal time,” said Prins. “I look forward to working with the Board and the leadership team to continue to deliver value to our clients and shareholders.”

About FactSet

FactSet (NYSE: FDS | NASDAQ: FDS) supercharges financial intelligence, offering enterprise data and information solutions that help our clients maximize their potential. Our digital platform seamlessly integrates proprietary data, third-party sources, and flexible technology to deliver tailored solutions across the buy side, sell side, wealth, and corporate sectors. With over 47 years of expertise, we leverage advanced data connectivity, AI, and next-generation tools to streamline workflows and enable smarter decision-making. As an S&P 500 company serving more than 9,100 global clients and over 247,000 individual users, we are dedicated to innovation and long-term client success. Learn more at www.factset.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

FactSet
Investor Relations:
Kevin Toomey
+1.212.209.5259
Kevin.Toomey@factset.com

Media Relations:
Adam Dalezman
media_request@factset.com

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Air Canada (TSX: AC) today announced the preliminary results of the now expired substantial issuer bid (the “offer”) to purchase for cancellation up to $800 million of its Class A variable voting shares and Class B voting shares (collectively, the “shares”) at a purchase price of not less than $29.00 and not more than $33.00 per share.

Air Canada expects to take up and pay for 27,586,206 shares at a price of $29.00 per share under the offer, representing an aggregate purchase price of about $800 million for about 9.8% of the total number of Air Canada’s issued and outstanding shares as of September 24, 2026 and before giving effect to the offer.

The offer is an important milestone in Air Canada’s disciplined execution of its capital allocation framework and priorities, allowing it to complete the return of its share count to pre-pandemic levels. The share purchase will be funded with part of the proceeds from the minority equity investment in Aeroplan by funds managed by Blackstone and La Caisse, together with other leading Canadian institutions. Completion of the offer will also allow Air Canada to return value to shareholders while continuing to invest in its New Frontiers strategy and support one of the strongest balance sheets among its North American peers.

Shares tendered into the offer

In response to the offer, 66.8 million shares were validly deposited and not withdrawn pursuant to auction tenders at or below the purchase price and purchase price tenders. Since the offer was oversubscribed, shareholders who made auction tenders at or below the purchase price and purchase price tenders will have the number of shares purchased prorated following the determination of the final results of the offer (other than “odd lot” tenders, which are not subject to proration). Air Canada currently expects that shareholders who made auction tenders at or below the purchase price and purchase price tenders will have about 41% of their validly deposited shares purchased by Air Canada.

After giving effect to the offer and based on the number of issued and outstanding shares on September 24, 2026, Air Canada expects to have 252,745,331 shares issued and outstanding.

Further information

The number of shares validly deposited and not withdrawn, the number of shares to be purchased, the proration factor and the purchase price referred to above are preliminary and remain subject to verification by TSX Trust Company, as depositary for the offer. Upon take up and payment of the shares purchased, Air Canada will release the final results, including the estimated paid-up capital per share and “specified amount” (each for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) and the final proration factor.

The full details of the offer are described in the offer to purchase and issuer bid circular dated August 20, 2026, as well as the related letter of transmittal and notice of guaranteed delivery, copies of which were filed and are available under Air Canada’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Air Canada’s shares. All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements may involve, but are not limited to, comments relating to guidance, strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions. Forward-looking statements are identified using terms and phrases such as “preliminary”; “anticipate”; “believe”; “could”; “estimate”; “expect”; “intend”; “may”; “plan”; “predict”; “project”; “will”; “would”; and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. These statements also include statements relating to the terms of the offer, including the timing of payment and settlement for shares purchased under the offer, the number of shares expected to be issued and outstanding after completion of the offer and Air Canada’s anticipated benefits from the offer.

Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions including those described herein and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements cannot be relied upon due to, among other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business of Air Canada. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed below.

Factors that may cause results to differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements include economic conditions, including high or volatile fuel prices or significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel, including as a result of the military conflict in the Middle East, statements or actions by governments and uncertainty relating to the imposition of (or threats to impose) tariffs on Canadian exports or imports and their resulting impacts on the Canadian, North American and global economies and travel demand, geopolitical and security conditions including in relation to the military conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine, Air Canada’s ability to successfully achieve or sustain positive net profitability, industry and market conditions and the demand environment, competition, Air Canada’s dependence on technology, cybersecurity risks, interruptions of service, climate change and environmental factors (including weather systems and other natural phenomena and factors arising from anthropogenic sources), Air Canada’s dependence on key suppliers (including government agencies and other stakeholders supporting airport and airline operations), employee and labour relations and costs, Air Canada’s ability to successfully implement appropriate strategic and other important initiatives (including Air Canada’s ability to manage operating costs), energy prices, Air Canada’s ability to pay its indebtedness and maintain or increase liquidity, Air Canada’s dependence on regional and other carriers, Air Canada’s ability to attract and retain required personnel, epidemic diseases, changes in laws, regulatory developments or proceedings, terrorist acts, war, Air Canada’s ability to successfully operate its loyalty program, casualty losses, Air Canada’s dependence on Star Alliance® and joint ventures, Air Canada’s ability to preserve and grow its brand, pending and future litigation and actions by third parties, currency exchange fluctuations, limitations due to restrictive covenants, insurance issues and costs, and pension plan obligations as well as the factors identified in Air Canada’s public disclosure file available at www.sedarplus.ca and, in particular, those identified in section 14 “Risk Factors” of Air Canada’s Second Quarter 2026 MD&A and in section 18 “Risk Factors” of Air Canada’s 2025 MD&A.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air Canada’s expectations as of the date of this news release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Headquartered in Montréal, Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, with more than 10 million members worldwide. Members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of more than 50 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers a selection of vacation and Flight & Hotel packages, tours, cruises, car rentals, and experiences. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada’s climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. For additional information, please see Air Canada’s TCFD disclosure. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX (AC).

Contacts:       media@aircanada.ca

Internet:         aircanada.com/media

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To Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S

Executive Management Bernstorffsgade 40 1577 København V www.rd.dk Telephone +45 7012 5300 25 September 2026

Fixing of coupon rate effective from 1 October 2026

With effect from 1 October 2026, the coupon rate of the following bonds financing RD Euribor3®,
RD Stibor3®, RD Stibor3® Green, RD Nibor3®, RD Cibor6® (RO), FlexGaranti® and RenteDyk® will be adjusted.
        

Please find the data in the attached file.

The Executive Management

Any additional questions should be addressed to Chief Analyst Hella Gebhardt Rønnebæk,

Phone +45 45 13 20 68.

Attachment

• 20260925 Bilag til rentefastsættelse-okt2026_uk

FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI)

PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY
Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1.        KEY INFORMATION

(a)        Name of exempt principal trader:	Investec Bank plc
(b)        Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:         Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	Gamma Communications Plc
(c)        Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected:	Investec is Joint Broker to Gamma Communications Plc
(d)        Date dealing undertaken:	24th September 2026
(e)        In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect of any other party to this offer?         If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	N/A

2.        DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a)        Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchases/ sales	Total number of securities	Highest price per unit paid/received	Lowest price per unit paid/received
Ordinary shares	Purchases	45,614	1120	1120
Ordinary shares	Sales	45,614	1120	1120

(b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.	Number of securities to which option relates	Exercise price per unit	Type e.g. American, European etc.	Expiry date	Option money paid/ received per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(ii)        Exercise

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Exercising/ exercised against	Number of securities	Exercise price per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security	Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion	Details	Price per unit (if applicable)
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

3.        OTHER INFORMATION
        
(a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i)        the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii)        the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

Date of disclosure:	25th September 2026
Contact name:	Abhishek Gawde
Telephone number:	+91-9923757332

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI)

PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY
Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1.        KEY INFORMATION

(a)        Name of exempt principal trader:	Investec Bank plc
(b)        Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:         Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	Gooch & Housego plc
(c)        Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected:	Investec is Advisor and Broker to Gooch & Housego plc
(d)        Date dealing undertaken:	24th September 2026
(e)        In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect of any other party to this offer?         If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	N/A

2.        DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a)        Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchases/ sales	Total number of securities	Highest price per unit paid/received	Lowest price per unit paid/received
Ordinary shares	Purchases	410,887	1223	1221.56
Ordinary shares	Sales	400,009	1222	1222

(b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.	Number of securities to which option relates	Exercise price per unit	Type e.g. American, European etc.	Expiry date	Option money paid/ received per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(ii)        Exercise

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Exercising/ exercised against	Number of securities	Exercise price per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security	Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion	Details	Price per unit (if applicable)
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

3.        OTHER INFORMATION

(a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i)        the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii)        the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

Date of disclosure:	25th September 2026
Contact name:	Abhishek Gawde
Telephone number:	+91-9923757332

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

Approval extends VEON’s digital financial services ambitions under its “Invest in Bangladesh NOW!” framework

Dubai, Dhaka and New York, September 25, 2026 – VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON, “VEON”), a global digital operator, today announced that a joint venture between VEON Digital Financial Group and Square Group, one of Bangladesh’s leading business conglomerates, has received approval for a Digital Bank license from Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of Bangladesh. The license marks VEON’s entry into full-scale digital banking in Bangladesh, building on Banglalink’s existing Payment Service Provider (PSP) license, which underpins its Mukto Pay digital payments service.

This milestone reflects continued progress under “Invest in Bangladesh NOW!”: a public-private partnership with the Government of Bangladesh that VEON formally launched in New York during UN General Assembly High-Level Week. VEON has committed an initial US$250 million anchor investment toward its ambition of mobilising US$1 billion in foreign direct investment for Bangladesh, advancing connectivity, digital infrastructure, digital financial services and AI.

With connectivity as its foundation, the new digital bank is expected to integrate closely with Banglalink’s mobile ecosystem, extending accessible, end-to-end financial tools to mobile users across the country. By combining VEON’s global technology expertise with Square Group’s deep domestic manufacturing, distribution and retail networks, the venture is intended to bring modern banking to communities that remain outside the reach of conventional financial services.

“Financial inclusion is key to eradicating poverty, and today’s approval marks an important step toward that goal in Bangladesh. We’re grateful to Bangladesh Bank and the Government of Bangladesh for their continued support in building the digital financial infrastructure the country needs. Together with Square Group, a trusted and well-established partner, this brings us closer to our commitment to bringing more of Bangladesh’s unbanked population into the formal financial services system,” said Kaan Terzioglu, Group Chief Executive Officer of VEON.

“On the 101st birthday of Samson H Chowdhury, founder Chairman of Square Group, we are delighted to receive Bangladesh Bank’s approval for the Digital Bank license, for which we are deeply honoured by the trust and confidence of Bangladesh Bank. VEON brings the right technological expertise and global experience, while Square Group is a trusted name built over the last 68 years. We hope that the people of this country will benefit from the services of this digital bank once it goes into operation,” said Tapan Chowdhury, Managing Director, Square Group.

“With our Mukto Pay already in place and a digital banking license now awarded, we are well positioned to serve all Bangladeshis, especially those who have lacked access to conventional banking. Combining Banglalink’s nationwide telecommunications network and distribution with digital financial services enables the new digital bank to ensure financial inclusion for the people of Bangladesh,” said Johan Buse, Chief Executive Officer of Banglalink.

VEON Digital Financial Group serves 59 million active financial services customers across Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as of Q2 2026. Bangladesh is now set to join this growing footprint following today’s approval, advancing VEON’s strategy of building leading digital financial services ecosystems across its markets and complementing recent regulatory and commercial milestones in Kazakhstan.

About VEON 

VEON is a digital operator that provides connectivity and digital services to over 150 million connectivity customers and more than 227 million digital users. Operating across five countries that are home to more than 6% of the world’s population, VEON is transforming lives through technology-driven services that empower individuals and drive economic growth. VEON is listed on NASDAQ. For more information, visit: https://www.veon.com. 

About SQUARE Group

SQUARE Group, founded in 1958, is one of Bangladesh’s leading diversified business groups, with operations spanning pharmaceuticals, textiles and garments, toiletries, food and beverages, healthcare, information technology, and other sectors. With its flagship company, SQUARE Pharmaceuticals PLC, the Group has built a strong reputation for leadership, quality, innovation, and excellence, while expanding its presence in international markets. For more information, please visit: http://www.squaregroup.com/

About Banglalink

Banglalink, the country’s leading digital operator, places people at the heart of everything it does. Guided by a people first approach rooted in care, Banglalink works to make digital and financial services more accessible and meaningful in everyday life, ultimately making a better life for all. The company offers a range of digital solutions, including the MyBL super app, the country’s largest entertainment platform Toffee, and RYZE, the country’s first AI powered digital lifestyle brand for youth. Banglalink is a fully owned subsidiary of VEON, a Nasdaq listed global digital operator headquartered in Dubai.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Banglalink’s digital banking platform, VEON’s investment intentions in Bangladesh, and VEON’s digital financial services products and strategy. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially from those expressed by such statements, including risks relating to Banglalink’s digital banking platform, VEON’s investment intentions in Bangladesh, and VEON’s digital financial services products and strategy, among others discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in VEON’s 2025 Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 16, 2026 and other public filings made by VEON with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this release, and VEON disclaims any obligation to update them, except as required by law.

Contact Information 

VEON
pr@veon.com

FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI)

PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY
Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1.        KEY INFORMATION

(a)        Name of exempt principal trader:	Investec Bank Plc
(b)        Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:         Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	Tribal Group Plc
(c)        Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected:	Investec is Advisor and Joint Broker to Tribal Group Plc
(d)        Date dealing undertaken:	24th September 2026
(e)        In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect of any other party to this offer?         If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	N/A

2.        DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a)        Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchases/ sales	Total number of securities	Highest price per unit paid/received	Lowest price per unit paid/received
Ordinary shares	Purchase	14,091	82.56	82.56

(b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.	Number of securities to which option relates	Exercise price per unit	Type e.g. American, European etc.	Expiry date	Option money paid/ received per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(ii)        Exercise

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Exercising/ exercised against	Number of securities	Exercise price per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security	Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion	Details	Price per unit (if applicable)
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

3.        OTHER INFORMATION

(a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i)        the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii)        the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

Date of disclosure:	25th September 2026
Contact name:	Abhishek Gawde
Telephone number:	+91-9923757332

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at ssssssswwww.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI)

PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY
Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1.        KEY INFORMATION

(a)        Name of exempt principal trader:	Investec Bank Plc
(b)        Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:         Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	SThree Plc
(c)        Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected:	Investec is Joint Broker to SThree Plc
(d)        Date dealing undertaken:	24th September 2026
(e)        In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect of any other party to this offer?         If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	N/A

2.        DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a)        Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchases/ sales	Total number of securities	Highest price per unit paid/received	Lowest price per unit paid/received
Ordinary shares	Purchases	34,022	309	308
Ordinary shares	Sales	17,205	311	309

(b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.	Number of securities to which option relates	Exercise price per unit	Type e.g. American, European etc.	Expiry date	Option money paid/ received per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(ii)        Exercise

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Exercising/ exercised against	Number of securities	Exercise price per unit
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security	Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion	Details	Price per unit (if applicable)
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

3.        OTHER INFORMATION

(a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i)        the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii)        the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

Date of disclosure:	25th September 2026
Contact name:	Abhishek Gawde
Telephone number:	+91-9923757332

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at ssssssswwww.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.