Core Viewpoint - Blüm Holdings, Inc. is executing a strategic transaction to acquire a 100% membership interest in a holding company that has a non-controlling equity interest in Cookies Creative Consulting & Promotions, Inc., enhancing its alignment with a leading cannabis brand in the U.S. [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - The acquisition will be conducted through a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary, Blüm Acquisition Co., in exchange for 489,131 shares of Blüm common stock and a warrant for an additional 30,762 shares at an exercise price of $0.64 per share, totaling an implied value of $562,500 [2][3] - The share and warrant consideration will be subject to customary adjustments based on the verified ownership percentage of Cookies held by the seller [3] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The CEO of Blüm Holdings emphasized that this transaction is a significant step in the company's long-term strategy to increase economic exposure to major cannabis brands through strategic relationships [4] - The recent transactions are expected to provide exposure to equity value not fully visible in Blüm's public float, including its retail dispensary portfolio and Cookies-branded flagship store [4] Group 3: Future Outlook - The transaction is anticipated to close upon the completion of definitive agreements and customary closing conditions, with a target closing date set for Q3 2025 [4]

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Custom Vacuum Services Ltd. by Tornado Infrastructure Equipment Ltd. is a strategic move aimed at expanding Tornado's presence in the infrastructure equipment sector and enhancing its product portfolio [2][6][23]. Acquisition Details - Tornado has acquired all issued and outstanding shares of CustomVac for an aggregate purchase price of $28,000,000, paid in cash [1]. - CustomVac specializes in manufacturing and servicing truck-mounted and semi-trailer mounted vacuum equipment for various sectors in Canada [1][8]. - The acquisition is classified as an "Exempt Transaction" under TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.3, with no finders' fees involved [5]. Strategic Importance - The acquisition is part of Tornado's broader strategy to identify and acquire high-quality businesses that complement its existing offerings [2][3]. - CustomVac's strong market presence in Western Canada, combined with Tornado's North American sales channels, is expected to drive immediate growth and cost efficiencies [6][23]. - The in-house manufacturing capabilities of CustomVac will allow Tornado to localize production of key components, improving speed and cost-effectiveness [6][23]. Financial Aspects - CustomVac's unaudited trailing 12-month gross profit was reported at $9,580,000, with total assets of $11,592,000 as of January 31, 2025 [9]. - The acquisition is expected to be profitable and immediately accretive to Tornado [9][23]. - Tornado entered the transaction with modest existing debt and plans to utilize a combination of cash on hand and a new term loan to fund the acquisition [7][11]. Financing Structure - Tornado has amended its TD Facility, which includes a new $25,000,000 term loan to partially finance the acquisition [11][12]. - The Operating Line has been increased from $6,000,000 to a maximum of $8,000,000, providing additional working capital for the growing business [13][15]. - The TD Facility is secured by a first-ranking security interest in all present and future assets of the Company and its subsidiaries [15].

ITASCA, IL, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lakeside Holding Limited (“Lakeside” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LSH), a U.S.-based cross-border supply chain solution provider with a unique focus on the Asia-Pacific market operating through two specialized subsidiaries—American Bear Logistics and Hupan Pharmaceutical (Hubei) Co., Ltd., today announced financial results for its fiscal 2025 third quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2025. Management Commentary "The third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ...

Core Viewpoint - KBC Bank NV has agreed to acquire a 98.45% stake in 365.bank for EUR 761 million, enhancing its presence in Slovakia and Central and Eastern Europe [1][2]. Transaction Details - The acquisition price represents a 1.4x multiple of the December 2024 book value and a 9.4x P/E based on average net profit from 2022 to 2024 [2]. - The transaction is subject to regulatory and anti-trust approvals and is expected to close by the end of 2025 [3]. Market Position and Impact - 365.bank holds a 3.7% market share by assets in Slovakia as of December 2024, with a strong focus on retail banking [1]. - The combination of ČSOB and 365.bank is projected to create a banking group with approximately 20% market share in net retail loans and mortgages [4]. Strategic Benefits - The acquisition will allow KBC to leverage 365.bank's unique distribution model and expand its customer reach across Slovakia [4]. - Other entities within the ČSOB Financial Group will benefit from cross-selling opportunities to 365.bank's retail customer base [5]. Company Profiles - 365.bank is a fully digital retail bank with total assets of €4.7 billion and shareholders' equity of €551 million as of December 2024 [10]. - KBC Group, through its subsidiary ČSOB, is a leading banking entity in Slovakia, focusing on both organic and inorganic growth strategies [11].

Core Insights - PMGC Capital LLC plans to file a Schedule 13D with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, disclosing beneficial ownership of common stock in Alaunos Therapeutics, Inc. [1] - PMGC Capital has acquired 83,500 shares of Alaunos Therapeutics, representing approximately 5.09% of the company's outstanding shares [2] - Alaunos Therapeutics is a clinical-stage oncology-focused cell therapy company exploring strategic alternatives, including mergers and acquisitions [3] Company Strategy - PMGC Capital believes Alaunos is undervalued and has significant potential to create shareholder value, intending to engage with Alaunos' management to explore strategic opportunities [4] - The company commends Alaunos Therapeutics for maintaining a clean capital structure and prudent financial stewardship during challenging market conditions [5] - PMGC Capital is focused on direct investments, strategic lending, and acquiring undervalued companies across diverse markets [6] Corporate Background - PMGC Holdings Inc. manages a diversified portfolio through strategic acquisitions and investments across various industries [7]

Core Viewpoint - StoneX Group Inc. has announced the acquisition of Plantureux et Associés, a Paris-based brokerage firm specializing in agricultural commodities, which will enhance its presence in the French agricultural market, a key region for grain production in Europe [1][2]. Company Overview - StoneX Group Inc. operates a global financial services network, connecting various market participants through digital platforms and expertise, serving over 54,000 clients and more than 400,000 retail accounts from over 80 offices worldwide [3]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition of Plantureux is aimed at strengthening StoneX's position in the European agricultural commodities market and is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions [2]. - Plantureux has nearly 40 years of experience in agricultural commodities and is recognized for its strong relationships in the French cereal market [2]. - The acquisition is part of StoneX's broader European growth strategy, following previous investments such as the acquisition of Octo Finances SA to expand fixed income capabilities [2]. Strategic Importance - France, as Europe's largest grain producer, is a critical link in the global agricultural value chain, making this acquisition strategically significant for StoneX [2]. - The acquisition will allow StoneX to provide localized expertise and high-touch service to clients in France and the surrounding region [2].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $54 million of operating cash flow before working capital, converting it to $39 million of upstream free cash flow, with a capital expenditure (CapEx) of only 35% reinvested into upstream while keeping volumes mostly flat [24] - Debt was reduced by $21 million quarter over quarter, resulting in a leverage ratio of 0.9 times [24] - Operating costs were lowered, with lease operating expenses (LOE) per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) at $8.34, a 2% reduction from the previous quarter and an 8% reduction year over year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net production slightly declined from 1.46 million barrels of oil to 1.41 million barrels quarter over quarter, but increased by 19% year over year from 1.85 million barrels to 2.2 million barrels of oil equivalent [13] - The company completed 10 wells in Q1 2025, with five wells flowing back and expected to begin production in May, while the other five will come online in the second half of 2025 [12][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a 10% compression in many service costs compared to the previous year, despite potential tariff impacts [15] - The average daily net production was 15,620 barrels of oil per day and 24,430 barrels of oil equivalent per day for Q1 2025 [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a strategic acquisition of Silverback Exploration for $142 million, which includes approximately 47,000 net working interest acres and enhances long-term upstream development potential [5][6] - The focus for the year is on acquiring and preserving high-quality inventory rather than converting inventory to production [9] - The company plans to extend proven processes from Texas to New Mexico, enhancing power generation capabilities [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for the industry and the company, emphasizing a disciplined capital allocation philosophy and a robust hedging profile [9] - The company is adjusting its 2025 CapEx guidance down by $105 million or 50%, including a 41% reduction in upstream CapEx [29] - Management believes that the current market conditions present a better time to procure and preserve inventory [30] Other Important Information - The company achieved a total recordable incident rate of zero for Q1 2025, with 93% safe days [11] - The first phase of the New Mexico gathering and compression project was completed on time and on budget, increasing gas delivery capabilities [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What do you think the motivation for the seller was regarding the Silverback acquisition? - The seller was a large private equity firm that often focuses on larger entities and exits, and the asset may have been too small for them [41] Question: Does the larger contiguous acreage position change the scope of your midstream project? - The acquisition supports the decision to invest in infrastructure, and additional gathering and compression may be needed over time [46][47] Question: What impact could the Silverback assets have on Riley's borrowing base during the redetermination in the fall? - The PDP value is likely half of the purchase price, and while not counting on it, some incremental benefit is expected [55] Question: Can you discuss how you are thinking about hedging downside risk in the current market environment? - Hedging is viewed as a risk management tool, and the company has hedged oil prices for 70% of forecasted PDP volumes at a weighted average downside price [58][59] Question: Are there any significant permitting differences for power projects in New Mexico versus Texas? - The air permits in New Mexico add a little cost, but overall permitting is looking fine [61]

Core Viewpoint - MSA Safety Incorporated has acquired M&C TechGroup for approximately $200 million, enhancing its capabilities in gas analysis and detection solutions [1][7]. Company Overview - MSA Safety is a global leader in advanced safety products and solutions, with 2024 revenues of $1.8 billion and over 5,000 employees across more than 40 international locations [5]. - M&C TechGroup, founded in 1985 and based in Ratingen, Germany, employs around 220 associates and specializes in gas analysis systems for critical industrial processes [2][6]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition aligns with MSA's Accelerate strategy, focusing on expanding its detection business and enhancing its portfolio through strategic acquisitions [3]. - MSA expects to leverage its global footprint and distribution network to accelerate M&C's growth, positioning itself as a leading provider of gas analysis solutions [4]. Market Position - M&C TechGroup has an annual revenue of approximately $55 million, which complements MSA's existing technology and customer base [7]. - The acquisition is anticipated to be accretive to MSA's adjusted earnings in 2025, indicating a positive financial impact [7].

Company Overview - Stella-Jones Inc. has announced the acquisition of Locweld Inc., a designer and manufacturer of lattice transmission towers and steel poles, with the deal expected to close today [1][3]. - Locweld, based in Candiac, Quebec, has over 75 years of experience and employs approximately 220 people [2]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition allows Stella-Jones to enter the approximately $5 billion steel transmission structure market, enhancing its current utility poles business and creating new growth opportunities [3]. - The CEO of Stella-Jones emphasized that this strategic move will leverage the company's extensive sales and distribution network to better serve customers and expand its market reach [3]. Financial Details - The acquisition price is set at $58 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis, with potential additional performance-based payments of up to $7 million contingent on achieving specific milestones [5]. - Stella-Jones plans to invest approximately $15 million in capital expenditures to increase Locweld's output and optimize operational efficiencies [5]. - Locweld reported sales of approximately $55 million for the year ending September 30, 2024 [5]. Management Transition - Following the acquisition, Michael Cyr, the CEO of Locweld, will step down, while key management members will remain to support the business [5].

Core Viewpoint - CSW Industrials, Inc. has successfully completed the acquisition of Aspen Manufacturing for approximately $313.5 million in cash, enhancing its HVAC/R product offerings and expected to drive market share gains [1][2][4] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition price of $313.5 million represents about 11 times Aspen Manufacturing's estimated 2024 adjusted EBITDA of $28.5 million [1] - The funding for the acquisition was sourced from cash on hand and borrowings under an existing $500 million revolving credit facility, while maintaining sufficient liquidity and a strong balance sheet [1] Group 2: Strategic Implications - This acquisition is expected to expand CSW Industrials' HVAC/R product offerings by incorporating Aspen Manufacturing's leading evaporator coils and air handlers [2] - The integration of Aspen Manufacturing is anticipated to enhance CSW's service offerings and maximize market channels, leveraging its established distribution channels and manufacturing expertise [2] Group 3: Product Overview - Aspen Manufacturing's product suite includes a wide range of high-quality residential and light commercial evaporator coils, blowers, and air handling units, all designed and assembled in the United States [3]