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

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR) (“Ventas” or the “Company”) said today that it has priced a private offering in Canada of Cdn$650 million of 5.10% Senior Notes, Series J due 2029 (the “Notes”). The sale of the Notes is expected to close on March 5, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The Notes are being issued by Ventas’ indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, Ventas Canada Finance Limited (the “Issuer”), on a prospectus-exempt basis only to “accredited investors” who are not individuals unless such individuals are also “permitted clients,” in each case as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed by the Company (the “Guarantee”).

The Notes will mature on March 5, 2029. The Notes will constitute senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer and will rank equally with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer. The Guarantee will constitute a senior unsecured obligation of the Guarantor and will rank equally with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company. Interest on the Notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 5 and September 5 of each year, commencing on September 5, 2024. The Notes are expected to be rated BBB+ (Stable) by S&P, Baa1 (Stable) by Moody’s and BBB (Stable) by Fitch.

The Issuer intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes to repay amounts outstanding under the Issuer’s existing indebtedness, including under its Cdn$500 million unsecured term loan facility, and for other general corporate purposes.

The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws. The Notes have not been qualified by way of prospectus in any province or territory of Canada and may not be offered or sold to persons located or resident in Canada except pursuant to an exemption from the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or buy or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation, sale or purchase of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation, sale or purchase would be unlawful.

Ventas Inc. (NYSE:VTR) is a leading S&P 500 real estate investment trust focused on delivering strong, sustainable shareholder returns by enabling exceptional environments that benefit a large and growing aging population. The Company’s growth is fueled by its senior housing communities, which provide valuable services to residents and enable them to thrive in supported environments. Ventas leverages its unmatched operational expertise, data-driven insights from its Ventas Operational Insights^TM platform, extensive relationships and strong financial position to achieve its goal of delivering outsized performance across approximately 1,400 properties. The Ventas portfolio is composed of senior housing communities, outpatient medical buildings, research centers and healthcare facilities in North America and the United Kingdom. The Company benefits from a seasoned team of talented professionals who share a commitment to excellence, integrity and a common purpose of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives.

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated results from operations and developments and other matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding our and our officers’ intent, belief or expectation as identified by the use of words such as “assume,” “may,” “will,” “project,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “target,” “forecast,” “plan,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “estimate,” “could,” “would,” “should” and other comparable and derivative terms or the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events. You should not put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We do not undertake a duty to update these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We urge you to carefully review the disclosures we make concerning risks and uncertainties that may affect our business and future financial performance, including those made below and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as in the sections titled “Cautionary Statements — Summary Risk Factors,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Certain factors that could affect our future results and our ability to achieve our stated goals include, but are not limited to: (a) our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits and synergies from, and effectively integrate, our completed or anticipated acquisitions and investments of properties, including our ownership of the properties included in our equitized loan portfolio; (b) our exposure and the exposure of our tenants, managers and borrowers to complex healthcare and other regulation, including evolving laws and regulations regarding data privacy and cybersecurity and environmental matters, and the challenges and expense associated with complying with such regulation; (c) the potential for significant general and commercial claims, legal actions, regulatory proceedings or enforcement actions that could subject us or our tenants, managers or borrowers to increased operating costs, uninsured liabilities, fines or significant operational limitations, including the loss or suspension of or moratoriums on accreditations, licenses or certificates of need, suspension of or nonpayment for new admissions, denial of reimbursement, suspension, decertification or exclusion from federal, state or foreign healthcare programs or the closure of facilities or communities; (d) the impact of market and general economic conditions on us, our tenants, managers and borrowers and in areas in which our properties are geographically concentrated, including macroeconomic trends and financial market events, such as bank failures and other events affecting financial institutions, market volatility, increases in inflation, changes in or elevated interest and exchange rates, tightening of lending standards and reduced availability of credit or capital, geopolitical conditions, supply chain pressures, rising labor costs and historically low unemployment, events that affect consumer confidence, our occupancy rates and resident fee revenues, and the actual and perceived state of the real estate markets, labor markets and public and private capital markets; (e) our reliance and the reliance of our tenants, managers and borrowers on the financial, credit and capital markets and the risk that those markets may be disrupted or become constrained, including as a result of bank failures or concerns or rumors about such events, tightening of lending standards and reduced availability of credit or capital; (f) the secondary and tertiary effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations and the implementation and impact of regulations related to the CARES Act and other stimulus legislation, including the risk that some or all of the CARES Act or other COVID-19 relief payments we or our tenants, managers or borrowers received could be recouped; (g) our ability, and the ability of our tenants, managers and borrowers, to navigate the trends impacting our or their businesses and the industries in which we or they operate, and the financial condition or business prospect of our tenants, managers and borrowers; (h) the risk of bankruptcy, inability to obtain benefits from governmental programs, insolvency or financial deterioration of our tenants, managers, borrowers and other obligors which may, among other things, have an adverse impact on the ability of such parties to make payments or meet their other obligations to us, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition; (i) the risk that the borrowers under our loans or other investments default or that, to the extent we are able to foreclose or otherwise acquire the collateral securing our loans or other investments, we will be required to incur additional expense or indebtedness in connection therewith, that the assets will underperform expectations or that we may not be able to subsequently dispose of all or part of such assets on favorable terms; (j) our current and future amount of outstanding indebtedness, and our ability to access capital and to incur additional debt which is subject to our compliance with covenants in instruments governing our and our subsidiaries’ existing indebtedness; (k) the recognition of reserves, allowances, credit losses or impairment charges are inherently uncertain, may increase or decrease in the future and may not represent or reflect the ultimate value of, or loss that we ultimately realize with respect to, the relevant assets, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition; (l) the non-renewal of any leases or management agreement or defaults by tenants or managers thereunder and the risk of our inability to replace those tenants or managers on a timely basis or on favorable terms, if at all; (m) our ability to identify and consummate future investments in or dispositions of healthcare assets and effectively manage our portfolio opportunities and our investments in co-investment vehicles, joint ventures and minority interests, including our ability to dispose of such assets on favorable terms as a result of rights of first offer or rights of first refusal in favor of third parties; (n) risks related to development, redevelopment and construction projects, including costs associated with inflation, rising or elevated interest rates, labor conditions and supply chain pressures, and risks related to increased construction and development in markets in which our properties are located, including adverse effect on our future occupancy rates; (o) our ability to attract and retain talented employees; (p) the limitations and significant requirements imposed upon our business as a result of our status as a REIT and the adverse consequences (including the possible loss of our status as a REIT) that would result if we are not able to comply with such requirements; (q) the ownership limits contained in our certificate of incorporation with respect to our capital stock in order to preserve our qualification as a REIT, which may delay, defer or prevent a change of control of our company; (r) the risk of changes in healthcare law or regulation or in tax laws, guidance and interpretations, particularly as applied to REITs, that could adversely affect us or our tenants, managers or borrowers; (s) increases in our borrowing costs as a result of becoming more leveraged, including in connection with acquisitions or other investment activity and rising or elevated interest rates; (t) our reliance on third-party managers and tenants to operate or exert substantial control over properties they manage for or rent from us, which limits our control and influence over such operations and results; (u) our exposure to various operational risks, liabilities and claims from our operating assets; (v) our dependency on a limited number of tenants and managers for a significant portion of our revenues and operating income; (w) our exposure to particular risks due to our specific asset classes and operating markets, such as adverse changes affecting our specific asset classes and the real estate industry, the competitiveness or financial viability of hospitals on or near the campuses where our outpatient medical buildings are located, our relationships with universities, the level of expense and uncertainty of our research tenants, and the limitation of our uses of some properties we own that are subject to ground lease, air rights or other restrictive agreements; (x) the risk of damage to our reputation; (y) the availability, adequacy and pricing of insurance coverage provided by our policies and policies maintained by our tenants, managers or other counterparties; (z) the risk of exposure to unknown liabilities from our investments in properties or businesses; (aa) the occurrence of cybersecurity threats and incidents that could disrupt our or our tenants’, managers’ or borrower’s operations, result in the loss of confidential or personal information or damage our business relationships and reputation; (bb) the failure to maintain effective internal controls, which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition; (cc) the impact of merger, acquisition and investment activity in the healthcare industry or otherwise affecting our tenants, managers or borrowers; (dd) disruptions to the management and operations of our business and the uncertainties caused by activist investors; (ee) the risk of catastrophic or extreme weather and other natural events and the physical effects of climate change; (ff) the risk of potential dilution resulting from future sales or issuances of our equity securities; and (gg) the other factors set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contacts

Ventas, Inc.

BJ Grant

(877) 4-VENTAS

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For the third year in a row, the Houston government has reported a budget surplus despite projecting a deficit of hundreds of millions of dollars. This money should be invested in tangible programs to lower the cost of living, rather than simply offering stop-gap measure tax breaks and credits to cover the difference.

“It’s about time that Nova Scotia indexed our tax brackets against inflation,” said CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen, “but those on assistance are once again being left behind by this government. A one-time payment of 150 dollars for those who don’t qualify for disabilities assistance isn’t going to save them from inflation or housing precarity. Social assistance needs to be tied to inflation, just like our tax brackets.”

Nova Scotia has the highest rate of rental inflation in the country at 11.8%, and this new budget does little to address this ongoing issue. Increasing the rental supplements, which are only available to 8,500 renters, does not protect the tens of thousands of Nova Scotians facing unregulated rental increases. The government needs to enact policy that limits rental increases, regulates predatory fix-term leases, and establishes harsher punishments for renovictions for the sake of increasing rent.

“I’m glad to see that the government is building public housing for the first time in 20 years,” said McFadgen, “but that will take time. People are struggling now. Hundreds of Nova Scotians are presented with unmanageable rent increases every month and pushed closer and closer to houselessness. We need real rental protections now, not just supplements for the few who qualify.”

Nova Scotia’s long-term care and home support sectors have long been struggling under the weight of working short with poor pay and benefits. This budget purports an increase in funding, an additional 350 beds, and easier transitions to home support for those who want to remain in their homes longer. The 9.6 million dedicated to this effort, however, does not offer enough support for the workers providing the care.

“Home support workers make less than their counterparts in acute and long-term care, while having to rely on their personal vehicles to move between clients. It’s great that we want to help people to stay in their homes, but that only works if we have enough home support workers to support them, which, currently, we don’t.”

Despite dedicating 73.8 million to environmental and climate change protection in this year’s budget, the Houston government announced last week that it wouldn’t proclaim the 2019 Coastal Protection Act that was previously supported by all parties, instead placing the burden of predicting climate change on the shoulders of everyday Nova Scotians.

“It’s interesting to see the budget dedicate money to protecting biodiversity in forestry and to help businesses convert to clean energy, while the Houston government is directly responsible for shirking their duty to protect the Nova Scotian coastline,” said McFadgen. “The Houston government’s solution to everything seems to be an app. First in health care, and now in environmental protection. An app can’t solve everything.”

:sm/cope 491

Contacts

For more information:


Nan McFadgen

CUPE Nova Scotia President

(902) 759.3231

Taylor Johnston

Atlantic Communications Representative

tjohnston@cupe.ca

This recognition honours the substantial contributions of Robert (Bob) Lee and Michael Audain, who have contributed a combined $10M in support of this project

VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation today announced the official name for the 58 West Hastings project: Bob & Michael’s Place. The naming of one of the most innovative community housing projects is in recognition of two of Vancouver’s most influential philanthropists and supporters of community development, Robert (Bob) Lee and Michael Audain. Both Bob and Michael were early supporters of the 58 West Hastings project, bringing together some of the city’s top developers, builders, and architects, alongside a combined donation of $10M to bring this industry-defining project to life.

Bob & Michael’s Place has been a vision of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation since the foundation was established in 2011. Recognizing that the revitalization of Chinatown cannot be successful without addressing the needs of its neighbours, Bob & Michael’s Place is a response to one of the neighbourhood’s greatest needs—affordable community housing. Committed to creating a home where residents can thrive in the community, Bob & Michael’s Place aspires to be a model for the future of social housing in Canada.

“My father, Bob Lee, and Michael Audain have played significant roles in shaping Vancouver into the city that it is today. Both of these men have deep connections to this neighbourhood and have long fought for and centred their work on community wellbeing. When it came down to who this transformative initiative would be named after, we wanted to honour both of their incredible legacies,” said Carol Lee, Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. “By improving and increasing the supply of quality housing in Chinatown and surrounding neighbourhoods, Bob & Michael’s Place is the realization of a key strategy of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. This is an exciting moment for everyone who has worked on this project.”

Over the course of their careers, Bob and Michael have been catalysts in both Vancouver’s real estate industry and philanthropic community. United by a profound commitment to community stewardship and fostering positive change, Bob and Michael formed a deep and enduring friendship that has translated to numerous joint initiatives over the years serving the wider Vancouver community.

“What the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation has achieved with Bob & Michael’s Place is truly remarkable, and the project will no doubt be transformational for Chinatown and its neighbouring communities,” said Michael Audain, CEO and Chairman of Polygon Homes Ltd. “Bob and I have always believed in the power of philanthropy to make a difference, and this project epitomizes that belief. I’m a long-time supporter of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, and I’m thrilled to see this project come to fruition.”

Slated to open in Spring 2024, Bob & Michael’s Place will provide 231 new independent living homes alongside the Lily Lee Community Health Centre Hastings, a 50,000-square-foot integrated health centre, named after the prominent Vancouver philanthropist, and Lee’s wife, Lily Lee, that will serve the entire community. This project aims to uplift the community through infrastructure built around the needs of those who live and work in the neighbourhood.

Unique to Bob & Michael’s Place is the Community Partnerships Program that will connect residents with local organizations specializing in wellness, life skills, mentoring, sports, culture and entertainment. These partners will provide access to programming and experiences designed with the needs and interests of the residents in mind. Those who engage with the opportunities offered by the Community Partners will learn invaluable life skills, develop new confidence, and be active participants in the neighbourhood.

Bob & Michael’s Place is slated to start moving in tenants in May 2024, and tenancy applications are now available online here. For more information about Bob & Michael’s Place, visit bobandmichaelsplace.org.

About Vancouver Chinatown Foundation

The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation is a registered charity committed to the revitalization of Chinatown, one of Canada’s most iconic neighbourhoods in the historic heart of Vancouver. The Foundation builds more resilient and inclusive communities by promoting the well-being of those in need while preserving Chinatown’s irreplaceable cultural heritage. Learn more at chinatownfoundation.org.

Media Assets
Images available here

Contacts

Media
Stuart Martin

Public Relations Manager

213-235-8581

stuart@talkshopmedia.com

BOGOTÁ, Colombia & LIMA, Peru & SANTIAGO, Chile–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Acquisition–H.I.G. Capital, LLC (“H.I.G.”) a leading global alternative investment firm with $60 billion of capital under management, is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, Grupo Ransa (“Ransa” or the “Company”), has completed the acquisition of Loginsa. Ransa is the leading third-party logistics (“3PL”) player in Latin America with operations in 11 countries and 72 locations.

Loginsa is a leading 3PL player in Chile specializing in cold and dry storage, distribution, last-mile delivery, and customized logistics, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. Loginsa has more than 230,000 square meters of dry and cold storage and caters to a premium client base in Chile, including over 150 customers in multiple industries throughout the country.

This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for Ransa as it strengthens its footprint across the entire Pacific Coast of Latin America, spanning 12 countries from Mexico to Chile. The transaction is expected to enhance its multi-national service offering and bring substantial value for clients in the region. With this acquisition, Ransa now operates in 95 locations regionally, covering over 4,250,000 square meters of infrastructure.

Paolo Sacchi, CEO of Ransa, emphasized the cultural and operational synergies between the two companies. “Our integration with Loginsa enables us to offer seamless regional services across 12 countries, responding swiftly to challenges and delivering an unparalleled customer experience to our clients.”

Fernando Ovalle, Founder & Executive Chairman of Loginsa, expressed enthusiasm about the transaction, stating, “Loginsa will benefit from the regional network, support, and capabilities of Ransa, gaining access to new opportunities for growth and improvement. Both companies share a vision of excellence, customer orientation, and commitment to sustainable development.”

Fabio Saad, Managing Director of H.I.G. Latin America and Head of H.I.G. for the Andean Region, commented, “The acquisition of Loginsa marks an important milestone in our plan to expand our logistics platform in the region. This strategic move allows Ransa to cover the entire Pacific Coast, and we are thrilled with the opportunities this acquisition presents.”

Moonvalley Capital served as exclusive financial advisor, and Carey & Cia served as exclusive legal advisor to the shareholders of Loginsa. Barros & Errazuriz served as legal advisor to Ransa.

About Ransa

Founded over 85 years ago, Ransa is one of the leading third-party logistics (“3PL”) operators in Latin America with operations in the Andean and Central American regions. The Company has an extensive regional footprint with critical mass and network in 11 countries and 72 locations, in which it has over 8,600 workers and operates over 4 million square meters of infrastructure. It has become a one-stop shop solution, offering an efficient and integral 3PL service to blue-chip clients and large multinationals in Latin America. Ransa has a highly-diversified client revenue base with over 3,000 clients operating in various industries such as consumer, food & beverage, retail, fishing and agribusiness, mining and energy, freight forwarding, automotive and electronics, among others. For more information, please visit ransa.biz.

About Loginsa

Loginsa, a Chilean logistics operator founded in 1994, specializes in providing cold and dry storage solutions, distribution centers, last-mile delivery, and customized logistics consulting. Loginsa serves various industries, including retail and pharmaceuticals. For more information, please visit loginsa.com.

About H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. is a leading global alternative investment firm with $60 billion of capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco in the United States, as well as international affiliate offices in Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Dubai, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to middle market companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach:

• H.I.G.’s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses.
• H.I.G.’s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. also manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance.
• H.I.G.’s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices.
• H.I.G. Infrastructure focuses on making value-add and core plus investments in the infrastructure sector.

Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 400 companies worldwide. The Firm’s current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $53 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at hig.com.

_{* Based on total capital raised by H.I.G. Capital and its affiliates.}

Contacts

Fabio Saad

Managing Director

fsaad@hig.com

Innovative Door Delivering Superior Air Circulation and Sound Privacy Showcased at IBS 2024

VANCOUVER, Canada–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Introducing the most significant innovation in the interior-door market in years, VanAir unveils the VanAir Door, featuring a patented, built-in ventilation system, exceptional acoustics, and superb aesthetics. Designed for both commercial and residential applications, the VanAir Door features staggered slot openings on the door’s opposing faces to create a unique through-door airflow channel for enhanced air circulation. The new VanAir Door is being showcased at the International Builder Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, in the BC Wood booth, C2449, Central Hall.

The need for ventilated doors is acute. Indoor air quality is critical for a healthy living environment. Air circulation helps reduce air pollutants such as CO2, which can lead to respiratory illnesses, poor sleep, and breathing disorders. Proper ventilation also helps dissipate humidity to prevent mold and bacteria growth in bathrooms, balances air pressure and temperatures throughout a building, and prevents heat buildup in laundry and mechanical rooms.

Aesthetically, the VanAir Door allows architects and interior designers to avoid unsightly vents, grills, and louvers, while meeting the most stringent building codes. The new ventilated door can be installed in a wide variety of interior environments, including commercial spaces, single and multi-family residential housing, hotels, schools, and healthcare facilities.

The VanAir Door also delivers outstanding sound privacy, with sound absorption on par with solid-core doors. Built-in acoustic baffles isolate sound at both low and high frequencies, achieving an independently-tested Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 26.

“We’ve needed a higher-performing interior door in our homes and in our workplaces for decades, one designed to promote better air quality and healthier indoor environments,” said Vick Yau, Co-Founder, VanAir. “The technology we’ve integrated into our VanAir Door not only promotes superior air quality, it offers outstanding acoustic performance, and has a look architects and interior designers covet.”

VanAir Door specs:

• Designed to fit standard 1-3/4” and 1-3/8” door openings.
• Available up to 4’0” in width and 10’0” in height.
• Suitable for hinged, pocket, double door, and sliding applications.
• Accepts all standard hardware, closers, and sweeps.
• Provides the equivalent airflow of a 12” x 12” louver.
• Delivers the sound privacy of a solid core door.
• Available pre-primed for custom painting, or in five rich wood-grain finishes: Ash, Fir, Oak, Sapele, and Walnut.

For more information on the VanAir Door, visit VanAir or call 844 -757-6437

About VanAir

Inventor of state-of-the-art acoustical and ventilating solutions for interior doors, Vancouver BC-based VanAir is dedicated to the creation of aesthetically designed doors that provide better airflow and sound privacy throughout interior spaces. Designed for both work and home-living spaces, VanAir serves the commercial, multifamily, and single-family residence markets. The patented VanAir Door is available throughout North America. For more information, visit www.vanairdesign.com.

Contacts

Ray Vincenzo

rayvincenzo@vincenzomarketing.com
(206) 290-4431

CARY, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Recent strides in product development are not only positioning Cornerstone Building Brands’ Canadian Business Unit as a frontrunner in the building materials sector — they are also contributing to a paradigm shift in architectural solutions across North America.

“In the building materials industry, where evolution is often a driver of success, we’re proud to introduce new and exciting innovations that continue to answer the needs of customers across the board,” says Lisa Domnisch, President of the Canadian Business Unit at Cornerstone Building Brands. “We’ve used materials science research to develop better performing and more sustainable products, and we’ve introduced pioneering designs by partnering with industry influencers. We’re excited to be incorporating new trends that are leading the market in form, structure and colour.”

SENTINEL ENTRY DOOR SYSTEM^TM BY NORTH STAR WINDOWS & DOORS

Drawing inspiration from the vigilance of actual sentinels, the Sentinel Entry Door System^TM is a testament to North Star Windows & Doors’ reliability and durability — but with a few modern twists. The system boasts a composite frame designed for longevity and weather resistance, and its closed cellular structure and rigid poly-fiber formulation prevent rot, decay and water absorption. This all contributes to a door system that will stand guard for years to come.

What truly sets Sentinel Entry Door System^TM apart is the customization options. Customers can choose from one or two panels, single or double sidelites and optional rectangular or elliptical transoms, allowing homeowners to fine-tune an entrance that aligns with their unique aesthetic preferences. The variety of doorlite glass types, including Obscure, Decorative, Wrought Iron and Clear Low-E glass, further adds to the versatility. Whether customers are seeking the durability of steel or the elegance of fiberglass, Sentinel Entry Door System^TM can make their home a bastion of style and security.

For further information, visit northstarwindows.com.

FUSION COLOUR WRAP^TM BY PLY GEM^®

For those who value form and function in equal measure, the Ply Gem^® brand has introduced a brilliant solution to transform the appearance of dated vinyl windows and sliding patio doors. The innovative technology behind Fusion Colour Wrap^TM involves applying a multi-layered laminate film with precise heat application, creating a permanent bond between wrap and vinyl. The result is a sleek and durable surface area that is as tough as it is low maintenance. Interior film options for the Design Series allow for a modern, aluminum-clad exterior with enhanced and contemporary interior colour options through Fusion Colour Wrap^TM.

Resistant to scratches and abrasions and easy to clean with standard household products, Colour Wraps^TM are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas both inside and outside the home. These wraps are impervious to common environmental pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter, and are resistant to chipping and peeling. In contrast to painted alternatives, the product has been designed to withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations found in most parts of Canada. Coupled with a 20-year warranty, this means longevity is ensured even in the harshest climates.

For further information, visit plygem.ca.

WEST RIDGE SIDING BY MITTEN^®

The West Ridge of Mount Everest is known as one of the most difficult ways to reach the top of the world. Only a handful of climbers have reached the summit using the route, and it requires incredible commitment, planning and teamwork to even muster an attempt. Mitten^®’s West Ridge line embodies the essence of this achievement, highlighted by the product’s strength, rigidity and resilience in tough conditions.

West Ridge delivers the essence of genuine wood siding without the hassle of constant maintenance. Our 8” plank, with its .046” thickness, embodies the timeless elegance of hand-cut wood, offering enduring beauty with minimal upkeep. Expertly designed with an impressively broad 8” profile width and a stacked locking system, the plank boasts additional panel strength with a rigid foam backing — all while being ultra lightweight and incredibly easy to install in horizontal, vertical and porch ceiling applications. Available in eight must-have colours, West Ridge is backed by Mitten^®’s lifetime warranty and signature No Fade Promise.

For further information, visit mittensiding.com.

LEARN MORE AT THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW

Cornerstone Building Brands is built for what’s next. With unrelenting customer focus, a strong emphasis on quality and performance and an expansive network of manufacturing hubs, distribution centers and sales branches, Cornerstone Building Brands is poised to forge ahead in 2024 as a leading provider for building professionals who are navigating the challenges of tomorrow, today.

Interested in learning more? Visit Cornerstone Building Brands at the 2024 International Builders’ Show^® ️at Booth C3830 or online at cornerstonebuildingbrands.com.

ABOUT CORNERSTONE BUILDING BRANDS

Cornerstone Building Brands is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and repair & remodel markets. Our market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows, vinyl siding, stone veneer, metal roofing, metal wall systems and metal accessories. Cornerstone Building Brands’ broad, multi-channel distribution platform and expansive national footprint includes approximately 18,000 employees at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. Corporate stewardship and environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibility are embedded in our culture. We are committed to contributing positively to the communities where we live, work and play.

Contacts

Jennifer Candlish

Communications Director

Jan Kelley

jcandlish@jankelley.com
905-537-6163

The GE Appliances EcoBalance System will work with Tantalus’ TRUSense Gateway™ to reduce peak energy usage of home appliances, HVAC and water heaters

LOUISVILLE, Ky. & BURNABY, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GE Appliances, a Haier company, and Tantalus Systems (TSX:GRID) today announce a partnership that will revolutionize the way home appliances, HVAC systems and water heaters use real-time data to manage energy delivery and consumption. The industry-first GE Appliances EcoBalance System in partnership with Savant will integrate with Tantalus’ TRUSense Gateway to cycle individual home appliances, including air and water heating products, to support grid modernization initiatives.

GE Appliances EcoBalance System in partnership with Savant provides market-leading capabilities allowing consumers to control their energy management of home appliances, HVAC systems and water heaters. Tantalus’ TRUSense Gateway is installed between existing meters and meter sockets, eliminating the costly and labor-intensive process of replacing all the meters in a utility service area.

“We helped electrify America, and with our portfolio of innovative smart products and the technology of Tantalus, we can use our shared capabilities to help save consumers money and help save the country’s electrical grid,” said Kevin Nolan, president and CEO of GE Appliances, a Haier company. “GE Appliances products are currently in half of all U.S. homes, and we have an install base of 26 million connectable appliances – so we have the capacity to work with demand management systems to make a significant impact on saving electricity.”

GE Appliances is America’s number one appliance company, the first choice for builders and the first to offer suites of connected appliances. Tantalus helps more than 285 utilities and energy providers modernize their distribution grids by harnessing the power of data across devices and systems deployed from the substation to home appliances, water heaters, HVAC systems, or electric vehicle chargers. By adding Tantalus to the GE Appliances EcoBalance System, products will be able to “communicate” with energy companies. For example, refrigerator defrost or ice cycles can run during off-peak hours, water heaters can be charged with energy for use later in the day, and HVAC systems can be adjusted a few degrees to save energy and reduce peak demand.

These capabilities can be leveraged to help utilities reduce their carbon footprint and balance energy load profiles – without sacrificing performance or style. In addition, the technology is useful when utilities are planning for natural disasters. Certain items, like water heaters, can be charged with electricity in advance of an incoming storm and used as a thermal storage device if power is disrupted.

“In partnership with GE Appliances and Savant, Tantalus’ new TRUSense Gateway will provide utilities with the visibility, command and control they need over the distribution grid and allow them to better serve customers as a wider range of smart appliances and electric vehicles are adopted. By harnessing the power of data from devices located behind the meter, we can further accelerate grid modernization efforts,” said Peter Londa, President & CEO of Tantalus Systems. “We are honored to join GE Appliances EcoBalance System and work alongside their team to improve a utilities’ resiliency, reliability and sustainability.”

The combined capabilities of GE Appliances’ EcoBalance System in partnership with Savant and Tantalus’ TRUSense Gateway will be displayed at the 2024 International Builders Show, DISTRIBUTECH International and TechAdvantage It will also be incorporated into upcoming field trials with utilities.

About GE Appliances, a Haier company

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make “good things, for life.” We’re creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there’s always a better way. We’re a company powered by our people, made stronger through our diversity — allowing us to grow closer than ever before to our owners, anticipate their needs and enhance their lives. In 2021 and 2022, 2023 we were certified as a Great Place to Work™, for the second year in a row named one of Fortune’s Best Places to Work in Manufacturing, honored as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company magazine, garnered one of Best Companies for Multicultural Women by Seramount (formerly Working Mother Media), earned the Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces® award, received a perfect score for the fifth year in a row on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, and named one of the Top 100 Internship Programs by WayUp.

Since 1907, we’ve built innovative, quality products that are trusted in half of all U.S. homes. We sell appliances under the Monogram®, Café™, GE Profile™, GE®, Haier™ and Hotpoint™ brands. Our products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, wine & beverage centers, air conditioners, small appliances, water filtration systems and water heaters.

To learn more about our company, brands, Corporate Citizenship efforts, economic impact, and working for GE Appliances, visit geappliancesco.com.

About Tantalus Systems Holding Inc. (TSX:GRID)

Tantalus is a technology company dedicated to helping utilities modernize their distribution grids by harnessing the power of data across all their devices and systems deployed throughout the entire distribution grid. We offer a grid modernization platform across multiple levels: intelligent connected devices, communications networks, data management, enterprise applications and analytics. Our solutions provide utilities with the flexibility they need to get the most value from existing infrastructure investments while leveraging advanced capabilities to plan for future requirements. Learn more at http://www.tantalus.com/.

Forward-Looking Information:

This news release includes information, statements, beliefs and opinions which are forward-looking, and which reflect current estimates, expectations and projections about future events, including, but not limited to, the adoption, performance, functionality, benefits and development of the joint solution of technologies from GE Appliances, Tantalus and Savant for consumers and utilities, the issues anticipated to face utilities and consumers relating to the modernization of the distribution grid and how those issues can best be addressed, and other statements that contain words such as “believe,” “expect,” “project,” “should,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “will,” “intend,” “positioned,” “risk,” “plan,” “may,” “estimate,” or, in each case, their negative and words of similar meaning. By its nature, forward-looking information involves a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome of the plans and events described herein. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which is based on the information available as of the date of this news release and Tantalus disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this new release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. The forward-looking information included in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contacts

Allison Martin

Allison.martin@geappliances.com
502-452-4198

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hyphen Solutions, a leader in cloud-based residential construction technology, and informXL, the foremost data visualization platform, are excited to announce the expansion of their partnership. This enhanced collaboration integrates informXL’s robust analytics capabilities with Hyphen Solutions’ two flagship Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, BRIX and Hyphen HomeFront, to provide unparalleled efficiency and data management for Home Builders.

Hyphen BRIX: Revolutionizing Home Building Operations

Hyphen BRIX, a comprehensive ERP solution with a focus on North American Home Builders, continues to innovate in streamlining residential construction operations. In 2022, it facilitated the issuance of over 543,000 purchase orders, demonstrating its efficacy in automating tasks and connecting field staff with back-office operations. This integration with informXL will further empower Builders to extract actionable insights from their data, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.

Hyphen HomeFront: A Synthesis of Build Process and Data Management

Hyphen HomeFront, tailored for mid to large-size Home Builders, offers an intuitive ERP solution that encompasses the entire build process from sales to service and warranty. Its seamless integration with major accounting systems like QuickBooks and Sage underscores its adaptability. The collaboration with informXL will enable Builders to harness data more effectively, improving build times and reducing errors through enhanced information management.

informXL: At the Forefront of Data-Driven Decision Making

informXL takes pride in turning complex ERP data into actionable insights, aiding Builders in cost control, employee efficiency and executive decision making. As informXL grows, with over 100 years of combined Home Builder experience and servicing over 250 Builders, their partnership with Hyphen Solutions reflects a commitment to innovation and industry leadership in reporting and process solutions.

Hyphen Solutions: Celebrating 25 Years of Industry Leadership

Marking its 25th anniversary in 2024, Hyphen Solutions remains committed to connecting systems, data and teams in residential construction. Serving a third of new homes built in America, Hyphen Solutions is dedicated to providing software solutions that drive economical outcomes and further improve collaboration in the construction industry.

This enhanced partnership between Hyphen Solutions and informXL symbolizes a shared vision of innovation and efficiency. By integrating informXL’s data analysis expertise with Hyphen’s cutting-edge ERPs, this collaboration is set to redefine the landscape of residential construction technology.

Contacts

Jessica Katz

VP of Marketing

Hyphen Solutions

Phone: (972) 728-8100

Email: jkatz@ihyphen.com

Erin Morris

Director of Client Relations

informXL

Phone: (304) 676-5159

Email: erin@informxl.com

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX), the fastest growing, publicly traded real estate brokerage, today announced that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tamir Poleg, will present at the 8th Annual Evercore ISI Payments & Fintech Innovators Forum in New York on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. ET. A live webcast of the presentation will be available at the link below, and a replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the presentation on the investor relations section of the company’s website at https://investors.onereal.com/.

Presentation Details:

Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024

Time: 10:30 a.m. ET

Webcast link: https://wsw.com/webcast/evercore41/reax/2363904

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 more than 15,000 agents who use its digital brokerage platform and tight-knit professional community to power their own forward-thinking businesses. Additional information can be found on its website at www.onereal.com.

Contacts

For additional information, 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

elisabeth@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221

The business services leader continues to expand its footprint with its latest acquisition.

CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS) has acquired SITEX, a Kentucky-based, family-owned supplier of uniform and facility service programs.

SITEX was founded by the Sights family in Henderson, Kentucky in 1961. Currently, Wes Sights serves as CEO of SITEX, which has five different locations servicing customers in a four-state region, including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

“The Sights family has grown SITEX into a strong regional provider of quality apparel and facility service solutions to their customers in the central Midwest,” said Scott Garula, President and COO of Cintas’ Rental Division. “They’ve built a successful company with a well-earned reputation for delivering outstanding customer and employee experiences. We look forward to welcoming SITEX’s customers and employees to Cintas in the coming months.”

“Our customers and employees have always been and remain our primary focus for any decision we make,” said Wes Sights, CEO of SITEX. “The opportunity for SITEX to become part of the industry-leading Cintas team allows us to offer more services and products for our customers and capitalize on Cintas’ supply chain support while still delivering the highest level of service.”

About Cintas Corporation

Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get Ready™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing products and services that help keep their customers’ facilities and employees clean, safe, and looking their best. With offerings including uniforms, mats, mops, towels, restroom supplies, workplace water services, first aid and safety products, eye-wash stations, safety training, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and alarm service, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.

Contacts

Michelle Goret, Cintas Vice President of Corporate Affairs | goretm@cintas.com, 513-972-4155

Allegations of prejudice against top lenders highlight inaccuracy and bias of credit report algorithms, creating “redlining 2.0.”

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–VeriFast, the AI-powered Verification-as-a-Service platform that automates financial analysis and decision making for tenant screening, mortgage underwriting, and other verticals, responded today to the upcoming Senate investigation into the discrimination by mortgage lenders. In 2022, Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) rejected more than half of conventional mortgage applications from African Americans. Innovative solutions, including objective, data-driven application processes that don’t rely on flawed credit scores, can prevent the inherent racial bias of credit reports from interfering with home purchases and create a level playing field for all applicants.

“People of color have long known about these unfair practices, which are often driven by the lending industry’s overreliance on inaccurate and biased credit checks,” said Tim Ray, Co-Founder and CEO OF VeriFast. “The statistics are disturbing, but are unfortunately inevitable when lenders base decisions on incomplete models that often include errors and incorporate structural racism. This isn’t just a mortgage problem but also a rental applicant screening problem. Transparent, data-driven approaches can help people attain home ownership and get into better apartments. These solutions will show lenders the whole picture, reduce risk, and remove race from the equation to keep homeowning dreams from being deferred.”

In past decades, banks would often refuse home loans, mortgages, and insurance to applicants who lived in low-income areas. This practice, called redlining, prevented people of color from moving to more affluent neighborhoods. Though declared illegal in 1968, failing to account for biases baked into borrower screening algorithms threatens to reintroduce redlining as a modern practice.

“The mortgage industry can turn things around by adopting an objective, data-driven platform that is colorblind and uses hard-coded underwriting practices to avoid the flawed assumptions that lead to biased algorithms,” said Verifast Co-Founder and CTO Craig Schoen. “Verifast considers an applicant’s income, assets, employment history, and cashflow without invading anyone’s privacy — never race, creed, sexual or gender orientation, current neighborhood, or place of origin. Lenders can make safe bets, free from prejudice or the appearance of bias.”

About Verifast

VeriFast provides a single-source configurable API platform that allows companies to immediately validate customers’ ability to pay while eliminating fraud. Delivering deep analytics in minutes, VeriFast provides powerful consumer – borrower insights far beyond conventional credit checks. The company is based in Toronto and has customers throughout North America. VeriFast is privately held. For more information on VeriFast, please visit the company website at www.verifast.com.

Contacts

Cameron Thomas for Verifast

cameron@verbfactory.com

416.660.9801