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CURE ALZHEIMER’S FUND NAMES SIX NEW MEMBERS TO ITS RESEARCH LEADERSHIP GROUP

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund announced today that six scientists specializing in Alzheimer’s disease and related research have joined its Research Leadership Group (RLG). The expertise and active engagement of the RLG guide Cure Alzheimer’s Fund to support research with the highest probability of preventing, slowing or reversing Alzheimer’s disease. RLG members provide vital insights into emerging and innovative scientific ideas from labs around the world and are a main source of referrals to promising researchers and their work. Additionally, the RLG plays a crucial role in shaping the nonprofit’s grant portfolio strategy by providing critical feedback and recommendations. Since its inception in 2004, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has distributed more than $219 million in grants. “Our Research Leadership Group and their collective scientific expertise and knowledge are tremendous assets to our organization,” said Meg Smith, CEO of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. “Their counsel ensures we fund the most promising avenues of research that will advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and move us closer to effective treatments.” Laura M. Cox, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Her lab is currently investigating the role of the microbiome in neurologic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Dr. Cox established her lab in the fall of 2021 and is identifying age-related changes in the gut microbiota that may affect Alzheimer’s disease by modulating peripheral and central immunity. Alison Goate, D. Phil., is the Jean C. and James W. Crystal Professor and Chair of the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She has worked on the genetics of neurodegenerative diseases since 1987. Over the last three decades, Dr. Goate has been part of many gene-finding teams that have successfully identified disease-causing variants for both Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Teresa Gomez-Isla, M.D., is a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, chief of the Memory Division in the Neurology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital, associate director and clinical core leader of the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and director of the MGH Clinical Fellowship in Dementia Program. Her current research focuses on the study of brain changes associated with aging, especially those that occur very early on in Alzheimer’s disease; on understanding mechanisms of brain resilience to Alzheimer’s pathology; and on the validation of novel imaging biomarkers for early disease detection and intervention. Costantino Iadecola, M.D., is the director and chair of the Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute and the Anne Parrish Titzell Professor of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Considered a pioneer in establishing the concept of neurovascular unit, his research focuses on the basic mechanisms of neurovascular function and on the cellular and molecular alterations underlying ischemic brain injury, neurodegeneration and other conditions associated with cognitive impairment. Leonard Petrucelli, Ph.D., is the Ralph B. and Ruth K. Abrams Professor and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Mayo Clinic in Florida, and serves as vice chair for the Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Advisory Board, chief scientific adviser for Target ALS and on the Scientific Advisory Board for Science Translational Medicine. His laboratory has been at the forefront of research investigating the cellular mechanisms that cause neurodegeneration in diseases characterized by abnormal protein aggregation like Alzheimer’s disease. Andrew S. Yoo, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Developmental Biology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He has a longstanding interest in understanding genetic pathways that specify cell fates during development, and currently studies the role of microRNAs in regulating the activity of chromatin remodeling complexes during neural development and conversion of nonneuronal cells into neurons. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Since its founding in 2004, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has provided 918 grants to more than 300 of the world’s leading researchers and contributed more than $219 million to research. Its funded initiatives have been responsible for many key breakthroughs in understanding the causes and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has achieved a 100% perfect score and a Four-Star rating for 13 consecutive years from Charity Navigator. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund also received a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar. Our Board of Directors, Trustees and a core group of other donors direct their donations to our overhead expenses so that 100% of general donations go to our research program. For more information, visit CureAlz.org. Contact Details Barbara Chambers +1 978-417-9890 BChambers@CureAlz.org Company Website https://curealz.org

January 14, 2025 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Cognition Therapeutics Is Targeting A Critical Form Of Dementia

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Lisa Ricciardi, president and CEO of Cognition Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CGTX) was recently a guest on Benzinga’s All-Access. Cognition Therapeutics is a neuroscience company that is developing oral medications to treat neurodegenerative disorders, with recent breakthroughs in the treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer’s. The company says its drug candidate, CT1812, showed very promising results from its recently completed phase 2 trial. The drug will now progress to phase 3. Watch the full interview here: Featured photo by Rod Long on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

January 13, 2025 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV): Capturing the Growth in Healthcare Consumer Spending

Select Sector SPDR

In the face of rising consumer spending on healthcare, the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund ( XLV ) positions itself as a strategic investment vehicle, offering investors a focused approach to the U.S. healthcare sector. Tracking healthcare stocks within the S&P 500 Index, XLV provides broad exposure to key companies leading various sub-sectors such as pharmaceuticals, health insurance, medical devices, and diagnostics. Healthcare Sector Fund: An Overview The healthcare sector continues to benefit from significant growth drivers. These include an increase in chronic diseases, an aging population, and rapid technological advancements. As the sector integrates deeper into the economic landscape, its relevance to consumers and investors alike has solidified, offering a potential opportunity for investment. Highlighting XLV's Holdings The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) is characterized by its broad holdings, providing a balanced exposure to the healthcare industry. Key holdings* in the fund include: Eli Lilly (LLY) - 12.10% UnitedHealth Group (UNH) - 9.26% Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - 6.93% AbbVie (ABBV) - 6.25% Merck (MRK) - 5.01% Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) - 3.96% Abbott Labs (ABT) - 3.90% Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) - 3.70% Pfizer (PFE) - 2.99% Danaher (DHR) - 2.94% These companies represent a wide spectrum of healthcare, ensuring many industries within the sector are represented. Strategic Appeal of XLV For investors seeking a comprehensive strategy to engage with the healthcare sector, XLV offers a robust solution. By spreading investments across a variety of leading healthcare companies, XLV reduces the risks associated with investing in individual stocks. This approach provides investors with a stable pathway to participate in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. The fund's focus on core healthcare leaders aligns with the ongoing shifts in healthcare delivery models and consumer needs, making it an attractive option for both seasoned investors and newcomers seeking to capitalize on healthcare's growth. As healthcare continues to play an integral role in the global economy, the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) stands as a practical choice for investors looking to effectively capture the steady increase in consumer spending on healthcare. With its focused holdings and strategic exposure to key industry players, XLV offers a balanced and informed approach to investing in the healthcare sector. For more information on the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) please visit www.sectorspdrs.com. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication. About the Company: Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals. *Holdings, Weightings & Assets as of 12/31/24 subject to change DISCLOSURES The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. One may not invest directly in an index. Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. Media Contact: Company: Select Sector SPDRs Contact: Dan Dolan* Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203 Country: United States Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. SEL008109 EXP 3/31/25 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

January 13, 2025 05:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Mariner Acquires Cardinal Investment Advisors, Adds $292 Billion in Assets Under Advisement

Mariner

Mariner, a leading national financial services firm, today announced the acquisition of Cardinal Investment Advisors in a deal that adds $292 billion in assets under advisement and about 40 employees to its Mariner Institutional practice. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Mariner’s 2025 strategic national expansion plan, strengthening its ability to meet increasing client demand and will bring its total assets under advisement to approximately $550 billion in the first quarter of 2025. “This acquisition kickstarts a year that will be filled with growth, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of providing the best client-focused financial services,” said Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner. “Today marks a defining chapter for Mariner in becoming the premier partner for institutional consulting services. In pairing Cardinal’s expertise with Mariner’s resources, we’re equipped to set a new standard in the industry for tailored, innovative solutions that meet the evolving challenges faced by today’s institutional clients.” Cardinal Investment Advisors, which has offices in Chicago and St. Louis, has delivered investment consulting services since 2001 and will become the insurance advisory practice within Mariner Institutional. Cardinal’s nationwide client base is focused on insurance companies as well as corporate retirement plans, healthcare systems, foundations and endowments. Cardinal’s customized approach to investment consulting is designed to meet each organization’s unique liability profile. Cardinal has been recognized as one of the best places to work in money management for 10 consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to fostering a positive and productive workplace culture. “Joining Mariner Institutional will enable the combined team to deepen the impact we have with our clients and expand our reach,” said Marc Tourville, CFA, president of Cardinal Investment Advisors. “This partnership leverages Mariner Institutional’s deep resources and leadership team, allowing our advisors to better serve our clients and bring our expertise to more organizations in need of customized investment strategies. Together, we will address the unique challenges facing institutional investors and deliver the innovative, reliable solutions they need to achieve their goals.” The acquisition directly addresses the increasing demand for institutional consulting services, driven by market complexities and the need for tailored investment solutions. “This partnership is about shaping the future of institutional consulting services while staying true to our client-first ethos,” said National Managing Director Mike Welker, who leads Mariner Institutional. “By bringing Cardinal’s experienced capabilities and talented team members into the fold, we’re not only enhancing our service offerings but also strengthening our position as a trusted partner to institutions around the country working to navigate the increasingly complex financial landscape.” The agreement was signed on Jan. 3, 2025. The Mariner and Cardinal integration will be complete by the end of March, resulting in a broader range of services going forward. Under a “One Mariner” strategy, client-facing advisors will be equipped to focus on client service and empowered to create customized solutions that align perfectly with each client’s needs. Mariner is a privately held national financial services firm equipped with the experience to meet your modern wealth needs. Our advisors have access to in-house expertise covering everything from tax, estate, trust, and insurance to investment banking and valuation, so they can maximize time spent creating unified wealth plans with clients. By opening more windows of wealth, we can create opportunities to positively impact the lives of many. With this purpose, we intend to raise the bar for the entire industry. Founded in 2006 with $300 million in assets under advisement, Mariner and its affiliates now advise on over $258 billion in assets as of 11/30/24. Learn more at www.mariner.com. Contact Details Remi Yuter mariner@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.mariner.com/

January 09, 2025 09:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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U.S. Court of Appeals Decision Marks Another Win for CoorsTek in Trademark Litigation

CoorsTek

CoorsTek Bioceramics has secured a decisive win in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirming the company’s right to market and sell its Permallon® Tru* ceramic hip components in the U.S. The recent decision confirms the 2022 U.S. PTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) cancellation of trademark registrations by Ceramtec GmbH. “Alternative sourcing of these components is necessary to prevent supply shortages for this critical care market,” said Jonathan Coors, CEO of CoorsTek. “The U.S. Court of Appeals decision marks another victory for CoorsTek in this case, but it is ultimately patients across the globe who will benefit.” CoorsTek Bioceramics entered the hip arthroplasty industry in 2013 with its Permallon® Tru technical ceramic material which contains a chromium oxide additive for improved performance, including increased hardness. The pink coloring of products manufactured from Permallon® Tru ceramic is a natural byproduct of the additive. CoorsTek initiated proceedings in 2014 following attempts by Ceramtec to enforce its trademark and trade dress claims to the color pink for its ceramic hip components. In 2022 the TTAB ruled to cancel the trademark registrations, finding the pink color is functional and a natural result of following the teachings in the expired Ceramtec patent on the material. The recent U.S. Court of Appeals decision affirms the cancellation. The 2022 TTAB decision followed a prior CoorsTek victory in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, which was vacated on procedural grounds. Lucian Strong, President, CoorsTek Bioceramics said, “Products manufactured from Permallon® Tru ceramic material demonstrate exceptional mechanical performance and durability. We are pleased to continue offering these products to leading medical device OEMs who have come to rely upon high-performance, high-quality components provided by CoorsTek.” Hip systems incorporating Permallon® Tru hip components been registered for use by customers of CoorsTek Bioceramics in multiple locations across the globe, including the U.S., Korea, China, and the EU. *Formerly marketed as CeraSurf®-p About CoorsTek Bioceramics CoorsTek Bioceramics is dedicated to leading edge manufacturing of technical ceramic implantcomponents for the medical device industry. A wholly owned subsidiary of CoorsTek, Inc.,CoorsTek Bioceramics is backed by over 100 years of technical ceramics expertise. With afocus on ceramic bearing surfaces for total joint arthroplasty, CoorsTek Bioceramics components can also be found in implant devices for neurological, cardiological, spinal, andradiological applications. Since 2005, over six million CoorsTek Bioceramics components havebeen sold and distributed for clinical use. About CoorsTek Founded in 1910, CoorsTek is a leading global manufacturer of technical ceramics. By leveraging expertise in engineering and materials science, CoorsTek provides solutions to complex technical challenges in the semiconductor, medical, automotive, aerospace and other industries. With over 400 proprietary material formulations, vertically integrated systems, and unparalleled process capabilities, CoorsTek partners with its customers to make the world measurably better. Visit www.coorstek.com Contact Details CoorsTek Megan Maguire +1 303-503-2287 mmaguire@coorstek.com Company Website https://www.coorstek.com

January 09, 2025 06:00 AM Mountain Standard Time

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Advancing Clinical Studies, Meeting Regulatory Milestones, Strengthening Its Strategic Framework And More: The Past Year For Glucotrack, And What Lies Ahead

Benzinga

By JE Insights, Benzinga Although a manageable disease, diabetes imposes significant hurdles on patients, both in terms of personal care and financial costs. Fundamentally, the required frequency of blood glucose monitoring combined with the broader logistical burdens of supply management (involving items like strips, sensors and insulin) have levied significant disruptions on the overall quality of life for patients and caregivers. Glucotrack, Inc. (NASDAQ: GCTK) aims to radically alter this standard of care. Leveraging its Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor (CBGM), Glucotrack has positioned itself to positively impact the diabetes management industry. Specifically, the market for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) – which encompasses devices worn on the body daily – may reach a valuation of $16.2 billion by the end of 2024. By 2034, the arena could expand by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% to hit $16.2 billion. Unlike most other CGM devices, however, Glucotrack’s CBGM offers several distinct benefits, including these advantages: Direct blood glucose measurement: The medical technology specialist’s CBGM utilizes the gold standard of measuring blood glucose instead of interstitial fluid, facilitating more accurate and timely readings with minimal lag. Extended sensor longevity: Glucotrack’s sensors last for three years before requiring replacement, thus helping to reduce expenses. Generally, standard CGM sensors last up to 15 days. No on-body wearables: The company’s fully implantable design eliminates external devices, enhancing comfort, discretion and avoidance of adhesive-related issues. Minimal calibration requirements: Glucotrack says its CBGM requires relatively few calibrations, simplifying the maintenance protocol compared to some CGMs. Reduced lifestyle disruptions: Finally, the CBGM’s “hands-free” approach offers easier integration into daily life. Glucotrack reports that it made great strides in 2024, particularly in the areas of clinical validation and strategic manufacturing partnerships. In addition, the medical device specialist achieved key regulatory and quality milestones in a bid to ensure compliance and readiness for market entry. A Year Of Breakthroughs And Progress Wasting no time when the calendar turned to 2024, Glucotrack hit the ground running from the first quarter. In January, management announced the completion of preclinical studies demonstrating very highly accurate blood glucose monitoring results at 60 days. This test demonstrated the reliability of the CBGM system over an extended period. In the next month, the medical tech firm announced a partnership with Cirtec as the manufacturer of the flagship CBGM. Glucotrack said that over the years, Cirtec has forged a reputation as a leader in the design and manufacturing of implantable medical devices in the fields of neuromodulation, cardiology and drug delivery. By the second quarter, Glucotrack’s commitment to clinical innovation took center stage. Between April and June, the company announced the first reported long-term preclinical study of glucose monitoring in the epidural space. This innovative approach not only demonstrated Glucotrack’s technological versatility but also expanded the potential applications for its CBGM system, further setting it apart from conventional solutions. In June, the company presented key findings at the prestigious American Diabetes Association (ADA) conference. Two poster presentations highlighted the CBGM’s accuracy and sensor longevity. The first underscored the system’s ability to deliver reliable blood glucose readings, while the second demonstrated its potential to last up to three years, far exceeding the lifespan of all existing standard CGM devices. These presentations bolstered Glucotrack’s credibility within the medical community, attracting attention from researchers, clinicians and potential industry partners. Momentum carried into the third quarter with a poster presentation at the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) conference in August. Here, Glucotrack shared market research data showing significant patient interest in its implantable CBGM system. This response affirmed the unmet need for a more convenient and less intrusive solution, strengthening the company’s positioning for future adoption. Capping off the year, Glucotrack began its first-in-human clinical study with the first cohort of participants. This short-term study will further validate the CBGM system, paving the way for more extensive trials in 2025. Additionally, the company expanded its leadership team and board, bringing in experts with decades of experience in CGM technologies and medical device commercialization. These strategic moves are aimed at setting Glucotrack up for continued growth and success in the coming year. Looking Ahead To 2025 As Glucotrack moves into 2025, the company is prepared to accelerate its mission to transform diabetes management. Building on the foundation established in 2024, Glucotrack plans to prioritize clinical validation, regulatory progress and strategic partnerships to bring its CBGM closer to market. The first major milestone on the horizon is the full data readout from the first in-human short-term clinical study initiated in December 2024. This readout will offer the first human-specific validation of the CBGM system’s safety and accuracy, a pivotal step in establishing the technology’s credibility. Additionally, the company intends to launch a long-term feasibility study, which will run for at least one year. This extended evaluation will provide critical insights into the CBGM’s performance over time, bolstering the evidence base needed for regulatory approvals and patient adoption. On the regulatory front, Glucotrack is preparing to meet key FDA requirements by completing the quality and manufacturing activities necessary for investigational devices; the company expects to receive ISO13485 certification in early 2025. These efforts will ensure that the CBGM meets rigorous safety and efficacy standards, paving the way for more advanced clinical trials. Furthermore, the company plans to submit a second long-term feasibility study to the FDA, demonstrating its commitment to a methodical and thorough regulatory pathway. To support its clinical and regulatory efforts, Glucotrack will also focus on expanding its cache of published clinical and scientific evidence. Sharing results through peer-reviewed journals and major conferences will help establish the CBGM as a scientifically credible and groundbreaking solution. This growing body of evidence may also serve to attract strategic partners and financial backers, further accelerating the company’s progress. Finally, the company plans to unveil more details about its commercialization strategy, focusing on how to address patient needs and expand access to this innovative solution. By advancing clinical studies, meeting regulatory milestones and strengthening its strategic framework, Glucotrack has been hard at work setting the stage for a transformative year. With these initiatives, the company believes it is well-positioned to continue its journey toward redefining diabetes care. Featured photo by Silvia on Pixabay. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

January 07, 2025 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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AmeriLife To Acquire Crump Life Insurance Services

Amerilife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national organization that develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Crump Life Insurance Services and Hanleigh Management (collectively “Crump”) from TIH Insurance Holdings, LLC (“TIH”). Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. "We are thrilled to welcome Crump into the AmeriLife family," said Scott R. Perry, chairman and CEO of AmeriLife. "Crump is a leading independent distributor of life insurance and this partnership aligns perfectly with our vision to provide enhanced Wealth solutions for our clients and partners. Crump's exceptional team and relentless dedication to customer satisfaction will further develop our capabilities in the marketplace. Together – through our shared culture and values – we will continue to redefine the standards of service and excellence in our industry.” "With the acquisition of Crump, we are continuing to transform how we approach Wealth distribution and deliver on our holistic commitment to agents, advisors, and leading financial professionals everywhere," added Mike Vietri, Chief Distribution Officer for AmeriLife Wealth Group. “Crump's breadth and depth of expertise, especially in the life insurance space, will enable us to deliver more comprehensive and integrated solutions and revolutionize how we help individuals and families protect and grow their wealth – no matter their stage of life.” Crump is one of the largest and most dynamic providers of life insurance and retirement products in the United States. Crump’s expertise spans the institutional/wholesale, IMO, and BGA sectors, and it partners with more than 31,000 financial professionals to deliver a range of holistic solutions including life, annuities, long term care, linked benefit, disability insurance, and other specialty offerings. “We are excited to join forces with AmeriLife,” said Mike Martini, CEO of Crump. “This highly complementary transaction marks a pivotal moment for our company and demonstrates our commitment to advancing our capabilities and services for our clients and partners. We look forward to leveraging AmeriLife's extensive network and deep resources to better serve the needs of our customers and to drive continued growth in the life insurance market.” As part of AmeriLife Wealth Group’s fast-growing and innovative distribution platform, Crump joins a distinguished network of affiliated companies who are working together to transform Wealth distribution and sustain the next generation of firms and their financial professionals. Crump will also gain access to new tools and expanded resources required to hone its already best-in-class capabilities and build upon its more than 100 years of success to deliver better, more secure futures for retirees. Piper Sandler & Co. and Truist Securities are acting as financial advisors and Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP served as legal counsel to Crump and TIH in connection with the transaction, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel and Paul Weiss served as financing legal counsel to AmeriLife. ### About Crump Life Insurance Services Crump Life Insurance Services is a leading third-party distributor and service provider of insurance and retirement products. Using a holistic approach to insurance planning, Crump distributes a diverse array of insurance products to more than 31,000 financial professionals. With the industry's premier sales and back-office support and technology services, Crump places $13B in annual premiums of life insurance, annuities, long term care, linked benefits, disability, and health products, equaling more than 145,000 insurance policies and $100B in life insurance protection annually. Crump markets under the following brands: Crump, Truist Life Insurance Services, and Tellus. Learn more at Crump.com About TIH Insurance Holdings TIH Insurance Holdings, LLC, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a leading Property and Casualty wholesale brokerage and MGA platform. TIH operates over 100 offices with more than 6,500 employees through its specialty wholesale and underwriting insurance businesses. To learn more, visit www.tihinsurance.com. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. AmeriLife develops, markets and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a national distribution network of over 300,000 agents and financial professionals and more than 160 marketing organizations and insurance agencies. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Media - AmeriLife Jeff Maldonado media@amerilife.com Media - Crump Life Insurance Services Jessica Marshall jmarshall@crcgroup.com Partnership Inquiries Alex Hyer corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com

January 06, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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LogicMark Launches Critical New Device To Save Lives

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Chia-Lin Simmons, CEO of LogicMark (NASDAQ: LGMK), was recently a guest on Benzinga’s All-Access. LogicMark is a leading provider of personal emergency response systems (PERS), health communications devices and IoT technologies to create a connected care platform. Its products help keep at-risk populations – young and old – safe. LogicMark just launched Freedom Alert Max, its new premiere safety smartphone. Its sleek design makes it a “PERS device in disguise.” Watch the full interview here: Featured photo by Tiago Muraro on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

December 24, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Valens' Double-Digit Growth Plans; ADAS, Video Conferencing, Industrial And Medical Imaging To Power Revenue

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Advanced driver assistance systems are no longer reserved for luxury cars and trucks alone. Increasingly they are finding their way into all sorts of vehicles, including compact passenger vehicles, and for good reason – these systems increase safety and visibility. It’s why the advanced driver assistance systems – or ADAS – market is projected to see double-digit growth in the years to come. Today the market is valued at $34.93 billion. By 2031 it’s forecast to reach $73.74 billion, growing at a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period. It’s also partly why Valens Semiconductor (NYSE: VLN), the Israeli chipmaker, expects revenue in 2025 to grow 25% to 30% year-over-year and why, by 2029, it’s forecasting revenue of between $220 million and $300 million. "We have a tremendous growth opportunity ahead. Our growth strategy includes leveraging our core technology to serve new markets undergoing digital transformation, diversifying our revenue sources and augmenting organic growth with strategic acquisitions that will expand our market reach,” said Gideon Ben-Zvi, Chief Executive Officer, during Valens' recent investor day. “We believe this strategy can generate sustainable growth and create significant long-term value for our shareholders." It’s All About The Chipsets Valens makes high-performance chipsets that are integrated into a range of devices powering state-of-the-art audio and video installations, next-generation videoconferencing, ADAS and autonomous driving. The company says its A-PHY technology provides reliable and optimized connectivity solutions for OEMs that need long-reach, high-resolution video. Take the ADAS market, for starters. Valens says its A-PHY standard-compliant chipsets support the highest camera resolutions on the market, providing OEMS with high bandwidth and zero latency, two things that are becoming important as data rates rise in lockstep with the proliferation of sensors built into vehicles. The company’s chipsets also power centralized radar, which is a radar architecture that relies on a central processor to collect and analyze data from multiple radar sensors. Valens says its chipsets provide high downstream bandwidth and fast controls on the uplink, supporting the satellite radar architecture of tomorrow. Then there’s LiDAR, a remote sensing technology that leverages lasers to measure distances. Valens says its chips can support 360-degree lidars with adaptive digital signal processing and error correction. That tech prowess has landed the company some recent design wins. In the fall, Valens announced it achieved three automotive design wins from leading European OEMs for its VA7000 MIPI A-PHY chipsets. Each of the OEMs plans to embed Valens’ MIPI A-PHY chipsets in certain vehicle models with the start of production in 2026. Valens pegged the estimated production volume totaling approximately 500,000 vehicles per year. Once it ramps up, Valens expects the design wins to generate over $10 million in annual revenue for five to seven years. Valens said at the time that the design wins are validation of its position in the ADAS market, as well as MIPI A-PHY’s position as the industry’s standard for next-generation sensor connectivity. “As a former CTO and executive for major automotive OEMs, I can attest to how the industry has been waiting for a safe and resilient high-performance connectivity standard,” said Dr. Peter Mertens, Chairman of Valens, when the design wins were announced. “This is exactly what Valens has brought to the industry. I anticipate that this OEM validation will open the floodgates for further adoption of this important connectivity technology.” Beyond The ADAS Market But ADAS isn’t the only market where Valens expects to grow. The company’s chipsets are powering advanced video-conferencing, industrial machine vision and medical imaging. In video conferencing, Valens expects increased demand to be driven by AI meeting solutions that deliver high-quality video experiences for both remote and in-person meetings. With the ongoing trend of more video peripherals and more meeting rooms of all sizes, Valens plans to capitalize on its high-speed connectivity solutions, including its USB3 extension offering. The total addressable market for video-conferencing solutions is expected to grow to $350 million by 2029, forecasts Valens. Then there’s industrial machine vision which Valens says will be a total addressable market of $460 million by 2029. As for medical imaging, while Valens has supplied that market with chipsets for years, it’s now focusing on new opportunities specific to medical endoscopies and the shift to single-use devices for this procedure. The U.S. FDA is urging this transition to enhance patient safety and eliminate risk factors. Valens says its chipsets offer a simple, reliable and cost-effective solution for one-time use endoscopies. The annual total addressable market for single-use endoscopes could reach $625 million pending full regulatory approval and market adoption, reports Valens. All told, Valens says its verticals have a combined total addressable market of approximately $5.5 billion by 2029. Acquisitions are another potential growth driver. The company plans to pursue buys of companies that are revenue-generating and have a clear path to profitability in the ProAV, Industrial and Machine Vision markets. With over $133.1 million of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024, Valens says it has the firepower to pursue acquisitions that align with its strategy and goals for long-term growth and profitability. "Looking ahead, we are confident in our ability to capitalize on opportunities in both existing and new markets,” said Ben-Zvi. “With a talented team and more than 17 years of experience delivering cutting-edge technology, and a very strong balance sheet, we are well positioned to execute our disciplined growth strategy and deliver long-term value for our shareholders.” ThinkEquity Gets It It's not just Valens that’s optimistic about its future. Wall Street firm ThinkEquity recently initiated coverage of the stock with a buy rating and a $5 price target, which implies a triple-digit upside from where shares are currently trading. ThinkEquity analysts pointed to Valens' financial position, expanding product portfolio and “proactive” approach to the market for the buy rating. “Valens is well-positioned to deliver sustainable growth and create long-term value for stakeholders," wrote the ThinkEquity analysts. To learn more about how Valens chipsets are powering next-generation video and imaging technology, click here. Featured photo by Vitaly Sacred on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

December 23, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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