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Phoenix launches ambitious Quantum Strategy, taps ASU’s Panchanathan to lead the effort

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TEMPE, Ariz., April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The City of Phoenix recently announced a bold new initiative to establish the region as a national leader in quantum technology, positioning the city at the forefront of next-generation economic growth and innovation. Unveiled by Mayor Kate Gallego during her State of the City address, the Phoenix Quantum Strategy will unite government, industry and academia to accelerate development in quantum computing, communication and sensing.

Leading the new strategy is Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan, the former director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and currently University Professor of Technology and Innovation at Arizona State University.

“Phoenix’s targeted investments have led to enormous growth in the biosciences and advanced semiconductor manufacturing — and I want to make sure that our city, our region and our state lead the economy of the future,” said Mayor Gallego. “Quantum technology is a promising platform for new economic growth, and with the right strategy, we can attract investment, create jobs and diversify our economy with industries built for the future.”

A Strategic Bet on the Future of Technology
Quantum technology harnesses the unique properties of subatomic particles to enable powerful new capabilities in computing, data security, materials science and health care. While still an emerging field, quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems far beyond the reach of today’s most advanced supercomputers.

The Phoenix Quantum Strategy builds on the region’s recent economic momentum, including its recognition as one of the fastest-growing metropolitan economies in the U.S. The initiative aims to align existing strengths in semiconductor manufacturing, supply chain infrastructure and biosciences with cutting-edge quantum research and commercialization.

“Panch’s leadership at ASU and NSF helped shape America’s innovation agenda, and now he’s ready to lead the efforts for Phoenix,” Gallego said. “He is uniquely positioned to bring together the partnerships and vision needed to make this initiative successful.”

During his time at NSF, Panchanathan advanced national priorities in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing and next-generation wireless systems. He also played a key role in launching the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource pilot, expanding access to critical infrastructure for researchers and educators nationwide.

Prior to his time at NSF, Panchanathan spent more than two decades at ASU, where he founded major academic programs and research centers, including the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing and the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence. He also served as executive vice president of ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise and the chief research and innovation officer. 

Building a Collaborative Quantum Ecosystem
The Phoenix Quantum Strategy is designed as a cross-sector effort, bringing together universities, private industry, startups and public agencies to accelerate innovation and workforce development.

“ASU is more than ready to help bring Mayor Gallego’s vision to life,” Panchanathan said. “Her foresight to establish Phoenix as a hub for quantum technologies is both timely and important. This strategy will leverage Arizona’s strengths in semiconductors, supply chains and biosciences, while unlocking new opportunities for talent, entrepreneurship and industry creation.”

The initiative will focus on:

Advancing research and development in quantum technologiesBuilding a skilled workforce to support emerging industriesAttracting private investment and federal fundingSupporting startup formation and technology commercializationStrengthening partnerships across academia, government and industry

Positioning Phoenix as a Global Innovation Hub
City leaders emphasize that the initiative is not just about participating in the future of quantum technology — but shaping it.

“This is a powerful signal that Phoenix is not just participating in the future of quantum technology; we have the potential to become the place where it takes root,” Gallego said. With strong institutional leadership, a rapidly growing economy and a collaborative innovation ecosystem, Phoenix is poised to emerge as a major center for quantum advancement in the United States.

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SOURCE Arizona State University – Media Relations

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NEW REPORT CONFIRMS OMNICOM MEDIA AS LARGEST GLOBAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT NETWORK FOLLOWING THE INTEGRATION OF OMG AND MEDIABRANDS

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Scale and Performance Power Post-Close Enterprise to #1 on the Global Ranking with $75.6 Billion in Billings, Leading Closest Competitor by $12 Billion

NEW YORK, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Omnicom Media, an Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) Connected Capability, has been recognized in the COMvergence Final 2025 Global & Regional Billings Rankings as the world’s largest media management organization, with total billings of $75.6 billion. 

The report marks the first official confirmation of OM’s global billings scale since f Omnicom Media Group and IPG Mediabrands combined to create Omnicom Media, following the close of Omnicom’s acquisition of IPG in late November 2025.

Based on COMvergence’s analysis of the combined organizations, as of the end of 2025 Omnicom Media holds 31% of all global billings managed by the world’s major media groups, finishing $11.8 billion ahead of #2 ranked WPP and $13.2 billion ahead of third ranked Publicis.

By year’s end, Omnicom Media also rose to #1 in North America with $35.9 billion in billings, $3.9 billion ahead of Publicis Media; and in the USA with $33.1 billion. In LATAM, OM closed the year at the top of the ranking with $2.3 billion in billings, approximately $500 million ahead of Havas Media Network.

Notably, in addition to post-integration scale the rankings also reflect the substantial impact of several major accounts that were won and/or became effective in 2025, including Amazon, Paramount and Volvo.

“The significance of these rankings isn’t simply that we’re the largest—it’s what that scale enables,” said Florian Adamski, CEO of Omnicom Media. “When scale is connected through common capabilities, shared intelligence, and world-class talent, it becomes an advantage for clients. It gives us greater access to data, stronger partnerships with the world’s leading media and technology companies, more opportunities to invest in innovation, and more leverage to create better business outcomes.”

Adamski adds, “The same is true for our people. Scale creates more opportunities to build careers across disciplines, markets and capabilities while working on some of the world’s most ambitious brands. That’s the real value of what we’ve built.”

OMD Retains Position as the World’s Leading Media Agency Network

At the agency level, OMD once again ranked as the #1 global media agency network, managing $26.9 billion in billings worldwide. The inaugural agency in the Omnicom Media portfolio also topped the North America and EMEA rankings; and was ranked #1 in more than a third of the 49 countries evaluated in the report – more than any other agency – including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong.

The rankings land as Omnicom Media heads into next week’s Cannes Lions festival with $2.5 billion in billings awarded in the first six months of 2026 – according to the COMvergence dashboards that track new business performance in real time – including Delta, Dyson, and IBM. And with more than half of that total representing incremental wins, Omnicom Media is also the number one media group for net new business YTD.

The COMvergence Final 2025 Global & Regional Billings Rankings evaluate media agency billings across 49 markets representing approximately 96% of worldwide media investment.

CONTACT:  Isabelle Gauvry
                    isabelle.gauvry@omc.com

ABOUT OMNICOM MEDIA

Omnicom Media, an Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) Connected Capability, is the world’s largest global media management network. Powered by the Omni Intelligence Platform, Omnicom Media agencies leverage $75.6 billion in billings, 40,000+ specialists across 70+ markets, and the industry’s most powerful portfolio identity, commerce, and intelligence assets to design dynamic Growth Ecosystems that enable the world’s most ambitious businesses to grow faster and smarter. The Omnicom Media portfolio includes global media agency brands OMD, Initiative, PHD, UM, Hearts & Science, and Mediahub; core Omnicom Integrated Media offerings Acxiom, the world’s premier identity solution, and the Flywheel digital commerce practice; and specialty services across the cloud consulting, creator, financial, healthcare, and sports & entertainment categories.

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SOURCE Omnicom Media Group

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Ashley Graham and Breescape Launch Cooling Bedding Collection, Setting the Standard for What a Good Night’s Sleep Feels Like

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The supermodel and bedding brand created the new collection to meet the sleep needs of modern women

NEW YORK, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Supermodel, entrepreneur, and advocate Ashley Graham has teamed up with Breescape®, a bedding brand focused on cooling comfort for hot sleepers, to launch a new collection of cooling bedding. The collection was designed for women with busy lives who often miss out on quality sleep and rest.

The partnership reflects Graham’s personal values and highlights how important good sleep is for overall well-being. It also shows that new sleep solutions can make a real difference, especially for people who struggle with getting too warm at night.

Nighttime overheating is a common problem that disrupts sleep for millions of women, including new mothers, women going through perimenopause, and busy professionals who tend to feel hot at night. Overheating can then cause more awake periods throughout the night, resulting in less-than-restful sleep.

“When I think about the women in my life — the ones who are up before sunrise, caring for their kids, running their businesses, showing up for everyone around them — the least they deserve is to finally sleep through the night,” said Graham. “That’s why I partnered with Breescape. This isn’t just bedding. It’s rest. And rest is how we keep going.”

The Ashley Graham x Breescape collection includes the Cooling Comforter 2.0, Cooling Sheet Set, and Cooling Pillowcases, all available in a new design, Ashley Stripe. Thoughtfully designed, the striped pattern helps to create an effortlessly tranquil environment, all with the ultimate goal of better rest.

The products use Breescape’s patented BlendTek™ fabric, which is designed to help with the main problems of sleeping hot. The fabric lets air flow, pulls moisture away, and keeps a cool feeling all night. In independent tests, 91% of people said Breescape’s materials felt cooler than other leading cooling products, and 93% found the comforter more breathable all night.

The result: uninterrupted, restorative sleep — whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply someone trying to keep up with life’s demands.

To find more Breescape products, visit: https://breescape.com/.

About Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is a supermodel, entrepreneur and advocate who has redefined beauty standards and championed inclusivity on and off the runway. From her groundbreaking Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover to appearances on Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, Ashley has inspired millions worldwide with her confidence and authenticity. She is also the author of the New York Times bestseller A New Model, and continues to use her global platform to push for greater representation and body positivity – making her an ideal partner for Breescape in promoting real sleep solutions.

About Breescape
Breescape® is a sleep science-led brand engineered for hot sleepers, offering the ultimate solution for a refreshing, sweat-free sleep experience, even during the hottest months of the year. Our patented fabric technology, BlendTek™, blends multiple fibers in the golden ratio to deliver real, long-lasting coolness with an instant cool-to-the-touch sensation, enhanced breathability, and efficient moisture-wicking for sleepers experiencing hot flashes, ensuring all-night comfort.

For more information, visit www.breescape.com or shop at Amazon.com/breescape. Connect with Breescape on social media @Breescapehome.

Contact: Ashley Wroblewski 
Interdependence Public Relations 
608-415-2361 
417192@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Breescape™

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/C O R R E C T I O N — MDA Space/

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In the news release, MDA Space announces definitive agreement to acquire US-based Blue Canyon Technologies LLC, issued 19-Jun-2026 by MDA Space over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that a change has been made. The complete, corrected release follows:

MDA Space announces definitive agreement to acquire US-based Blue Canyon Technologies LLC

Expands Total Addressable Market for MDA SpacePositions company to further pursue substantial US defence market opportunitiesAdds a profitable, cash-generating business with 18-year historyTransaction expected to be accretive to Adjusted EBITDA1 and Adjusted EPS1 in 2027Adds high-quality spacecraft and satellite component supplier business and US$3.5B (approx. C$4.9B) to pipelineComplementary technology and customer setAdds key talent & manufacturing facilities in Denver, Colorado space & aerospace hub

TORONTO, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – MDA Space Ltd. (TSX:MDA) (NYSE:MDA) (the “Company”), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the membership interests of Blue Canyon Technologies LLC in an all-cash transaction for a purchase price and enterprise value of US$620 million (approximately C$874 million), subject to purchase price adjustments. Blue Canyon Technologies (BCT) is a spacecraft and satellite component manufacturer and mission services provider, currently part of RTX’s Raytheon business.

With more than 85 spacecraft launched and 3,500+ products on orbit, BCT has established impressive flight heritage and mission success since the company was founded in 2008. Once completed, the transaction is expected to provide MDA Space with a strategic business and manufacturing footprint to capitalize on growing demand in the US government market for defence space missions. With over 400 highly skilled employees and two manufacturing facilities in the Denver, Colorado space and aerospace hub, BCT offers a diverse and innovative product portfolio that enables a broad range of missions for the space economy.

“The acquisition of Blue Canyon Technologies is expected to accelerate our growth strategy by increasing our US market opportunities with highly complementary capabilities, local manufacturing footprint and a skilled and specialized talent base,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “Securing those strategic benefits on an accretive basis with a profitable and cash-generating business makes this an ideal fit for MDA Space expansion and continued shareholder value creation.” 

Transaction Details

The transaction will add a profitable, cash-generating business that is expected to be accretive to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS in 2027. With an 18-year history, BCT is a high-quality spacecraft and satellite component supplier that will add US$3.5B (approximately C$4.9B) to our opportunity pipeline. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals, and is fully committed and financed at signing through senior secured debt. As part of our ongoing capital allocation framework, we will evaluate opportunities to optimize our capital structure over time, subject to market conditions and broader capital deployment priorities. This transaction is expected to result in 2026 pro forma leverage within our stated target range of 1.5x to 2.5x net debt to last twelve months adjusted EBITDA. 

Conference Call

MDA Space will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the transaction on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Interested parties can join the call by dialing 1-416-945-7677 (Toronto area) or 1-888-699-1199 (toll-free North America) or +44-800-279-7040 (toll-free United Kingdom) and entering the conference ID 30111. A live webcast of the conference call and an accompanying slide presentation will be available at https://mda-en.investorroom.com/events-presentations.

A replay of the webcast will be archived on the MDA Space Investor Relations website following the call. Parties may also access a recording of the call, which will be available until June 26, 2026, by dialing 1-888-660-6345 and entering the passcode 30111#.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the company’s current expectations regarding future events. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to the Company’s objectives and strategies to achieve these objectives, as well as information with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates, intentions and views of future events, including statements regarding the proposed acquisition, the anticipated timing for the closing of the acquisition, the anticipated benefits, synergies and growth opportunities expected to result from the acquisition, and any projected, estimated or forecasted financial information presented in connection therewith. There can be no assurance that: (i) the acquisition will be completed on the anticipated timeline, or at all, and the closing of the acquisition may be delayed or may not occur within the anticipated timeframe or at all; (ii) the conditions to the closing of the acquisition will be satisfied, including the receipt of all required regulatory, governmental and third-party approvals, and the failure to obtain any such approvals or satisfy any such conditions could delay or prevent the closing of the acquisition; (iii) any projected, estimated or forecasted financial information presented in connection with the acquisition will be achieved, as such projections are based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, and actual results may differ materially from those projected, estimated or forecasted; and (iv) the anticipated strategic benefits, growth opportunities and synergies described in connection with the acquisition will be realized as expected, or at all, as such benefits may take longer to realize than anticipated, may be more costly to achieve than expected, or may not be realized at all.

All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by MDA Space in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of MDA Space to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including without limitation the risk that the acquisition will not be completed on the anticipated timeline or at all, the risk that conditions to the closing of the acquisition will not be satisfied, including the receipt of all required regulatory, governmental and third-party approvals, and the risks and uncertainties detailed under the “Risk Factors” section of MDA Space’s annual information form dated March 4, 2026. Although MDA Space believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information included within this press release. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA Space is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ABOUT MDA SPACE
Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) (NYSE:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global defence and space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The global MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission — bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, visit mda.space.

SOCIAL MEDIA
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/MDAspace
X: X.com/MDA_space
Facebook: Facebook.com/MDAspace
YouTube: YouTube.com/c/MDAspace
Instagram: instagram.com/MDA_space

1 Non-IFRS measure

Correction: The MDA logo has been exchanged for the MDA Space logo.

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SOURCE MDA Space

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