Day: June 13, 2023

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LeddarTech, a Disruptive Automotive Software Provider, to Become a Public Company Via Business Combination With Prospector Capital Corp.

  • LeddarTech has the potential to disrupt the markets for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (“ADAS”) and Autonomous Driving (“AD”) with patented low-level sensor fusion and perception software products.
  • LeddarTech’s unique solution solves current limitations, enabling leading automotive original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and Tier 1-2 suppliers to drive ADAS and AD to new levels of performance, safety and adoption.
  • The transaction is expected to provide the company with up to U.S. $66 million in gross proceeds, including up to U.S. $23 million in proceeds from the Prospector trust account (assuming no redemptions) and U.S. $43 million in convertible PIPE proceeds.
  • The transaction values LeddarTech at a pro-forma equity value of U.S. $348 million, assuming no redemptions and the full conversion of the convertible PIPE (without taking into account earn-out to LeddarTech existing shareholders or earn-out to Prospector’s sponsor).

QUÉBEC CITY, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech Inc.® (“LeddarTech” or the “company”), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology for ADAS and AD, and Prospector Capital Corp. (“Prospector”) (Nasdaq: PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company led by former Qualcomm President Derek Aberle and chaired by former Qualcomm Vice Chairman Steve Altman, today announced their entry into a definitive business combination agreement that would result in LeddarTech becoming a publicly listed company. Upon closing of the transaction, which is expected by the fourth quarter of 2023, LeddarTech is expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

The transaction values LeddarTech at a pro-forma equity value of U.S. $348 million (assuming no redemptions and the full conversion of the convertible PIPE [without taking into account earn-out to LeddarTech existing shareholders or earn-out to Prospector’s sponsor]) and is expected to provide LeddarTech with up to U.S. $66 million in gross cash proceeds, which are expected to be used to fund the commercialization of its first embedded software solutions, expand its product offerings and deepen its customer engagements.

LeddarTech is a provider of industry-leading low-level sensor fusion and perception software for ADAS and AD. LeddarTech’s software solution is both sensor and processor-agnostic and significantly reduces the cost to OEMs and Tier 1-2 automotive suppliers while delivering improved performance and scalability for entry-level to premium ADAS/AD. ADAS and AD is the largest market within automotive software and is expected to grow at an 11% CAGR to U.S. $42 billion by 20301. The company has a strong early-mover advantage with over seven years of experience working on low-level sensor fusion and perception with 150 patents filed (80 granted) covering a broad array of foundational technologies such as signal acquisition, perception and fusion.

“We are pleased to partner with Prospector to solidify our position as a leading force in the nascent automotive software sector. This collaboration is expected to provide us with the necessary capital and resources to invest in our exceptional team, and take the company to the next level by positioning the company to secure customer wins and drive growth in our business. I am excited that LeddarTech has achieved this important milestone, which we believe will make LeddarTech one of the rare public companies in the pure-play ADAS/AD software space,” said Charles Boulanger, CEO of LeddarTech. Mr. Boulanger continued: “After leading the company since 2013, I have decided that I will retire as CEO once we close the transaction, at which time Frantz Saintellemy, President and COO, is expected to succeed me as LeddarTech CEO, and I plan to remain with the company as a special advisor and as a member of the LeddarTech board of directors.”

Mr. Saintellemy commented: “The automotive industry is increasingly recognizing that low-level sensor fusion and perception will be the architecture of choice for next-generation ADAS systems because it materially reduces system cost, eliminates sensor and processor dependencies and improves safety. We have a leading ‘software-only’ solution for low-level sensor fusion and perception that we believe will help drive the next wave of ADAS as the industry continues to move to software-defined vehicles. We are actively working with customers to integrate this disruptive technology.”

“During my tenure at Qualcomm, I experienced the tremendous value that can be created when innovative companies with foundational technologies disrupt industries,” said Prospector’s CEO, Derek Aberle. “We believe LeddarTech has the potential to do just that. We are excited to partner with LeddarTech’s management team to help drive growth and adoption of their products and believe it represents an attractive investment opportunity for our shareholders.” At the close of the transaction, Mr. Aberle is expected to become Chairman of the LeddarTech board of directors.

Transaction Overview

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of Prospector, as well as the board of directors of LeddarTech, and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval of LeddarTech’s and Prospector’s shareholders and the receipt of a final order of the Superior Court of Justice of Québec approving the transaction.

The combined entity will receive approximately U.S. $23 million from Prospector’s trust account, assuming no redemptions by Prospector’s public shareholders, as well as U.S. $43 million in gross proceeds from investors including Prospector’s sponsor, FS Investors (an affiliate of Prospector’s sponsor), Investissement Québec as a representative of the Government of Québec, Desjardins Capital and BDC Capital participating in the transaction via a convertible private placement investment into LeddarTech.

Conference Call Information

LeddarTech and Prospector have recorded an investor conference call and presentation discussing the transaction, which can be accessed by visiting Investor Relations – LeddarTech.

For Investor Relations, including a copy of the investor presentation as filed with the SEC, please visit the LeddarTech website at Investor Relations – LeddarTech or the SEC’s website for Prospector’s filings.

Advisors

TD Cowen is serving as financial advisor to Prospector, and Current Capital is serving as a financial advisor that provided a fairness opinion to Prospector’s board of directors. Stikeman Elliot LLP and Vedder Price PC are representing LeddarTech as legal counsel. Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP and White & Case LLP are representing Prospector as legal counsel. Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as legal advisor to TD Cowen.

About Prospector Capital Corp.

Prospector is a special-purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses with a focus on companies with advanced and highly differentiated solutions for the technology sector. The company is led by a team of experienced investors and executives focused on identifying and investing in high-growth companies with strong management teams and attractive market opportunities. Prospector’s securities are traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “PRSR,” “PRSRU” and “PRSRW.”

About LeddarTech

A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal, Toronto and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS and autonomous driving (AD) applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment, allowing for better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 150 patents granted or applied for that enhance ADAS and AD capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.LeddarTech.com and Investor Relations – LeddarTech.

Important Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, Prospector, LeddarTech and the combined entity will prepare and will file with the SEC, the registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”). Prospector, LeddarTech and the combined entity will prepare and file the Registration Statement with the SEC and Prospector will mail the Registration Statement to its shareholders and file other documents regarding the business combination with the SEC. This press release is not a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus or other documents Prospector or the combined entity may file with the SEC in connection with the business combination. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED BY PROSPECTOR OR THE COMBINED ENTITY WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS COMBINATION BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and other documents filed with the SEC by Prospector or the combined entity through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION PURSUANT TO WHICH ANY SECURITIES ARE TO BE OFFERED OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act (which forward-looking statements shall also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements regarding the business combination involving Prospector, LeddarTech and the combined entity, the ability to consummate the business combination and the timing thereof, the anticipated benefits from the business combination, the closing of the private placement financing and expected proceeds therefrom and statements relating to the anticipated combined company’s strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics. 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 “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” and other similar expressions among others. 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 and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the risk that the conditions to the closing of the business combination are not satisfied, including the failure to timely or at all obtain shareholder approval for the business combination or the failure to timely or at all obtain any required regulatory clearances, including under the HSR Act or of the Superior Court of Justice of Québec; (ii) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the business combination and the ability of each of Prospector, LeddarTech and the combined entity to consummate the business combination; (iii) the possibility that other anticipated benefits of the business combination will not be realized, and the anticipated tax treatment of the business combination; (iv) the occurrence of any event that could give rise to termination of the business combination; (v) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the business combination or other settlements or investigations may affect the timing or occurrence of the business combination or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (vi) changes in general economic and/or industry specific conditions; (vii) possible disruptions from the business combination that could harm LeddarTech’s business; (viii) the ability of LeddarTech to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (ix) potential adverse reactions or changes to relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or other parties resulting from the announcement or completion of the business combination; (x) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the business combination that could affect LeddarTech’s financial performance; (xi) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak (including COVID-19), as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; and (xiii) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in Prospector’s reports filed with the SEC, including Prospector’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, periodic Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, periodic Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the SEC. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Neither Prospector nor LeddarTech can give any assurance that the conditions to the Business Combination will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, neither Prospector nor LeddarTech undertakes any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Prospector or the combined entity, a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any 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 the Securities Act.

Participants in Solicitation

Prospector, LeddarTech and the combined entity, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the business combination. Information about the directors and executive officers of Prospector can be found in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the business combination, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials when they are filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the source indicated above.

Company Contact:
Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Inc.
Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Kevin Hunt
ICR Inc.
Kevin.Hunt@IcrInc.com

Media Contact:
Dan Brennan
ICR Inc.
Dan.Brennan@icrinc.com

Investor relations contact and website:InvestorRelations@LeddarTech.com
investors.leddartech.com/English/overview/default.aspx

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7520e9a2-3dca-4e3e-815b-84a4ccc6a193

______________________
1 Source: McKinsey.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8856558

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LeddarTech, un fournisseur de logiciels pour automobiles hautement innovateurs, deviendra une société publique par le biais d’un regroupement d’entreprises avec Prospector Capital Corp.

  • LeddarTech a le potentiel de perturber le marché des systèmes avancés d’aide à la conduite (systèmes ADAS) et de conduite autonome (systèmes AD) grâce à des produits logiciels brevetés de fusion bas niveau de capteurs et de perception.
  • La solution unique de LeddarTech résout les limitations actuelles en permettant aux principaux manufacturiers et équipementiers d’automobiles (Tier 1 et 2) d’augmenter le niveau de performance et de qualité des systèmes ADAS et AD afin d’accélérer leur adoption.
  • La transaction devrait rapporter à l’entreprise jusqu’à 66 millions $ US de produit brut en espèces, dont jusqu’à 23 millions $ US provenant du compte en fiducie de Prospector (en supposant aucun rachat) et 43 millions $ US en produit de type IPAP (investissement privé dans des actions émises dans le public) convertible.
  • La transaction valorise LeddarTech à une valeur nette pro forma de 348 millions $ US, en supposant aucun rachat et la conversion complète du IPAP convertible (sans tenir compte d’ajustements de type « earn-out » versés aux actionnaires existants de LeddarTech ou au commanditaire de Prospector).

QUÉBEC, 13 juin 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech Inc.® (« LeddarTech » ou l’« entreprise »), une société de logiciels pour automobiles qui fournit des technologies logicielles de fusion bas niveau de capteurs et de perception innovatrices et brevetées pour systèmes avancés d’aide à la conduite (systèmes ADAS) et de conduite autonome (systèmes AD), et Prospector Capital Corp. (« Prospector ») (Nasdaq : PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), une société d’acquisition à vocation spécifique cotée en bourse dirigée par l’ancien président de Qualcomm, Derek Aberle et présidée par l’ancien vice-président du conseil d’administration de Qualcomm, Steve Altman, ont annoncé aujourd’hui la conclusion d’un accord définitif de regroupement d’entreprises qui permettra à LeddarTech de devenir une société cotée en bourse. À la clôture de la transaction, prévue pour le quatrième trimestre 2023, LeddarTech devrait être cotée sur la Nasdaq sous le nouveau symbole « LDTC ».

La transaction valorise LeddarTech à une valeur nette pro forma de 348 millions $ US, en supposant qu’aucun actionnaire public de Prospector n’exerce ses droits de rachat et la conversion complète du IPAP convertible (sans tenir compte d’ajustements de type « earn-out » versés aux actionnaires existants de LeddarTech ou au commanditaire de Prospector) et devrait rapporter à LeddarTech jusqu’à 66 millions $ US de produit brut en espèces, qui serviront à financer la commercialisation de ses premières solutions logicielles embarquées, à élargir son offre de produits et à accroître ses engagements clients.

LeddarTech est un fournisseur de logiciels de fusion bas niveau de capteurs et de perception de pointe pour systèmes ADAS et AD. La solution logicielle de LeddarTech est indépendante tant des capteurs que du processeur utilisé et réduit considérablement les coûts pour les manufacturiers et les équipementiers d’automobiles (Tier 1 et 2), tout en offrant une performance et une évolutivité améliorées pour les systèmes ADAS/AD des véhicules d’entrée de gamme jusqu’aux véhicules haut de gamme. Les segments ADAS et AD constituent le plus grand marché des logiciels pour automobiles et devraient croître à un taux de croissance annuel composé de 11 % pour atteindre 42 milliards $ US d’ici à 20301. L’entreprise dispose d’un avantage impressionnant en tant que précurseur avec plus de sept années d’expérience dans le domaine des logiciels de fusion bas niveau des données de capteurs et de perception, et détient plus de 150 brevets déposés (80 accordés) couvrant un large éventail de technologies fondamentales telles que l’acquisition et le traitement de signal, la fusion et la perception.

« Nous sommes heureux de nous associer à Prospector pour consolider notre position de chef de file dans le secteur naissant des logiciels pour automobiles. Cette transaction devrait nous fournir les capitaux et les ressources nécessaires pour investir dans notre équipe exceptionnelle et faire passer l’entreprise à la vitesse supérieure en la positionnant de manière à signer des contrats et stimuler la croissance de nos activités. Je me réjouis que LeddarTech ait franchi cette étape importante qui, selon nous, en fera l’une des rares sociétés publiques dans le domaine des logiciels ADAS et AD », a déclaré Charles Boulanger, chef de la direction de LeddarTech. Et de poursuivre : « Après avoir dirigé l’entreprise depuis 2013, j’ai décidé de me retirer de mon poste de chef de la direction une fois la transaction conclue. Frantz Saintellemy, président et chef de l’exploitation, me succédera en tant que chef de la direction de LeddarTech, et je prévois rester dans l’entreprise en tant que conseiller spécial et membre du conseil d’administration de LeddarTech ».

 

  1. Saintellemy a commenté : « L’industrie de l’automobile reconnaît de plus en plus que l’architecture des logiciels de fusion bas niveau de capteurs et de perception sera l’architecture de choix pour les prochaines générations de systèmes ADAS et AD, car elle réduit considérablement le coût de ces systèmes, élimine les interdépendances entre capteurs et processeurs et améliore la sécurité. Nous disposons d’une solution unique et d’avant-garde pour la fusion de bas niveau de capteurs et la perception qui, selon nous, contribuera à la prochaine vague de systèmes ADAS et AD, l’industrie continuant d’évoluer vers des véhicules intelligents ayant de plus en plus de fonctionnalités activées par logiciel. Nous travaillons activement avec plusieurs clients pour intégrer notre technologie de pointe ».

« Au cours de mon mandat chez Qualcomm, j’ai pu constater la valeur considérable qui peut être créée lorsque des entreprises innovantes dotées de technologies fondamentales perturbent des secteurs d’activité », a déclaré le chef de la direction de Prospector, Derek Aberle. « Nous pensons que LeddarTech a le potentiel pour y parvenir. Nous sommes ravis de nous associer à l’équipe de direction de LeddarTech pour contribuer à la croissance et à l’adoption de leurs produits, et nous pensons que cela représente une opportunité d’investissement intéressante pour nos actionnaires ». À l’issue de la transaction, M. Aberle devrait devenir président du conseil d’administration de LeddarTech.

Aperçu de la transaction

Le conseil d’administration de Prospector, de même que le conseil d’administration de LeddarTech, ont approuvé à l’unanimité la transaction, qui est soumise à la satisfaction des conditions de clôture habituelles, dont l’approbation des actionnaires de LeddarTech et de Prospector et la réception d’une ordonnance finale de la Cour supérieure de justice du Québec.

L’entité combinée recevra environ 23 millions $ US en espèces provenant du compte en fiducie de Prospector, en supposant qu’aucun actionnaire public de Prospector n’exerce ses droits de rachat, ainsi que 43 millions $ US de produit brut en espèces provenant d’investisseurs (IPAP), dont le promoteur de Prospector, FS Investors (une société affiliée au promoteur de Prospector), Investissement Québec en tant que représentant du gouvernement du Québec, Desjardins Capital et BDC Capital, qui ont participé à la transaction par le biais d’un placement privé convertible dans LeddarTech.

Renseignements sur la conférence téléphonique

LeddarTech et Prospector ont enregistré une conférence téléphonique et une présentation de la transaction à l’intention des investisseurs, consultables à l’adresse suivante : Relations avec les investisseurs – LeddarTech.

Pour les relations avec les investisseurs, y compris une copie de la présentation aux investisseurs telle qu’elle a été déposée auprès de la SEC, veuillez consulter le site web de LeddarTech à l’adresse Relations avec les investisseurs – LeddarTech ou le site web de la SEC pour les déclarations de Prospector.

Conseillers

TD Cowen agit comme conseiller financier exclusif de Prospector, et Current Capital agit comme conseiller financier ayant fourni une attestation d’équité au conseil d’administration de Prospector. Stikeman Elliot LLP et Vedder Price LLP représentent LeddarTech à titre de conseillers juridiques. Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP et White & Case LLP représentent Prospector à titre de conseillers juridiques. Goodwin Procter LLP agit comme conseiller juridique de TD Cowen.

À propos de Prospector Capital Corp.

Prospector est une société d’acquisition à vocation spécifique créée dans le but de réaliser une fusion, un échange d’actions, une acquisition d’actifs, un achat d’actions, une réorganisation ou un regroupement d’entreprises similaire avec une ou plusieurs entreprises, avec l’accent sur les sociétés proposant des solutions avancées et hautement différenciées pour le secteur technologique. La société est dirigée par une équipe d’investisseurs et de cadres expérimentés qui se concentrent sur l’identification et les investissements dans des entreprises à forte croissance dotées d’équipes de gestion solides et d’opportunités de marché attrayantes. Les titres de Prospector se négocient sur le Nasdaq sous les symboles « PRSR », « PRSRU » et « PRSRW ».

À propos de LeddarTech

Entreprise mondiale de logiciels fondée en 2007, basée à Québec et disposant de centres de R&D supplémentaires à Montréal, Toronto et Tel Aviv (Israël), LeddarTech développe et propose des solutions de perception logicielles complètes qui permettent le déploiement d’applications ADAS et de conduite autonome. Le logiciel de classe automobile de LeddarTech applique l’intelligence artificielle avancée et des algorithmes de vision numérique afin de générer des modèles 3D précis de l’environnement, pour une meilleure prise de décision et une navigation plus sûre. Cette technologie performante, évolutive et économique, permet la mise en œuvre efficace de solutions ADAS pour véhicules automobiles et hors route par les équipementiers et fournisseurs de rang 1 et 2.

Détentrice de plus de 150 brevets accordés ou déposés, l’entreprise a contribué à plusieurs innovations liées à des applications de télédétection et qui améliorent les capacités des systèmes d’aide à la conduite et de conduite autonome. Une plus grande conscience situationnelle est essentielle pour rendre la mobilité plus sûre, efficace, durable et abordable : c’est ce qui motive LeddarTech à vouloir devenir la solution logicielle de fusion des données de capteurs et de perception la plus largement adoptée.

Renseignements complémentaires disponibles sur http://www.leddartech.com/fr et Relations avec les investisseurs – LeddarTech.

Renseignements importants sur la transaction proposée et où les trouver

Dans le cadre du regroupement d’entreprises proposé, Prospector, LeddarTech et l’entité combinée prépareront et déposeront auprès de la SEC la déclaration d’enregistrement sur le formulaire F-4 (la « déclaration d’enregistrement »). Prospector, LeddarTech et l’entité combinée prépareront et déposeront la déclaration d’enregistrement auprès de la SEC, et Prospector enverra la déclaration d’enregistrement à ses actionnaires et déposera d’autres documents concernant le regroupement d’entreprises auprès de la SEC.   Le présent communiqué de presse ne se substitue à aucune circulaire de sollicitation de procurations, déclaration d’enregistrement, circulaire de sollicitation de procurations/prospectus ou autres documents que Prospector ou l’entité combinée pourrait déposer auprès de la SEC dans le cadre du regroupement d’entreprises. LES INVESTISSEURS ET LES PORTEURS DE TITRES SONT INSTAMMENT PRIÉS DE LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT ET DANS LEUR INTÉGRALITÉ LA DÉCLARATION D’ENREGISTREMENT LORSQU’ELLE SERA DISPONIBLE, TOUT AMENDEMENT OU SUPPLÉMENT À LA DÉCLARATION D’ENREGISTREMENT ET TOUT AUTRE DOCUMENT DÉPOSÉ PAR PROSPECTOR OU L’ENTITÉ COMBINÉE AUPRÈS DE LA SEC DANS LE CADRE DU REGROUPEMENT D’ENTREPRISES, CAR CES DOCUMENTS CONTIENDRONT DES RENSEIGNEMENTS IMPORTANTS. Les investisseurs et les détenteurs de titres pourront obtenir gratuitement des copies de la déclaration d’enregistrement et des autres documents déposés auprès de la SEC par Prospector ou l’entité combinée sur le site web géré par la SEC à l’adresse www.sec.gov.

L’INVESTISSEMENT DANS LES TITRES DÉCRITS AUX PRÉSENTES N’A ÉTÉ NI APPROUVÉ NI DÉSAPPROUVÉ PAR LA SEC OU TOUTE AUTRE AUTORITÉ DE RÉGULATION, ET AUCUNE AUTORITÉ NE S’EST PRONONCÉE SUR LE BIEN-FONDÉ DE LA TRANSACTION PROPOSÉE DANS LE CADRE DE LAQUELLE LES TITRES DOIVENT ÊTRE OFFERTS, NI SUR L’EXACTITUDE OU L’ADÉQUATION DES RENSEIGNEMENTS CONTENUS AUX PRÉSENTES. TOUTE DÉCLARATION À L’EFFET CONTRAIRE CONSTITUE UNE INFRACTION PÉNALE.

Énoncés prospectifs

Certains énoncés contenus dans le présent communiqué de presse peuvent être considérés comme des énoncés prospectifs au sens du Private Securities Litigation Reform Act de 1995, de la section 27A du Securities Act et de la section 21E de l’Exchange Act des États-Unis (lesquels énoncés prospectifs comprennent également les énoncés prospectifs et les renseignements prospectifs au sens des lois canadiennes sur les valeurs mobilières applicables), y compris, mais sans s’y limiter, les énoncés concernant le regroupement d’entreprises impliquant Prospector, LeddarTech et l’entité combinée, la capacité à réaliser le regroupement d’entreprises et son calendrier, les avantages attendus du regroupement d’entreprises, la clôture du financement par placement privé et le produit attendu de celui-ci, ainsi que les énoncés relatifs à la stratégie, aux opérations futures, aux perspectives, aux objectifs et aux projections financières et autres mesures financières anticipés de l’entreprise regroupée.   Les énoncés prospectifs comprennent généralement des énoncés de nature prévisionnelle qui dépendent d’événements ou de conditions à venir ou qui s’y réfèrent, et comprennent des termes tels que « pouvoir », « anticiper », « prévoir », « avoir l’intention de », « estimer », « planifier », « croire », « s’attendre à », « projeter de » et autres expressions similaires et verbes au futur et au conditionnel notamment. Les énoncés qui ne sont pas des faits historiques sont des énoncés prospectifs.   Les énoncés prospectifs reposent sur des convictions et des hypothèses actuelles qui sont soumises à des risques et à des incertitudes et ne constituent pas des garanties de performance future. Les résultats réels peuvent différer sensiblement de ceux contenus dans un énoncé prospectif en raison de divers facteurs, y compris, mais sans s’y limiter : (i) le risque que les conditions de clôture du regroupement d’entreprises ne soient pas remplies, y compris le défaut d’obtenir en temps voulu ou non l’approbation des actionnaires pour le regroupement d’entreprises ou le défaut d’obtenir en temps voulu ou non les autorisations réglementaires requises, y compris en vertu de la loi HSR ou de la Cour supérieure de justice du Québec; (ii) les incertitudes quant au calendrier de réalisation du regroupement d’entreprises et la capacité de Prospector, de LeddarTech et de l’entité combinée à réaliser le regroupement d’entreprises; (iii) la possibilité que d’autres avantages prévus du regroupement d’entreprises ne se réalisent pas, et le traitement fiscal prévu du regroupement d’entreprises; (iv) la survenance de tout événement susceptible de donner lieu à la résiliation du regroupement d’entreprises; (v) le risque que des litiges entre actionnaires liés au regroupement d’entreprises ou autres règlements ou enquêtes affectent le calendrier ou la réalisation du regroupement d’entreprises ou entraînent des coûts importants de défense, indemnisation et responsabilité; (vi) l’évolution de la conjoncture économique générale et/ou des conditions propres à l’industrie; (vii) les éventuelles perturbations dues au regroupement d’entreprises susceptibles de nuire aux activités de LeddarTech; (viii) la capacité de LeddarTech à retenir, attirer et embaucher du personnel clé; (ix) les réactions ou changements négatifs potentiels dans les relations avec les clients, employés, fournisseurs ou autres parties résultant de l’annonce ou de la réalisation du regroupement d’entreprises; (x) l’incertitude commerciale potentielle, y compris les changements dans les relations commerciales existantes, pendant la durée du regroupement d’entreprises, susceptible d’affecter la performance financière de LeddarTech; (xi) les développements législatifs, réglementaires et économiques; (xii) l’imprévisibilité et la gravité d’événements catastrophiques, y compris, mais sans s’y limiter, les actes de terrorisme, le déclenchement d’une guerre ou d’hostilités et toute épidémie, pandémie ou apparition de maladie (y compris la COVID-19), ainsi que la réponse de la direction à l’un des facteurs susmentionnés; et (xiii) les autres facteurs de risque détaillés de temps à autre dans les rapports de Prospector déposés auprès de la SEC, y compris le rapport annuel de Prospector sur le formulaire 10-K, les rapports trimestriels périodiques sur le formulaire 10-Q, les rapports courants périodiques sur le formulaire 8-K et autres documents déposés auprès de la SEC. La liste des facteurs importants ci-dessus n’est pas exhaustive. Ni Prospector ni LeddarTech ne peuvent garantir que les conditions du regroupement d’entreprises seront remplies. Sauf si la loi applicable l’exige, ni Prospector ni LeddarTech ne s’engagent à réviser ou à mettre à jour les énoncés prospectifs, ni à mentionner d’autres énoncés prospectifs, que ce soit à la suite de nouvelles informations, d’événements futurs ou autres.

Absence d’offre ou de sollicitation

Le présent communiqué de presse ne constitue pas une offre de vente ou la sollicitation d’une offre d’achat de titres de Prospector ou de l’entité combinée, ni une sollicitation de vote ou d’approbation, et il n’y aura pas de vente de titres dans une juridiction où une telle offre, sollicitation ou vente serait illégale avant l’enregistrement ou la qualification en vertu de la législation sur les valeurs mobilières d’une telle juridiction. Aucune offre de valeurs mobilières ne peut être faite si ce n’est au moyen d’un prospectus répondant aux exigences de la loi sur les valeurs mobilières.

Participants à la sollicitation

Prospector, LeddarTech et l’entité combinée, ainsi que certains de leurs administrateurs, dirigeants et employés respectifs, peuvent être considérés comme des participants à la sollicitation de procurations dans le cadre du regroupement d’entreprises. Des renseignements sur les administrateurs et les dirigeants de Prospector sont disponibles dans le rapport annuel sur le formulaire 10-K pour l’exercice clos le 31 décembre 2022, qui a été déposé auprès de la SEC le 31 mars 2023. Les renseignements concernant les personnes qui peuvent, en vertu des règles de la SEC, être considérées comme des participants à la sollicitation de procurations dans le cadre du regroupement d’entreprises, y compris une description de leurs intérêts directs ou indirects, par la détention de titres ou autrement, seront présentés dans la déclaration d’enregistrement et dans d’autres documents pertinents lorsqu’ils seront déposés auprès de la SEC. Ces documents peuvent être obtenus gratuitement auprès de la source indiquée ci-dessus.

Contact de l’entreprise :
Daniel Aitken, vice-président, Marketing, communications et relations avec les investisseurs mondiaux, LeddarTech Inc.
Tél. : + 1-418-653-9000 poste 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

Contact relations investisseurs :
Kevin Hunt
ICR Inc.
Kevin.Hunt@IcrInc.com

Contact médias :
Dan Brennan
ICR Inc.
Dan.Brennan@icrinc.com

Contact relations investisseurs et site web :InvestorRelations@LeddarTech.com
https://investors.leddartech.com/French/Apercu/default.aspx

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision et les logos associés sont des marques de commerce ou des marques déposées de LeddarTech Inc. et de ses filiales. Tous les autres noms de marques, noms de produits et marques sont ou peuvent être des marques de commerce ou des marques déposées utilisées pour désigner les produits ou les services de leurs propriétaires respectifs.

Une photo associée à ce communiqué de presse est disponible à l’adresse suivante : 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7520e9a2-3dca-4e3e-815b-84a4ccc6a193/fr

____________________
1 Source : McKinsey.

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Ascendis Pharma Showcases Its Latest Endocrinology Programs, Data, and Research at ENDO 2023

– Endocrinology clinical development progress and research in growth hormone deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, achondroplasia, and Turner Syndrome will be highlighted

– Phase 3 Week 52 data for TransCon™ PTH in adults with hypoparathyroidism selected for oral presentation

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) today announced it will showcase its latest Endocrinology Rare Disease programs, data, and research in growth hormone deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, achondroplasia, and Turner Syndrome at ENDO 2023, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society being held June 15-18 in Chicago.

An oral presentation on Saturday, June 17, will feature Phase 3 Week 52 data for TransCon PTH in adults with hypoparathyroidism, and five additional poster presentations listed in the table below will showcase other Ascendis programs and data. In addition, Ascendis will host booth #1628, booth #1740, and two product theaters during ENDO 2023.

ABSTRACT PRESENTING AUTHOR
Hypoparathyroidism
Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of TransCon PTH in Adults with Hypoparathyroidism: 52-Week Results from the Open-Label Extension of the PaTHway Phase 3 Trial

Oral presentation, Saturday, June 17, 4:30-4:45 pm (CDT))
Session: OR23-05

 Bart L. Clarke, M.D.
Clinical and Economic Burden of Postsurgical Chronic Hypoparathyroidism: A U.S. Medicare Retrospective Analysis

Poster, Saturday, June 17, 1:00 – 2:00 pm (CDT)
Session P69 Poster: SAT-233

 Wahidullah Noori,
Pharm. D., M.S.
Achondroplasia
Significantly Improved Annual Height Velocity with Once-Weekly TransCon CNP in Children with Achondroplasia: The ACcomplisH Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Escalation Trial

Poster, Thursday, Thursday, June 15, 12:30 – 1:30 pm (CDT)
Session P10 Poster: THU-156

 Ravi Savarirayan, MBBS, FRACP, HGSA, MD
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Prevalence of Comorbidities Among Treated and Untreated Adults with Suspected Growth Hormone Deficiency

Late Breaker: Poster, Saturday, June 17, 1:00 – 2:00 pm (CDT)
Session P87 Poster SAT-611

 Subhara Raveendran, Ph.D
Subanalysis by Tanner Stage in Phase 3 Trials in Children and Adolescents with Growth Hormone Deficiency Treated with Lonapegsomatropin

Poster, Thursday, June 15, 12:30 – 1:30 pm (CDT)
Session P10 Poster: THU-173

 Paul Hofman, MBChB, Dip Obs, FRACP
Turner Syndrome
Design of the New InsiGHTS Trial: A Multicenter, Phase 2, Randomized, Open-Label, Active Controlled Study to Investigate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Lonapegsomatropin in Prepubertal Individuals with Turner Syndrome

Poster, Thursday, June 15, 12:30 – 1:30 pm (CDT)
Session P10 Poster: THU-164

 Sohair Abdelrahman, Pharm.D

About Ascendis Pharma A/S
Ascendis Pharma is applying its innovative TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated, global biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by its core values of patients, science and passion, the company uses its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and has additional facilities in Germany (Heidelberg, Berlin and Munich) and the United States (Palo Alto and Redwood City, California, and Princeton, New Jersey). Visit ascendispharma.com to learn more.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding Ascendis’ future operations, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to (i) Ascendis’ ability to apply its TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated, global biopharma company, and (ii) Ascendis’ use of its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions, expectations and projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that Ascendis makes, including the following: dependence on third party manufacturers, distributors and service providers for Ascendis’ products and product candidates; unforeseen safety or efficacy results in its development programs or on-market products; unforeseen expenses related to commercialization of any approved Ascendis products; unforeseen expenses related to Ascendis’ development programs; unforeseen selling, general and administrative expenses, other research and development expenses and Ascendis’ business generally; delays in the development of its programs related to manufacturing, regulatory requirements, speed of patient recruitment or other unforeseen delays; Ascendis’ ability to obtain additional funding, if needed, to support its business activities; the impact of international economic, political, legal, compliance, social and business factors, including inflation, and the effects on its business from the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts such as that in the region surrounding Ukraine and Russia. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Ascendis’ business in general, see Ascendis’ Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 16, 2023 and Ascendis’ other future reports filed with, or submitted to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future licensing, collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments that Ascendis may enter into or make. Ascendis does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Ascendis, Ascendis Pharma, the Ascendis Pharma logo, the company logo, and TransCon are trademarks owned by the Ascendis Pharma group. © June 2023 Ascendis Pharma A/S.

Investor Contacts: Media Contact:
Tim Lee Melinda Baker
Ascendis Pharma Ascendis Pharma
+1 (650) 374-6343 +1 (650) 709-8875
tle@ascendispharma.com media@ascendispharma.com
ir@ascendispharma.com
Patti Bank
ICR Westwicke
+1 (415) 513-1284
patti.bank@westwicke.com

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Akoustis Launches State-of-the-Art XBAW® Foundry Services and AI-Enabled Engineering Design Software

  • Akoustis’ Foundry Services Offers Custom 150-mm RF MEMS Silicon (Si) Substrate Fabrication Capabilities for RF Resonators and Filters
  • Launches Fully Automated PDK Incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Enabled Software for Chip Design
  • Expands Available Market Enabling Broad Selection of Customers the Ability to Utilize XBAW® Process

Charlotte, N.C., June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Akoustis Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKTS) (“Akoustis” or the “Company”), an integrated device manufacturer (IDM) of patented bulk acoustic wave (BAW) high-band RF filters for mobile and other wireless applications, announced that the Company has launched its cutting-edge foundry and engineering services to target market segments including mobile, Wi-Fi, defense, 5G infrastructure, and automotive.

Akoustis’ world class foundry will provide customers with unmatched bulk acoustic wave (BAW) fabrication capabilities on 150-mm Si substrates. Strategically located just outside of Rochester, New York, the Company’s 125,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility enables the manufacture of high-performance BAW devices based on the MEMS-based XBAW® process.

Akoustis’ foundry will offer distinct XBAW® technology, catering to different frequency ranges and providing customers with unparalleled flexibility. The XBAW® XB1 technology covers a frequency range from 1.6 GHz to 7 GHz, while the next generation XBAW® XP3F technology is expected to cover frequencies from 7 GHz to 20 GHz. As a part of its comprehensive solution, Akoustis provides automated Process Design Kits (PDKs) leveraging machine learning algorithms to customers, facilitating efficient and accurate design implementations. The PDKs will enable customers to construct intricate designs and optimize their end solutions, leveraging the full potential of Akoustis’ foundry and its advanced fabrication capabilities. Akoustis’ back-end services will be driven by GDSI, a US-based, trusted supplier of premium semiconductor back-end supply chain services, catering to customers’ advanced wafer processing needs with services including wafer dicing, wafer pick and place, and back grinding and polishing.

Jeff Shealy, founder and CEO of Akoustis, stated, “The launch of our improved foundry and engineering services represents a significant milestone for Akoustis as we continue to lead the industry in providing cutting-edge BAW RF filter solutions.” Mr. Shealy continued, “By leveraging our advanced PDKs driven by AI-enabled software to reduce design cycle time customers can streamline their design processes, achieve optimal performance, and stay at the forefront of wireless innovation with seamless integration.”

Akoustis continues to experience strong demand and a growing sales funnel for its Wi-Fi, 5G mobile, and 5G infrastructure products, as well as its new XBAW®/SAW resonator and oscillator products, and semiconductor back-end services. Akoustis continues to add new Wi-Fi design wins, many of which are expected to ramp into production in calendar 2023.

About Akoustis Technologies, Inc.

Akoustis® (http://www.akoustis.com/) is a high-tech BAW RF filter solutions company that is pioneering next-generation materials science and MEMS wafer manufacturing to address the market requirements for improved RF filters – targeting higher bandwidth, higher operating frequencies and higher output power compared to legacy polycrystalline BAW technology. The Company utilizes its proprietary and patented XBAW® manufacturing process to produce bulk acoustic wave RF filters for mobile and other wireless markets, which facilitate signal acquisition and accelerate band performance between the antenna and digital back end. Superior performance is driven by the significant advances of poly-crystal, single-crystal, and other high purity piezoelectric materials and the resonator-filter process technology which enables optimal trade-offs between critical power, frequency, and bandwidth performance specifications.

Akoustis plans to service the fast growing multi-billion-dollar RF filter market using its integrated device manufacturer (IDM) business model. The Company owns and operates a 125,000 sq. ft. ISO-9001:2015 registered commercial wafer-manufacturing facility located in Canandaigua, NY, which includes a class 100 / class 1000 cleanroom facility – tooled for 150-mm diameter wafers – for the design, development, fabrication and packaging of RF filters, MEMS and other semiconductor devices. Akoustis Technologies, Inc. is headquartered in the Piedmont technology corridor near Charlotte, North Carolina.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans or strategies for the future (including our possible future results of operations, profitability, business strategies, competitive position, potential growth opportunities, potential market opportunities and the effects of competition), timing and achievement of new design wins and ramping of production, and the assumptions underlying such statements. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and typically are identified by use of terms such as “may,” “might,” “would,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “project,” “expect,” “plan,” “strategy,” “anticipate,” “attempt,” “develop,” “help,” “believe,” “think,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “forecast,” “seek,” “potential,” “possible,” “continue,” “future,” and similar words (including the negative of any of the foregoing), although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future results, performance, events or circumstances. Instead, these forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated include, without limitation, risks relating to our inability to obtain adequate financing and sustain our status as a going concern; our limited operating history; our inability to generate revenues or achieve profitability;  the results of our research and development activities; our inability to achieve acceptance of our products in the market; the possibility that the anticipated benefits from business acquisitions will not be realized in full or at all or may take longer to realize than expected; the possibility that costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquired businesses’ operations will be greater than expected and the possibility of disruptions to our business during integration efforts and strain on management time and resources; the impact of a pandemic or epidemic or a natural disaster, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and other sources of volatility on our operations, financial condition and the worldwide economy, including its impact on our ability to access the capital markets; increases in prices for raw materials, labor, and fuel caused by rising inflation; general economic conditions, including upturns and downturns in the industry; shortages in supplies needed to manufacture our products, or needed by our customers to manufacture devices incorporating our products; our limited number of patents; failure to obtain, maintain, and enforce our intellectual property rights; claims of infringement, misappropriation or misuse of third party intellectual property, including the lawsuit filed by Qorvo, Inc. in October 2021, that, regardless of merit, could result in significant expense and negatively impact our business results; our inability to attract and retain qualified personnel; our reliance on third parties to complete certain processes in connection with the manufacture of our products; product quality and defects; existing or increased competition; our ability to successfully manufacture, market and sell products based on our technologies; our ability to meet the required specifications of customers and achieve qualification of our products for commercial manufacturing in a timely manner; our inability to successfully scale our New York wafer fabrication facility and related operations while maintaining quality control and assurance and avoiding delays in output; the rate and degree of market acceptance of any of our products; our ability to achieve design wins from current and future customers; contracting with customers and other parties with greater bargaining power and agreeing to terms and conditions that may adversely affect our business; risks related to doing business in foreign countries, including China; any security breaches, cyber-attacks or other disruptions compromising our proprietary information and exposing us to liability; our failure to innovate or adapt to new or emerging technologies, including in relation to our competitors; our failure to comply with regulatory requirements; results of any arbitration or litigation that may arise; stock volatility and illiquidity; dilution caused by any future issuance of common stock or securities that are convertible into or exercisable for common stock; our failure to implement our business plans or strategies; and our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in more detail in the Risk Factors and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Considering these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking statements regarding future events and circumstances discussed in this document may not occur, and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements included in this document speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly or privately any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, for any reason after the date of this document to conform these statements to new information, actual results or to changes in our expectations.

Contact:

COMPANY:
Tom Sepenzis
Akoustis Technologies
VP of Corporate Development & IR
(980) 689-4961
tsepenzis@akoustis.com

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Haikenen? Aineken? Heineken®? Saber escrever o nome certo não necessariamente garante bons momentos, mas a marca de cerveja mais internacional do mundo sabe o que pode.

A Heineken® está comemorando seu 150º aniversário com uma celebração inédita que prioriza bons momentos em vez de perfeccionismo.

Amsterdam, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Heineken®, uma das marcas de cerveja mais reconhecidas do mundo, está hoje comemorando seu 150º aniversário com uma celebração inédita das muitas maneiras pelas quais foi apelidada, erroneamente escrita ou mal servida ao longo dos anos. Tudo isso é para mostrar como os bons momentos e as conexões verdadeiras que surgem tomando uma cerveja são, no fim das contas, o que realmente importa.

As famosas palavras de Freddy Heineken “Eu não vendo cerveja, eu vendo gezelligheid” nunca soaram tão verdadeiras. “Gezelligheid” pode ser traduzido como aquela sensação de bons momentos, algo que esteve no cerne da marca Heineken® nos últimos 150 anos. Para celebrar este momento marcante, a Heineken® está colocando os bons momentos no centro das suas comemorações globais de aniversário.

É claro que os bons momentos mudaram ao longo dos 150 anos de existência da Heineken® e continuarão mudando, mas sua importância na vida das pessoas permanece a mesma. Reconhecendo isso e como parte da celebração, a marca Heineken® trabalhou com acadêmicos para entender melhor os ingredientes necessários para proporcionar essa sensação de “bons momentos” nos dias de hoje; uma necessidade humana surpreendentemente pouco estudada.

Marcando um momento importante na sua história, a Heineken® decidiu evoluir a forma com a qual mede o sucesso, concentrando-se não apenas no volume de cerveja que vende, mas também nos bons momentos que entrega para seus clientes em mais de 190 países.

Para fazer isso, a Heineken® colaborou com o cientista comportamental Dr. Chris Brauer, da Goldsmiths, University of London, para criar o “Good Times Index”, um novo modelo de medição da marca que pontuará sua contribuição para criar as condições perfeitas para bons momentos. Combinando pesquisa comportamental humana com pesquisa global, o índice identificou as cinco condições principais de que as pessoas precisam universalmente para vivenciar bons momentos, como mente aberta, inclusão e conexão humana:

Com o Good Times Index em vigor, a Heineken® se mantém fiel à sua visão ao se tornar a primeira marca de cerveja a ter oficialmente a “entrega de bons momentos” como uma das maneiras pelas quais mede seu desempenho anual, junto às métricas de vendas e outras métricas de rastreamento da marca.

Bram Westenbrink, diretor global da marca Heineken®, declarou: “Proporcionar bons momentos está em nosso DNA há 150 anos. É por isso que estamos desenvolvendo as métricas da nossa marca para mostrar que criar bons momentos é tão importante quanto a cerveja que produzimos. Ao entender melhor as condições por trás dos bons momentos no mundo de hoje, podemos continuar criando experiências que promovem essa sensação de gezelligheid para todos os nossos clientes globais, seja através das mensagens em nossa publicidade, nossos patrocínios e eventos ou, é claro, nossa gama de produtos, incluindo nossa Heineken® 0.0 sem álcool ou nossa Heineken® Silver com um sabor mais moderno. A nossa meta é continuar oferecendo bons momentos, de uma maneira ou de outra, pelos próximos 150 anos e além.”

O Dr. Chris Brauer, diretor de inovação da Goldsmiths, University of London, disse: “Quando iniciamos este projeto, reconhecemos que a compreensão do que é um bom momento exigia uma perspectiva nova e mais moderna. Junto à Heineken®, trabalhamos para entender melhor as várias dimensões que compõem esse sentimento de “bons momentos” e as maneiras pelas quais ele é vivenciado hoje. Os bons momentos não são apenas uma coisa ou outra, são uma infinidade de experiências, necessidades, desejos e sentimentos diferentes e subjetivos que ajudam a criar uma sensação e a satisfazer necessidades de ordem superior. Nunca houve um momento ou oportunidade mais importante para medir o papel e a prevalência de bons momentos em nossas vidas, por isso estou animado para ver uma marca como a Heineken® tomar medidas sérias para garantir que esteja entendendo melhor e permitindo mais essa sensação de “gezelligheid”.”

PESQUISA PARA ENTENDER OS “BONS MOMENTOS” EM TODO O MUNDO

Os resultados inaugurais da Heineken® do Good Times Index vêm em um momento socialmente importante em todo o mundo, já que 87% acreditam que agora é mais importante do que nunca se divertir.

Pesquisas adicionais com consumidores da Heineken® mostram que 82% acham mais importante estar com os amigos do que se a noite vai sair como planejada. Surpreendentemente, 75% dos entrevistados acreditam que as pessoas com quem você assiste a um jogo são mais importantes do que se seu time ganhasse.

Apesar do fato de que 87% dos entrevistados acreditam que as oportunidades de se conectar pessoalmente com pessoas queridas se tornaram ainda mais importantes desde a pandemia, mais da metade (61%) concordou que, considerando o clima econômico atual, é mais provável que eles trabalhem fazendo horas extras e sacrifiquem momentos sociais com amigos e familiares.

No entanto, muitos continuam com a mente aberta sobre os bons momentos que estão por vir, com a grande maioria (88%) das pessoas concordando que suas melhores memórias são de momentos inesperados. Essa mente aberta acompanha as formas como socializamos, pois 78% concordam que é importante socializar com pessoas que nem sempre compartilham as mesmas opiniões que elas, um sentimento que possui mais força no Brasil (84%) e no Reino Unido (81%).

ATIVIDADE DA HEINEKEN® PARA CELEBRAR O H150

Para ajudar a dar vida ao compromisso da marca com os bons momentos, a campanha de marketing em veículos de comunicação leva os consumidores em uma jornada ao redor do mundo para abraçar todas as diferentes maneiras pelas quais as pessoas se adaptam e desfrutam de momentos sociais e memórias com a Heineken®, desde uma tatuagem incorreta do logotipo a uma Heineken® original sendo servida com limão, canudo e gelo. O vídeo descontraído mostra a marca celebrando os bons momentos que ela oferece, mesmo que a maneira como os consumidores a escrevem ou apreciam não seja 100% correta ou como originalmente pretendido.

Para aumentar ainda mais a diversão, a Heineken® substituirá seu logotipo com várias ortografias alternativas que viu ao longo dos anos, aparecendo em todas as contas de redes sociais e páginas do site da Heineken®, bem como em vários novos caminhões elétricos.

O vídeo completo, desenvolvido pela agência criativa Le Pub Milan, está disponível para assistir on-line: aqui.

Editorial information:

Please find the high-resolution campaign images of the collaboration and campaign here.

For more information, please contact: hnknbrand@edelman.com

About HEINEKEN:
HEINEKEN is the world’s most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution, and focused cost management. Through “Brewing a Better World”, sustainability is embedded in the business.

HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ over 85,000 employees and operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY).

Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN’s website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com and follow us on Twitter via @HEINEKENCorp.

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