Connect with us

Technology

KIRKLAND’S ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF VOTING DEADLINE FOR UPCOMING SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Published

on

Preliminary Voting Report Shows 94.3% of Votes in Favor of Proposal for Share Issuance to Beyond, Inc.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Kirkland’s, Inc. (Nasdaq: KIRK) (“Kirkland’s” or the “Company”), a specialty retailer of home décor and furnishings, announced its decision to extend the voting deadline for its upcoming special meeting of shareholders originally scheduled for December 23, 2024. The special meeting will be convened as scheduled and adjourned to a later date in order to allow for additional time to satisfy applicable quorum requirements.

Based on the preliminary reports from the votes submitted as of December 19, 2024, approximately 94.3% of votes represented in person or by proxy at the Special Meeting were voted “For” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Kirkland’s common stock to Beyond, Inc. in connection with the strategic partnership between the companies and in accordance with applicable Nasdaq Listing Rules, indicating an overwhelming level of support from participating shareholders.  However, at this time, the Company has received proxies representing approximately 37.2% of total shares outstanding as of the record date, less than the majority needed under applicable law and the Company’s bylaws.  

“The strong positive preliminary vote results have confirmed broad shareholder support. We are thankful for our shareholders for their participation in this important process. The approval of the proposal is a key milestone in strengthening our financial position heading into 2025,” commented Amy Sullivan, CEO of Kirkland’s. “Our teams remain committed to furthering the strategic initiatives at Kirkland’s Home and are continuing to work together with the Beyond team to revitalize the iconic Bed Bath and Beyond brand and build the foundation for its brick-and-mortar strategy. We believe through this partnership we will accelerate our growth trajectory and deliver long-term value to our shareholders. We believe that providing more time for the Company to solicit votes and for additional shareholders to participate, especially as we move past the holidays, will secure a quorum.”  

“We support the decision to extend the voting period to ensure all Kirkland’s shareholders have ample opportunity to participate, particularly given the busy holiday season. With the preliminary voting results thus far, we are extremely confident that shareholders understand the merits of our strategic partnership,” said Marcus Lemonis, Executive Chairman of Beyond, Inc. “We have strong conviction in the management team and look forward to working together towards our common goals including enhancing the Bed Bath and Beyond brand with an omni-channel offering for customers.”

Additional information related to revised deadlines for submission of proxies and timing for the reconvened special meeting will be included in an amended notice of meeting and supplemental proxy materials that will be mailed to Kirkland’s stockholders as soon as they are available. The record date for the meeting will continue to be November 5, 2024, and there is no need for shareholders to revote shares if votes have already been cast.

About Kirkland’s, Inc.

Kirkland’s, Inc. is a specialty retailer of home décor and furnishings in the United States, currently operating 326 stores in 35 states as well as an e-commerce website, www.kirklands.com, under the Kirkland’s Home brand. The Company provides its customers an engaging shopping experience characterized by a curated, affordable selection of home décor and furnishings along with inspirational design ideas. This combination of quality and stylish merchandise, value pricing and a stimulating in-store and online environment provides the Company’s customers with a unique brand experience. More information can be found at www.kirklands.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or the Company’s future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “aim,” “believe,” “can,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “forecast,” “plan,” “possible,” “intend,” “target,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions that concern the Company’s expectations, strategy, priorities, plans, or intentions. Forward-looking statements in this communication include, but are not limited to, the Company’s ability to consummate the Transactions and satisfy applicable closing conditions, including the receipt of its shareholders’ approval of the Nasdaq Proposal. The Company’s expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results in future periods are subject to risks and uncertainties, including changes in the Company’s plans or assumptions, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include the risk of the Company’s shareholders not approving the Transactions, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could result in the Subscription Agreement being terminated or the Transactions not being completed on the terms reflected in the Subscription Agreement, or at all, and uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the Transactions; the ability of each party to consummate the Transactions; risks related to optional conversion of the convertible note under the Beyond Term Loan; risks related to the Collaboration Agreement and the Trademark License Agreement; the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Transactions on the Company’s business relationships, operating results and business generally; risks related to the Special Meeting diverting management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the Transactions; potential litigation relating to the Transactions that could be instituted against Beyond, the Company or their affiliates’ respective directors, managers or officers, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; continued availability of capital and financing; the ability to obtain the various synergies envisioned in the Collaboration Agreement; the ability of the Company to successfully open Bed Bath & Beyond stores; the ability of each company to successfully market their products to the other company’s customers and to implement its plans, forecasts and other expectations with respect to its business after the completion of the transaction and realize additional opportunities for growth and innovation; and other risks detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2024 and subsequent filings. All information provided in this communication is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s assessment as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication.

Additional Information and Where to Find it

In connection with the Special Meeting to approve the Nasdaq Proposal, the Company filed a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the SEC on November 8, 2024. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. The definitive proxy statement was mailed or made available to shareholders of the Company on or about November 8, 2024. Shareholders will be able to obtain the documents (when they become available) free of charge at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. In addition, shareholders may obtain free copies of the documents (when they become available) on the Company’s website, https://ir.kirklands.com/or by contacting Investor Relations by mail at Attn: Investor Relations, 5310 Maryland Way, Brentwood, TN 37027.

Participants in the Solicitation

The Company and certain of its directors, executive officers and other employees, under the SEC’s rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of the Company’s shareholders in connection with the Special Meeting to approve the Nasdaq Proposal. Additional information regarding the interests of those participants and other persons who may be deemed participants in the Transactions and their respective direct and indirect interests in the Transactions, by security holdings or otherwise, will be if any, is included in the definitive proxy statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Transactions (if and when they become available). Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

Contact:                   

Kirkland’s Home                               

ICR

Mike Madden                                 

Caitlin Churchill

1-615-872-4800                             

KIRK@icrinc.com 

1-203-682-8200

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kirklands-announces-extension-of-voting-deadline-for-upcoming-special-meeting-of-shareholders-302336608.html

SOURCE Kirkland’s, Inc.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Bill Faust Named Consulting Magazine Top Consultant of the Year in Industry Specialization

Published

on

By

Impact Advisors Leader Recognized for Expertise in Healthcare IT Implementation

CHICAGO, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Impact Advisors, a leading healthcare management consulting firm, is proud to announce that Bill Faust, Managing Director, has been named a Top Consultant of the Year by Consulting Magazine in the category of Industry Specialization. This prestigious award honors consultants who demonstrate deep domain expertise and deliver exceptional value to clients within their field.

“Bill’s recognition as a Top Consultant of the Year is a testament to his deep industry expertise and unwavering commitment to client success.” -Andy Smith, managing partner and co-founder of Impact Advisors

Faust brings more than 28 years of healthcare IT experience, with a distinguished track record leading large-scale, complex implementations for both ambulatory and acute care organizations. Over the past 25 years, he has held progressive leadership roles supporting major Epic and Oracle initiatives, helping healthcare systems successfully navigate digital transformation and achieve measurable outcomes.

In his role at Impact Advisors, Faust leads the firm’s EHR Implementation & Support practice, where he is responsible for driving strategy, delivery excellence, and client success across some of the most complex healthcare IT programs in the country. His ability to combine deep technical knowledge with strong executive communication has enabled him to build trusted relationships with clients and vendor partners alike.

“Bill’s recognition as a Top Consultant of the Year is a testament to his deep industry expertise and unwavering commitment to client success,” said Andy Smith, managing partner and co-founder of Impact Advisors. “He consistently delivers high-impact results for our clients while helping advance the healthcare industry through his thoughtful, strategic leadership. Bill joined our team as our ninth colleague, and we’re fortunate to have had his guidance for all these years.”

Consulting Magazine’s Top Consultants awards recognize outstanding professionals who have made significant contributions to the consulting profession and their clients. The Industry Specialization category specifically highlights consultants who have demonstrated exceptional depth of knowledge and impact within a defined sector.

Faust’s recognition underscores Impact Advisors’ continued leadership in healthcare consulting and its commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that improve patient care and operational performance.

About Impact Advisors

Impact Advisors is a leading healthcare management consulting firm offering a comprehensive suite of technology-enabled performance improvement solutions that deliver measurable and sustainable value for clients. Our commitment to excellence has earned Best in KLAS® recognition for 19 consecutive years, and our distinctive culture has been named a “Best Place to Work” by Modern Healthcare for 16 years. Learn more at www.impact-advisors.com.

Media Contact

Catherine Povalitis, Impact Advisors, 1 815-282-9976, cpovalitis@chartwellagency.com, https://www.impact-advisors.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/bill-faust-named-consulting-magazine-top-consultant-of-the-year-in-industry-specialization-302750670.html

SOURCE Impact Advisors

Continue Reading

Technology

Hewlett Foundation President: Philanthropy Must Bridge AI Governance Gap Between Washington and Silicon Valley

Published

on

By

Amber D. Miller makes the case for philanthropy and civil society to protect critical infrastructure and deliver broad benefits.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As conversations between Washington and Silicon Valley about AI policy grow more contentious, Hewlett Foundation President Amber D. Miller calls on philanthropy to step up. In a new op-ed published by RealClearPolicy, Miller argues that governments and industry can’t close America’s AI governance gap alone, but independent institutions and philanthropy can help bridge the divide.

Drawing on her background as a physicist, Miller advocates for a practical, non-ideological approach to AI governance focused on protecting critical infrastructure, preventing strategic technological surprise, and keeping people safe while fostering innovation.

“Much of America’s critical infrastructure is highly distributed and deeply vulnerable, and its protection is dangerously under-resourced. The Hewlett Foundation wants to maximize the public benefits of emerging technologies while proactively mitigating their risks.”

To address these challenges, the Hewlett Foundation recently announced $10 million in exploratory grants to support the security of emerging technologies, including AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing.

Major grants were awarded to Stanford University’s Hoover Institution for its Tech Futures Lab, which focuses on anticipating technological surprises and enhancing U.S. resilience and Vanderbilt University’s Institute for National Security for its Wicked Problems Lab, which is building defenses against synthetic information warfare like deepfakes.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the director of the Hoover Institution, highlighted the importance of integrating security into innovation: “Innovation is key to national security…. Innovators will have more valuable, more marketable products if they build security into it at the front end.”

Other grantees include, the AI Now Institute, Aspen Institute, Atlantic Council, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Council on Foreign Relations, Georgetown University, Global Network Initiative, Institute for Security and Technology, Observer Research Foundation America, RAND, and Sentinel Bio.

Miller calls on others to join Hewlett, writing, “America has led every major technological era of the modern age, helping usher in significant discoveries that have benefited communities both here and around the world. Whether it continues to lead will depend not only on breakthroughs in labs, but on whether innovation earns public trust and delivers broad benefits. Philanthropy, with its long-term focus and commitment to charitable good, can do much to help.”

For more, read the op-ed and grant announcement: https://hewlett.org/americas-ai-governance-gap-needs-independent-oversight/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hewlett-foundation-president-philanthropy-must-bridge-ai-governance-gap-between-washington-and-silicon-valley-302750841.html

SOURCE The Hewlett Foundation

Continue Reading

Technology

Hyperscale Data Sees Rising Demand Across Defense Portfolio Amid Heightened Global Activity

Published

on

By

LAS VEGAS, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), an artificial intelligence (“AI”) data center company anchored by Bitcoin (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Gresham Worldwide, Inc., which is expected to be merged with another wholly owned subsidiary of the Company called Ballista Group, Inc., and the related party TurnOnGreen, Inc. (the “Defense Systems Group”), are actively supporting the expected increase in global defense production through its integrated portfolio of high-performance defense engineering and manufacturing subsidiaries.

The Defense Systems Group operates as an integrated engineering and manufacturing platform serving defense, aerospace, and industrial markets, delivering mission-critical electronics, radio frequency (“RF”) systems, power platforms, and advanced control technologies across the full lifecycle, from design through long-term sustainment. 

Recent global events, including but not limited to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, have contributed to increased demand signals across defense and mission-critical infrastructure supply chains. Management of the Defense Systems Group has observed a measurable uptick in inbound inquiries, program discussions and order flow across the group’s core product lines, particularly in:

RF and microwave systems supporting radar and electronic warfare;Power systems and ruggedized electronics for defense and mobility platforms; andTest, validation, and simulation technologies for mission-critical environments.

“These are environments where failure is not an option,” said Milton “Todd” Ault III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data. He added that “The Defense Systems Group was assembled to deliver precision-engineered solutions for exactly these mission-critical applications, and we are seeing that demand accelerate in real time.” Further, Mr. Ault stated that “The group’s combination of deep engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a global operational footprint provides a strong foundation to support long-term growth across defense, aerospace, and other mission-critical technology sectors.

The Defense Systems Group platform supports highly regulated and security-sensitive programs, operating under certifications including ISO, AS9100, and ITAR compliance, and serves customers across defense, aerospace, and critical infrastructure sectors globally. 

“As geopolitical conditions evolve, supply chains for advanced electronics and defense-related technologies are becoming increasingly constrained,” stated William Horne, Chief Executive Officer of Hyperscale Data. “The Defense Systems Group collectively provides a vertically integrated platform supporting advanced defense electronics, power systems, RF and microwave components, and precision-engineered subsystems, positioning the organization to support current and emerging demand across multiple strategic defense programs.”

While the Company continues to monitor global developments, management of the Defense Systems Group believes that sustained demand for mission-critical electronics, ruggedized power systems, and secure infrastructure technologies could present potential opportunities across the Defense Systems Group.

For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging AI ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

Hyperscale Data currently expects the divestiture of ACG (the “Divestiture”) to occur in the second quarter of 2027. Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, as well as a holder of the digital assets. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be shareholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyperscale-data-sees-rising-demand-across-defense-portfolio-amid-heightened-global-activity-302750842.html

SOURCE Hyperscale Data Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending