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EveryMatrix announces a recommended public cash offer of SEK 59 per share to the shareholders of Fantasma

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2 years ago

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THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT AN OFFER, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN AUSTRALIA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND OR SOUTH AFRICA OR IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER PURSUANT TO LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS IN SUCH RELEVANT JURISDICTION WOULD BE PROHIBITED. SHAREHOLDERS NOT RESIDENT IN SWEDEN WHO WISH TO ACCEPT THE OFFER (AS DEFINED BELOW) MUST MAKE INQUIRIES CONCERNING APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND POSSIBLE TAX CONSEQUENCES. SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD REFER TO THE OFFER RESTRICTIONS INCLUDED IN THE SECTION TITLED “IMPORTANT INFORMATION” AT THE END OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND IN THE OFFER DOCUMENT WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ACCEPTANCE PERIOD FOR THE OFFER.

EveryMatrix Software Limited (“EveryMatrix”) announces a recommended public offer to acquire all shares in Fantasma Games AB (publ) (“Fantasma”) for SEK 59 in cash per share (the “Offer”). The shares in Fantasma are listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market (“Nasdaq First North”).

SLIEMA, Malta, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Summary of the Offer

EveryMatrix offers SEK 59 in cash for each share in Fantasma.The Offer values all shares in Fantasma at SEK 209.8 million (based on 3,556,535 shares in Fantasma).The Offer represents a premium of:121.40 per cent compared to the closing price of Fantasma’s shares on Nasdaq First North on 17 September 2024 of SEK 48.60;27.69 per cent compared to the volume–weighted average price of Fantasma’s shares on Nasdaq First North during the 30 latest trading days up to and including 17 September 2024 of SEK 46.21; and33.41 per cent compared to the volume–weighted average price of Fantasma’s shares on Nasdaq First North during the 90 latest trading days up to and including 17 September 2024 of SEK 44.22.Fantasma’s independent bid committee, comprising the independent members of Fantasma’s board of directors Antonia Svensson, Johan Styren and Johan Köningslehner, recommends the shareholders of Fantasma to accept the Offer. The recommendation is supported by a fairness opinion provided by Svalner Skatt & Transaktion KB (“Svalner”), according to which the Offer is fair for Fantasma’s shareholders from a financial perspective.Several major shareholders in Fantasma, who in aggregate control 50.79 per cent2 of all shares in Fantasma, including Fredrik Johansson, Karl Lindstedt, Christina Andersson, KL Capital AB, Martin Fagerlund, Oliver Jönsson, Tianzhi Zhou, and Eric Holmberg, have undertaken to accept the Offer, subject to the conditions set out under “Undertakings to accept the Offer” below.Completion of the Offer is conditional upon the Offer being accepted to such extent that EveryMatrix becomes the owner of more than 90 per cent of the shares in Fantasma (on a fully diluted basis) as well as conditions 2–7 set out under “Conditions for completion of the Offer” below.EveryMatrix expects to publish the offer document regarding the Offer today on 18 September 2024. The acceptance period for the Offer is expected to commence on 19 September 2024 and expire on 10 October 2024. EveryMatrix reserves the right to shorten and extend the acceptance period, as may be permissible under applicable laws and regulations.

Background and reasons for the Offer

EveryMatrix is a highly successful world-wide B2B provider of software for the iGaming industry. One of its largest revenue generators is the casino platform product Casino Engine, which is sold stand-alone or as part of a turnkey solution. EveryMatrix’s clients generate millions of euros of casino revenue each day. This has naturally led EveryMatrix to start producing casino games, distributed both to the Casino Engine clients and sold separately as part of the EveryMatrix casino aggregation product SlotMatrix.

EveryMatrix acknowledges that Fantasma is a highly respected games developer with a strong management team and a well-established games distribution. The acquisition of Fantasma will strengthen the EveryMatrix games division and unlock synergies between the companies. In particular, EveryMatrix has established distribution in the fast growing U.S. iGaming-market with a local team, licenses in all states, and direct contracts and integrations with almost all of the major operators.

Size matters when it comes to doing games distribution directly, outside the main games aggregators. More games gives more attention, easier sales, and better possibilities for strong account management. Joining the game portfolios of Fantasma and EveryMatrix thus lifts both companies and achieves the critical mass of games.

For the shareholders of Fantasma, the Offer presents a unique and attractive opportunity to realize the value represented by their shares into immediate and certain liquidity.

The Offer

The Offer consideration and the value of the Offer

EveryMatrix offers SEK 59 in cash for each share in Fantasma.

The Offer values all shares in Fantasma at SEK 209.8 million (based on 3,556,535 shares in Fantasma).

No commission will be charged by EveryMatrix in respect of the settlement of the Offer.

Premium

The Offer represents a premium of:3

21.40 per cent compared to the closing price of Fantasma’s shares on Nasdaq First North on 17 September 2024 (which was the last trading day on Nasdaq First North prior to the announcement of the Offer) of SEK 48.60;27.69 per cent compared to the volume–weighted average price of Fantasma’s shares on Nasdaq First North during the 30 latest trading days up to and including 17 September 2024 of SEK 46.21; and33.41 per cent compared to the volume–weighted average price of Fantasma’s shares on Nasdaq First North during the 90 latest trading days up to and including 17 September 2024 of SEK 44.22.

Potential adjustment of the Offer consideration

If Fantasma distributes dividends or makes any other value transfer prior to the settlement of the Offer, EveryMatrix will reduce the Offer consideration accordingly.

Rights under Fantasma’s incentive programmes

The Offer does not include Fantasma’s warrants of series 2021/2024, 2022/2025A, 2022/2025B, 2023/2026A, or 2023/2026B which are held by senior executives, key personnel and board members under incentive programmes established at the extraordinary general meetings of Fantasma held on 21 October 2021, 30 September 2022 and 6 October 2023, respectively. EveryMatrix will procure that the holders of such warrants will receive reasonable treatment in connection with the Offer.

Recommendation from Fantasma’s independent bid committee

Fantasma’s independent bid committee, comprising the independent members of Fantasma’s board of directors Antonia Svensson, Johan Styren and Johan Köningslehner, recommends the shareholders of Fantasma to accept the Offer. The recommendation is supported by a fairness opinion provided by Svalner, according to which the Offer is fair for Fantasma’s shareholders from a financial perspective.

Eric Holmberg and Martin Fagerlund are board members and Fredrik Johansson is the CEO of Fantasma and have (directly and indirectly through wholly-owned companies) undertaken towards EveryMatrix to accept the Offer, and Simon Blomqvist is a board member of Fantasma and representative of KL Capital AB which has undertaken towards EveryMatrix to accept the Offer (see “Undertakings to accept the Offer” below). Consequently, Eric Holmberg, Martin Fagerlund, Simon Blomqvist and Fredrik Johansson have a conflict of interest pursuant to Rule II.18 of the Takeover rules for certain trading platforms issued by the Stock Market Self-Regulation Committee (the “Takeover Rules”). Eric Holmberg, Martin Fagerlund, Simon Blomqvist and Fredrik Johansson have not participated in the independent bid committee’s resolution to recommend the shareholders of Fantasma to accept the Offer.

Undertakings to accept the Offer

The following shareholders, who in aggregate control 50.79 per cent of all shares in Fantasma, have undertaken to accept the Offer:4

Fredrik Johansson, holding 503,762 shares (497,762 directly and 6,000 indirectly through CF Digital Developments AB), corresponding to 14.16 per cent of all shares in Fantasma;Karl Lindstedt, holding 309,379 shares, corresponding to 8.70 per cent of all shares in Fantasma;Christina Andersson, holding 207,832 shares, corresponding to 5.84 per cent of all shares in Fantasma;KL Capital, holding 207,671 shares, corresponding to 5.84 per cent of all shares in Fantasma;Martin Fagerlund, holding 182,445 shares (20,000 directly and 162,445 indirectly through Dundo AB), corresponding to 5.13 per cent of all shares in Fantasma;Oliver Jönsson, holding 160,000 shares, corresponding to 4.50 per cent of all shares in Fantasma;Tianzhi Zhou, holding 152,669 shares, corresponding to 4.29 per cent of all shares in Fantasma; andEric Holmberg, holding 82,700 shares, corresponding to 2.33 per cent of all shares in Fantasma.

The undertakings to accept the Offer terminate if another party announces a competing offer for all shares in Fantasma at an offer consideration per share exceeding the Offer consideration by at least 20 per cent and EveryMatrix does not within 10 business days from the announcement of such competing offer announce an increase of the Offer consideration so that the new price per share under the Offer matches or exceeds the offer consideration per share under the competing offer. The 20 per cent hurdle and the right for EveryMatrix to match a competing offer apply to each and every competing offer as well as each and every increase of the offer consideration under any competing offer.

Conditions for completion of the Offer

Completion of the Offer is conditional upon:

the Offer being accepted to such extent that EveryMatrix becomes the owner of more than 90 per cent of the shares in Fantasma (on a fully diluted basis);with respect to the Offer and the acquisition of Fantasma, the receipt of all necessary regulatory, governmental or similar clearances, approvals and decisions, in each case on terms that, in EveryMatrix’s opinion, are acceptable;neither the Offer nor the acquisition of Fantasma being rendered wholly or partially impossible or significantly impeded as a result of legislation or other regulation, any decision of a court or a public authority, or any similar circumstance;no circumstances having occurred that have a material adverse effect, or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect, on Fantasma’s financial position, prospects or operations, including Fantasma’s sales, results, liquidity, equity ratio, equity or assets;no information made public by Fantasma, or disclosed by Fantasma to EveryMatrix, being inaccurate, incomplete or misleading, and Fantasma having made public all information that should have been made public by Fantasma;Fantasma not taking any action that is intended to impair the prerequisites for making or completing the Offer; andno other party announcing an offer to acquire shares in Fantasma on terms that are more favourable to the shareholders of Fantasma than the terms of the Offer.

EveryMatrix reserves the right to withdraw the Offer in the event that it is clear that any of the above conditions is not satisfied or cannot be satisfied. However, with regard to the conditions set out in items 2–7 above, the Offer may only be withdrawn where the non-satisfaction of such condition is of material importance to EveryMatrix’s acquisition of Fantasma or if it is approved by the Swedish Securities Council.

EveryMatrix reserves the right to waive, in whole or in part, one or more of the conditions set out above, including, with respect to the condition set out in item 1, to complete the Offer at a lower acceptance level.

Approvals from authorities

According to EveryMatrix assessment, the Offer will not require any regulatory or governmental clearances, approvals or decisions.

Financing of the Offer

Completion of the Offer is not subject to any financing condition. The Offer consideration payable to shareholders of Fantasma that accept the Offer is financed in full by cash on hand.

Review of information in connection with the Offer

EveryMatrix has conducted a limited confirmatory due diligence review of Fantasma in connection with the preparation of the Offer. Fantasma has confirmed that no inside information regarding Fantasma has been disclosed to EveryMatrix during the due diligence review.

Management and employees in Fantasma

EveryMatrix does not intend to implement any material changes to Fantasma’s employees and management team or to the existing organisation and operations, including the terms of employment and the locations where Fantasma conducts its business.

Fantasma’s independent bid committee has approved that EveryMatrix offers certain key personnel of Fantasma, including the CEO, participation in a management incentive plan. The incentive plan, which is subject to and would be implemented upon completion of the Offer, is designed to ensure the continued long-term commitment of the participants in the plan. Participation in the incentive plan involves a possibility to receive a cash payment from Fantasma after a three–year period following completion of the Offer, to be determined based on the performance and a valuation of the combined group at the end of such retention period. Customary leaver-provisions as well as requirements on performance and good standing will apply to the participation in the incentive plan. Some of the key personnel of Fantasma that have been offered participation in the incentive plan are currently shareholders in Fantasma. Neither participation nor the size of the allocation in the incentive plan are related to any such shareholding in Fantasma.

Information on EveryMatrix

EveryMatrix delivers iGaming software, solutions, content and services for casino, sports betting, payments, and affiliate management to global Tier 1 operators as well as to newer brands. The platform is highly modular, scalable, and compliant, allowing operators to choose the optimal EveryMatrix solution and combine with third-party and in-house technology and capabilities.

EveryMatrix empowers clients to unleash bold ideas and deliver outstanding player experiences in regulated markets. EveryMatrix has 1,000 employees across 13 countries and serves 300+ customers worldwide, including the regulated U.S. market. EveryMatrix generated over EUR 81 million in EBITDA during the 12 month period July 2023 to June 2024 and had over EUR 34.1 million in cash and cash equivalents as of 31 July 2024.

EveryMatrix Software Limited, registration number C51832, is a private limited liability company which has its registered office in Malta and headquarters at Piazzetta Business Plaza, Office 12, Level 10, Triq Ghar il-Lembi, Sliema, SLM1605, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EveryMatrix Holding plc., in which the CEO of EveryMatrix, Ebbe Groes, is the majority ultimate beneficiary owner.

EveryMatrix has not made any decisions involving any material changes to EveryMatrix’s business, the locations where EveryMatrix conducts its business or EveryMatrix management and employees, including their terms of employment, as a result of the Offer. In the period following the completion of the Offer and following careful review of the needs of the combined business, EveryMatrix will determine the optimal structure of the combined group and may then implement changes to realize efficiency.

More information about EveryMatrix is available at www.EveryMatrix.com.

EveryMatrix’s shareholding in Fantasma

Neither EveryMatrix nor its closely related companies or closely related parties own any shares or other financial instruments that give a financial exposure equivalent to a shareholding in Fantasma at the time of the announcement of the Offer, and they have not acquired or agreed to acquire any such shares or financial instruments during the six months preceding the announcement of the Offer.

To the extent permissible under applicable laws and regulations, EveryMatrix may acquire, or enter into agreements to acquire, shares in Fantasma in other ways than through the Offer. Any such acquisitions will be carried out or agreed and disclosed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Preliminary timetable

Publication of the offer document: 18 September 2024Acceptance period: 19 September–10 October 2024Commencement of settlement: 18 October 2024

EveryMatrix reserves the right to shorten the acceptance period and set an earlier settlement date as well as to extend the acceptance period and to postpone the settlement date, as may be permissible under applicable laws and regulations. Any such change of the acceptance period or settlement date will be announced by EveryMatrix in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Compulsory buy-out and delisting of Fantasma

In the event that EveryMatrix, whether in connection with the Offer or otherwise, becomes the owner of more than 90 per cent of the shares in Fantasma, EveryMatrix intends to commence a compulsory buy-out procedure in accordance with the Swedish Companies Act (Sw. aktiebolagslagen (2005:551)) in respect of the remaining shares not owned by EveryMatrix as well as promote a delisting of the shares in Fantasma from Nasdaq First North.

Applicable law and disputes

The Offer and any agreements entered into between EveryMatrix and shareholders of Fantasma in connection with the Offer are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Sweden. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with the Offer shall be finally settled by Swedish courts, and Stockholm District Court shall be the court of first instance.

The Takeover Rules and the Swedish Securities Council’s rulings regarding interpretation and application of the Takeover Rules are applicable to the Offer.

Advisers

EveryMatrix has engaged Gernandt & Danielsson Advokatbyrå as legal advisor in connection with the Offer.

 

EveryMatrix

This press release was submitted for publication on 18 September 2024 at 08:00 (CEST).

Information about the Offer is available at:
https://everymatrix.com/offer-validation/

For administrative questions regarding the Offer, please contact your bank or nominee where you have your shares registered.

 

Important information

The Offer is not being made to (and acceptance forms will not be accepted from or on behalf of) persons domiciled in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, or South Africa, or whose participation in the Offer requires that additional offer documents are prepared or registrations effected or that any other measures are taken in addition to those required under Swedish law (including the Takeover Rules), unless an exemption applies.

This press release and any other documentation related to the Offer (including copies of such documentation) must not be mailed or otherwise distributed, forwarded or sent in or into any jurisdiction (including, without limitation, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa) in which the distribution of this press release or the Offer would require any additional measures to be taken or would be in conflict with any laws or regulation in any such jurisdiction. Persons who receive this press release (including, without limitation, banks, brokers, dealers, nominees, trustees and custodians) and are subject to the laws or regulations of any such jurisdiction will need to inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable restrictions and requirements. Any failure to do so may constitute a violation of the securities laws or regulations of any such jurisdiction. To the extent permitted by applicable law, EveryMatrix disclaims any responsibility or liability for any violations of any such restrictions, and EveryMatrix reserves the right to disregard any acceptance forms whose submission constitutes a direct or indirect violation of any of these restrictions.

Forward-looking statements

Statements in this press release relating to any future status or circumstances, including statements regarding future performance, growth and other trend projections and other effects of the Offer, are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “will”, “would” or similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that could occur in the future. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to several factors, many of which are outside EveryMatrix’s control. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which the statements are made and EveryMatrix has no obligation (and undertakes no obligation) to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws and regulations.

 

1 Source for the share price: Nasdaq First North.
2 The ownership percentage set out in this item is calculated based on 3,556,535 shares in Fantasma.
3 Source for the share price: Nasdaq First North.
4 The ownership percentages set out in this section are calculated based on 3,556,535 shares in Fantasma.

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Secretary of State Belanger announces expansion of high-speed Internet access in Saskatchewan

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44 minutes ago

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July 24, 2026

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Federal investment of over $141 million will help connect more than 30,000 homes to high–speed Internet

HUMBOLDT, SK, July 24, 2026 /CNW/ — Reliable and affordable high-speed Internet is essential for all Canadians. It enables access to important online resources, connects friends and families, and drives economic growth and innovation. This is why the Government of Canada is helping bring high-speed Internet access to underserved communities–including Indigenous communities–in Saskatchewan.

Today, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, announced over $141 million in federal funding for six projects to bring high-speed Internet access to more than 30,000 households in over 500 rural and remote communities across Saskatchewan.

This funding is provided through the Universal Broadband Fund, a program designed to ensure that Canadians in rural, remote and Indigenous communities have access to reliable high-speed Internet.

The Government of Canada has committed to ensuring that every household in Canada has access to high-speed Internet by 2030, and it is on track to meet this connectivity target. These projects will build toward that goal, and the government will continue to invest in infrastructure that creates new opportunities and makes sure communities can benefit from all of Canada’s potential.

Quotes

“High-speed Internet is no longer just a luxury–it’s essential infrastructure, no matter where you live in Canada. It’s how people access health care virtually, start a business or just stay in touch with their loved ones. That’s why we made a historic commitment to provide 100% of Canadian households with access to high-speed Internet by 2030. The projects announced today are a major milestone for connectivity in Saskatchewan, providing reliable and affordable high-speed Internet to more than 30,000 underserved homes in over 500 rural and remote communities across the province.”
– The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development

“In many rural and remote areas, connectivity projects like these face a number of financial and structural barriers. Federal tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank help bridge that gap, ensuring critical infrastructure is built where it otherwise would not be. By supporting initiatives like this, we are advancing economic growth today and helping close the connectivity gap for underserved communities well into the future.”
– The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“Access to dependable high-speed Internet should not be determined by where people live. Thanks to support from the Government of Canada through the Universal Broadband Fund, RFNOW is delivering the infrastructure needed to connect underserved rural and First Nations communities across Saskatchewan. Together, we are building a stronger digital future that will enhance economic development, support essential services and improve quality of life for thousands of Canadians.”
– Chris Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer, RFNOW Inc.

“Every community deserves the opportunity that comes with access to reliable high-speed Internet–and that’s exactly what this investment delivers. In partnership with the Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund, Xplore is bringing high-speed Internet connectivity to nearly 20,000 homes and businesses in Saskatchewan. Better connectivity means more than faster downloads–it means students can learn without interruption, families can access health care from home, and local businesses can compete on a level playing field.”
– Brent Johnston, Chief Executive Officer, Xplore Inc.

“Since our establishment in 2007, we have been committed to providing dependable Internet service and strengthening connections in the communities we serve. With support from the Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund, we’re excited to expand our network and introduce new 6 GHz fixed wireless technology capable of delivering speeds of up to 1 Gbps. This project will help more residents of rural and remote communities access the reliable high-speed connectivity they need for work, education, health care, business and everyday life.”
– Allen Stafford, President, Stafford Communications Inc.

“Beaver River Broadband has secured federal Universal Broadband Fund support to deliver fibre-to-the-home infrastructure directly to Peepeekisis Cree Nation. This critical investment guarantees gigabit-capable Internet access that will transform local opportunities in digital education, remote health care and community-led economic development. Crucially, the project underscores the importance of partnering with smaller, regional Internet providers that bring deep community roots, agile deployment and a dedicated focus on serving areas that larger national carriers often overlook. As an Indigenous-led regional provider working closely with First Nations, Beaver River Broadband understands the unique needs of the area and delivers tailored, reliable customer support on the ground. Empowering local providers through initiatives like the Universal Broadband Fund ensures that underserved First Nations are not just connected but also supported by partners invested in their long-term digital sovereignty.”
– John DeGraauw, CEO, Beaver River Broadband

“MCSnet’s fibre-to-the-tower expansion in Saskatchewan will deliver fast, highly reliable Internet access to underserved homes in rural Saskatchewan, courtesy of a dedicated, community-invested provider. As a family-owned company based in the Prairies, we have been serving rural communities with our innovative technology and exceptional customer service for over 30 years.”
– Jerome VanBrabant, Chief Projects Officer, MCSnet

Quick facts

Canada’s Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload.The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help provide high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadian households by the end of 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030.Today, 97.4% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014.In Saskatchewan, 89.2% of households currently have access to high-speed internet.Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested $242 million in connectivity projects in Saskatchewan.The Canada Infrastructure Bank has committed more than $2 billion toward digital (broadband) infrastructure, closing last-mile connectivity gaps across Canada.Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit individuals and gender diverse people are more likely to go missing or be murdered than non-Indigenous women. Better connectivity means more tools in moments of danger, enabling victims of violence to access critical online resources and get help when they need it most.Building on the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act, the Government of Canada launched the Prairie Partnership Initiative to build a dynamic, sustainable and inclusive economy in the Prairie provinces.

Associated links

Rural economic developmentHigh-Speed Internet Access DashboardUniversal Broadband FundBackgrounder: Universal Broadband Fund and Telesat low Earth orbit capacity agreementCanada Infrastructure Bank: Digital Infrastructure and AIHigh-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity StrategyNational Broadband MapFederal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ PeoplePrairie Partnership Initiative

Stay connected

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. X (Twitter): @ISED_CA | Facebook: Canadian Innovation | Instagram: @cdninnovation | LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app.

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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Fragmented Web Strategies Leave Organizations Exposed as Digital Expectations Rise, Warns Info-Tech Research Group

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July 24, 2026

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Organizations are increasingly focused on modernizing their digital presence to meet rising user expectations, yet many still rely on decentralized content models, inconsistent governance, and legacy platforms. New findings from Info-Tech Research Group show that without a structured web experience management (WEM) strategy, web initiatives often fail to align with business goals and user needs. The firm’s blueprint Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy provides a five-phase framework and tools to help IT leaders strengthen governance and align web priorities with organizational objectives.

ARLINGTON, Va., July 24, 2026 /CNW/ — Organizations continue to invest in digital platforms and web modernization efforts, but progress is often limited by unclear priorities, inconsistent ownership, and a lack of shared performance measures. New insights from Info-Tech Research Group indicate that without a clear understanding of web experience maturity and readiness, digital investments fail to translate into consistent and measurable outcomes. The global research and advisory firm’s recently published blueprint, Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy, provides a structured five-phase methodology to assess current-state capabilities, define priority audiences and journeys, and build a practical roadmap for evolving the web ecosystem in alignment with organizational objectives.

“Web experience management has moved beyond basic websites to become a core driver of growth and engagement,” says Hriday Gulrajani, senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. “CIOs and IT leaders need to align marketing, data, and technology teams under clear governance and a structured roadmap to deliver consistent, scalable digital experiences.”

Info-Tech’s blueprint shows that many organizations treat web modernization as a technology upgrade rather than a coordinated experience strategy. As a result, content operations remain decentralized, integration between core systems such as CMS, CRM, and analytics platforms is inconsistent, and governance responsibilities are not clearly defined. While capabilities such as personalization, automation, and advanced analytics offer opportunities to improve engagement and operational efficiency, organizations often lack a structured framework for prioritizing initiatives and measuring progress across the web ecosystem.

Key Challenges IT Leaders Face in Web Experience Management
Despite ongoing investment in digital platforms and experience initiatives, many organizations encounter structural and operational barriers that limit progress. Info-Tech’s research highlights several persistent challenges:

Content decisions are often made in silos, resulting in inconsistent messaging, fragmented governance, and unclear ownership across teams.Limited integration between CMS, CRM, analytics, and other core systems restricts visibility into user behavior and makes it difficult to measure and improve web experience performance.Legacy platforms and constrained architectures limit personalization, automation, accessibility, and multichannel delivery capabilities.Misalignment between marketing, IT, and data teams slows decision-making and weakens the organization’s ability to evolve its web ecosystem strategically.

Info-Tech’s Practical Framework for Web Experience Management
To address these challenges, Info-Tech recommends a structured five-phase approach that connects organizational strategy, customer experience priorities, and web execution. The Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy blueprint outlines the following priorities for CIOs and IT leaders:

Phase 1: Define Vision & Success Criteria – Align WEM objectives to organizational strategy, define strategic outcomes, and establish experience KPIs to measure performance across digital touchpoints.

Phase 2: Assess Current State & Readiness – Use a web experience maturity model to evaluate capabilities across people, process, technology, and performance, and identify integration gaps and readiness risks.

Phase 3: Understand Audiences & Experience Priorities – Define priority personas, map end-to-end journeys, and translate organizational goals into structured web experience use cases prioritized by value and feasibility.

Phase 4: Architect & Govern the Ecosystem – Establish architecture principles, design the target-state WEM ecosystem, and define governance structures and operating models that clarify roles, ownership, and decision rights.

Phase 5: Launch, Communicate, & Measure – Develop a phased roadmap aligned to key value drivers, implement performance measurement frameworks, and enable continuous optimization across the web ecosystem.

Info-Tech’s Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy blueprint is supported by a Web Experience Management Business Case Template and a Web Experience Initiatives Prioritization and Roadmap Planning Tool. These resources are designed to help CIOs and IT leaders build a clear case for modernization, prioritize initiatives based on value and feasibility, and develop phased roadmaps aligned to organizational objectives. By applying this framework and its supporting tools, organizations can strengthen governance, improve cross-functional alignment, and evolve their web ecosystem in a measurable and scalable way.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Hriday Gulrajani, and access to the complete Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing professionals around the globe. As a trusted product and service leader, the company delivers unbiased, highly relevant research and industry-leading advisory support to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to expert guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. 

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform. 

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, as well as hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com. 

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X. 

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains What to Know Before Choosing an Aluminum Fabrication Partner

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44 minutes ago

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July 24, 2026

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The article explains how an integrated fabrication process supports better quality, efficiency, and long-term project success.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should someone look for before selecting an aluminum fabrication partner who can guide a project from the first design sketch through final delivery? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert  Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that explains how the full aluminum production workflow shapes accuracy, consistency, and long-term reliability. The article shows why a clear understanding of each stage in the process helps people make informed decisions before committing to a fabrication partner.

The article begins by explaining that aluminum fabrication involves far more than cutting or welding. It describes how every project moves through a connected chain of design support, extrusion, machining, finishing, and logistics. Each step affects the next, and the article notes that the best results come from choosing an aluminum fabrication partner who keeps these stages aligned. By showing how coordination prevents errors, the article gives readers a practical way to evaluate a potential shop.

Early design support is a major focus of the article. It states that many projects benefit when design engineering is handled in-house because small adjustments to a profile can influence strength, weight, and final performance. The HelloNation article explains that an aluminum fabrication partner with internal design capabilities can review shapes before tooling begins, reducing the risk of delays caused by unrealistic or difficult-to-extrude features. This design stage sets the direction for everything that follows, making it one of the most valuable parts of the process.

The article also examines extrusion, which it calls one of the most specialized stages in aluminum manufacturing. It notes that some shops do not extrude their own material, which forces them to rely on outside mills. That structure can lead to longer schedules and more points of communication. By contrast, an aluminum fabrication partner with direct access to extrusion equipment can control die design, schedule production runs, and manage metal flow more precisely. The article explains that this control reduces variation between batches, which supports stable timelines and more predictable quality.

Machining receives detailed attention as well. The article states that accuracy depends on how well each machine is calibrated for the specific alloy and geometry involved. It describes how a fabricator who machines their own extrusions becomes familiar with how those profiles respond to different tool paths and cutting forces. This familiarity supports tighter tolerances and more dependable results. The article explains that when machining is outsourced, the receiving shop may not know the conditions under which the material was extruded or aged, which can cause small adjustments that affect uniformity across long runs.

Finishing is another important stage explored in the article. It explains how anodizing, powder coating, polishing, or protective layers interact with thickness and alloy. The article notes that when finishing is spread across multiple vendors, the project moves more often, which increases the chance for delays or inconsistency. An aluminum fabrication partner with integrated finishing services can keep color and coating texture more uniform while maintaining a tighter schedule.

Logistics also plays a key role in the article’s guidance. It highlights that aluminum profiles, especially long or delicate ones, require thoughtful packaging, palletizing, and freight planning. A shop with its own logistics team can reduce damage risks and speed up the time between manufacturing and delivery. The article explains that when logistics is outsourced, communication slows down and the chances of errors increase, making it harder to keep a project on schedule.

Tolerance control is another subject the article describes. It explains that aluminum reacts to heat, pressure, and machining forces in predictable ways only when the team understands how the material was formed at every stage. The article notes that when extrusion, aging, machining, and inspection all occur within one operation, teams can maintain a closed loop of information. This reduces the risk of dimensional issues and strengthens consistency from batch to batch.

As the article moves toward its conclusion, it emphasizes that choosing the right aluminum fabrication partner comes down to understanding how many stages the shop directly manages. When a partner controls design, extrusion, machining, finishing, and logistics, communication becomes clearer, and the workflow becomes more predictable. The article explains that this unified structure allows teams to adjust quickly because they understand every step of the operation.

The article ends by stating that dependable performance in aluminum work depends on how well each stage connects to the next. A strong aluminum fabrication partner is defined not by one capability but by how the entire process fits together. This guidance gives readers a practical way to evaluate potential partners and make decisions that support long-term project success.

What to Know Before Choosing an Aluminum Fabrication Partner features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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