MORTON GROVE, Ill., Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic foods, today announced that the Company will participate in the ICR Conference on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Lifeway President and CEO Julie Smolyansky will discuss Lifeway's explosive growth and role as the leading brand in the U.S. kefir market. Building on strong Company performance and projecting yet another year ...

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods, Inc. expresses strong opposition to the nomination of Edward Smolyansky and George Sent for the Board of Directors, citing serious ethical concerns and potential risks to shareholder value due to the nominees' backgrounds and personal financial issues [1][2][4][8]. Group 1: Dissident Nominees' Background - The track record of the Dissident Nominees raises significant ethical concerns, indicating they may be unfit to serve on the Board [2][8]. - George Sent's previous role as Lifeway's Lead Independent Director and his alignment with the Dissident is viewed as a troubling reversal of principle [3][8]. - The Dissident, Edward Smolyansky, has a history of misconduct, including being terminated for cause and defaulting on a $10.4 million mortgage [7][5]. Group 2: Financial Distress and Shareholder Interests - Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky's personal financial distress may be driving their push for a quick sale of Lifeway, potentially compromising the interests of other shareholders [4][5]. - The Smolyanskys have sold over 2.5 million shares of Lifeway stock in the last five years, with no purchases made, raising concerns about their commitment to the company [6][8]. Group 3: Company Performance and Governance - Lifeway has demonstrated strong financial performance, with a 788% total shareholder return over the past five years and a 29% increase in net sales in Q3 2025 [12][10]. - The Board is committed to refreshing its membership thoughtfully, aiming to enhance independence and effectiveness [11][14]. - Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has advised shareholders to reject the proposals from the Dissident group, indicating a lack of compelling case for change [9][12].

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has extended its Shareholder Rights Agreement for one year to protect against potential control acquisition by shareholders without fair compensation [2][3]. Group 1: Shareholder Rights Agreement - The Board of Directors approved an amendment to extend the expiration date of the Rights Plan to October 29, 2026, while all other terms remain unchanged [1][3]. - The decision to extend the Rights Plan was based on concerns about the company's concentrated share ownership, which could allow a shareholder or group to gain de facto control without paying a control premium [2][3]. - The Rights Plan aims to ensure that all shareholders can realize the full value of their investment and to guard against tactics that could lead to a transfer of control without premium payment [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Lifeway Foods is recognized as a leading supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products in the U.S., with a diverse product line including drinkable kefir and various cheeses [5]. - The company has received accolades such as being named one of America's Growth Leaders by TIME and Dairy Foods' Processor of the Year 2025 [5]. - Lifeway's products are distributed across multiple countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, the UAE, and France [5].