Sevenstep Launches Talent Acquisition Assessment Service: Talent Unbounded®

BOSTON, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sevenstep, a global talent solutions leader, today announced the launch of Talent Unbounded , its talent acquisition assessment and consulting service. Based on more than fifteen years of experience meeting hard–to–fill, high–value talent needs for top global enterprises and mid–market organizations, Talent Unbounded provides strategy and expertise to position companies for success in a changing workforce landscape.

Talent Unbounded applies proven assessment methodologies to identify gaps and deliver a practical roadmap for improvement across critical areas of talent acquisition, including data and technology, cost control, employer branding, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Sevenstep tailors its strategies to focus on improving strength to compete for workers in short supply, boosting intelligence to drive best–outcome decisions, and achieving agility to adjust quickly to changing demands.

Talent Unbounded is built on a best–practice assessment process aligned with services and capabilities uniquely suited to an organization's needs, whether it seeks a snapshot of a particular issue or a full assessment and resources to drive holistic talent strategy. The assessment pinpoints gaps and opportunities for improvement and is complemented by an action plan, implementation, support, and optional partnership to advance new talent needs.

“Companies cannot afford to put their talent plans on hold,” said Sevenstep President Amy Bush. “They must tackle immediate hiring needs while transforming talent acquisition processes to deliver results against changing demands and heavy competition for a limited workforce supply. Drawing on the clear vision our clients have come to expect from Sevenstep, Talent Unbounded is uniquely suited to help companies build the workforce intelligence, recruiting strength, and process flexibility needed to succeed.”

A solutions leader in all facets of talent acquisition, including permanent hires, the contingent workforce, recruiting best practices, and technology and analytics, Sevenstep delivers effective strategies through its hands–on approach to assessment services. To learn more, visit www.sevensteptalent.com/talent–unbounded.

About Sevenstep
Sevenstep is a global provider of strategic workforce solutions enabling business leaders to achieve ambitious goals and resolve complex workforce challenges. The company's Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO), Managed Services Provider (MSP), and Total Talent solutions are recognized for driving innovation and delivering impact for top companies around the world. Sevenstep is recognized as a perennial top RPO provider in the HRO Today Baker's Dozen Annual Customer Value Survey and an RPO major contender and MSP star performer by Everest Group.

Contact: Anna Botha, anna.slingo@sevensteprpo.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8856993)

LeddarTech, Fornecedora de Software Automotivo Transformador, Torna-se Empresa Pública com a Fusão com a Prospector Capital Corp.

  • A LeddarTech tem o potencial de transformar os mercados de Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ("adas") e Autonomous Driving ("ADAS") com produtos patenteados de software de fuso e percepo de sensores de baixo nvel.
  • A soluo exclusiva da LeddarTech resolve as limitaes atuais, permitindo que os principais fabricantes de equipamentos originais automotivos ("OEMs") e os fornecedores de Nvel 1–2 conduzam ADAS e AD a novos nveis de desempenho, segurana e adoo.
  • A transao deve proporcionar para a empresa at US$66 milhes em receita bruta, com at US$23 milhes com receita da conta fiduciria da Prospector (se no houver resgates) e US$43 milhes com receita de PIPE conversvel.
  • A transao avalia o valor patrimonial proforma da LeddarTech em US$348 milhes, caso no haja resgates e a converso total PIPE conversvel (sem levar em considerao a compensao contingencial para os acionistas existentes da LeddarTech ou a compensao contingencial para o patrocinador da Prospector).

QUEBEC CITY, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A LeddarTech Inc. ("LeddarTech" ou a "empresa"), uma empresa de software automotivo que fornece tecnologia patenteada de software de fuso e percepo de sensores de baixo nvel para ADAS e AD, e a Prospector Capital Corp. ("Prospector") (Nasdaq: PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), uma empresa de aquisio com finalidade especial de capital aberto liderada pelo ex–Presidente da Qualcomm, Derek Aberle, e presidida pelo ex–Vice–Presidente da Qualcomm, Steve Altman, anunciou hoje um acordo definitivo de fuso das empresas onde a LeddarTech passa a ser uma empresa de capital aberto. Aps a concluso da transao, prevista para o quarto trimestre de 2023, a LeddarTech deve ser listada na Nasdaq sob o smbolo "LDTC".

A transao avalia o valor patrimonial proforma da LeddarTech em US$348 milhes (caso no haja resgates e a converso total PIPE conversvel [sem levar em considerao a compensao contingencial para os acionistas existentes da LeddarTech ou a compensao contingencial para o patrocinador da Prospector]) e deve proporcionar LeddarTech at US$66 milhes em receita bruta em dinheiro, que devem ser usadas para financiar a comercializao das suas primeiras solues de software incorporadas, expandir suas ofertas de produtos e aprofundar seu compromisso com os clientes.

A LeddarTech fornece software de fuso e percepo de sensores de baixo nvel lder do setor para ADAS e AD. A soluo de software da LeddarTech independente de sensores e processadores e reduz significativamente o custo para os OEMs e fornecedores automotivos de Nvel 1–2, ao mesmo tempo em que oferece melhor desempenho e escalabilidade para ADAS/AD premium bsico. ADAS e AD so o maior mercado para o software automotivo, devendo alcanar US$42 bilhes, um CAGR de 11% at 20301. A empresa tem uma forte vantagem inicial com os seus sete anos de experincia na rea de fuso e percepo de sensores de baixo nvel com 150 patentes solicitadas (80 concedidas) cobrindo uma ampla gama de tecnologias fundamentais, como aquisio, percepo e fuso de sinais.

" com prazer que fazemos esta parceria com a Prospector para solidificar nossa posio de fora lder no nascente setor de software automotivo. Essa colaborao deve fornecer o capital e os recursos necessrios para o investimento na nossa equipe excepcional e levar a empresa para o prximo nvel, nos posicionando para garantir as vitrias dos clientes e impulsionar o crescimento dos nossos negcios. Estou muito contente com o fato de a LeddarTech ter alcanado esse importante marco, que acreditamos que far da LeddarTech uma das raras empresas pblicas no espao de software ADAS/AD", disse Charles Boulanger, CEO da LeddarTech. O Sr. Boulanger continuou: "Aps liderar a empresa desde 2013, decidi me aposentar como CEO assim que concluirmos a transao. Frantz Saintellemy, Presidente e COO, dever assumir a posio de CEO da LeddarTech, mas pretendo permanecer na empresa como consultor especial e como membro do conselho de administrao da LeddarTech."

O Sr. Saintellemy comentou: "A indstria automotiva est cada vez ciente de que a fuso e percepo de sensores de baixo nvel ser a arquitetura preferencial para os sistemas ADAS da prxima gerao, porque reduz materialmente o custo do sistema, elimina as dependncias de sensores e processadores, e aprimora a segurana. Temos uma soluo "somente software' lder de fuso e percepo de sensores de baixo nvel que acreditamos que ajudar a impulsionar a prxima onda de ADAS com a indstria progredindo para veculos definidos por software. Estamos trabalhando ativamente com os clientes para integrar essa tecnologia disruptiva."

"Durante meu mandato na Qualcomm, pude observar o tremendo valor que pode ser criado quando empresas inovadoras com tecnologias fundamentais transformam as indstrias", disse o CEO da Prospector, Derek Aberle. "Acreditamos que a LeddarTech tem o potencial de fazer exatamente isso. Estamos contentes com a parceria com a equipe de gerenciamento da LeddarTech para ajudar a impulsionar o crescimento e a adoo dos seus produtos, e acreditamos que essa uma oportunidade de investimento interessante para nossos acionistas." Aps o encerramento da transao, o Sr. Aberle deve se tornar presidente do conselho de administrao da LeddarTech.

Viso Geral da Transao

A transao foi aprovada por unanimidade pelo conselho de administrao da Prospector, bem como pelo conselho de administrao da LeddarTech, e est sujeita satisfao das condies habituais de fechamento, incluindo a aprovao dos acionistas da LeddarTech e da Prospector e o recebimento de uma ordem final do Superior Tribunal de Justia de Qubec aprovando a transao.

A nova empresa receber aproximadamente US$23 milhes da conta fiduciria da Prospector, se no houver resgates pelos acionistas pblicos da Prospector, bem como US$43 milhes em receita bruta de investidores, incluindo o patrocinador da Prospector, FS Investors (uma afiliada do patrocinador da Prospector), Investissement Qubec como representante do Governo de Qubec, Desjardins Capital e BDC Capital participando da transao por meio de um investimento de colocao privada conversvel na LeddarTech.

Informaes Sobre Teleconferncia

A LeddarTech e a Prospector gravaram uma teleconferncia com investidores e uma apresentao discutindo a transao, que pode ser acessada em Relaes com Investidores – LeddarTech.

Para Relaes com Investidores, incluindo uma cpia da apresentao do investidor arquivada na SEC, visite o site da LeddarTech em Investor Relations – LeddarTech ou o website da SEC para a cpia da Prospector.

Consultores

A TD Cowen est atuando como consultora financeira da Prospector, e a Current Capital est atuando como consultora financeira que forneceu uma opinio quanto equidade ao conselho de administrao da Prospector. A Stikeman Elliot LLP e a Vedder Price PC esto atuando como consultores jurdicos da LeddarTech. A Osler, Hoskin e Harcourt LLP e White & Case LLP esto atuando como consultores jurdicos da Prospector. A Goodwin Procter LLP atua como consultora jurdica da TD Cowen.

Sobre a Prospector Capital Corp.

A Prospector uma empresa de aquisio com finalidade especial criada com a finalidade de realizar fuso, troca de aes, aquisio de ativos, compra de aes, reorganizao ou fuso de empresas semelhante com uma ou mais empresas, com foco em empresas com solues avanadas e altamente diferenciadas para o setor de tecnologia. A empresa liderada por uma equipe de investidores e executivos experientes focados em identificar e investir em empresas de alto crescimento, com equipes de gerenciamento fortes e oportunidades de mercado atraentes. Os ttulos da Prospector so negociados na Nasdaq sob os smbolos "PRSR", "PRSRU" e "PRSRW".

Sobre a LeddarTech

Uma empresa global de software fundada em 2007 e sediada na cidade de Quebec, com centros adicionais de P&D em Montreal, Toronto e Tel Aviv, Israel, a LeddarTech desenvolve e fornece solues abrangentes de software de percepo que permitem a implantao de aplicaes ADAS e de conduo autnoma (AD). O software de nvel automotivo da LeddarTech aplica algoritmos avanados de IA e viso computacional para gerar modelos 3D precisos do ambiente, permitindo uma melhor tomada de deciso e navegao mais segura. Esta tecnologia de alto desempenho, escalonvel e econmica disponvel para OEMs e fornecedores de Nvel 1–2 para a implementao eficiente de solues ADAS para veculos automotivos e off–road.

A LeddarTech responsvel por vrias inovaes de sensor remoto, com mais de 150 patentes concedidas ou solicitadas que aprimoram os recursos de ADAS e AD. A percepo de veculos fundamental para tornar a mobilidade global mais segura, eficiente, sustentvel e acessvel: e por isso que a LeddarTech deseja se tornar a soluo de software de fuso e percepo de sensores mais amplamente adotada.

Para mais informaes sobre a LeddarTech, visite www.LeddarTech.com e Investor Relations – LeddarTech.

Informaes Importantes Sobre a Transao Proposta e Onde Encontr–la

Em conexo com a proposta fuso das empresas, a Prospector, a LeddarTech e a nova entidade iro preparar e protocolar na SEC a declarao de registro no Formulrio F–4 (a "Declarao de Registro"). A Prospector, a LeddarTech e a nova entidade iro preparar e protocolar a Declarao de Registro na SEC e a Prospector ir enviar a Declarao de Registro para seus acionistas e protocolar outros documentos sobre a fuso da empresa na SEC. Este comunicado imprensa no substitui nenhuma procurao, declarao de registro, declarao/prospecto de procurao ou outros documentos que a Prospector ou a nova entidade possam protocolar na SEC em conexo com a fuso das empresas. OS INVESTIDORES E DETENTORES DE VALORES MOBILIRIOS DEVEM LER ATENTAMENTE E NA NTEGRA A DECLARAO DE REGISTRO QUANDO DISPONVEL, QUAISQUER ALTERAES OU SUPLEMENTOS DECLARAO DE REGISTRO E OUTROS DOCUMENTOS PROTOCOLADOS PELO PROSPECTOR OU PELA NOVA ENTIDADE NA SEC EM CONEXO COM A FUSO DA EMPRESA PORQUE ESSES DOCUMENTOS CONTERO INFORMAES IMPORTANTES. Investidores e detentores de valores mobilirios podero obter cpias gratuitas da Declarao de Registro e outros documentos protocolados na SEC pela Prospector ou pela nova entidade no website da SEC em www.sec.gov.

O INVESTIMENTO EM QUAISQUER VALORES MOBILIRIOS AQUI DESCRITOS NO FOI APROVADO OU DESAPROVADO PELA SEC OU POR QUALQUER OUTRA AUTORIDADE REGULADORA, NEM QUALQUER AUTORIDADE AVALIOU OU ENDOSSOU OS MRITOS DA TRANSAO PROPOSTA QUANTO OFERTA DE QUAISQUER VALORES MOBILIRIOS OU QUANTO PRECISO OU ADEQUAO DAS INFORMAES AQUI CONTIDAS. QUALQUER DECLARAO EM CONTRRIO CONSTITUI UMA OFENSA CRIMINAL.

Declaraes de Previso

Certas declaraes contidas neste comunicado de imprensa podem ser consideradas declaraes de previso na acepo da Lei de Reforma de Litgios de Ttulos Privados dos EUA de 1995, Seo 27A da Lei de Ttulos e Valores Mobilirios e Seo 21E da Lei de Cmbio (cujas declaraes de previso tambm devem incluir declaraes de previso e informaes de previso na acepo das leis de valores mobilirios canadenses aplicveis), incluindo, mas no se limitando a, declaraes sobre a fuso de empresas envolvendo a Prospector, a LeddarTech e a nova entidade, a capacidade de concluir a fuso das empresas e a sua ocasio, os benefcios previstos da fuso das empresas, o fechamento do financiamento de colocao privada, as receitas e declaraes previstas relacionadas estratgia antecipada da nova empresa, operaes futuras, perspectivas, objetivos e projees financeiras e outras mtricas financeiras. As declaraes de previso geralmente incluem declaraes de natureza preditiva e dependem ou se referem a eventos ou condies futuras, e incluem palavras como "pode", "ir", "deveria", "esperaria", "antecipa", "planeja", "provvel", "acredita", "estima", "projeta", "pretende" e outras expresses semelhantes, entre outras. Declaraes que no sejam de fatos histricos so declaraes de previso. Declaraes de previso tomam por base convices e suposies atuais sujeitas a riscos e incertezas e no so garantias de desempenho futuro. Os resultados reais podem ser substancialmente diferentes dos resultados contidos em qualquer declarao de previso devido a vrios fatores, incluindo, sem limitao: (i) o risco de que as condies para o fechamento da fuso das empresas no sejam satisfeitas, incluindo a falha em obter a aprovao dos acionistas em tempo hbil ou obter a aprovao dos acionistas para a fuso das empresas ou a falha em obter quaisquer autorizaes regulatrias necessrias e em tempo hbil, incluindo sob a Lei HSR ou do Superior Tribunal de Justia do Quebec; (ii) incertezas quanto ao momento da consumao da fuso das empresas e a capacidade da Prospector, da LeddarTech e da nova entidade de concluir a fuso das empresas; (iii) a possibilidade de que outros benefcios antecipados da fuso das empresas no sejam realizados e o tratamento fiscal antecipado da fuso das empresas; (iv) a ocorrncia de qualquer evento que possa dar origem resciso da fuso das empresas; (v) o risco de que o litgio dos acionistas em conexo com a fuso das empresas ou outros acordos ou investigaes possa afetar o momento ou a ocorrncia da fuso das empresas ou resultar em custos significativos de defesa, indenizao e responsabilidade; (vi) mudanas gerais na economia e/ou condies especficas do setor; (vii) possveis interrupes da fuso das empresas que poderiam prejudicar os negcios da LeddarTech; (viii) a capacidade da LeddarTech de reter, atrair e contratar pessoal–chave; (ix) possveis reaes adversas ou mudanas nas relaes com clientes, funcionrios, fornecedores ou outras partes resultantes do anncio ou concluso da fuso das empresas; (x) potencial incerteza nos negcios, incluindo mudanas nas relaes comerciais existentes durante a pendncia da fuso das empresas que possam afetar o desempenho financeiro da LeddarTech; (xi) desenvolvimentos legislativos, regulatrios e econmicos; (xii) imprevisibilidade e gravidade de eventos catastrficos, incluindo, mas no se limitando a, atos de terrorismo, ecloso de guerra ou hostilidades, e qualquer epidemia, pandemia ou surto de doena (incluindo COVID–19), bem como a resposta da administrao a qualquer um dos fatores mencionados acima; e (xiii) outros fatores de risco, detalhados ocasionalmente nos relatrios da Prospector protocolados na SEC, incluindo o Relatrio Anual da Prospector no Formulrio 10–K, Relatrios Trimestrais peridicos no Formulrio 10–Q, Relatrios Atuais peridicos no Formulrio 8–K e outros documentos protocolados na SEC. A lista anterior de fatores importantes no exaustiva. Nem a Prospector nem a LeddarTech podem dar qualquer garantia de que as condies para a fuso das empresas sero satisfeitas. Exceto conforme exigido pela lei aplicvel, nem a Prospector nem a LeddarTech assumem qualquer obrigao de revisar ou atualizar qualquer declarao de previso, ou de fazer quaisquer outras declaraes de previso, seja como resultado de novas informaes, eventos futuros ou de outra forma.

Sem Oferta ou Solicitao

Este comunicado imprensa no constitui uma oferta de venda nem uma solicitao de uma oferta de compra de qualquer ttulo mobilirio da Prospector ou da nova entidade, uma solicitao de qualquer voto ou aprovao, nem dever haver qualquer venda desses valores mobilirios em qualquer estado ou outra jurisdio onde tal oferta, venda ou solicitao seja ilegal antes do registro ou qualificao sob as leis de valores mobilirios de qualquer estado ou jurisdio. Nenhuma oferta de valores mobilirios ser feita, exceto por meio de um prospecto que atenda aos requisitos da Lei de Valores Mobilirios.

Participantes da Solicitao

A Prospector, a LeddarTech, a nova entidade, e alguns dos seus respectivos diretores, executivos e funcionrios, podem ser considerados participantes da solicitao de procuraes em conexo com a fuso das empresas. Informaes sobre os diretores e diretores executivos da Prospector podem ser encontradas no Relatrio Anual no Formulrio 10–K do exerccio fiscal encerrado em 31 de dezembro de 2022, protocolado na SEC em 31 de maro de 2023. As informaes sobre as pessoas que podem, de acordo com as regras da SEC, ser consideradas participantes na solicitao de procuraes em conexo com a fuso das empresas, incluindo uma descrio dos seus interesses diretos ou indiretos, por participaes em ttulos ou de outra forma, sero includas na Declarao de Registro e outros materiais relevantes quando protocolados na SEC. Esses documentos podem ser obtidos gratuitamente na fonte indicada acima.

Contato com a Empresa:
Daniel Aitken, Vice–Presidente, Marketing Global, Comunicaes e Relacionamento com o Investidor, LeddarTech Inc.
Tel.: + 1–418–653–9000 ramal 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

Contato de Relaes com Investidores:
Kevin Hunt
ICR Inc.
Kevin.Hunt@IcrInc.com

Contato com a Mdia:
Dan Brennan
ICR Inc.
Dan.Brennan@icrinc.com

Contato e site de relaes com investidores: InvestorRelations@LeddarTech.com
investors.leddartech.com/English/overview/default.aspx

Os logotipos Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision e afins so marcas comerciais ou marcas comerciais registradas da LeddarTech Inc. e suas subsidirias. Todas as outras marcas e nomes de produtos so ou podem ser marcas comerciais ou marcas comerciais registradas usadas para identificar produtos ou servios de seus respectivos proprietrios.

______________________
1 Fonte: McKinsey.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8856965)

LeddarTech, a Disruptive Automotive Software Provider, to Become a Public Company Via Business Combination With Prospector Capital Corp.

  • LeddarTech has the potential to disrupt the markets for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ("ADAS") and Autonomous Driving ("AD") with patented low–level sensor fusion and perception software products.
  • LeddarTech's unique solution solves current limitations, enabling leading automotive original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and Tier 1–2 suppliers to drive ADAS and AD to new levels of performance, safety and adoption.
  • The transaction is expected to provide the company with up to U.S. $66 million in gross proceeds, including up to U.S. $23 million in proceeds from the Prospector trust account (assuming no redemptions) and U.S. $43 million in convertible PIPE proceeds.
  • The transaction values LeddarTech at a pro–forma equity value of U.S. $348 million, assuming no redemptions and the full conversion of the convertible PIPE (without taking into account earn–out to LeddarTech existing shareholders or earn–out to Prospector's sponsor).

QUÉBEC CITY, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech Inc. ("LeddarTech" or the "company"), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive low–level sensor fusion and perception software technology for ADAS and AD, and Prospector Capital Corp. ("Prospector") (Nasdaq: PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company led by former Qualcomm President Derek Aberle and chaired by former Qualcomm Vice Chairman Steve Altman, today announced their entry into a definitive business combination agreement that would result in LeddarTech becoming a publicly listed company. Upon closing of the transaction, which is expected by the fourth quarter of 2023, LeddarTech is expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "LDTC."

The transaction values LeddarTech at a pro–forma equity value of U.S. $348 million (assuming no redemptions and the full conversion of the convertible PIPE [without taking into account earn–out to LeddarTech existing shareholders or earn–out to Prospector's sponsor]) and is expected to provide LeddarTech with up to U.S. $66 million in gross cash proceeds, which are expected to be used to fund the commercialization of its first embedded software solutions, expand its product offerings and deepen its customer engagements.

LeddarTech is a provider of industry–leading low–level sensor fusion and perception software for ADAS and AD. LeddarTech's software solution is both sensor and processor–agnostic and significantly reduces the cost to OEMs and Tier 1–2 automotive suppliers while delivering improved performance and scalability for entry–level to premium ADAS/AD. ADAS and AD is the largest market within automotive software and is expected to grow at an 11% CAGR to U.S. $42 billion by 20301. The company has a strong early–mover advantage with over seven years of experience working on low–level sensor fusion and perception with 150 patents filed (80 granted) covering a broad array of foundational technologies such as signal acquisition, perception and fusion.

"We are pleased to partner with Prospector to solidify our position as a leading force in the nascent automotive software sector. This collaboration is expected to provide us with the necessary capital and resources to invest in our exceptional team, and take the company to the next level by positioning the company to secure customer wins and drive growth in our business. I am excited that LeddarTech has achieved this important milestone, which we believe will make LeddarTech one of the rare public companies in the pure–play ADAS/AD software space," said Charles Boulanger, CEO of LeddarTech. Mr. Boulanger continued: "After leading the company since 2013, I have decided that I will retire as CEO once we close the transaction, at which time Frantz Saintellemy, President and COO, is expected to succeed me as LeddarTech CEO, and I plan to remain with the company as a special advisor and as a member of the LeddarTech board of directors."

Mr. Saintellemy commented: "The automotive industry is increasingly recognizing that low–level sensor fusion and perception will be the architecture of choice for next–generation ADAS systems because it materially reduces system cost, eliminates sensor and processor dependencies and improves safety. We have a leading "software–only' solution for low–level sensor fusion and perception that we believe will help drive the next wave of ADAS as the industry continues to move to software–defined vehicles. We are actively working with customers to integrate this disruptive technology."

"During my tenure at Qualcomm, I experienced the tremendous value that can be created when innovative companies with foundational technologies disrupt industries," said Prospector's CEO, Derek Aberle. "We believe LeddarTech has the potential to do just that. We are excited to partner with LeddarTech's management team to help drive growth and adoption of their products and believe it represents an attractive investment opportunity for our shareholders." At the close of the transaction, Mr. Aberle is expected to become Chairman of the LeddarTech board of directors.

Transaction Overview

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of Prospector, as well as the board of directors of LeddarTech, and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval of LeddarTech's and Prospector's shareholders and the receipt of a final order of the Superior Court of Justice of Qubec approving the transaction.

The combined entity will receive approximately U.S. $23 million from Prospector's trust account, assuming no redemptions by Prospector's public shareholders, as well as U.S. $43 million in gross proceeds from investors including Prospector's sponsor, FS Investors (an affiliate of Prospector's sponsor), Investissement Qubec as a representative of the Government of Qubec, Desjardins Capital and BDC Capital participating in the transaction via a convertible private placement investment into LeddarTech.

Conference Call Information

LeddarTech and Prospector have recorded an investor conference call and presentation discussing the transaction, which can be accessed by visiting Investor Relations – LeddarTech.

For Investor Relations, including a copy of the investor presentation as filed with the SEC, please visit the LeddarTech website at Investor Relations – LeddarTech or the SEC's website for Prospector's filings.

Advisors

TD Cowen is serving as financial advisor to Prospector, and Current Capital is serving as a financial advisor that provided a fairness opinion to Prospector's board of directors. Stikeman Elliot LLP and Vedder Price PC are representing LeddarTech as legal counsel. Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP and White & Case LLP are representing Prospector as legal counsel. Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as legal advisor to TD Cowen.

About Prospector Capital Corp.

Prospector is a special–purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses with a focus on companies with advanced and highly differentiated solutions for the technology sector. The company is led by a team of experienced investors and executives focused on identifying and investing in high–growth companies with strong management teams and attractive market opportunities. Prospector's securities are traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols "PRSR," "PRSRU" and "PRSRW."

About LeddarTech

A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal, Toronto and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS and autonomous driving (AD) applications. LeddarTech's automotive–grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment, allowing for better decision making and safer navigation. This high–performance, scalable, cost–effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1–2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off–road vehicle ADAS solutions.

LeddarTech is responsible for several remote–sensing innovations, with over 150 patents granted or applied for that enhance ADAS and AD capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.LeddarTech.com and Investor Relations – LeddarTech.

Important Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, Prospector, LeddarTech and the combined entity will prepare and will file with the SEC, the registration statement on Form F–4 (the "Registration Statement"). Prospector, LeddarTech and the combined entity will prepare and file the Registration Statement with the SEC and Prospector will mail the Registration Statement to its shareholders and file other documents regarding the business combination with the SEC. This press release is not a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus or other documents Prospector or the combined entity may file with the SEC in connection with the business combination. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED BY PROSPECTOR OR THE COMBINED ENTITY WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS COMBINATION BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and other documents filed with the SEC by Prospector or the combined entity through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION PURSUANT TO WHICH ANY SECURITIES ARE TO BE OFFERED OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

Forward–Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may be considered forward–looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act (which forward–looking statements shall also include forward–looking statements and forward–looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements regarding the business combination involving Prospector, LeddarTech and the combined entity, the ability to consummate the business combination and the timing thereof, the anticipated benefits from the business combination, the closing of the private placement financing and expected proceeds therefrom and statements relating to the anticipated combined company's strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics. Forward–looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "may," "will," "should," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "likely," "believe," "estimate," "project," "intend," and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward–looking statements. Forward–looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward–looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the risk that the conditions to the closing of the business combination are not satisfied, including the failure to timely or at all obtain shareholder approval for the business combination or the failure to timely or at all obtain any required regulatory clearances, including under the HSR Act or of the Superior Court of Justice of Qubec; (ii) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the business combination and the ability of each of Prospector, LeddarTech and the combined entity to consummate the business combination; (iii) the possibility that other anticipated benefits of the business combination will not be realized, and the anticipated tax treatment of the business combination; (iv) the occurrence of any event that could give rise to termination of the business combination; (v) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the business combination or other settlements or investigations may affect the timing or occurrence of the business combination or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (vi) changes in general economic and/or industry specific conditions; (vii) possible disruptions from the business combination that could harm LeddarTech's business; (viii) the ability of LeddarTech to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (ix) potential adverse reactions or changes to relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or other parties resulting from the announcement or completion of the business combination; (x) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the business combination that could affect LeddarTech's financial performance; (xi) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak (including COVID–19), as well as management's response to any of the aforementioned factors; and (xiii) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in Prospector's reports filed with the SEC, including Prospector's Annual Report on Form 10–K, periodic Quarterly Reports on Form 10–Q, periodic Current Reports on Form 8–K and other documents filed with the SEC. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Neither Prospector nor LeddarTech can give any assurance that the conditions to the Business Combination will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, neither Prospector nor LeddarTech undertakes any obligation to revise or update any forward–looking statement, or to make any other forward–looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Prospector or the combined entity, a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act.

Participants in Solicitation

Prospector, LeddarTech and the combined entity, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the business combination. Information about the directors and executive officers of Prospector can be found in the Annual Report on Form 10–K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the business combination, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials when they are filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the source indicated above.

Company Contact:
Daniel Aitken, Vice–President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Inc.
Tel.: + 1–418–653–9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Kevin Hunt
ICR Inc.
Kevin.Hunt@IcrInc.com

Media Contact:
Dan Brennan
ICR Inc.
Dan.Brennan@icrinc.com

Investor relations contact and website: InvestorRelations@LeddarTech.com
investors.leddartech.com/English/overview/default.aspx

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7520e9a2–3dca–4e3e–815b–84a4ccc6a193

______________________
1 Source: McKinsey.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8856558)

LeddarTech, ein revolutionärer Anbieter von Software für die Automobilindustrie, wird durch Unternehmenszusammenschluss mit der Prospector Capital Corp. zum börsennotierten Unternehmen

  • LeddarTech hat das Potenzial, die Mrkte fr fortschrittliche Fahrerassistenzsysteme (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, "ADAS") und autonomes Fahren (Autonomous Driving, "AD") mit patentierten Low–Level–Sensorfusions– und Wahrnehmungssoftwareprodukten zu verndern.
  • Die einzigartige Lsung von LeddarTech beseitigt die derzeitigen Einschrnkungen und ermglicht es fhrenden OEMs im Automobilbereich und Tier–1/2–Zulieferern, ADAS und AD auf ein neues Leistungs–, Sicherheits– und Akzeptanzniveau zu bringen.
  • Die Transaktion wird dem Unternehmen voraussichtlich bis zu 66 Millionen US–Dollar an Bruttoerlsen einbringen, einschlielich bis zu 23 Millionen US–Dollar an Erlsen aus dem Prospector–Treuhandkonto (unter der Annahme, dass keine Rcknahmen erfolgen) und 43 Millionen US–Dollar an wandelbaren PIPE–Erlsen.
  • Die Transaktion bewertet LeddarTech mit einem Pro–forma–Eigenkapitalwert von 348 Millionen US–Dollar, wobei keine Rckzahlungen und die vollstndige Umwandlung der wandelbaren PIPE angenommen werden (ohne Bercksichtigung der Gewinnbeteiligung der bestehenden LeddarTech–Aktionre oder der Gewinnbeteiligung des Sponsors von Prospector).

QUÉBEC CITY, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech Inc. ("LeddarTech" oder das "Unternehmen"), ein Softwareunternehmen fr die Automobilindustrie, das patentierte, bahnbrechende Low–Level–Sensorfusion und Wahrnehmungssoftwaretechnologie fr ADAS und AD anbietet, und Prospector Capital Corp. ("Prospector") (Nasdaq: PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), eine brsennotierte bernahmegesellschaft unter der Leitung von Derek Aberle, dem ehemaligen President von Qualcomm, und unter dem Vorsitz von Steve Altman, dem ehemaligen stellvertretenden Verwaltungsratsmitglied von Qualcomm, haben heute den Abschluss einer endgltigen Vereinbarung ber einen Unternehmenszusammenschluss bekanntgegeben, der dazu fhren wrde, dass LeddarTech zu einem brsennotierten Unternehmen wird. Nach Abschluss der Transaktion, der fr das vierte Quartal 2023 erwartet wird, wird LeddarTech voraussichtlich an der Nasdaq unter dem Tickersymbol "LDTC" notiert werden.

Die Transaktion bewertet LeddarTech mit einem Pro–Forma–Eigenkapitalwert von 348 Millionen US–Dollar (unter der Annahme, dass keine Rckzahlungen und die vollstndige Umwandlung der wandelbaren PIPE erfolgen [ohne Bercksichtigung der Gewinnbeteiligung der bestehenden LeddarTech–Aktionre oder der Gewinnbeteiligung des Sponsors von Prospector]) und wird LeddarTech voraussichtlich bis zu 66 Millionen US–Dollar an Brutto–Barerlsen einbringen, die zur Finanzierung der Kommerzialisierung seiner ersten eingebetteten Softwarelsungen, zur Erweiterung seines Produktangebots und zur Vertiefung seiner Kundenbeziehungen verwendet werden sollen.

LeddarTech ist ein Anbieter von branchenfhrender Low–Level–Sensorfusions– und Wahrnehmungssoftware fr ADAS und AD. Die Softwarelsung von LeddarTech ist sowohl sensor– als auch prozessorunabhngig und reduziert die Kosten fr OEMs und Tier–1/2–Automobilzulieferer erheblich, whrend sie gleichzeitig eine verbesserte Leistung und Skalierbarkeit fr ADAS/AD der Einstiegs– und Premiumklasse bietet. ADAS und AD ist der grte Markt innerhalb der Automobilsoftware und soll bis 2030 mit einer durchschnittlichen jhrlichen Wachstumsrate von 11 % auf 42 Milliarden US–Dollar anwachsen1. Mit ber sieben Jahren Erfahrung in der Arbeit an Low–Level–Sensorfusion und –Wahrnehmung und 150 angemeldeten (80 erteilten) Patenten, die ein breites Spektrum grundlegender Technologien wie Signalerfassung, –wahrnehmung und –fusion abdecken, verfgt das Unternehmen ber einen starken Frhstartvorteil.

"Wir freuen uns, mit Prospector zusammenzuarbeiten, um unsere Position als fhrende Kraft in der aufstrebenden Automobilsoftwarebranche zu festigen. Diese Zusammenarbeit soll uns das ntige Kapital und die Ressourcen zur Verfgung stellen, um in unser auergewhnliches Team zu investieren und das Unternehmen auf die nchste Stufe zu heben, indem wir es Unternehmen so positionieren, dass es weitere Kunden gewinnt und das Wachstum unseres Geschfts vorantreibt. Ich freue mich, dass LeddarTech diesen wichtigen Meilenstein erreicht hat. Wir glauben, dass LeddarTech eines der wenigen brsennotierten Unternehmen sein wird, die ausschlielich ADAS/AD–Software anbieten", so Charles Boulanger, CEO von LeddarTech. Boulanger weiter: "Nachdem ich das Unternehmen seit 2013 geleitet habe, habe ich beschlossen, mich als CEO zurckzuziehen, sobald wir die Transaktion abgeschlossen haben. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt wird Frantz Saintellemy, President und COO, voraussichtlich meine Nachfolge als CEO von LeddarTech antreten, und ich plane, dem Unternehmen als Sonderberater und als Mitglied des Verwaltungsrats von LeddarTech erhalten zu bleiben."

Saintellemy kommentiert dies wie folgt: "Die Automobilindustrie erkennt zunehmend, dass die Low–Level–Sensorfusion und –Wahrnehmung die bevorzugte Architektur fr ADAS–Systeme der nchsten Generation sein wird, da sie die Systemkosten erheblich senkt, Abhngigkeiten von Sensoren und Prozessoren beseitigt und die Sicherheit verbessert. Wir verfgen ber eine fhrende reine Softwarelsung fr Low–Level–Sensorfusion und –Wahrnehmung, von der wir glauben, dass sie die nchste ADAS–Welle vorantreiben wird, whrend die Branche weiterhin auf softwaredefinierte Fahrzeuge umstellt. Wir arbeiten aktiv mit unseren Kunden an der Integration dieser bahnbrechenden Technologie."

"Whrend meiner Zeit bei Qualcomm habe ich erlebt, welch enormer Wert geschaffen werden kann, wenn innovative Unternehmen mit grundlegenden Technologien Branchen revolutionieren", so Derek Aberle, CEO von Prospector. "Wir glauben, dass LeddarTech das Potenzial hat, genau das zu tun. Wir freuen uns darauf, mit dem Managementteam von LeddarTech zusammenzuarbeiten, um das Wachstum und die Akzeptanz ihrer Produkte voranzutreiben, und glauben, dass dies eine attraktive Investitionsmglichkeit fr unsere Aktionre darstellt." Nach Abschluss der Transaktion wird Herr Aberle voraussichtlich Vorsitzender des Verwaltungsrats von LeddarTech werden.

berblick ber die Transaktion

Die Transaktion wurde vom Verwaltungsrat von Prospector sowie vom Verwaltungsrat von LeddarTech einstimmig genehmigt und unterliegt der Erfllung der blichen Abschlussbedingungen, einschlielich der Zustimmung der Aktionre von LeddarTech und Prospector sowie des Erhalts einer endgltigen Verfgung des Obersten Gerichtshofs von Qubec zur Genehmigung der Transaktion.

Das fusionierte Unternehmen wird ca. 23 Millionen US–Dollar aus dem Treuhandkonto von Prospector erhalten, wobei davon ausgegangen wird, dass keine Rcknahmen durch die ffentlichen Aktionre von Prospector erfolgen, sowie 43 Millionen US–Dollar an Bruttoerlsen von Investoren, darunter der Sponsor von Prospector, FS Investors (eine Tochtergesellschaft des Sponsors von Prospector), Investissement Qubec als Vertreter der Regierung von Qubec, Desjardins Capital und BDC Capital, die ber eine wandelbare Privatplatzierung in LeddarTech an der Transaktion teilnehmen.

Informationen zur Telefonkonferenz

LeddarTech und Prospector haben eine Telefonkonferenz fr Investoren und eine Prsentation ber die Transaktion aufgezeichnet, die unter folgender Adresse abgerufen werden kann: Investor Relations – LeddarTech.

Fr Investor Relations, einschlielich einer Kopie der Investorenprsentation, die bei der SEC eingereicht wurde, besuchen Sie bitte die LeddarTech Website unter Investor Relations – LeddarTech oder die Website der SEC fr die Einreichungen von Prospector.

Berater

TD Cowen fungiert als Finanzberater fr Prospector, und Current Capital fungiert als Finanzberater, der dem Verwaltungsrat von Prospector eine Billigkeitsstellungnahme vorgelegt hat. Stikeman Elliot LLP und Vedder Price PC vertreten LeddarTech als Rechtsbeistand. Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP und White & Case LLP vertreten Prospector als Rechtsbeistand. Goodwin Procter LLP fungiert als Rechtsberater fr TD Cowen.

ber die Prospector Capital Corp.

Prospector ist eine spezielle bernahmegesellschaft, die zu dem Zweck gegrndet wurde, eine Fusion, einen Aktientausch, einen Erwerb von Vermgenswerten, einen Aktienkauf, eine Umstrukturierung oder einen hnlichen Unternehmenszusammenschluss mit einem oder mehreren Unternehmen durchzufhren, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf Unternehmen mit fortschrittlichen und hoch differenzierten Lsungen fr den Technologiesektor liegt. Das Unternehmen wird von einem Team erfahrener Investoren und Fhrungskrfte geleitet, das sich auf die Identifizierung und Investition in wachstumsstarke Unternehmen mit starken Managementteams und attraktiven Marktchancen konzentriert. Die Wertpapiere von Prospector werden an der Nasdaq unter den Tickersymbolen "PRSR", "PRSRU" und "PRSRW" gehandelt.

ber LeddarTech

LeddarTech ist ein 2007 gegrndetes globales Softwareunternehmen mit Hauptsitz in Qubec City und weiteren Forschungs– und Entwicklungszentren in Montreal, Toronto und Tel Aviv, Israel. LeddarTech entwickelt und liefert umfassende Softwarelsungen fr die Wahrnehmung, die den Einsatz von ADAS– und autonomen Fahranwendungen ermglichen. Die Software von LeddarTech, die fr die Automobilindustrie ausgelegt ist, wendet fortschrittliche KI– und Computer–Vision–Algorithmen an, um przise 3D–Modelle der Umgebung zu erstellen, die eine bessere Entscheidungsfindung und sicherere Navigation ermglichen. Diese leistungsstarke, skalierbare und kosteneffiziente Technologie steht OEMs und Tier–1/2–Zulieferern fr die effiziente Implementierung von Automobil– und Gelndewagenlsungen zur Verfgung.

LeddarTech hat mehrere Innovationen im Bereich der Fernerkundung hervorgebracht und besitzt mehr als 150 erteilte oder beantragte Patente zur Verbesserung von ADAS– und AD–Funktionen. Eine bessere Wahrnehmung rund um das Fahrzeug ist entscheidend, um die globale Mobilitt sicherer, effizienter, nachhaltiger und erschwinglicher zu machen: Das ist es, was LeddarTech darin antreibt, die am weitesten verbreitete Softwarelsung fr Sensorfusion und Wahrnehmung zu werden.

Weitere Informationen ber LeddarTech finden Sie unter www.LeddarTech.com und Investor Relations – LeddarTech.

Wichtige Informationen ber die vorgeschlagene Transaktion und wo sie zu finden sind

Im Zusammenhang mit dem geplanten Unternehmenszusammenschluss werden Prospector, LeddarTech und das fusionierte Unternehmen eine Registrierungserklrung auf Formular F–4 (die "Registrierungserklrung") erstellen und bei der SEC einreichen. Prospector, LeddarTech und das fusionierte Unternehmen werden die Registrierungserklrung vorbereiten und bei der SEC einreichen, und Prospector wird die Registrierungserklrung an seine Aktionre verschicken und andere Dokumente bezglich des Unternehmenszusammenschlusses bei der SEC einreichen. Diese Pressemitteilung ist kein Ersatz fr eine Vollmacht, eine Registrierungserklrung, eine Stimmrechtsvollmacht/einen Prospekt oder andere Dokumente, die Prospector oder das fusionierte Unternehmen im Zusammenhang mit dem Unternehmenszusammenschluss bei der SEC einreichen. ANLEGERN UND WERTPAPIERINHABERN WIRD DRINGEND EMPFOHLEN, DIE REGISTRIERUNGSERKLRUNG, SOBALD SIE VERFGBAR IST, ALLE NDERUNGEN ODER ERGNZUNGEN ZUR REGISTRIERUNGSERKLRUNG UND ANDERE VON PROSPECTOR ODER DEM FUSIONIERTEN UNTERNEHMEN BEI DER SEC IM ZUSAMMENHANG MIT DEM UNTERNEHMENSZUSAMMENSCHLUSS EINGEREICHTE DOKUMENTE SORGFLTIG UND VOLLSTNDIG ZU LESEN, DA DIESE DOKUMENTE WICHTIGE INFORMATIONEN ENTHALTEN WERDEN. Investoren und Wertpapierinhaber knnen kostenlose Kopien der Registrierungserklrung und anderer von Prospector oder dem fusionierten Unternehmen bei der SEC eingereichten Dokumente ber die von der SEC unterhaltene Website www.sec.gov erhalten.

EINE ANLAGE IN DIE HIER BESCHRIEBENEN WERTPAPIERE WURDE WEDER VON DER SEC ODER EINER ANDEREN AUFSICHTSBEHRDE GENEHMIGT ODER ABGELEHNT, NOCH HAT IRGENDEINE BEHRDE DIE VORZGE DER VORGESCHLAGENEN TRANSAKTION, IM RAHMEN DERER WERTPAPIERE ANGEBOTEN WERDEN SOLLEN, ODER DIE RICHTIGKEIT ODER ANGEMESSENHEIT DER HIERIN ENTHALTENEN INFORMATIONEN BEURTEILT ODER GEBILLIGT. JEGLICHE GEGENTEILIGE DARSTELLUNG IST ALS STRAFTAT ZU BETRACHTEN.

Zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen

Bestimmte Aussagen in dieser Pressemitteilung knnen als zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen im Sinne des U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act von 1995, Abschnitt 27A des Securities Act und Abschnitt 21E des Exchange Act (zu den zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen gehren auch zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen und zukunftsgerichtete Informationen im Sinne der geltenden kanadischen Wertpapiergesetze), einschlielich, aber nicht beschrnkt auf, Aussagen ber den Unternehmenszusammenschluss, an dem Prospector, LeddarTech und das fusionierte Unternehmen beteiligt sind, die Fhigkeit, den Unternehmenszusammenschluss zu vollziehen, und der Zeitplan dafr, die erwarteten Vorteile aus dem Unternehmenszusammenschluss, Abschluss der Privatplatzierungsfinanzierung und erwartete Erlse daraus sowie Aussagen in Bezug auf die Strategie, den knftigen Betrieb, die Aussichten, die Ziele und die Finanzprognosen des fusionierten Unternehmens und andere Finanzkennzahlen. Zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen beinhalten im Allgemeinen Aussagen, die vorausschauender Natur sind und von zuknftigen Ereignissen oder Bedingungen abhngen oder sich auf diese beziehen und Wrter wie "knnen", "werden", "sollten", "wrden", "erwarten", "antizipieren", "planen", "wahrscheinlich", "glauben", "schtzen", "projizieren", "beabsichtigen" und andere hnliche Ausdrcke enthalten. Aussagen, die nicht auf historischen Fakten beruhen, sind zukunftsorientierte Aussagen. Zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen beruhen auf aktuellen Einschtzungen und Annahmen, die Risiken und Ungewissheiten unterliegen, und stellen keine Garantie fr zuknftige Leistungen dar. Die tatschlichen Ergebnisse knnen aufgrund verschiedener Faktoren, einschlielich und ohne Einschrnkung, erheblich von den in den zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen enthaltenen Ergebnissen abweichen: (i) das Risiko, dass die Bedingungen fr den Abschluss des Unternehmenszusammenschlusses nicht erfllt werden, einschlielich des Versumnisses, rechtzeitig oder berhaupt die Zustimmung der Aktionre fr den Unternehmenszusammenschluss zu erhalten, oder des Versumnisses, rechtzeitig oder berhaupt die erforderlichen behrdlichen Genehmigungen zu erhalten, einschlielich des HSR Act oder des Obersten Gerichtshofes von Qubec; (ii) Ungewissheiten hinsichtlich des Zeitpunkts des Vollzugs des Unternehmenszusammenschlusses und der Fhigkeit von Prospector, LeddarTech und dem fusionierten Unternehmen, den Unternehmenszusammenschluss zu vollziehen; (iii) die Mglichkeit, dass andere erwartete Vorteile des Unternehmenszusammenschlusses nicht realisiert werden, und die erwartete steuerliche Behandlung des Unternehmenszusammenschlusses; (iv) das Eintreten von Ereignissen, die zu einer Beendigung des Unternehmenszusammenschlusses fhren knnten; (v) das Risiko, dass Rechtsstreitigkeiten der Aktionre im Zusammenhang mit dem Unternehmenszusammenschluss oder andere Vergleiche oder Untersuchungen den Zeitpunkt oder den Vollzug des Unternehmenszusammenschlusses beeinflussen oder zu erheblichen Kosten fr Verteidigung, Entschdigung und Haftung fhren knnten; (vi) nderungen der allgemeinen wirtschaftlichen und/oder branchenspezifischen Bedingungen; (vii) mgliche Strungen durch den Unternehmenszusammenschluss, die dem Geschft von LeddarTech schaden knnten; (viii) die Fhigkeit von LeddarTech, Schlsselpersonal zu halten, zu gewinnen und einzustellen; (ix) mgliche negative Reaktionen oder nderungen in den Beziehungen zu Kunden, Mitarbeitern, Lieferanten oder anderen Parteien, die sich aus der Ankndigung oder dem Abschluss des Unternehmenszusammenschlusses ergeben; (x) mgliche geschftliche Unsicherheiten, einschlielich nderungen bestehender Geschftsbeziehungen, whrend der Anhngigkeit des Unternehmenszusammenschlusses, die sich auf die finanzielle Leistungsfhigkeit von LeddarTech auswirken knnten; (xi) legislative, regulatorische und wirtschaftliche Entwicklungen; (xii) Unvorhersehbarkeit und Schwere von katastrophalen Ereignissen, einschlielich, aber nicht beschrnkt auf Terrorakte, Kriegsausbruch oder Feindseligkeiten und Epidemien, Pandemien oder Krankheitsausbrche (einschlielich COVID–19) sowie die Reaktion des Managements auf die vorgenannten Faktoren; und (xiii) andere Risikofaktoren, die von Zeit zu Zeit in den bei der SEC eingereichten Berichten von Prospector beschrieben werden, einschlielich des Jahresberichts von Prospector auf Formular 10–K, der regelmigen Quartalsberichte auf Formular 10–Q, der regelmigen aktuellen Berichte auf Formular 8–K und anderer bei der SEC eingereichter Dokumente. Die vorstehende Liste der wichtigen Faktoren ist nicht erschpfend. Weder Prospector noch LeddarTech knnen garantieren, dass die Bedingungen fr den Unternehmenszusammenschluss erfllt werden. Sofern nicht durch geltendes Recht vorgeschrieben, bernehmen weder Prospector noch LeddarTech die Verpflichtung, zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen zu revidieren oder zu aktualisieren oder andere zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen zu machen, sei es aufgrund neuer Informationen, zuknftiger Ereignisse oder aus anderen Grnden.

Kein Angebot oder Werbung

Diese Pressemitteilung stellt weder ein Angebot zum Verkauf noch eine Aufforderung zum Kauf von Wertpapieren von Prospector oder des fusionierten Unternehmens dar noch eine Aufforderung zur Stimmabgabe oder Zustimmung, noch findet ein Verkauf von Wertpapieren in einer Rechtsordnung statt, in der ein solches Angebot, eine solche Aufforderung oder ein solcher Verkauf vor der Registrierung oder Qualifizierung gem den Wertpapiergesetzen einer solchen Rechtsordnung ungesetzlich wre. Ein Angebot von Wertpapieren darf nur auf der Grundlage eines Prospekts erfolgen, der den Anforderungen des Wertpapiergesetzes entspricht.

Teilnehmer an der Einholung

Prospector, LeddarTech und das fusionierte Unternehmen sowie bestimmte ihrer jeweiligen Direktoren, leitenden Angestellten und Mitarbeiter knnen als Teilnehmer an der Einholung von Stimmrechtsvollmachten im Zusammenhang mit dem Unternehmenszusammenschluss betrachtet werden. Informationen ber die Direktoren und leitenden Angestellten von Prospector finden Sie im Jahresbericht auf Formular 10–K fr das am 31. Dezember 2022 abgeschlossene Geschftsjahr, der am 31. Mrz 2023 bei der SEC eingereicht wurde. Informationen ber die Personen, die nach den Regeln der SEC als Teilnehmer an der Einholung von Stimmrechtsvollmachten im Zusammenhang mit dem Unternehmenszusammenschluss gelten knnen, einschlielich einer Beschreibung ihrer direkten oder indirekten Beteiligungen durch Wertpapierbesitz oder auf andere Weise, werden in der Registrierungserklrung und anderen relevanten Materialien dargelegt, wenn sie bei der SEC eingereicht werden. Diese Dokumente knnen kostenlos bei der oben genannten Quelle angefordert werden.

Unternehmenskontakt:
Daniel Aitken, Vice–President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Inc.
Tel.: + 1–418–653–9000 Durchwahl 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

Anlegerkontakt
Kevin Hunt
ICR Inc.
Kevin.Hunt@IcrInc.com

Kontakt fr Medienanfragen:
Dan Brennan
ICR Inc.
Dan.Brennan@icrinc.com

Kontakt und Website fr Investor Relations: InvestorRelations@LeddarTech.com
investors.leddartech.com/English/overview/default.aspx

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision und verwandte Logos sind Marken oder eingetragene Marken von LeddarTech Inc. und seinen Tochtergesellschaften. Alle anderen Marken und Produktnamen sind oder knnen Marken oder eingetragene Marken sein, die zur Identifizierung von Produkten oder Dienstleistungen ihrer jeweiligen Inhaber verwendet werden.

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1 Quelle: McKinsey.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8856965)

LeddarTech, un fournisseur de logiciels pour automobiles hautement innovateurs, deviendra une société publique par le biais d’un regroupement d’entreprises avec Prospector Capital Corp.

  • LeddarTech a le potentiel de perturber le march des systmes avancs d'aide la conduite (systmes ADAS) et de conduite autonome (systmes AD) grce des produits logiciels brevets de fusion bas niveau de capteurs et de perception.
  • La solution unique de LeddarTech rsout les limitations actuelles en permettant aux principaux manufacturiers et quipementiers d'automobiles (Tier 1 et 2) d'augmenter le niveau de performance et de qualit des systmes ADAS et AD afin d'acclrer leur adoption.
  • La transaction devrait rapporter l'entreprise jusqu' 66 millions $ US de produit brut en espces, dont jusqu' 23 millions $ US provenant du compte en fiducie de Prospector (en supposant aucun rachat) et 43 millions $ US en produit de type IPAP (investissement priv dans des actions mises dans le public) convertible.
  • La transaction valorise LeddarTech une valeur nette pro forma de 348 millions $ US, en supposant aucun rachat et la conversion complte du IPAP convertible (sans tenir compte d'ajustements de type earn–out verss aux actionnaires existants de LeddarTech ou au commanditaire de Prospector).

QUÉBEC, 13 juin 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech Inc. ( LeddarTech ou l' entreprise ), une socit de logiciels pour automobiles qui fournit des technologies logicielles de fusion bas niveau de capteurs et de perception innovatrices et brevetes pour systmes avancs d'aide la conduite (systmes ADAS) et de conduite autonome (systmes AD), et Prospector Capital Corp. ( Prospector ) (Nasdaq : PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), une socit d'acquisition vocation spcifique cote en bourse dirige par l'ancien prsident de Qualcomm, Derek Aberle et prside par l'ancien vice–prsident du conseil d'administration de Qualcomm, Steve Altman, ont annonc aujourd'hui la conclusion d'un accord dfinitif de regroupement d'entreprises qui permettra LeddarTech de devenir une socit cote en bourse. la clture de la transaction, prvue pour le quatrime trimestre 2023, LeddarTech devrait tre cote sur la Nasdaq sous le nouveau symbole LDTC .

La transaction valorise LeddarTech une valeur nette pro forma de 348 millions $ US, en supposant qu'aucun actionnaire public de Prospector n'exerce ses droits de rachat et la conversion complte du IPAP convertible (sans tenir compte d'ajustements de type earn–out verss aux actionnaires existants de LeddarTech ou au commanditaire de Prospector) et devrait rapporter LeddarTech jusqu' 66 millions $ US de produit brut en espces, qui serviront financer la commercialisation de ses premires solutions logicielles embarques, largir son offre de produits et accrotre ses engagements clients.

LeddarTech est un fournisseur de logiciels de fusion bas niveau de capteurs et de perception de pointe pour systmes ADAS et AD. La solution logicielle de LeddarTech est indpendante tant des capteurs que du processeur utilis et rduit considrablement les cots pour les manufacturiers et les quipementiers d'automobiles (Tier 1 et 2), tout en offrant une performance et une volutivit amliores pour les systmes ADAS/AD des vhicules d'entre de gamme jusqu'aux vhicules haut de gamme. Les segments ADAS et AD constituent le plus grand march des logiciels pour automobiles et devraient crotre un taux de croissance annuel compos de 11 % pour atteindre 42 milliards $ US d'ici 20301. L'entreprise dispose d'un avantage impressionnant en tant que prcurseur avec plus de sept annes d'exprience dans le domaine des logiciels de fusion bas niveau des donnes de capteurs et de perception, et dtient plus de 150 brevets dposs (80 accords) couvrant un large ventail de technologies fondamentales telles que l'acquisition et le traitement de signal, la fusion et la perception.

Nous sommes heureux de nous associer Prospector pour consolider notre position de chef de file dans le secteur naissant des logiciels pour automobiles. Cette transaction devrait nous fournir les capitaux et les ressources ncessaires pour investir dans notre quipe exceptionnelle et faire passer l'entreprise la vitesse suprieure en la positionnant de manire signer des contrats et stimuler la croissance de nos activits. Je me rjouis que LeddarTech ait franchi cette tape importante qui, selon nous, en fera l'une des rares socits publiques dans le domaine des logiciels ADAS et AD , a dclar Charles Boulanger, chef de la direction de LeddarTech. Et de poursuivre : Aprs avoir dirig l'entreprise depuis 2013, j'ai dcid de me retirer de mon poste de chef de la direction une fois la transaction conclue. Frantz Saintellemy, prsident et chef de l'exploitation, me succdera en tant que chef de la direction de LeddarTech, et je prvois rester dans l'entreprise en tant que conseiller spcial et membre du conseil d'administration de LeddarTech .

M. Saintellemy a comment : L'industrie de l'automobile reconnat de plus en plus que l'architecture des logiciels de fusion bas niveau de capteurs et de perception sera l'architecture de choix pour les prochaines gnrations de systmes ADAS et AD, car elle rduit considrablement le cot de ces systmes, limine les interdpendances entre capteurs et processeurs et amliore la scurit. Nous disposons d'une solution unique et d'avant–garde pour la fusion de bas niveau de capteurs et la perception qui, selon nous, contribuera la prochaine vague de systmes ADAS et AD, l'industrie continuant d'voluer vers des vhicules intelligents ayant de plus en plus de fonctionnalits actives par logiciel. Nous travaillons activement avec plusieurs clients pour intgrer notre technologie de pointe .

Au cours de mon mandat chez Qualcomm, j'ai pu constater la valeur considrable qui peut tre cre lorsque des entreprises innovantes dotes de technologies fondamentales perturbent des secteurs d'activit , a dclar le chef de la direction de Prospector, Derek Aberle. Nous pensons que LeddarTech a le potentiel pour y parvenir. Nous sommes ravis de nous associer l'quipe de direction de LeddarTech pour contribuer la croissance et l'adoption de leurs produits, et nous pensons que cela reprsente une opportunit d'investissement intressante pour nos actionnaires . l'issue de la transaction, M. Aberle devrait devenir prsident du conseil d'administration de LeddarTech.

Aperu de la transaction

Le conseil d'administration de Prospector, de mme que le conseil d'administration de LeddarTech, ont approuv l'unanimit la transaction, qui est soumise la satisfaction des conditions de clture habituelles, dont l'approbation des actionnaires de LeddarTech et de Prospector et la rception d'une ordonnance finale de la Cour suprieure de justice du Qubec.

L'entit combine recevra environ 23 millions $ US en espces provenant du compte en fiducie de Prospector, en supposant qu'aucun actionnaire public de Prospector n'exerce ses droits de rachat, ainsi que 43 millions $ US de produit brut en espces provenant d'investisseurs (IPAP), dont le promoteur de Prospector, FS Investors (une socit affilie au promoteur de Prospector), Investissement Qubec en tant que reprsentant du gouvernement du Qubec, Desjardins Capital et BDC Capital, qui ont particip la transaction par le biais d'un placement priv convertible dans LeddarTech.

Renseignements sur la confrence tlphonique

LeddarTech et Prospector ont enregistr une confrence tlphonique et une prsentation de la transaction l'intention des investisseurs, consultables l'adresse suivante : Relations avec les investisseurs – LeddarTech.

Pour les relations avec les investisseurs, y compris une copie de la prsentation aux investisseurs telle qu'elle a t dpose auprs de la SEC, veuillez consulter le site web de LeddarTech l'adresse Relations avec les investisseurs – LeddarTech ou le site web de la SEC pour les dclarations de Prospector.

Conseillers

TD Cowen agit comme conseiller financier exclusif de Prospector, et Current Capital agit comme conseiller financier ayant fourni une attestation d'quit au conseil d'administration de Prospector. Stikeman Elliot LLP et Vedder Price LLP reprsentent LeddarTech titre de conseillers juridiques. Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP et White & Case LLP reprsentent Prospector titre de conseillers juridiques. Goodwin Procter LLP agit comme conseiller juridique de TD Cowen.

propos de Prospector Capital Corp.

Prospector est une socit d'acquisition vocation spcifique cre dans le but de raliser une fusion, un change d'actions, une acquisition d'actifs, un achat d'actions, une rorganisation ou un regroupement d'entreprises similaire avec une ou plusieurs entreprises, avec l'accent sur les socits proposant des solutions avances et hautement diffrencies pour le secteur technologique. La socit est dirige par une quipe d'investisseurs et de cadres expriments qui se concentrent sur l'identification et les investissements dans des entreprises forte croissance dotes d'quipes de gestion solides et d'opportunits de march attrayantes. Les titres de Prospector se ngocient sur le Nasdaq sous les symboles PRSR , PRSRU et PRSRW .

propos de LeddarTech

Entreprise mondiale de logiciels fonde en 2007, base Qubec et disposant de centres de R&D supplmentaires Montral, Toronto et Tel Aviv (Isral), LeddarTech dveloppe et propose des solutions de perception logicielles compltes qui permettent le dploiement d'applications ADAS et de conduite autonome. Le logiciel de classe automobile de LeddarTech applique l'intelligence artificielle avance et des algorithmes de vision numrique afin de gnrer des modles 3D prcis de l'environnement, pour une meilleure prise de dcision et une navigation plus sre. Cette technologie performante, volutive et conomique, permet la mise en "uvre efficace de solutions ADAS pour vhicules automobiles et hors route par les quipementiers et fournisseurs de rang 1 et 2.

Dtentrice de plus de 150 brevets accords ou dposs, l'entreprise a contribu plusieurs innovations lies des applications de tldtection et qui amliorent les capacits des systmes d'aide la conduite et de conduite autonome. Une plus grande conscience situationnelle est essentielle pour rendre la mobilit plus sre, efficace, durable et abordable : c'est ce qui motive LeddarTech vouloir devenir la solution logicielle de fusion des donnes de capteurs et de perception la plus largement adopte.

Renseignements complmentaires disponibles sur http://www.leddartech.com/fr et Relations avec les investisseurs – LeddarTech.

Renseignements importants sur la transaction propose et o les trouver

Dans le cadre du regroupement d'entreprises propos, Prospector, LeddarTech et l'entit combine prpareront et dposeront auprs de la SEC la dclaration d'enregistrement sur le formulaire F–4 (la dclaration d'enregistrement ). Prospector, LeddarTech et l'entit combine prpareront et dposeront la dclaration d'enregistrement auprs de la SEC, et Prospector enverra la dclaration d'enregistrement ses actionnaires et dposera d'autres documents concernant le regroupement d'entreprises auprs de la SEC. Le prsent communiqu de presse ne se substitue aucune circulaire de sollicitation de procurations, dclaration d'enregistrement, circulaire de sollicitation de procurations/prospectus ou autres documents que Prospector ou l'entit combine pourrait dposer auprs de la SEC dans le cadre du regroupement d'entreprises. LES INVESTISSEURS ET LES PORTEURS DE TITRES SONT INSTAMMENT PRIS DE LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT ET DANS LEUR INTGRALIT LA DCLARATION D'ENREGISTREMENT LORSQU'ELLE SERA DISPONIBLE, TOUT AMENDEMENT OU SUPPLMENT LA DCLARATION D'ENREGISTREMENT ET TOUT AUTRE DOCUMENT DPOS PAR PROSPECTOR OU L'ENTIT COMBINE AUPRS DE LA SEC DANS LE CADRE DU REGROUPEMENT D'ENTREPRISES, CAR CES DOCUMENTS CONTIENDRONT DES RENSEIGNEMENTS IMPORTANTS. Les investisseurs et les dtenteurs de titres pourront obtenir gratuitement des copies de la dclaration d'enregistrement et des autres documents dposs auprs de la SEC par Prospector ou l'entit combine sur le site web gr par la SEC l'adresse www.sec.gov.

L'INVESTISSEMENT DANS LES TITRES DCRITS AUX PRSENTES N'A T NI APPROUV NI DSAPPROUV PAR LA SEC OU TOUTE AUTRE AUTORIT DE RGULATION, ET AUCUNE AUTORIT NE S'EST PRONONCE SUR LE BIEN–FOND DE LA TRANSACTION PROPOSE DANS LE CADRE DE LAQUELLE LES TITRES DOIVENT TRE OFFERTS, NI SUR L'EXACTITUDE OU L'ADQUATION DES RENSEIGNEMENTS CONTENUS AUX PRSENTES. TOUTE DCLARATION L'EFFET CONTRAIRE CONSTITUE UNE INFRACTION PNALE.

noncs prospectifs

Certains noncs contenus dans le prsent communiqu de presse peuvent tre considrs comme des noncs prospectifs au sens du Private Securities Litigation Reform Act de 1995, de la section 27A du Securities Act et de la section 21E de l'Exchange Act des tats–Unis (lesquels noncs prospectifs comprennent galement les noncs prospectifs et les renseignements prospectifs au sens des lois canadiennes sur les valeurs mobilires applicables), y compris, mais sans s'y limiter, les noncs concernant le regroupement d'entreprises impliquant Prospector, LeddarTech et l'entit combine, la capacit raliser le regroupement d'entreprises et son calendrier, les avantages attendus du regroupement d'entreprises, la clture du financement par placement priv et le produit attendu de celui–ci, ainsi que les noncs relatifs la stratgie, aux oprations futures, aux perspectives, aux objectifs et aux projections financires et autres mesures financires anticips de l'entreprise regroupe. Les noncs prospectifs comprennent gnralement des noncs de nature prvisionnelle qui dpendent d'vnements ou de conditions venir ou qui s'y rfrent, et comprennent des termes tels que pouvoir , anticiper , prvoir , avoir l'intention de , estimer , planifier , croire , s'attendre , projeter de et autres expressions similaires et verbes au futur et au conditionnel notamment. Les noncs qui ne sont pas des faits historiques sont des noncs prospectifs. Les noncs prospectifs reposent sur des convictions et des hypothses actuelles qui sont soumises des risques et des incertitudes et ne constituent pas des garanties de performance future. Les rsultats rels peuvent diffrer sensiblement de ceux contenus dans un nonc prospectif en raison de divers facteurs, y compris, mais sans s'y limiter : (i) le risque que les conditions de clture du regroupement d'entreprises ne soient pas remplies, y compris le dfaut d'obtenir en temps voulu ou non l'approbation des actionnaires pour le regroupement d'entreprises ou le dfaut d'obtenir en temps voulu ou non les autorisations rglementaires requises, y compris en vertu de la loi HSR ou de la Cour suprieure de justice du Qubec; (ii) les incertitudes quant au calendrier de ralisation du regroupement d'entreprises et la capacit de Prospector, de LeddarTech et de l'entit combine raliser le regroupement d'entreprises; (iii) la possibilit que d'autres avantages prvus du regroupement d'entreprises ne se ralisent pas, et le traitement fiscal prvu du regroupement d'entreprises; (iv) la survenance de tout vnement susceptible de donner lieu la rsiliation du regroupement d'entreprises; (v) le risque que des litiges entre actionnaires lis au regroupement d'entreprises ou autres rglements ou enqutes affectent le calendrier ou la ralisation du regroupement d'entreprises ou entranent des cots importants de dfense, indemnisation et responsabilit; (vi) l'volution de la conjoncture conomique gnrale et/ou des conditions propres l'industrie; (vii) les ventuelles perturbations dues au regroupement d'entreprises susceptibles de nuire aux activits de LeddarTech; (viii) la capacit de LeddarTech retenir, attirer et embaucher du personnel cl; (ix) les ractions ou changements ngatifs potentiels dans les relations avec les clients, employs, fournisseurs ou autres parties rsultant de l'annonce ou de la ralisation du regroupement d'entreprises; (x) l'incertitude commerciale potentielle, y compris les changements dans les relations commerciales existantes, pendant la dure du regroupement d'entreprises, susceptible d'affecter la performance financire de LeddarTech; (xi) les dveloppements lgislatifs, rglementaires et conomiques; (xii) l'imprvisibilit et la gravit d'vnements catastrophiques, y compris, mais sans s'y limiter, les actes de terrorisme, le dclenchement d'une guerre ou d'hostilits et toute pidmie, pandmie ou apparition de maladie (y compris la COVID–19), ainsi que la rponse de la direction l'un des facteurs susmentionns; et (xiii) les autres facteurs de risque dtaills de temps autre dans les rapports de Prospector dposs auprs de la SEC, y compris le rapport annuel de Prospector sur le formulaire 10–K, les rapports trimestriels priodiques sur le formulaire 10–Q, les rapports courants priodiques sur le formulaire 8–K et autres documents dposs auprs de la SEC. La liste des facteurs importants ci–dessus n'est pas exhaustive. Ni Prospector ni LeddarTech ne peuvent garantir que les conditions du regroupement d'entreprises seront remplies. Sauf si la loi applicable l'exige, ni Prospector ni LeddarTech ne s'engagent rviser ou mettre jour les noncs prospectifs, ni mentionner d'autres noncs prospectifs, que ce soit la suite de nouvelles informations, d'vnements futurs ou autres.

Absence d'offre ou de sollicitation

Le prsent communiqu de presse ne constitue pas une offre de vente ou la sollicitation d'une offre d'achat de titres de Prospector ou de l'entit combine, ni une sollicitation de vote ou d'approbation, et il n'y aura pas de vente de titres dans une juridiction o une telle offre, sollicitation ou vente serait illgale avant l'enregistrement ou la qualification en vertu de la lgislation sur les valeurs mobilires d'une telle juridiction. Aucune offre de valeurs mobilires ne peut tre faite si ce n'est au moyen d'un prospectus rpondant aux exigences de la loi sur les valeurs mobilires.

Participants la sollicitation

Prospector, LeddarTech et l'entit combine, ainsi que certains de leurs administrateurs, dirigeants et employs respectifs, peuvent tre considrs comme des participants la sollicitation de procurations dans le cadre du regroupement d'entreprises. Des renseignements sur les administrateurs et les dirigeants de Prospector sont disponibles dans le rapport annuel sur le formulaire 10–K pour l'exercice clos le 31 dcembre 2022, qui a t dpos auprs de la SEC le 31 mars 2023. Les renseignements concernant les personnes qui peuvent, en vertu des rgles de la SEC, tre considres comme des participants la sollicitation de procurations dans le cadre du regroupement d'entreprises, y compris une description de leurs intrts directs ou indirects, par la dtention de titres ou autrement, seront prsents dans la dclaration d'enregistrement et dans d'autres documents pertinents lorsqu'ils seront dposs auprs de la SEC. Ces documents peuvent tre obtenus gratuitement auprs de la source indique ci–dessus.

Contact de l'entreprise :
Daniel Aitken, vice–prsident, Marketing, communications et relations avec les investisseurs mondiaux, LeddarTech Inc.
Tl. : + 1–418–653–9000 poste 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

Contact relations investisseurs :
Kevin Hunt
ICR Inc.
Kevin.Hunt@IcrInc.com

Contact mdias :
Dan Brennan
ICR Inc.
Dan.Brennan@icrinc.com

Contact relations investisseurs et site web : InvestorRelations@LeddarTech.com
https://investors.leddartech.com/French/Apercu/default.aspx

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision et les logos associs sont des marques de commerce ou des marques dposes de LeddarTech Inc. et de ses filiales. Tous les autres noms de marques, noms de produits et marques sont ou peuvent tre des marques de commerce ou des marques dposes utilises pour dsigner les produits ou les services de leurs propritaires respectifs.

Une photo associe ce communiqu de presse est disponible l'adresse suivante :
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7520e9a2–3dca–4e3e–815b–84a4ccc6a193/fr

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1 Source : McKinsey.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8856558)

Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Signs Exclusive Direct to Consumer Distribution Deal With Membership Wine Community Crurated

LONDON, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crurated, the London–based membership wine community designed to connect connoisseurs with world–class producers, has partnered with Domaine Arnoux–Lachaux on an exclusive direct to consumer distribution deal. Charles Lachaux signed with Crurated to be his exclusive distributor of wines (https://bit.ly/3o7IONF) last year with barrel and bottle sales doing exceptionally well. Following this success Florence (his mother) and Charles signed an exclusive deal to bring the full range of Domaine Arnoux–Lachaux wines into the Crurated community.

"Crurated uses technology and the blockchain to modernize the way wine is sold. This approach provides verifiable provenance for every single bottle of wine that leaves our Domaine and enters their warehouse," said Charles. "Through unique events, the team is also building a bridge between us and the people who are buying our wines. This connection allows us to communicate our winemaking philosophy and creates a stronger connection with wine lovers all over the globe."

The sale of Domaine Arnoux–Lachaux wines on the Crurated platform will take place from June 19 – 25, 2023. Wines include, lot of six bottles, one of each:
Bourgogne Pinot Fin 2020
Nuits–St–Georges 2020
Nuits–St–Georges “Les Poisets” 2020
Nuits–St–Georges 1er Cru “Clos Des Corves Pagets” 2020
Vosne–Romane 1er Cru “Les Chaumes” 2020
Vosne–Romane 1er Cru “Les Grands Suchots” 2020

Over the last year Crurated has hosted multiple, in person events with Charles. From November 6–11 of this year, Crurated and Charles will host events in Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Participants in these winemaker events will have the chance to taste a selection of Lachaux wines paired with dinners prepared by some of the top chefs in Asia. An event in the United States will take place in 2024. Details around the Asia events and others will be available at https://crurated.com/events/.

"For six generations the Arnoux–Lachaux family has been pushing the boundaries of Burgundian winemaking and we are very fortunate to be working directly with their entire team," said Alfonso de Gaetano, Founder of Crurated. "With the 2020 Romanee–Saint–Vivant Grand Cru recently receiving a 99 Rating from Robert Parker, we know that our members will jump at the chance to take advantage of the lots we'll be releasing throughout the rest of the year."

Each bottle of Domaine Arnoux–Lachaux wine will be accompanied with an NFT. Recorded forever on the blockchain, the NFT verifies the authenticity of the bottle and provides other important details including ownership history, vintage, vineyard location, and varietal. The NFTs are easily accessible by tapping on an NFC or RFID enabled phone. The bottle history is also updated via a new blockchain recording anytime the wine is resold and the token moves from one client to another.

Although Domaine Arnoux–Lachaux wines will be sold directly to consumers exclusively through the Crurated platform, B2B restaurant sales will still be handled by distributors.

About Crurated
Launched in 2021 with an emphasis on France and Italy, Crurated is a membership–based wine community designed to connect connoisseurs with world–class producers. A team of specialists provides personalized services and authentic experiences, while Crurated's seamless logistics service guarantees quality and provenance thanks to secure wine cellar storage and innovative blockchain technology. To become a member visit crurated.com.

About Arnoux–Lachaux
A wine estate founded in 1858, Domaine Arnoux–Lachaux has 14 hectares of some of the most prized vineyards in Vosne–Romane and equally high–quality vineyards in Nuits–Saint–Georges. Florence Arnoux–Lachaux and her eldest son Charles share a deep attachment to the family heritage entrusted by previous generations. With each release, the Estate strives to translate the expression of the terroirs as well as possible in order to produce "Pinot Noir" of emotion and pleasure.

PR Contact
Michael Volpatt
Michael@larkinvolpatt.com
415.994.8864

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97368a35–5cd8–4103–8989–c742d8a016b2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c40263a–87a6–47af–ad49–781599128495


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8856534)

Haikenen? Aineken? Heineken®? Saber escrever o nome certo não necessariamente garante bons momentos, mas a marca de cerveja mais internacional do mundo sabe o que pode.

Amsterdam, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Heineken , uma das marcas de cerveja mais reconhecidas do mundo, est hoje comemorando seu 150 aniversrio com uma celebrao indita das muitas maneiras pelas quais foi apelidada, erroneamente escrita ou mal servida ao longo dos anos. Tudo isso para mostrar como os bons momentos e as conexes verdadeiras que surgem tomando uma cerveja so, no fim das contas, o que realmente importa.

As famosas palavras de Freddy Heineken "Eu no vendo cerveja, eu vendo gezelligheid" nunca soaram to verdadeiras. "Gezelligheid" pode ser traduzido como aquela sensao de bons momentos, algo que esteve no cerne da marca Heineken nos ltimos 150 anos. Para celebrar este momento marcante, a Heineken est colocando os bons momentos no centro das suas comemoraes globais de aniversrio.

claro que os bons momentos mudaram ao longo dos 150 anos de existncia da Heineken e continuaro mudando, mas sua importncia na vida das pessoas permanece a mesma. Reconhecendo isso e como parte da celebrao, a marca Heineken trabalhou com acadmicos para entender melhor os ingredientes necessrios para proporcionar essa sensao de "bons momentos" nos dias de hoje; uma necessidade humana surpreendentemente pouco estudada.

Marcando um momento importante na sua histria, a Heineken decidiu evoluir a forma com a qual mede o sucesso, concentrando–se no apenas no volume de cerveja que vende, mas tambm nos bons momentos que entrega para seus clientes em mais de 190 pases.

Para fazer isso, a Heineken colaborou com o cientista comportamental Dr. Chris Brauer, da Goldsmiths, University of London, para criar o "Good Times Index", um novo modelo de medio da marca que pontuar sua contribuio para criar as condies perfeitas para bons momentos. Combinando pesquisa comportamental humana com pesquisa global, o ndice identificou as cinco condies principais de que as pessoas precisam universalmente para vivenciar bons momentos, como mente aberta, incluso e conexo humana:

Com o Good Times Index em vigor, a Heineken se mantm fiel sua viso ao se tornar a primeira marca de cerveja a ter oficialmente a "entrega de bons momentos" como uma das maneiras pelas quais mede seu desempenho anual, junto s mtricas de vendas e outras mtricas de rastreamento da marca.

Bram Westenbrink, diretor global da marca Heineken , declarou: "Proporcionar bons momentos est em nosso DNA h 150 anos. por isso que estamos desenvolvendo as mtricas da nossa marca para mostrar que criar bons momentos to importante quanto a cerveja que produzimos. Ao entender melhor as condies por trs dos bons momentos no mundo de hoje, podemos continuar criando experincias que promovem essa sensao de gezelligheid para todos os nossos clientes globais, seja atravs das mensagens em nossa publicidade, nossos patrocnios e eventos ou, claro, nossa gama de produtos, incluindo nossa Heineken 0.0 sem lcool ou nossa Heineken Silver com um sabor mais moderno. A nossa meta continuar oferecendo bons momentos, de uma maneira ou de outra, pelos prximos 150 anos e alm."

O Dr. Chris Brauer, diretor de inovao da Goldsmiths, University of London, disse: "Quando iniciamos este projeto, reconhecemos que a compreenso do que um bom momento exigia uma perspectiva nova e mais moderna. Junto Heineken , trabalhamos para entender melhor as vrias dimenses que compem esse sentimento de "bons momentos" e as maneiras pelas quais ele vivenciado hoje. Os bons momentos no so apenas uma coisa ou outra, so uma infinidade de experincias, necessidades, desejos e sentimentos diferentes e subjetivos que ajudam a criar uma sensao e a satisfazer necessidades de ordem superior. Nunca houve um momento ou oportunidade mais importante para medir o papel e a prevalncia de bons momentos em nossas vidas, por isso estou animado para ver uma marca como a Heineken tomar medidas srias para garantir que esteja entendendo melhor e permitindo mais essa sensao de "gezelligheid"."

PESQUISA PARA ENTENDER OS "BONS MOMENTOS" EM TODO O MUNDO

Os resultados inaugurais da Heineken do Good Times Index vm em um momento socialmente importante em todo o mundo, j que 87% acreditam que agora mais importante do que nunca se divertir.

Pesquisas adicionais com consumidores da Heineken mostram que 82% acham mais importante estar com os amigos do que se a noite vai sair como planejada. Surpreendentemente, 75% dos entrevistados acreditam que as pessoas com quem voc assiste a um jogo so mais importantes do que se seu time ganhasse.

Apesar do fato de que 87% dos entrevistados acreditam que as oportunidades de se conectar pessoalmente com pessoas queridas se tornaram ainda mais importantes desde a pandemia, mais da metade (61%) concordou que, considerando o clima econmico atual, mais provvel que eles trabalhem fazendo horas extras e sacrifiquem momentos sociais com amigos e familiares.

No entanto, muitos continuam com a mente aberta sobre os bons momentos que esto por vir, com a grande maioria (88%) das pessoas concordando que suas melhores memrias so de momentos inesperados. Essa mente aberta acompanha as formas como socializamos, pois 78% concordam que importante socializar com pessoas que nem sempre compartilham as mesmas opinies que elas, um sentimento que possui mais fora no Brasil (84%) e no Reino Unido (81%).

ATIVIDADE DA HEINEKEN PARA CELEBRAR O H150

Para ajudar a dar vida ao compromisso da marca com os bons momentos, a campanha de marketing em veculos de comunicao leva os consumidores em uma jornada ao redor do mundo para abraar todas as diferentes maneiras pelas quais as pessoas se adaptam e desfrutam de momentos sociais e memrias com a Heineken , desde uma tatuagem incorreta do logotipo a uma Heineken original sendo servida com limo, canudo e gelo. O vdeo descontrado mostra a marca celebrando os bons momentos que ela oferece, mesmo que a maneira como os consumidores a escrevem ou apreciam no seja 100% correta ou como originalmente pretendido.

Para aumentar ainda mais a diverso, a Heineken substituir seu logotipo com vrias ortografias alternativas que viu ao longo dos anos, aparecendo em todas as contas de redes sociais e pginas do site da Heineken , bem como em vrios novos caminhes eltricos.

O vdeo completo, desenvolvido pela agncia criativa Le Pub Milan, est disponvel para assistir on–line: aqui.

– ENDS –

Editorial information:

Please find the high–resolution campaign images of the collaboration and campaign here.

For more information, please contact: hnknbrand@edelman.com

About HEINEKEN:
HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long–term brand investment, disciplined sales execution, and focused cost management. Through “Brewing a Better World”, sustainability is embedded in the business.

HEINEKEN has a well–balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ over 85,000 employees and operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY).

Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN's website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com and follow us on Twitter via @HEINEKENCorp.

Fotos deste comunicado podem ser encontradas em:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1e42fe2–94d7–4137–bdb0–866b4a6fea23

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8857099)

Food Insecurity Fears as Pakistan Faces Cyclone, Monsoon Season

Temporary medical camps are still the norm in some areas of Pakistan as the country struggles to recover from last year’s flooding. Now areas of the country are facing Cyclone Biparjoy and a monsoon season, and warnings are that food insecurity may increase. Credit: Ashfaq Yusufzai/IPS

By Ashfaq Yusufzai
PESHAWAR, Jun 13 2023 – A warning by the UN that Pakistan may face acute food insecurity in the coming months should serve as a wake-up call for the government to focus on the flood-hit areas where the people still live without shelter, medication, and proper food, analysts say.

The warning comes as the National Forecasting Centre in Islamabad warned of an extremely severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy that is expected to make landfall in the country in the coming days.

A mass evacuation of about 80,000 people from its path in Sindh province and India’s Gujarat state is underway in areas where severe storms and high winds are expected.

Ahead of the storm and the expected monsoon season, a recent United Nations report warned that acute food insecurity in Pakistan is likely to be further exacerbated in coming months if the economic and political crisis further worsens, compounding the effects of the 2022 floods – which the country is yet to recover from.

The report titled “Hunger Hotspots” was jointly published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), is a stark reminder to the government, which is yet to cater to the needs of the population hit by severe floods in June-July last year. The two UN agencies have further warned that acute food insecurity will likely deteriorate further in 81 hunger spots — comprising 22 countries, including Pakistan, during the outlook period from June to November 2023.

Projected path of Cyclone Biparjoy which is expected to result in the evacuation of about 80,000 people. Credit: India Meteorological Department

The projected path of Cyclone Biparjoy.  About 80,000 people are expected to be evacuated ahead of the storm. Credit: India Meteorological Department

According to the report, Pakistan, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Congo, and Syria are hotspots with great concern, and the warning is also extended to Myanmar.

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Tariq Bashir Cheema, disputed the report regarding possible “acute food insecurity” in Pakistan and termed it “an effort to spread sensationalism and declare the country a hunger hotspot like African countries.”

He alleged that the two UN agencies wanted to declare Pakistan a “hotspot” for famine like African countries.

“Pakistan had a bumper wheat crop this year, and 28.5 million tonnes of wheat production had been recorded, along with the carry-over stock of the previous year,” he told IPS.

However, analysts and NGOs working in the field said the report was accurate and urged the government to take strong measures for food security before the new wave of flooding.

Almost one year after unprecedented floods ravaged Pakistan, more than 10 million people living in flood-affected areas remain deprived of safe drinking water, leaving families with no alternative to use potentially disease-ridden water, Muhammad Zaheer, an economist, told IPS.

In January, donors pledged more than USD10.7 billion for Pakistan’s flood-stricken population in Geneva against an estimated USD16.3 billion recovery bill.

“All the amount pledged at the conference are loans which will be sent to the government from time to time. However, the flood-stricken people are yet to benefit,” he said.

Zaheer said that affected people in Sindh, Balochistan, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa need support due to the fear of more rains.

According to the report, over 8.5 million people were likely to experience high levels of acute food insecurity.

The situation has been compounded by last year’s floods which caused damage and economic losses of Rs30bn to the agriculture sector.

According to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), a  Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) estimated flood damages to exceed USD 14.9 billion, economic losses over USD 15.2 billion, and reconstruction need over $16.3 billion.

The food insecurity and malnutrition situation will likely worsen in the outlook period, as economic and political crises are reducing households’ purchasing power and ability to buy food and other essential goods, it notes.

A UNICEF report said that an estimated 20.6 million people, including 9.6 million children, need humanitarian assistance in hard-hit districts with high malnutrition, poor access to water and sanitation, and low school enrollment.

“Frail, hungry children are fighting a losing battle against severe acute malnutrition, diarrhea, malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, acute respiratory infections, and painful skin conditions. As well as physical ailments, the longer the crisis continues, the greater the risk to children’s mental health,” it said.

UNICEF will continue to respond to urgent humanitarian needs while also restoring and rehabilitating existing health, water, sanitation, and education facilities for families returning home. An estimated 3.5 million children, especially girls, are at high risk of permanently dropping out of school.

“But much more support is needed to ensure we can reach all families displaced by floods and help them overcome this climate disaster. It will take months, if not years, for families to recover from the sheer scale of the devastation,” it said.

The floods affected 33 million people, while more than 1,700 lives were lost, and more than 2.2 million houses were damaged or destroyed. The floods damaged most of the water systems in affected areas, forcing more than 5.4 million people, including 2.5 million children, to rely solely on contaminated water from ponds and wells.

Sultana Bibi, who lost her home and a few cattle in the flood in Swat district, said there was no government assistance so far.

“We have received some foodstuff from the local NGO in the early days, but we need financial assistance to rebuild our homes. Many people still live with their relatives,” Bibi, 50, told IPS.

Representatives of Al-Khidmat Foundation, a national NGO, which is on the ground in Swat and other areas to help the people, said the situation is yet to improve.

“Unsafe water and poor sanitation are key underlying causes of malnutrition. The associated diseases, such as diarrhea, prevent children from getting the vital nutrients they need. Malnourished children are also more susceptible to waterborne diseases due to already weakened immune systems, which perpetuates a vicious cycle of malnutrition and infection,” he said.

“We fear more flood as June has begun. Last year, we faced severe floods during this month. The government is required to help the people,” analyst Abdul Hakim said.

Hakim, a university lecturer in environmental sciences in Swat district, told IPS that the people would be worst-hit in case of floods this year, and the people haven’t recovered from the last year’s devastating rainwaters.

Pakistan Medical Association’s Dr Abdul Ghafoor said that people still rely on medical camps organized by NGOs as health facilities destroyed by floods haven’t been operational.

“We want the government to take the FAO/WFP report seriously and safeguard the affected people against water and food-borne ailments,” he told IPS.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 


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Haikenen? Aineken? Heineken®? Spelling it correctly won’t create good times, but the world’s most international beer brand knows what can

AMSTERDAM, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heineken , one of the world's most recognised beer brands, is today marking its 150th anniversary with an unconventional celebration of the many ways the brand has been nicknamed, misspelled or mis–served over the years, all to showcase how good times and sparking true connections over a beer are, in the end, what matters most.

Freddy Heineken's famous words "I don't sell beer, I sell gezelligheid" have never rung so true. "Gezelligheid" translated is that feeling of good times, something that has been at the heart of the Heineken brand for the last 150 years. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Heineken is putting good times front and centre of its global birthday festivities.

Of course, good times have changed over the 150 years of Heineken 's existence and will continue to do so, but their importance in people's lives have not. Recognising this and as part of the anniversary celebration, the Heineken brand has worked with academics to better understand the ingredients that are needed to deliver that feeling of "good times" in the modern day; a surprisingly under–studied human need.

Marking a turning point in the brand's history, Heineken has decided to evolve the way it measures success "" focusing not just on the volume of beer it sells but also the good times it delivers for its customers in over 190 countries.

To do this, Heineken has collaborated with behavioural scientist Dr Chris Brauer, Goldsmiths, University of London, to create the 'Good Times Index', a new brand measurement model which will score the brand's contribution to creating the perfect conditions for good times. Through human behavioural research, the index has identified five core conditions that people universally need to experience good times, including open–mindedness, inclusivity, and human connection:

With the Good Times Index in place, Heineken is staying true to its vision by becoming the first beer brand to officially have "delivering good times" as part of the way it measures its annual performance "" alongside sales and other brand tracking metrics.

Bram Westenbrink, Global Head, Heineken Brand, said: "Brewing good times has been in our DNA for 150 years. That is why we are evolving our brand metrics to show that creating good times is equally as important as the beer we produce. By better understanding the conditions behind good times in today's world, we can continue to create experiences for all our global customers that promote that feeling of gezelligheid "" whether that is through the messages in our advertising, our sponsorships and events or of course our range of products including our non–alcoholic Heineken 0.0 or our more modern flavoured Heineken Silver. It is our goal that we will continue to deliver good times, one way or another, for the next 150 years and beyond."

Dr Chris Brauer, Director of Innovation at Goldsmiths, University of London, said: "When we came to this project, we recognised that the understanding of what makes a good time, required a new and fresher perspective. Together with Heineken , we have worked to better understand the multiple dimensions that make up that feeling of "Good Times", and the ways in which it is experienced today. Good times are not just one thing or another, they are a multitude of different and subjective feelings, experiences, wants and needs that help generate a sensation and fulfil higher order needs. There has never been a more important time or opportunity to measure the role and prevalence of good times in our lives, so I'm excited to see a brand like Heineken take serious steps to ensure that they are better understanding and enabling that feeling of "gezelligheid"."

RESEARCH UNDERSTANDING "GOOD TIMES' AROUND THE WORLD

Heineken's inaugural results from the Good Times Index comes at an important moment socially around the world, as 87% of consumers believe it is more important now than ever for them to have a good time. But one thing that is consistent, is that good times are best enjoyed together.

Additional consumer research from Heineken shows that 82% care more about being with friends than if their night goes to plan. Surprisingly, 75% of respondents believe that the people you watch a sport match with is more important than if your team wins.

Despite the fact 87% of respondents believe opportunities to connect in person with loved ones have become even more important since the pandemic, over half (61%) agreed that given the current economic climate, they would be more likely to work overtime and sacrifice social moments with friends and family.

Nevertheless, many remain open–minded about good times ahead, with the vast majority (88%) agreeing their best memories come from unexpected moments. This open–mindedness follows through into the ways we socialise, as 78% agree it is important to socialise with people that don't always share the same views as them "" a sentiment most strongly held in Brazil (84%) and the UK (81%).

HEINEKEN ACTIVITY CELEBRATING H150

To help bring the brand's commitment to good times to life, the anniversary's tongue–in–cheek ATL campaign takes viewers on a journey around the globe to embrace all the different ways people adapt and enjoy social moments and memories with Heineken – ranging from an incorrectly spelt tattoo of the logo to a Heineken Original being served with a lime, straw and ice. The light–hearted video sees the brewer celebrate the good times it provides "" even if the way consumers spell or enjoy it isn't 100% correct or as originally intended.

To further poke fun at itself, Heineken will replace its logo with a number of alternative spellings it has seen over the years, appearing across all of Heineken's social media accounts and website pages, as well as on several new electric lorries.

The full video, developed by creative agency Le Pub Milan is available to watch online: HERE.

Editorial information:

Please find the high–resolution campaign images of the collaboration and campaign here.

For more information, please contact: hnknbrand@edelman.com or +447580979333.

About HEINEKEN:
HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long–term brand investment, disciplined sales execution, and focused cost management. Through “Brewing a Better World”, sustainability is embedded in the business.

HEINEKEN has a well–balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ over 85,000 employees and operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY).

Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN's website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com and follow us on Twitter via @HEINEKENCorp.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1e42fe2–94d7–4137–bdb0–866b4a6fea23

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/155922eb–bea4–402f–9e2b–01709537630d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5890685–6de4–4f50–97e0–18df342c03d9

The photos are also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8857069)

State of Asians in the UN: Need for Proactive, Inclusive & Collective Leadership

By Shihana Mohamed
UNITED NATIONS, Jun 13 2023 – The United Nations system has an agreed leadership framework that is inclusive and respectful of all personnel and stakeholders, embracing diversity and rejecting discrimination in all its forms.

It is collaborative, reflecting the interdependent imperatives of the UN Charter and seeking collective “as one” thinking. It is self-applied, so that UN principles and norms are embedded in all areas of work of the UN system by staff at all levels and in all functions and locations to foster broader cultural change within UN system organizations.

The parameters of this inclusive leadership have already been clearly prescribed by the UN Charter.

Article 1 (3) of the UN Charter asserts that one of the purposes of the UN is to promote and encourage respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.

Racism and racial discrimination are against the principles expressed in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and many international instruments. However, the issue of racism in the UN system is deep-rooted with many forms and dimensions.

The report of the Secretary-General’s Task Force on Addressing Racism agrees that UN staff perceive national or ethnic origin as the primary grounds for racism and racial discrimination. Staff are reluctant to report or act against racial discrimination when they witness it because they believe nothing will happen, lack trust, or fear retaliation, suggesting a low level of solidarity with those who experience racial discrimination and a lack of faith in the mechanisms established to address this issue.

Surveys reveal that UN personnel of Asian descent face specific forms of bias and discrimination.

The recent review of racism and racial discrimination in the UN by the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) – the UN’s external oversight body – finds that while there has been progress in certain parts of the UN system, racism and racial discrimination are major and under-recognized problems that require urgent system-wide responses.

Racism and racial discrimination are widespread throughout the system and the magnitude is high, based on evidence of the prevalence, form, and effects of racism and racial discrimination.

Article 101 (3) of the UN Charter affirms that due regard shall be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

The Asia-Pacific region is home to around 4.3 billion people, which is equivalent to 54 percent of the total world population. In the UN organizations, however, staff from Asia and the Pacific constitute only about 19 percent of staff in the Professional and higher categories.

There is a significant lack of diversity in senior managerial positions (P-5, D-1, and D-2 levels) at the UN. The majority of senior and decision-making posts are held by staff from the global North.

Among staff in senior positions, only 16 percent were from Asia-Pacific States as of 31 December 2020. Among promotions to senior positions, only 14.5 percent were from Asia-Pacific States during the period 2018–2020.

The JIU review on racism found that UN staff from countries of the global South, where the population is predominantly of color, tend to be in lower, less well-paid grades and, therefore, hold less authority in decision-making than those from countries where the population is predominantly white and from the group of Western European and other States.

This finding was corroborated by the JIU’s system-wide survey, and this issue of discrimination in seniority and authority for decision-making in the UN system emerged as a major macrostructural issue to be addressed.

Article 8 of the UN Charter stipulates that the UN shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights also states that there can be no distinction or discrimination on the basis of gender (articles 2, 7 and 23). The Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 in Beijing adopted a Platform for Action, including the goal of achieving overall gender equality in the staff of the UN system by 2000.

The gender goals that were set by the Beijing Declaration 28 years ago are not being realized.

With regard to regional representation of women in the UN system, women from Western European and other States constitute a little more than half of the population of women in the Professional category (51 percent), while women from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean combined represent only 49 percent.

Among them, 18 percent are from the Asia-Pacific region. This disparity demonstrates the inconsistencies in the balance of objectives regarding meeting gender targets and geographical representation and emphasizes that there should be a correlation between these two goals.

Taking part in collective leadership: Role of staff interest groups

The role of staff resource groups is most helpful in the journey towards creating a more diverse and inclusive work environment at the UN. All staff resource groups in the UN organizations are voluntary and mostly organized around the mission, purpose, mandates and objectives of the UN.

There are many staff interest groups focusing on anti-racism, gender equality, diversity and inclusion. Such groups build bridges between staff and management as well as make connections between inequities and policies, and they play a significant role in bringing about effective change in the organizational culture.

Towards addressing racism in the UN, the tone set by the Secretary-General António Guterres and the space presented to the UN staff interest groups to work towards driving organizational culture change are commendable.

This approach is especially important in developing “inclusive” or “collective” leadership as established in the UN leadership model, which demands that all stakeholders play interdependent roles to achieve a collective impact system-wide.

The JIU review on racism also promotes the importance of “collective” leadership that provides a high level of support for personnel resources and special interest groups and whereby such groups are able to leverage support for actions to address racism and racial discrimination.

It further notes that the UN is in the initial stages and has a long way to go to develop the kind of effective leadership coalition that is critical to driving reforms to address racism and racial discrimination.

Taking part in collective leadership: Advice to my younger self

The UN Charter, the founding document of the UN, is an inspiring document that was signed 77 years ago. It made promises to respect each and every one of us, to reaffirm our fundamental rights and to value men and women equally. While we have achieved some progress in many areas, we still have a long way to go towards realizing the ideals enshrined in the UN Charter. Hence, I would tell my younger self that:

    • I should not be surprised when I am not treated equally by the UN and the world.
    • I should learn as early as possible to speak up if I am not treated fairly, if I am disrespected, or if my rights are violated.
    • I should talk to colleagues to share my experiences and identify any patterns of unfair treatment in the workplace.
    • I should understand that merit, along with hard work, commitment and credentials, is not enough to get into senior positions in the UN.
    • I should be taking initiative as an individual to address any discriminatory actions.
    • I should focus on more concrete and specific initiatives that would bring change in the UN.

The sum of my experiences in the UN, together with learning that many colleagues in the UN system were also having similar experiences, led me to realize the importance of a staff interest group for personnel from Asia and the Pacific, even though this took years to come into being.

Taking part in collective leadership: Solutions to overcome barriers to Asian talent

It is important to take part in the collective leadership approach in order to explore solutions to support overcoming barriers to Asian talent in the workplace, within and outside the UN system.

    (1) If there is no staff resource group representing the Asian community in the Organization, we should create one immediately.

UN-ANDI, established in 2021, is the first ever effort to bring together a diverse group of personnel from Asia and the Pacific (nationality/origin/descent) in the UN system.

    (2) We must speak up loudly and proudly as Asians, as members of an interest/resource group or network. It should be done in a focused way, with facts, trends, and patterns to bring global, regional, national, and local attention to our issues and concerns. This was emphasized by Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN and former UN Under-Secretary-General, at UN-ANDI’s first public event on 2021 UN Day.

UN-ANDI is currently finalizing its report on racism and racial discrimination in the UN system faced by personnel of Asian descent or origin based on its survey conducted in summer 2022.

    (3) Once we have a staff interest/resource group, it is important to explore and/or create opportunities to collaborate and complement our mutual goals towards creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizational culture.

UN-ANDI works closely with the UN Staff Union in its efforts towards combating racism. It also promotes a collaborative spirit with other networks and institutions with similar objectives, within and outside the UN. Since its inception, UN-ANDI has been collaborating with Asia Society to promote mutual understanding and stronger partnerships among peoples and cultures within and outside Asia.

Shihana Mohamed, a founding member, one of the Coordinators of UN-ANDI and a Sri Lankan national, is a Human Resources Policies Officer at the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC).

Please email UnitedNationsAsiaNetwork@gmail.com to connect and/or collaborate with UN-ANDI.

This article is based on the presentation made by the author, in her personal capacity, as a panelist in the discussion on “State of the AAPI Community in the U.S. and the Need and Impact of Proactive, Inclusive Leadership” at Asia Society’s 2023 Global Talent, Diversity and Inclusion Symposium on 17 May 2023.

IPS UN Bureau

 


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