Author: Ravi Shankar

Canada’s largest credit union strengthens its technology foundation to increase efficiency and support its next phase of growth

VANCOUVER, Canada and GRAND-LANCY, Switzerland, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Temenos (SIX: TEMN), a global leader in banking technology, today announced that Vancity has selected Temenos SaaS to modernize its core banking platform and support its next phase of growth.

Serving the needs of more than 588,000 members across more than three million accounts and reporting CAD $42.4 billion in assets, Vancity is Canada’s largest credit union and one of the country’s most significant member-owned financial institutions.

With Temenos, Vancity will follow a build-and-migrate strategy, enabling it to introduce new digital banking capabilities while progressively modernizing its existing operations. This approach will help Vancity transition to Temenos’ modern SaaS platform at a pace that protects members, operations and business continuity.

The transformation program will support core banking operations across Vancity’s main business lines, including retail deposits, retail lending, corporate banking, and payments. The scope includes Temenos Core, Temenos Payments Hub and Temenos Data Hub.

Deployed on Microsoft Azure, Temenos SaaS will provide Vancity with a scalable and resilient foundation while simplifying the management of its core banking technology and supporting its ESG commitments through a more efficient technology environment.

Wendy Murphy, Chief Technology Officer, Vancity, commented: “Banking is changing, and the technology behind it needs to change too. Moving to Temenos SaaS represents a deliberate shift toward a simpler, more scalable technology foundation that can continuously evolve, allowing Vancity to innovate faster and respond to our members’ changing needs. It means we can spend less time managing complexity and more time investing in better banking experiences for our members.”

Brian DuVal, President, North America, Temenos, said: “Vancity is one of Canada’s most significant financial institutions with a broad and sophisticated banking operation. This program underscores how Temenos’ modern technology platform can help established financial institutions across North America move core banking operations to the cloud while supporting the breadth and complexity of their business.”

Attachment

• Vancity Selects Temenos SaaS to Modernize Core Banking

CONTACT: Scott Rowe
Temenos
+  44 (0) 20 7423 3857
scott.rowe@temenos.com

Bagsværd, Denmark, 26 October 2026 – On 6 May 2026, Novo Nordisk initiated a share repurchase programme in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (the “Safe Harbour Rules”). This programme is part of the overall share repurchase programme of up to DKK 15 billion to be executed during a 12-month period beginning 4 February 2026.

Under the programme initiated 6 May 2026, Novo Nordisk will repurchase B shares for an amount up to DKK 11,200,000,010.45 in the period from 6 May 2026 to 1 February 2027.

Since the announcement 19 October, the following transactions have been made:

	Number of B shares	Average purchase price	Transaction value, DKK
Accumulated, last announcement	24,315,000		7,075,024,314
19 October 2026	239,994	257.23	61,734,209
20 October 2026	240,006	258.81	62,115,110
21 October 2026	240,000	260.66	62,558,988
22 October 2026	240,000	262.77	63,065,792
23 October 2026	240,000	261.87	62,849,699
Accumulated under the programme	25,515,000		7,387,348,112

The details for each transaction made under the share repurchase programme are published on novonordisk.com.

With the transactions stated above, Novo Nordisk owns a total of 54,314,876 B shares of DKK 0.10 as treasury shares, corresponding to 1.2% of the share capital. The total amount of A and B shares in the company is 4,465,000,000 including treasury shares.

Novo Nordisk expects to repurchase B shares for an amount up to DKK 15 billion during a 12-month period beginning 4 February 2026. As of 23 October 2026, Novo Nordisk has since 4 February 2026 repurchased a total 40,274,179 B shares at an average share price of DKK 277.78 per B share equal to a transaction value of DKK 11,187,348,102.

Novo is the global healthcare company that believes lasting health starts now. For over a century, we’ve combined leading scientific expertise with a deep understanding of people’s lives. We develop treatments and support that help millions of people make progress they can see, feel and sustain now and in the future. Every day, over 67,000 employees around the world advance our purpose to drive change for lasting health. Through our partnerships, programmes and investments, we’re working to prevent disease, expand access to treatments and reduce our environmental impact to help even more people live healthier lives. Novo Nordisk’s B shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Novo-B). Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NVO). For more information, visit novonordisk.com and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, X and YouTube. 

Contacts for further information

Novo Nordisk Media:
Ambre James-Brown +45 3079 9289 globalmedia@novonordisk.com	Liz Skrbkova (US) +1 609 917 0632 USMediaRelations@novonordisk.com
Novo Nordisk Investors:
Michael Novod +45 3075 6050 nvno@novonordisk.com	Sina Meyer +45 3079 6656 azey@novonordisk.com
Christoffer Togo Solgaard-Tullin +45 3079 1471 cftu@novonordisk.com	Max Ung +45 3077 6414 mxun@novonordisk.com
Ida Schaap Melvold +45 3077 5649 idmg@novonordisk.com	Mads Berner Bruun +45 3075 2936 mbbz@novonordisk.com
Frederik Taylor Pitter (US) +1 609 613 0568 fptr@novonordisk.com	Alex Bruce (US) +1 640 230 0276 axeu@novonordisk.com

Company announcement No 63 / 2026

Attachments

• CA261026_Safe Harbour
• CA261026_Safe harbour transaction details

Bagsværd, Denmark, 26 October 2026 – On 6 May 2026, Novo Nordisk initiated a share repurchase programme in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (the “Safe Harbour Rules”). This programme is part of the overall share repurchase programme of up to DKK 15 billion to be executed during a 12-month period beginning 4 February 2026.

Under the programme initiated 6 May 2026, Novo Nordisk will repurchase B shares for an amount up to DKK 11,200,000,010.45 in the period from 6 May 2026 to 1 February 2027.

Since the announcement 19 October, the following transactions have been made:

	Number of B shares	Average purchase price	Transaction value, DKK
Accumulated, last announcement	24,315,000		7,075,024,314
19 October 2026	239,994	257.23	61,734,209
20 October 2026	240,006	258.81	62,115,110
21 October 2026	240,000	260.66	62,558,988
22 October 2026	240,000	262.77	63,065,792
23 October 2026	240,000	261.87	62,849,699
Accumulated under the programme	25,515,000		7,387,348,112

The details for each transaction made under the share repurchase programme are published on novonordisk.com.

With the transactions stated above, Novo Nordisk owns a total of 54,314,876 B shares of DKK 0.10 as treasury shares, corresponding to 1.2% of the share capital. The total amount of A and B shares in the company is 4,465,000,000 including treasury shares.

Novo Nordisk expects to repurchase B shares for an amount up to DKK 15 billion during a 12-month period beginning 4 February 2026. As of 23 October 2026, Novo Nordisk has since 4 February 2026 repurchased a total 40,274,179 B shares at an average share price of DKK 277.78 per B share equal to a transaction value of DKK 11,187,348,102.

Novo is the global healthcare company that believes lasting health starts now. For over a century, we’ve combined leading scientific expertise with a deep understanding of people’s lives. We develop treatments and support that help millions of people make progress they can see, feel and sustain now and in the future. Every day, over 67,000 employees around the world advance our purpose to drive change for lasting health. Through our partnerships, programmes and investments, we’re working to prevent disease, expand access to treatments and reduce our environmental impact to help even more people live healthier lives. Novo Nordisk’s B shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Novo-B). Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NVO). For more information, visit novonordisk.com and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, X and YouTube. 

Contacts for further information

Novo Nordisk Media:
Ambre James-Brown +45 3079 9289 globalmedia@novonordisk.com	Liz Skrbkova (US) +1 609 917 0632 USMediaRelations@novonordisk.com
Novo Nordisk Investors:
Michael Novod +45 3075 6050 nvno@novonordisk.com	Sina Meyer +45 3079 6656 azey@novonordisk.com
Christoffer Togo Solgaard-Tullin +45 3079 1471 cftu@novonordisk.com	Max Ung +45 3077 6414 mxun@novonordisk.com
Ida Schaap Melvold +45 3077 5649 idmg@novonordisk.com	Mads Berner Bruun +45 3075 2936 mbbz@novonordisk.com
Frederik Taylor Pitter (US) +1 609 613 0568 fptr@novonordisk.com	Alex Bruce (US) +1 640 230 0276 axeu@novonordisk.com

Company announcement No 63 / 2026

Attachments

• CA261026_Safe Harbour
• CA261026_Safe harbour transaction details

Hong Kong, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Green Circle Decarbonize Technology Limited (the “Company”) (NYSE American: GCDT), a Cayman Islands holding company that, through its Hong Kong subsidiary, Boca International Limited, develops and manufactures Phase Change Material (PCM-TES) storage systems designed for cooling and heating applications, today announced that NYSE American had contacted the Company regarding recent trading activity in the Company’s ordinary shares.

Although it is the Company’s policy not to comment on unusual market activity or market speculation, in response to NYSE American’s inquiry, the Company confirms that, following appropriate inquiry, it is not aware of any material undisclosed developments relating to its business or operations that would account for the recent trading activity in its ordinary shares.

From time to time, the Company evaluates potential strategic initiatives and financing opportunities in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not comment on market speculation regarding potential transactions, and there can be no assurance that any potential transaction will be pursued or completed. The Company does not intend to comment further on this matter unless disclosure is required under applicable securities laws or NYSE American rules.

The Company will continue to monitor trading activity in its securities and will disclose material information as required by applicable securities laws and NYSE American rules.

About Green Circle Decarbonize Technology Limited

Green Circle Decarbonize Technology Limited is a Cayman Islands holding company operating through its Hong Kong subsidiary, Boca International Limited. The Company is a provider of advanced energy saving solutions supported by proprietary phase change thermal energy storage materials and thermal engineering services.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections regarding future events that may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “propose,” “seek,” “should,” “will” and “would,” or similar expressions. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Investors should review the risk factors and other disclosures included in the Company’s registration statements and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as required by applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

Green Circle Decarbonize Technology Limited

Chief Financial Officer
Email: louis.leung@vbg.com.hk

SHANGHAI, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Three days in Wuhu, four very different tests. At the 2026 Chery International User Summit, FREELANDER’s international guests took part in the first test drive of the international variant of FREELANDER 8, on and off road.

The Test Drive Programme

An all-terrain course came first, then an obstacle course with a steep hill-climb ramp, water and cross-axle sections, a paved test course and, on 21 October, SIVP (Super Intelligent Valet Parking). Off road, i-ATS (Intelligent All-Terrain System) let guests choose from nine terrain modes to suit the ground.

A guest drives FREELANDER 8 with i-ATS (Intelligent All-Terrain System) at Tuju Campground

What Guests Said

On the steep descent, a guest from Spain said their heart was “still pounding a little bit”, then added: “But I trust the car.” When rain fell on the slope, a guest from Egypt was glad of it: “this is really the torture test for any slope.”

On the paved course, a guest from the United Kingdom found the car “far more comfortable than I had expected.” A guest from Qatar said: “I expected it from everything we heard about the car. But to experience it in real life, it was a different thing.”

The Technology Behind It

Under the relevant test conditions, FREELANDER 8 can climb gradients of up to 70%. Hill Descent Control and Crawl Control help manage the way down. FREELANDER 8’s global validation programme includes a 12-hour extreme rain test.

On cross-axle sections, FREELANDER 8 offers 800 mm of maximum articulation and 240 mm of wheel travel, with the All-Terrain Dual Lock System helping to maintain traction. It can wade through water up to 900 mm deep. These capabilities are subject to the vehicle’s operating limits and appropriate driving conditions.

FREELANDER 8 drives through mud and standing water on the all-terrain course

Dual-chamber air suspension with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) supports ride comfort. The international left-hand drive version delivers 460 kW of peak power and 662 N·m of peak torque, with 0–100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. Braking comes from six-piston fixed front calipers with 404 mm vented front discs.

In supported parking scenarios, SIVP lets drivers park and recall the car via a smartphone app. It will be available in selected markets, subject to the system’s operating conditions; the driver remains responsible at all times.

What Comes Next

Launch in the United Arab Emirates is expected in the first quarter of 2027. FREELANDER 8 brings together premium heritage, intelligent technology and all-terrain capability. This combination reflects the brand slogan “Beyond the Legend” and its vision of building on its heritage through intelligent innovation and distinctive design.

About FREELANDER

FREELANDER is a British Premium Intelligent All-Terrain Brand, jointly developed by JLR and Chery Group. JLR owns the FREELANDER brand and has established a dedicated FREELANDER Design Hub to lead its design. Chery provides advanced intelligent technology and a top-tier global supply chain. The brand’s global foundation includes more than 5,000 employees, five strategic hubs and fully integrated capabilities spanning design, R&D, manufacturing and global operations.

Media contact
Daniel Bao
freelander.international@mychery.com
https://www.cheryinternational.com/

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d62eb57a-fd91-4097-bf18-d8af89813f78

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4cb39ba5-3569-42b7-aa26-3019aa2f2396

More than 70% of members in the study reported symptom improvement, with the greatest gains among those receiving both personalized coaching and menopause-trained provider care

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Progyny, Inc. (Nasdaq: PGNY), a global leader in women’s health and family building solutions, today announced findings from a new clinical outcomes study showing significant improvements in menopause symptoms among members receiving care through its Menopause and Midlife program. The research found that more than 70% of members in the study experienced improvement in their menopause symptoms, with the greatest gains observed among those who received both personalized coaching and care from menopause-trained providers.

The findings, detailed in Progyny’s new white paper, Beyond the Hype: Evidence for a Connected Model of Menopause Care, come during Menopause Awareness Month and as demand for menopause support continues to grow, yet access to evidence-based care remains limited, inconsistent, and difficult to navigate. In an expanding marketplace of menopause solutions offering widely varying levels of clinical support, the research underscores the importance of a connected care model that integrates education, personalized guidance, and specialized clinical care to help women navigate this critical life stage.

“Menopause has historically been underdiscussed and undertreated. Growing awareness is an important step forward, but awareness alone isn’t enough,” said Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny. “Women need reliable education and access to knowledgeable providers who offer evidence-based care tailored to their individual symptoms, health needs and goals. With so many products and treatments promoted today, employers also need confidence that the benefits they invest in connect employees to care grounded in clinical best practices, tailored to improve their health and well-being.”

Key findings from the study include:

• More than 70% of members in the study experienced symptom improvement: 70.8% of members reported an overall improvement in menopause symptoms, with an average 7.1-point improvement on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), a validated assessment of 11 common symptoms scored in severity on a scale from 0 to 44.
• Coaching plus menopause-trained provider care was associated with the greatest improvements: Members who received both experienced an average 7.6-point improvement in MRS scores, compared with 3.3 points among those who received coaching alone.
• Significant improvements were observed across all 11 measured symptoms: Members experienced reductions in hot flashes (52%), vaginal dryness (50%), cardiac symptoms (48%), and depressive mood (45%), among other symptoms.
• Sleep disturbance fell 42%, addressing a symptom linked to cardiometabolic risk.
• Women with severe symptoms also experienced meaningful relief: 40.4% of members who initially reported severe symptoms moved into a lower symptom severity category.

Addressing a growing gap in menopause care

Despite increasing attention to menopause in the workplace, many women continue to face challenges finding qualified providers and navigating treatment options. As recently as 2023, fewer than one-third of OB-GYN residency programs included menopause management training, contributing to gaps in specialized care.

These challenges have a direct impact on employee well-being and performance. Research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings estimated that menopause-related symptoms contribute to $1.8 billion in annual lost productivity in the United States due to missed workdays alone.

Progyny’s findings highlight the potential value of a more comprehensive approach to menopause support. Its Menopause and Midlife program combines evidence-based education, one-on-one coaching from clinically trained Progyny Care Advocates, and access to a curated network of menopause-trained providers. The model is designed to help members understand their symptoms, navigate treatment options, and access appropriate clinical care based on individual needs.

“A few months ago…the only thing I knew about menopause was that hot flashes were involved. While I was having hot flashes, the brain fog and joint pain were more debilitating. I felt like a shell of a human when I first contacted Progyny. [My Progyny Care Advocate] was very supportive, kind, understanding, and patient. She oriented me on my benefit and connected me with [a menopause provider]. I have a new lease on life. I feel so fortunate,” said one Progyny member.

The full white paper, Beyond the Hype: Evidence for a Connected Model of Menopause Care, is available here.

About Progyny

Progyny is a global leader in women’s health and family building solutions, trusted by leading employers, health plans, and benefit purchasers worldwide. Through its comprehensive and personalized approach, Progyny supports members across fertility and family building, pregnancy and postpartum, menopause and midlife, and parent and child well-being journeys. Progyny combines differentiated clinical care, integrated pharmacy support through Progyny Rx®, and personalized guidance from Progyny Care Advocates® to deliver improved member experiences and better health outcomes. For more information, visit www.progyny.com.

About the study

The analysis was a retrospective longitudinal review of members enrolled in Progyny’s Menopause and Midlife program during 2025–2026. The clinical outcomes sample included 179 members who completed an initial Menopause Rating Scale assessment during their first coaching call and a follow-up assessment an average of 109 days later. Findings reflect observed associations within the study population and do not establish causation.

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Media:
Alexis Ford
media@progyny.com

Investors:
James Hart
investors@progyny.com

DOVER, USA, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — E-Power Inc. (“E-Power,” the “Company,” “we” or “our”) (NASDAQ: EPOW), a provider of advanced battery materials and AI Data Center (AIDC) microgrid solutions, today announced that its joint venture, Sunrise (Guizhou) New Energy Materials Co., Ltd. (“Sunrise Guizhou”), has received RMB 110 million (approximately US$16.5 million) of the RMB 200 million (approximately US$30.0 million) capital increase subscribed by Jieshou Xinyang Zhanxin Equity Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership) (the “Investor”).

The corresponding change in registered capital was recorded with the local administration for market regulation on July 29, 2026, increasing Sunrise Guizhou’s registered capital from RMB 321.41 million to RMB 341.05 million. Following that registration, the Investor holds 5.7592% of Sunrise Guizhou’s registered capital. The remaining RMB 90 million (approximately US$13.5 million) remains to be funded, which would bring the Investor’s interest to 10% of Sunrise Guizhou on a fully funded basis.

Under the capital increase agreement, dated December 3, 2024, the investment values Sunrise Guizhou at RMB 1.8 billion (approximately US$270 million) pre-money, implying a post-money valuation of RMB 2.0 billion (approximately US$300 million) on a fully funded basis.

Key Terms

• Total Subscription: RMB 200 million, payable in installments. RMB 110 million has been funded and registered; RMB 90 million remains to be funded.
• Valuation: Valuation: RMB 1.8 billion pre-money; RMB 2.0 billion post-money on a fully funded basis.
• Use of Proceeds: Under the agreement, the proceeds are to be applied to business expansion, working capital, research and development, and new projects, and may not be used to repay non-operating indebtedness, pay dividends or repurchase equity.
• Registered Capital: Increased from RMB 321.41 million to RMB 341.05 million upon the July 29, 2026 registration.
• E-Power’s Interest: E-Power holds its interest in Sunrise Guizhou through a wholly-owned subsidiary. That interest was 39.3519% before the capital increase and is 37.0855% following the July 29, 2026 registration; it would be 35.4167% upon full funding.

Third-Party Validation of the Anode Materials Business

Sunrise Guizhou is E-Power’s principal operating platform for graphite and silicon-carbon anode materials. It operates a Guizhou-based production facility powered by renewable electricity, participated in 2026 in the drafting of the national standard “Porous Carbon for Silicon-Based Anode Materials” (Plan No. 20262157-T-605), and was included in Guizhou Province’s recommendation list for the eighth batch of national-level Specialized, Refined, Distinctive and Innovative (“Little Giant”) enterprises. The proceeds are intended to support capacity expansion and the continued industrialization of Sunrise Guizhou’s silicon-carbon and hard-carbon anode technologies.

“Receiving these funds brings capital directly into our anode materials platform,” said Mr. Haiping Hu, the founder, CEO and Chairman of E-Power Inc. “The proceeds are directed toward expansion, research and development, and new projects, and we expect them to support the next phase of growth at Sunrise Guizhou.”

The remaining RMB 90 million of the subscription is subject to funding in accordance with the capital increase agreement and to completion of the related registration, and there can be no assurance as to the timing or completion of those steps. The valuation described above represents the pricing agreed under the December 2024 agreement and is not a measure of the value of E-Power’s securities.

About E-Power Inc.

E-Power Inc., through its subsidiaries, joint venture and variable interest entity structure, is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of graphite anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Through its joint venture, the Company operates a plant in Guizhou Province, China, powered by electricity from renewable sources, which contributes to the plant’s competitive production costs and reduced environmental impact in the production of graphite anode material. Mr. Haiping Hu, the founder, CEO and Chairman of the Company, has been a pioneer in the graphite anode industry since 1999. The Company’s management team is composed of experts with years of experience and successful track records in the graphite anode industry. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.sunrisenewenergy.com.

Forward-looking statement

Certain statements in this press release regarding the Company’s future expectations, plans and prospects constitute forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements about plans, goals, objectives, strategies, future events, expected results, assumptions, the commercialization of M02-3, market acceptance of the Company’s anode materials, the performance of those materials in customer cells and applications, and any statements that are not historical facts. Words such as “may,” “will,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” and similar words, shall be regarded as forward-looking statements. Product data presented in this release were measured under the Company’s own laboratory conditions on the materials described and may differ from results obtained under other conditions or in finished cells. Due to various factors, the actual results may differ materially from the historical results or from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the Company’s strategic objectives, the Company’s future plans, market demand and user acceptance of the Company’s products or services, technological updates, economic trends, the Company’s reputation and brand, the impact of industry competition, relevant policies and regulations, China’s macroeconomic conditions, international market conditions, and other related risks and assumptions. In view of the above and other related reasons, we advise investors not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and we urge investors to visit the website of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission to review the Company’s filings for other factors that may affect the Company’s future operating results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

For more information, please contact:

The Company: IR Department
Email: IR@sunrisenewenergy.com
Phone: +1 4084890472

 

Program will support business students with scholarships and career opportunities

SMITHFIELD, Va., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smithfield Foods has established the Smithfield Foods Future Leaders Scholarship at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, investing $250,000 to support eight students pursuing business degrees. The program was announced on Oct. 24 during an on-field presentation at CNU’s Family Weekend football game.

Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, eight incoming freshmen will each receive a $7,500 annual scholarship, renewable for up to three additional years. The university will select recipients based on financial need and academic achievement. Students will enter CNU as pre-business students before specializing in accounting, finance, marketing or management through the Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business.

“Smithfield established this program to open doors for deserving, talented students in the Tidewater region and help them see a future for their careers here after college,” said Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. “By connecting students with our people and our business, we can help them turn their education into meaningful careers and build a strong foundation for long-term success.”

In addition to financial support, Smithfield will engage with students each semester throughout their four years at CNU. Opportunities include interacting with Smithfield leaders, internships and the company’s Career Foundation Program to help students gain experience during college and explore careers with Smithfield after graduation.

“We are deeply grateful to Smithfield Foods for investing in the next generation of business professionals through this scholarship,” said Dr. Anna Hickey, dean of CNU’s Luter School of Business. “This gift is more than financial support—it creates life-changing opportunities for our students and helps foster the values of excellence, opportunity and service that Joseph Luter embodied.”

The scholarship also reflects the long-standing connection between CNU and Smithfield. The university’s Luter School of Business is named for the former Smithfield chairman and CEO whose family founded the company in Smithfield, Virginia, in 1936.

The Future Leaders Scholarship is part of Smithfield’s broader commitment to education and workforce development. Since 2002, the company’s scholarship program for eligible dependents of full-time and retired employees has awarded more than 1,900 scholarships totaling more than $11 million.

For more information about Smithfield’s continuing investments in schools and education programs, please visit www.smithfieldfoods.com/scholarships.

About Smithfield Foods 
Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFD) is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. 

About Christopher Newport University
A four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia, Christopher Newport University enrolls about 4,500 students in rigorous academic programs embedded in the liberal arts. Christopher Newport offers great teaching and small class sizes with an emphasis on leadership, civic engagement and honor. The University recently earned the distinction of being ranked as the No. 3 non-military public university of its type in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report.

Contact:
Emma Davis 
Smithfield Foods, Inc. 
(757) 725-9782
edavis4@smithfield.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/553821cc-b504-4f11-a7d2-7327cfd5bda7

Renk Group AG: Release according to Article 40 (1) of the WpHG (the German Securities Trading Act) with the objective of Europe-wide distribution

26. Oct 2026 / 15:57 CET/CEST, transmitted by GlobeNewswire.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Launch advances Btab’s strategy to activate a network of more than 300,000 businesses with AI-powered storefronts, product supply and commerce infrastructure

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA and NEW YORK, NY, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Btab Ecommerce Group, Inc. (OTC: BBTT) (“Btab” or the “Company”), a global ecommerce and technology company, today announced the launch of Btab.app, its AI-powered commerce platform designed to help entrepreneurs build branded online stores and sell supplier products without purchasing inventory upfront.

The launch represents a significant milestone in Btab’s strategy to connect manufacturers, suppliers and entrepreneurs through an integrated global commerce ecosystem. It builds on the Company’s previously announced AI Commerce Engine, Agentic AI initiative and Strategic Alliance Initiative, bringing its technology and product distribution strategy into a platform businesses can begin using today.

Turning AI into Business Opportunity

Btab.app combines AI-assisted store creation with access to supplier products and order-routing capabilities. Users can describe the type of store they want to create, personalize its appearance and establish their own branded retail presence. Merchants can offer catalogue products, their own products or a combination of both.

“AI should do more than help people find information. It should help them create opportunities and build businesses,” said Binson Lau, CEO of Btab. “With Btab.app, we are bringing AI, product supply and commerce infrastructure together to address the practical barriers that prevent many people from starting. Our goal is to make business ownership more accessible and give entrepreneurs the foundation to grow.”

The platform is free to open, with no monthly subscription fee. For catalogue products, Btab participates in the profit generated on each sale, aligning its commercial interests with those of participating merchants. Existing retailers can also connect their websites to Btab’s product catalogue through an API.

Activating an Established Global Network

Over the past decade, more than 300,000 small and medium businesses have used Btab’s network platforms to market and promote their products and services. The broader Btab Network attracts millions of visitors from more than 70 countries.

Through Btab.app, the Company intends to offer this established business community a pathway to expand from marketing and promotion into product sales supported by Btab’s commerce infrastructure.

The launch also supports Btab’s plans to onboard additional manufacturers and suppliers seeking broader distribution. By connecting product supply with independent storefronts, the Company aims to help manufacturers reach new customers while enabling merchants to expand their offerings without committing capital to inventory purchases upfront.

“We are not starting from zero,” Lau continued. “We have spent years developing our platforms, business community, supplier relationships and operational capabilities. Btab.app brings these foundations together into a commercial opportunity: helping manufacturers reach more customers and helping entrepreneurs access products they can sell under their own brands.”

A Foundation for Scalable Commerce

Btab views the launch as a foundation for continued expansion across its AI-powered commerce ecosystem. The Company plans to grow supplier participation, broaden product availability and introduce the platform to existing network businesses and new entrepreneurs.

Its longer-term strategy includes working with business communities and organizations that support self-employment, helping more people participate in the digital economy.

“Our mission is to become the world’s largest product supplier dedicated to small businesses,” Lau added. “Btab.app is an important step toward that ambition. The purpose behind it remains simple: empower entrepreneurs, create jobs and strengthen families.”

Entrepreneurs, retailers and suppliers can explore the platform at https://btab.app.

About Btab Ecommerce Group, Inc.

Btab Ecommerce Group, Inc. (OTC: BBTT) is a global ecommerce and technology company focused on building a scalable commerce ecosystem that connects manufacturers, suppliers, entrepreneurs, resellers and consumers worldwide. Through its digital platforms, product supply capabilities, ecommerce infrastructure and AI-powered technologies, Btab seeks to empower entrepreneurs, create economic opportunities and support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses globally.

For additional information, visit https://btabcorp.com.

Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, the plans, strategies, and prospects, both business and financial, of Btab. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, including the future plans and potential success of the business. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “anticipates” or “intends” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations that we describe in our forward-looking statements. There may be events in the future that we are not accurately able to predict, or over which we have no control.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of any proposed transaction. This press release shall also not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions 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 of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

Investor and Media Contact
Mr. Binson Lau, CEO
ir@btabcorp.com
https://btabcorp.com