The brand's boldest evolution yet transforms the traditional gym into eight transportive fitness worlds inspired by Bali, Brooklyn, ancient Rome, South Beach, the moon and beyond

MARGATE, Fla., Oct 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Amped Fitness today announced that Amped Universe will officially debut with the opening of Amped Fitness Margate on October 12, 2026, ushering in a new era for the fast-growing fitness brand.

Amped Universe reimagines the traditional fitness club as a collection of eight highly designed worlds, each with its own environment, purpose and identity. Members move through dedicated portals that transport them from the Brooklyn Bridge to Bali, from an ancient Roman colosseum to South Beach, and even from Earth to the moon.

"Fitness has become too predictable," said Travis LaBazzo, Founder and CEO of Amped Fitness. "We wanted to create something people were excited to discover. Amped Universe takes the best parts of fitness and turns them into destinations, with every portal opening into a completely different experience."

ENTER AMPED UNIVERSE

At the heart of the new concept are eight signature destinations, each accessed through its own portal:

Amped Arena transports members into an ancient Roman colosseum, surrounded by monumental architecture and larger-than-life Greek and Roman gods, creating an environment that inspires power, strength and determination.

The Babe Cave® transports members to Brooklyn, where the portal opens beneath the Brooklyn Bridge into Amped's signature women-only training environment, designed to build confidence and empower women through fitness.

Aura Pilates transports members to Bali, pairing instructor-led reformer Pilates with a serene, resort-inspired setting that emphasizes control, balance and intentional movement.

South Peach transports members to South Beach, Miami, surrounding glute and lower-body training with the color, energy and unmistakable playfulness of Miami.

Lunar Escape transports members to the moon, creating a celestial setting that encourages mindfulness through meditation, stretching, breathwork and intentional recovery.

Azura Cove opens into a restorative wellness escape centered around recovery, featuring experiences including cold plunge and sauna.

Sweat Cinema transports members into a theater-style cardio world where entertainment fuels every workout as they run, ride or climb while larger-than-life visuals fill the big screen.

Studio Suites open into private, flexible rooms designed to encourage focus during individual workouts, stretching, virtual training, meetings, content creation and more.

THE SIGNATURE AMPED FITNESS EXPERIENCE

Beyond the eight worlds, Amped Universe retains the premium and specialized equipment package that has become a signature of the Amped Fitness experience.

Members will find equipment such as pendulum squats, vertical leg presses, incline fly machines, lateral raise machines, converging chest presses and an extensive selection of plate-loaded and selectorized strength equipment.

The package is designed to serve serious lifters, everyday members and everyone in between, preserving the training-first foundation that helped build the Amped brand.

PREMIUM FITNESS, DEMOCRATIZED

Amped Universe also advances the company's mission to make experiences traditionally reserved for premium boutique concepts accessible to a much broader audience.

Reformer Pilates memberships alone can cost hundreds of dollars per month, while recovery studios and specialty concepts often require additional memberships.

At Amped, the full Universe experience is included with the brand's Revamped membership for $29.99 per month with no long-term contracts, including instructor-led Aura Reformer Pilates, recovery experiences and the broader Amped Fitness offering.

"Our mission has always been to democratize fitness," LaBazzo said. "People shouldn't need multiple memberships and hundreds of dollars a month to access incredible equipment, Pilates, recovery and environments that inspire them to come back. We believe those experiences should be available to everyone."

A NEW ERA FOR AMPED FITNESS

Amped Universe represents the most ambitious reimagining of the Amped Fitness brand to date, bringing together fitness, entertainment, hospitality and immersive design within one connected experience.

"We're not adding a few amenities to a traditional gym and calling it innovation," LaBazzo said. "We're creating worlds people remember. You can cross the Brooklyn Bridge, take Pilates in Bali, train in a Roman colosseum, hit South Beach and escape to the moon, all without ever leaving Amped Fitness."

THE UNIVERSE OPENS OCTOBER 12

The opening of Amped Fitness Margate on October 12, 2026 will mark the first complete expression of Amped Universe and the beginning of the brand's next chapter.

The address is 3340 NW 62nd Avenue, Margate, FL 33063.

"October 12 isn't just the opening of another Amped Fitness," LaBazzo said. "It's the opening of our universe."

About Amped Fitness

Amped Fitness® is a rapidly expanding Experience-Design fitness brand built around immersive training destinations, premium amenities and community-focused experiences. With signature destinations including Amped Arena, The Babe Cave®, Aura Pilates, South Peach, Lunar Escape, Azura Cove, Sweat Cinema and Studio Suites, the brand is transporting members and redefining what a gym should feel like. For more information, visit www.ampedfitness.com.

Media Contact:

Melanie Anderson

Senior Account Manager

Pitch Public Relations

[email protected]

480-225-7148

SOURCE Amped Fitness

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets™, the Colorless Polyimide Films Market is projected to reach USD 0.65 billion by 2031 from USD 0.44 billion in 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period.

Browse 212 market data Tables and 61 Figures spread through 254 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Colorless Polyimide Films Market - Global Forecast to 2031"

Colorless Polyimide Films Market Size & Forecast:

- Market Size Available for Years: 2022-2031

- 2026 Market Size: USD 0.44 billion

- 2031 Projected Market Size: USD 0.65 billion

- CAGR (2026–2031): 8.1%

Colorless Polyimide Films Market Trends & Insights:

- Colorless polyimide (CPI) films are gaining traction across flexible electronics, printed circuit boards, lighting, medical devices, and other high-performance applications, driven by demand for lightweight, transparent, flexible, and thermally stable materials. Their combination of electrical insulation, mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and heat resistance enables manufacturers to develop thinner and more durable components capable of withstanding thermal processing and mechanical stress. Increasing integration of flexible components in electronic devices is further accelerating demand for CPI films with enhanced optical performance, surface characteristics, thickness uniformity, and processing efficiency. These advancements are enabling manufacturers to address multiple performance requirements within compact form factors, strengthening the role of CPI films in next-generation electronics and specialized industrial applications.

- By region, Asia Pacific is expected to register a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period.

- By end-use industry, the electronics segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% between 2026 and 2031.

- By application, the flexible displays segment is likely to register a growth rate of 8.5% during the forecast period.

- By material, the fluorinated polyimide segment is expected to dominate the overall market during the forecast period.

- By thickness, the 25–50 micrometers segment is anticipated to account for the largest market share in 2031.

- KOLON Industries, Inc., KANEKA CORPORATION, SK Innovation Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., and SKC Co., Ltd. were identified as some of the leading players in the colorless polyimide films market, given their strong market share and product footprint.

- Dr. Dietrich Müller GmbH, GBS Adhesive Tape Co., Ltd., and ISOFLEX, among others, have become leading startups or SMEs as they identify niche gaps early and deliver solutions that precisely match unmet customer needs. Their agility, faster decision-making, and ability to innovate continuously allow them to outperform larger, less flexible competitors.

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Colorless polyimide films are increasingly considered for specialized applications where conventional transparent materials may not provide the required combination of low weight, flexibility, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and optical transparency. Their ability to retain performance under elevated temperatures and mechanical stress while maintaining transparency makes them relevant to applications such as advanced optical components, specialized medical technologies, aerospace systems, and other high-performance products. These characteristics allow colorless polyimide films to address applications where transparency and durability are required, rather than serving only as conventional flexible film materials. The broader adoption of these films is being supported by increasing interest in lightweight and multifunctional materials that can provide several performance characteristics within a single material. At the same time, continued development of film formulations and manufacturing processes is improving optical clarity, dimensional stability, surface quality, mechanical durability, and production consistency. These improvements are helping expand the range of applications in which colorless polyimide films can be considered and are gradually reducing limitations associated with their commercialization. Increasing development of specialized technologies, greater emphasis on lightweight material solutions, and continued improvements in film performance are therefore creating additional application opportunities and supporting the overall growth of the colorless polyimide films market.

Electronics segment to account for the largest share of the colorless polyimide films market in 2026

By end-use industry, the electronics segment is expected to capture the largest market share in 2026 due to the broadest and most established demand base for transparent, flexible, lightweight, and thermally stable film materials. Colorless polyimide films can be used across electronic applications where thin, flexible structures and reliable performance under thermal and mechanical stresses are required. The extensive development of advanced electronic products is creating sustained demand for materials that can accommodate increasingly compact designs while maintaining dimensional stability and durability. In addition, the continued integration of flexible components and circuits is expanding the use of high-performance polymer films within electronics. The electronics segment also benefits from the relatively broad applicability of colorless polyimide films compared with more specialized end-use industries, allowing demand to develop across multiple types of electronic products and components. Ongoing investment in advanced electronic manufacturing, increasing product miniaturization, and the development of flexible and transparent electronic technologies are further supporting adoption. Improvements in film quality, optical performance, thickness control, and manufacturing consistency are also helping suppliers meet increasingly demanding electronic applications. These factors collectively provide a broad and sustained consumption base.

Fluorinated polyimide segment to register the highest CAGR between 2026 and 2031

By material, the fluorinated polyimide segment is likely to record the highest growth rate in the colorless polyimide films industry during the forecast period, driven by the growing demand for high-transparency, thermally stable, and flexible materials in advanced electronics. The incorporation of fluorine atoms, particularly trifluoromethyl (–CF₃) groups, suppresses charge-transfer complex formation and increases free volume, resulting in higher optical transparency and lower dielectric constants. These properties make fluorinated polyimide films suitable for flexible and foldable displays, 5G/6G electronic components, flexible substrates, and optoelectronic devices. Rising demand for foldable smartphones and other flexible electronics is further supporting adoption, as these applications require films that combine transparency, flexibility, dimensional stability, and thermal resistance.

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Asia Pacific to capture the largest share of the colorless polyimide films market in 2031

By region, Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share of the colorless polyimide films market in 2031, supported by its extensive electronics manufacturing ecosystem, concentration of display and component production, and growing adoption of advanced flexible technologies. The region provides a broad downstream customer base for colorless polyimide films because of the large-scale production of electronic products and components that require lightweight, flexible, transparent, and thermally stable materials. The presence of integrated supply chains connecting specialty material producers, component manufacturers, display producers, and electronics manufacturers also supports faster development, qualification, and commercialization of new film technologies. Continued expansion of electronics manufacturing and increasing investment in flexible electronic technologies are creating sustained demand for advanced polymer materials. In addition, the development of flexible displays, flexible circuitry, and emerging flexible solar technologies is broadening the application base for colorless polyimide films. Regional manufacturing capabilities also support improvements in production scale, film quality, process efficiency, and application-specific material development. The combination of a large electronics production base, established specialty-material supply chains, expanding flexible technology development, and continued investment in advanced manufacturing is expected to generate substantial consumption of colorless polyimide films.

Key Players

Leading players in the colorless polyimide films companies include KOLON Industries, Inc. (South Korea), KANEKA CORPORATION (Japan), SK Innovation Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (Japan), SKC Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Applied Aerospace & Defense, Inc. (US), Taimide Tech. Inc. (Taiwan), Qnity Electronics, Inc. (US), and Wuhan Imide New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. (China), among others.

Investment Funding

The colorless polyimide films market experienced a steady decline in capital inflow from 2020 through 2022, dropping from USD 36.9 million across two deals in 2020 to USD 18.37 million with 1 deal in 2021, and reaching a low of USD 7.3 million across 1 deal in 2022. However, investment activity rebounded sharply in 2024, securing USD 706.3 million across two deals. Although total deal counts remained modest and ranged between 1 and 2 transactions annually, the market witnessed an exponential rise in overall funding capital by 2024.

Revenue Shift

The global colorless polyimide films market is projected to grow from USD 0.44 billion in 2026 to USD 0.

New upgrade initiative will help organisations remove faulty, ageing or non-compliant charging infrastructure and replace it with fully managed, OCPP-compliant Roam chargers

CRAWLEY, England, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Roam Charging has launched a new EV charger replacement initiative which will pay businesses up to £1,000 for every qualifying charger they replace.

The scheme has been created to help organisations move away from ageing, faulty or non-compliant EV charging infrastructure without facing the cost of replacing it themselves.

From workplaces where older chargers may have been installed to meet planning requirements, to hotels, residential developments and other destinations operating ageing or unmanaged infrastructure, the initiative gives organisations an opportunity to upgrade to a modern, fully managed charging solution.

Under the offer, Roam will remove qualifying chargers in communal parking bays and replace them with fully managed, OCPP-compliant Roam chargers through its fully funded solution. The offer is available to organisations that enter into a long-term lease or other site agreement with Roam, with replacement equipment and standard installation works provided at no cost. Businesses and developments can receive £500 for each single-socket charger and £1,000 for each dual-socket charger replaced in addition to an opportunity to receive ongoing revenues throughout the partnership.

As part of the initiative, all old charging hardware replaced by Roam will be responsibly recycled as WEEE waste, helping to recover valuable materials and reduce the amount sent to landfill.

The initiative comes as organisations across the UK increasingly face the challenge of maintaining EV charging equipment that may have been installed several years ago. Ageing infrastructure can become more expensive and difficult to manage, while changes in technology and regulation can leave older systems increasingly unsuitable for long-term use.

James Randall, CEO of Roam, said:

"EV charging has evolved rapidly and there are now businesses, developments and destinations across the UK with infrastructure that is non-compliant, ageing or simply no longer delivering the experience users and operators need.

"Replacing charging equipment can understandably feel like a significant investment, particularly when the original infrastructure may have only been installed a few years ago. We wanted to remove that barrier.

"By paying organisations to replace qualifying chargers and taking responsibility for the ongoing management, maintenance and support of the new infrastructure, we can help customers move away from ageing equipment while providing a much more reliable charging experience.

"We'll also make sure the equipment we remove is dealt with responsibly. Old chargers will be collected for WEEE recycling, helping to recover valuable materials and reduce electrical waste sent to landfill.

"For us, this is about making EV charging simpler and more sustainable. Organisations shouldn't have to continue investing time and money into unsupported or unsuitable technology when there is a straightforward route to something better."

Roam's replacement chargers are OCPP compliant, helping organisations futureproof their charging infrastructure and avoid becoming unnecessarily tied to ageing or unsupported hardware. The company also provides a fully managed service covering monitoring, maintenance and support.

For EV drivers, the upgrade provides a simpler and more reliable charging experience, while helping businesses, property owners and site operators reduce the management burden and long-term risk associated with older infrastructure.

James added:

"As the number of electric vehicles continues to grow, reliable charging is becoming increasingly important wherever people live, work, stay or visit.

"Businesses and property operators need infrastructure they can rely on today, but also technology that gives them flexibility for the future.

"This initiative is our way of helping organisations make that transition now rather than waiting until ageing equipment becomes a bigger operational problem."

Businesses, property owners and developments with existing non-compliant, faulty, ageing or unmanaged EV chargers can speak to Roam to find out whether their infrastructure qualifies and how much they could receive.

For more information, visit the Roam website. Alternatively, email [email protected] or call 0800 099 6000.

Notes to editors

About Roam

Roam is dedicated to transforming the EV charging experience with a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge charging solutions designed for drivers, businesses and communities. With a focus on accessibility, reliability and scalability, Roam provides smart charging stations, intuitive software, and customer-first services that empower the transition to electric mobility. From high-power public chargers to flexible commercial installations, Roam continues to expand its network and support the global shift toward cleaner transportation.

For more information, visit https://www.roamcharging.com.

SOURCE Roam Charging

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ATLANTA, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Invesco Ltd. (NYSE: IVZ)1, a leading global asset management firm, announced today preliminary month-end assets under management (AUM) of $2,537.8 billion, a decrease of 0.9% versus previous month-end. The firm experienced net long-term outflows of $1.1 billion in the month. Money market net outflows were $5.7 billion. AUM was negatively impacted by unfavorable market returns which decreased AUM by $16 billion. FX movements in the month reduced AUM by $2.7 billion which was partially offset by reinvested distributions of $0.9 billion. Preliminary average total AUM for the quarter through September 30 was $2,510.2 billion, and preliminary average active AUM for the quarter through September 30 was $1,246.0 billion.

About Invesco Ltd.

Invesco Ltd. is one of the world's leading asset management firms serving clients in more than 120 countries. With US$2.5 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2026, we deliver a comprehensive range of investment capabilities across public, private, active, and passive. Our collaborative mindset, breadth of solutions and global scale mean we're well positioned to help retail and institutional investors rethink challenges and find new possibilities for success. For more information, visit www.invesco.com.

Category: AUM

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets™, the Drone (UAV) Battery Market is expected to register USD 1.65 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 2.45 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period.

Browse 320 market data Tables and 55 Figures spread through 290 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Drone (UAV) Battery Market - Global Forecast to 2031"

Drone (UAV) Battery Market Size & Forecast:

- Market Size Available for Years: 2021–2031

- 2026 Market Size: USD 1.65 billion

- 2031 Projected Market Size: USD 2.45 billion

- CAGR (2026–2031): 8.2%

Drone (UAV) Battery Market Trends & Insights:

- The drone (UAV) battery market is growing due to higher drone adoption, expanding commercial applications, and increasing investments in unmanned aerial systems. The growing deployment of drones for surveillance, mapping, agriculture, inspection, and delivery is increasing demand for advanced battery solutions. Investments in local drone and battery production are also supporting market growth. Rising demand for longer flight endurance and higher energy efficiency is creating new opportunities for advanced UAV battery technologies.

- By platform, the commercial segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 11.9% from 2026 to 2031.

- By point of sale, the aftermarket (FG) segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2026 to 2031.

- By region, North America dominated the drone (UAV) battery market, with a share of 42.2% in 2025.

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The Drone (UAV) Battery Market is growing as defense forces use more unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance reconnaissance plus intelligence missions. Rising defense spending is supporting the purchase of drones with longer flight time plus higher power output. The growing use of autonomous UAVs is also creating demand for advanced battery systems. These batteries need to support longer missions with reliable performance. Expansion of domestic drone production is increasing demand for high-performance UAV batteries.

The Drone (UAV) Battery Market is growing as operators need longer flight time for infrastructure inspection aerial mapping and cargo delivery. Drone operators need batteries that can store more energy without adding much weight. Higher energy density is helping manufacturers meet this need while keeping battery designs compact. The focus on longer flight time is also increasing demand for high-performance UAV battery systems.

By Technology, the Lithium-Based segment registered the largest market share in 2025.

Lithium-based batteries provide high energy density while keeping the overall weight low. This makes them suitable for drones where payload capacity is important. Longer flight time is also a major benefit for drone operators. Their high power output meets the energy needs of motors plus onboard electronic systems. Improvements in lithium-ion and lithium-polymer technologies are helping increase battery cycle life. Better charging performance is also improving overall battery efficiency.

By Component, the Cells segment accounted for the largest market share in 2025.

The growing use of lithium-based battery packs is increasing demand for individual battery cells in UAV power systems. Higher cell energy density is helping manufacturers develop compact battery packs with greater energy storage capacity. Better cell designs are also improving thermal management plus charging efficiency. Longer operating life is another focus for battery manufacturers. Rising drone battery production is creating more demand for high-performance cells with consistent quality plus reliable performance.

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Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest market share in 2025.

The Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest drone (UAV) battery industry share due to the growing use of drones across defense agriculture logistics and infrastructure applications. Rising drone production in China Japan and South Korea is creating strong demand for high-performance battery systems. Growing investment in local battery manufacturing is improving the supply of lithium-based cells. It is also helping increase the availability of customized UAV battery packs. The expansion of commercial and military drone programs across the region is creating more demand for advanced battery technologies.

Some of the major drone (UAV) battery companies players include DJI, Shenzhen Grepow Battery Co., Ltd., EaglePicher Technologies, RRC Power Solutions GmbH, and Epsilor-Electric Fuel Ltd. These companies are leveraging both organic and inorganic strategies, such as partnerships, acquisitions, defense contracts, and product innovations, to strengthen their portfolios in the drone (UAV) battery market.

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In-flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Size, Share and Trends by Offering (IF Entertainment. IF Connectivity), Class (First, Business, Premium Economy, Economy), Platform (Narrow-body Aircraft, Wide-body Aircraft, Business Jet), End Use - Global Forecast to 2031

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Strada, a people, payroll and technology leader that simplifies international workforce management and Workday Platinum Partner, today announces new alliances, innovations and expanded offerings at Workday Rising U.S. 2026, reflecting its continued investment in AI-powered solutions, proprietary tooling and expanded Workday capabilities.

Helping organizations maximize the value of their Workday investment while preparing for an AI-powered future, Strada will showcase its latest innovations at booth #C1, where attendees can meet with its Workday experts.

"We're seeing more organizations expand their use of Workday to drive greater business value and create more connected, consistent experiences for employees around the world," said Stephen Dolan, General Manager, Workday Professional Services at Strada. "That drive to realize the full value of Workday creates new opportunities to modernize workforce operations across the enterprise. From transforming benefits administration and simplifying AI investment decisions, to helping growing organizations accelerate their Workday journey, we're bringing together the expertise and innovation needed to help organizations move forward with confidence."

Strada and Aon Partner to accelerate Workday transformation and advance the future of benefits

Strada and Aon, a leading global professional services firm, today announce a strategic partnership to help organizations maximize the value of their Workday investment and accelerate HR transformation.

The partnership brings together Aon's deep consulting and benefits expertise with Strada's end-to-end Workday capabilities, providing Aon's clients with access to Strada's strategic advisory, deployment, optimization and ongoing operational support across the Workday platform.

"Our clients want integrated solutions that connect strategy, technology and operations," said Bryan Morens, SVP Strategic Partnerships, Aon. "By combining Aon's consulting and benefits expertise with Strada's end-to-end Workday capabilities, we are better positioned to help organizations accelerate transformation and achieve greater value from their Workday investment."

This partnership between Strada, a Workday Wellness Strategic Migration & Benefits Administration Partner for Workday Total Benefits, and Aon, a Workday Wellness Broker Partner, will help organizations create a more connected benefits experience and advance the future of benefits delivery.

Flex Credit Calculator: Bringing greater clarity to AI Investment

Strada will also unveil its new Flex Credit Calculator, an innovative advisory tool designed to help organizations better understand, plan and optimize their investment in Workday AI capabilities.

Developed in collaboration with Strada's Client Advisory Board, this new tool will enable Workday customers to better understand their Flex Credit entitlements, estimate future AI consumption, decide where AI can be best utilized, and identify potential additional costs.

Using the latest published Workday Flex Credit rate cards alongside customer-specific information, including employee population, subscription type and anticipated AI usage, the calculator provides personalized consumption and cost projections. This helps organizations gain greater visibility into their available entitlements, plan future AI adoption and make more informed investment decisions.

Attendees can see the Flex Credit Calculator in action at Strada's booth #C1 where Strada's experts will be on hand to demonstrate the tool and discuss how it can help organizations make more informed decisions about their AI investment.

Strada Express: Accelerating Workday adoption for U.S. medium enterprises

Building on its launch in Europe earlier this year, Strada Express is further expanding into the U.S. market, providing medium enterprises with a faster, streamlined path to modernize workforce operations and AI-ready HR technology.

Designed specifically for organizations with up to 3,000 employees, the solution brings three deployment tiers to the market, including Express, Accelerate and Transform, offering a streamlined deployment approach for Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) and enabling eligible customers to go live in as little as 12 weeks.

Combining a fixed-scope deployment model with established implementation practices, Strada Express helps growing businesses accelerate time to value, improve workforce visibility and establish a scalable foundation for future growth. By connecting people and data, and establishing consistent processes, the solution also helps organizations build the AI-ready foundations needed to support future intelligent automation and AI-powered capabilities.

The U.S. expansion builds on Strada's established offering across the UK and Ireland, Nordics, BeNeLux and Switzerland, extending Strada's Workday GO offering into North America, with accreditation now spanning the U.S. and Canada.

Continued investment in Workday Innovation

Strada continues to invest in its Workday capabilities and proprietary tooling to help customers accelerate transformation, simplify complex processes and realize greater value from their technology investments.

As Workday expands its AI portfolio, Strada is investing in the expertise, tools and capabilities needed to support customers in adopting emerging technologies, improving operational efficiency and preparing for the next generation of intelligent workforce solutions.

Notes to editors

Strada will be exhibiting at Workday Rising U.S. 2026 at booth #C1. Throughout the event, a series of workshops will be hosted in the Strada Lounge, located at the Palazzo Prestige Club Lounge on the 23rd floor of The Venetian Resort. Sessions will bring together Strada experts and industry peers for practical discussions on HR, payroll, AI, finance, planning, benefits and more. For Strada's full Workday Rising schedule, workshop registrations and opportunities to meet with its experts, visit Strada at Workday Rising U.S. 2026.

About Strada

Strada is a people, payroll, and technology leader that simplifies international workforce management. Across 180 countries, Strada designs and delivers people first solutions powered by cloud-based technology that help organizations grow and enable workforces to perform at their best. To learn more, visit www.stradaglobal.com

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Transaction strengthens Metro Supply Chain's growth trajectory while preserving local leadership, customer focus and operational continuity.

MONTREAL, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Metro Supply Chain Inc. ("Metro Supply Chain"), a leading third-party logistics and supply chain solutions provider, today announced the completion of its acquisition by NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. ("NX Group"), a global logistics group headquartered in Japan with operations in 56 countries.

The transaction marks an important milestone in Metro Supply Chain's development and supports the growth ambitions of both organizations. As part of NX Group, Metro Supply Chain will build on its strong operational performance and customer relationships, supported by the scale, investment and reach of a global network.

It remains business as usual for customers, employees and partners. Metro Supply Chain will continue to operate under its existing name in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. Its executive team will continue to manage the business, with day-to-day decision-making remaining local and its Montréal headquarters and Canadian roots remaining central to the company's identity.

Metro Supply Chain Founder Chiko Nanji will remain Group Chairman, providing continuity, guidance and support as the company enters its next chapter of growth. In his continued role as Group Chairman, Chiko will provide long-term strategic oversight and entrepreneurial vision.

NX Group selected Metro Supply Chain for its people, culture, performance and strong market position. The combination preserves the qualities that have made Metro Supply Chain successful while creating opportunities to offer customers broader capabilities, greater global reach and long-term value.

"This is an exciting new chapter for Metro Supply Chain, our people and our customers," said Chris Fenton, Group President and Chief Executive Officer of Metro Supply Chain. "We are joining a global logistics group that shares our long-term view while enabling us to retain the local leadership, culture and customer focus that have driven our success. Customers will continue to work with the same teams and receive the same commitment to service, with access over time to greater scale, investment and collaboration opportunities through the NX Group network."

For more than five decades, Metro Supply Chain has grown from a single warehouse in Montréal into a leading third-party logistics provider operating across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. Its contract logistics, transportation, last-mile delivery and contract packaging capabilities help customers manage complex distribution needs and build more responsive supply chains.

Together, Metro Supply Chain and NX Group will combine local accountability and operational discipline with broader global capabilities to help customers build more resilient, connected, scalable and sustainable supply chains.

About Metro Supply Chain

For more than 50 years, Metro Supply Chain has helped fast-growing and leading businesses adapt, scale and thrive. Today, its 9,000 experts work across more than 190 sites in North America and the UK, providing the physical and digital infrastructure behind smarter, more responsive logistics networks. Strategic investments in automation, robotics and business intelligence support tailored, measurable supply chain solutions. Consistently ranked as a top-performing 3PL supplier, Metro Supply Chain builds collaborative partnerships grounded in contract logistics expertise, continuous improvement and long-term value.

About the NX Group:

The NX Group is a world-leading logistics provider established in Japan in 1937. With over 78,000 professionals in 56 countries and regions, the NX Group is renowned for its global presence. Our holding company, NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, is listed on the Prime Market, the highest tier of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Distinguished by its unwavering commitment to excellence, the NX Group holds a strong market position in air, sea, rail, and truck transport as well as contract logistics, offering high-quality end-to-end supply chain solutions that seamlessly integrate information technology. As a partner that goes beyond simply transporting goods, the NX Group is committed to creating sustainable and environmentally conscious supply chains. We strive to co-create our customers' future by providing innovative solutions. For more information about our company, please visit https://www.nipponexpress-holdings.com/en/?_langEN.

SOURCE Metro Supply Chain inc.

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BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global health company The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) will release its third quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, November 5, 2026, and will host a conference call the same day.

Third quarter 2026 financial results will be released no later than 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Management will review these results on a conference call beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET. The call-in numbers are as follows:

Live Call

(888) 566-1889 (Domestic)

(773) 799-3989 (International)

Passcode: 11052026

Replay

(866) 405-7290 (Domestic)

(203) 369-0603 (International)

It is strongly suggested that participants dial in to the conference call by 8:15 a.m. ET on November 5, 2026. A replay of the call will be available from 12:30 p.m. ET on November 5, 2026 until 10:59 p.m. ET on November 19, 2026. Additionally, the conference call will be available on a live internet webcast at https://investors.thecignagroup.com/events-and-presentations/default.aspx in the Investor Relations section of The Cigna Group's website. Please note that this feature will be in listen-only mode.

A copy of the company's news release and financial supplement will be available on The Cigna Group's website in the Investor Relations section at https://investors.thecignagroup.com/overview/default.aspx, no later than 6:30 a.m. ET on November 5, 2026.

About The Cigna Group

The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 markets and jurisdictions, and has over 180 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.

Investor Relations Contact

Ralph Giacobbe

1 (860) 787-7968

[email protected]

Media Contact

Justine Sessions

1 (860) 810-6523

[email protected]

SOURCE The Cigna Group

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China Automotive Systems' Fully Redundant AP04 EPS Platform Receives UL ISO 26262 ASIL-D Functional Safety Product Certification

WUHAN, China, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- China Automotive Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAAS) ("CAAS" or the "Company"), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group ("Henglong"), has achieved fully redundant AP04 EPS platform evaluations conducted by UL, a third-party agency designated by an international client, and received the ISO 26262 ASIL-D functional safety product certificate for the AP04 EPS platform.

The AP04 EPS platform is a next-generation electronic steering control platform developed by Henglong to meet the demands for high-safety steering and L3/L4-level autonomous driving. It features an independent dual-link redundant design in the event of a single-channel failure. A backup link rapidly engages to maintain effective steering control, ensuring the ASIL-D safety goals are met, including a random hardware failure rate below 10 FIT and the applicable single-point/latent fault metrics (SPFM ≥99% / LFM ≥90%) within the certified scope.

The UL certification addressed ISO 26262:2018 Parts 2–9 as applicable to the certified AP04 scope and holds the dual ANAB/IAF accreditation mark. This certificate is expected to support market-entry discussions with global OEMs, subject to each automaker's own qualifications and audit requirements. The ASIL-D certificate carries international mutual recognition and is widely accepted in both North American and European markets with mass production for the European markets scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Henglong has specialized in the steering sector for over three decades. Leveraging dual R&D centers in Wuhan and Sweden, the Company made breakthroughs in intelligent EPS and steer-by-wire technologies, achieving multiple international certifications including ISO 26262 ASIL-D, ASPICE CL2, and ISO 21434.

Mr. Qizhou Wu, Chief Executive Officer of CAAS, commented, "The ASIL-D product certification for our AP04 EPS platform, together with our ASPICE 4.0 CL2 process capability and ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity alignment, strengthens our readiness for European mass production in the fourth quarter of 2026. We are positioned to serve global OEMs requiring the highest safety standards in steering systems."

About China Automotive Systems, Inc.

Based in Hubei Province, the People's Republic of China, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry, operating through its sixteen Sino-foreign joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 8 million sets of steering gears, columns and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers, such as China FAW Group, Corp., Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., BYD Auto Company Limited, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, and Stellantis N.V. and Ford Motor Company in North America. For more information, please visit: https://www.caasauto.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. As a result, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2026, and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment, cause uncertainties in the regions where we conduct business, cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict, and materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. A prolonged disruption or any further unforeseen delay in our operations of the manufacturing, delivery and assembly process within any of our production facilities could continue to result in delays in the shipment of products to our customers, increased costs and reduced revenue. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Jie Li

Chief Financial Officer

China Automotive Systems, Inc.

[email protected] 

Kevin Theiss

Awaken Advisors

+1-212-510-8922

[email protected] 

SOURCE China Automotive Systems

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CALGARY, AB, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- High Tide Inc. ("High Tide" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: HITI) (TSXV: HITI) (FSE: 2LYA), the high-impact, retail-forward enterprise built to deliver real-world value across every component of cannabis, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of an established retail cannabis store located at 100 Rainbow Road in Chestermere, Alberta (the "Store") for $670,000 in cash (the "Transaction"). The Store will be rebranded under the Canna Cabana banner, bringing High Tide's total store count to 234 locations across Canada and 93 in the province of Alberta.

The Store occupies a high-visibility unit along one of Chestermere's main arterial roads, giving it strong exposure to local residents as well as commuters travelling to and from Calgary. The unit is co-tenanted with a national quick-service restaurant and several specialty retail and personal service businesses, and sits next to a major grocer and a liquor store. The same building is home to a range of professional service tenants that bring steady traffic to the property throughout the day. Together, these daily-needs destinations generate the kind of repeat, convenience-driven shopping trips that suit Canna Cabana's discount club model.

Surrounded by residential neighbourhoods in every direction, the Store is positioned to serve both its immediate community and customers from across the wider area who travel the route each day.

"Great opportunities are worth waiting for. We've wanted to bring Canna Cabana to Chestermere for some time, but we weren't prepared to compromise on location or economics just to enter the market. Today, we're pleased to have secured an established, cash-flowing store at an attractive 2.1 times annualized Adjusted EBITDA. This is exactly how we intend to approach our growth opportunities going forward: remain opportunistic, stay disciplined on valuations, and pursue acquisitions or organic development based on what makes the most sense for our shareholders," said Raj Grover, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of High Tide.

"Retail success starts with the right location, and this one checks many of the boxes we look for. Strong visibility, growing residential neighbourhoods, and a national discount grocer nearby make it an excellent fit for our innovative discount club model. As we continue expanding across Canada, we'll remain selective, focusing on quality locations and strong returns. We're excited to bring our Club's unbeatable value proposition to Chestermere and many more communities across the country," added Mr. Grover.

TRANSACTION DETAILS

The Transaction, which was an arm's length transaction, closed on October 8, 2026. The purchase price of $670,000 was paid entirely in cash on closing, and represents 2.1x the Store's annualized Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $316,000 for the three months ended August 31, 2026.

ABOUT HIGH TIDE

High Tide Inc. is the leading community-grown, retail-forward cannabis enterprise engineered to unleash the full value of the world's most powerful plant. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Canna Cabana, is the second-largest cannabis retail brand globally. High Tide (HITI) is uniquely-built around the cannabis consumer, with wholly-diversified and fully-integrated operations across all components of cannabis, including:

Retail: Canna Cabana™ is the largest cannabis retail chain in Canada, with 234 domestic and 1 international location. The Company's Canadian bricks-and-mortar operations span British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Excluding British Columbia, where store counts are capped at 8, the Company holds a growing 14% share of the market. In 2021, Canna Cabana became the first cannabis discount club retailer in the world. In 2025, the Company became the first North American cannabis operator to launch a bricks-and-mortar presence in Germany. The Company also owns and operates multiple global e-commerce platforms offering accessories and hemp-derived products.

Medical Cannabis Distribution: Remexian Pharma GmbH is a leading German pharmaceutical company, with a 10.5% share of the German medical cannabis market, built for the purpose of importation and wholesale of medical cannabis products at affordable prices. Among all German medical cannabis procurers, Remexian has one of the most diverse reaches across the globe and is licensed to import from 22 countries including Canada.

High Tide consistently moves ahead of the currents, having been named one of Canada's Top Growing Companies by the Globe and Mail's Report on Business in 2026 for the sixth consecutive year and was recognized as a top 50 company by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") in 2022, 2024 and 2025. High Tide was also ranked number one in the retail category on the Financial Times list of Americas' Fastest Growing Companies for 2023. To discover the full impact of High Tide, visit www.hightideinc.com. For investment performance, don't miss the High Tide profile pages on SEDAR+ and EDGAR.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. The forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing of the new location beginning to sell recreational cannabis products and consumption accessories for adult use; the conversion of the location to the Canna Cabana banner; the maintenance of required regulatory approvals and authorizations; the expected benefits of the store location, including its visibility, traffic and trade area characteristics; and the growth of the surrounding trade area. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these statements are reasonable, such statements are based on expectations, factors, and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control, including but not limited to the risk factors discussed under the heading "Non-Exhaustive List of Risk Factors" in Schedule A to our current annual information form, and elsewhere in this press release, as such factors may be further updated from time to time in our periodic filings, available at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results, or otherwise, or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Media Inquiries

Omar Khan

Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer

High Tide Inc.

[email protected]

403-770-3080

Investor Inquiries

Vahan Ajamian

Capital Markets Advisor

High Tide Inc.

[email protected]

SOURCE High Tide Inc.

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