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The Retirement Planning Group Acquires $180 Million Watters Financial Services

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Father-son practice based in Paramus, New Jersey, represents third acquisition for The Retirement Planning Group, Cetera’s employee-based RIA

Three employees serving approximately 130 clients to join The Retirement Planning Group, which oversees more than $2 billion in assets under management  

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Cetera Holdings, the parent company of Cetera Financial Group (collectively, Cetera), the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, announced today that Cetera’s employee-based RIA, The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG), has acquired Watters Financial Services. With approximately $180 million in assets under management*, as of March 31, 2024, the father-son team at Watters Financial Services is based in Paramus, New Jersey and led by Tim Watters, CFP®, and Colin Watters, CFP®, (father and son, respectively). The experienced team delivers wide-ranging wealth management services to more than 130 clients. Through the acquisition, three full-time professionals will become TRPG/Cetera employees.

“We are pleased to welcome Tim, Colin and the dedicated Watters team to TRPG,” said Kevin Conard, CEO at TRPG. “The Watters team shares our values and commitment to clients and we are confident they will find TRPG a great home for their business and their clients. We anticipate that TRPG will continue to attract independent advisors looking to spend more time with their clients and less time running their business and encourage today’s client-centric independent advisors to consider TRPG.”

“As we contemplated the future of our business, we knew we wanted to increase our focus on what matters most: serving our clients,” said Tim Watters. “Joining Kevin and the TRPG team has empowered this shift by alleviating many of the time consuming and cumbersome burdens of operating a financial planning business.  We look forward to a bright future for our business and our clients together with TRPG.”

The acquisition marks the third for TRPG since being acquired by Cetera. TRPG acquired Dightman Capital Group, Inc. in February and closed an acquisition of Lee Financial Group Hawaii in June. TRPG now oversees more than $2 billion in assets under management.

Click here to learn more about TRPG and click here for more information about Cetera Holdings.

About The Retirement Planning Group 

The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG) is Cetera’s employee-based RIA and an SEC registered investment advisory firm headquartered in Leawood, KS. With over 2,000 clients and $2 billion in assets under management, as of March 31, 2024, TRPG is one of the fastest growing companies in the Kansas City area. TRPG helps clients and their families nationwide navigate every financial decision they face throughout their lives by providing comprehensive wealth management services, including retirement planning, portfolio and investment management, tax planning, tax preparation and filing by our in-house tax team.

About Cetera

Cetera is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub where financial advisors and institutions optimize their control and value creation. Breaking away from a commoditized and homogenous IBD model, Cetera offers financial professionals and institutions the latest solutions, support, and services to grow, scale, or transition with a merger, sale, investment, or succession plan. Cetera proudly serves independent financial advisors, tax professionals, licensed administrators, large enterprises, as well as institutions, such as banks and credit unions, providing an established and repeatable blueprint for scalable growth.

Home to more than 12,000 financial professionals and their teams, Cetera oversees more than $505 billion in assets under administration and $213 billion in assets under management, as of March 31, 2024. In a recent advisor satisfaction survey of nearly 35,000 reviews, Cetera’s Voice of Customer (VoC) program vigorously measures advisor experience and satisfaction 24/7. Currently, it’s ranked 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Visit www.cetera.com, and follow Cetera on LinkedInYouTubeTwitter and Facebook.  

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser, and the following FINRA/SIPC members: Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Located at: 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA  92101.

* Value approximated based on asset holding details provided to Cetera.

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SOURCE Cetera Financial Group

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Russell E. Jones as a Pinnacle Professional Member

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CHANDLER, Ariz., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Russell E. Jones is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Pioneering Innovation in Software Engineering and Communications.

With over three decades of experience in software engineering and software quality engineering, Russell E. Jones continues to lead transformative innovations in the field of communications as the Executive Director of Integration, Verification, and Validation at Iridium Communications Inc.. Since stepping into this role in 2021, Mr. Jones has overseen critical processes that ensure the seamless integration and functionality of the company’s sophisticated communication systems.

His promotion to this key leadership position followed a successful tenure as Director of SV Software Engineering at Iridium, where his leadership was pivotal in advancing the company’s technological capabilities. Before joining Iridium, Mr. Jones gained extensive experience in systems engineering and software testing through impactful roles at Motorola and Boeing, further solidifying his reputation as an innovator in the field.

Mr. Jones’s academic foundation includes an Associate of Arts in Electronics Technology (1990) and a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management (2001), both from DeVry University. These credentials have been instrumental in shaping his career, which has spanned satellite testing, systems engineering, and software integration.

Throughout his journey, Mr. Jones credits his family’s unwavering love and support and his mother and father’s influence for instilling the values of hard work and resourcefulness—traits that have been the cornerstone of his success.

Looking to the future, Mr. Jones is passionate about educating the next generation of engineers. His vision includes addressing educational gaps by teaching courses, presenting at conferences, and advocating for the inclusion of testing and integration in academic curricula. His goal is to inspire future leaders while continuing to contribute to the advancement of technology at Iridium.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Vision Marine Technologies Announces Next Phase of Its Marine Technology Strategy

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Company plans to leverage its integrated operating platform to support technology development, commercialization and long-term growth.

BOISBRIAND, QC, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR; TSXV: VMAR) (“Vision Marine” or the “Company”), a marine technology company combining proprietary high-voltage electric propulsion technology with an integrated marine retail, marina and service platform through Nautical Ventures, today announced the next phase of its long-term strategy to advance and commercialize marine technologies through its operating platform.

The initiative establishes a framework through which Vision Marine intends to pursue internal development, technology partnerships and selected strategic opportunities, which may include mergers or acquisitions, that complement its existing capabilities and relate to the recreational boating industry.

The initiative builds upon the strategy presented by Vision Marine in May 2026: connecting proprietary marine technology with direct retail distribution, vessel integration capabilities, marina infrastructure, service operations and established customer relationships.

Over the past year, Vision Marine has integrated and expanded the Nautical Ventures platform, commercially launched and begun customer deliveries of its E-Motion™ 180 high-voltage electric propulsion system, expanded its intellectual property portfolio, continued optimizing its real estate and operating structure, and completed its previously announced at-the-market equity offering program. As previously disclosed, the Company currently has no active ATM program.

As previously disclosed, net cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately US$2.4 million for the nine-month period ended May 31, 2026. This result was supported by working-capital management, including the reduction and monetization of inventory. Management believes this reflects its focus on operational discipline and capital efficiency. Net cash provided by operating activities is distinct from net income and should not be interpreted as profitability.

The Company intends to use its existing customer relationships, distribution channels and service infrastructure to evaluate and, where appropriate, commercialize complementary marine technologies.

By combining technology development and vessel integration with retail distribution, marina operations, service, rentals and direct customer engagement, Vision Marine intends to evaluate whether new technologies can be introduced and supported through its existing operations. Any such initiatives will remain subject to customer demand, technical development and integration requirements, operating costs, financing availability, market conditions, regulatory approvals and disciplined capital allocation. There can be no assurance that these initiatives will result in commercialization, additional revenue or anticipated financial benefits.

“We are not beginning from a concept. We are expanding from a platform that is already in operation,” said Alexandre Mongeon, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Marine. “Vision Marine now connects proprietary technology with vessel integration, retail distribution, marina infrastructure, service capabilities and direct customer access. Our objective is to use these capabilities to evaluate and, where appropriate, support the development and commercialization of complementary marine technologies.”

“Proprietary electric propulsion remains central to Vision Marine’s technology strategy,” continued Mongeon. “We intend to evaluate complementary technologies that could improve vessel integration, energy management, connectivity, serviceability and the overall ownership experience. Our objective is to strengthen our marine technology platform through internal development, strategic partnerships and carefully selected strategic opportunities, while maintaining disciplined capital allocation.”

Vision Marine intends to prioritize initiatives that it believes complement its existing platform and may provide commercial value. In evaluating potential opportunities, the Company will consider expected costs, technical and operational requirements, financing needs, integration risks and potential financial benefits. There can be no assurance that any initiative will expand recurring revenue, improve margins or strengthen cash generation.

This announcement does not constitute the announcement of any acquisition, merger or definitive transaction. There can be no assurance that any evaluation or discussion will result in a completed transaction. Any material transaction will be disclosed in accordance with applicable securities laws and the requirements of Nasdaq and the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Vision Marine Technologies Inc.

Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR; TSXV: VMAR) is a marine technology company specializing in high-voltage electric propulsion systems and recreational boating solutions. Its E-Motion™ electric powertrain technology is designed to provide a marine-specific, integration-ready propulsion solution for boat manufacturers. Through Nautical Ventures, Vision Marine also operates an integrated marine retail, marina, service and rental platform supporting both electric and internal-combustion recreational boating. For more information, visit visionmarinetechnologies.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding Vision Marine’s business strategy; the advancement and commercialization of marine technologies; internal development initiatives; potential technology partnerships, investments, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic opportunities; the anticipated use and potential benefits of the Company’s operating platform; the introduction and commercialization of complementary technologies; the potential expansion of recurring revenue; potential improvements in margins and cash generation; and the Company’s capital allocation priorities and long-term growth objectives.

Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will” and similar expressions or variations of such words and phrases.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These factors include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to execute its business strategy; identify, negotiate, finance, complete and integrate potential strategic transactions; develop and commercialize new technologies; generate market acceptance for its products and services; improve operating performance and achieve profitability; manage liquidity, inventory and floor-plan financing requirements; realize anticipated benefits from the integration of Nautical Ventures; maintain relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and commercial partners; protect its intellectual property; comply with applicable regulatory and listing requirements; and respond to competition, economic conditions, capital-market volatility, supply-chain disruptions and changes affecting the recreational marine industry.

Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, as amended, for the year ended August 31, 2025, and in its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and on SEDAR+. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Vision Marine undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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SOURCE Vision Marine Technologies, Inc

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World-Renowned MAGURA USV Manufacturer UFORCE Partners with RECONCRAFT to Build Combat-Tested Autonomous Maritime Drones in the U.S.

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MAGURA family of drones, made exclusively by UFORCE, holds one of the most impactful and reliable combat records in modern maritime warfare, helping drive the Russian Navy from the Black Sea

LONDON and KYIV, Ukraine and WASHINGTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UFORCE, the Ukraine-origin, UK-based autonomous systems defense technology company built to unify and scale the world’s most combat-proven unmanned platforms, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with leading Special Operations combatant craft manufacturer RECONCRAFT, following a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.

UFORCE USA and RECONCRAFT are partnering to build the world’s most capable autonomous surface vessels as part of the Arsenal of Freedom. UFORCE has also entered the U.S. Drone Dominance competition and related programs in partnership with RECONCRAFT.

The initiative will be led by Sean Plankey, CEO of UFORCE USA. Plankey most recently served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security, overseeing the United States Coast Guard, and was twice nominated by the President of the United States to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Through the partnership, UFORCE will work to make available to the United States its combat-proven full-stack aerial, maritime, and ground unmanned systems, advanced autonomy software, and command-and-control technologies.

The company’s MAGURA family of autonomous surface vessels holds one of the most impactful and reliable combat records in modern maritime warfare and contributed to the destruction of more than a dozen Russian warships in the Black Sea. UFORCE’s portfolio also includes the first autonomous surface vessel to successfully down manned helicopters and fighter aircraft in combat.

“Today’s combat environments show that autonomous warfighting capabilities are a must-have. UFORCE is exceptionally positioned to deliver capabilities already tested by some of the world’s most sophisticated militaries under the most demanding battlefield conditions,” said Oleg Rogynskyy, CEO of UFORCE. “Through this partnership with RECONCRAFT, these combat-proven capabilities will become available to the U.S., combining Ukrainian battlefield innovation with American manufacturing excellence.”

“This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when American manufacturing and combat-proven innovation come together,” said Sean Plankey, CEO of UFORCE USA. “Working with RECONCRAFT, we will help ensure these proven autonomous capabilities become available to the U.S. It’s exactly the kind of industrial partnership the Arsenal of Democracy is designed to enable.”

“RECONCRAFT is building multiple combatant craft platforms trusted by U.S. and Partner Special Operations Forces in the world’s most demanding environments,” said Joe Silkowski, Co-Founder of RECONCRAFT. “Partnering with UFORCE combines our manufacturing expertise and capabilities with the combat-proven autonomy of the MAGURA platform, allowing us to deliver greater capability to American warfighters faster than developing a new system from the ground up.”

About UFORCE

UFORCE USA is a U.S. based, wholly owned subsidiary of Ukrainian-origin defense technology operating company UFORCE, built to unify and scale the world’s most battle-proven autonomous systems. UFORCE unified nine leading Ukrainian defense technology developers and manufacturers into a single company, with registered in London and operations in Ukraine. By combining Ukrainian frontline innovation with Western capital, governance, and global distribution, UFORCE delivers next-generation autonomous defense capabilities to allied militaries. The company’s full-stack platform includes hardware systems spanning aerial, maritime and ground unmanned platforms, advanced autonomy software, and command-and-control solutions.

Media Contact: KekstCNC-UFORCE@kekstcnc.com

About RECONCRAFT

RECONCRAFT is the leading designer and manufacturer of combatant craft for U.S. and Foreign Partner forces.  RECONCRAFT’s global headquarters and primary manufacturing campus is located in the Portland, Oregon, area where the skilled team produces highly sophisticated vessels, manned and unmanned, between multiple Programs of Record.

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SOURCE UFORCE

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