BEIJING, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The United Nations Global Compact convened a high-level CEO Roundtable in Beijing, bringing together leaders from across the energy value chain to accelerate business action on a just and inclusive global energy transition.

Held during the visit of UN Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Climate Action and Just Transition, Selwin Hart, the roundtable focused on how full-chain collaboration across the energy ecosystem can unlock faster, more coordinated progress toward climate goals while delivering economic and social value.

“The current energy crisis has laid bare the vulnerabilities of fossil fuel dependence,” Hart said. “But there is an exit ramp: clean energy that is cheaper, scalable and homegrown. As a global leader in renewables, China has a critical role to play—not only in accelerating delivery at home, but in supporting developing countries to leapfrog to clean energy through finance, technology and resilient infrastructure—strengthening energy security and accelerating a faster, more equitable global transition.”

Opening the discussion, Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in China, underscored that a just transition must be at the centre of energy transformation. He highlighted the need for stronger collaboration across sectors, markets and borders to ensure that climate action advances alongside economic growth and social inclusion.

Participants agreed that the global energy transition has reached a critical inflection point. Clean energy is now central to economic resilience and energy security, yet progress remains uneven. Structural barriers, including the high cost of capital in developing economies, infrastructure gaps and fragmentation across global supply chains, continue to slow deployment at scale.

China’s role as a global leader in clean energy was a central theme throughout the discussion. As the country with the world’s largest renewable energy system and a leading position in manufacturing and deployment, China is playing an increasingly important role in shaping global energy markets and enabling the transition in developing economies through technology, investment and industrial capacity.

The roundtable brought together perspectives from across the energy system, including power, transport, renewables, storage, hydrogen and industrial supply chains. Participants shared practical examples of how collaboration across the value chain is already accelerating progress, from integrated energy systems and smart infrastructure to supply-chain decarbonization and large-scale deployment of clean technologies.

There was strong alignment on the need to move beyond isolated innovation toward system-level transformation. While technological solutions are increasingly mature, participants noted that the key constraints are now institutional and financial. Stable policy environments, integrated planning and coordinated investment are essential to unlocking the full potential of existing technologies.

Business leaders emphasized that a just transition must deliver tangible benefits for people and communities. Clean-energy investments are already creating jobs, expanding access to energy and supporting economic development, particularly in underserved regions. Ensuring that these benefits are shared equitably will be critical to sustaining momentum and public support.

Financing remains a major enabler of progress. Participants highlighted the growing role of innovative financial instruments, including green bonds and blended finance, in mobilizing capital for clean-energy deployment. At the same time, there were calls for international financial institutions to scale up access to affordable, long-term financing and strengthen risk-sharing mechanisms to unlock private investment, particularly in emerging markets.

In an increasingly complex global environment, participants also stressed the importance of maintaining open, resilient and diversified supply chains. Trade fragmentation, regulatory uncertainty and delays in international standard-setting risk slowing the pace of transition. Strengthening multilateral cooperation and aligning standards will be essential to sustaining progress.

In closing, Selwin Hart and Stephen Jackson welcomed the strong engagement from business leaders and reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to convening partnerships, scaling solutions and advancing practical action. While challenges remain, they emphasized that the technologies and pathways required for a just energy transition are already within reach.

The roundtable marks an important step in advancing the Climate Just Transition Action Initiative launched in Shanghai in July 2025 and reinforces the role of the private sector as a key driver of system-wide transformation. As collaboration deepens across the energy ecosystem, business leadership will be critical to accelerating clean-energy deployment and ensuring that the transition delivers for people, planet and prosperity.

Notes to Editors

Participants included senior representatives from the United Nations, Chinese policy institutions, industry associations and leading companies across the energy value chain, including the China Electricity Council, the Global Sustainable Transport Innovation and Knowledge Center, China Three Gorges International Limited, Glodon Company Limited, China EV100, China Construction Eighth Engineering Division, Mingyang Smart Energy, Ganfeng Group, the Global Solar Sustainable Alliance, Hisense Group, Shanghai SUS Environment, Shenzhen Urban Transport Technology Group, Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment and Xingchu Century Technology.

About the UN Global Compact
As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the vision of the UN Global Compact is clear: to mobilize business to transform sustainability ambition into action at the scale the world demands. With more than 25,000 participants and a presence in over 100 countries through 5 Regional Hubs and more than 70 Country Networks and expansion territories, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

SOURCE United Nations Global Compact

The article outlines practical steps business owners can take before year-end to manage tax liability and stay compliant.

LUFKIN, Texas, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What steps can small business owners take before year’s end to reduce tax liability while staying compliant with regulations? A HelloNation article provides the answer, featuring insights from accounting professionals Yvette Sidnell and Jennifer Webster of Alexander Lankford & Hiers Inc in Lufkin, Texas. The article focuses on how early, informed decisions can lead to better financial outcomes for business owners.

The HelloNation article explains that small-business tax planning is most effective when done well before filing season. Many business owners wait until taxes are due, but the article notes that this approach limits opportunities. Tax preparation reports what has already happened, while tax planning allows businesses to influence results through timely decisions made throughout the year.

The article describes how timing income and expenses can directly affect taxable income. By choosing when to send invoices or pay certain expenses, business owners can shift income between tax years. The article emphasizes that these decisions are most impactful in the final quarter, when there is still time to act before the calendar year ends.

Another key takeaway involves reviewing deductible expenses. The article notes that common business costs, such as equipment, software, and operational supplies, may qualify for deductions if purchased and paid for before year’s end. Waiting too long can mean missing these opportunities. The HelloNation article explains that identifying and addressing these expenses supports a more effective small-business tax planning strategy.

Retirement contributions are also highlighted as an important tool. The article explains that options like SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and solo 401(k) plans can reduce taxable income while helping business owners build long-term financial security. This dual benefit makes retirement planning a consistent part of effective tax strategies for small businesses.

The article also examines asset depreciation. Certain purchases, including vehicles and equipment, may qualify for accelerated depreciation, allowing a larger portion of the cost to be deducted in the year of purchase. According to the article, this approach can be especially useful for businesses planning to invest in growth while also managing their tax position.

Business structure is another factor discussed in the article. Different structures are taxed differently, and the article explains that reviewing whether a current structure still fits the business model can uncover opportunities for savings. This is presented as an ongoing consideration within broader small business tax planning efforts.

The HelloNation article further clarifies the difference between tax planning and tax preparation. While preparation ensures compliance with filing requirements, planning enables business owners to make informed decisions throughout the year. The article notes that elements such as estimated tax payments and state-specific obligations also play a role in a complete strategy.

The article concludes that working with experienced accounting professionals can help business owners navigate complex decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Consistent guidance supports a shift from reactive filing to proactive planning, leading to more stable financial outcomes over time. The insights from accounting professionals reinforce the importance of early action and informed decision-making.

How Small Businesses Can Legally Reduce Taxes Before Year’s End features insights from Yvette Sidnell and Jennifer Webster, Accounting Professionals at Alexander Lankford & Hiers Inc in Lufkin, Texas, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content with storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-accounting-professionals-yvette-sidnell-and-jennifer-webster-explain-small-business-tax-planning-strategies-302738148.html

SOURCE HelloNation

LAS VEGAS, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announced the anticipated structure of its Board of Directors following the acquisition of Sun Country Airlines (NASDAQ: SNCY). Upon closing, the Allegiant Board will expand from eight to eleven members with Jude Bricker, Jennifer Vogel and Thomas Kennedy, all current Sun Country Board members, to join Allegiant’s Board at that time.

In January, Allegiant announced it was acquiring Sun Country in a transaction expected to close as early as May 13, 2026. The combination will form the leading, leisure-focused U.S. airline that is expected to expand affordable, convenient service to more vacation destinations domestically and internationally. After closing, the combined company will operate under the Allegiant name. The airlines will continue operating separately until receiving a single operating certificate from the FAA. There is expected to be no immediate change to ticketing or schedules, and customers can continue to book their flights through allegiant.com and suncountry.com.

“This combination marks a major achievement for both Allegiant and Sun Country, and we look forward to the Allegiant leadership team guiding the company forward,” said Maurice J. Gallagher, Allegiant’s founder and Board Chairman. He added, “The addition of Jude Bricker, Jennifer Vogel, and Thomas Kennedy to our Board reflects the governance structure established for the combined company in the Merger Agreement, and brings to the Allegiant Board even greater expertise in airlines, finance and corporate leadership that will benefit the shareholders, employees and customers of the combined companies.”

Joining the Board upon closing will be:

Jude Bricker has served as President and CEO of Sun Country Airlines since 2017 and has been a Sun Country director since 2018. A seasoned aviation executive with two decades of industry experience, he previously served as Allegiant’s Chief Operating Officer and held multiple leadership roles at Allegiant from 2006–2017, overseeing key commercial, operational, and financial functions. Earlier, he was a finance manager at American Airlines. He also served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps from 1996 to 2002. Mr. Bricker holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Texas, and he is an independent director of SAS Airlines.

Jennifer Vogel has served as Chair of the Sun Country Airlines Board since March 2023 and has been a director since 2022. She is a former senior airline legal and compliance executive, having served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer of Continental Airlines (retired 2010). Ms. Vogel currently serves on the boards of AAR Corp. and the Telluride Regional Airport Authority and previously served on the board of Virgin America. She holds a BBA from the University of Iowa and a JD from the University of Texas.

Thomas C. Kennedy has served on the Sun Country Airlines Board since 2021. He is President and CEO, North America at SIXT Rental Car and previously served as its President and CFO. Mr. Kennedy is a former public-company CFO, including as CFO of Hertz Global Holdings, with earlier senior finance leadership roles at Hilton Worldwide and Northwest Airlines. He holds a BA in Economics from Tulane University and an MBA from Harvard University.

“We are excited to welcome these accomplished leaders to Allegiant’s Board upon closing,” said Gregory C. Anderson, CEO of Allegiant. “Their experience and perspective will be valuable as we continue building a stronger, differentiated airline that better serves the communities and customers across our combined network.”

The current Allegiant Board, led by Chairman Maurice J. Gallagher, will continue its oversight responsibilities, with the new members joining effective upon the completion of the Sun Country acquisition.

Strategically, the combination brings together complementary route networks – Allegiant’s focus on small and mid-sized markets and Sun Country’s presence in larger cities – creating more than 650 routes (551 Allegiant routes and 105 Sun Country routes) and connecting Minneapolis–St. Paul to additional mid-sized markets while expanding nonstop access to popular leisure destinations. The combined airline also adds broader international reach by leveraging Sun Country’s service across Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean, providing Allegiant customers access to 18 international destinations. The combined company will be headquartered in Las Vegas while maintaining a significant presence in Minneapolis–St. Paul.

About Allegiant – Together We Fly™
Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places, and experiences that matter most. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant’s fleet serves communities across the nation, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements under the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and often can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “believe,” “expect,” “guidance,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate”, “project”, “hope” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this communication are based on Allegiant’s and Sun Country’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the expected date of closing of the proposed transaction and the potential benefits thereof, their respective businesses and industries, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by Allegiant and Sun Country, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements in this communication may relate to, without limitation, the benefits of the proposed transaction, including future financial and operating results; the parties’ respective plans, objectives, expectations and intentions; the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed transaction; expected synergies of the proposed transaction; the timing and result of various regulatory proceedings related to the proposed transaction; the ability to execute and finance current and long-term business, operational, capital expenditures and growth plans and strategies; the impact of increased or increasing transaction and financing costs associated with the proposed transaction or otherwise, as well as inflation and interest rates; and the ability to access debt and equity capital markets.

Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements and caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, the following: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the definitive merger agreement for the proposed transaction; the risk that potential legal proceedings may be instituted against Allegiant or Sun Country and result in significant costs of defense, indemnification or liability; the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because required stockholder approvals, required regulatory approvals or other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all (and the risk that such regulatory approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction); the risk that the combined company will not realize expected benefits, cost savings, accretion, synergies and/or growth from the proposed transaction or that any of the foregoing may take longer to realize or be more costly to achieve than expected; disruption to the parties’ businesses as a result of the announcement and pendency of the proposed transaction; the costs associated with the anticipated length of time of the pendency of the proposed transaction, including the restrictions contained in the definitive merger agreement on the ability of each of Sun Country and Allegiant to operate their respective businesses outside the ordinary course consistent with past practice during the pendency of the proposed transaction; the diversion of Allegiant’s and Sun Country’s respective management teams’ attention and time from ongoing business operations and opportunities on acquisition-related matters; the risk that the integration of Sun Country’s operations will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected or that Allegiant is otherwise unable to successfully integrate Sun Country’s businesses into its businesses; the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; reputational risk and potential adverse reactions of Allegiant’s or Sun Country’s customers, suppliers, employees, labor unions or other business partners, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; the dilution caused by Allegiant’s issuance of additional shares of its common stock in connection with the consummation of the proposed transaction; a material adverse change in the business, condition or results of operations of Allegiant or Sun Country; changes in domestic or international economic, political or business conditions, including those impacting the airline industry (including customers, employees and supply chains); Allegiant’s and Sun Country’s ability to successfully implement their respective operational, productivity and strategic initiatives; the outcome of claims, litigation, governmental proceedings and investigations involving Allegiant or Sun Country; and a cybersecurity incident or other disruption to Sun Country’s or Allegiant’s technology infrastructure.

Forward-looking statements in this communication are qualified by and should be read together with, the risk factors set forth above and the risk factors included in Allegiant’s and Sun Country’s respective annual and quarterly reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as well as the risk factors included in Allegiant’s registration statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-294712), as filed with the SEC on March 27, 2026 (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1362468/000114036126011799/ny20065073x3_s4.htm) (the “Registration Statement”), and readers should refer to such risks, uncertainties and risk factors in evaluating such forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this communication are made only as of the date they were first issued, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Allegiant and Sun Country disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, Allegiant filed with the SEC the Registration Statement, which includes a prospectus with respect to the shares of Allegiant’s common stock to be issued in the proposed transaction and a joint proxy statement for Allegiant’s and Sun Country’s respective stockholders. The Registration Statement was declared effective on March 31, 2026, and Allegiant filed a final prospectus on March 31, 2026 (which is available at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1362468/000114036126012380/ny20065073x5_424b3.htm), and Sun Country filed a definitive proxy statement on March 31, 2026 (which is available at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1743907/000114036126012383/ny20068391x1_defm14a.htm) (together, the “Definitive Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus”).

Each of Allegiant and Sun Country may also file with or furnish to the SEC other relevant documents regarding the proposed transaction. This communication is not a substitute for the Registration Statement, the Definitive Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any other document that Allegiant or Sun Country may file with the SEC or send to their respective stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF ALLEGIANT AND SUN COUNTRY ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED WITHIN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO), BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ALLEGIANT, SUN COUNTRY, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders of Allegiant and Sun Country may obtain free copies of these documents and other documents filed with the SEC by Allegiant or Sun Country through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov or from Allegiant at its website, https://ir.allegiantair.com/financials/sec-filings/default.aspx, or from Sun Country at its website, https://ir.suncountry.com/financials/sec-filings. Documents filed with the SEC by Allegiant will be available free of charge by accessing Allegiant’s website at https://ir.allegiantair.com/financials/sec-filings/default.aspx, or alternatively by directing a request by mail to Allegiant’s Investor Relations department, 1201 North Town Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89144, and documents filed with the SEC by Sun Country will be available free of charge by accessing Sun Country’s website at https://ir.suncountry.com/financials/sec-filings, or alternatively by directing a request by mail to Sun Country’s Investor Relations department, 2005 Cargo Road, Minneapolis, MN 55450.

Participants In The Solicitation

Allegiant, Sun Country and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Allegiant and Sun Country in connection with the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC.

Information about the interests of the directors and executive officers of Allegiant and Sun Country and other persons who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of stockholders of Allegiant and Sun Country in connection with the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is included in the Definitive Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

Information about the directors and executive officers of Allegiant, their ownership of Allegiant common stock and Allegiant’s transactions with related persons can also be found in the Allegiant Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2026, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2026 (the “Allegiant Annual Report”), and other documents subsequently filed by Allegiant with the SEC, which are available on its website, https://ir.allegiantair.com/financials/sec-filings/default.aspx. To the extent holdings of Allegiant common stock by the directors and executive officers of Allegiant have changed from the amounts of Allegiant common stock held by such persons as reflected therein, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC, which are available at https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1362468&owner=exclude under the tab “Ownership Disclosures”.

Information about the directors and executive officers of Sun Country, their ownership of Sun Country common stock and Sun Country’s transactions with related persons can also be found in the definitive proxy statement for Sun Country’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on April 25, 2025 (which is available at https://ir.suncountry.com/financials/sec-filings), and other documents subsequently filed by Sun Country with the SEC. Such information is set forth in the sections entitled “Proposal 1– Reelection of Directors”, “Proposal 2 – Non-binding (Advisory) Vote to Approve the Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers”, “Executive Compensation”, “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” of such definitive proxy statement. Please also refer to Sun Country’s subsequent Current Reports, as filed with the SEC on Form 8-K on September 22, 2025 (which is available at https://ir.suncountry.com/financials/sec-filings) and on October 30, 2025, regarding subsequent changes to Sun Country’s Board of Directors and executive management following the filing of such definitive proxy statement. To the extent holdings of Sun Country common stock by the directors and executive officers of Sun Country have changed from the amounts of Sun Country common stock held by such persons as reflected in the definitive proxy statement, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC, which are available at https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1743907&owner=exclude under the tab “Ownership Disclosures”.

Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described above.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, or form a part of, an offer to sell, an offer to buy, or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, and there shall be no sale of securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.

Contacts

Allegiant

Media Inquiries: mediarelations@allegiantair.com 

Investor Inquiries: ir@allegiantair.com 

Sun Country

Media Inquiries: 
Wendy Burt
mediarelations@suncountry.com 

Investor Relations:
Chris Allen
IR@suncountry.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allegiant-announces-future-board-composition-following-sun-country-acquisition-302747695.html

SOURCE Allegiant Travel Company