• Site to supply products to customers for development and production of biologics
• New Bioprocessing Production Center in Daejeon strengthens company’s footprint in fast-growing Asia-Pacific region
• Investment to create up to 300 additional jobs

BURLINGTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, invests more than €300 million into a new Bioprocessing Production Center in Daejeon, South Korea. The new site is the largest investment by the company’s Life Science business sector in Asia-Pacific to date and demonstrates its commitment to expanding its capacities in the fast-growing region. The investment is expected to create approximately 300 additional jobs by the end of 2028.

“The Asia-Pacific region is home to a large number of institutions that conduct leading-edge and innovative research, manufacturing and services in areas such as biotechnology, mRNA and gene therapy,” said Matthias Heinzel, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Life Science, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “Expanding our presence in the region will bring us even closer to our customers in this evolving and dynamic market. Our goal is to foster deep collaboration to increase the speed in bringing new therapies to patients.”

The facility will support biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in process development, clinical research and commercial manufacturing of biologics. Biologics are derived from large and complex biological compounds and include products like vaccines, cell and gene therapies, or protein-based therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies. They are one of the fastest-growing class of drugs.

MilliporeSigma’s new Bioprocessing Production Center will provide essential biotech products such as dry powder cell culture media, process liquids, pre-GMP small-scale manufacturing and sterile sampling systems. Covering an area of 43,000 square meters, the facility will include advanced production capacities, a distribution center and an automated warehouse.

Established in 1989, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in Korea has been consistently driving dynamic growth of the science and technology industries with more than 1,700 employees across Life Science, Healthcare and Electronics. It encompasses 13 sites in production and R&D including the M Lab™ Collaboration Center in Songdo, Incheon which serves biopharmaceutical companies in the region.

The company’s new site in South Korea is part of a multi-year investment program. This program aims to increase the capacity and capabilities of its Life Science business sector to support the growing global demand for critical drugs and to make significant contributions to public health. Since 2020, the company has announced industrial capacity and capabilities expansion projects in Life Science throughout Europe, China, and the United States, of more than € 2 billion.

About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has more than 28,000 employees and more than 55 total manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics.

Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 countries.

The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. For more information about Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, visit www.emdgroup.com.

Follow MilliporeSigma on Twitter @MilliporeSigma, on Facebook @MilliporeSigma and on LinkedIn.

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service.

Contacts

Rachel Bloom Baglin

rachel.bloom-baglin@milliporesigma.com
978-436-1725

Agents Remain Positive Heading into Spring Selling Season, Despite Being Somewhat More Cautious Amid Affordability Concerns

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX, “Real”), the fastest-growing, publicly traded real estate brokerage, today announced the results of its February 2024 Agent Survey, offering insights into housing market trends and real estate agent expectations across the United States and Canada. The survey reveals a resilient optimism among agents about future market conditions in both the United States and Canada, highlighting a prevailing sellers’ market, despite overall industry transactions expected to decline year-over-year in February.

“We first launched our agent survey in January as a strategic initiative to directly capture the sentiments and experiences of our rapidly growing network of over 16,000 agents,” said Tamir Poleg, Chairman and CEO of Real. “With a presence now covering all 50 states and four Canadian provinces, we’re excited to share our agents’ valuable insights with the broader public. This effort underscores our commitment to transparency and the immense value we place on our agents’ perspectives.”

Sharran Srivatsaa, President of Real, added, “Our agents are the true experts of their local markets. This survey bridges the gap from their individual market insights to broader industry trends, underscoring the pivotal role our agents play in guiding our strategic direction.”

Key Findings:

• Agents Remain Optimistic About Forward Outlook: Real asked agents at the end of February 2024, “Compared to one month ago, are you more optimistic or pessimistic about the outlook for your primary market over the next 12 months?” Among the agents surveyed, 53% felt more optimistic and an additional 16% were significantly more optimistic about the next 12 months, outweighing the 7% who felt more pessimistic and 1% significantly more so.

  The average response among survey participants resulted in a weighted index reading of 69.2 on a 0-100 scale, with scores above 50 reflecting a positive outlook and those below 50, a negative one, thus signaling an expectation for improving year-over-year growth trends. There were similar sentiments shared by both U.S. and Canadian agents. However, February’s index level of 69.2 showed a slight decline from January’s 73.7, indicating a modest softening in optimism compared to the end of January.

• Sellers Continue to Have the Upper Hand: When asked “Would you consider your primary market to be a Buyer’s market, Seller’s market, or Balanced market?” 57% percent of agents noted sellers have the upper hand, an increase of 11 percentage points from January.

• Total North American Home Sale Industry Transactions Expected to Decline Year over Year in February: Real asked agents, “In your primary market, how would you describe the number of transactions closed in February 2024 compared to February 2023?” The average response among survey participants resulted in a weighted index reading of 48.7 on a 0-100 scale, with scores above 50 indicating growth and below 50, a decline. The results suggest a decline in total industry transactions across the U.S. and Canada during February 2024 compared to February 2023, with a decline in the U.S. home sales market, while the Canadian market is expected to grow. February’s index reading of 48.7 showed a modest decline from January’s 49.0 level.
  • Pace of Decline in the U.S. Improves in February: The total number of U.S. home sale transactions is expected to decline in February 2024 compared to February 2023. However, agents expect an easing in the pace of decline relative to January, with the average response among survey participants resulting in a February weighted index reading of 48.5, improving from 47.8 in January.

  • Canadian Market Growth Continues at More Moderate Pace: Agents surveyed in Canada signaled continued year-over-year growth, although at a more moderate rate compared to January, with the average response among survey participants resulting in the overall Canada weighted index reading decreasing to 51.8 in February from 55.5 in January.

• Affordability Remains the Biggest Hurdle for Buyers: Challenges for prospective home buyers include affordability/interest rates (45%) and inventory shortages (42%), with economic uncertainty (5%) and buyer competition (4%) being distant third and fourth concerns.

• Nearly Two-Thirds of Agents See Referrals as Most Effective Lead Source: 63% of agents cite networking and referrals as the most effective source of leads, followed by social media (12%), online advertising (5%), and home search portals (3%).

An infographic including key survey takeaways can be found on Real’s investor relations website or by following the link here.

About the Survey

The Real Brokerage February 2024 Agent Survey included responses from over 500 real estate agents across the United States and Canada and was launched in the last week of February 2024. Responses to questions regarding transaction growth and agent optimism were calibrated on a 0-100 point index scale, with readings above 50 indicating an improving trend, whereas readings below 50 indicate a declining trend. Responses are meant to capture industry-level information and are not meant to serve as an indication of Real’s company-specific growth trends.

About Real

Real (NASDAQ: REAX) is a real estate experience company working to make life’s most complex transaction simple. The fast-growing company combines essential real estate, mortgage and closing services with powerful technology to deliver a single seamless end-to-end consumer experience, guided by trusted agents. With a presence in all 50 states throughout the U.S. and Canada, Real supports over 16,000 agents who use its digital brokerage platform and tight-knit professional community to power their own forward-thinking businesses.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as of the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing, expectations regarding the residential real estate market in the U.S. and Canada.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to Real’s business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, slowdowns in real estate markets and economic and industry downturns. These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Contacts

Investor inquiries, please contact:

Ravi Jani

Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis

investors@therealbrokerage.com
908.280.2515

For media inquiries, please contact:

Elisabeth Warrick

Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Brand

press@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221

• Company Shareholders are reminded to submit their proxies before the proxy voting deadline on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 10:00 am (Toronto time).

• The Board of Directors of Tricon recommends that Company Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution.

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tricon Residential Inc. (NYSE: TCN, TSX: TCN) (“Tricon” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that leading independent proxy advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”) have each recommended that shareholders of Tricon (“Company Shareholders”) vote “FOR” the resolution (the “Arrangement Resolution”) approving the statutory plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), pursuant to which Blackstone Real Estate Partners X L.P., together with Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc., will acquire all outstanding common shares of Tricon (“Common Shares”) for US$11.25 per Common Share in cash (the “Transaction”), at the upcoming special meeting of Company Shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) to be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time).

Vote Today

Company Shareholders are reminded that the deadline to vote is fast approaching. Company Shareholders are encouraged to submit their vote in advance by completing the instructions in their form of proxy (in the case of registered Company Shareholders) or voting instruction form (in the case of non-registered Company Shareholders. Registered Company Shareholders must submit their proxies before 10:00 am (Toronto time) on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, or for beneficial Company Shareholders, such earlier time as specified by their intermediaries in the voting instruction form received.

On the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, the Board of Directors of Tricon recommends that Company Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT – PLEASE VOTE TODAY

Special Meeting Details

The Special Meeting will be held online at https://web.lumiconnect.com/#/411155572, Password: tricon2024 (case sensitive) and Meeting ID: 411-155-572, on March 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time).

Visit Tricon’s Investor Relations website at www.triconresidential.com to access materials and information related to the upcoming Special Meeting.

The management information circular (the “Circular”) and related proxy materials in respect of the Special Meeting have been mailed to Company Shareholders and are filed and available under Tricon’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. A Schedule 13E-3 Transaction Statement (the “Schedule 13E-3”), which includes the Circular and related proxy materials, has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and is available under Tricon’s profiles on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Details of the Special Meeting and how Company Shareholders or their duly appointed proxyholders can attend, access, participate in and vote at the Special Meeting are set out in the Circular.

Questions

If you have any questions about the information contained in this news release in connection with the Special Meeting, or require any assistance voting, please contact our proxy solicitation agent and shareholder communications advisor, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, at 1-877-452-7184 (toll-free within North America) or by calling 1-416-304-0211 (outside of North America) or by email at assistance@laurelhill.com.

About Tricon Residential Inc.

Tricon Residential Inc. (NYSE: TCN, TSX: TCN) is an owner, operator and developer of a growing portfolio of approximately 38,000 single-family rental homes in the U.S. Sun Belt and multi-family apartments in Toronto, Canada. Our commitment to enriching the lives of our employees, residents and local communities underpins Tricon’s culture and business philosophy. We provide high-quality rental housing options for families across the United States and in Toronto, Canada through our technology-enabled operating platform and dedicated on-the-ground operating teams. Our development programs are also delivering thousands of new rental homes and apartments as part of our commitment to help solve the housing supply shortage. At Tricon, we imagine a world where housing unlocks life’s potential. For more information, visit www.triconresidential.com.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “plan”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, and similar expressions. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the expected completion of the Transaction, and the holding of the Special Meeting and the timing thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on management’s current expectations, intentions and assumptions, including expectations and assumptions concerning receipt of required approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the Transaction. There can be no assurance that the proposed Transaction will be completed, or that it will be completed on the terms and conditions contemplated. Accordingly, although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Tricon can give no assurance that it will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions, by its very nature it involves inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to: the failure to obtain necessary approvals or satisfy (or obtain a waiver of) the conditions to closing the Transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Transaction; material adverse changes in the business or affairs of Tricon; Tricon’s ability to obtain the necessary Company Shareholder approval (including the “minority approval”) at the Special Meeting; the parties’ ability to obtain requisite Court and regulatory approvals; either party’s failure to consummate the Transaction when required or on the terms as originally negotiated; risks related to the disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the Transaction and possible difficulties in maintaining customer, supplier, key personnel and other strategic relationships; potential litigation relating to the Transaction, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; the possibility of unexpected costs and liabilities related to the Transaction; competitive factors in the industries in which Tricon operates; interest rates, currency exchange rates, prevailing economic conditions; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Tricon. Additional factors and risks which may affect Tricon, its business and the achievement of the forward-looking statements contained herein are described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Circular as well as Tricon’s annual information form and Tricon’s management’s and discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the other subsequent reports filed on the SEDAR+ profile of Tricon at www.sedarplus.ca and Tricon’s filings with the SEC, including the Schedule 13E-3, which includes the Circular, on www.sec.gov.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents Tricon’s expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. Tricon disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:
Wissam Francis

EVP & Chief Financial Officer

Email: IR@triconresidential.com

Wojtek Nowak

Managing Director, Capital Markets

Tricon Media Contact:
Tara Tucker

Senior Vice President, Corporate and Public Affairs

Email: mediarelations@triconresidential.com

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Slate Grocery REIT (TSX: SGR.U) (TSX: SGR.UN) (the “REIT”), an owner and operator of U.S. grocery-anchored real estate, announced today that the Board of Trustees has declared a distribution for the month of March 2024 of U.S.$0.072 per class U unit of the REIT (“Class U Units”), or U.S.$0.864 on an annualized basis.

Holders of Class U Units may elect to receive their distribution in Canadian dollars and should contact their broker to make such an election.

Holders of class A units of the REIT (“Class A Units”) will receive a distribution equal to the Canadian dollar equivalent (based on the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate at the time of payment of the distribution) of U.S.$0.072 per Class A Unit, unless the unitholder has elected to receive distributions in U.S. dollars. Holders of class I units of the REIT (“Class I Units”) will receive a distribution of U.S.$0.072 per Class I Unit, unless the unitholder has elected to receive distributions in Canadian dollars. Holders of units of subsidiaries of the REIT that are exchangeable into Class U Units (“Exchangeable Units”) will receive a distribution of U.S.$0.072 per unit.

If a holder of Class U Units or Class I Units elects to receive distributions in Canadian dollars, the holder will receive the Canadian dollar equivalent amount of the distribution being paid on the Class U Units or Class I Units, as applicable, based on the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate at the time of payment of the distribution.

Distributions on all unit classes of the REIT, and distributions on Exchangeable Units, will be payable on April 15, 2024 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on March 28, 2024.

About Slate Grocery REIT (TSX: SGR.U / SGR.UN) 

Slate Grocery REIT is an owner and operator of U.S. grocery-anchored real estate. The REIT owns and operates approximately U.S. $2.4 billion of critical real estate infrastructure across major U.S. metro markets that communities rely upon for their daily needs. The REIT’s resilient grocery-anchored portfolio and strong credit tenants provide unitholders with durable cash flows and the potential for capital appreciation over the longer term. Visit slategroceryreit.com to learn more about the REIT.

About Slate Asset Management 

Slate Asset Management is a global alternative investment platform. We focus on fundamentals with the objective of creating long-term value for our investors and partners. Slate’s platform focuses on four areas of real assets, including real estate equity, real estate credit, real estate securities, and infrastructure. We are supported by exceptional people and flexible capital, which enable us to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more, and follow Slate Asset Management on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statements 

Certain information herein constitutes “forward-looking information” as defined under Canadian securities laws which reflect management’s expectations regarding objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities of the REIT. The words “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “does not anticipate”, “projects”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results “may”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “occur”, “be achieved”, or “continue” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings of the REIT with securities regulators.

SGR-Dist

Contacts

For Further Information
Investor Relations

+1 416 644 4264

ir@slateam.com

BLUE BELL, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Canadian Life Science and Technology Park, Allyant, and IPS are proud to announce a strategic, multi-year partnership focused on the advancement of the design and engineering of a state-of-the-art Life Science, Healthcare, and Technology Park. This collaboration brings together expertise in design and construction oversight tailored for specialized turnkey startups, commercial manufacturing, and comprehensive support facilities.

In the initial phase, this collaborative effort will begin with the development and site master planning of a 56-acre site in Georgina, Ontario, situated within the Keswick Business Park. This park aims to serve a wide array of sectors, attracting tenants and clients from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, bioprocessing, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs), warehousing, healthcare, academia, digital and technology sectors, and other related fields.

“Our collaboration with Allyant and the IPS Canadian team is designed to create an innovative, capital-efficient, and sustainable model. This approach is vital for developing the infrastructure needed to expedite the process of developing, testing, and delivering transformative services and medicines to patients,” remarked Safa’a Al-Rais, President and CEO of the Canadian Life Science and Technology Park.

About Canadian Life Science and Technology Park

The Canadian Life Science and Technology Park is committed to linking the Life Science and Technology industries within a 56-acre advanced space. Our mission is to establish a vibrant ecosystem that connects startups with established commercial enterprises. By integrating real estate, people, ideas, machinery, systems, and data into a cohesive network, we aim to create an agile and efficient environment conducive to development and manufacturing, aligning with the latest Industry and Pharma 4.0 innovations.

About Allyant

Allyant stands at the forefront of redefining project delivery in the Life Sciences and Technology sectors. Known for our innovative client centric approach and expertise, we specialize in transforming complex visions into tangible results. Our team excels at creating collaborative and efficient practices, ensuring our clients achieve unparalleled success in their ventures. At Allyant, our focus is not just on meeting expectations but on exceeding them, as we navigate and lead in the ever-evolving landscape of modern technology and project delivery.

About IPS

IPS, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is a global leader in developing innovative business solutions for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Through operational expertise and industry-leading knowledge, skill, and passion, IPS provides consultancy services, architecture, engineering, project controls, construction management, and compliance services that allow clients to develop and manufacture life-impacting products. Its newest acquisition, Linesight specializes in cost, schedule, risk, program, and project management services in various market sectors, including data centers, life sciences, and high-tech industrial. With the addition of Linesight, IPS has over 3,200 professionals in over 45 offices across 17 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. For further information, please visit www.ipsdb.com.

View the Media Kit.

Contacts

IPS

Dept. of Marketing and Communications

+1.484.344.9234

Not for distribution to U.S. News Wire Services or dissemination in the United States.

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#valueforgenerations–Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (“Choice Properties”) (TSX: CHP.UN) announced today that the trustees of Choice Properties have declared a cash distribution for the month of March, 2024 of $0.063333 per trust unit, representing $0.75 per trust unit on an annualized basis, payable on April 15, 2024 to Unitholders of record at the close of business on March 28, 2024.

About Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust

Choice Properties is a leading Real Estate Investment Trust that creates enduring value through the ownership, operation and development of high-quality commercial and residential properties.

We believe that value comes from creating spaces that improve how our tenants and communities come together to live, work, and connect. We strive to understand the needs of our tenants and manage our properties to the highest standard. We aspire to develop healthy, resilient communities through our dedication to social, economic, and environmental sustainability. In everything we do, we are guided by a shared set of values grounded in Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence.

For more information, visit Choice Properties’ website at www.choicereit.ca and Choice Properties’ issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Contacts

For further information:
Mario Barrafato

Chief Financial Officer

Choice Properties REIT

(416) 628-7872

Mario.Barrafato@choicereit.ca

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Board of Directors of Pet Resort Hospitality Group (“PRHG”), a leader in the pet services industry, announced today that it has appointed Jason Duffy to serve as Chief Executive Officer.

Jason joins PRHG as a seasoned operating executive with wide-ranging multi-site consumer services and pet resort leadership experience. Prior to joining PRHG, Jason served as VP of Resort Operations for Pet Paradise, a privately-held pet resort business with over 55 locations nationwide. Prior to that, Jason served in executive and leadership roles at Clear, Walmart, and Meijer. He is also a Six Sigma Black Belt and an avid dog trainer.

PRHG was formed in early 2023 and has since partnered with 6 leading pet resort brands across the country. Currently with 17 locations, 600+ staff members, and over 1,700 daily pet visits, PRHG is one of the largest pet services businesses in the country. With Jason at the helm, PRHG continues to take steps towards establishing itself as the premier pet services platform in the United States and the partner of choice for pet daycare and boarding owners.

Jason commented, “I’m thrilled to be leading such a talented and diverse team of pet resort owners, all of whom have built incredible businesses and trusted PRHG as partners. When Trivest and the founders of PRHG shared their vision, which is focused on quality of care, partnership, support, and growth, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime. I love working with pets and the people who care for them. We believe that we will establish ourselves as the most trusted brand in pet care, and we have all of the pieces necessary to make that happen.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to PRHG and the Trivest family,” added Brian Connell, Partner at Trivest. “He has deep industry experience and is a seasoned leader who understands our customers and cares about the wellbeing of their pets. His leadership style is unique, and his background and demeanor is well aligned with the awesome founders and employees of PRHG. Jason is well-equipped to lead this group as they work together for the future of PRHG.” Eyal Cohen, co-founder and Chief Development Officer at PRHG, added, “It was important to me that whoever joined PRHG as CEO had experience working with pets and growing brands nationally. Jason has a tremendous background, and I’ve already seen the positive response to his leadership across our locations.”

Azhar Quader, co-founder and Executive Chairman at PRHG, commented: “I’ve worked with countless CEOs over my career as an investor. When hiring a leader, I look for high emotional intelligence, deep industry expertise and leadership experience, and a history of winning. Jason has all of that and more, and I’m confident we’ve found the right leader to drive us forward.”

About Pet Resort Hospitality Group

Pet Resort Hospitality Group is a provider of pet services including daycare, boarding, grooming, and training. PRHG is led by a management team with a lengthy track record of successful private equity transactions, with recent success in the animal companion space. Each business within the PRHG family benefits from the experience of the PRHG leadership team in areas such as acquisition planning and integration, growth planning and strategic tactics, brand and technology unification, scalable resources and support, and back-office management. The Company is currently pursuing strategic add-on acquisitions of pet services businesses throughout the United States. To learn more, visit www.petresorts.love.

About Trivest

Trivest Partners LP, headquartered in Miami, with a presence in Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto, is a private investment firm that focuses exclusively on the support and growth of founder-led and family-owned businesses in the United States and Canada in both control and non-control transactions. To learn more, visit www.trivest.com

About Queens Court Capital Management

Queens Court Capital Management is a special situations control oriented private equity firm building on a successful track record as an independent sponsor. Over the past few years Queens Court has deployed over $200 million in equity capital across several proprietary platforms in the middle market and has successfully realized results putting it in the top percentile of independent sponsors. By incorporating the best practices from being an operator, investor and entrepreneur, Queens Court has generated significant value creation for its investor base including successful exits, partial sales, and dividend recapitalizations across portfolio companies. To learn more, visit www.queenscourtcap.com

Contacts

Eyal Cohen

eyal@petresorts.love

CALGARY, Alberta–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mainstreet Equity Corp. (“Mainstreet” or the “Corporation”) (TSX:MEQ) is pleased to announce the results of the annual meeting of shareholders held on March 7, 2024 (the “Meeting”). The Meeting had a very strong shareholder turnout with holders of approximately 83% of the issued and outstanding common shares represented in person or by proxy.

Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon, Joseph Amantea, Ron Anderson, Karanveer Dhillon, Richard Grimaldi and John Irwin were re-elected to the board of directors of the Corporation for the upcoming year as follows:

	Outcome of the Vote	Votes For	%	Withheld	%
Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon	Elected	6,759,126	87.88	931,969	12.12
Joseph Amantea	Elected	6,379,734	82.95	1,311,361	17.05
Ron Anderson	Elected	6,395,919	83.16	1,295,176	16.84
Karanveer Dhillon	Elected	6,407,273	83.31	1,283,822	16.69
Richard Grimaldi	Elected	6,381,144	82.97	1,309,951	17.03
John Irwin	Elected	6,381,769	82.98	1,309,326	17.02

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was re-appointed as the Corporation’s auditor.

Details in respect of all of the resolutions approved at the annual meeting of shareholders may be found in the Management Information Circular prepared in connection with the meeting dated February 1, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Mainstreet

Mainstreet Equity Corp. (“Mainstreet”) is a Calgary-based real estate operating company, traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:MEQ). Mainstreet is a top provider of high-quality, affordable multi-family rental units in western Canada, covering BC, AB, SK, and MB. Since listing on the TSX in 2000, Mainstreet has grown its portfolio from 1,370 units with appraised value of $90 million to 17,720 year-to-date units with appraised value of approximately $3.2 billion with minimal equity dilution. The company’s long-term value is anchored by a counter-cyclical strategy to aggressively acquire undervalued apartments at distressed prices, using low-cost capital. Once acquired, Mainstreet rapidly stabilizes the assets to minimize cycle times and boost net operating income. The company employs a 100% organic, non-dilutive growth model, leveraging its robust liquidity position. There are currently 9,318,818 common shares outstanding.

SOURCE: Mainstreet Equity Corp. (TSX:MEQ)

Contacts

For further information:

Bob Dhillon, O.C, MBA, DCom, LLD, ICD.D | Founder, President & CEO
D: +1 (403) 215-6063

Executive Assistant: +1 (403) 215-6070

100, 305 10 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0W2 Canada

https://www.mainst.biz/
https://www.sedarplus.ca/

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Primaris Real Estate Investment Trust (“Primaris REIT”) (TSX: PMZ.UN) announced today that its Board of Trustees has declared a distribution of $0.07 per unit for the month of March, 2024, representing $0.84 per unit on an annualized basis. The distribution will be payable on April 15, 2024 to unitholders of record on March 28, 2024.

About Primaris REIT

Primaris is Canada’s only enclosed shopping centre focused REIT, with ownership interests primarily in the leading enclosed shopping centres in growing markets. The current portfolio totals 12.5 million square feet valued at approximately $3.8 billion at Primaris’ share. Economies of scale are achieved through its fully internal, vertically integrated, full-service national management platform. Primaris is very well-capitalized and is exceptionally well positioned to take advantage of market opportunities at an extraordinary moment in the evolution of the Canadian retail property landscape.

Contacts

Alex Avery

Chief Executive Officer

416-642-7837

aavery@primarisreit.com

Rags Davloor

Chief Financial Officer

416-645-3716

rdavloor@primarisreit.com

Tim Pire

Chair of the Board of Trustees

chair@primarisreit.com

TSX: PMZ.UN

www.primarisreit.com

• ECOAsh signifies Holcim North America’s latest innovative solution to accelerate decarbonization and lessen environmental impacts across the rapidly expanding built environment
• New state-of-the-art processing facility in Alberta is the first of its kind within Holcim Group globally
• Advanced beneficiation technology will support growing market needs for high-quality fly ash in high-performance, green, and circular cement and concrete building

CALGARY, Alberta–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#BuildingGreen–Building on its commitment to accelerating green growth, Holcim North America, a leader in innovative and sustainable building materials, today announced the introduction of ECOAsh beneficiated ash within its Lafarge Western Canada operations. With plans for future expansion into the United States, this strategic move not only demonstrates Holcim North America’s dedication to sustainability but also positions the company as an early adopter of innovative technology aimed at decarbonizing the construction industry.

ECOAsh embodies a circular and innovative solution, representing a significant leap toward sustainability. It stands as a high-quality, specification-grade Type F fly ash reclaimed from landfills and transformed into a valuable resource for enhancing cement and concrete construction applications.

“As we continue to build to support growing population demands, the integration of circular building materials such as ECOAsh plays a crucial role in driving our portfolio towards a more sustainable future,” said Toufic Tabbara, Holcim regional head, North America. “By embracing these strategies, we not only provide essential building materials but also establish the foundation for building greener and smarter cities while shaping the trajectory of our industry for generations to come.”

Fly ash, known for being a byproduct of coal-fired power plant operations, is extensively used as a supplementary cementitious material. In addition to its performance and economic advantages, fly ash use is beneficial to the environment because it recycles an industrial byproduct and can reduce the carbon footprint of construction materials. As the shift away from coal-fired power plants continues, addressing challenges related to sourcing reliable fly ash supplies prompts the exploration of harvesting and beneficiating legacy landfilled ash as a viable replacement.

“The transformation of landfill materials into high-value fly ash for sustainable building presents an exciting opportunity for our customers and us to build more with less and work towards a net-zero future,” said Brad Kohl, president and CEO of Lafarge, Western Canada. “At Holcim, we are fully dedicated to meeting future market demands by harnessing and enhancing extensive fly ash reserves secured through well-established, long-term sourcing agreements with electric utilities.”

Following extensive landfill ash evaluations, Holcim North America and Geocycle North America’s new state-of-the-art processing facility in Alberta—the first of its kind within Holcim’s global operations—will use advanced beneficiation technology and proprietary techniques to produce fly ash with equivalent performance and more consistent quality compared to any freshly produced Type F fly ash commercially available. The ECOAsh then undergoes rigorous testing in the plant’s certified quality-assurance laboratories to ensure it meets or exceeds regulatory standards for cement and concrete applications.

Commissioned in February, the new ECOAsh processing facility will commence production and the supply of products to customers throughout Western Canada in the first quarter of 2024.

About Holcim

Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions with net sales of CHF 27.0 billion in 2023. Driven by our purpose to build progress for people and the planet, our 63,448 employees are on a mission to decarbonize building, while improving living standards for all. We empower our customers across all regions to build better with less, with a broad range of low-carbon and circular solutions, from ECOPact and ECOPlanet to our circular technology platform ECOCycle®. Through innovative systems, from Elevate roofing to PRB insulation, Holcim makes buildings more sustainable in use, driving energy efficiency and green retrofitting. With sustainability at the core of our strategy, we are on the way to becoming a net-zero company with 1.5°C targets validated by SBTi.

Lafarge Canada, a subsidiary of Holcim, employs over 6,900 people and manages 400 sites across the country. We provide green products to build the infrastructure and communities where Canadians live and work. To learn more, visit www.lafarge.ca

Geocycle North America, a subsidiary of Holcim, a leading provider of industrial, agricultural and municipal waste & by-product management in the region. To learn more, visit www.geocycle.com

In the United States, Holcim US includes nearly 350 sites in 43 states and employs 7,000 people. Our customers rely on us to help them design and build better communities with innovative solutions that deliver structural integrity and eco-efficiency. To learn more, visit holcim.us

Contacts

Kristen Marston

Lafarge Canada Inc.

Kristen.Marston@lafarge.com

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Primaris Real Estate Investment Trust (“Primaris” or “the Trust”) (TSX: PMZ.UN) announced today that it has received acceptance from the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) of Primaris’ notice of intention to renew its normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”). Under the NCIB, Primaris will have the ability to purchase for cancellation up to a maximum of 6,929,436 of its Series A units (“Units”) on the open market, representing 10% of the “public float” (calculated in accordance with TSX rules) as of February 26, 2024. As of February 26, 2024, the number of issued and outstanding Units was 96,444,736.

The NCIB will commence on March 11, 2024, the day after the Trust’s current NCIB expires, and remain in effect until the earlier of March 10, 2025 and the date on which Primaris has purchased the maximum number of Units permitted under the NCIB. Purchases of Units under the NCIB will be made in accordance with TSX rules and policies through the facilities of the TSX, and through Canadian alternative trading systems. The price paid for any repurchased Units will be the market price of such Units at the time of acquisition. The average daily trading volume of the Units from the start of trading on September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024, was 139,688 Units and accordingly daily purchases will be limited to 34,922 Units other than purchases made in accordance with the TSX’s block purchase exception.

Primaris continues to believe that, from time to time, the market price of the Units may not fully reflect the intrinsic value of the Units and that, in such circumstances, using the NCIB to return capital to its unitholders who choose to participate is a desirable use of Primaris’ funds and may benefit those unitholders who continue to hold Units by increasing their equity interest in Primaris. To Primaris’ knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, none of the trustees, officers or other insiders of Primaris or any associate of any such persons, or any associate or affiliate of Primaris currently intends to sell Units to Primaris during the course of the issuer bid.

Primaris has also entered into a new automatic securities purchase plan (“ASPP”) in connection with the NCIB renewal, with an effective date of March 11, 2024. Under the terms of the ASPP, the Trust’s broker will be permitted to purchase Units in accordance with certain prearranged trading parameters, during periods when Primaris would not ordinarily be active in the market because of internal trading blackout periods, insider trading rules or otherwise.

Under the Trust’s current NCIB that commenced on March 9, 2023 and expires on March 8, 2024, Primaris sought and received approval from the TSX to purchase for cancellation up to 7,020,105 Units and had purchased, through the facilities of the TSX and through any alternative trading system in Canada permitted by the TSX, 3,630,700 Units at a weighted average price of $13.40 per Unit, as of February 29, 2024.

About Primaris

Primaris is Canada’s only enclosed shopping centre focused REIT, with ownership interests primarily in dominant enclosed shopping centres in growing markets. The portfolio totals 39 properties, or 12.5 million square feet, valued at approximately $3.8 billion at Primaris’ share. Economies of scale are achieved through its fully internal, vertically integrated, full-service national management platform. Primaris is very well-capitalized and is exceptionally well positioned to take advantage of market opportunities at an extraordinary moment in the evolution of the Canadian retail property landscape.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

Certain statements included in this news release constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The words “will”, “expects”, “plans”, “estimates”, “intends” and similar expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Specific forward-looking statements made or implied in this news release include but are not limited to statements regarding the Trust’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to the purchase of Units under the NCIB, the potential benefit to unitholders, and the intention of the Trust’s trustees, officers and other insiders to participate in the NCIB. These statements are based on factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including assumptions based on historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Since forward-looking statements relate to future events and conditions, by their very nature they require making assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Primaris cautions that although it is believed that the assumptions are reasonable in the circumstances, these risks and uncertainties give rise to the possibility that actual results may differ materially from the expectations set out in the forward-looking statements. Material risk factors and assumptions include those set out in Primaris’ management’s discussion and analysis and annual information form, which are available on SEDAR+, and in Primaris’ other materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time. Given these risks, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required by law, Primaris undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

Contacts

For more information:


Alex Avery

Chief Executive Officer

416-642-7837

aavery@primarisreit.com

Rags Davloor

Chief Financial Officer

416-645-3716

rdavloor@primarisreit.com

Tim Pire

Chair of the Board of Trustees

chair@primarisreit.com

TSX: PMZ.UN

www.primarisreit.com

Concept truck bodies designed for intelligent delivery

MORGANTOWN, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#BodiesThatMoveBusiness–At NTEA Work Truck Week 2024, Morgan Truck Body, North America’s largest manufacturer of light- and medium-duty freight and refrigerated van and truck bodies, will introduce Projects “Agora” and “Blackjack” concept bodies (JB Poindexter & Co., Inc. Booth #601).

“Reflecting years of design evolution, the Morgan concept bodies are built with a focus on aerodynamics, lightweighting, improved ergonomics and enhanced situational awareness for increased driver convenience and productivity,” says Corby Stover, Morgan Truck Body President. “These designs represent the continuing evolution of the Morgan Truck Body to meet future market and customer needs.”

Customers utilizing either traditional fuel engines or electric battery vehicles benefit from the innovative universal design to meet their final-mile delivery needs. The Project Agora concept body is featured on an Isuzu FTR chassis. Project Blackjack concept body is featured on an International® eMV™ Series battery electric chassis. Innovations include:

• Extended range & efficiency with military-grade advanced composites to shape airflow around the body to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics for both traditional fuel engines and electric vehicles
• Mid-panel translucent roof allows natural sunlight to pass through while reducing the amount of heat transferred into the truck body associated with typical translucent roof panels​
• Lightweight body components including an aluminum subframe that is anti-corrosive and significantly improves customer payload capacity​
• Ergonomic enhancements & ease of use to reduce operator stress
  • Motion sensor activated LED strip lighting provides efficient and consistent light throughout the length of the body​
  • Encapsulated hardwood floor with anti-slip surface
• Project Agora’s specific features
  • Rivet-less smooth wall aluminum construction
  • A reduction of 18 percent in aerodynamic drag improves fuel economy and extends range for both traditional fuel engines and battery electric vehicles
  • Powered rear overhead door and powered side canister door reduce physical strain with effortless operation. Operators can easily operate the powered doors with a touchscreen in the cab, remote key fobs, or intelligent keyless entry
  • Situational Awareness with EAVX VX-Controls includes external 360° and internal cargo area cameras, which can be viewed in both the cab and cargo area, provide enhanced awareness of potential hazards in or around the vehicle. Rear and side blindspot monitoring supplements the camera systems to alert drivers of potential moving hazards near the truck.​
• Project Blackjack’s specific features
  • Constructed with structural composite foam core wall panels
  • A reduction of 20 percent in drag improves fuel economy and extends range for both traditional fuel engines and battery electric vehicles
  • Situational Awareness with Morgan SA 5.0 Package featuring digital rear-view mirror, back up proximity sensors, 360 degree and internal cargo area cameras and supplemental hazard detection

About Morgan Truck Body, LLC

Those who depend on trucks to move their business choose Morgan Truck Body. Morgan remains committed to its mission to design, build, sell, and support the most reliable truck bodies in the world, as the preferred global partner providing innovative middle-mile solutions connecting the world’s supply chain. Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Morgantown, PA, Morgan Truck Body is the largest manufacturer of light- and medium-duty truck bodies in North America. Morgan employs over 2,700 team members in 13 manufacturing locations and 8 service centers across the United States and Canada. Morgan Truck Body, LLC is a subsidiary of J.B. Poindexter & Co, Inc., an owner-operated business enterprise providing best-in-class automotive and manufacturing goods and services. MorganCorp.com

Photos available for download at:

https://www.morgancorp.com/agora/
https://www.morgancorp.com/blackjack/

Contacts

Brian Bradley, Director of Marketing and Product Management

Morgan Truck Body

Brian.Bradley@Morgancorp.com
610-286-2431