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BCE announces renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid for Preferred Shares

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This news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions, please see the section entitled “Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” later in this news release.

MONTRÉAL, Nov. 7, 2024 /CNW/ – BCE Inc. (BCE) today announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has accepted a notice filed by BCE of its intention to renew its normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) to purchase up to 10% of the public float of each series of BCE’s outstanding First Preferred Shares that are listed on the TSX (the “Preferred Shares”). The period of the NCIB will extend from November 11, 2024 to November 10, 2025, or an earlier date should BCE complete its purchases under the NCIB. BCE will pay the prevailing market price at the time of acquisition for any Preferred Shares purchased plus brokerage fees payable by BCE (except with respect to purchases made under an issuer bid exemption order, which will be at a discount to the prevailing market price), and all Preferred Shares acquired by BCE under the NCIB will be cancelled.

The actual number of Preferred Shares repurchased under the NCIB and the timing of such repurchases will be at BCE’s discretion and shall be subject to the limitations set out in the TSX Company Manual.

The NCIB will be conducted through a combination of discretionary transactions and purchases under an automatic securities purchase plan through the facilities of the TSX as well as alternative trading systems in Canada, if eligible, or by such other means as may be permitted by securities regulatory authorities, including pre-arranged crosses, exempt offers, private agreements under an issuer bid exemption order issued by securities regulatory authorities and block purchases of Preferred Shares. Purchases made under an issuer bid exemption order will be at a discount to the prevailing market price.

Under the NCIB, BCE is authorized to repurchase shares of each respective series of the Preferred Shares as follows:

Series

Ticker

Issued and
Outstanding
Shares(1)

Public
Float(1)

Average Daily
Trading
Volume(2)

Maximum Number of
Shares Subject to
Purchase

Total(3)

Daily(4)

R

BCE.PR.R

7,620,200

7,620,200

4,265

762,020

1,066

S

BCE.PR.S

2,013,867

2,013,867

1,653

201,386

1,000

T

BCE.PR.T

5,193,033

5,193,033

3,461

519,303

1,000

Y

BCE.PR.Y

6,007,652

6,007,652

4,863

600,765

1,215

Z

BCE.PR.Z

2,665,831

2,665,831

1,733

266,583

1,000

AA

BCE.PR.A

11,202,331

11,202,331

8,483

1,120,233

2,120

AB

BCE.PR.B

6,432,139

6,432,139

7,945

643,213

1,986

AC

BCE.PR.C

6,330,674

6,330,674

3,531

633,067

1,000

AD

BCE.PR.D

11,880,838

11,880,838

12,036

1,188,083

3,009

AE

BCE.PR.E

5,863,513

5,863,513

7,429

586,351

1,857

AF

BCE.PR.F

9,005,387

9,005,387

7,298

900,538

1,824

AG

BCE.PR.G

8,413,630

8,413,630

5,780

841,363

1,445

AH

BCE.PR.H

4,669,570

4,669,570

3,701

466,957

1,000

AI

BCE.PR.I

9,058,240

9,058,240

6,697

905,824

1,674

AJ

BCE.PR.J

3,895,960

3,895,960

2,962

389,596

1,000

AK

BCE.PR.K

21,545,712

21,545,712

17,801

2,154,571

4,450

AL

BCE.PR.L

1,730,888

1,730,888

883

173,088

1,000

AM

BCE.PR.M

9,986,278

9,986,278

8,948

998,627

2,237

AN

BCE.PR.N

1,011,822

1,011,822

835

101,182

1,000

AQ

BCE.PR.Q

8,121,514

8,121,514

4,918

812,151

1,229

(1)

As of October 31, 2024.

(2)

For the 6 months ended October 31, 2024.

(3)

Represents approximately 10% of the public float in respect of each series of Preferred Shares.

(4)

Represents the maximum number of shares of each series of Preferred Shares that may be purchased over the TSX (or alternative trading systems in Canada, if eligible) during the course of one trading day. This amount is equal to the greater of (i) 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX calculated in accordance with the rules of the TSX, and (ii) 1,000 shares. This limitation does not apply to purchases made pursuant to block purchase exemptions.

BCE is making this NCIB because it believes that, from time to time, the Preferred Shares may trade in price ranges that do not fully reflect their value. BCE believes that, in such circumstances, the repurchase of its Preferred Shares represents an appropriate use of its available funds.

As of October 31, 2024, under its current normal course issuer bid that commenced on November 9, 2023 and will expire on November 8, 2024, and for which the company received approval from the TSX, BCE purchased, through the facilities of the TSX and alternative eligible trading systems, Preferred Shares as follows:

Series

Ticker

Maximum Number
of Shares
Subject to Purchase

Number of Shares
Purchased

Weighted Average Price
Paid per Security

R

BCE.PR.R

789,480

271,700

$15.67

S

BCE.PR.S

206,496

50,500

$18.34

T

BCE.PR.T

535,483

153,800

$17.20

Y

BCE.PR.Y

666,705

558,700

$18.38

Z

BCE.PR.Z

278,569

119,867

$17.34

AA

BCE.PR.A

1,160,466

392,430

$16.80

AB

BCE.PR.B

705,563

587,200

$18.47

AC

BCE.PR.C

650,577

170,900

$17.39

AD

BCE.PR.D

1,267,112

738,788

$18.36

AE

BCE.PR.E

609,791

179,400

$18.41

AF

BCE.PR.F

914,538

89,200

$16.67

AG

BCE.PR.G

863,693

143,400

$15.25

AH

BCE.PR.H

487,837

164,300

$18.37

AI

BCE.PR.I

936,254

201,400

$16.15

AJ

BCE.PR.J

427,996

331,400

$18.26

AK

BCE.PR.K

2,245,531

890,200

$15.07

AL

BCE.PR.L

176,118

29,300

$16.68

AM

BCE.PR.M

1,025,397

263,500

$15.42

AN

BCE.PR.N

104,232

29,800

$17.09

AQ

BCE.PR.Q

841,041

233,500

$22.10

BCE will enter into an automatic securities purchase plan (“ASPP”) with a designated broker in relation to the NCIB on or about the commencement date of the NCIB. The ASPP will allow for the purchase of Preferred Shares, subject to certain trading parameters, at times when BCE ordinarily would not be active in the market due to applicable regulatory restrictions or self-imposed trading black-out periods. Outside of these periods, the Preferred Shares will be repurchased by BCE at its discretion under the NCIB.

About BCE

BCE is Canada’s largest communications company,5 providing advanced Bell broadband Internet, wireless, TV, media and business communications services. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let’s Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

5 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca 

Investor inquiries
Richard Bengian
Richard.bengian@bell.ca 

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to potential future purchases by BCE of its Preferred Shares pursuant to the NCIB and ASPP. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws and of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that BCE will repurchase all or any of the numbers of Preferred Shares referred to in this news release under the NCIB. In particular, the purchase by BCE of its Preferred Shares pursuant to the NCIB will depend, among other, on the prevailing market price from time to time of the Preferred Shares. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the potential future purchases of Preferred Shares by BCE pursuant to the NCIB and ASPP referred to above. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. For additional information on assumptions and risks underlying certain of our forward-looking statements made in this news release, please consult BCE’s 2023 Annual MD&A dated March 7, 2024, BCE’s 2024 First Quarter MD&A dated May 1, 2024, BCE’s 2024 Second Quarter MD&A dated July 31, 2024, BCE’s 2024 Third Quarter MD&A dated November 6, 2024 and BCE’s news release dated November 7, 2024 announcing its financial results for the third quarter of 2024, filed by BCE with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (available at Sedarplus.com) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available at SEC.gov). These documents are also available at BCE.ca.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-announces-renewal-of-normal-course-issuer-bid-for-preferred-shares-302298192.html

SOURCE Bell Canada

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First season of NWSL on ION: 50 matches, 53 studio shows, 130+ hours of content, 20.5 million unique viewers

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CINCINNATI, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The first season of National Women’s Soccer League on ION broadcasts – matches and studio shows – reached more than 20.5 million total unique viewers, including 13.5 viewers unique to ION.

Scripps Sports televised Saturday night doubleheaders on ION throughout the season, a total of 50 matches – more than any other network – and 53 studio shows. ION was among the networks involved in a landmark multi-year distribution agreement announced in November 2023 that included CBS Sports, ESPN and Prime Video.

ION, the only network to have a weekly studio show with documentary-style features on players and coaches, delivered more than 130 hours of NWSL content during the season. ION is a national sports and entertainment broadcast network that reaches every U.S. TV household over-the-air and on all major pay TV and connected TV services. ION is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (Nasdaq: SSP).

Highlights of NWSL on ION Season 1*:

ION delivered the largest female percentage audience of any network (57% of the P25-54 audience, 55% of the P2+ audience).50% of all NWSL viewers watched matches on ION, the highest percentage of all linear broadcast partners.Matches drew an average audience of 145,000 P2+ per game with a high of 234,000 on July 6 for the OrlandoKansas City match.NWSL matches on ION delivered more than 3.6 million hours of viewing across free ad-supported television (FAST) channels, including Roku, Samsung TV, LG, Vizio, Xumo, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Channels, Pluto, CW and Tablo.Scripps Sports formed more than two dozen advertising partnerships, including Capital One as presenting sponsor of NWSL on ION Saturday Night soccer.

“NWSL fans consistently showed up to watch ION every week,” Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor said. “It was an incredible first year. We expect to continue growing the audience and helping the league grow its fan base.”

“Our matches on ION brought incredible NWSL content to fans everywhere,” said Brian Gordon, NWSL senior vice president of broadcast. “Beyond the matches, the ability to go in depth with our athletes and give them a platform to amplify their own stories helped our fans grow an even deeper affinity for the players, clubs and league. We are very proud of our collaboration with Scripps Sports and look forward to continuing our work together next season.”

*Sources for data: Nielsen L+SD national panel one-minute qualifier for reach. Data for NWSL+, Prime Video and Paramount+ is not available.

Scripps media contact: Michael Perry, (513) 259-4718, michael.perry@scripps.com
NWSL contact: Jennifer Levine, (917) 921-7806, jlevine@nwslsoccer.com

Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach. Scripps Sports currently has partnerships with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the National Hockey League’s (NHL) 2024 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, the 2023 Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, the new Utah Hockey Club and the NCAA’s Big Sky Conference. Scripps Sports is a division of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), a Fortune 1000 American media company. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-season-of-nwsl-on-ion-50-matches-53-studio-shows-130-hours-of-content-20-5-million-unique-viewers-302298952.html

SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company

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Jaime L. Cook Appointed Vice President of Operations and Market Development at Linear Integrated Systems, Inc.

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FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Linear Integrated Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Jaime L. Cook as Vice President of Operations and Market Development. In this pivotal role, Ms. Cook will oversee all operational functions and spearhead market development initiatives.

Jaime Cook has been a valued member of the Linear Systems team since 2009. Before assuming her new role, Ms. Cook served as Sales Manager, Director of Sales, and VP of Operations, gaining extensive experience across multiple facets of the company. Ms. Cook brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her position as VP of Operations & Market Development. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Real Estate and Land Use, as well as Strategic Management. Her education, certifications, and work experience have honed her skills in strategic planning, negotiation, and relationship building—qualities that significantly contribute to her expanded responsibilities at Linear Systems.

“I’m incredibly proud to have built my career at Linear Systems and to be part of a team of exceptional individuals committed to producing the industry’s best specialty linear semiconductors while consistently meeting the highest standards of performance and reliability,” said Cook. “I am excited to expand my responsibilities, drive operational excellence, and lead efforts to explore new market opportunities.”

Cindy L. Johnson, CEO of Linear Systems, stated, “Jaime’s leadership in operations and market development is pivotal as we aim to expand our product reach and strengthen customer relationships. Her strategic vision is vital to our mission of delivering ultra-reliable JFETs and other components that enable our clients to achieve outstanding performance in their designs.”

Founded 37 years ago by John M. Hall, Cindy L. Johnson, and John H. Hall, Linear Integrated Systems, Inc. is a privately held designer and manufacturer of small-signal discrete semiconductors based in Fremont, CA. John H. Hall, a co-founder of Intersil and the founder of Micro Power Systems, brought significant expertise and innovation to the company.

Linear Systems offers a diverse product line, including Dual JFET Amplifiers, Single JFET Amplifiers, JFET Switches, DMOS High Speed Switches, Low Leakage Diodes, Current Regulating Diodes, Bipolar Transistors, MOSFETs, Voltage Controlled Resistors and BIFET Amplifiers. Visit www.linearsystems.com to download our 2024 Data Book, Cross Reference Guide, datasheets, SPICE models, application notes, and more.

Stay connected and join our growing LinkedIn community for updates and insights. You can also follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Contact:
Laura Madonna

laura@linearsystems.com
Phone: (510) 490-9160
Website: www.linearsystems.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jaime-l-cook-appointed-vice-president-of-operations-and-market-development-at-linear-integrated-systems-inc-302298015.html

SOURCE Linear Integrated Systems

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Mammotome Introduces the First Ever, Single Insertion, Spring-Loaded Core Biopsy System

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CINCINNATI, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Mammotome is excited to unveil the Mammotome AutoCore™ Single Insertion Core Biopsy System, the first automated spring-loaded core needle device on the market.1 This innovative launch highlights the company’s unwavering dedication to pioneering breast biopsy technology and improving patient care.

The Mammotome AutoCore™ system offers significant advantages over traditional core needle devices, saving valuable time for physicians and improving the patient experience.2 Developed with efficiency and ergonomics in mind, the single insertion design simplifies ultrasound-guided biopsies by reducing procedural steps.3,4

The system features single-button functionality with automated arming, allowing the user to perform all sampling steps with one button. This eliminates manual arming and enables easy one-handed operation. Designed for touchless tissue transfer, samples are automatically collected in a clear, illuminated cup positioned in front of the user’s hand. A wiper arm moves each sample from the aperture to the cup, eliminating the need to remove and reinsert the needle between samples. Once all samples are obtained, the tissue collection cup can be removed and placed directly into formalin. This innovation reduces procedural steps and time while allowing physicians to maintain visual focus on the lesion, ensuring precise sampling.2,3,4

“Mammotome is dedicated to providing innovative solutions that improve the biopsy experience for both patients and physicians,” said Karen Isaacs, Vice President of Engineering and R&D at Mammotome. “The Mammotome AutoCore™ system is the first core needle device of its kind, bringing in a new era of efficiency for ultrasound core needle breast biopsies. The launch of this device is a testament to our ongoing dedication to innovation and excellence in breast care.”

The Mammotome AutoCore™ system is now FDA cleared in the United States and will be available to clinicians domestically in early 2025, with plans to expand to other select countries across the globe.

To learn more about the Mammotome AutoCore™ system, click here.

About Mammotome
At Mammotome, our expertise and compassion for breast care makes us the indispensable partner to physicians, clinicians and patients. Our drive for innovation is rivaled only by our compassion for the people we serve, from the clinicians and surgeons who demand consistently precise solutions, to the patients and families seeking peace of mind. We boast a comprehensive range of products that create better outcomes in breast care and provide physicians and patients with educational resources that guide their journey. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mammotome is proud to be a part of Danaher. Danaher is a global science and technology leader. Together we combine our capabilities to accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology to improve human health. The Mammotome brand of products is sold in over 65 different countries throughout the world.

Automated means automatic arming and tissue collection at the press of a button.As compared to market leading, spring-loaded core needle or multiple insertion devices. Based on IFU analysis in ultrasound-guided breast biopsy procedures. Total procedure steps savings based on biopsy procedure taking five tissue samples including setup and post-procedure steps. On average, based on internal study using varied customer tissue handling techniques. Tissue handling techniques determined by user interviews. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mammotome-introduces-the-first-ever-single-insertion-spring-loaded-core-biopsy-system-302298945.html

SOURCE MAMMOTOME

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