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International Paper Announces Overwhelming Shareholder Approval in Connection with the Proposed Acquisition of DS Smith

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — International Paper (NYSE: IP) is pleased to announce today that it received the necessary shareholder approval for its pending acquisition of DS Smith (LSE: DSS), (the “Combination”). Earlier this week, DS Smith also received the necessary shareholder approval for the Combination.

International Paper will report the final vote results of the special shareholder meeting in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). International Paper and DS Smith continue to expect the Combination to close late in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions.

“The overwhelming approval from both DS Smith and IP shareholders confirms the strong support of this combination,” said Andy Silvernail, Chairman and CEO of International Paper. “Bringing the two companies together will create a true global leader of sustainable packaging solutions which will drive significant value for our employees, customers and shareholders.”

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global provider of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America and North Africa. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting International Paper.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release that are not historical in nature may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking or conditional words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “could,” “should,” “can,” “forecast,” “intend,” “look,” “may,” “will,” “remain,” “confident,” “commit” and “plan” or similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and reflect management’s current views and speak only as to the dates the statements are made and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated financial results, economic conditions, industry trends, future prospects and the execution and consummation of corporate transactions or contemplated acquisitions including the acquisition of DS Smith Plc (the “Combination”). Factors which could cause actual results to differ include but are not limited to: (i) our ability to consummate and achieve the benefits expected from, and other risks associated with, acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, spinoffs, capital investments and other corporate transactions, including, but not limited to, the Combination and our ability to integrate and implement our plans, forecasts, and other expectations with respect to the combined company; (ii) uncertainty as to whether or when the Combination may be completed, if at all; (iii) risks with respect to climate change and global, regional, and local weather conditions, as well as risks related to our targets and goals with respect to climate change and the emission of greenhouse gases (“GHG”) and other environmental, social and governance matters, including our ability to meet such targets and goals; (iv) loss contingencies and pending, threatened or future litigation, including with respect to environmental related matters; (v) the level of our indebtedness, risks associated with our variable rate debt, and changes in interest rates (including the impact of interest rate levels); (vi) the impact of global and domestic economic conditions and industry conditions, including with respect to current negative macroeconomic conditions, inflationary pressures and changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy sources and transportation sources, supply chain shortages and disruptions, competition we face, cyclicality and changes in consumer preferences, demand and pricing for our products, and conditions impacting the credit, capital and financial markets; (vii) risks arising from conducting business internationally, domestic and global geopolitical conditions, military conflict (including the Russia/Ukraine conflict, the conflict in the Middle East, the possible expansion of such conflicts, and the potential geopolitical and economic consequences associated therewith), changes in currency exchange rates, trade protectionist policies, downgrades in our credit ratings, and/or the credit ratings of banks issuing certain letters of credit, issued by recognized credit rating organizations; (viii) the amount of our future pension funding obligations, and pension and healthcare costs; (ix) the costs of compliance, or the failure to comply with, existing and new environmental (including with respect to climate change and GHG emissions), tax, labor and employment, privacy, anti-bribery and anti-corruption, and other U.S. and non-U.S. governmental laws and regulations; (x) any material disruption at any of our manufacturing facilities or other adverse impact on our operations due to severe weather, natural disasters, climate change or other causes; (xi) our ability to realize expected benefits and cost savings associated with restructuring initiatives; (xii) cybersecurity and information technology risks, including as a result of security breaches and cybersecurity incidents; (xiii) our exposure to claims under our agreements with Sylvamo Corporation; (xiv) our failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the spin-off of Sylvamo Corporation and the qualification of such spin-off as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and (xv) our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. These and other factors that could cause or contribute to actual results differing materially from such forward-looking statements can be found in our press releases and other reports filed with the SEC. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to IP or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements. IP undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

IP’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on September 12, 2024, as supplemented on October 1, 2024 (the “Proxy Statement”) relating to the issuance by International Paper of new shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share to the shareholders of DS Smith in connection with the Combination (the “Share Issuance”)”, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, contain additional information regarding forward-looking statements and other risk factors with respect to IP.

Additional Information
This press release may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the Combination, including the Share Issuance. To the extent IP effects the Combination as a scheme of arrangement under the laws of the United Kingdom, the Share Issuance does not require registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to an exemption provided by Section 3(a)(10) under the Securities Act. In the event that IP determines to conduct the Combination pursuant to an offer or otherwise in a manner that is not exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, it will file a registration statement with the SEC containing a prospectus with respect to the Share Issuance. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT, THE SCHEME DOCUMENT, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT IP, THE COMBINATION, THE SHARE ISSUANCE, AND RELATED MATTERS.

Investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement and other documents filed by IP with the SEC at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement, the scheme document, and other documents filed by IP with the SEC at https://www.internationalpaper.com/investors.

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SOURCE International Paper

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Procare Solutions Celebrates 2024 Milestones with Key Achievements in Growth and Innovation

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DENVER, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Procare Solutions, a leader in child care management software, achieved several noteworthy milestones in our mission to help ensure the care, safety and education of children. These include many new product enhancements, partnerships and the addition of professional development training.

This year’s highlights include:

Updates to our digital curriculum that include earning approvals in several states ensuring compliance and ease of use for early childhood educators nationwideMobile app enhancements including new photo reactions and improved messaging to enhance staff communication, as well as new advanced registration features with custom forms and lead management to streamline administrative tasksIntegrations with our partners to help child care centers grow enrollment and improve their educational offerings, ensuring better outcomes for children and familiesThe acquisition of Bertelsen Education expanding Procare to include continuing education training for early childhood education and Head Start child care providers

“Our belief that every child deserves the best possible start is at the heart of everything we do,” said Procare Solutions CEO JoAnn Kintzel. “Each of these developments reflects our commitment to delivering robust, user-friendly solutions that support child care providers in achieving their goals.”

Supporting Early Childhood Education (ECE) Curriculum

Helping centers improve the education of young learners has always been, and continues to be, a top priority of Procare Solutions.

Our 2024 Child Care Management Software Industry Trends Report found that about 30% of survey respondents said each teacher spends between three and five hours a week doing lesson planning and a similar percentage noted their centers create their own curriculum.

Procare Early Learning powered by Learning Beyond Paper, an all-digital curriculum designed for ECE that is embedded into Procare, was updated and gained approval in several states. Aligning with state-approved ECE curriculum is essential for securing grant funding and providing high-quality education.

In the newest version, the hands-on, play-based activities got a boost by intentionally integrating them across multiple developmental domains and incrementally increasing their complexity throughout the year. And it also includes similar activities across various age groups to better support mixed-age classrooms.

Learning supports were enhanced to assist diverse learners, including guided lesson support videos for teachers. These videos show the step-by-step implementation of each activity focusing on elevating quality with teacher-child interactions and serve as a virtual mentor and coach for teachers.

Making ECE Professional Development Simpler

The Procare Solutions 2024 trends report also found that nearly one-third of respondents need more professional development for teachers and staff.

Through the acquisition of Bertelsen Education, a leader in professional development training, ECE providers using Procare gained access to professional development and continuing education courses.

By adding Bertelsen Education’s training courses, which are accredited in all 50 states, we continue to build on our comprehensive suite of solutions designed to support child care centers in delivering excellent early childhood education.

Improving Learning in Child Care Classrooms While Helping Grow Enrollment

ECE teachers in child care centers using Procare also can benefit from educational videos from MarcoPolo Learning, the award-winning global developer of educational products and instructional resources. In 2024, MarcoPolo Learning’s comprehensive library of developmentally appropriate short videos, educator guides and activities became available in Procare, making it easier for educators to incorporate the resources into their lesson plans.

And a new partnership with Lakeshore Learning, a leading developer and retailer of educational materials, supports child care providers by offering them access to high-quality educational materials at discounted rates.

Procare customers have access to a dedicated Lakeshore Learning eStore with hundreds of curated educational materials and resources specifically tailored for early childhood programs with a discount and free shipping.

Also in 2024, a new integration between Procare Solutions and IntelliKid Systems, a leading provider of child care enrollment and marketing software, offered a suite of marketing tools to connect time-strapped early childhood education centers with families searching for high-quality child care.

With Procare and IntelliKid Systems, the entire enrollment lifecycle is handled with ease, from inquiry to registration and everything in between.

This partnership adds marketing automation to the suite of robust enrollment tools already offered in Procare that include waitlist management, electronic documents and the Lead Insights dashboard that shows how effective a center is at converting prospective customers.

Using Technology to Help Child Care Leaders and Families

The Procare child care mobile app has long been a staple for communication between child care center staff and families. And in 2024, it added some fun too – families can now add an emoji reaction to photos posted to their child’s daily activity feed and staff users can view the reactions to see how their work is being recognized! The app got its own round of applause, finishing the year with a 4.9 out of 5-star rating in the Apple store.

Messaging features for child care center staff got a boost – staff can send and receive messages via Procare or text messages. The option to send text alerts allows administrators to communicate with staff members without a Procare account. These messages are sent as a text message to a staff member’s mobile device.

And Procare’s all-new registration and lead management solution allows centers to create multiple registration forms with unique fields and requirements, giving more freedom to customize registration for different purposes. On top of that, leads can now be reviewed ahead of time, with opportunities to identify and merge any potential duplicates. 

Recognition for Our Work

Procare Solutions CEO JoAnn Kintzel was named to the list of Calibre One’s 2024 ranking of the top 25 women leaders in U.S. private equity-backed software, the second year in a row she achieved this award. She also received the 2024 ASU+GSV Power of Women Award.

Tammie Hogan, our chief customer officer, made the Top 25 Women Chief Customer Officers of 2024, Women We Admire.

And we are proud to once again be honored with a Built In 2024 Best Places to Work Award. This annual awards program includes companies of all sizes, from startups to those in the enterprise, and honors both remote-first employers as well as companies in large tech markets across the U.S.

Procare Solutions was featured in the Software Advice FrontRunners report for Daycare Software category this year. The recognition underscores the value that Procare provides to users. Additional product awards we received include:

GetApp Category Leaders 2024Software Advice Front Runners 2024Capterra Short List for Daycare Software 2024SourceForge Fall Leader 2024G2 Fall Leader 2024

About Procare Solutions:

For over 30 years, Procare Solutions has been dedicated to empowering early childhood educators by providing products and services that enable them to focus on the care, safety and education of children.

We recognize the responsibility that comes with nurturing and educating children, which is why our child care management solutions are designed to automate business processes, help ensure safety and compliance, communicate with families and provide educational resources and training to help teachers and children thrive.

Over 40,000 satisfied customers have chosen Procare Solutions as their trusted partner in providing exceptional care for young minds.

For more information, visit ProcareSolutions.com

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SOURCE Procare Solutions

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IBN Technologies Steps Up to Support Small Businesses Following Bench Accounting’s Sudden Shutdown

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MIAMI, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The unexpected closure of Bench Accounting has left thousands of small businesses scrambling to find reliable financial and accounting outsourcing services. This sudden disruption has created a significant gap, leaving many businesses without the external support they once relied on. Announced under the leadership of Bench’s CEO, the closure has forced countless organizations to seek dependable alternatives to manage their financial operations effectively. 

In response to this void, IBN Technologies LLC, a global leader in finance and accounting outsourcing, is stepping up to provide tools, expertise, and support small businesses need. With their proven track record and tailored solutions, IBN Technologies ensures that businesses can maintain financial stability and focus on growth during this challenging time. 

IBN technologies are a Bench Accounting Alternative 

With over 25 years of experience delivering cutting-edge finance and accounting solutions, IBN Technologies is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive support for businesses impacted by this industry disruption. The company’s scalable and technology-driven services are designed to empower small businesses, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve long-term stability. 

“At IBN Technologies, we empathize with the concerns of small businesses following the recent closure of Bench Accounting,” stated Ajay Mehta, CEO of IBN Technologies. “Our utmost priority is to stand beside these businesses as a reliable partner, offering them the necessary financial expertise to overcome their challenges and forge ahead with confidence.” 

Take control of your finances today! Book a free 30-minute consultation with our experts – https://www.ibntech.com/free-consultation/ ?pr=prnewswire 

Comprehensive Solutions Customized to Small Businesses 

IBN Technologies offers a comprehensive suite of finance and accounting services customized to meet the unique needs of small businesses, including: 

Bookkeeping and Accounting: Seamless bookkeeping services to maintain accurate, compliant financial records effortlessly.Payroll Management: Precision payroll processing customized to the specific needs of your workforce.Tax Preparation and Filing: Expert assistance to ensure tax compliance while maximizing savings.Virtual CFO Services: Strategic financial planning and insights without the cost of a full-time CFO.Financial Reporting and Analysis: Real-time insights into financial performance to support smarter, informed decisions. 

Rebuilding Confidence in Financial Management 

Rebuilding confidence in financial management begins with IBN Technologies. They provide expertise and tools that are needed to streamline business processes, ensure accuracy, and take full control of your finances. Trust IBN Technologies customized solutions to bring stability and drive growth for your business. 

“Our mission is to simplify financial management for small businesses while delivering unmatched value,” added by Ajay Mehta. “During this challenging time of Bench Accounting crunch base, we want to extend our unwavering support to all affected businesses. At IBN Technologies, we are committed to being your guiding light throughout this journey, providing the assistance you need at every step.” 

About IBN Technologies 

With 25 years of industry experience, IBN Technologies has established itself as an outsourcing specialist serving clients across the United States, United Kingdom, Middle East, and India. The company’s solutions adhere to rigorous international standards, including AP Automation services like P2P, Q2C, and Record-to-Report. IBN Technologies provides solutions compliant with ISO 9001:2015, 27001:2022, CMMI-5, and GDPR standard. Their comprehensive service portfolio encompasses IT, KPO, and BPO outsourcing services, specializing in finance and accounting solutions for CPAs, hedge funds, alternative investments, banking, travel, human resources, and retail industries.   

For businesses seeking to optimize their financial operations through AP automation, IBN Technologies provides expert guidance and support throughout the digital transformation journey, ensuring seamless integration and maximum operational efficiency.   

Contact Details:     
Pradip    
sales@ibntech.com      
+1 – 844 – 644 – 8440      

USA: IBN Technologies LLC     
66 West Flagler Street Suite 900 Miami, FL 33130      

India: Global Delivery Centre    
IBN Technologies Limited    
Kohinoor House, 2nd floor,    
691/A/1B, Plot no. 7,    
Bibwewadi Road, Pune-411037    

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Coro Medical Prepares to Roll Out Project AED365 Nationwide Donation Initiative

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Project AED365 Aims to Empower Communities, Youth Organizations, First Responders, and more by Providing Lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) Alongside Comprehensive Emergency Training and Equipment to Address Sudden Cardiac Arrest

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Coro Medical, the leading provider of life-saving medical devices, today announced it is preparing to roll out Project AED365—a nationwide effort to donate 365 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) over the next year.

“At Coro Medical, we believe every second counts in a cardiac emergency. Project AED365 reflects our commitment to making life-saving technology accessible to communities across the nation,” said Travis Harris, CEO, Coro Medical. “By partnering with industry leaders and local organizations, we aim to ensure that no community is left unprepared when it matters most.”

Project AED365 is a national initiative dedicated to enhancing public safety, with Coro Medical committing to donate one AED each day for the next 365 days to selected organizations, communities, and individuals. Coro Medical is partnering with ZOLL Medical to provide ZOLL AED 3s for Project AED365. This collaboration ensures the availability of high-quality defibrillators to support the initiative’s mission of equipping communities with life-saving devices.

“ZOLL is proud to participate in the life-saving Project AED365, to help make our AEDs accessible to more youth programs and communities in need. During an emergency, ZOLL AEDs are designed so anyone can follow the step-by-step instructions to administer high-quality CPR and deliver a shock to a victim, with real-time feedback that helps deliver the best outcome. Getting more AEDs in more public places where emergencies could happen and increasing the public’s understanding that these devices are designed to help them, help others in an emergency, is critical to protecting the heartbeat of our communities. Providing the resources, education and equipping more of our communities with AEDs, empowering unexpected, ordinary people with the confidence to act is a life-saving legacy that we are humbled and proud to be a part of.” Said Troy Pflugner, Group Vice President, ZOLL Medical.

In addition, Coro Medical is collaborating with HSI to donate one free Remote Skill Verification (RSV) training with every AED. RSV is a revolutionary new way to get full certification training in CPR, AED, and First Aid from a live, authorized HSI Instructor. Furthermore, LifeVac, the creators of the innovative, non-powered, non-invasive airway clearance device, will also be donating one airway clearance device with every donated AED. This initiative ensures recipients have access to life-saving devices and emergency medical training.

“The HSI team is excited to collaborate with CoroMed and ZOLL Medical on Project AED365. It’s well known that effective bystander CPR and defibrillation with an AED immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can more than double a victim’s chance of survival, said Anthony Corwin, HSI General Manager, Emergency Care. “This is one of the reasons HSI is donating Remote Skills Verification (RSV) training with every donated AED. RSV is fully remote CPR, AED, and First Aid certification training with a live, authorized HSI Instructor. At HSI, we believe having AEDs and quality training should be part of every organization’s emergency plan.”

“LifeVac is honored to partner with Coro Medical to make donations to the community that can save a life. It’s organizations such as these that change the world,” Arthur Lih, CEO & Inventor, LifeVac.

According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death among adults over the age of 40 in the United States, and studies have shown that survival rates can be as high as 70% if an AED is used within 2 minutes of collapse, highlighting the urgent need for accessible AEDs in public spaces.

Communities, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to visit Project AED365 to submit AED donation requests. This initiative underscores Coro Medical’s commitment to advancing public safety and equipping communities with essential tools and knowledge to save lives, solidifying their role as a trusted leader in health and safety.

For more information about Project AED365 or to apply for an AED donation, please visit https://www.aed.us/project-aed365.

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SOURCE Coro Med

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