Technology

The Week in Canadian Press Releases: 10 Stories You Need to See

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2024

A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week

TORONTO, June 14, 2024 /CNW/ – With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

A&W becomes the first Canadian QSR to introduce the Pup Patty: a treat you can order just for your dog
A&W Canada, Home of the Burger Family, is introducing a delicious treat with a special purpose, dedicated to the cuddliest members of our families: dogs! From June 10th to June 23rd, dog parents can visit their nearby A&W drive-thru and treat their furry companions to a $2 Pup Patty. A&W is cooking up these Pup Patties without the iconic A&W seasoning so that every dog can safely savour the taste of their premium grass-fed beef. When you treat your furry friend to this special meal, you’re also supporting service dog training organizations across Canada. A portion of the proceeds from every Pup Patty purchased (from June 10th to 23rd) will be donated to non-profit organizations in Canada dedicated to raising and training service dogs that provide life-changing independence to Canadians living with disabilities. The organizations include the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS).Sixty North Unity, Northwestel and Bell Canada announce transformative partnership to advance economic reconciliation
Sixty North Unity intends to acquire Northwestel, the leading telecommunications service provider in the North. Following the completion of the transaction, Northwestel will be the largest telecommunications company worldwide with full Indigenous ownership. Building on Bell’s historic investments in the North, this partnership enables Sixty North Unity to continue to bridge the digital divide and continue to address the regional disparities in accessing high quality telecommunications services. With a focus on sustainable development and collaborative partnerships, the acquisition will provide Indigenous communities with greater access to long-term stable cash flows to reinvest in the critical areas of community infrastructure, housing, social services, health, and education programs for those that live and work in the North.Copperleaf Technologies Inc. enters into definitive agreement to be acquired by IFS AB
The combination of Copperleaf’s dedicated AIPM solutions are highly complementary to IFS’s EAM focus and the combined solution is expected to continue to deliver outstanding support for their customers. Copperleaf’s success has been founded on the unique skills, expertise and operational experience of the existing Copperleaf team, and Copperleaf’s award-winning culture. IFS is committed to developing and investing in Copperleaf’s capabilities in Vancouver, and expects that those teams will remain central to the future strategy of the combined organization. “This transaction is a great milestone in Copperleaf’s journey.” said Amos Michelson, Chair of Copperleaf. “It’s evidence of IFS’s belief in our organization and recognition of our success, and rewards our shareholders with attractive cash consideration, providing immediate value and liquidity for their shares.”RECONAFRICA ANNOUNCES AN OPERATIONS AND JOINT VENTURE UPDATE
Brian Reinsborough, President and CEO commented: “Our operations teams and contractors are very busy completing the camp and rig moves this week. Since our last update the Jarvie-1 drilling rig has undergone all its maintenance and certification processes with no major issues noted. It has been rigged down and is moving approximately 80 kilometers to the Naingopo location. The conductor hole has been drilled and we continue to track for a spud toward the end of the month. The well is expected to take 90 days to drill, targeting multiple reservoir intervals in the highly prospective Damara Fold Belt. Our joint venture process continues to progress towards closure as we target a completed transaction ahead of the start of drilling of the Naingopo well.” The Company continues to progress its farm out joint venture process which we expect to conclude in the next few weeks.Advantage Announces Strategic Asset Acquisition and Concurrent Financing
The Acquisition is expected to close by the end of June 2024, pending closing conditions, including the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. The Acquisition will be funded through a combination of common equity, convertible debentures and an upsized credit facility. The Corporation has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters to raise gross proceeds of approximately $65 million of subscription receipts and $125 million of extendible convertible unsecured subordinated debentures on a bought deal basis, with TD Securities Inc. and Scotiabank as joint bookrunners. The Corporation has also entered a debt commitment letter, led by Scotiabank and jointly underwritten with National Bank of Canada and RBC Capital Markets, for a committed and upsized $650 million revolving credit facility.A&W satisfies a long-standing South-Asian craving
A&W is all set to delight veggie burger lovers with its latest flavourful revelation – the Masala Veggie Burger. With a crispy patty that’s made with real vegetables, Nanak® paneer and a zesty masala mix, the veggie burger celebrates South Asian flavours. The burger has been crafted for those seeking a deliciously spicy, vegetable-forward veggie burger experience, and is only available in Ontario for a limited time. “Our Masala Veggie Burger is tasty enough to satisfy any spicy burger lover”, says Amanda Wang, Director of Marketing at A&W Canada. “But truly we crafted this burger to be a taste of home for our veggie fans. As a burger lover, I get sad thinking about anyone ordering a patty-less burger made up of just buns and lettuce. This is the real deal.” The Masala Veggie Burger is available for a limited time at participating A&W locations in Ontario.CANADA GROWTH FUND, GIBSON ENERGY AND VARME ENERGY ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE CANADIAN WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECT
Canada Growth Fund Inc. (“CGF”), Gibson Energy Inc. (TSX: GEI) (“Gibson”), and Varme Energy Inc. (“Varme”) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership (the “Partnership”) to accelerate the development of Canada’s first waste-to-energy facility with carbon capture technology (the “Project”). If successful, the Project will be located on Gibson land in the Heartland-area and will have the capability to process 200,000 tonnes per annum of municipal solid waste, diverting residential garbage from landfill. Such waste will be received pursuant to a 15-year contract that has been entered into by Varme and the City of Edmonton. This proposed greenfield waste-to-energy facility, which would be constructed by the Partnership and operated by Gibson, would have integrated carbon capture equipment enabling the Project to incinerate municipal solid waste and produce carbon-negative electricity.Introducing two new Tim Hortons Dream Cookies flavours – OREO DOUBLE STUF® and CARAMILK®- and two new Filled Ring Dream Donuts to celebrate the everyday!
There’s a delicious new assortment of premium sweet treats at your local Tims to satisfy your cravings: two new flavours of Dream Cookies and Filled Ring Dream Donuts! Tim Hortons Dream Cookies are soft on the inside and chewy on the outside, packed with craveable ingredients, and baked fresh in-restaurant throughout the day. After a successful platform launch last year, Tims is now launching two new Dream Cookie flavours – OREO DOUBLE STUF® and CARAMILK® – alongside the already-popular Reese’s® Minis with Pecans. The new OREO DOUBLE STUF® Dream Cookie features a soft and chewy cookies & cream base that’s topped and filled with frosting and sprinkled with OREO crumble on top. The new CARAMILK® Dream Cookie is a chocolate caramel cookie packed with milk chocolate chips and filled with a deliciously gooey caramel filling.CDPQ invests $500 million for National Bank of Canada’s expansion
“CDPQ is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to National Bank by taking part in this transformative acquisition that will enable it to execute a new facet of its expansion plan,” said Vincent Delisle, CDPQ’s Executive Vice-President and Head of Liquid Markets. “This investment is perfectly aligned with our strategy to expand the reach of Quebec companies in order to consolidate their leadership positions in their sectors.” “This transaction is about growth and brings together two great banks with a complementary footprint in personal and commercial banking,” explained Laurent Ferreira, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank. “We are delighted to make this acquisition alongside CDPQ, which, through its investment, allows us to take a step forward in our pan-Canadian strategy to expand our activities across the country.” CDPQ’s first investment in National Bank of Canada dates back more than 40 years.Argo Co. Announces Founding Team to Transform How Cities Move
Argo Co. (TSXV: STER) (OTCQX: STEEF) (Steer Technologies Inc.* now d/b/a/ “Argo Co.” or the “Company”), a new technology venture focused on transforming public transportation and improving mobility in cities, today announced that effective immediately, the publicly traded entity will launch Argo as the primary business. Operating under the business name Argo Co., the Company will commence trading under the ticker symbols “ARGH” on the TSX Venture Exchange and “ARGHF” on the OTCQX effective as of markets open today. It is anticipated that the name of the Company will be formally changed to Argo Corporation following a shareholder vote at the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) on July 24, 2024. Argo co-founders, Praveen Arichandran, Qamar Qureshi, and Sisun Lee, have been appointed to management.

Read more of the latest releases from Cision, see our resources for journalists, and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @cnwnews.

About Cision Canada

Cision is a comprehensive communications platform enabling more than 100,000 public relations and marketing professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of communication professionals to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud® and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.ca and follow @CisionCA on Twitter.

SOURCE Cision Canada

Technology

VibeBeats Launches AI-Powered Music Streaming Service for Businesses globally

Published

41 minutes ago

July 24, 2026

Vibebeats AI gives cafés, gyms, retailers, bars and hotels fully licensed, AI-curated streaming music for business from any phone, tablet or browser — no hardware, no lock-in contracts, no licensing paperwork — from A$29 a month with a 7-day free trial.

BRISBANE, Australia, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — VibeBeats Launches AI-Powered Music Streaming Service for Businesses globally

VibeBeats gives venues fully licensed, AI-curated Music at a fraction of the cost — one app, one licence, one platform.

Most venues playing music through consumer apps are doing it on the wrong licence. VibeBeats, an Australian-built, AI-powered streaming music for business platform, has launched across Australia and worldwide to fix that — turning any phone, tablet or browser into a fully licensed venue sound system in under five minutes. One agreement covers commercial performance rights across OneMusic and APRA AMCOS in Australia, and ASCAP, BMI, PRS and other rights bodies internationally — the same platform serving a café in Melbourne or a gym in London.

The “Spotify for business” that actually exists

Every month, thousands of venue owners worldwide search for “Spotify for business” — a product that doesn’t exist. Consumer streaming accounts are licensed for personal use only, leaving businesses that play them exposed under copyright law in Australia and virtually every other market. VibeBeats fills that gap: a business music streaming service where the commercial music rights are handled under one agreement — no separate music licence for business paperwork to manage.

“The number one thing we see is venue owners assuming it’s fine to play their personal Spotify account in the café — most don’t realise a licence fee even applies,” said Damien King, founder of VibeBeats. “It’s not bad intent. Licensing is complex, and when you’re running a small business there are a hundred competing priorities. VibeBeats solves it with one app, one licence, one platform.”

What VibeBeats delivers

Fully Licensed for Commercial Use — one agreement covers the rights that would otherwise involve OneMusic, APRA AMCOS, ASCAP, BMI, PRS and more.No Hardware Required — any phone, tablet or browser becomes the venue sound system — set up in under five minutes.AI-Curated Background Music for Business — stations matched to venue type and time of day, from morning coffee trade to peak gym floor to late-night bar.Smart Scheduling — playlists by daypart, with music that keeps running through connection drops.Multi-Venue Dashboard — manage every location from a single account.Simple Pricing — from A$29 per month per venue with a 7-day free trial — no lock-in contracts.

Pricing and availability

VibeBeats is available now from $29AUD/$20US per month per venue, and globally, with a 7-day free trial at vibebeats.ai. Purpose-built stations are available for cafés, gyms, retail and in-store environments, bars and hotels.

About VibeBeats

VibeBeats is an AI-powered commercial music streaming platform for businesses, offering direct-licensed music for cafés, restaurants, bars, retail stores, gyms and hotels. One agreement covers commercial performance rights that would otherwise involve PROs, OneMusic, APRA AMCOS, ASCAP, BMI, PRS and more. Australian-built and available globally, VibeBeats AI streams to any device with no proprietary hardware required. Learn more at vibebeats.ai.

VibeBeats is not affiliated with Spotify.

Media Contact

Damien King, Vibebeats AI, 61 0408009067, hello@vibebeats.ai, https://vibebeats.ai

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SOURCE Vibebeats AI

Technology

Inside information: Valmet initiates a strategic review to evaluate a potential separation of its two segments

Published

41 minutes ago

July 24, 2026

Valmet Oyj’s stock exchange release (inside information) on July 24, 2026 at 9.01a.m. EEST

ESPOO, Finland, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of Valmet Oyj (“Valmet” or the “Company”) has decided to initiate a strategic review to evaluate a potential separation of its two core businesses, Biomaterial Solutions and Services, and Process Performance Solutions, into two standalone publicly listed companies. The review will focus on assessing whether a separation of the two businesses and their operation as separately listed companies on Nasdaq Helsinki would create additional value for shareholders compared with the current combined structure.

Both Valmet’s core businesses report as separate segments and they have grown into large, mostly independent profitable businesses, each with strong market positions and scale that allow them to succeed independently. With the recent completion of the Severn acquisition taking Process Performance Solutions to approximately EUR 1.7 billion in annual net sales and the renewed operating model now firmly in place, the Board believes this is the right time to assess whether a separation would unlock shareholder value by enabling each business to better realise its full potential.

The Board also notes that the two core businesses operate relatively independently as they serve mainly different customer industries, exhibit distinct business drivers, and have different capital allocation profiles. Biomaterial Solutions and Services is a global technology and lifecycle services business focused on the pulp, board, paper, tissue and energy industries, where its competitive advantage is anchored in a vast installed base, advanced technology, global presence, strong customer references and global services penetration. Process Performance Solutions is a mission-critical automation and flow control business serving a diversified set of industries. Over the past decade, it has evolved from a business primarily focused on pulp and paper into a diversified industrial platform, with close to 70 percent of net sales generated from other industries today.

Based on the Board’s initial assessment, a separation would allow each business to pursue sustainable profitable growth opportunities more independently and efficiently, with the potential for sharper management focus, greater agility, more tailored capital allocation, and more flexible access to external capital to support both organic and inorganic growth. The Board will also assess whether, if implemented, a separation would improve transparency, simplify governance, and allow capital markets to better recognize the full value of both businesses.

Pekka Vauramo, Chair of the Board, said:
“The Board continuously evaluates how to create the greatest long-term value for Valmet’s shareholders. Today, Valmet consists of two strong businesses with distinct markets, growth opportunities and capital allocation needs. Through this review, we will assess whether they can create more value as independent companies than they can together. We will only proceed with a separation if we conclude after detailed analysis that separation is clearly in the best interests of our shareholders.”

Thomas Hinnerskov, President and CEO of Valmet, said:
“Both of our businesses are well positioned, with strong customer relationships and market positions, as well as talented employees. The review reflects the strength and maturity of both businesses, which we have built through strong execution, organic growth and strategic investments into sizeable and successful operations with the scale, capabilities and opportunities to create further value both together and, potentially, as independent companies. This review does not change our commitment to our customers or our strategy. It is a priority for us to preserve the strength of our full offering and the value our customers gain from services, automation and technology working together. Throughout the process, our focus remains on serving our customers and delivering value for their success.”

Although the strategic review has been initiated, there is no guarantee that the review will result in any transaction, including a separation. The Board will only execute or recommend changes to the Group’s structure if clear evidence of enhanced shareholder value creation can be attained. Valmet will provide an update on the review latest in connection with the publication of its full-year 2026 results.

Further information, please contact:

For investors: Pekka Rouhiainen, VP, Investor Relations, Valmet, tel. +358 10 672 0020

For media: Valmet Communications, media@valmet.com

VALMET

Katri Hokkanen
CFO

Pekka Rouhiainen
VP, Investor Relations

DISTRIBUTION:
Nasdaq Helsinki
Major media
www.valmet.com

Valmet is a global technology leader in serving process industries. We work with our customers throughout the lifecycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services, as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of 18,500 professionals close to customers, we are uniquely positioned to transform industries toward a regenerative tomorrow.

In 2025, Valmet’s net sales totaled approximately EUR 5.2 billion. Our head office is in Espoo, Finland, and we have experts in approximately 40 countries around the world. Valmet’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

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Technology

Securitas AB Interim Report Q2 2026 | January-June

Published

41 minutes ago

July 24, 2026

STOCKHOLM, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —

APRIL–JUNE 2026

Total sales MSEK 37 843 (38 564)Organic sales growth 0 percent (5)Adjusted organic sales growth, 3 percent*Real sales growth within technology and solutions 5 percent (4)Operating income before amortization MSEK 2 824 (2 798)Operating margin 7.5 percent (7.3)Adjusted operating margin, 7.6 percent (7.5)*Items affecting comparability (IAC) MSEK –46 (–166) Earnings per share, SEK 2.88 (2.56)Earnings per share before IAC, SEK 2.94 (2.79)Cash flow from operating activities 87 percent (106)

JANUARY–JUNE 2026

Total sales MSEK 74 054 (78 170)Organic sales growth 0 percent (4)Adjusted organic sales growth, 2 percent*Real sales growth within technology and solutions 4 percent (5)Operating income before amortization MSEK 5 283 (5 323)Operating margin 7.1 percent (6.8)Adjusted operating margin, 7.3 percent (7.1)*Items affecting comparability (IAC) MSEK 138 (–243) whereof MSEK 213 (–5) related to divestitures Earnings per share, SEK 5.68 (4.86)Earnings per share before IAC, SEK 5.40 (5.15)Cash flow from operating activities 65 percent (56)Net debt/EBITDA ratio 2.2 (2.4)

*A new key ratio, operating margin adjusted for the government business within SCIS in the process of being closed down, was added as of the second quarter 2025. A new key ratio, organic sales growth adjusted for the same business, was added as of the third quarter 2025. Refer to note 5 for further information.

Comments from the President and CEO

“Continued profitability improvement”

Organic sales growth in the second quarter, adjusted for the close-down of the SCIS government business, was 3 percent. Organic sales growth in North America was supported by both the Guarding and Technology business units, while active portfolio management had a hampering effect on organic sales growth in Europe.

Real sales growth in technology and solutions reached 5 percent in the second quarter, supported by good performance in Technology in North America. Commercial activity remained healthy in the global technology business with strong growth in installation order intake and backlog.

We execute on our strategy with the share of technology and solutions increasing across all segments but we are not fully satisfied with the overall growth. We have built a strong and differentiated technology-led offering and we are intensifying our efforts to commercialize the capabilities we have built.

We delivered an improved adjusted operating margin in the second quarter, reaching 7.6 percent (7.5), driven by both the technology and solutions and the security services business lines. Operating income increased 3 percent and earnings per share 7 percent. For the first six months earnings per share increased 11 percent.

Cash generation was good, corresponding to 87 percent (106) of operating income in the quarter, and 65 percent (56) for the first six months of the year. The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 2.2 (2.4).

THE TRUSTED PARTNER IN INTELLIGENCE-LED SECURITY

Our recently announced 2030 strategy positions Securitas as the trusted partner in intelligence-led security, combining global presence and deep security expertise with advanced data, analytics and technology. By leveraging actionable risk intelligence and a more consultative approach, we aim to move further up the value chain, delivering proactive, insight-driven security and strengthening our role as a strategic advisor to clients. In an increasingly complex risk environment, growing demand for professional security services supports our continued growth and competitive position.

The close-down of the SCIS government business is progressing according to plan and is expected to be concluded by year-end. As no further activities remain, the strategic assessment program was concluded in the second quarter of 2026.

The shift toward technology and solutions continues to drive profitability improvements. We are also strengthening the performance of our security services business and, as of the second quarter of 2026, have completed portfolio management actions related to underperforming contracts in Europe. Going forward, portfolio optimization will continue as part of normal business operations, with a sustained focus on contract profitability.

CREATING LONG-TERM SHAREHOLDER VALUE

In conjunction with the launch of our strategy, we have updated the Group’s financial targets for the period through 2030. The revised targets include a new headline target of achieving 10 percent average annual earnings per share growth over a business cycle, alongside targets for cash flow, leverage and dividend policy. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, we are accelerating our transformation and remain confident in our ability to deliver sustainable earnings growth and create long-term shareholder value.

Magnus Ahlqvist
President and CEO

PRESENTATION OF THE INTERIM REPORT

Analysts and media are invited to participate in a telephone conference on July 24, 2026, at 9.30 a.m. (CEST) where President and CEO Magnus Ahlqvist and CFO Matteo Dall’Ora will present the report and answer questions. The telephone conference will also be audio cast live via Securitas’ website www.securitas.com

To follow the audio cast of the telephone conference via the web, please follow the link
www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/

A recorded version of the audio cast will be available at www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/
after the telephone conference.

For further information, please contact:
Micaela Sjökvist, Vice President, Investor Relations +46 76 116 7443

ABOUT SECURITAS

Securitas is a world-leading safety and security solutions partner that helps make your world a safer place. Nine decades of deep experience means we see what others miss. By leveraging technology in partnership with our clients, combined with an innovative, holistic approach, we’re transforming the security industry. With approximately 322 000 employees in 44 markets, we see a different world and create sustainable value for our clients by protecting what matters most – their people and assets.

Group financial targets

Securitas has the following financial targets:

Average annual earnings per share growth of 10 percent over a business cycle, excluding items affecting comparability and adjusted for changes in exchange rates, with a >10 percent operating margin ambition long-termOperating cash flow of 80–90 percent of operating income before amortizationNet debt to EBITDA below 2.5xDividend policy of 50–60 percent of annual net income over a business cycle, with excess capital returned to shareholders once stra-tegic growth priorities are met

Securitas AB (publ.)
P.O. Box 12307, SE-102 28 Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting address:
Lindhagensplan 70
Telephone: +46 10 470 30 00
Corporate registration number: 556302-7241

www.securitas.com

This is information that Securitas AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation.
The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above,
at 8.00 a.m. (CEST) on Friday, July 24, 2026.

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