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IFS Completes Acquisition of Copperleaf

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LONDON and VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 29, 2024 /CNW/ – Copperleaf Technologies Inc. (TSX: CPLF) (“Copperleaf” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Industrial and Financial Systems, IFS AB (“IFS”) has completed the previously announced acquisition of Copperleaf pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) under the Canada Business Corporations Act. In accordance with the terms of the Arrangement, IFS indirectly acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of Copperleaf (the “Shares”) for $12.00 in cash per Share, representing a total equity value of approximately $1.0 billion on a fully diluted basis.

The Shares are expected to be de-listed from the Toronto Stock Exchange on or about the closing of trading on August 30, 2024. It is anticipated that Copperleaf will apply to cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws.

The Arrangement was originally announced on June 11, 2024, and was approved by the Company’s shareholders at a special meeting held on August 2, 2024. The Company obtained a final order in respect of the Arrangement from the Supreme Court of British Columbia on August 7, 2024.

Further information regarding the Arrangement is provided in the management information circular of the Company dated June 28, 2024 (the “Circular”) prepared in connection with the Arrangement and the Company’s subsequent related news releases, all of which are available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Copperleaf’s website at https://investors.copperleaf.com.

Enclosed with the Circular was a letter of transmittal explaining how registered shareholders of the Company can submit their Shares in order to receive the consideration to which they are entitled in connection with the Arrangement. Registered shareholders who have questions on how to complete the letter of transmittal should direct their questions to the Company’s transfer agent and depositary, Odyssey Trust Company, 1-888-290-1175 (toll-free within North America), 1-587-885-0960 (outside of North America), or by email at Corp.actions@odysseytrust.com. Beneficial shareholders holding Shares that are registered in the name of an intermediary must contact their broker or other intermediary to submit their instructions with respect to the Arrangement and to arrange for the surrender of their Shares in order to receive the consideration to which they are entitled in connection with the Arrangement.

Advisors

BMO Capital Markets acted as exclusive financial advisor to a special committee of independent directors of Copperleaf (the “Special Committee”) formed to evaluate the Arrangement. Fort Capital Partners acted as independent financial advisor to the Special Committee and the board of directors of Copperleaf. Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP acted as legal counsel to Copperleaf and the Special Committee in connection with the Arrangement.

Arma Partners LLP acted as exclusive financial advisor to IFS, and Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP and White & Case LLP acted as legal counsel to IFS.

About Copperleaf Technologies Inc.

Copperleaf (TSX:CPLF) provides enterprise decision analytics software solutions to companies managing critical infrastructure. Copperleaf leverages operational and financial data to empower its clients to make investment decisions that deliver the highest business value. What sets Copperleaf apart is its industry-leading products and its commitment to providing extraordinary experiences, shaped by people who care deeply and partnerships that stand the test of time. Copperleaf is actively involved in shaping and implementing global industry standards and sustainability principles through its participation in the United Nations Global Compact, the Institute of Asset Management, and other organizations. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Copperleaf’s solutions are distributed and supported by regional staff and partners worldwide. Together, we are transforming how the world sees value.

About IFS

IFS develops and delivers cloud enterprise software for companies around the world who manufacture and distribute goods, build and maintain assets, and manage service-focused operations. Within IFS’s single platform, the company’s industry specific products are innately connected to a single data model and use embedded digital innovation so that company customers can be their best when it really matters to their customers—at the Moment of Service™. The industry expertise of the company’s people and of its growing ecosystem, together with a commitment to deliver value at every single step, has made IFS a recognized leader and the most recommended supplier in its sector. IFS’s team of over 6,000 employees every day live our values of agility, trustworthiness, and collaboration in how the company supports its 6,500+ customers.

Additional Early Warning Disclosure

Immediately prior to the closing of the Arrangement, 16091857 Canada Inc. (the “Purchaser”), a corporation formed by IFS to effect the Arrangement, held no Shares. Following the closing of the Arrangement, the Purchaser owns 100% of the outstanding Shares. Copperleaf is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Purchaser and IFS will maintain an indirect ownership interest in Copperleaf.

An early warning report with additional information in respect of the foregoing matters will be filed and made available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under Copperleaf’s profile or may be obtained directly upon request by contacting the IFS contact persons named below. The head office of Copperleaf is 2920 Virtual Way, Suite 140, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5M 0C4.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada.

Forward-looking information may relate to our future business, financial outlook, and anticipated events or results, and may include information regarding our financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividend policy, plans and objectives. Particularly, information regarding our expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects, or opportunities, or the markets in which we operate, is forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expect” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “is poised to”, “an opportunity exists”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “outlook”, “future”, “financial outlook”, “forecasts”, “projection”, “prospects”, “strategy”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events, or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” occur or be taken, or “will continue to” or “are poised to” be achieved. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management’s current expectations, estimates and projections regarding possible future events or circumstances.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that we considered appropriate and reasonable as at the date such statements are made, and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: statements with respect to the delisting of the Shares and Copperleaf ceasing to be a reporting issuer following closing of the Arrangement as well as statements regarding the impact of the Arrangement on IFS’ and the Company’s respective businesses and the intended conduct and growth of the Company’s business following closing of the Arrangement; and the risk factors described in our 2023 Annual Information Form (“AIF”) under “Risk Factors”. A copy of the 2023 AIF can be accessed under our profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval Plus (“SEDAR+”) at www.sedarplus.ca. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as at the date made. We are under no obligation (and we expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter any statements containing forward-looking information, the risks or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements herein.

SOURCE Copperleaf Technologies Inc.

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Nearly 50% of Young People Resolve to Quit Nicotine in 2025

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EX Program by Truth Initiative Offers a Proven Path to Success

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Almost half (48%) of young people aged 18-24 are making quitting nicotine a priority for their 2025 New Year’s resolutions, according to new data from Truth Initiative® – the nation’s largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empowering quitting for all.

 

This survey data* highlights a growing desire to break free from nicotine addiction and the urgent need for effective resources for 18- to 24-year-olds, among whom e-cigarette use is prevalent and dual use of cigarettes is a growing concern. For many, the journey to quit can feel daunting, especially for the scores of young people who think quitting means going “cold turkey” without a network of support. To meet this need, Truth Initiative is offering resources to help their resolutions stick and has launched Outsmart Nicotine, a new campaign designed to introduce young people to EX® Program, a comprehensive quitting resource developed in partnership with Mayo Clinic in 2008.

Empowering Young People with Tools and Encouragement Through EX Program

EX Program is a free cessation resource tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by young people. It offers proven, evidence-based tools designed to support quitting through personalized quit plans, interactive text messages, and 24/7 access to the nation’s most established online quit community. A randomized clinical trial among young adults published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that EX Program text message support can increase the odds of quitting by up to 40%, making EX Program one of the most effective resources for tackling nicotine addiction. These tools have helped millions quit nicotine over nearly two decades, solidifying EX Program as one of the most effective cessation resources available.

Redefining Quitter’s Day: Introducing “You Got This Day” as Part of the Outsmart Nicotine Campaign

Through the Outsmart Nicotine campaign, Truth Initiative is driving awareness of these tools with a series of ads that celebrate the small, everyday victories that lead to quitting nicotine for good. The campaign’s launch ad, “You Got This,” creates an uplifting tone with the iconic track “Can I Kick It?” by A Tribe Called Quest to inspire young people to take that first step toward a nicotine-free life.

“Quitting nicotine is hard, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely or impossible journey,” said Kathy Crosby, CEO and President of Truth Initiative. “With Outsmart Nicotine and the proven-effective EX Program, we’re showing young people that freedom from addiction is possible and within reach– and giving them the tools to quit smarter, not harder.”

Traditionally known as Quitter’s Day, the second Friday in January – January 10th in 2025 – marks the time of year when many people abandon their new year’s resolutions. Giving it a fresh perspective, Truth Initiative is renaming it “You Got This Day” to motivate young people to push through challenges and keep working toward their quit goals. The campaign reframes this day as a moment of empowerment, reminding young adults that quitting is difficult, but with the right support, it’s possible.

Take the First Step Toward Quitting

Truth Initiative invites young people to take the first step toward quitting by texting EXPROGRAM to 88709 or visiting exprogram.com. Organizations interested in EX Program’s enterprise solution can learn more at exprogram.com/enterprise.

*According to Truth Initiative Continuous Tracking Online (CTO) survey data collected October 17, 2024December 17, 2024, from 662 respondents.

About Truth Initiative
Truth Initiative® is a national nonprofit public health organization committed to a future free from lifelong addiction, fostering healthier lives and a more resilient nation. Our mission is to prevent youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empower quitting for all. Through our evidence-based, market-leading cessation EX® Program and national public education and prevention campaigns, we are leading the fight against youth and young adult tobacco use, which threatens to put a new generation at risk of lifetime nicotine addiction. Our rigorous scientific research and policy studies, community and youth engagement programs supporting populations at high risk of using tobacco, and innovation in tobacco dependence treatment continue to contribute to ending one of the most critical public health battles of our time. Based in Washington, D.C., our organization was established and funded through the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories, and the tobacco industry. To learn more, visit truthinitiative.org.

About EX Program
EX® Program is a proven-effective tobacco cessation program, developed by Truth Initiative® with Mayo Clinic, that brings together the best evidence-based quitting approaches, interactive digital quitting programs, and the most established online quit community. EX Program has helped millions of youth and adults develop the skills and confidence to successfully quit. Truth Initiative research has shown that EX Program text messages can increase a user’s odds of quitting by up to 40%. To learn more, visit exprogram.com.

About EX Program Enterprise
Developed by Truth Initiative® with Mayo Clinic, EX® Program Enterprise is the best strategic partner for employers, health plans, and public health organizations to end smoking, vaping, and nicotine use. Sponsored users receive multimodal quitting support, available in both English and Spanish. Clients get real-time dashboards to track performance, year-round promotions, and expert client success guidance. To learn more about available options visit exprogram.com/enterprise.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nearly-50-of-young-people-resolve-to-quit-nicotine-in-2025-302337746.html

SOURCE Truth Initiative

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Foxconn Announces Strategic Partnership With Zettabyte to Transform AI Data Centers

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TAIPEI, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Zettabyte, a global leader in AI data center software and infrastructure solutions, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), the world’s largest electronics manufacturer. This collaboration, underpinned by capital funding, aims to drive innovation and expand the adoption of energy-efficient AI solutions worldwide.

At the forefront of Zettabyte’s offerings is Zware, its advanced AI data center management software. Zware optimizes GPU performance, dramatically lowering energy usage while maximizing computing output. This cutting-edge solution empowers businesses to achieve unparalleled efficiency and sustainability in AI computing.

“We are thrilled to partner with Foxconn, a company renowned for its excellence in manufacturing and innovation,” said Kenneth Tai, Chairman of Zettabyte. “This partnership will accelerate the deployment of our technology, meeting the surging demand for high-performance, energy-efficient AI computing globally.”

Partnering with Zettabyte aligns with Foxconn’s commitment to advancing sustainable technologies. According to Foxconn, Zware’s ability to enhance AI data center operations while significantly reducing energy consumption opens opportunities to set new benchmarks for the future of AI data centers.

This collaboration underscores Zettabyte’s leadership in revolutionizing AI infrastructure and its dedication to providing transformative technologies to enterprises worldwide.

About Zettabyte

ZETTABYTE is a global innovator in AI data center technology, delivering solutions that redefine efficiency and sustainability in AI data centers. Its flagship software, Zware, is setting a new standard for sustainable and efficient AI computing.

About Foxconn

Established in 1974 in Taiwan, Hon Hai Technology Group (“Foxconn”) (TWSE: 2317) is the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and leading technological solutions provider, ranking 32nd among the Fortune Global 500. In 2023, revenue totaled TWD6.162 trillion (approx. US$198 billion or EUR183 billion)

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/foxconn-announces-strategic-partnership-with-zettabyte-to-transform-ai-data-centers-302338255.html

SOURCE Zettabyte

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Karma Automotive Collaborates with the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA), UC Riverside and ROADMEDIC.AI to Develop and Pilot Software and Standards for Next-Generation 9-1-1 Emergency Response Vehicle Communications

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At CES2025, a new vision is shared for standardizing the method that enables Software Defined Vehicles to more rapidly and robustly dispatch 9-1-1 Emergency Response Services to vehicle collisions 

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Karma Automotive, America’s only full-line ultra-luxury vehicle manufacturer, is passionate about enabling the proliferation of open standards in Software Defined Vehicle Architecture (SDVA) to increase industry collaboration, and to speed development as the expanded role of software redefines the driving experience aboard modern vehicles. With vehicle occupant safety as a preeminent focus in all vehicle development, Karma Automotive is collaborating with the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA), the University of California Riverside and ROADMEDIC.AI to develop standards-based software applications which leverage vehicle connectivity to provide robust and real-time insights to 9-1-1 first responders and the related eco-system.   

Developing technology that gets emergency responders to the scene faster to save lives

According to a paper published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), for every 1-minute increase in EMS response time, fatality odds increase by 2.6%. The goal of the effort is to drastically reduce emergency response times, and materially increase preparedness of responders when arriving at the site of a critical incident. Then, to validate software applications and communication protocols that have been validated in real-world applications that can be shared and easily deployed by the broader automotive industry.

To announce this project, Karma Automotive will join the COVESA Networking Reception and Demonstration at CES2025 on January 7 at 5pm at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV and showcase the ultra-exclusive, high-performance 2025 Karma Invictus. Karma Invictus is underpinned by the Karma Cloud Services platform that serves as the backbone for the development of the proposed safety system.

Enabling the detailed transmission of vital vehicle and occupant data in real-time could help responders increase preparedness to triage an incident, as contemporary automobiles carry tremendous amounts of data. Leveraging connectivity systems, a vehicle can directly identify number and location of occupants, severity of impact, location of the incident, vehicle extrication instructions and even driver biometrics. Software can be used to organize, parse, and transmit this data in real-time to parties based on their specific role in the 9-1-1 response eco-system.  When combined with vehicle-embedded and cloud-based AI, this data can be sorted and delivered independently, yet simultaneously to the diverse network of service providers that engage in incident response activities. Collectively, this effort is referred to as the ‘9-1-1 Dispatcher Visibility Demonstration Project’.

“Much of what we deliver to our customers in software should not be looked at as differentiating, but rather essential,” says Marques McCammon, President, Karma Automotive. “Safety for example is important to all industry players, and if we could standardize our approach to innovation in the space, we can not only improve the well-being of drivers universally, but also reduce development cost, and time getting new tech technologies to market. This philosophy is central to the Karma Automotive brand promise and our positioning as America’s only ultra-luxury automotive brand.”  

“Together with our partners, we look to democratize development and share the learnings to the benefit of the broader industry and the community at large,” continues McCammon, “and with upcoming Karma vehicles, this technology will be seamlessly integrated within our Karma Connect Vehicle Data Management and connectivity services platform.”

“This collaboration is the realization of a 25-year journey,” said Lawrence E. Williams, CEO and Founder of ROADMEDIC.AI. “Many times, it seemed like a pipe dream, but today, thanks to Karma Automotive’s shared vision, we are turning that dream into reality. Together, we are poised to revolutionize 9-1-1 emergency response systems and save countless lives.”

Next Generation 9-1-1 Technology: A Game Changer
Karma Automotive is the first OEM automotive partner to COVESA’s ‘9-1-1 Dispatcher Visibility Demonstration Project’. Working in collaboration with the University of California Riverside, the automaker will utilize 3rd Generation Karma Revero sport sedans to pilot the technology application and its related use cases. The results of this effort will then be shared with the greater COVESA community, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), and other community members and stakeholders.

Existing 9-1-1 emergency response systems rely heavily on caller-based information, often supplemented by telematics systems transmitting data to manufacturer call centers. These systems, while useful, introduce delays and inconsistencies that can hinder timely emergency responses. By contrast, the Next Generation 9-1-1 Technology spearheaded by Karma Automotive and its partners will enable vehicles to instantly transmit vital, multi-layered crash data directly to 9-1-1 Emergency Communication Centers, bypassing intermediaries and saving precious seconds in emergency scenarios.

About Karma Automotive

Karma Automotive is America’s only full-line ultra-luxury vehicle manufacturer, and a pioneer of EREV (Extended Range Electric) vehicles which it manufactures at its Karma Innovation and Customization Center (KICC) in Moreno Valley, CA. Its Executive, Product Development, and Design headquarters are located in nearby Irvine, CA. The Karma portfolio embodies California’s spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial boldness, reflected by the signature Comet Line which is the central hallmark of Karma’s new design language. Sales of the 3rd Generation Karma Revero sport sedan, the world’s first luxury EREV plug-in hybrid, are now underway in the USA and EU, offering luxury balanced with conscientiousness delivered without compromise. Sales of Revero’s ultra-exclusive, performance-tuned stablemate, Karma Invictus, will begin in Q1 2025, followed by the Gyesera four-seater in Q4 2025.  The Karma Kaveya super-coupe, with up to 1,000HP and butterfly-doors, will arrive in Q4 2026, incorporating SDVA (Software-Defined Vehicle Architecture) developed in collaboration with Intel Automotive. Further, Karma Automotive will provide Tier 1’s and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with business-to-business SDVA solutions, as it does today with Karma Connect, its proprietary Vehicle Data Management and Over-the-Air services platform, which presently provides services to the world’s second largest OEM. Karma Automotive’s dealer network spans North America, Europe, South America and the Middle East. (www.karmaautomotive.com) 

About ROADMEDIC.AI

ROADMEDIC.AI is an authorized automotive OEM Tier 1 supplier dedicated to improving 9-1-1 emergency response through instantaneous IP-based data transmission from motor vehicles to 9-1-1 centers. Their innovative solutions save lives and reduce harm in crash events. For more information, visit www.roadmedic.com.

About COVESA

The Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA) is an open, member-driven global technology alliance accelerating the full potential of connected vehicles. By developing common approaches and technologies, COVESA provides a collaborative platform that empowers automotive software stakeholders and world-class developers to address challenges and opportunities in connected mobility and navigate the digital transformation of the automotive industry. Learn more about COVESA or join our community at www.covesa.global.

Media Contact:                                                                                                                                                           

Joe Richardson, (917) 716-6617                                                                              
Joe@BeautifulNoisePR.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/karma-automotive-collaborates-with-the-connected-vehicle-systems-alliance-covesa-uc-riverside-and-roadmedicai-to-develop-and-pilot-software-and-standards-for-next-generation-9-1-1-emergency-response-vehicle-communications-302338073.html

SOURCE Karma Automotive

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