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Neopets Powers Up Its Comeback: Strategic Partnership with Evolution to Boost Global Licensing Efforts

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LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Neopets (www.neopets.com), the beloved virtual pet game, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Evolution, a leading US based licensing agency. This strategic move, effective April 2025, aims to enhance brand relevance and drive licensing growth. Together, they seek to strengthen Neopets’ presence in the global entertainment and gaming landscape by forging high-profile collaborations and expanding into new product categories and markets.

The announcement follows a record-breaking year in 2024, during which Neopets experienced a threefold increase in its player base, with daily active users (DAU) peaking at nearly 250,000 and monthly active users (MAU) surpassing 400,000 – the highest in the past decade. The brand also collaborated with over 30 partners to extend its reach across multiple categories. Notable successes include:

Neopets x Monopoly 25th Anniversary Edition: The limited collectible deluxe edition launch saw overwhelming demand, with all sets selling out within 24 hours. To meet the excitement from fans and collectors, a standard edition is already in the works, ensuring more players can experience this special collaboration.Neopets x Upper Deck Trading Card Game (TCG): The launch of the Neopets Battledome TCG became an instant fan favourite, with booster packs and expansions in development to captivate players and collectors alike.PhatMojo Blind Box Plushies: Neopets introduced its first plush line in over a decade, featuring characters like Aisha, Shoyru, Kacheek and more. These plushies have been a hit in major retailers such as Hot Topic and GameStop, quickly selling out and prompting reorders.

“We are excited to partner with Evolution,” said Dominic Law, CEO of Neopets. “Their proven expertise in retail management, strategic brand monetization and licensee acquisitions will play a key role in our journey to revive one of the world’s most iconic gaming titles. This collaboration will allow us to expand into new product categories and explore exciting opportunities with major brands across various fields.”

“Our goal is to help Neopets navigate today’s evolving licensing landscape and unlock new opportunities for brand growth across multiple product verticals,” stated Travis J. Rutherford, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Evolution. “We are dedicated to creating innovative programs that not only celebrates Neopets’ rich legacy but also introduce fresh experiences that engage both longtime fans and new audiences.”

This partnership represents an important step in expanding Neopets’ reach through high-quality licensed products. With a focus on the U.S. and Canadian markets, Neopets aims to establish itself as a growing presence in the global licensing landscape. In 2025, fans can look forward to exciting new collaborations that will bring the magic of Neopia to life in delightful ways, allowing both nostalgic players and new audiences to engage with the brand like never before.

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About Neopets

Loved by 150 million players worldwide, Neopets is the world’s favourite virtual pet game allowing players to create, care for and raise a wide range of innovative characters in the land of Neopia. Originally browser-based, today players can interact with Neopets across mobile devices and in real life through board games, plushie and trading cards. Under new leadership since July 2023, Neopets has reinvented itself, introducing 100+ classic mini-games, new storylines and licensing partnerships. These partnerships included collectibles, merchandise and tabletop gaming, Neopets blends digital and physical gaming engagement whilst living by core values of creativity and community. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Neopets continues to evolve as an inclusive entertainment brand that connects generations of players through shared Neopia adventures.

About Evolution

Evolution is a leading licensing and brand management agency headquartered in Calabasas, California, servicing the popular culture, television and film, gaming, toy, celebrity, character, outdoor, motorsports and lifestyle industry verticals. Evolution offers bespoke turn-key solutions, including strategic brand planning, market analysis, contract negotiations, legal support, product development, retail development, finance and royalty collections, contract compliance, inventor relations, as well as providing leading manufacturers a full service licensing acquisitions team.

Evolution monetizes and enhances brand value via licensing, direct to retail partnerships, collaborations, experiential retail, direct to consumer sales and location based entertainment.

The agency’s clients include: Gaumont Television, Stampede Ventures, Patricia Nash, Black Angus Steakhouse, Senna Brands, The Revelyst Group, Pressman Films, Morgan Creek Entertainment, Revolution Studios, Smoko, Tilting Point, OLO Industries, World of Neopets, and The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, among others.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neopets-powers-up-its-comeback-strategic-partnership-with-evolution-to-boost-global-licensing-efforts-302417055.html

SOURCE Neopets

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Paranovus Entertainment Technology Limited Received Nasdaq Notification Letter Related to Late Filing of Form 6-K Reporting Interim Financial Information

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NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Paranovus Entertainment Technology Limited (“PAVS” or the “Company”), (NASDAQ: PAVS) announced today that it has received a letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), dated April 9, 2025 (the “Deficiency Letter”), notifying the Company that it is not in compliance with the requirements for continued listing set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(2) because it did not timely file its Form 6-K (the “Filing”) for the period ended September 30, 2024, reporting interim financial information for the six-month period there ended.

In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rules, the Company has 60 calendar days from the date of the Deficiency Letter to submit a plan to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules (the “Compliance Plan”). If Nasdaq accepts the Compliance Plan, Nasdaq may grant the Company an exception of up to 180 calendar days from the Filing’s due date, or until September 29, 2025, to regain compliance. The Company intends either to file the required Filing or submit the Compliance Plan within the prescribed 60-day period.

The Deficiency Letter has no immediate impact on the listing of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

This announcement is made in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(b), which requires prompt disclosure of receipt of a deficiency notification.

About Paranovus Entertainment Technology Limited

Paranovus Entertainment Technology Ltd. focuses on the development of AI-powered entertainment products, including AI-driven games and applications, as well as TikTok-related e-commerce solutions through its subsidiary. The Company is committed to delivering immersive and engaging experiences through innovative AI and digital commerce platforms.

In March 2025, the Company completed the acquisition of the controlling equity interests of Bomie Wookoo Inc., a New York company that offers e-commerce solutions. As part of its strategic transformation, Paranovus has exited its legacy businesses, including the e-commerce, internet information, and advertising businesses in September 2023 and ceased its automobile sales business in July 2024.

For more information on our latest innovations and developments, visit https://www.pavs.ai/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may, “will, “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following:  the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; the Company’s future acquisition opportunities; the Company’s ability to identify any acquisition opportunities that fit with our business strategies; the Company’s ability to consummate an attractive acquisition and realize the benefits of such transaction; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic, the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on our operations and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paranovus-entertainment-technology-limited-received-nasdaq-notification-letter-related-to-late-filing-of-form-6-k-reporting-interim-financial-information-302426093.html

SOURCE Paranovus Entertainment Technology Ltd.

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WEST COAST COMMUNITY BANK HIRES MATTHEW MARCH AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

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SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — West Coast Community Bank (WCCB) is pleased to announce Matthew March has joined as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO). March will lead the Bank’s technology strategy, enhance cybersecurity initiatives and oversee information systems and innovation efforts. He maintains his office at the Bank’s 75 River Street location in Santa Cruz, Calif.

March brings more than 25 years’ experience in financial services and technology sectors with deep expertise in strategic IT leadership, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, digital transformation and innovation, and team leadership and development. His priority is enabling organizations to optimize operations, enhance IT governance and improve the client experience through leading-edge, secure technology solutions.

“We’re thrilled to have Matthew join the Bank,” said Krista Snelling, WCCB President and Chief Executive Officer. “He brings a deep knowledge of information technology, digital transformation and cybersecurity that will benefit our clients and support the security of our infrastructure and success of the Bank. He’s a welcome addition to the leadership team and we look forward to his contributions.”

“It is an honor to join West Coast Community Bank at such an exciting time in the Bank’s growth,” said March. “I look forward to bolstering the strength of the company’s technology infrastructure and driving digital enhancements. I share the Bank’s commitment to innovation, security and operational excellence, and I am eager to collaborate with our leadership team.”

March joins WCCB from Sunwest Bank, where he also served as Chief Information Officer. His extensive experience includes CIO roles at Pacific Premier Bank, Colony American Finance and Carrington Mortgage Holding, LLC, as well as the roles of Information Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at Banc of California.

In addition to his professional achievements, March has a strong record of community engagement. He served as Chair of the Carrington Charitable Foundation, supporting more than 100 charitable organizations nationwide. He also launched a technology mentoring initiative in partnership with the California Conservation Corps youth program in Los Angeles and spearheaded a donation program providing refurbished laptops and monitors to schools, Boys and Girls Clubs and other nonprofit organizations.

March studied Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics at California State University, Chico. He has also served as a volunteer adjunct professor at several community colleges in California. In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, March is a published author and frequent industry speaker, and he recently filed his second technology patent.

ABOUT WEST COAST COMMUNITY BANK 
Founded in 2004, West Coast Community Bank (formerly Santa Cruz County Bank and its division, 1st Capital Bank) is the wholly owned subsidiary of West Coast Community Bancorp, a bank holding company. The Bank is a top-rated, locally operated and full-service community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz, Calif. with branches in Aptos, Capitola, Cupertino, King City, Monterey, Salinas, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. West Coast Community Bank is distinguished from “big banks” by its relationship-based service, problem-solving focus and direct access to decision makers. The Bank is a leading SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley. As a full-service bank, West Coast Community Bank offers competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals; including business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction lending, asset-based lending, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking, bill payment and treasury management. True to its community roots, West Coast Community Bank has supported regional well-being by actively participating in and donating to local nonprofit organizations. Visit wccb.com for more information.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/west-coast-community-bank-hires-matthew-march-as-executive-vice-president-chief-information-officer-302426114.html

SOURCE West Coast Community Bank

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Alabama Ophthalmology Associates Provides Notice Following Data Security Incident

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alabama Ophthalmology Associates (“AOA”) experienced a data security incident that involved personal and / or protected health information belonging to certain current and former patients and has provided notice of this incident to impacted individuals. AOA has sent notification of this incident to potentially impacted individuals and has provided resources to assist them.

On January 30, 2025, AOA became aware of unusual activity within its network environment. Upon discovery, AOA took steps to secure its network and engaged a leading, independent digital forensics and incident response firm to investigate what happened and whether any sensitive data may have been impacted. The investigation revealed certain personal / protected health information was accessed and acquired without authorization by an unknown actor between January 22 and January 30, 2025. AOA undertook a comprehensive review of the impacted data to identify the individuals and information involved, which concluded on March 19, 2025. AOA then took steps to provide notification as quickly as possible.

The potentially impacted information may have included names, addresses, dates of birth, driver’s license information, Social Security numbers, medical information, and health insurance information. Please note that not all data elements were affected for all individuals. AOA provided notice of this incident to potentially impacted individuals beginning on April 7, 2025.

AOA has established a toll-free call center to answer questions about the incident. The call center is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Time (excluding major U.S. holidays) and can be reached at 1-877-280-2754. 

The privacy and protection of all personal and protected health information is a top priority for AOA, which deeply regrets any inconvenience or concern this may cause.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alabama-ophthalmology-associates-provides-notice-following-data-security-incident-302426090.html

SOURCE Alabama Ophthalmology Associates

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