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Ludia Back in Québec Hands: A new era for Canada’s largest independent mobile game studio

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New Local Ownership to Support Growth, with 50 Jobs Created and Acquisitions Planned

MONTRÉAL, March 4, 2025 /CNW/ – Montréal-based video game studio Ludia is back in Canadian hands following a buyout led by local shareholders and members of its senior management team. The acquisition from U.S.-based Jam City was finalized in recent days, marking a significant milestone for the studio.

As part of this transition, Jimmy Gendron has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, tasked with steering Ludia into a new era of growth and innovation.

“This return to independence marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Ludia. I am thrilled about our future, driven by the talent of our team and the support of top-tier financial partners. We now have the opportunity to bring an ambitious vision to life, delivering games that captivate millions of players worldwide,” said Gendron.

Additionally, Alexandre Thabet, who founded Ludia back in 2007, is rejoining the company as a shareholder and will serve as Chairman of the Board.

“It is with great emotion and immense pride that I take part in this announcement today. Thanks to local financial backing and one of the most experienced leadership teams in Canada’s mobile gaming industry, Ludia is poised to move towards its ambitions for the future,” added Thabet.

This transaction is backed by major investors, including Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Investissement Québec, BDC Capital Growth Equity Partners, Export Development Canada (EDC), and Groupe W, with additional support from National Bank. Dominic Bécotte, Ludia’s former Chief Financial Officer, also played a key role in the transaction as a consultant.

A Promising Future for Ludia
With its return to Canadian ownership, Ludia has become the largest independent mobile game studio in the country, further solidifying Montréal and Quebec’s position as one of the world’s top video game hubs. The company’s headquarters, located in the heart of Old Montréal, currently employ over 130 people.

Driven by a growth-focused business plan, Ludia aims to create 50 new jobs over the next year while developing new games. With the backing of its financial partners, the company also intends to explore new acquisition opportunities to fuel its expansion.

Quotes

“Investissement Québec is proud to help bring Ludia’s ownership back to Québec. As a key player in the video game industry, Ludia now has the flexibility to grow and expand internationally while remaining firmly rooted locally. By investing $18,2 million in the company, Investissement Québec is fulfilling its mission to support Québec excellence in key sectors of our economy and foster the creation of world-class champions right here at home.”
— Claude Farrier, Executive Vice President, Private Equity, Investissement Québec

“Thanks to the leadership of Jimmy Gendron and Alexandre Thabet, Ludia is returning to its Québec roots. We are proud to partner with them to support the continued growth of a mobile gaming industry leader founded here in 2007. The Fonds’ investment reflects our commitment to backing local entrepreneurs and growing Québec businesses. Having an engaged and experienced leadership team in place is a major asset—not only for Ludia but also for the future of Québec’s entertainment industry.”
— Saloua Benkhouya, Vice President, Private Equity and Impact Investments, Entertainment and Services, Fonds de solidarité FTQ

“EDC is thrilled to support Ludia’s return to Canada and its promising next phase of growth. With its roots in Québec, Ludia has established itself as a leader in the mobile gaming industry, captivating global audiences with its innovative creations. EDC’s investment will help the company achieve its ambitious goals and showcase the strength of Canada’s digital industry on the world stage.”
— Guillermo Freire, Senior Vice President, Mid-Market Group, EDC

“BDC Growth Equity Partners is proud to join forces with Alex Thabet, Jimmy Gendron, and his team to mark this new chapter in Ludia’s growth. Together, we share the ambition of building a world-class Canadian company. With our extensive experience in this industry, we firmly believe that Ludia, being based in Montréal, can leverage a deep talent pool, an innovative environment, and strong support to drive its development forward. The company is well-positioned for a bright and prosperous future.”
— Maxime Tourangeau, Partner and Regional Team Lead, Growth Equity Partners, BDC Capital

“This is a unique opportunity to invest alongside seasoned professionals who have demonstrated their ability to create successful games. We also seized the chance to bring a company back to Québec ownership—an action that strengthens our local economy and preserves our expertise in this industry.”
— Nicolas Bélanger, Founder and Partner, Groupe W Investissements

About Ludia

Founded in 2007, Ludia is the largest independent mobile game studio in Canada. The studio has established itself as a key player in the industry by developing over 50 games based on popular franchises and original licenses, including Jurassic World Alive, Jurassic World: The Game, Dragons: Rise of Berk, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Legends, Family Feud, and many more.

Since its inception, the studio has generated over CAD 1.3 billion in revenue, with more than 500 million downloads, and attracts over 3.5 million players each month.

Recognized by Apple as “Canada’s Best Game Maker,” Ludia has also been named among GamesIndustry.biz’s “Best Places to Work 2018” and “Montréal’s Top Employers 2021.” The company employs over 130 people at its headquarters in Montréal.

For more information, visit www.ludia.com.

SOURCE Ludia

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The Ultimate Send-off to Summer: CSTS Debuts Global Entertainment IP PremierX at New York’s Pier 17, Ushering in a New Era of Live Entertainment

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CSTS Enterprises (‘CSTS’), a New York-based sports, entertainment, integrated media and travel technology group, today announced the official launch of PremierXTM, its flagship live entertainment brand, with a landmark Halloween Weekend event “AFTER DARK” at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York on October 30, 2026.

Capping off Seaport’s 2026 Summer Season in unforgettable fashion, the grand finale brings a powerhouse lineup of stars to the PremierXTM stage at Pier 17, featuring Lil Xan, Armani White, DJ Soda, Nate Wyatt, and surprise A-list guest headliners. Set against the iconic Manhattan skyline, the landmark eventing unites chart-topping hip-hop and high-octane electronic music for a festival-grade experience as The Rooftop at Pier 17 transforms into the city’s premier live music destination.

Building on the momentum of the PremierXTM After Party for the 2026 World Cup Final that took place in New York on July 19th, “AFTER DARK” signals the official debut of PremierXTM, a proprietary, New York – born global entertainment IP created by CSTS to deliver defining cultural experiences at the intersection of music, sport, art and lifestyle. Centred on the power of cultural crossover, PremierXTM serves as an international bridge connecting East and West, modern innovation and timeless classical, while uniting world-class artists, creators, performers and audiences through the universal language of entertainment and premium live experiences.

The launch also marks the beginning of a promising relationship with Pier 17, providing a world-class stage for PremierXTM to accelerate its growth in the U.S. and engage international audiences over the long term. By combining PremierXTM’s global entertainment vision with Pier 17’s iconic waterfront setting, the partnership aims to create a premier destination for live experiences, empowering both platforms to expand their global reach, deepen audience engagement, and drive sustainable growth.

As a key pillar of CSTS’ integrated ecosystem spanning entertainment, sports, travel, integrated media and marketing solutions, PremierXTM further strengthens the Group’s ability to create high-impact experiences that connect audiences, destinations and brand partners. With the global live entertainment market projected to grow from approximately US$203 billion in 2025 to US$270 billion by 2030[1], PremierXTM is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for premium, experience-led entertainment while creating long-term value to the Group through recurring audience engagement, tourism and brand partnerships.

“PremierX TM represents a significant milestone in CSTS’ evolution from a leading operator of global sports and hospitality platforms into a creator of world-class entertainment experiences,” said Abel Zhao, Group CEO and Executive Director at CSTS Enterprises. “The season finale at Pier17 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CSTS as we expand our entertainment footprint and introduce a platform designed to deliver iconic live experiences and bring together artists and audiences from across the globe.”

“PremierXTM was built from the ground up as a bespoke platform to champion multicultural talent and visionary creative performers.” said Jason Liu, Regional Director of CSTS USA. “Starting from New York, we are building a scalable global brand that brings iconic live experiences to audiences worldwide while expanding our presence across key entertainment hubs in North America, Asia and Europe.”

Following its New York launch, PremierXTM plans to expand through a broader international rollout across North America, Asia and Europe, with future editions planned as part of a growing network of recurring live entertainment properties and flagship cultural events.

For ticket information on PremierXTM: “AFTER DARK”, visit
https://www.axs.com/events/1644912/after-dark-tickets

About CSTS Enterprises

CSTS Enterprises is an integrated media, entertainment, sports, and travel technology group. Headquartered in New York City, the company develops and partners with intellectual properties and brands to deliver compelling experiences that connect with audiences across the world. In addition to its own initiatives, including Generation CTM and PremierXTM, it collaborates with international IPs including FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and Formula 1.

CSTS integrates experiential marketing, travel, data, and technology to deliver seamless end-to-end audience experiences. The company engages consumers across physical events and digital channels, executing at scale worldwide, turning complex activations into co-ordinated, measurable outcomes.

[1] Source: Industry research by Markets and Markets, Live Entertainment Market Size, Share, Latest Trends & Growth Analysis, 2025-2030, Live Entertainment Market Size, Share, Latest Trends & Growth Analysis, 2025-2030.

 

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SOURCE CSTS Enterprises

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Swanson Vitamins Launches Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro to Champion Registered Dietitians and Licensed Nutritionists at Every Stage of Their Careers

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October 24, 2026

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New network for health and nutrition professionals offers CPEU-accredited continuing education, profession-wide promotion, practicum support and exam scholarships

FARGO, N.D., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Swanson Vitamins today launched Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro, a network for health and nutrition professionals. The new initiative champions registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists through every stage of their careers, from students to providers with decades of experience. Created by nutrition professionals for nutrition professionals, Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro offers educational resources, incentives and investments to support practitioners who share Swanson’s commitment to uncompromising integrity.

Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro offers tailored resources for both practicing professionals and students. For practicing registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists, the program provides CPEU-accredited continuing education, along with profession-wide promotion of the experts who guide consumers’ wellness decisions. For dietetics and nutrition students, Swanson is investing in the next generation of the profession through practicum support and scholarships toward licensing or credentialing exam fees.

As consumers take a more active role in their health, they are increasingly turning to registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists for accurate, science-backed guidance. Through Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro, Swanson aims to help nutrition professionals strengthen their credentials and build expertise in areas where consumers are seeking trusted nutritional support.

“Since 1969, we have been committed to uncompromising integrity in service of everyone’s journey to real wellness, and we believe real wellness starts with the experts who guide it,” said Erin Del Ponte, EVP Brand Marketing at Swanson Vitamins. “Registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists translate nutrition science into practical, personalized guidance that helps people make informed decisions about their health. With Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro, we are proud to support these professionals at every stage of their careers, from students preparing for their credentialing exams to seasoned providers building expertise in the areas that matter most to consumers today.”

Swanson Nexus Pro program highlights

CPEU-accredited continuing education for registered dietitians and licensed nutritionistsProfession-wide promotion of registered dietitians and licensed nutritionistsPracticum support for dietetics and nutrition studentsScholarships to help offset licensing or credentialing exam fees

Applications for Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro are open and can be submitted HERE. Additional details, including scholarship award amounts and practicum support details, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro was introduced at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ annual conference, held Oct. 24-27 in San Antonio. This initiative builds on Swanson’s longstanding commitment to the nutrition and dietetics community and reflects the company’s continued investment in the professionals who help consumers make informed choices on their journey to real wellness.

Media Assets
Photos HERE

About Swanson Vitamins
Since 1969, Swanson Vitamins has offered high-quality, science-backed vitamins and supplements rooted in one simple belief: proof over promise. Nearly six decades before “wellness” became an industry, Swanson was pioneering trustworthy supplement offerings and upholding uncompromising quality standards through intentional sourcing, rigorous in-house and third-party testing and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Today, Swanson is a Certified GMP Facility recognized by NSF, backed by an in-house team of nutritionists, dietitians, scientists, chemists and pharmacists with a combined 250-plus years of experience. With more than 1,300 products across 36 categories, Swanson doesn’t chase trends. It sets standards for integrity, quality and clarity in the supplement industry.

Swanson products are available at SwansonVitamins.com, Amazon and iHerb.com. Learn more at SwansonVitamins.com or follow @swansonvitamins on Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lauren Torrez, Crowe PR
ltorrez@crowepr.com 

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SOURCE Swanson Vitamins

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Technology Drives the Future of Travel: JETOUR Continues to Expand Its “Travel+” Ecosystem

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October 24, 2026

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WUHU, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Expectations for travel are evolving: vehicles are no longer simply a means of reaching a destination, but travel companions that bring people closer to nature, serving as a “mobile third space.”

JETOUR continues to advance its “Travel+” strategy, integrating technological innovation, product development, and ecosystem building into real travel scenarios. From October 20 to 23, the 2026 JETOUR Global Technology Experience Day, themed “Future Travel Starts Now,” takes place across Wuhu, Anhui and Moganshan, Zhejiang, featuring technology experiences, on-road driving, outdoor living, and conservation activities.

Technological Innovation: Expanding the Possibilities of Travel

Backed by the Group’s expertise in AI, intelligent driving, smart cabins, and AiMOGA Robotics, JETOUR turns cutting-edge technology into experiences users can genuinely feel. The XWD Fully Automatic Intelligent 4WD, with 7+X one-touch modes, tackles mountain roads, gravel, and water crossings, while the GAIA All-Terrain Intelligent Architecture adapts to diverse terrain and C-DM hybrid technology balances performance with efficiency. On October 21, models with these technologies take on mountain-road test drives at Moganshan.

A Diverse Product Lineup: Enriching the Travel Experience

The G700 combines premium comfort with hardcore off-road capability, while the T1 and T2 suit both urban driving and light off-road adventures. Roof tents, onboard refrigerators, and other ecosystem equipment turn the vehicle into an all-round companion. JETOUR also hosts a camping market and a Starry Night Forum, bringing product features into real travel settings.

Ecosystem: Extending the Value of Travel

Travel is about understanding cultures and protecting nature as well as exploration. Participants visit Xiazhu Lake in Zhejiang for a crested ibis conservation initiative. Globally, JETOUR supports cheetah conservation in Africa, turtle conservation in Malaysia, harpy eagle conservation in Panama, and protection of Pakistan’s national animal, the markhor.

JETOUR has also partnered with Chile’s Colo-Colo, FIBA, and the Malaysia Marathon, broadening engagement with local culture, sport, and communities — giving “Travel+” an ever richer meaning.

JETOUR now joins travelers worldwide across city, mountain, and wetland, exploring new possibilities through the deeper integration of technology and travel.

ABOUT JETOUR

Launched in 2018, JETOUR follows the “Travel+” strategy and has entered over 100 countries and regions, with 2,000+ sales and after-sales outlets. Its lineup includes the T Series for light off-road and the G Series for the premium luxury off-road market, covering urban commuting, family road trips, outdoor camping, and long-distance journeys.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/technology-drives-the-future-of-travel-jetour-continues-to-expand-its-travel-ecosystem-302918650.html

SOURCE JETOUR

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