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EchoStar Announces Suite of Transformative Transactions to Delever Its Balance Sheet and Improve Its Debt Maturity Profile, Transition Its Strategic Focus and Pave the Road for it to Enhance and Further Deploy its Nationwide 5G Open RAN Wireless Network

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Agreement to sell DISH DBS to DIRECTV refocuses portfolio on growing wireless and satellite connectivity marketsRaises $5.1 billion of capital from existing stakeholders for investment in nationwide 5G Open RAN network and other general corporate purposes Funds near-term maturity and significantly reduces refinancing needs in the next 24-36 months Provides access to approximately $1.5 billion of DISH Pay-TV cash flow pending closing of DISH DBS sale1Conference call for EchoStar investors at 8:30 am ET Monday Sept 30th

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”), a global, fully integrated communication and content delivery leader and provider of technology, spectrum, engineering, manufacturing, networking services, television entertainment and connectivity, today announced a suite of transformative transactions, including:

an agreement to sell DISH DBS Corporation (“DBS”) (its Pay-TV business, which includes Sling TV) to DIRECTV creating a combined company that will be better positioned to invest in its services and negotiate with programmers for the content that consumers demand, delivering more choices and better value to its consumers;the receipt of approximately $2.5 billion in new financing from TPG Angelo Gordon and certain co-investors at DBS to address its November 2024 debt maturity and provide interim liquidity;various exchange offers to DBS bondholders providing the opportunity for its stakeholders to support the combination of the DBS and DIRECTV business and roll into the attractive combined credit;a comprehensive financing solution and balance sheet optimization transaction at EchoStar through:a Transaction Support Agreement with certain holders (the “DISH Supporting Investors”) of its subsidiary DISH Network Corporation’s 0% convertible notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) and 3.375% convertible notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes” and, together with the 2025 Notes, the “DISH Convertible Notes”) providing for the exchange of DISH Convertible Notes for new EchoStar secured notes maturing in 2030; anda Commitment Agreement with certain of the DISH Supporting Investors to invest $5.1 billion of new capital in EchoStar through the purchase of EchoStar secured notes maturing in 2029.

Today’s announcements accelerate EchoStar’s mission of deploying a nationwide facilities-based wireless service to compete with dominant incumbent wireless carriers and its ability to further leverage its satellite assets and experience, including developing innovative direct-to-device (D2D) solutions. U.S. consumers will benefit from EchoStar’s ability to focus more clearly on enhancing and further deploying its nationwide 5G Open RAN wireless network, which will provide more choices and better service to consumers under the Boost Mobile brand, while driving innovation at a faster pace.

“Today’s strategic actions will advance our ability to aggressively compete in the U.S. wireless market. Customers of legacy incumbents will be waking up and paying attention to our state-of-the-art network,” said Hamid Akhavan, President and Chief Executive Officer, EchoStar. “With an improved financial profile and a unique approach, we expect to gain share, drive shareholder value, and provide more options for U.S. wireless consumers. Our collaboration with our existing stakeholders to achieve this holistic recapitalization solution at EchoStar is a testament to their continued support of our vision, and we greatly appreciate their partnership and continued investment in our mission.”

DIRECTV Transaction; DBS Exchange Offers and TPG Angelo Gordon Financing

Under the terms of an equity purchase agreement between EchoStar and DIRECTV, DIRECTV will acquire EchoStar’s video distribution businesses, DISH and Sling TV, in exchange for the assumption of DBS debt and certain other consideration, including the release of all DISH Network intercompany obligations to DISH DBS. DBS has commenced exchange offers and consent solicitations for five different series of DBS notes with a total face value of approximately $9.75 billion, including seeking certain consents from the holders of such notes to facilitate the acquisition, including to convert such notes, upon closing of the acquisition, into DIRECTV debt which will have terms that mirror DIRECTV’s existing secured debt. 

The transaction, which the boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. The transaction is subject to various closing conditions, including, but not limited to, a requisite amount of the outstanding DBS notes being tendered into the Exchange Offer, completion of a pre-closing reorganization, and receipt of required regulatory approvals.

In addition, TPG Angelo Gordon and certain co-investors have provided $2.5 billion of financing to DBS to fully refinance DBS’ November 2024 debt maturity and provide interim liquidity.

Furthermore, the release of intercompany obligations in connection with the closing of the transaction creates the ability for EchoStar to fully unencumber the 3.45-3.55 GHz spectrum unlocking incremental strategic and operating flexibility.

Comprehensive EchoStar Financing Solution and Balance Sheet Optimization

Under the terms of a Transaction Support Agreement between EchoStar and the DISH Supporting Investors collectively representing over 85% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the DISH Convertible Notes, all holders of DISH Convertible Notes will have the opportunity to exchange their DISH Convertible Notes for new secured notes and secured convertible notes of EchoStar maturing in 2030. The DISH Supporting Investors have committed to participate with all of their DISH Convertible Notes in the exchange. In addition, certain members of the DISH Supporting Investors and a related party of Charles W. Ergen, the Company’s chairman, have entered into a Commitment Agreement pursuant to which EchoStar will issue $5.1 billion of new senior secured notes maturing in 2029 for cash. These new notes will be secured by EchoStar’s AWS-3 and AWS-4 spectrum assets. The commitment of the Ergen related party is for $100 million of such notes and was unanimously approved by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.

The $5.1 billion new money financing from the Supporting Investors will provide EchoStar with significant capital for the buildout of its Boost Mobile nationwide 5G Open RAN network. The commitment from the DISH Convertible Notes will significantly improve EchoStar’s debt maturity profile through the extension of debt maturities from 2025 and 2026 to 2029.   

Finally, the Company entered into subscription agreements with certain accredited investors and CONX Corp., a Nevada corporation (“CONX”) indirectly controlled by Charles W. Ergen (the “PIPE Investors” and the subscription agreements, the “Subscription Agreements”), pursuant to which the PIPE Investors have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase from the Company an aggregate of 14.265 million shares (the “PIPE Shares”) of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a purchase price of $28.04 per share, the closing price for the Company’s Class A common stock on September 27, 2024, for an aggregate cash purchase price of approximately $400 million (such investment, the “PIPE Investment”). The portion of the PIPE Investment represented by the CONX Subscription Agreement represents an agreement to purchase from the Company an aggregate of 1.551 million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock for an aggregate cash purchase price of approximately $43.5 million. The CONX Subscription Agreement was unanimously approved by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. The PIPE Investment is conditioned on and expected to close concurrently with the closing of the DISH Convertible Notes exchange offers and new senior secured notes, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Subscription Agreements.

Advisors

J.P. Morgan acted as financial advisor to EchoStar for the DIRECTV and TPG Angelo Gordon transactions. Houlihan Lokey, Inc. served as financial advisor for the transactions with the DISH Supporting Investors.  White & Case LLP served as legal advisor to EchoStar for both transactions.

Centerview Partners served as exclusive financial advisor and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as exclusive legal advisor to the ad hoc group of holders of 2025 DISH Convertible Notes, and Perella Weinberg Partners served as exclusive financial advisor and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP served as exclusive legal counsel to the ad hoc group of holders of 2026 DISH Convertible Notes.

Conference Call

EchoStar will host a conference call on Monday, September 30, at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss these transactions. To attend the call, please dial the number below and provide the conference ID when prompted. A presentation to accompany the call will be available on ir.echostar.com at the time of the call.

Participant conference numbers: (877) 484-6065 (U.S.) and (201) 689-8846
Conference ID: 13749306

Please dial in at least 10 minutes before the call to ensure timely participation.

*********

1 Cash flow for period from June 30, 2024 to September 30, 2025.

About EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS)
EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) is a premier provider of technology, networking services, television entertainment and connectivity, offering consumer, enterprise, operator, and government solutions worldwide under its EchoStar®, Boost Mobile®, Sling TV, DISH TV, Hughes®, HughesNet®, HughesON™ and JUPITER™ brands. In Europe, EchoStar operates under its EchoStar Mobile Limited subsidiary and in Australia, the company operates as EchoStar Global Australia. For more information, visit www.echostar.com and follow EchoStar on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.

©2024 EchoStar. Hughes, HughesNet, DISH and Boost Mobile are registered trademarks of one or more affiliate companies of EchoStar Corp.

No Offer

This communication is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell, buy or subscribe for any securities or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. In particular, this communication is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. No offer of securities shall be made in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Such statements include, in particular, statements about potential exchange offers and financing transactions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond EchoStar and the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include the factors discussed under the section entitled “Risk Factors” of EchoStar and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and under the section entitled “Risk Factors” of EchoStar’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC. EchoStar and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

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SOURCE EchoStar Corporation

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IdentityIQ Expands Access to Identity Protection and Financial Wellness Tools with New Spanish-Language Experience

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September 1, 2026

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New Spanish-language version brings identity protection, credit monitoring and financial health resources to more than 41 million Spanish-dominant speakers in the U.S.

TEMECULA, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IdentityIQ, a leading provider of identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions, today announced the launch of new plans now in Spanish, expanding access to comprehensive identity and credit protection to more than 41 million Spanish-dominant speakers in the United States.

The new Spanish-language experience gives consumers the ability to enroll, access their member dashboard and manage their financial health entirely in Spanish. The launch also supports B2B partners serving Spanish-speaking customers with a localized partner experience.

“Financial protection shouldn’t depend on language,” said Rick Eggleton, chief revenue officer for IDIQ, which operates the IdentityIQ brand. “Our Spanish-language offering gives millions of consumers greater access to the tools they need to protect their identity, credit and financial health.”

The Spanish-language plans include IdentityIQ’s most comprehensive suite of identity protection and financial wellness tools, including credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity theft alerts, credit score tracking, optional rent and utility payment reporting, credit education and other financial health resources.

The launch addresses a significant gap in the financial services marketplace, where language barriers can limit access to tools that help consumers monitor their credit, detect potential identity theft and build stronger financial profiles.

“This is more than translating a product,” Eggleton said. “It’s about making identity protection and financial wellness easier to understand, easier to access and more relevant to Spanish-speaking consumers.”

The launch reflects IdentityIQ’s broader commitment to making identity protection and financial wellness more accessible to underserved communities. By offering its core services in Spanish, IdentityIQ is helping remove language barriers that can make it more difficult for consumers to understand and actively manage their credit and financial health.

The Spanish-language launch also expands opportunities for IdentityIQ’s B2B partners to provide identity protection and financial wellness benefits to Spanish-speaking customers and employees.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to understand and take control of their financial wellness,” Eggleton said. “Expanding our premium plan in Spanish is an important step toward making that possible for millions of consumers.”

For more information on IdentityIQ’s Spanish-language plans and its comprehensive identity protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions, visit https://www.identityiq.com.

About IdentityIQ

IdentityIQ®, offered by IDIQ®, is a leading provider of identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions. IdentityIQ helps consumers monitor and protect their identities, credit and personal information through comprehensive monitoring, alerts and recovery support services.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/identityiq-expands-access-to-identity-protection-and-financial-wellness-tools-with-new-spanish-language-experience-302866626.html

SOURCE IDIQ

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BKF Appoints Andrew Esposito Chief Financial Officer

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September 1, 2026

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People-focused AEC industry veteran appointed to support strategic growth

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BKF, the premier AEC firm in the Western United States, today announced the appointment of Andrew Esposito as Chief Financial Officer, a strategic addition to its executive leadership team as the firm continues to invest in growth, expand its market presence, and pursue new opportunities across the region.

A proven financial and operational leader, Esposito brings extensive experience guiding organizations through periods of expansion while maintaining a strong focus on culture, performance, and long-term value creation. As CFO, Esposito will lead BKF’s financial strategy and operations, helping position the firm for its next chapter of growth while supporting the company’s commitment to employees, clients, and strategic partners.

“Andrew brings a rare combination of financial acumen, operational insight, and people-centered leadership to BKF,” said CEO Darren Riegler. “He understands that the most successful organizations are built on a foundation of trust, shared values, and disciplined growth. His experience and perspective will help us continue expanding our impact, strengthening our partnerships, and creating long-term value for our people and our partners.”

Most recently, Esposito served as CFO at WSP USA, where he had end-to-end responsibility for the finance operations of an approximately $8 billion business. During his tenure, he helped scale the finance organization through a threefold increase in revenue and headcount. He also played a senior role in more than a dozen acquisitions and carve-outs totaling approximately $5 billion in transaction value.

“Strong financial performance and strong organizations are built together,” said Esposito. “From the beginning, I was drawn to BKF’s culture, energy, and strong sense of purpose, as well as its reputation for innovation, client focus, and sustained growth. I’m excited to work alongside the leadership team to build on that momentum, support the firm’s long-term success, and help advance our shared vision of becoming the preeminent infrastructure firm in the Western U.S.”

The appointment comes as BKF continues to execute its growth strategy, building on the successful merger with MNS and acquisition of Lotus Water to expand its capabilities and deliver greater value across the full project lifecycle.

About BKF

For more than 110 years, BKF has partnered with public and private clients to plan, design, and deliver infrastructure projects that strengthens communities throughout the Western United States. With more than 800 people across 20 offices, BKF provides planning, engineering, surveying, program and construction management, and consulting services for transportation, water, government, and land development projects.

Our mission is simple: Do great work, grow a thriving business, and delight our clients. We believe great infrastructure starts with strong relationships, collaboration, and a shared vision for building a better future. Together with our clients, BKF tackles the region’s most complex challenges and creates lasting impact in the communities where we work.

For more information, visit bkf.com

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The World Is Invited: Edison Awards Opens Nominations for Its 40th Anniversary Year

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September 1, 2026

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A Global Icon of Innovation Marks Four Decades — And Calls On Innovators Everywhere to Step Forward

FORT MYERS, Fla., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Forty years ago, a handful of bold ideas changed how the world lives, works, and moves. Today, the Edison Awards, one of the world’s most recognized names in innovation, throws open its doors for its landmark 40th anniversary, inviting innovators, entrepreneurs, and enterprises on every continent to put their breakthroughs on the world stage.

“We are seeing extraordinary innovation emerge from every region of the world, and our 40th year is a chance to recognize just how far this global community of innovators has brought us and how much further we’ll go together,” said Frank Bonafilia, CEO of the Edison Awards.

Starting September 1, 2026, nominations open for the 2027 Edison Best New Product Awards™. Whether it’s a five-person startup team working out of a garage or a Fortune 500 R&D powerhouse, the invitation is the same: bring the innovation you’re proudest of and let the world see it. Nominations close December 15, 2026, with winners revealed in March 2027.

“Forty years ago, the Edison Awards set out to celebrate the innovators bold enough to reimagine what’s possible and that mission has only grown more urgent, and more global, with every passing year,” said Frank Bonafilia, CEO of the Edison Awards. “This anniversary year is shaping up to be our most exciting yet. We are seeing extraordinary innovation emerge from every region of the world, and our 40th year is a chance to recognize just how far this global community of innovators has brought us and how much further we’ll go together.”

Four Decades of Naming What’s Next

Since 1987, the Edison Awards has celebrated the products and ideas that went on to define entire industries in health, sustainability, mobility, and technology. Forty years in, the program isn’t slowing down: it’s expanding, honoring nominees from startups to global enterprises, from every corner of the map.

Two New Awards Built for a Global Stage

Two new honors join the program: The Global Excellence Award, for the best innovation across five regions North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific and The Innovation at Scale Award, honoring standout innovation from Startup/Emerging (under 10 employees) to Global Enterprise (5,000+ employees).

2027 Award Categories

Commercial Technology, Consumer Solutions, Critical Human Infrastructure, Cultural Impact & Education, Energy & Climate Resiliency, Engineering & Robotics, Health, Medical & Biotech, Lifestyle, Entertainment & Design, Manufacturing & Logistics, Materials Science, Public Safety, Security & Digital Integrity, Software Solutions, Transportation, Aerospace & Flight, and Water, Food & Agriculture.

The Call Is Open — Here’s How to Answer It

Early Bird: September 1 – October 15, 2026. General: October 16 – December 15, 2026.

Eligible products launched January 2025–January 2027, judged on Concept, Value, and Impact.

Be counted among them. Submit your nomination at www.edisonawards.com.

About The Edison Awards: Established in 1987, the Edison Best New Product Awards™ honor excellence in product and service innovation transforming how we live, work, and play. Inspired by Thomas Edison’s legacy, the program recognizes game-changing solutions worldwide, offering global recognition, credibility, and connections that drive growth.

Media Contact

Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards, 1 7732305744, fbonafilia@edisonawards.com, https://edisonawards.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-world-is-invited-edison-awards-opens-nominations-for-its-40th-anniversary-year-302864733.html

SOURCE Edison Awards

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