Ottawa-based property auction platform backed by E INC founder and other Canadian investors

OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PropTech innovator Unreserved today announced that it has secured $33.85 million in seed funding led by Ryan O’Connor, who took his digital auto auction company E INC (TSE: EINC) public at a valuation of more than a billion dollars earlier this year. Unreserved addresses consumers’ biggest pain points when buying and selling a home by leveraging their auction technology. The platform provides 100% transparency to buyers while maximizing the upside for sellers. Investors in the round include O’Connor, former President of Royal Lepage, Simon Dean, technology investor Jason Chapnik of Intercap, and numerous real estate professionals.

“The residential real estate market in Canada has been ripe for technological and process disruption for a long time. Unreserved’s model puts the customer first and emphasizes unwavering transparency,” says Matthew Hoar, President of Unreserved Inc. “In Ottawa alone, we’ve sold over 50 million dollars in real estate in the last 100 days, and we see massive potential for expansion here in Canada in 2022 and the opportunity is endless.”

O’Connor says, “Unreserved is poised for success as buyers become increasingly frustrated with the perils of blind bidding and unconditional offers. The capital will fuel the investment in technology to create the marketplace that will allow the industry to evolve.”

About Unreserved

The Unreserved technology platform is paving the way for a transparent way to buy and sell homes allowing buyers to bid on homes in a real-time online auction environment, removing blind-bidding and bully offers from the equation. In addition, Unreserved is a full-service auction company, offering staging, marketing, and promotion to attract qualified buyers and interested sellers. Unreserved is privately held and is based in Ottawa.

Contacts

For Unreserved Media & PR Inquiries, please contact:
Richard Berman

richard@verbfactory.com
1 (647) 294-8372

ZEELAND, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ODL, Inc., announces the acquisition of Verre Select, a specialty glass company in Quebec, Canada, merging two of North America’s leading doorglass suppliers. This acquisition of Verre Select positions ODL for new opportunities and strategic long-term growth. ​

“Today is a very exciting day for the Verre Select team, as we have taken the bold step to protect our future growth by partnering with ODL, the leading door glass supplier in North America,” said Patrice Lamy, President, Verre Select. “This important partnership positions our organization so we can enhance our product lines, improve our processes and expand our reach right here in Canada and beyond.”

“From the entire ODL team, we are proud to be a part of this exciting announcement today. The addition of Verre Select is the perfect foundation for new growth with two already reputable and trusted brands,” said Dave Klein, President, ODL, Inc. “We see this as a very important step toward a new level of business growth for ODL.”

With this acquisition, ODL will absorb Verre Select’s operations and employees, with the Verre Select current organizational structure remaining unchanged. ​

Press inquiries should be directed to amy.post@odl.com ​

About ODL, Inc.

ODL, Inc. was founded in 1945 and corporate headquarters are located in Zeeland, Michigan. Over 75 years later, the company offers products designed to build value into the home under the following brands: ODL, Blink Blinds + Glass, Western Reflections and Kenyon’s Glass. Product offerings include decorative and clear doorglass; enclosed blinds; custom decorative glass for windows, doors and transoms; and doorglass frames. Products are manufactured or distributed in Zeeland; Dallas; Valdosta, Georgia; Reno, Nevada; Hagerstown, Maryland; Gallatin, Tennessee; Grove City, Ohio; Matamoros, Mexico; Toronto and Calgary, Canada; and Liverpool, United Kingdom. ODL products are sold through building material dealers and home center retailers nationwide.

Contacts

Devon Prince

dprince@purdierogers.com
360-567-7341

Tech-enabled hospitality provider continues to grow across the United States in second half of 2021

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sonder Holdings Inc. (“Sonder” or the “Company”), a leading next-generation hospitality company that is redefining the guest experience through technology and design, announced today it has added over 25 new buildings across the U.S. to its portfolio in the second half of 2021. The Company’s growth covers over a dozen cities, including top tourist destinations such as New York City, Nashville and Seattle. Sonder’s new locations include both hotel and apartment style spaces – all designed to provide flexible accommodations to serve a wide range of traveler needs.

Sonder’s East Coast expansion includes buildings in Boston, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. In Washington D.C., Sonder recently opened three new buildings in the desirable neighborhoods of Georgetown, Barracks Row and the Central Business District. Spanning approximately 300 Live Units in total, each of these properties are within easy access to some of the city’s most popular attractions. In New York City, Sonder’s recently opened Duane Street property is a charming space in the heart of Tribeca with hardwood floors, curated artwork and thoughtfully designed rooms.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Sonder, a hospitality company that prioritizes thoughtful design and a modernized, tech-forward experience, to operate our second location together at Duane Street,” shared Uzi Ben-Abraham, founding partner of Premier Equities. “As we enter a new era of travel, we believe Sonder’s flexible self-service model is the ideal way for modern travelers to experience New York City, and we look forward to continuing to work together on more opportunities in the future.”

In the Central region, Sonder added ten new buildings across Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, New Orleans and San Antonio in the second half of 2021. Three of those buildings are centrally located in Nashville, including the historic Mastrapasqua Asset Management building. This property has been transformed into a modern hotel with 45 rooms and is surrounded by some of the world’s most iconic venues, vintage stores and culinary treasures. In Atlanta, Sonder opened a brand new building with over 115 Live Units in Midtown South, featuring art by local artists and amenities such as a gym, yoga room, outdoor patio and restaurant. Additionally, in the Western region, Sonder added buildings in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Francisco and Seattle.

“The U.S. continues to be a high-growth market for us with a strong and varied supply of real estate, and we plan to continue expanding aggressively,” said Martin Picard, Co-Founder and Global Head of Real Estate at Sonder. “Our future-forward model and well-capitalized business continue to attract prominent real estate partners, while our innovative approach to hospitality brings travelers from across the globe to our spaces. Our properties across the United States provide a wide variety of unique urban stays and we look forward to continuing to grow and evolve our portfolio with our current and future real estate partners.”

In addition to newly opened buildings, Sonder has also contracted a number of hotel and apartment style spaces across the country, including partnering with Property Markets Group for a second time in Florida to operate a 130+ unit building in downtown Miami.

“Working with Sonder at Society Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale was a phenomenal experience, and we look forward to collaborating again at Society Biscayne in the heart of downtown Miami,” said Ryan Shear, Managing Partner at Property Markets Group. “Sonder’s unique approach to hospitality – combining tasteful design with advanced technology and smooth operations at each property – is a major benefit to our residents and communities, and we’re pleased to expand this partnership.”

Headquartered in San Francisco, Sonder operates in 35+ cities across ten countries, and has over 16,000 Live and Contracted Units worldwide as of September 30, 2021. The Company partners with real estate owners and landlords to manage and operate hotels and apartment-style buildings. Sonder distinguishes itself in the hospitality industry through applying forward thinking design and infusing technology into its properties and guest experience. This tech-enabled experience puts guests in full control of their stay. They can access everything they need – from booking, to interacting with guest services, to check-out – via their own mobile device from anywhere and at any time, using the Sonder app.

Business Combination with Gores Metropoulos II

Sonder recently announced that the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 7, 2021, as amended by Amendment No. 7 filed on December 20, 2021, was declared effective on December 22, 2021. The Registration Statement was filed in connection with the proposed business combination of Sonder and Gores Metropoulos II, Inc. (Nasdaq: GMII, GMIIW, and GMIIU). A special meeting of Gores Metropoulos II stockholders to approve the business combination will be held on January 14, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Sonder’s common stock and public warrants are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “SOND” and “SONDW,” respectively, following the closing of the business combination. Upon completion of the business combination, subject to any redemptions by the public stockholders of Gores Metropoulos II and the payment of transaction expenses at the closing, Sonder expects to have approximately $310 million in PIPE proceeds, up to $450 million in cash in Gores Metropoulos II’s trust account and $165 million of Delayed Draw Notes to fund operations and support new and existing growth initiatives.

About Sonder

Sonder is revolutionizing hospitality through innovative, tech-enabled service and inspiring, thoughtfully designed accommodations combined into one seamless experience. Launched in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, Sonder provides a variety of accommodation options — from spacious rooms to fully-equipped suites and apartments — found in over 35 cities spanning ten countries and three continents. The Sonder app gives guests full control over their stay. Complete with self-service features, simple check-in and 24/7 on-the-ground support, amenities and services at Sonder are just a tap away, making a world of better stays open to all.

To learn more, visit www.sonder.com or follow Sonder on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Download the Sonder app on Apple or Google Play.

About Gores Metropoulos II, Inc.

Gores Metropoulos II, Inc. (Nasdaq: GMII, GMIIW, and GMIIU) is a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of The Gores Group, LLC, a global investment firm founded in 1987 by Alec Gores, and by an affiliate of Metropoulos & Co. whose Principals are Dean, Evan and Daren Metropoulos. Gores Metropoulos II was formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Messrs. Gores and Metropoulos together have over 100 years of combined experience as entrepreneurs, operators and investors across diverse sectors including industrials, technology, media and entertainment, business services, healthcare and consumer products and services. Over the course of their careers, Messrs. Gores and Metropoulos and their respective teams have invested in more than 180 portfolio companies through varying macroeconomic environments with a consistent, operationally-oriented investment strategy. For more information, please visit www.gores.com.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, Gores Metropoulos II, Inc. (“Gores Metropoulos II”) has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that includes a preliminary proxy statement, prospectus and consent solicitation statement with respect to Gores Metropoulos II’s securities to be issued in connection with the proposed business combination. The Form S-4 was declared effective by the SEC on December 22, 2021. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus/consent solicitation statement was mailed to all Gores Metropoulos II stockholders as of November 30, 2021, the record date established for voting on the proposed business combination and the other matters to be voted upon at a meeting of Gores Metropoulos II’s stockholders to be held to approve the proposed business combination and other matters (the “Special Meeting”). Gores Metropoulos II may also file other documents regarding the proposed business combination with the SEC. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus/consent solicitation statement contains important information about the proposed business combination and the other matters to be voted upon at the Special Meeting and is not intended to provide the basis for any investment decision or any other decision in respect of such matters. Investors and securityholders will also be able to obtain copies of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus/consent solicitation statement and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: 6260 Lookout Road, Boulder, CO 80301, attention: Jennifer Kwon Chou, or by contacting Morrow Sodali LLC, Gores Metropoulos II’s proxy solicitor, for help, toll-free at (800) 662-5200 (banks and brokers can call collect at (203) 658-9400).

Participants in Solicitation

Gores Metropoulos II, Sonder and their respective directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of Gores Metropoulos II stockholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Gores Metropoulos II stockholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed business combination by reading Gores Metropoulos II’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-251663), which was declared effective by the SEC on January 19, 2021, and the proxy statement/prospectus/consent solicitation statement regarding the proposed business combination.

You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains a number of “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about Sonder’s forecasted revenue growth (including Sonder’s outlook for Total Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021), Sonder’s growth in total unit portfolio (including Sonder’s forecast for growth in Total Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2021), information concerning Gores Metropoulos II’s or Sonder’s possible or assumed future financial or operating results and metrics, business strategies, debt levels, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, future operations, products and services, planned openings, expected unit contractings and the effects of regulation, including whether the proposed business combination will generate returns for stockholders. These forward-looking statements are based on Gores Metropoulos II’s or Sonder’s management’s current expectations, estimates, projections and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside Gores Metropoulos II’s or Sonder’s management’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors include, but are not limited to: (a) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement and the proposed business combination contemplated thereby; (b) the inability to complete the proposed business combination due to the failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of Gores Metropoulos II or other conditions to closing in the Merger Agreement; (c) the ability to meet Nasdaq’s listing standards following the consummation of the proposed business combination; (d) the inability to complete the PIPE; (e) the risk that the proposed business combination disrupts current plans and operations of Sonder or its subsidiaries as a result of the announcement and consummation of the transactions described herein; (f) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (g) costs related to the proposed business combination; (h) changes in applicable laws or regulations, including legal or regulatory developments (such as the SEC’s statement on accounting and reporting considerations for warrants in special purpose acquisition companies); (i) the possibility that Sonder may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (j) risks related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Delta variant and potential governmental and other restrictions (including travel restrictions) resulting therefrom; and (k) other risks and uncertainties described in the final proxy statement/prospectus/consent solicitation statement, including those under the heading “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed by Gores Metropoulos II from time to time with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, neither Gores Metropoulos II nor Sonder undertakes any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in Gores Metropoulos II’s reports filed and to be filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication relates to a proposed business combination between Gores Metropoulos II and Sonder. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

Contacts

Kate Cory

press@sonder.com

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Home Capital Group Inc. (TSX: HCG) (“Home Capital” or “the Company”) will report financial results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2021 on Thursday, February 17, 2022 before markets open.

Home Capital’s executive management will host an audio conference call webcast on the same day at 8:00 a.m. EST. Management will discuss the Company’s financial results and follow with a question-and-answer period for analysts and investors.

Participants may register in advance for the conference call by clicking HERE.

The conference call will also be webcast live on the Company’s website. Presentation slides accompanying the live audio webcast will be available on the Company’s website at www.homecapital.com in the Investors section of the website.

The archived audio webcast will be available for 90 days on the Company’s website at www.homecapital.com.

About Home Capital: Home Capital Group Inc. is a public company, traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (HCG), operating through its principal subsidiary, Home Trust Company. Home Trust is a federally regulated trust company offering residential and non-residential mortgage lending, securitization of residential mortgage products, consumer lending and credit card services. In addition, Home Trust and its wholly owned subsidiary, Home Bank offer deposits via brokers and financial planners, and through a direct-to-consumer brand, Oaken Financial. Licensed to conduct business across Canada, we have offices in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec.

Contacts

Jill MacRae

VP, Investor Relations and ESG

416-933-4991

investor.relations@hometrust.ca

WINNIPEG, Manitoba–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AI–Keeping equipment and assets running properly, it’s important to get ahead of the maintenance curve. Being proactive and relevant when it comes to trends in the asset management industry means knowing the biggest challenges and how to resolve them. With all the unknowns in the last couple of years, the asset management industry has been relatively lucky with the ability to carry on business. The industry is growing in line with inflation with a forecast of 8.7% from 2020 to 2026, according to Markets and Markets.

The shift from traditional paper systems towards modern CMMS solutions is helping drive industry growth. With the need for virtual and remote solutions due to the pandemic, advanced technologies such as cloud-based systems are helping businesses overcome today’s challenges while showcasing new opportunities for the future.

What to Look for In Asset Management in 2022

1. Mobile CMMS
   While not a new trend, mobile tools are quickly becoming the industry norm as businesses are recognizing the value. Combine that with the availability of cost-effective mobile devices and a workforce that is well-versed in its usage. Now companies can deliver real-time data straight from the source.
2. Preventative Maintenance Focus
   
   The need to be proactive as opposed to reactive has become forefront in the industry to reduce unplanned downtime, increase asset lifespans, lower costs, increase safety and most importantly increase efficiency with insights available through CMMS.
3. Increased Digital Inspections
   
   More and more organizations have multiple levels of compliance and regulatory requirements. The ability to complete, file and store equipment and asset inspections will provide huge time savings, less paperwork, real-time updates and digital sign-offs for accountability.
4. Cloud-Based Solutions
   
   In today’s world, the need for any time anywhere has become imperative for businesses to operate efficiently. Without the need for on-site software, companies only have to deal with smaller monthly expenses as opposed to large capital expenditures and ongoing maintenance. Security and redundancy are required features of any high-level CMMS, most can integrate with your enterprise systems and you won’t need to deal with dedicated IT personnel.
5. AI (Artificial Intelligence)
   
   Adding AI to the CMMS solution helps teams work smarter, not harder by automating repetitive jobs and maintenance planning, allowing you to focus on value-added activities. It can identify maintenance requirements, prioritize and adjust schedules to ensure the right person is assigned to the right task.

If the last couple of years has taught us anything, it’s time to become fluid, adaptable, innovative and focused on customer-centric business practices. As our world changes daily, businesses have to be able to adjust on the fly and provide the required information in a timely fashion with a focus on reducing costs, downtime and increasing efficiencies. If you’re ready to make the move towards the future, there’s never been a better time to setup enterprise asset management than right now. Maxpanda’s Enterprise Asset Management Software is an all-encompassing solution for your asset management needs. Learn more at maxpanda.com.

Maxpanda is an award-winning software for maintenance professionals empowering staff and vendors to work more efficiently. Maxpanda’s CMMS software platform is simple and affordable, and allows maintenance departments of all sizes to perform preventive maintenance tasks more efficiently through the included GoMAX mobile assistant app. For more information visit https://www.maxpanda.com.

Contacts

Media contact:

Steve Kyriakidis

Email: steve@maxpanda.com
Phone: 1-424-272-6675

Dehumidified Air Solutions, manufacturer of the three leading pool dehumidifier brands, funds 15k for scholarship program

OTTAWA, Ontario & MONTREAL & YORK, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#HVAC–Dectron, PoolPak and Seresco, three of North America’s leading pool dehumidifier brands, have launched a scholarship program designed to help students pursue an education in engineering and increase their awareness of natatorium (indoor pool) design. Each of the three brands will award a $5,000 scholarship to a student in Canada or the U.S. who is enrolled in a mechanical or building engineering bachelor’s degree program for the 2022-2023 academic year.

In 2019, the number of awarded bachelor’s degrees in engineering totalled 18,154¹ in Canada and 144,818² in the U.S., indicating a large pool of prospective engineers annually. Through the scholarship application process and ambassador program, Dectron, PoolPak and Seresco want to ensure that students and ultimately graduates are aware of the important considerations of natatorium design and the associated opportunities when entering the workforce.

“A natatorium is one of the most notoriously difficult facilities to design because there are so many critical considerations that, if overlooked, can develop into serious problems affecting the building structure or result in an unpleasant experience or ill-health effects for the occupants,” said Bob Phillips, Vice President of Sales for Dehumidified Air Solutions, Pools Division. “The indoor pool environment and the communities served will certainly benefit from a greater number of new engineers who have become exposed to and knowledgeable about HVAC for natatorium design, and it is our hope that this scholarship program will achieve this.”

Scholarships will be awarded based on academic performance, understanding natatorium design and letters of reference. Students in at least their second year of studies with at least one year remaining are eligible. Complete eligibility requirements and how to apply are listed on the Dectron, PoolPak and Seresco website scholarship pages. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2022, and scholarships will be awarded by July 29, 2022, through the post-secondary institutions the recipients are attending.

About Dehumidified Air Solutions

Dehumidified Air Solutions, part of the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) division of Madison Industries, is North America’s home to the industry’s three most respected pool dehumidifier brands, Dectron, PoolPak and Seresco. Focused on delivering exceptional IAQ through HVAC temperature and humidity control, Dehumidified Air Solutions manufactures the industry’s most reliable, innovative, technologically advanced indoor pool dehumidification equipment so that owners, contractors, and engineers can create the optimal natatorium environment.

About the Brands

With over 40 years of success, Dectron is the indoor pool dehumidification industry’s most trusted and proven brand. Dectron continues to innovate with new energy-efficient designs that leverage technological advances in materials, controls, fan design and performance monitoring, to consistently provide customers with the best products available.

PoolPak has earned a reputation for reliable dehumidification that works by taking a comprehensive approach to managing the pool room environment. Built to withstand the harsh, corrosive environment of indoor pool applications, dehumidifiers built by PoolPak deliver optimal space conditions while keeping operating costs low to deliver a truly compelling total cost of ownership.

Seresco has built a reputation for industry-leading innovation, performance and reliability while delivering the lowest operating and maintenance costs in the industry. Fully committed to ensuring the success of every indoor pool environment, Seresco delivers absolute customer satisfaction for the lifetime of equipment.

Sources

1. Canadian Engineers for Tomorrow, Engineers Canada
2. Engineering and Engineering Technology by the Numbers, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

Contacts

Media Contact
Deanna White, Director of Marketing

Dehumidified Air Solutions

613-783-3289

deanna.white@dehumidifiedairsolutions.com