In the news release, Altesa BioSciences Presents Novel Clinical Data Demonstrating Vapendavir Significantly Reduces Key Inflammatory Biomarkers in Rhinovirus-Challenged COPD Patients at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2026, issued 08-Sep-2026 by Altesa Biosciences Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that a duplicated paragraph has been removed. The complete, corrected release follows:

Altesa BioSciences Presents Novel Clinical Data Demonstrating Vapendavir Significantly Reduces Key Inflammatory Biomarkers in Rhinovirus-Challenged COPD Patients at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2026

Results build on previously reported reductions in virus load, illness severity, improved quality of life from a Phase 2a placebo-controlled challenge study evaluating oral vapendavir

BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Altesa BioSciences, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on addressing the impact of chronic lung diseases including COPD and asthma, today announced new clinical data showing that vapendavir — the company's investigational antiviral therapy — significantly reduced critical inflammatory biomarkers in COPD patients experiencing a rhinovirus infection. The data were shared in an oral presentation at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

The presentation, titled, "Inflammatory biomarkers are reduced by vapendavir treatment in rhinovirus-challenged COPD patients," was presented by Dr. Sebastian Johnston, MD, PhD, FMedSci, Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, in a session titled: "Respiratory infections: host response, complications and interventions."

The reductions observed in local airway inflammation are consistent with previously reported findings presented at the ERS International Congress 2025, in which vapendavir treatment significantly reduced viral load, illness duration and severity of lower respiratory symptoms, and improved quality of life, relative to placebo.

"These findings help explain why patients treated with vapendavir experienced less severe illness in this study — we're seeing a measurable reduction in the inflammatory response in the airway itself, not just an effect on viral load," said Dr. Sebastian Johnston, MD, PhD, FMedSci, Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and Chief Medical Officer of VirTus Respiratory Research Ltd (the CRO that ran the study). "Rhinovirus infections are underappreciated as a driver of COPD exacerbations, in part because they are so rarely tested for in clinical practice. A treatment that addresses both the virus and the resulting airway inflammation could meaningfully change how we manage these patients."

About the Phase 2a challenge study and novel results

COPD patients in the study were experimentally challenged with rhinovirus and treated with either vapendavir or placebo beginning after the onset of symptoms. Analysis of nasal lavage samples showed that vapendavir treatment was associated with significantly lower levels of two key inflammatory molecules — IP-10/CXCL10 and GM-CSF — over the course of infection compared to placebo. Nasal levels of two additional biomarkers, IFN-α2a and IFN-λ1/IL-29, trended lower with vapendavir treatment but did not reach statistical significance.

"The data collectively support a mechanistic link between vapendavir's antiviral activity and reduced airway inflammation in COPD patients infected with rhinovirus," said Dr. Katharine Knobil, Altesa BioSciences' Chief Medical Officer. "Acute COPD exacerbations are the main driver of hospitalization, lung function loss, and reduced quality of life," she said.

"Deepening our understanding of the underlying disease biology is critical to developing therapies that bring much-needed relief to those living with a chronic and debilitating illness, and the data from this study has given us the ability to successfully progress into the Phase 2B CARDINAL study already underway and actively enrolling patients," the Altesa CMO concluded.

About Vapendavir

Vapendavir is an investigational oral medicine in development by Altesa BioSciences. Vapendavir demonstrated efficacy in patients with COPD by improving symptoms, reducing duration of illness and viral load, and maintaining small airway function after rhinovirus challenge. Vapendavir is now in late-stage clinical development and, if approved, has the potential to prevent the most common cause of COPD exacerbations, improve quality of life, and generate significant reductions in healthcare costs.

About the CARDINAL Study

The CARDINAL clinical trial is a Phase 2b multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled study in COPD patients experiencing rhinovirus infections that will enroll 900 people with COPD across the US and UK Participants will be closely monitored over time and, upon confirmed rhinovirus infection, will be randomized to receive one of two doses of vapendavir or placebo. The trial's primary objective is to assess improvement in respiratory symptoms using established patient-reported outcomes, with additional endpoints evaluating time to symptom resolution, quality of life, healthcare resource utilization, and lung function.

About Altesa BioSciences, Inc.

Altesa BioSciences is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company led by global experts in respiratory medicine and infectious diseases. Altesa is dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic lung diseases, including COPD and asthma, by treating the principal cause of exacerbations and pathological inflammation — viral respiratory infections. www.altesa.com

Media Contact:

Peg Rusconi

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Altesa Biosciences Inc.

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Clinical-stage biotechnology company adds approximately 900 new investors, expands its cap table to approximately 8,000, and brings total capital raised to $47 million

JUPITER, Fla., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cytonics Corporation, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing A2M-based therapies for osteoarthritis and other protease-driven diseases, today announced the completion of its latest financing campaign. The company generated $4.8 million in gross proceeds across approximately 1,500 investments, including approximately 900 new investors. Thirty-five percent of its pre-raise shareholder base invested again during the round. Cytonics now has approximately 8,000 investors on its cap table and has raised $47 million to date, including $27 million through Regulation A and Regulation Crowdfunding offerings.

The financing is expected to support continued development of CYT-108, Cytonics' investigational engineered alpha-2-macroglobulin, or A2M, biologic. CYT-108 is designed to inhibit multiple classes of destructive proteases involved in cartilage degradation. The company has completed a first-in-human Phase 1 study and is advancing the regulatory, manufacturing, and clinical planning required for a Phase 1b/2a study in knee osteoarthritis.

"Every dollar in this campaign came from people who made a deliberate decision that this science deserves to advance," said Joey Bose, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cytonics. "Biotechnology is usually financed by a small circle of institutions. We have built Cytonics differently. This financing gives us additional resources to execute the next stage of the program while preserving the independent, shareholder-driven model that brought us here."

Cytonics has received more than $4.32 million in non-binding indications of interest for a potential future financing campaign. The company expects to consider a new campaign in the coming months, after additional regulatory milestones and key efficacy data become available and before the planned Phase 1b/2a study. The timing, structure, terms, and launch of any future offering have not been finalized.

Individuals who wish to receive information if and when a future campaign is launched may submit a non-binding reservation at invest.cytonics.com.

About Cytonics Corporation

Cytonics Corporation is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies designed to address destructive protease activity implicated in osteoarthritis and other diseases. Its lead program, CYT-108, is an investigational engineered A2M-based biologic designed to inhibit multiple proteases involved in cartilage degradation. Cytonics' A2M platform originated with APIC, its first-generation physician-administered autologous technology for concentrating naturally occurring A2M from a patient's own blood. Learn more at cytonics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the use of financing proceeds; the development, regulatory, manufacturing, and clinical plans for CYT-108; the timing and design of a potential Phase 1b/2a study; the potential applicability of Cytonics' technology to melanoma or veterinary uses; activities in the United Arab Emirates; and the timing or launch of any future financing campaign. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Cytonics undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by law.

Reservation Notice

No offer to buy or sell securities is being made. No money is being solicited, and if sent, it will be returned. Reservations are non-binding indications of interest and involve no obligation or commitment of any kind. Any future offering will be made only through the appropriate intermediary after the required offering statement has been filed, and prospective investors must review the applicable offering materials before investing.

SOURCE Cytonics Corporation

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neo Kanzlei stärkt mit neuem Standort in Nürnberg ihre Präsenz in der Region Mittelfranken

Nürnberg (ots)

Integration der Neumüller & Partner mbB sowie Zugang von Steuerberater Kris-Roman Seebaß mit eigenem Mandantenstamm

Die neo Kanzlei hat ihren Standort in Nürnberg in den vergangenen Monaten in zwei Schritten aufgebaut: Seit Juli 2026 ist Neumüller & Partner mbB Teil der neo Kanzlei. Im Zuge der Übernahme der Geschäftsaktivitäten der Neumüller & Partner mbB wurden Mandanten und Mitarbeiter vollständig in neo integriert. Frau Eva Rudl-Truxa wird ihre erfolgreiche Tätigkeit als Rechtsanwältin und Prokuristin auch weiterhin bei der neo Steuerberatungsgesellschaft fortführen. Damit wurde zugleich der Grundstein für die neo Steuerberatungsgesellschaft Nürnberg mbH als neuer Standort gelegt. In einem zweiten Schritt ist nun der erfahrene Steuerberater Kris-Roman Seebaß mit seinen eigenen Mandaten zu neo gewechselt und verstärkt den Nürnberger Standort. So wächst die neo Steuerberatungsgesellschaft Nürnberg mbH gezielt weiter - mit einem klaren Fokus auf die steuerliche Beratung von mittelständischen Unternehmen, Familien und Privatpersonen.

Kris-Roman Seebaß: erfahrener Steuerberater für den Standortaufbau

Kris-Roman Seebaß ist seit 2015 als Steuerberater bestellt und verfügt über langjährige Erfahrung in der laufenden steuerlichen Beratung von Unternehmen unterschiedlicher Größenordnung sowie von Privatpersonen. Als Partner und Geschäftsführer der neo Steuerberatungsgesellschaft Nürnberg mbH verantwortet er künftig die laufende Mandantenbetreuung sowie den weiteren Ausbau des Standorts. Seine fachliche Leidenschaft gilt dabei insbesondere der steuerlichen Beratung bei Unternehmenstransaktionen sowie der Beratung zur steuerlichen Gestaltung von Unternehmensstrukturen.

Katrin Claus: starke Doppelspitze für die Region Mittelfranken

Gemeinsam mit Kris-Roman Seebaß übernimmt Katrin Claus als Partnerin und Geschäftsführerin die Verantwortung für die neue Einheit. Die Steuerberaterin, LL.M., ist bereits seit 2024 Geschäftsführerin der neo Steuerberatungsgesellschaft Fürth mbH und verantwortet ab sofort gemeinsam mit Seebaß die Gesamtregion Mittelfranken, zu der die Standorte Fürth und Nürnberg gehören. Claus verfügt über umfassende Expertise in der steuerlichen Beratung von Immobilieninvestoren und mittelständischen Unternehmen sowie in der steuerlichen Gestaltungsberatung im Umwandlungssteuerrecht und im Erbschaft- und Schenkungsteuerrecht.

Fokus auf Steuerberatung

Mit dem neuen Standort in Nürnberg schärft die neo Kanzlei ihr Profil in der klassischen Steuerberatung: von der laufenden Finanzbuchhaltung über die Erstellung von Jahresabschlüssen und Steuererklärungen bis hin zur individuellen steuerlichen Gestaltungsberatung für mittelständische Unternehmen, Familien und Privatpersonen. In Verbindung mit dem bestehenden Netzwerk der neo Kanzlei aus Wirtschaftsprüfung und Consulting entsteht so ein noch breiteres Beratungsangebot für Mandanten in der Region Mittelfranken.

"Ich freue mich sehr, mit meinen Mandaten Teil der neo Kanzlei zu werden. Als Steuerberater lege ich großen Wert auf eine persönliche, langfristige Betreuung meiner Mandanten - genau das kann ich hier mit einem starken Netzwerk im Rücken noch besser umsetzen. Gemeinsam mit Katrin werden wir unsere Standorte Fürth und Nürnberg als starke Adresse für Steuerberatung in Mittelfranken weiterentwickeln", erklärt Kris-Roman Seebaß, Steuerberater, Partner und Geschäftsführer.

"Mit Kris-Roman Seebaß gewinnen wir für Mittelfranken einen erfahrenen Steuerberater und Partner, der unsere Kompetenzen gezielt verstärkt. Gemeinsam bauen wir unsere Standorte aus und bieten unseren Mandanten in der Region noch mehr fachliche Tiefe und Beratungsqualität unter einem Dach", so Katrin Claus, Steuerberaterin, Partnerin und Geschäftsführerin.

"Mit dem Zusammenschluss mit der neo Kanzlei haben wir für unsere Mandanten und unser Team eine Umgebung gefunden, in der wir unsere persönliche Beratung mit den Möglichkeiten einer modernen, digital aufgestellten Kanzlei verbinden können. Gemeinsam mit Katrin Claus und Kris-Roman Seebaß gestalten wir den Nürnberger Standort nun aktiv mit", so Gerhard Neumüller, Gründer der Neumüller & Partner mbB.

"Der Wechsel zu neo eröffnet unseren Mandanten Zugang zu einem deutlich breiteren Netzwerk aus Steuerberatung, Wirtschaftsprüfung und Consulting. Für mich persönlich war entscheidend, dass die enge und vertrauensvolle Betreuung unserer Mandanten dabei erhalten bleibt", erklärt Eva Rudl-Truxa, Rechtsanwältin und Prokuristin bei der neo Steuerberatungsgesellschaft Nürnberg mbH.

Synergien für Mandanten und Mitarbeitende

Mandanten profitieren künftig von einem erweiterten Expertennetzwerk, neuen digitalen Servicekanälen und der Verbindung von Steuerberatung, Wirtschaftsprüfung und Consulting unter einem Dach. Auch für die Mitarbeitenden entstehen neue Chancen durch gemeinsame Weiterbildung, moderne Technologien und den fachlichen Austausch innerhalb der neo Kanzlei.

Für die Region Mittelfranken bedeutet der Zusammenschluss der Standorte Fürth und Nürnberg unter einer gemeinsamen Führung zudem kurze Wege zwischen den Teams sowie eine engere fachliche Abstimmung - etwa bei komplexen steuerlichen Fragestellungen oder in der Betreuung überregional tätiger Mandanten.

Über neo Kanzlei:

neo ist das HOME OF MITTELSTAND. Als integrierter Partner vereinen wir Steuerberatung, Wirtschaftsprüfung und unternehmerisches Consulting unter einem Dach - ganzheitlich gedacht, individuell umgesetzt. An nun elf Standorten und mit rund 200 Mitarbeitenden begleiten wir Unternehmen, Familienbetriebe und Organisationen durch eine zunehmend komplexe Wirtschaftswelt. Genau für diese Komplexität haben wir das neo :ökosystem entwickelt:

Ein System, das Menschen, Expertisen und Perspektiven verbindet, Orientierung schafft und Komplexität in Klarheit und Handlungsfähigkeit übersetzt. Denn für uns ist Zukunft keine Prognose, sondern machbar. So halten wir den Mittelstand kontinuierlich in Bewegung - heute und morgen.

neo Factsheet:

Anzahl der Standorte: 11

Anzahl der Mitarbeitenden: rund 200

Services: Steuerberatung, Wirtschaftsprüfung, unternehmerisches Consulting

Pressekontakt:

neo Kanzlei

Ines Pfab

Leitung Marketing

ines.pfab@neo-kanzlei.de

www.neo-kanzlei.de

Original-Content von: neo Kanzlei, übermittelt durch news aktuell

Kommentar von "nd.DerTag" zur negativen einigenden Kraft der AfD

Berlin (ots)

Der Partei Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) wird häufig vorgeworfen, sie schade Deutschland, sie hetze die Menschen auf und schwäche damit dem gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt. Diesem politischen Vorwurf entspricht der ökonomische, die AfD sei schädlich für die deutsche Wirtschaft, da sie mit ihrer Ablehnung von Migration und EU die Investitionsbedingungen beeinträchtige. Diese Kritik unterschätzt den Dienst, den die Partei für den Standort leistet. Denn die AfD nimmt die Unzufriedenheit der Menschen auf und kanalisiert sie auf eine für die Wirtschaft extrem kostengünstige Weise.

Zum Zusammenhang von Armut, ökonomischen Abstiegsängsten und Rechtstrend liefert die Sozialwissenschaft verschiedenste Befunde. Insgesamt scheint es jedoch so zu sein, dass die AfD besonders beliebt bei jenen ist, die entweder materielle Entbehrungen erleben oder sie befürchten. Diese Entbehrungen sind das Ergebnis der Politik vergangener Jahrzehnte, die die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit von Unternehmen und des Standortes zum Ziel und Maßstab für staatliches Handeln erhoben haben.

Diese Politik wird derzeit fortgeführt. Das zeigen die Massenentlassungen bei Volkswagen zum Wohle der Umsatzrendite ebenso wie die Aufforderungen der Regierung zur Mehrarbeit oder die angekündigten Kürzungen von Sozialleistungen, die sich aufgrund der kostspieligen Aufrüstung absehbar verschärfen werden. All dies, so heißt es von der Regierung, sei alternativlos, weswegen sie an die Opferbereitschaft der Bevölkerung appelliert: Die Menschen sollen ihre privaten materiellen Interessen zurückstellen zum Wohle des Standortes.

In dieser Situation könnten die Lohnabhängigen nun für ihre Rechte und Einkommen kämpfen, also gegen ihre fortschreitende soziale Verunsicherung - das wäre die linke Alternative, von der die Mitte sagt, dass sie nicht in die Zeit passt. Oder sie wählen AfD und damit eine Partei, die zwar vorgibt, für die Entrechteten zu kämpfen, tatsächlich aber eine extrem unternehmensfreundliche Agenda hat - eine Agenda, die den Reichtum derart entlastet, dass Ökonom*innen an ihrer Finanzierbarkeit zweifeln.

Damit sammelt die AfD die Unzufriedenen ein und lenkt ihren Ärger in eine systemstabilisierende Richtung: gegen Migrant*innen und gegen alles, was irgendwie links ist. Sie bietet Remigration statt Umverteilung des Reichtums - als spezifische Arbeiterinteressen nennt AfD-Sozialpolitiker René Springer "Heimat, Familie und Leistung".

Mit diesem Programm baut sie sich auf als fiktive Alternative zu den "Systemparteien" der Mitte und erhält gleichzeitig den Glauben, die deutsche Klassengesellschaft sei eine einzige große Gemeinschaft aus Unternehmer*innen und Arbeitenden zur Produktion der nationalen Wirtschaftsleistung, die eigentlich allen nützt - wenn da nicht die Ausländer*innen wären und die Politiker*innen mit ihrer, laut AfD, "Unfähigkeit, deutsche Interessen zu vertreten". Als wären es nicht genau diese Interessen, die die Armut schaffen, die der Migranten ebenso wie die der im Inland Geborenen.

Zwar wird häufig das "AfD-Paradox" beklagt, also die Tatsache, dass genau jene Menschen die AfD wählen, die materiell unter rechter Politik am stärksten leiden würden. Ihre sozial befriedende Wirkung erzielen die Rechten allerdings genau so: Indem sie die Wut der Leute über die Verhältnisse für eine Politik nutzen, die den Reichtum der Reichen wie auch sein Wachstum unangetastet lässt und gleichzeitig bei ihren Wähler*innen den Anschein erweckt, sie trügen zu einem Umsturz der alten Ordnung bei. In den USA sind die Wirkungen bereits zu besichtigen: Die Unternehmensgewinne liegen aktuell auf Rekordhöhe, der Anteil der Löhne am Gesamteinkommen ist auf den tiefsten Stand seit Beginn der Erhebungen 1947 gefallen.

Pressekontakt:

nd.DerTag / nd.DieWoche

Redaktion

Telefon: 030/2978-1722

Original-Content von: nd.DerTag / nd.DieWoche, übermittelt durch news aktuell

Fans can visit Giants' Social Media Channels for a chance to win Giants x GOAT USA merch, pregame field experience and tickets to an upcoming game

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GOAT USA, the American casual lifestyle brand built on confidence, connection, and community, today announced an exclusive co-branded collaboration with the New York Giants through the NFL's local collaboration program. It is the brand's first collaboration with an NFL team, pairing GOAT USA's signature style with one of football's most storied franchises.

The collection features GOAT USA's signature graphic tees and hoodies all co-branded with the Giants logo, giving fans a versatile lineup to wear from the tailgate to the stands.

To celebrate the launch, GOAT USA and the Giants are launching a sweepstakes where fans can enter for a chance to win a game day experience at a Giants home game.

"GOAT USA was built on showing up for the communities and teams people care about most, so partnering with a franchise with this much history and this passionate a fan base is exactly the kind of collaboration we set out to do," said Dylan McLaughlin, Co-Founder of GOAT USA. "We wanted this collection, and this sweepstakes, to give Giants fans something special, both to wear and to experience."

"GOAT USA brings a fresh, authentic point of view and unique ability to connect with generations of Giants fans," said Nilay Shah, SVP, Marketing & Brand Strategy at the New York Giants. "The sweepstakes creates the opportunity for Giants and GOAT USA fans to take game day to the next level while representing the exclusive drop. It's a great example of what it looks like to deepen our connection with our community through shared experiences, culture, and fandom."

Founded in 2016 by three friends, Rich Alfaro, TJ Cristina, and Dylan McLaughlin, GOAT USA began selling T-shirts from a folding table at youth sports tournaments on Long Island. It grew through the communities it showed up in, spreading by word of mouth from teammates and families to entire towns. Ten years later, the brand attends hundreds of events a year and is carried in 1,000+ wholesale doors and nine standalone GOAT USA stores nationwide.

This collaboration arrives as GOAT USA marks its 10th anniversary, a milestone for a brand that started on local sidelines and continues to grow through partnerships with some of the biggest names in professional sports.

The collection will be available beginning September 9th at 10 AM ET at goatusa.com, GOAT USA retail doors, and at the Giants team store at MetLife Stadium on gamedays.

The sweepstakes will run from 10 AM ET September 9th through 11:59 PM ET September 12th. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Complete details and official rules will be available at giants.com/goatusasweeps.

About GOAT USA: Founded in 2016 in a Long Island basement by Rich Alfaro, TJ Cristina, and Dylan McLaughlin, GOAT USA is the American casual lifestyle brand built on confidence, connection, and passion. Designed for everyday greatness and rooted in community, GOAT USA inspires every person to be the greatest version of themselves. For more information, visit www.goatusa.com.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK GIANTS: A cornerstone franchise of the National Football League, the New York Football Giants began play in 1925. The Giants have won eight championships: 1927, 1934, 1938, 1956, 1986, 1990, 2007 and 2011. After twice winning two titles in five years, the Giants are the only NFL franchise with Super Bowl victories in four consecutive decades. Headquartered at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J., the Giants enter their 102nd season of play this fall.

CONTACT:

[email protected]

SOURCE GOAT USA

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Librizzi joins as Chief Executive Officer from EY-Parthenon to lead the firm's next phase of growth; Lee's investment will fuel innovation in existing offerings and expansion of capabilities

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Marwood Group, a leading healthcare-focused advisory and consulting firm, today announced a strategic investment from Lee Equity Partners. The partnership will support Marwood's continued growth, including acquisitions and senior team hires, to deepen and expand its capabilities.

Alongside the investment, Marwood has announced that Chris Librizzi, formerly of EY-Parthenon, has joined as Chief Executive Officer. Richard Jeanneret, a senior advisor to Lee Equity and long-time leader at EY also has joined Marwood as Executive Chairman.

Librizzi and Jeanneret will work closely with Walt Breakell (President), Lee Alvarez (Chief Revenue Officer), Martin Sobel (Chief Product Officer) and the rest of Marwood's current executive leadership team, all of whom are remaining with the company through this transaction. Breakell will continue to serve on Marwood's Board. Together, they'll focus on further building Marwood's strong, ongoing performance and bringing even greater value to its clients.

In recent years, Marwood has been expanding its business with an increasing focus on compliance, strategy, and performance improvement to complement its longstanding position as a market leader for executives and investors in healthcare policy and reimbursement matters.

Lee Equity provides Marwood with additional capital and a growth partner as the firm accelerates this strategy and provides its clients with market-leading capabilities across their most complex decisions and operational issues. Marwood intends to leverage its partnership with Lee Equity to deepen its ability to serve private equity firms across their transaction lifecycle, invest in its people and create career opportunities, and expand into growing client segments, including hospitals, payors and life sciences companies.

As part of this accelerated growth phase, Chris Librizzi has joined the firm as CEO. Librizzi comes to Marwood from EY-Parthenon, where he spent the past five years leading its US strategy consulting business. Before that, Librizzi built and led EY's corporate strategy function firmwide and served on the company's US Board and Executive Committee.

Librizzi brings highly relevant experience to Marwood. EY-Parthenon grew exponentially by diversifying into new customer segments and offerings, much as Marwood intends to do. Librizzi had a significant track record at EY-Parthenon of developing new products and client solutions, leading senior hires, and successful acquisition integrations.

"It is exciting to be joining Marwood, with its longstanding reputation for market leadership and unparalleled expertise, at a time when the company is clearly poised for growth. The policy and regulatory questions that Marwood is known for answering link to so many aspects of our clients' businesses and investment theses, and we are focused on building even more market-leading capabilities to enhance the value we provide," said Librizzi.

Jeanneret has also joined Librizzi and the Marwood team to help lead the firm into the future. With a 20-year track record at EY and one of its longest-serving board members, Jeanneret has served as strategic business advisor to numerous corporate boards, multinational organizations and private equity firms. At EY, he built multiple market-leading businesses and guided the execution of successful M&A transactions.

"We are excited to partner with Marwood after a long-standing relationship with its leadership team. Marwood's expertise and quality of advice is differentiated in the healthcare services community. With high-quality healthcare-specific knowledge as its foundation, the firm is well-positioned to grow organically and inorganically," added John Eppler, Principal at Lee.

"Marwood has long been a trusted advisor to clients in all-things healthcare, both operating and investing," stated Lee Alvarez, Marwood's Chief Revenue Officer. "We now have the fresh committed capital to drive an even greater focus on innovation in our core business, while extending the deep expertise we are known for into new growth areas. With the established momentum in the business, with Chris at the helm and with LEP as our partner, the Marwood leadership team is looking forward to this next chapter."

About Marwood Group

Marwood Group is a leading advisory and consulting firm serving healthcare, life sciences and private equity clients. Marwood provides deep policy, regulatory and reimbursement expertise alongside consulting and performance improvement services, helping clients navigate a complex and evolving healthcare landscape. For more information, visit www.marwoodgroup.com.

About Lee Equity Partners

Lee Equity Partners, LLC is a middle-market private equity firm that partners with businesses in the financial and healthcare services sectors. Over nearly two decades the firm has utilized its thematic based investment strategy and deep sector knowledge to identify and partner with talented management teams to accelerate growth and build market leading businesses. Additional information is available at www.leeequity.com.

SOURCE Smarts Agency

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WMG® adds CycleBar to a growing list of franchise partners as it continues scaling hyperlocal customer acquisition programs across the country.

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Walden Media Group (WMG®), a premier growth marketing agency for fast scaling businesses and brands, today announced its official designation as an approved marketing vendor for CycleBar, the 200+ location indoor cycling brand within the Extraordinary Brands portfolio. The partnership brings WMG®'s localized performance marketing framework to CycleBar franchisees nationwide, driving rider acquisition and membership growth at the studio level.

CycleBar has built its brand around a distinct in-studio experience, from its CycleBeats curated music platform to CycleStats, the proprietary post ride performance tracking system that reports six key fitness metrics to every rider. WMG®'s role is to make sure that experience translates into new riders walking through the door. Through this strategic alignment, WMG® works directly with individual studio owners to implement tailored acquisition funnels, precision digital media strategies, and hyperlocal campaigns designed to fill bikes and scale membership revenue one studio at a time.

"CycleBar has already done the hard part. They built a brand people love and a data driven experience that keeps riders coming back," said Zachariah Walden, Founder and CEO of Walden Media Group. "Our job is to make sure that story reaches the right person, in the right neighborhood, at the exact moment they are ready to book their first ride. That is where hyperlocal marketing and real performance data meet, and it is where we believe the next era of franchise growth gets won."

Parallel to expanding its franchise footprint, WMG® is actively scaling agency operations and investing strategic capital to fuel development of its proprietary advertising technology stack. This growth directly funds next generation AI booking integrations, real time attribution modeling, and automated campaign infrastructure built specifically for multiple location operators. By replacing legacy marketing agency tactics with high velocity, technology enabled media systems, WMG® ensures local studio owners can engage and convert prospective riders at modern consumer speed.

By bridging enterprise level technology with studio level execution, WMG® reinforces its commitment to driving stronger unit economics for franchisors and franchisees alike. The addition of CycleBar strengthens WMG®'s rapidly expanding roster of national franchise brands.

About Walden Media Group:

Walden Media Group is a growth marketing agency built for scale. WMG® helps franchise, enterprise, and international brands grow faster in every market they operate in, through specialized Brand, Go To Market, Advertising, Design, and Technology services.

SOURCE Walden Media Group

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The Expanded Partnership to Feature a Dedicated

Healthcare Professionals Appreciation Night Presented By JAANUU

During the LA Kings' 2026-27 NHL Season

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- JAANUU, the first physician-founded, premium medical apparel brand, and the Los Angeles Kings have announced an expanded partnership for the 2026-27 NHL season, building on a successful first year together and their shared commitment to celebrating and supporting the Los Angeles community. The partnership, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, will feature an all-new Healthcare Professionals Appreciation Night presented by JAANUU when the Kings take on the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:30PM.

As part of the dedicated game night, JAANUU will engage fans with interactive activations throughout Crypto.com Arena, along with giveaways and contests, while each ticketed guest will receive a co-branded foam puck. The JAANUU brand will also maintain a rink-side presence throughout the Kings' 2026-27 home schedule.

Headquartered in El Segundo, near the Kings' official training facility and practice home at Toyota Sports Performance Center, JAANUU shares deep roots in the local community and a longstanding connection to the franchise. Last season's sponsorship was a successful inaugural foray into what being a part of a team really means; leading to this season where JAANUU proudly expands their respect and honor for their hero customers as well as their favorite hockey team. Following a successful inaugural season, the expanded partnership brings together two organizations with a shared emphasis on teamwork, community and recognizing those who make a difference throughout Los Angeles.

"We're thrilled to build on our partnership with JAANUU and expand the ways we can work together to celebrate the people who make such an important impact across our community," said LA Kings President, Luc Robitaille. "JAANUU is a homegrown Los Angeles-area brand with a genuine connection to our region, and Healthcare Professionals Appreciation Night gives us a meaningful opportunity to recognize the incredible healthcare professionals who dedicate themselves to caring for others every day."

"We're incredibly excited to continue our partnership with the LA Kings and bring JAANUU even closer to the healthcare community here in Los Angeles," said JAANUU CEO, Mike Alexander. "Healthcare professionals give so much to our communities every day, and this partnership gives us a meaningful way to celebrate them, connect with them, and show our appreciation. We're proud to be part of a night that brings people together around two things we care deeply about: our community and our hometown team."

For more information and tickets to the Healthcare Professionals Appreciation Night, presented by JAANUU, please click here.

About JAANUU

JAANUU is a leader in the medical scrubs and apparel industry founded by female pediatrician, Dr. Neela Sethi Young, M.D. Based in El Segundo, California, JAANUU is known for sustainability, revolutionary fabrications, comfort, confidence, function, and style. The brand is an example of the company motto, "TOGETHER WE CARE™." Connect with JAANUU at jaanuu.com and follow @jaanuu on all socials.

About the LA Kings

The LA Kings have enjoyed a rich history of excitement, passion, and championship glory in Southern California while demonstrating the utmost commitment to their fans, partners, and community. Owned and operated by AEG, the Kings began play in 1967 and now play at world-famous Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles. Since our inception we have strived to be the ultimate leader as it relates to employing many of the greatest players in National Hockey League history, and hosting and participating in incredible events highlighted by two Stanley Cup Championships.

SOURCE JAANUU HOLDINGS LLC

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- New partnership connects Genesis to the millions watching Big Ten sports and the network of 9+ million alumni

- Partnership includes delivery of the game trophy in a Genesis vehicle at the 2026 Discover Big Ten Football Championship on FOX, activation at the TIAA Big Ten Men's and Allstate Women's Basketball Tournaments, as well as year-round event signage and fan activations.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesis has been named the Official Luxury Vehicle of the Big Ten Conference, its first such partnership in college athletics. While the partnership begins with football, it will expand to additional Big Ten sports throughout the year, including men's and women's basketball, as well as volleyball, baseball, softball, ice hockey, and wrestling.

"The Big Ten Conference embodies many of the values that define our brand, including a relentless commitment to excellence," said Amy Marentic, chief marketing officer of Genesis Motor America. "As our first partnership in college athletics, this collaboration represents an important opportunity to engage with one of the nation's largest and most passionate sports audiences, deepen our connection with consumers across the country, and continue growing awareness and consideration for Genesis. Together with the strong foundation we've established through golf, this partnership helps us expand our reach and further elevate the Genesis brand in the U.S."

The brand's partnership with the Big Ten Conference is part of Genesis' broader strategy to connect with college alumni and passionate fans deeply engaged with their favorite teams. With 9.4 million alumni coast-to-coast and nearly 823,000 students, the Big Ten Conference's presence is felt and heard from New York to the Midwest, to Southern California.

Building on Genesis' global sports portfolio of prominent golf sponsorships, the partnership with college football aims to elevate the brand's awareness in the United States, one of its fastest-growing markets. This strategic partnership has helped the brand build meaningful connections with consumers who prioritize performance, dedication, and excellence.

"We are proud to expand our relationship with Genesis while highlighting a broad array of Big Ten sports and competition," said Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti. "We are equally excited to see the stories of our student-athletes and their families come to life as part of the partnership."

As Official Luxury Vehicle, Genesis will be integrated into the 2026 Discover Big Ten Football Championship on FOX by delivering the championship trophy onto the Lucas Oil Stadium field in a Genesis vehicle. The partnership also includes activation space at the Big Ten Football Championship Fan Fest, creating additional opportunities for fans to engage with Genesis throughout championship weekend.

Beyond football, Genesis has already been featured across Big Ten athletics through branding and broadcast mentions, including the Allstate Big Ten SEC Volleyball Challenge at Wrigley Field. Looking ahead, Genesis will continue to be featured across FOX, FS1, BTN, NBC, Peacock, and CBS throughout men's and women's basketball games, the inaugural 2026 Big Ten Volleyball Tournament, and select Olympic Sport Championships, including ice hockey, softball, baseball, and wrestling.

Genesis has also extended its existing partnership with NBC Sports as pre-game presenting sponsor of the Big Ten College Countdown pregame show through the 2028 season. The sponsorship will span the full college football season for select matchups from Big Ten Football and Notre Dame Football, airing live on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

New for this year, Genesis debuted custom online content produced by NBC Universal's Rock Studios and distributed across NBC and Peacock, as well as FOX, FS1 and BTN, with cutdowns for social. Featuring the Genesis GV80, the content celebrates the dedication, commitment and support families provide throughout an athlete's journey.

The brand will be featured prominently throughout NBC Sports' college football coverage through integrated branding, verbal mentions, custom show opens and outros, and placements across select game broadcasts, livestreams, and pregame programming. Additionally, Genesis will be showcased in college football social media highlights and extended highlights on YouTube, ensuring strong visibility across platforms.

The comprehensive partnership was developed in coordination between Genesis' media agency Canvas Worldwide and its advertising agency of record, INNOCEAN USA.

For more information on Genesis and its entire lineup of vehicles, visit www.genesis.com.

Genesis Motor North America

Genesis is a new global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of design, safety, refined performance, and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Drawing from its cultural heritage and distinctly Korean hospitality, Genesis crafts experiences focused on customers as "Son-nim", or honored guests.

Genesis Motor North America offers a growing range of award-winning SUV, sedan, and electric models through its network of more than 190 independent U.S. retailers, in addition to its more than 30 Canadian agency distributors. Genesis now counts more than 100 standalone retail facilities across the North American region, with dozens more in development. Consumers can discover the brand through its many retail points, at Genesis House, the brand's flagship space in New York City, or online at www.genesis.com.

Please visit our media site for the latest news at www.genesisnewsusa.com (United States) and www.genesisnews.ca (Canada).

About the Big Ten Conference

The Big Ten Conference is an association of 18 world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The Big Ten Conference sponsors 28 official sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, and the broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 14,000 student-athletes. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

SOURCE Genesis Motor America

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Corgi Launches Liquor Liability Coverage to Simplify Protection for Organizations Serving Alcohol

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Corgi Insurance announced the launch of its Liquor Liability coverage, designed to make it easier for eligible organizations that serve alcohol to get the protection they need.

Liquor liability coverage is designed to help address claims arising from the sale, service, or furnishing of alcohol, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and retentions of the issued policy. Corgi's program is designed for eligible veterans' and fraternal lodges operating licensed on-premises bars.

"Serving alcohol is a normal part of operating many organizations, but getting the insurance to cover that exposure can be anything but simple," said Nico Laqua, CEO at Corgi Insurance. "We're building a faster, more straightforward way for organizations to get the coverage they need without the traditional runaround."

The coverage is designed to work alongside an organization's general liability insurance, addressing the distinct risks associated with alcohol service. Depending on the issued policy, coverage may respond to third-party bodily injury or property damage claims arising from selling, serving, or furnishing alcohol.

Corgi's liquor liability program can also provide coverage for eligible insured organizations and other insured parties identified in the policy, subject to its terms and conditions. The program may also address alcohol brought onto the insured premises for consumption, including certain BYOB scenarios, when permitted under the issued policy.

The launch is part of Corgi's broader effort to modernize commercial insurance by combining technology-driven underwriting with a simpler customer experience.

Coverage is subject to underwriting approval and availability varies by jurisdiction. Terms, limits, exclusions, retentions, and eligibility requirements vary by policy and jurisdiction.

Organizations interested in learning more about Corgi's Liquor Liability coverage can visit corgi.com.

About Corgi Insurance

Corgi Insurance is an AI financial infrastructure company built to make insurance and financial services better, faster, and more affordable. Headquartered in San Francisco, Corgi has raised over $378 million, and has offices globally in New York, London, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Dallas, and Chicago. Learn more at www.corgi.com.

Media Contact:

Erika Lee

Corgi

[email protected]

SOURCE Corgi

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