Created by Master Distiller Owen Martin, Cellar Collection Volume 6 represents the next evolution of Angel's Envy's signature finishing philosophy. For the first time in the Cellar Collection series, the whiskey undergoes two distinct finishing stages, a blend of rye whiskeys finished in peach brandy and toasted oak barrels. The result is a complex and refined expression that highlights the harmony between bold rye spice, ripe orchard fruit, and rich oak character.

"The Cellar Collection is where we challenge ourselves to explore what's possible through finishing, while using the very best of our whiskey archives," Martin said. "With Volume 6, I wanted to build layers of flavor. The peach brandy barrels bring vibrant fruitiness, while the toasted oak adds warmth. Together, they create a whiskey that's complex yet balanced, elevating rye in unexpected ways."

The whiskeys were aged between 8 and 11 years total, with its components featuring a range of 15-to-23-month finishing time in peach brandy barrels, or a 6-to-12-month finish in toasted oak barrels. This dual maturation process allows each finishing influence to complement the rye's naturally bold spice while creating a whiskey with remarkable depth and structure. Bottled at 106.4 proof (53.2% ABV), Cellar Collection Volume 6 opens with aromas of ripe stone fruit, baking spice, vanilla, and oak. On the palate, notes of peach, caramel, cinnamon, toasted oak, and rye spice lead to a long, warming finish layered with lingering oak and orchard fruit.

Each Cellar Collection expression is developed through years of experimentation, barrel evaluation, and meticulous blending before only the most compelling liquids are selected for release. Approximately 36,000 bottles (750 mL) of Angel's Envy Cellar Collection Volume 6: Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Peach Brandy & Toasted Oak Barrels will be available nationwide beginning on October 9, 2026, at a suggested retail price of $199.99.

For more information, please visit www.angelsenvy.com or follow @angelsenvy on Instagram.

Media Contact: [email protected]

ABOUT ANGEL'S ENVY

ANGEL'S ENVY is a global brand that produces finished whiskeys at its Louisville, Kentucky-based distillery. Founded in 2010, ANGEL'S ENVY was among the first American whiskey producers to employ a secondary finishing process broadly across its portfolio. Today, each of its award-winning whiskeys are finished in hand-selected barrels to add a distinct layer of flavor and complexity, and the ANGEL'S ENVY team continues to produce several highly acclaimed core offerings – a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels, a Rye Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks, and a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in a blend of Hungarian, Chinkapin, and French Oak Barrels – as well as a variety of innovative, special releases.

ANGEL'S ENVY opened the doors to its distillery at 500 East Main Street in 2016, making it the first full-production whiskey distillery in downtown Louisville. In June 2022, ANGEL'S ENVY completed an $8.2 million expansion to its distillery, doubling annual guest capacity.

ANGEL'S ENVY is available in all 50 U.S. states and several international markets, and it is produced by Louisville Distilling Company, a subsidiary of Bacardi Limited.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

© 2026. ANGEL'S ENVY, ITS TRADE DRESS AND THE ANGEL WINGS LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS.

BOTTLED BY LOUISVILLE DISTILLING COMPANY, LOUISVILLE, KY. STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY FINISHED IN PEACH BRANDY AND TOASTED OAK BARRELS – 53.2% ALC. BY VOL.

SOURCE Angel's Envy

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THE VISUALIZE GROUP COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF eCOGRA

Uniting BMM Testlabs and eCOGRA to Build an Agile, Innovative Global Gaming Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance Leader Across Every Gaming Channel

NEW YORK and LONDON, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Visualize Group ("Visualize"), a private investment firm focused on investing in mission-critical, services-based companies, today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of eCOGRA, a globally recognized provider of testing, inspection, certification, and compliance ("TICC") services for the regulated gaming industry. The transaction, first announced on June 30, 2026, closed following receipt of customary regulatory approvals and clearances.

With the closing, eCOGRA joins BMM Testlabs ("BMM"), which Visualize acquired earlier this year, as Visualize continues to build the leading gaming TICC platform. The combined platform now holds licenses or accreditations in over 800 jurisdictions, including nearly every jurisdiction in the world with legal, regulated gaming, positioning it to support suppliers entering newly regulated markets on day one.

The closing comes as the global gaming industry gathers this week in Las Vegas for G2E and in Lisbon for the SBC Summit, where BMM and eCOGRA leaders will make their first joint appearance, meeting with customers, suppliers, and regulators at G2E booths 1416 and 3830 and SBC Summit stands B243 and B608.

Martin Storm, Chief Executive Officer of BMM Testlabs, said, "eCOGRA and BMM share a common purpose: giving players, operators, and regulators confidence in the credibility of the broader gaming ecosystem. The combination allows us to invest more in technology and capacity, adopt best practices, and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape together."

Will Shuckburgh, Chief Executive Officer of eCOGRA, said, "For more than two decades, eCOGRA's mission has been to ensure that players can trust the games they play and that operators can meet the highest standards of compliance. As regulated gaming expands into new markets around the world, the combination gives us the scale and resources to serve our customers even better — to invest in our people, our technology, and our capacity — while upholding the standards our accreditation partners and customers expect."

C. C. Melvin Ike, Founder and Managing Partner of Visualize, said, "Closing this transaction marks an important step toward building a generational business in regulated gaming: a testing, inspection, certification, and compliance platform spanning both digital and land-based markets. Martin and Will bring complementary experience and a shared commitment to the rigor and reliability that regulators and operators depend on. We're confident their leadership will position the business to meet growing demand for high-quality independent testing and certification. We're thrilled to begin this next chapter with them."

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Greenberg Traurig, LLP acted as legal advisors for Visualize.

About The Visualize Group

Visualize is a private investment firm built on a single conviction: the most durable businesses are those that customers cannot easily leave and competitors cannot easily replicate. The firm makes concentrated, high-conviction investments in mission-critical, services-based companies, many of which operate in regulated markets. Visualize invests thematically, targeting businesses that have yet to find their natural owner, often at a moment of transition such as a regulatory change, corporate carve-out, take-private, or founder succession, in sectors where a focused, operationally engaged specialist can unlock significant value.

Founded in 2023 and headquartered in New York, Visualize is led by senior investment and operationally engaged professionals from Blackstone, Veritas Capital, Golden Gate Capital, Silver Lake, and H.I.G. Capital. The firm is backed by a distinguished group of institutional investors, including university endowments, foundations, and prominent family offices. Learn more at www.visualizegroup.com.

eCOGRA Media Contact:

Kiara Wessels

[email protected]

The Visualize Group Media Contact:

[email protected] 

SOURCE The Visualize Group

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The new brand signals the organization's transformation, and commitment to operators and players

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- IGT announced today that it will unveil its new brand identity at the 2026 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas.

Built on the principles of being fluid, frictionless and magnetic, the new IGT brand identity reflects a singular commitment: delivering an experience that is designed around the player and built for operators. Moving away from a typical corporate look, the new brand showcases a bold and modern appearance that expresses the next chapter of the company's evolution. At the core of the new identity is a commitment to:

- Integrated solutions – across the casino floor

- In-demand games – games worth coming back to

- Expertise in action – proven experience; practical advantage

- Commitment to customer success – when you grow, we grow

"At G2E, our customers will see and feel the IGT transformation story in motion," said Hector Fernandez, IGT CEO. "Our new brand identity signals who we are becoming and how our culture, capabilities and content are propelling us forward. We are providing operators with a fluid and frictionless, connected ecosystem with magnetic content that will excite players and drive performance."

This new era of IGT positions the organization to deliver seamless, connected player experiences through FinTech and systems, and compelling game content that players seek out across land-based casinos and online.

The new brand and latest product innovations will be on full display in booth 4455 at G2E, Sept. 28 – Oct. 1. For more information, visit IGT.com or follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

About IGT

IGT is a leading global provider of gaming, digital and financial technology solutions, formed through the combination of International Game Technology PLC's Gaming & Digital Business and Everi Holdings Inc. IGT and Everi's offering spans gaming machines, game content and systems, iGaming, sports betting, cash access, loyalty and player engagement solutions, enabling it to deliver integrated, customer-centric experiences across land-based and digital environments. Organized into Gaming, Digital and FinTech business units, the organization drives innovation, efficiency and value for casino, digital and hospitality operators worldwide. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas. 

Contact:

Phil O'Shaughnessy, Global Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada +1 (775) 448-0257

© 2026 IGT

The trademarks and/or service marks used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of IGT, its affiliates or its licensors.

SOURCE IGT

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Among users of clinically validated at-home hormone monitoring who conceived, the median journey was three cycles and roughly $543, paid entirely out of pocket, before fertility benefits ever engaged

NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Oova, the clinically validated at-home hormone monitoring platform, and Flora Fertility, the first personally owned fertility insurance product, today released a real-world analysis documenting a gap in how fertility benefits are designed: the months, and sometimes years, that people spend seeking answers about their fertility before coverage begins.

The analysis, drawn from 49 Oova users spanning 2021 to 2026 who subsequently reported a pregnancy, found that users tracked a median of four hormone cycles and spent hundreds of dollars out of pocket, with some spending more than $2,000 across multiple years. Among these users, the median journey to conception was three tracked cycles, with 73% conceiving within six, at an average monitoring cost of approximately $543, compared with published average costs of $1,000 for a fertility diagnostic workup and $38,000 for a single IVF cycle.

Because the analysis included only users who reported a pregnancy, the findings describe journey length and cost within that group rather than conception rates or treatment savings, questions the companies' forthcoming research is designed to address.

"Closing the knowledge gap in women's health matters to us as much as closing the coverage gap. That's why we prioritize educational resources for our members," said Dr. Christy Lane, Co-Founder of FLORA. "This data gives us a clearer picture of the months before diagnosis, and it's a chance for FLORA and the industry to build better support even earlier. With FLORA, people can secure that coverage proactively, long before they ever need it."

"The women in this data weren't waiting for the system, they were solving the problem themselves, cycle after cycle, at their own expense," said Dr. Amy Divaraniya, Founder of Oova. "The question for the industry is why the most engaged phase of the fertility journey is the one nobody supports."

Oova and FLORA Fertility are extending the research through a follow-up study of members' care journeys and employer pilots offering covered hormone monitoring to employees actively trying to conceive.

The full white paper, "Before Fertility Treatment: What Real-World Hormone Tracking Reveals About the Cost and Duration of the Trying-to-Conceive Journey," is available at https://www.oova.life/before-fertility-treatment.

About Oova:

Oova is a hormone intelligence platform helping women understand fertility, perimenopause, and hormonal health through daily hormone testing, symptom tracking, and longitudinal interpretation. Oova's platform is trusted by hundreds of clinicians and thousands of women seeking deeper insight into their changing bodies. Learn more at oova.life.

About Flora:

Flora Fertility Inc. is transforming the way fertility treatments are funded through the first individually-owned fertility insurance platform. With policies available in the U.S. starting at just $20 per month, Flora makes fertility care accessible and affordable for the next generation. Backed by A-rated insurance partners and a global reinsurance panel, Flora covers the full spectrum of fertility treatment — from diagnostics and medications through IUI and IVF. For more information, visit heyflora.com.

Media contact: Ioana Calcev, [email protected]

SOURCE Oova

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Fewer Than One-Third of Enterprises Consider Their Approach to Independent Talent Leading-Edge, New Research Finds

Staffing Industry Analysts research commissioned by MBO Partners by Beeline finds leading programs outperform peers on flexibility, speed and access to skills, while 54% expect AI to increase independent talent use

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Businesses increasingly see independent talent as a source of specialized skills, flexibility and speed, but many have yet to build the strategy and infrastructure to manage it effectively. Fewer than one-third of executives surveyed consider their organization's approach to independent talent "leading edge," according to new research conducted by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) for MBO Partners by Beeline.

AI is raising the stakes. Among executives surveyed, 54% expect AI to increase their use of independent talent over the next two years, compared with just 8% who expect a decrease. As AI changes not only demand for specialized AI expertise but the skills and nature of roles across the business, independent talent can give organizations greater flexibility to respond as workforce needs evolve.

Yet many enterprises, particularly those with less mature programs, still struggle with fundamental elements of independent talent management, including visibility, sourcing, compliance and program scalability. Organizations identified as Leaders (those who agree their organization's use of independent talent is leading edge) take a different approach, integrating independent talent more strategically into workforce planning and outperforming their peers across every talent outcome evaluated.

Key Findings from the 2026 State of Independence®: The Enterprise Perspective

- Leaders are approximately five times more likely to strongly agree that independent talent enables workforce flexibility, four times more likely to cite speed in responding to business needs and three times more likely to cite access to high-value skills. They also report stronger competitive advantage and ROI from independent talent.

- Leaders are far more likely to view independent talent strategically. Among Leaders, 62% strongly agree that independent talent is a strategic necessity rather than a tactical option, compared with just 6% of Followers.

- Leaders track more than 2.5 times as many independent talent metrics as their peers, while 49% of Followers do not track any of the metrics evaluated, underscoring the role visibility and measurement play in building a more mature strategy.

- Nearly three-quarters of enterprises expect to use independent talent for AI-related work. Applied AI skills are particularly difficult to access through traditional full-time hiring, while companies also expect growing demand for combinations of AI fluency, business expertise, governance, risk and other AI-adjacent skills.

- Enterprises may be underestimating what independent professionals value. Among independent professionals, 61% say schedule flexibility is very important, compared with 36% of enterprises that recognize its importance to independent talent. Location flexibility shows a similar gap, 64% versus 45%.

"Organizations increasingly recognize the value of independent talent, but the research shows that realizing that value requires greater discipline in how this workforce is integrated, measured and managed. As AI accelerates demand for cutting-edge skills, enterprises will increasingly rely on independent talent to access scarce expertise and realize the full potential of their AI investments." Ursula Williams, President, SIA.

Now in its 16th year, MBO Partners State of Independence research expands in 2026 to examine both sides of the independent workforce. The companion report, The 2026 State of Independence: Perspectives from the Independent Workforce®, found that 78% of independent professionals plan to remain independent or build a larger business. Together, the two reports show a workforce becoming more committed to independence just as enterprises face greater pressure to build strategies that effectively access, attract and engage that talent.

"Companies increasingly understand the value independent professionals can bring, but an effective independent talent strategy requires more than engaging a contractor when a need arises," said Teresa Creech, President of MBO Partners by Beeline. "The organizations getting the strongest results have the visibility, processes and discipline to make independent talent part of broader workforce planning. That becomes even more important as AI changes the skills companies need and how quickly those needs can shift."

The State of Independence 2026: The Enterprise Perspective draws on a survey of 84 corporate executives, including 74 fully completed responses, and 10 in-depth interviews with enterprise workforce leaders and industry experts. The survey was conducted in April and May 2026.

Download the 2026 State of Independence reports, including The Enterprise Perspective and Perspectives from the Independent Workforce here.

About MBO Partners

MBO Partners powers the independent workforce, helping organizations confidently engage, manage, and scale high-value independent talent. For 30 years, MBO has delivered workforce solutions including Agent of Record (AOR), Employer of Record (EOR), contractor compliance, and talent solutions, along with specialized services that help organizations assess workforce risk, strengthen compliance, access proven talent, and optimize their independent workforce programs. Today, MBO supports 100+ enterprise organizations, representing more than $1 billion in independent workforce spend. As part of Beeline, MBO brings deep independent workforce expertise and services into a connected workforce orchestration ecosystem, giving organizations greater visibility, control, and confidence across their extended workforce. Learn more at mbopartners.com.

About Staffing Industry Analysts

Founded in 1989, SIA is the global advisor on staffing and workforce solutions. Our proprietary research covers all categories of employed and nonemployed work including temporary staffing, independent contracting and other types of contingent labor. SIA's independent and objective analysis provides insights into the services and suppliers operating in the workforce solutions ecosystem including staffing firms, managed service providers, recruitment process outsourcers, payrolling/compliance firms and talent acquisition technology specialists such as vendor management systems, online staffing platforms, crowdsourcing and online work services. We also provide training and accreditation with our unique Certified Contingent Workforce Professional (CCWP) program.

Known for our award-winning content, data, support tools, publications, executive conferences and events, we help both suppliers and buyers of workforce solutions make better-informed decisions that improve business results and minimize risk. A brand of Crain Communications, a leading business news and information company, SIA is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices in London, UK.

For more information: staffingindustry.com

Media Contact:

Casey Bush for Beeline

Global Results Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Beeline

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16th annual State of Independence study finds more professionals are building long-term independent careers and businesses, reshaping how organizations access talent and skills

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. independent workforce reached a record 74.9 million people in 2026, but the bigger shift is happening within the workforce itself. Full-time independent work is growing rapidly as more professionals build long-term careers and businesses outside traditional employment, according to the 16th annual State of Independence® study released today by MBO Partners by Beeline.

Since 2020, the number of full-time independent professionals has grown 114%. Full-time independents now represent 22% of all full-time U.S. workers, nearly twice their share in 2019. The findings point to a workforce that is no longer defined primarily by supplemental or occasional work, but increasingly by professionals choosing independence as the primary way they earn a living, build expertise and shape their careers.

For businesses competing for skills, that shift has significant implications. As more professionals build sustainable careers outside traditional employment, organizations have access to a growing pool of independent talent, but they also need workforce strategies and engagement models designed to reach professionals who view independence as a long-term career choice.

Independent professionals are also earning more, serving broader markets and using technologies such as AI to expand their capabilities. Collectively, the findings suggest that independent talent is becoming not simply an alternative source of labor, but an increasingly established source of expertise for organizations navigating changing skill needs.

Key Findings from the 2026 State of Independence: Perspectives from the Independent Workforce

- Among independent professionals, 78% plan to remain independent or build a larger business. Nearly six in 10 plan to continue working independently, while one in five intends to grow a bigger business. For hiring organizations, that signals independent talent is becoming a durable workforce channel, not simply a temporary stop between traditional jobs.

- An estimated 5.8 million independent professionals now earn more than $100,000 annually, nearly double the number in 2020. The continued growth of six-figure independent professionals underscores that professionals are building sustainable businesses around their expertise and gives organizations another path to access experienced talent outside traditional hiring.

- One-third of independent professionals now serve customers outside the United States, nearly three times the share in 2012. As technology makes geography less of a constraint, independent professionals are competing and building businesses in a broader market, while organizations can access expertise from a wider talent pool.

- Nearly eight in 10 independent professionals say AI complements their work and improves productivity. Generative AI users also report average time savings of nearly 10 hours per week, along with benefits including deeper insights, expanded customer offerings and new business opportunities. For organizations, independent professionals can bring both domain expertise and practical experience applying emerging technologies to their work.

"The most important story this year isn't simply that more Americans are working independently. It's that more professionals are building lasting careers and sophisticated businesses around independence," said Teresa Creech, President of MBO Partners by Beeline. "That changes the talent equation for employers. Organizations can't assume the skills they need will always be available through traditional hiring. They need to be able to access and engage professionals where and how they choose to work."

That shift also appears durable. More than three-quarters of independent professionals report high satisfaction with independent work, while just 1% describe themselves as dissatisfied. The findings reinforce that independent work is not simply a response to labor market disruption. For a significant segment of professionals, it has become a preferred way to build a career.

The new companion report, The 2026 State of Independence: The Enterprise Perspective, developed with Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), examines how organizations are adapting their workforce strategies to engage independent talent, providing a view of both sides of the independent workforce.

The 2026 findings mark the 16th consecutive year of MBO Partners' State of Independence research. The 2026 State of Independence: Perspectives from the Independent Workforce was fielded in April 2026 by Emergent Research and Radius Insights and surveyed 4,557 U.S. adults age 18 and older, including 2,063 independent workers. Results were weighted to reflect U.S. demographics.

Download the 2026 State of Independence reports, including Perspectives from the Independent Workforce and The Enterprise Perspective here.

About MBO Partners

MBO Partners powers the independent workforce, helping organizations confidently engage, manage, and scale high-value independent talent. For 30 years, MBO has delivered workforce solutions including Agent of Record (AOR), Employer of Record (EOR), contractor compliance, and talent solutions, along with specialized services that help organizations assess workforce risk, strengthen compliance, access proven talent, and optimize their independent workforce programs. Today, MBO supports 100+ enterprise organizations, representing more than $1 billion in independent workforce spend. As part of Beeline, MBO brings deep independent workforce expertise and services into a connected workforce orchestration ecosystem, giving organizations greater visibility, control, and confidence across their extended workforce. Learn more at mbopartners.com.  

Media Contact:

Casey Bush for Beeline

Global Results Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Beeline

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Partnership to Support Go-To-Market Execution and Broader Distribution of Tactacam's Cellular Trail and Security Cameras

CHICAGO, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tactacam (the "Company"), a market leader in cellular-connected cameras for the outdoor and security markets, today announced the closing of its sale to GTCR, a leading private equity firm, from Bertram Capital and the Company's founders. Jeff Peel, Tactacam's CEO and co-founder, will continue to lead the Company and retain significant ownership alongside co-founder Ben Thorud.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Billings, Montana, Tactacam provides cellular-connected trail and security cameras to over one million subscribers across the United States. The Company helped pioneer the cellular trail camera category with the launch of its Reveal product line in 2020, enabling outdoor enthusiasts to view wildlife with real-time image feeds through a proprietary mobile app. In 2024, Tactacam extended the platform into the security space with the launch of Defend, a line of cellular-connected cameras that support residential and commercial property monitoring outside the range of traditional Wi-Fi-enabled products.

GTCR will partner with Mr. Peel and the broader management team to support new investments in product development and expanded distribution. The Company and GTCR aim to extend Tactacam's leadership in cellular-connected cameras while maintaining product quality and leading customer support.

"We built Tactacam by staying close to the customer and understanding how they use our products, whether they are watching wildlife or monitoring a property," said Jeff Peel, CEO and co-founder of Tactacam. "Our partnership with GTCR will support continued investment in Reveal and Defend while preserving that focus on the customer value proposition."

"Tactacam brings together connected cameras, proprietary software and subscription services in a platform serving more than one million subscribers," said David Donnini, Managing Director and Head of Business & Consumer Services at GTCR. "That combination is a strong fit with our experience investing in technology-enabled consumer and commercial subscription businesses. We look forward to partnering with Jeff and his team to build on Tactacam's business."

"With Defend, Tactacam has taken the cellular camera platform it built for the outdoor market and applied it to another practical need: monitoring residential and commercial properties beyond the reach of Wi-Fi," added Tom Ehrhart, Managing Director at GTCR. "We see an opportunity to build on that expansion through investment in product development and distribution, alongside continued investment in Reveal."

GTCR's investment in Tactacam builds on the firm's longstanding track record of investing in leading consumer subscription and video-based monitoring businesses including former investments Protection 1, GreatCall and Lytx, along with current portfolio companies Everon, SimpliSafe and Consumer Cellular.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Jefferies LLC and Houlihan Lokey, Inc. acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal counsel to Tactacam. UBS Securities LLC acted as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to GTCR. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Tactacam

Tactacam is a leading provider of cellular-connected cameras for the outdoor and security markets. Through its Reveal and Defend product lines and its proprietary subscription platform, Tactacam serves a community of more than one million subscribers nationwide. Learn more at www.tactacam.com.

About GTCR

Founded in 1980, GTCR is a leading private equity firm that invests behind The Leaders Strategy™ – finding and partnering with management leaders in core domains to identify, acquire and build market-leading companies through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. GTCR is focused on investing in transformative growth in companies in the Business & Consumer Services, Financial Services & Technology, Healthcare and Technology, Media & Telecommunications sectors. Since its inception, GTCR has invested more than $35 billion in over 300 companies, and the firm currently manages $45 billion in equity capital. GTCR is based in Chicago with offices in New York and West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.gtcr.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts

For GTCR

Prosek Partners

Josh Clarkson / Ryan Smith / Peter Gavaris

[email protected] 

For Tactacam

[email protected] 

SOURCE GTCR

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- Anniversary models honor milestones for U.S. sales of WRX and BRZ with historic chassis code names, performance accessories, and heritage-inspired exterior color combinations

- Availability limited to 350 units for WRX GD25, and 300 units for BRZ ZC15

- Reservations beginning in 2026 with deliveries in winter and summer 2027

CAMDEN, N.J., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today unveiled anniversary editions of its 2027 Subaru WRX and 2027 Subaru BRZ sports cars at Boxerfest 2026 in York, Pennsylvania. The limited-production, enthusiast-focused 2027 Subaru WRX GD25 and 2027 Subaru BRZ ZC15 wear nameplates honoring the chassis codes of their respective models when they arrived in the U.S. 25 and 15 years ago. In addition to heritage-inspired color schemes, the two models are equipped with performance Subaru accessories.

"Our anniversary edition WRX and BRZ models commemorate the iconic performance heritage and successes of both vehicles in the U.S.," said William Stokes, Car Line Planning Manager for Subaru of America. "The WRX GD25 is a tribute to our rally-ready sedan and its sports car pedigree, including the wing it shares with the ARA Championship-winning ARA25L. Similarly, BRZ ZC15 embodies the best of our long-running, accessible performance sports car, right down to its rear-wheel-drive engagement."

The 2027 Subaru WRX GD25 honors the first edition of the WRX to arrive in the U.S. in 2002, which utilized a chassis codenamed "GD." The 2027 WRX GD25 is painted exclusively in World Rally Blue and rides atop gold-painted 19-inch alloy wheels, uprated Brembo brakes with gold-painted calipers, and Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tires. The rear of the WRX is punctuated by a dry carbon fiber swan-neck rear wing from Subaru Tecnica International, the same component used on Travis Pastrana's WRX ARA25L rally car. Under the hood, a flexible strut tower bar enhances rigidity. A performance-tuned suspension pairs stiffer springs with revised damping calibration and Potenza S007 tires for more composed, confident cornering.

Powered by a 271-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine and legendary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the 2027 Subaru WRX GD25 provides unmistakable performance with exceptional drivability.

Inside, the GD25 features performance-design Recaro seats with black Ultrasuede inserts with red accent stitching, and an STI shift knob. Limited to 350 units, the 2027 Subaru WRX GD25 is available only in World Rally Blue with a 6-speed manual transmission with an STI short shifter. It arrives in summer 2027.

The 2027 Subaru BRZ ZC15 is a tribute to the first-generation BRZ, which arrived in 2012 on a chassis codenamed "ZC." The 2027 BRZ ZC15 is painted exclusively in brilliant Ceramic White —exclusive to ZC15 — paired with matte bronze wheels, red-painted Brembo calipers, and unique bronze decals near the side sills. The white-on-bronze paint color is an homage to the 2020 Subaru BRZ tS models, which featured the same scheme. The ZC15 also sports a black decklid spoiler at the rear and a flexible V-bar under the hood. The 2027 BRZ ZC15 features a 2.4-liter, 228-horsepower SUBARU BOXER® engine paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission powering the rear wheels.

With black leather-appointed upholstery and Bordeaux red inserts not shared with the rest of the BRZ lineup, the 2027 BRZ ZC15 further sets itself apart with a unique "ZC15" anniversary edition plaque near its STI aluminum and leather, short shifter. Limited to 300 units, the 2027 Subaru BRZ ZC15 is available in early 2027.

Detailed specifications and pricing will be announced closer to market launch.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise®, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

Aaron Cole

Product Communications Manager

856.488.3697

[email protected]

Miranda Jimenez

Product Communications Specialist

856.438.2820

[email protected]

Karley Dowdy

Product Communications Specialist

856.488.8527

[email protected]

SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.

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Patented ZPOD Lubrication System Demonstrates Performance Across Operational Flight Envelope, Advancing Affordable Mass for the Warfighter

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zulu Pods, Inc. (ZPI), a leader in advanced fluid delivery systems for expendable and attritable platforms, today announced the successful advancement of its ZPOD technology following altitude testing at the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) test facility.

The ZPI engineering team executed many successful test runs on an engine OEM's 200 lbf class turbojet, covering a range of mission relevant flight conditions. Bearing temperatures recorded during testing were comparable to or lower than those observed with legacy lubrication systems, and post-test inspections by the engine OEM confirmed no signs of bearing degradation or concern.

Building on Navy Success

The altitude testing milestone represents the culmination of years of maturation supported by the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) Phase 1 and Phase 2 SBIR programs, which funded early development and validation of the ZPOD's core technology. This latest effort marks the first time the ZPOD has been tested under representative altitude conditions at a government facility, and notably, on a second OEM engine platform following prior ground testing on a partner's turbojet engine. The successful integration across multiple engine platforms demonstrates the adaptability of the ZPOD architecture.

Enabling Affordable and Autonomous Mass

The ZPOD is an oil delivery system that replaces legacy fuel-oil mix lubrication in attritable turbojets. By eliminating the need to carry uncommitted fuel for lubrication, the ZPOD enables platforms to extend range, increase payload capacity, or reduce overall system weight.

As the Department of War accelerates its affordable mass initiatives to field large quantities of autonomous, expendable systems, ZPI is positioned at the intersection of performance and cost-effectiveness.

"Affordable does not mean cheap," said Rob Sladen, CEO of ZPI. "The Department of War demands robust, reliable performance delivered at the lowest possible cost. Our ZPOD technology is engineered to meet that exact mission need: delivering proven lubrication performance that extends platform capability while reducing lifecycle cost and system complexity."

Scaling for Production

With validated performance across multiple OEM platforms and representative flight conditions, ZPI is advancing plans to scale operations in support of FY27 Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP). The company has also begun receiving international interest from allied nations within the AUKUS framework, underscoring the global applicability of lightweight, high-performance lubrication solutions for next-generation attritable systems.

About Zulu Pods Inc. (ZPI)

Zulu Pods, Inc. is an aerospace and defense technology company specializing in advanced fluid delivery systems for expendable and attritable platforms. The company's patented ZPOD technology provides dedicated oil lubrication that improves range, payload, and reliability for small turbojet engines. With multiple issued patents and government-funded development programs, ZPI is accelerating the transition of critical enabling technologies from laboratory to production. For more information, visit zulupods.com.

Distribution Statement A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited. AFRL-2026-1603

SOURCE Zulu Pods

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Innovative Home Improvement Financing Now Available in Artesia, Burbank and Lakewood Following City Council Approvals

LAKEWOOD, Calif., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The City Councils of Artesia, Burbank and Lakewood have all voted recently to allow their homeowners to access Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) home improvement financing through industry leader Home Run Financing (HRF). These three cities join more than 360 other jurisdictions in California in approving the Program. The City of Los Angeles was an early adopter of the PACE program. Artesia, Burbank and Lakewood join 39 other cities in Los Angeles County in making HRF PACE Funding available to homeowners, including, most recently, Hawthorne, Calabasas and Lawndale, all of which approved the program last fall.

"The City of Artesia is a long-time partner of the PACE program, and we support their efforts to provide resources to our residents in a meaningful way," said Mayor Rene Trevino. "PACE is a valuable tool for Artesia residents to fund energy efficient home upgrades that help our community become more resilient against extreme heat, drought, and rising costs."

Homeowners across California are searching for ways to bring down their utility bills as energy costs climb, whether by adding renewable energy systems like solar panels or by upgrading to more efficient windows, doors, and roofs. Drought, too, remains a persistent challenge in the state, and a growing number of homeowners are looking for additional ways to finance home improvements that conserve water. PACE Financing is designed specifically for these kinds of water- and energy-saving projects.

"Programs like PACE provide valuable resources that give Burbank residents more options to invest in their homes," said Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi. "We're proud to support programs that make important home improvements more accessible while advancing the sustainability and energy efficiency of our community."

Home Run Financing worked with Burbank Water and Power, the local community-owned utility company, to bring PACE to Burbank.

PACE is widely recognized as offering some of the strongest consumer protections in the home‑improvement financing industry nationwide, including only paying contractors upon completion of the project and only after homeowner satisfaction is confirmed, providing ability to pay review; and third-party inspection of completed projects. PACE Financing is available only through registered and trained contractors. PACE in California operates under the regulatory oversight of the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI).

More than 16 million Californians, accounting for 41 percent of the state's population, are Hispanic/Latino, and for many of them Spanish is the primary language. Approximately 30 percent of Artesia residents, 25 percent of Burbank residents, and 40 percent of Lakewood residents identify as Hispanic/Latino.

HRF is committed to working with Spanish-speaking homeowners and contractors. All materials are available in Spanish, from the website and homeowner contracts and financing documents to contractor guidance materials. The company has bilingual staff who partner with contractors on an ongoing basis, and its customer service call center is staffed with bilingual employees as well.

"PACE has proven itself again and again as one of California's most effective tools for empowering homeowners and strengthening communities, and it's great to see Artesia, Burbank and Lakewood all bring this financing option to their residents," said Home Run Financing CEO Robert Giles. "PACE gives homeowners in these three cities another way to make upgrades that keep their homes safer, greener, and more efficient."

In the ten years Home Run Financing (previously PACE Funding Group) has been operating in California, the company has provided more than $694 million in PACE financing for almost 22,100 home improvement projects across the state. These upgrades have generated significant environmental benefits, including 297,700 metric tons of lifetime greenhouse gas reductions, the equivalent of removing 69,440 cars from the road for a year or powering almost 40,000 homes for a year, and 355 million gallons of water saved, enough to fill more than 119,700 backyard pools or avoid 28.4 million five‑minute showers.

HRF PACE‑financed projects support a network of more than 2,000 contractors who rely on PACE to help homeowners access essential upgrades. HRF has created more than 6,200 sustainable jobs across California.

Learn more at www.homerunfinancing.com.

CONTACT

Severn Williams, 510-336-9566

[email protected] 

SOURCE PACE Funding Group LLC.

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