Sports organizations depend on ticketing, mobile apps, access control, point-of-sale systems, sponsorship platforms, and fan data to work together in real time, even when those capabilities are controlled by different teams, venues, leagues, vendors, and partners. Info-Tech Research Group's Build a Venue Platform Operating Model blueprint helps sports CIOs establish clear control boundaries, decision rights, integration standards, and governance for a more cohesive venue platform.

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans experience a venue as one connected environment, regardless of how many organizations and systems operate behind it. Sports CIOs, however, are often expected to deliver seamless game-day operations while authority over critical systems is distributed across multiple entities. According to Info-Tech Research Group, this mismatch between accountability and authority turns integration into cross-entity negotiation, slows decisions, and creates fragile operations where a system failure can affect revenue, fan experience, and brand reputation.

To help sports organizations replace reactive coordination with a deliberate operating model, the global research and advisory firm has published its Build a Venue Platform Operating Model blueprint. The resource gives CIOs a structured way to map the systems involved and trace how data moves across the fan journey, assess current ownership and control boundaries, and select a model suited to their organization's operating reality.

"CIOs are accountable for the experience fans have, even when they do not control every system behind it," says Michael Adams, senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. "That gap between accountability and authority is where delays, inconsistent decisions, and operational fragility take hold. Technology integration can connect the systems. A venue operating model determines who owns the fan relationship, who governs the data, and who has authority to act when a game-day issue demands an immediate decision."

Key Obstacles Preventing Cohesive Venue Operations

Info-Tech's blueprint identifies three common obstacles that prevent sports organizations from managing the venue as a unified platform:

- Fragmented ownership and unclear decision rights: Teams, venues, leagues, and partners often optimize their own systems and priorities. Without clearly assigned authority, changes require cross-entity negotiation, causing delays, inconsistent execution, and accountability gaps.

- Disconnected systems and data: Point-to-point integrations and inconsistent data ownership make it difficult and costly to coordinate ticketing, mobile, payments, sponsorship, and other capabilities in real time. Complexity and fragility increase with every new system added.

- Near-zero tolerance for downtime: Game-day operations leave little room for disruption, which can discourage organizations from modernizing critical systems or introducing new capabilities. Continued reliance on legacy technology increases technical debt and long-term operational risk.

Info-Tech's Three-Phase Approach to Building a Venue Platform Operating Model

The Build a Venue Platform Operating Model blueprint outlines the following methodology for establishing how systems, data, and stakeholders should work together across the venue ecosystem:

Phase 1: Map and assess: Map systems and data across the fan journey, identify who currently controls and operates each capability, and document gaps involving fragmented experiences, disconnected data, unclear ownership, and difficult integrations.

Phase 2: Frame and select: Develop design principles grounded in the organization's ownership structure, game-day requirements, integration needs, and strategic objectives. Use those principles to evaluate and select the most appropriate operating model.

Phase 3: Govern and operationalize: Define the roles needed to govern the venue platform, assign decision rights and accountability, clarify capability ownership, and prepare executive communications that explain the changes and expected outcomes.

"A strong venue platform can preserve local flexibility while making shared responsibilities explicit," explains Adams. "Certain capabilities need consistent standards across the enterprise, while others can remain closer to the team or venue. Clear boundaries allow innovation to move forward without relying on informal coordination or compromising game-day reliability."

The Build a Venue Platform Operating Model blueprint's supporting resources include a selection tool that enables leaders to evaluate seven operating model archetypes against their design principles, a mapping template for documenting current and future ownership, and an executive communication template for building stakeholder alignment. By applying Info-Tech's approach, sports organizations can establish clearer accountability, improve coordination across systems and partners, and create a more resilient foundation for connected fan experiences and coordinated venue operations.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech's experts, including Michael Adams, and access to the complete Build a Venue Platform Operating Model blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is the "get things done" partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech's HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm's SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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Die CityUHK (Dongguan) feiert die Eröffnungsfeier 2026 und würdigt damit das rasante grenzüberschreitende Wachstum in der Greater Bay Area

DONGGUAN, China,/PRNewswire/ -- Die City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) hielt am 2. September 2026 ihre Eröffnungsfeier für das Studienjahr 2026 ab und begrüßte den dritten Jahrgang der Universität mit mehr als 1.300 Studierenden. Die Feier findet nur wenige Monate nach der Verleihung der Master-Abschlüsse an den ersten Absolventen der CityUHK (Dongguan) im Juni 2026 statt und unterstreicht damit die beeindruckende Entwicklung der Hochschule seit ihrer offiziellen Gründung im Jahr 2024.

Bei der Zulassung der Bachelor-Studierenden des Jahrgangs 2026 sind weitere Verbesserungen bei den Zulassungsstandards und der akademischen Gesamtqualität zu verzeichnen. Die CityUHK (Dongguan) zieht leistungsstarke Studierende aus den unterschiedlichsten Regionen des chinesischen Festlands an, wobei viele der zugelassenen Bewerber herausragende akademische Leistungen und kreatives Potenzial aufweisen, darunter auch Gewinner nationaler Wissenschaftsolympiaden.

Die Universität hat die Rekrutierung von Bachelor-Studierenden aus Hongkong, Macau und Taiwan ausgeweitet und gleichzeitig eine vielfältigere Gruppe internationaler Studierender aus aller Welt aufgenommen, wodurch die globale Lernatmosphäre auf dem Campus weiter gestärkt wurde.

Die CityUHK, die von THE regelmäßig als die internationalste Universität der Welt eingestuft wird, verfügt über eine globale Präsenz, die sich über führende akademische Einrichtungen erstreckt. Der Campus in Dongguan hat eine rasante Entwicklung durchlaufen und strategische Partnerschaften mit mehr als 40 weltweit führenden Einrichtungen geschlossen, darunter die University of Cambridge, das University College London, die UC Berkeley und die Universität Utrecht.

Auch die Masterstudiengänge der CityUHK (DG) haben sich im Jahr 2026 als äußerst wettbewerbsfähig und attraktiv erwiesen. Die Universität hat Bewerbungen von herausragenden Absolventen erhalten, darunter von der Peking-Universität, der Tsinghua-Universität und der Fudan-Universität. Zudem zieht sie Talente von weltbekannten Einrichtungen wie der Universität Hongkong, dem Imperial College London, der Nanyang Technological University, der University of California, Berkeley und der University of Melbourne an, was ihre wachsende internationale Anerkennung unter Nachwuchswissenschaftlern unterstreicht.

Die neuen Studierenden, die vielfältige kulturelle Hintergründe und neue Perspektiven mitbrachten, berichteten von ihren ersten Eindrücken und Erwartungen, als sie ihr Bachelor- bzw. Masterstudium an der CityUHK (Dongguan) begannen.

Meerim, die aus Kirgisistan stammt, hat sich aufgrund des hervorragenden akademischen Rufs und der integrativen Atmosphäre auf dem Campus für die CityUHK (Dongguan) entschieden. „Die CityUHK gehört zu den führenden Universitäten Asiens. Sie hat die internationalste Gemeinschaft, und der Campus der CityUHK (Dongguan) ist sehr lebendig und einladend." Sie versteht sich hervorragend mit ihrer Mitbewohnerin, wodurch sie sich auf ihrem neuen Campus wohl und zu Hause fühlt.

Osman, ein Studienanfänger aus Kasachstan, ist tief beeindruckt von der modernen Gestaltung und der ökologischen Ausrichtung des Campus. „Der Campus sieht brandneu aus. Außerdem ist es dort sehr grün, und ich kann sehen, wie die CityUHK (Dongguan) die natürliche Landschaft mit modernem architektonischem Design verbindet und so ein angenehmes Studien- und Lebensumfeld schafft." Er wies außerdem darauf hin, dass die einheimischen Studierenden freundlich sind und großes Interesse an den internationalen Studierenden zeigen, die aktiv auf die Neuankömmlinge auf dem Campus zugehen und mit ihnen in Kontakt treten.

An der Feier nahm eine hochkarätige Riege von Gästen und Hochschulleitern teil, darunter ZHOU Yu, Mitglied der Chinesischen Akademie der Ingenieurwissenschaften und Vizepräsident der Chinesischen Vereinigung für Hochschulbildung; YU Yang, stellvertretender Generalsekretär der Chinesischen Bildungsvereinigung für internationalen Austausch; CHUNG Shui-ming, Pro-Kanzler der CityUHK und Ehrenvorsitzender der Bildungsstiftung der CityUHK (Dongguan); Michael NGAI, Ratsvorsitzender der CityUHK; Chun-Sing LEE, amtierender Präsident der CityUHK und Vorsitzender des Verwaltungsrats der CityUHK (Dongguan); DUAN Baoyan, Mitglied der Chinesischen Akademie der Ingenieurwissenschaften und Präsident der CityUHK (Dongguan); sowie Tayyeb Shah, Vizepräsident und designierter Präsident der European Association for International Education (EAIE). An der Veranstaltung nahmen geladene Gäste, Lehrkräfte und neue Studierende teil; den Vorsitz führte Lu Chun, geschäftsführender Präsident der CityUHK (Dongguan) und Vizepräsident der CityUHK.

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ePlus Achieves Exclusive Ambassador Partner Status with Everpure

Company is first in North America to attain new partnership tier

HERNDON, Va., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ePlus inc. (NASDAQ NGS: PLUS – news) today announced that it has achieved the highest level of Everpure partner tier, the new Ambassador certification. ePlus is the first reseller, specialized services partner, or company holding any other Everpure partner designation in North America to have earned this credential.

New to the Everpure program, attaining this tier of partnership requires successfully demonstrating the highest level of service delivery capabilities in cyber resilience and cloud to enhance customer experience and exceptional reliability in meeting customer requirements.

"The most rewarding thing about being the first and only North American provider to have obtained this status is that we were certified based on the many things we do well for our customers – from SOWs and service delivery documents to test plans, remediation of issues, follow through of deliverables and so much more," said Ken Farber, president ePlus strategy, software and alliances. "Our customer-first focus is what drives our entire organization, from the solutions and services we launch to the areas of technology in which we invest. We are excited and proud to have earned Ambassador status and are very grateful to Everpure for this fantastic acknowledgement of our ability to service our customers.

"Ambassador Reseller Partner status represents the highest tier within our Reseller Program and recognizes strategic partners with deep expertise across key solution areas such as Cloud, Cyber Resilience, and Application Modernization," said Hope Galley, vice president, Americas partner organization at Everpure. "Customers can be assured they are working with a partner that not only understands Everpure and data storage but also has proven ability in adjacent technologies like cloud and cyber resilience, from a consultative and services perspective. We congratulate ePlus on earning this highly valued credential and appreciate our continued partnership as we look forward to driving mutual growth while delivering industry-leading data storage solutions to our shared customers."

Together, ePlus and Everpure deliver innovative, sustainable, and simplified storage solutions that help accelerate business outcomes and reduce operational complexity. ePlus recently earned the Services Partner of the Year award in recognition of ePlus Storage-as-a-Service (STaaS) leveraging Everpure Evergreen//One™, a flexible, managed, consumption-based offering. ePlus StaaS provides an adaptable storage model that allows organizations to pay for only the storage capacity they use and need, helping to manage costs.

For more information on how ePlus and Everpure partner please visit: https://www.eplus.com/how-we-partner/everpure

About ePlus inc.

ePlus is a customer-first, services-led, and results-driven industry leader offering transformative technology solutions and services to provide the best customer outcomes. Offering a full portfolio of solutions, including artificial intelligence, security, cloud and data center, networking and collaboration, as well as managed, consultative and professional services, ePlus works closely with organizations across many industries to successfully navigate business challenges. With a long list of industry-leading partners and more than 2,130 employees, our expertise has been honed over more than three decades, giving us specialized yet broad levels of experience and knowledge. ePlus is headquartered in Virginia, with locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia‐Pacific. For more information, visit www.eplus.com, call 888-482-1122, or email info@eplus.com. Connect with ePlus on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

ePlus®, Where Technology Means More®, and ePlus products referenced herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of ePlus inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Everpure, Evergreen//One, and the marks in the Everpure Trademark List are trademarks or registered trademarks of Everpure, Inc. or its licensed subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. The names of other companies, products, and services mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE EPLUS INC.

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Board Is Undertaking an Active Search in its Ongoing Commitment to Board Refreshment

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) announced today that Board of Directors member Sue Decker has informed the Company she will not stand for reelection at the Company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Ms. Decker joined the boards of Anderson Group, Inc. and Nscale, Ltd. within the last year, and made the decision to step down from the Vail Resorts Board in order to manage her total number of board commitments. Her current term will conclude on the date of the Company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

"On behalf of the entire Board and management team, I want to thank Sue for her service to Vail Resorts," said Rob Katz, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Vail Resorts. "Her strategic insight, sound judgment, financial acumen, and deep expertise across technology, consumer insights, and corporate governance have benefitted the Company and its shareholders throughout her tenure. As we embark on the next chapter of growth through our Epic Experience strategy, we will use this opportunity to continue enhancing our Board with experience and perspective to help guide the Company into the future."

"It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve on the Vail Resorts Board for the past eleven years," said Ms. Decker. "I am very proud of what the Company has accomplished during that time and of the role Vail Resorts has played in transforming the guest experience and shaping the future of the snowsports industry. I have tremendous respect for Rob, the management team and my fellow directors, and I look forward to watching the Company continue to build on that foundation."

In connection with Ms. Decker's decision, the Board approved a reduction in the size of the Board to nine members, effective as of the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The Nominating & Governance Committee of the Board is currently conducting a search for an additional independent director with the assistance of a leading independent executive search firm. The Board currently expects to complete that process and a corresponding increase in the size of the Board to ten members in early 2027. In July, the Company announced the appointment of Bill Hornbuckle, Chief Executive Officer and President of MGM Resorts International, to the Board, and in 2024 the Company added Reggie Chambers and Iris Knobloch as Board Members.

About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)

Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company's industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and Pass options at www.EpicPass.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements discussed in this press release, other than statements of historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including the statements regarding our expected growth through our Epic Experience strategy; and the anticipated search for, and timing and impacts of, an additional independent director. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to a prolonged weakness in general economic conditions, including adverse effects on the overall travel and leisure related industries and our business and results of operations; unfavorable weather conditions or the impact of natural disasters or other unexpected events; the willingness or ability of our guests to travel due to terrorism, the uncertainty of military conflicts or public health emergencies, and the cost and availability of travel options and changing consumer preferences or discretionary spending habits; the seasonality of our business combined with adverse events that may occur during our peak operating periods; and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

SOURCE The Vail Corporation

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World's Largest Indoor, Multi-Level Karting Track & Premier Entertainment Venue Celebrates Groundbreaking in Columbus, Ohio

Sprawling 16-Acre Polaris Center complex set to open in Summer of 2027

POLARIS, Ohio, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Supercharged Entertainment, the world's largest indoor, multi-level karting track and premier entertainment venue, broke ground today on the fourth U.S. location in Polaris, Ohio, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on-site. The venue is slated to open in Summer 2027.

Located at 9300 Lyra Drive in Columbus, Supercharged Entertainment Polaris will mirror the design of Supercharged Entertainment New Jersey, which opened to enthusiastic crowds in December 2022 in Edison, NJ. The venue will be a world class, 125,000 square-foot karting and premier entertainment experience located in the heart of other Polaris leisure destinations such as Topgolf and Smash Park, alongside additional shopping and dining. Once complete, the sprawling 16-acre complex will feature:

- The world's largest indoor, multi-level, temperature-controlled Karting Track with two uniquely designed tracks — complete with 25 total elevation changes — that can be combined into one 80,000 square-foot Supertrack

- Time Mission, an immersive, team-based, one-of-a-kind attraction where individuals and groups of all ages can challenge each other and the clock through 30+ mission rooms — it's a mix of physical, mental, and skill-based challenges where participants choose their own path and compete for the highest score

- An enormous, two-story Arcade & Gaming Area boasting nearly 180 games, including several thrilling Virtual Reality experiences, plus an expansive Prize Center to ensure everyone leaves a winner

- The Drop & Twist Tower, an exhilarating, two-story attraction that spins, drops, and passes through all floors of the facility while riders take in everything Supercharged Entertainment Polaris has to offer

- A full-service restaurant & bar featuring a wide-ranging menu of shareable bites and entrées, plus world-class cocktails, beers, and specialty beverages

- Versatile and spacious Group & Event areas suitable for all occasions and sizes, with catering available

The choice of Polaris, Ohio is the inspiration of Stephen and Sandra Sangermano, who serve as the company's President and CEO, and marks the 5th entertainment venue opened and operated by the Sangermano family. Today's groundbreaking marks the start of the Sangermanos' vision to bring to Columbus and the entire central Ohio region the world's most spectacular, thrilling, and fun-filled karting and entertainment destination.

"Sandi and I couldn't be more excited to break ground on what will be Ohio's and the world's best, all-in-one karting and entertainment venue," said Stephen Sangermano, President. "Supercharged Entertainment Polaris has something for everyone – couples, families, kids, groups, and companies. We can't wait to bring Columbus and all of central Ohio the exhilarating and amazing fun our Polaris venue will have to offer."

"On behalf of our entire Supercharged Entertainment team, we're incredibly grateful to the Polaris community and all of Ohio for welcoming us so warmly," added Sandra Sangermano, CEO. "We look forward to Supercharged Entertainment Polaris's grand opening in Summer 2027, and we hope to see everyone there."

Supercharged Entertainment Polaris will be fun for all ages and ready to host kids, adults, families, groups, and companies who crave the excitement and adrenaline rush of authentic, indoor karting. All karts possess incredible torque and acceleration, resulting in an exhilarating and thrilling ride. Plus, their all-electric vehicles produce zero emissions, making it a more enjoyable and environmentally friendly experience on the 80,000 square-foot, temperature-controlled track.

"We're thrilled to welcome Supercharged Entertainment to POLARIS Centers of Commerce," said Franz Geiger, Managing Director of NP Limited Partnership. "This is exactly the kind of destination experience that continues to make POLARIS a premier entertainment and lifestyle hub for central Ohio. We look forward to seeing Supercharged Entertainment join the outstanding mix of retail, dining, and entertainment already thriving here, and to celebrating alongside them when they open their doors in Summer 2027."

Bill Ebben 508-922-1974 or bill@ebbengroup.com

SOURCE Supercharged Entertainment

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/C O R R E C T I O N – Vale Matcha/ In the news release, Vale Matcha Announces Vale Farms, With Plans to Grow One Million Tea Plants on Whidbey Island, issued 31-Aug-2026 by Vale Matcha over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:

Vale Matcha Announces Vale Farms, With Plans to Grow One Million Tea Plants on Whidbey Island

Seattle-based matcha company plants first 12,000 tea plants as part of long-term investment in Pacific Northwest tea agriculture

SEATTLE and WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash., Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vale Matcha today announced Vale Farms, a 365-acre property on Whidbey Island. The company has now planted its first 12,000 tea plants as part of a long-term investment in Pacific Northwest tea agriculture.

This marks the start of a long-term plan to cultivate approximately 200 acres of tea, or roughly one million plants. Vale is also building a 30,000-square-foot tea production facility in nearby Oak Harbor.

Based on the company's research, Vale Farms represents the first effort to build an integrated, commercial-scale matcha-growing and production operation in the United States, bringing together domestic tea cultivation, tencha production and milling tencha into matcha.

A desire to better understand the nuances of matcha from cultivation to cup is at the heart of Vale Farms. When Vale opened its first café in Seattle in 2025, a global matcha shortage made it difficult to secure enough high-quality matcha to meet its needs. That experience took the Vale team to Japan, where they began building relationships with tea growers and producers and developing a deeper understanding of the intricacies of tea cultivation, processing and milling.

"We went to Japan looking for exceptional matcha and came away with a much deeper appreciation for everything that has to happen before matcha ever reaches the cup," said Luke Larson, Founder and CEO of Vale. "We're not here to solve the matcha shortage. We're thinking much longer term. Think about wine in Napa Valley. A generation of growers helped demonstrate what that region was capable of, and eventually Napa became synonymous with American wine. We believe the Pacific Northwest has the potential to become a great tea-growing region and, one day, to be known for its exceptional matcha. Tea takes years to establish and decades to truly understand. Vale Farms is our commitment to that future."

Matcha is a finely milled green tea with deep roots in Japanese tea culture. Unlike steeped tea, matcha is made from tea leaves that are processed and milled into a fine powder, so that the leaf itself becomes part of the drink. Because the leaf is consumed, the tea's intrinsic health benefits are higher than in most steeped teas. Like coffee, matcha contains caffeine, but it also naturally contains L-theanine and antioxidants. Today, matcha has grown into a global category and an increasingly popular part of the daily routine for a new generation of consumers.

Vale currently sources all of the matcha it sells and serves from producers in Japan and is committed to continuing those relationships independent of what Vale Farms ultimately produces. Vale Farms represents a significant long-term investment in expanding tea-growing capacity in the United States and developing a distinctly Pacific Northwest expression of matcha.

From Hawaii to Whidbey

The first plants at Vale Farms were sourced from the Big Island of Hawaiʻi and trace their origins to Japan - home to storied cultivars like Yabukita and Yamatomidori, which tea growers Eva Lee and Chiu Leong have spent 25 years growing at Tea Hawaii & Company.

Lee and Leong provided the stemstock for Vale Farms' first planting and have become agricultural partners, sharing the knowledge and experience they have gained over decades of growing tea in Hawaiʻi.

"Growing tea in the United States has always been a collaborative effort, with growers, researchers and agricultural partners sharing what they learn along the way," said Eva Lee, co-founder of Tea Hawaii & Company and advisor to Vale. "After 25 years of growing tea in Hawaiʻi, I'm excited to bring some of that experience to Vale Farms and help establish this next growing region. The scale of what Vale is building creates a unique opportunity to learn, experiment and contribute new knowledge to the future of American tea agriculture."

Exploring a Pacific Northwest Expression of Tea

Research is at the heart of Vale Farms. This includes research already underway at Washington State University exploring the potential for tea cultivation in the Pacific Northwest.

"Our research at Washington State University has shown that tea can be successfully grown in the Pacific Northwest," said Carol Miles, Professor, Department of Horticulture, Washington State University. "Through field trials and propagation research, we've found that multiple tea varieties are thriving in this region, making Washington an exciting place to continue exploring tea as an agricultural crop."

Whidbey Island's maritime climate, acidic soils and agricultural history made the property a compelling location for Vale to cultivate tea at greater scale. Fife Symington, President of Vale Farms, brings more than three decades of experience developing and operating large-scale greenhouse and agricultural operations throughout North America.

"Tea rewards patience," Symington said. "We're at the beginning of this process. Everything we learn, from how individual plants respond to winter conditions to how the soil, climate, pruning and shading influence the leaf, will shape how the farm develops. We're ambitious about what this could become, but we're humble about what we still have to learn."

Building Tea-Processing Capabilities in Oak Harbor

Vale's investment extends beyond the farm. The company will build a state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot tea-processing facility in Oak Harbor to process future harvests from Vale Farms.

Vale is working with Terada Seisakusho, a Japanese manufacturer of tea-processing equipment, on the equipment and processing systems for the facility. Once operational, freshly harvested tea leaves will travel from Vale Farms to Oak Harbor, where they will be steamed, dried and processed into tencha.

The tencha will then travel to Vale's manufacturing facility in Seattle's SODO neighborhood, where Vale already precision-mills imported Japanese tencha into matcha. In the future, the facility will also mill tencha produced from Vale Farms. Together, the farm and processing facilities will give Vale the ability to manage the journey from cultivation to cup.

A 130-Year Connection

Exactly 130 years ago, on August 31, 1896, the Miike Maru arrived in Seattle carrying Japanese tea and other goods, on the inaugural voyage of Japan's first regular steamship service to Seattle. By announcing Vale Farms on August 31, we hope to honor this historical connection between our city and Japan.

The Vale Farms property was later owned by Capt. James Griffiths, a prominent Seattle shipping agent whose life and business were closely connected to the growth of Pacific Northwest maritime trade.

Today, Vale envisions the farm as a home to a growing community of tea cultivators and researchers.

"There's an idea I love about the song of the nightingale. One begins singing, another hears the melody and joins, and eventually one song becomes a chorus," said Larson. "That's our hope for Vale Farms. We're not simply trying to build one great tea farm. We want to help demonstrate what this region might become and inspire others to grow tea and produce matcha here, in the Pacific Northwest."

About Vale

Vale is a Seattle-based matcha company headquartered in Pioneer Square. The company sources matcha from producer partners in Japan and serves it through cafés, mobile matcha bars, direct-to-consumer products and wholesale partnerships. Vale brings together culinary craft and technology to create fresh, consistent matcha experiences at scale.

Vale is expanding across the Seattle region while investing in the long-term future of tea through Vale Farms, a 365-acre property on Whidbey Island where the company plans to cultivate approximately 200 acres of tea over the coming years.

More information is available at valematcha.com.

Correction: Some of the photo captions have been updated.

SOURCE Vale Matcha

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CALGARY, AB, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Shell plc has completed the previously announced agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") to acquire ARC Resources Ltd. ("ARC") (TSX: ARX), an energy company focused in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, following receipt of all required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals. The acquisition accelerates Shell's strategy by adding approximately 370 kboe/d immediately across liquids and gas, supporting a production compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4% through to 2030 compared with 2025.

"Today we welcome ARC colleagues to Shell and look forward to building on their high-performance culture, operational excellence and technical expertise in Canada's Montney basin," said Shell's Chief Executive Officer, Wael Sawan. "The acquisition increases Shell's exposure to long-duration, low-cost liquids production. Through disciplined integration, we will build on the strengths of both organizations to unlock the value that underpins this transaction."

In accordance with terms of the Arrangement Agreement, ARC's shareholders will receive CAD $8.20 in cash and 0.40247 ordinary shares of Shell plc (each whole share, a "Shell Share") for each ARC common share (each, an "ARC Share").

Based on Shell's closing share price of GBP £34.43 on September 2, 2026, and latest FX rates, this equates to an updated equity value of approximately US$13.9 billion. Shell will take on approximately US$2.5 billion in net debt and leases resulting in an enterprise value of approximately US$16.5 billion. The equity value of US$13.9 billion will be funded via US$3.3 billion in cash and US$10.6 billion in new Shell shares.

The transaction is expected to generate double-digit returns, bolster long-term cash flows and be accretive to free cash flow share from 2027 onwards.

Notes to editors

- As defined in the Arrangement Agreement, the effective date of the transaction is September 2, 2026 (the "Effective Date").

- The process for delivery of Shell Shares in exchange for ARC Shares is anticipated to be completed several days following the Effective Date of the transaction.

- More information can be found at Information for shareholders | Shell Global

- The acquisition grows Shell's producing interests in Canada and complements its existing LNG footprint and extensive downstream businesses including refining, chemicals, fuel retail, aviation, lubricants and low-carbon solutions.

- In connection with the Arrangement Agreement, Shell obtained an exemption order from the Alberta Securities Commission, as principal regulator on behalf of the securities regulatory authority or regulator in each of the provinces of Canada other than Ontario, and the Ontario Securities Commission, providing relief from the formal issuer bid requirements of National Instrument 62-104 Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids in connection with purchases by Shell of the outstanding Shell Shares through marketplaces outside of Canada (the "Canadian Exemption"), which applies so long as the Shell Shares are not listed or posted for trading on any stock exchange or marketplace in Canada, and residents of Canada do not beneficially own more than 10% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shell Shares. The Canadian Exemption is also subject to the following conditions: the share buybacks under its issuer bid programs are carried out under applicable securities laws in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the European Union, as well as the trading rules of the applicable exchanges and markets; and the aggregate number of Shell Shares acquired by Shell within any period of 12 months does not exceed 10% of the outstanding Shell Shares, excluding treasury shares.

- Measurement of acquired assets and liabilities for accounting purposes will be subject to a purchase price allocation exercise following completion.

- Equity value and net debt do not sum to enterprise value due to rounding.

Cautionary Note

The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this news release "Shell", "Shell Group" and "Group" are sometimes used for convenience to reference Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ''Subsidiaries'', "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this news release refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms "joint venture", "joint operations", "joint arrangements", and "associates" may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties. The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

Forward-Looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "aim"; "ambition"; ''anticipate''; "aspire", "aspiration", ''believe''; "commit"; "commitment"; ''could''; "desire"; ''estimate''; ''expect''; ''goals''; ''intend''; ''may''; "milestones"; ''objectives''; ''outlook''; ''plan''; ''probably''; ''project''; ''risks''; "schedule"; ''seek''; ''should''; ''target''; "vision"; ''will''; "would" and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this news release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks, including climate change; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including tariffs and regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, and a significant cyber security, data privacy or IT incident; (n) the pace of the energy transition; and (o) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc's Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025 (available at www.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this news release and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release, September 2, 2026. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this news release.

Shell's net carbon intensity

Also, in this news release we may refer to Shell's "net carbon intensity" (NCI), which includes Shell's carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers' carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers' carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell's NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell's "net carbon intensity" or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.

Ivonescimab Meets Overall Survival Key Secondary Endpoint in Interim Analysis of Phase III HARMONi-2 Study, Demonstrating Statistically Significant and Clinically Meaningful Benefit Versus Pembrolizumab in First-Line PD-L1-Positive NSCLC

HONG KONG, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) ("Akeso" or the "Company") today announced that a pre-specified interim analysis of overall survival (OS) in the HARMONi-2 (AK112-303) trial, as assessed by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC), met the key secondary endpoint of OS. The results demonstrated that ivonescimab showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement over pembrolizumab.

HARMONi-2 is a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, registrational Phase III trial evaluating ivonescimab, Akeso's first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, versus pembrolizumab as first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%).

Detailed data from the interim OS analysis will be presented at an upcoming international medical conference and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

In May 2024, at a prespecified interim analysis conducted by the IDMC, ivonescimab met its primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) in the HARMONi-2 study, with a median PFS of 11.14 months versus 5.82 months for pembrolizumab. HARMONi-2 is the first randomized, double-blind Phase III trial to show a significant positive outcome against pembrolizumab in this setting.

In 2025, this indication received regulatory approval in China. The approval removed previous restrictions on the use of VEGF-targeted agents in patients with squamous histology and provided a chemotherapy-free treatment option that has been well received in clinical practice.

Dr. Yu Xia, Founder, Chairwoman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Akeso:

"We are pleased that the fourth Phase III study of an ivonescimab-based regimen has now demonstrated statistically significant benefit in both overall survival and progression-free survival. These results further reinforce the clinical value of ivonescimab in the treatment of lung cancer.

We thank the investigators, clinical teams and patients who participated in the HARMONi-2 study for their important contributions.

To date, ivonescimab has achieved dual positive OS and PFS outcomes across multiple Phase III head-to-head trials versus PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. This growing body of evidence strengthens our confidence in its potential across a broader range of solid tumors. With its unique dual mechanism of action combining immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis, we believe ivonescimab offers a more effective treatment option for patients and will contribute meaningfully to the evolving oncology treatment landscape."

About Akeso

Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world's first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, Akeso has built a comprehensive R&D innovation ecosystem anchored by its proprietary Tetrabody antibody technology platform, AI-powered drug R&D platform, Dual-Shield ADC technology platform, Dual-Lock T-cell engager (TCE) technology platform, Tissue-Smart siRNA/mRNA technology platform, and cell therapy technology platforms.

Backed by world-class GMP manufacturing facilities and a highly efficient, integrated commercialization system, Akeso has developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical enterprise. Leveraging its fully integrated, multi-functional platform, the company maintains a robust pipeline of more than 50 innovative assets targeting cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and other major therapeutic areas. Of these, nearly 30 candidates have advanced into clinical trials, including 15 bispecific or multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Eight innovative drugs are commercially available, and two additional drugs with three indications are currently under regulatory review for marketing approval.

Akeso is committed to becoming a global leader in biopharmaceuticals through efficient and breakthrough innovation in R&D, developing novel therapies that are first-in-class or best-in-class, and providing better disease solutions for patients around the world.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, "Akeso") contains "forward-looking statements". These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso's other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the P.R. China, the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

SOURCE Akeso, Inc.

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DALLAS, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust ("NXDT") (NYSE: NXDT) announced today that the Company is scheduled to host a conference call on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 am CT), to discuss portfolio updates and recent performance.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 833-461-5787 or, for international callers, +1 365-657-4084 and using passcode Conference ID: 274211798. A live audio webcast of the call will be available online at the Company's website, https://nxdt.nexpoint.com (under "Resources"). An online replay will be available shortly after the call on the Company's website and continue to be available for 60 days.

About NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust

NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust is an externally advised, publicly traded, diversified real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the acquisition, development, and management of opportunistic and value-add investments throughout the United States across multiple sectors where NexPoint and its affiliates have operational expertise. NXDT is externally advised by NexPoint Real Estate Advisors X, L.P. For more information, please visit nxdt.nexpoint.com.

CONTACTS

Investor Relations

Kristen Griffith

IR@nexpoint.com 

Media Relations

Comms@nexpoint.com

SOURCE NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust

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Acquisition expands NWPX's participation in wastewater treatment infrastructure and adds engineered conveyor, automation, and fabrication capabilities.

VANCOUVER, Wash., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NWPX Infrastructure, Inc. (Nasdaq: NWPX), a leading manufacturer of water-related infrastructure products, today announced the acquisition of Serpentix Conveyor, LLC ("Serpentix"), a manufacturer of engineered conveyor systems used primarily in municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial manufacturing facilities. The transaction closed on September 2, 2026, and is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings.

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, Serpentix has more than five decades of experience developing custom material-handling solutions. Supported by an in-house engineering team, Serpentix systems are designed to convey abrasive, high-moisture sludge, grit, screenings, and other materials in demanding municipal operating environments.

"This acquisition further enhances NWPX Infrastructure's position in the wastewater treatment market and adds a set of innovative engineered products for municipal and industrial applications," said Scott Montross, President and Chief Executive Officer of NWPX Infrastructure. "Serpentix strengthens our portfolio with specialized material-handling and engineered conveyance solutions that fit naturally alongside NWPX Park's existing dewatering, separation, and mixing capabilities. It builds on a wastewater platform we have been developing within the Company and complements the broader growth strategy we have executed across our water transmission and Precast businesses. We see strong, long‑term potential in this large, fragmented market with compelling opportunities to support NWPX's continued growth, broaden the solutions we provide to municipal and industrial customers, and create lasting value for our shareholders. This transaction reflects our disciplined approach to capital allocation. It aligns with our strategy of serving essential water and wastewater infrastructure and the strategic criteria that have guided prior acquisitions."

Serpentix's continuous path™ technology allows a single conveyor system to navigate horizontal turns, vertical inclines, and complex three-dimensional layouts. By reducing the need for multiple straight-line conveyors and intermediate transfer points, Serpentix conveyors simplify equipment layouts, support reliable plant operations, and address challenging retrofit applications where available space is limited.

In addition to its conveyor systems, Serpentix provides industrial automation and precision metal-fabrication capabilities for customers within and outside the water and wastewater markets. For the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2026, annual net sales for Serpentix were approximately $15.6 million.

The transaction marks NWPX Infrastructure's second acquisition this year, following the acquisition of Boughton's Precast in February 2026.

About NWPX Infrastructure – Founded in 1966, NWPX Infrastructure, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of water-related infrastructure products. Under the Northwest Pipe Company brand, the Company is the largest manufacturer of engineered water transmission systems in North America and produces steel casing pipe, bar-wrapped concrete cylinder pipe, and pipeline system joints and fittings. The Company also provides solution-based products for a wide range of markets including high-quality reinforced precast concrete products, lined precast sanitary sewer system structures, water distribution and management equipment including pump lift stations, wastewater pretreatment, and stormwater quality products. The Company has broadened its manufacturing footprint by bringing lined and engineered precast products into production at additional facilities. This increases the Company's capacity and improves regional availability. Strategically positioned to meet growing water and wastewater infrastructure needs, the Company's skilled team is committed to quality and innovation while upholding its core values of accountability, commitment, and teamwork. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, the Company operates 14 manufacturing facilities across North America. For more information, please visit www.nwpx.com.

Contact:

Aaron Wilkins

Chief Financial Officer

NWPX Infrastructure, Inc.

360-397-6294 • awilkins@nwpx.com

SOURCE NWPX Infrastructure, Inc.

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