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HKBN Signs HK$5.25bn Sustainability-Linked Loan

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HONG KONG, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HKBN Ltd. (“HKBN” or the “Company”; SEHK stock code: 1310) is delighted to announce the signing of its inaugural HK$5.25 billion syndicated Sustainability-Linked Loan (the “SLL Facility”) under the HKBN Ltd. Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework (“Framework”), with 11 leading international, regional and local banks. The facility includes enhanced terms and a greenshoe mechanism that allows HKBN to upsize the loan in the future. Proceeds from the SLL Facility will be used to refinance the Company’s outstanding loans.

The overwhelming response from the market is a vote of confidence in HKBN’s business plan. This landmark SLL Facility reaffirms HKBN’s long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices while driving business growth. It also includes an interest rate adjustment mechanism that is linked to predetermined sustainability performance targets (SPTs). This will allow HKBN to benefit from savings in borrowing costs upon the successful attainment of the specified key performance indicators (KPIs).

The specified KPIs and SPTs are tailored to address climate change mitigation and cybersecurity within HKBN. The first KPI focuses on Scopes 1 and 2 emissions. The second KPI involves the average failure rate of phishing assessments for HKBN’s Talents. The third and final KPI comprises Scope 3 emissions. Emissions reduction targets were set in line with HKBN’s near-term GHG emissions reduction targets recently validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”); while those for KPI 2 were set based on the performance results from impromptu simulated email assessments, which the company will conduct to evaluate its Talents’ susceptibility to phishing attacks – a vital and necessary exercise for measuring cybersecurity risk.

HKBN has appointed Sustainable Fitch to provide a Second Party Opinion (“SPO”) on the Framework with an overall rating of “Good”. The SPO affirms that the Framework aligns with the Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles set forth by the Loan Market Association, the Loan Syndications and Trading Association, and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association.

The SLL Facility is led by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, BNP Paribas, Cathay United Bank Company, Limited, Hong Kong Branch, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Hong Kong Branch, DBS Bank Ltd., ING Bank N.V., Hong Kong Branch and The Bank of East Asia, Limited as the Mandated Lead Arrangers, Bookrunners and Underwriters and participated by Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Natixis, Hong Kong Branch, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Branch and Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. as the Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Hong Kong Branch and ING Bank N.V., Hong Kong Branch are the Joint Sustainability Coordinators. Rothschild & Co is the financial adviser for HKBN.

Derek Yue, HKBN Co-Owner & Chief Financial Officer said, “Through this refinancing deal, HKBN is not just reshaping our financial well-being with better loan terms, but setting a new standard for corporate accountability and sustainability. Our focus on achieving key performance indicators in climate change mitigation and cybersecurity reflects our dedication to a more sustainable future and a secure digital environment. We believe that by aligning our financing initiatives with these crucial objectives, we are not only strengthening our business but also contributing to a better world for all.”

Nancy Cheng, Managing Director, Head of Tech Coverage APAC, at Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, commented, “Being a long-standing banking partner of HKBN, we are delighted to play a key part in HKBN’s inaugural SLL transaction, which is the very first in Hong Kong for the telecommunications market. It establishes a new benchmark for the sector, akin to how HKBN has continually set and raised the bar for broadband speeds in Hong Kong. We are dedicated to continuing our role in supporting HKBN’s financing and sustainability journey in the future.”

Shalini Sujanani, Managing Director, TMT & Healthcare for ING in Asia Pacific, commented, “We are pleased to support HKBN’s sustainability journey as Joint Sustainability Coordinator for this landmark facility. By embedding ambitious KPIs into their financing, HKBN demonstrates that sustainability and business performance can go hand in hand. This SLL Facility reflects the growing importance of aligning financial strategies with environmental and social objectives, and we are excited to help HKBN drive meaningful impact through this partnership.”

About HKBN Ltd.

HKBN Ltd. (SEHK Stock Code: 1310, together with its subsidiaries, “HKBN” or the “Group”) is an investment holding company.  Headquartered in Hong Kong with operations spanning across Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, the Group is a leading integrated telecommunications and technology services provider. The Group provides a full range of one-stop, high-quality information and communication technology (ICT) solutions and an unlimited services portfolio. HKBN’s extensive tri-carrier fibre infrastructure covers around 2.6 million residential homes and 8,200 commercial buildings and facilities across Hong Kong. Committed to creating a lasting positive impact to wherever it operates, HKBN embraces a core purpose to “Make our Home a Better Place to Live” and has received a highest possible rating of AAA in MSCI’s 2024 ESG Ratings assessment in environment, society and governance. The Group is managed by hundreds of Co-Owners (supervisory and management level Talents in the Group) who invested their savings to buy shares of HKBN Ltd.. For more information about HKBN, please visit https://www.hkbn.net/group/en.

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SOURCE HKBN Ltd.

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Sequel Brands Launches MOVE Powered by SEQUELai, the Company’s Sixth Brand and First Digital Wellness Platform

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MOVE closes the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it with an AI coach designed for everyone – not just people who already exercise.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sequel Brands today announced the launch of MOVE powered by SEQUELai, the company’s sixth brand and first digital wellness platform. Joining a portfolio that includes Pilates Addiction, BODY20, iFlex Stretch Studios, Beem Light Sauna, and Ultimate Longevity Center, MOVE is available now on iOS and Android for $5/month or $25/year – a price point designed to make personalized wellness more accessible, regardless of fitness background. The platform combines AI-powered coaching, personalized workouts, recovery guidance, nutrition support, and daily accountability to help users build healthier routines that last.

Despite widespread awareness of healthy living, millions of Americans still struggle to consistently put healthy habits into practice. According to the CDC, fewer than half of U.S. adults meet federal guidelines for aerobic physical activity. MOVE was built to close that gap by making healthy movement simple, achievable, and sustainable – especially for those who don’t consider themselves “fitness people.”

Extending Sequel’s Mission Beyond the Studio

For Sequel Founder and CEO Anthony Geisler, who has spent his career building and scaling some of the industry’s most recognizable studio brands – from Club Pilates and Pure Barre to Sequel’s portfolio today – MOVE is the culmination of a belief he has championed for years: movement is the foundation of better health. Through industry stages, interviews, and podcasts – including his keynote at last year’s Athletech News Innovation Summit – Geisler has consistently argued that America’s health challenge isn’t a lack of information; it’s turning knowledge into consistent action.

“Movement is medicine – it’s the catalyst for all other health habits. Get a workout in, and a bowl of ice cream stops sounding like a good idea. Skip it, and the rest of the day tends to follow,” said Geisler. “The goal with MOVE is simple: more people moving more often, in more accessible ways.”

SmartCoach: AI That Adapts as You Do

At the heart of MOVE is SmartCoach, an AI-powered wellness coach that creates a personalized plan based on each member’s goals, fitness level, and schedule – then continuously learns and adapts as they progress. While most wellness apps are built for people who already exercise regularly, SmartCoach is designed for the millions who don’t, meeting users where they are and helping them build sustainable habits over time. Beyond personalized coaching, MOVE delivers programming across strength, cardio, mobility, recovery, sleep, meditation, nutrition, mental wellness, women’s health, GLP-1 companion support, and clinically informed musculoskeletal (MSK) recovery.

The platform will continue to evolve with new AI-powered experiences. Upcoming features include MePod, a personalized weekly podcast that recaps each member’s progress and prepares them for the week ahead, and Daily Recommendations, a dynamic workout feed that updates in real time based on how each person is actually training. Wearables integration follows, connecting with fitness trackers and health apps members are already using.

AI-Powered Innovation Across the Sequel Ecosystem

MOVE marks the beginning of Sequel’s broader AI strategy. The company is already developing the next generation of AI-powered member experiences designed to help people build healthier daily habits that drive long-term health and longevity, while giving franchisees new ways to improve retention, deepen member relationships, and drive more visits to their studios.

“Technology should make healthy living easier, not more overwhelming,” said Alex Isaly, Sequel Brands’ President of Platform and AI Strategy. “MOVE meets people where they are, with coaching that adapts as they do. This is the first step in Sequel’s broader AI strategy to turn education into execution – creating better experiences for members and unlocking new ways to support our growing wellness ecosystem.”

The MOVE Smarter, Live Brighter Challenge

To celebrate the launch, Sequel is introducing the MOVE Smarter, Live Brighter Challenge, starting July 20. Designed for every fitness level, participants complete four sessions each week – including walking, strength, mobility, and sleep – for a total of 16 guided sessions, while a live in-app tracker measures the community’s total minutes of movement in real time. No gym, equipment, or fitness background is required to get started.

To join the challenge, download MOVE powered by SEQUELai, available now on iOS and Android, or visit sequelbrands.com/move-challenge.

ABOUT SEQUEL BRANDS
Sequel Brands is a next-generation fitness franchisor redefining the future of movement, recovery, wellness, and longevity. With an experienced leadership team and a portfolio of high-growth concepts – including Pilates Addiction, iFlex Stretch Studios, Beem Light Sauna, BODY20, Ultimate Longevity Center, and MOVE Powered by SEQUELai – Sequel delivers a scalable platform built for lasting success, cultural impact, and real results in how people move, recover, and optimize their longevity. For more information, visit sequelbrands.com

MEDIA CONTACTS
Sequel Brands Communications
E: communications@sequelbrands.com

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SOURCE Sequel Brands

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B&R Technology Merger Corp. Announces Pricing of $325 Million Initial Public Offering

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NEW YORK, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — B&R Technology Merger Corp. (the “Company”) announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 32,500,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “BRTMU” commencing on July 21, 2026. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share of the Company and one-third of one warrant, each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share of the Company at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. Once the securities constituting the units begin separate trading, the Company expects that the Class A ordinary shares and warrants will be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols ” BRTM” and ” BRTMW,” respectively.

The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. It may pursue an initial business combination target in any business or industry.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“Citigroup”) is acting as sole bookrunner and representative of the underwriters. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 4,875,000 additional units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

This offering will only be made by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to the offering and final prospectus, when available, may be obtained from Citigroup, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717 or by telephone at (800) 831-9146.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State or jurisdiction.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the Company’s offering filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/br-technology-merger-corp-announces-pricing-of-325-million-initial-public-offering-302830053.html

SOURCE B&R Technology Merger Corp.

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Paris-Planet Is Back with a Fresh New Way to Explore Paris

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MONTREAL, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Planning a trip to Paris just got a little easier.

Paris-Planet has officially relaunched with a completely redesigned website that helps travelers discover and book some of Paris’s best museums, attractions, tours, and local experiences in one place.

The new site was built for people who want to spend less time jumping between dozens of websites and more time getting excited about their trip. Whether it’s your first visit to Paris or your fifth, Paris-Planet brings together the experiences that make the city unforgettable.

“We wanted to build the kind of website we would actually use ourselves,” said Chaz Desousa, founder of Paris-Planet. “There are so many incredible things to see in Paris, but planning a trip can quickly become overwhelming. Our goal was to make discovering and booking experiences simple, inspiring, and enjoyable.”

Visitors can browse everything from famous landmarks and museums to food tours, river cruises, walking tours, family activities, and seasonal events. Along with tickets and experiences, the site also features destination guides, travel tips, and ideas for making the most of every day in Paris.

The relaunch also includes a faster website, improved navigation, and a mobile-friendly design, making it easy for travelers to plan before they leave home or while they’re already exploring the city.

Activity provider can sign up here to Sell Paris Tours & Tickets Online

Paris remains one of the world’s most visited destinations, welcoming millions of visitors every year. Paris-Planet was created to help those travelers spend less time searching and more time experiencing everything the city has to offer.

About Paris-Planet

Paris-Planet is an online travel guide and booking platform focused exclusively on Paris. The website helps visitors discover museums, attractions, tours, activities, and unique local experiences while making trip planning simple and enjoyable.

For more information, visit www.paris-planet.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paris-planet-is-back-with-a-fresh-new-way-to-explore-paris-302829953.html

SOURCE Paris-Planet

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