Month: July 2023

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WATKINS WELLNESS EXPANDS INTO SAUNA CATEGORY THROUGH THE ACQUISITION OF SAUNA360

Vista, California, July 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Watkins Wellness, a leader in hot tubs and aquatic fitness systems, today announced the expansion of its portfolio of personal well-being products and entry into the sauna category as a result of the pending acquisition of Sauna360 Group Oy (“Sauna360”) by Watkins Wellness’ parent company, Masco Corporation. Sauna360 is a leading global manufacturer of sauna solutions, and its portfolio of products includes traditional, infrared, and wood-burning saunas as well as steam showers, rooms and generators. These products are sold primarily in the United States, Europe and throughout the rest of the world under the Tylö, Helo, Kastor, Finnleo, and Amerec brands. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to regulatory approval.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sauna360 to our organization and to expand our portfolio of industry-leading products aimed at promoting wellness and helping our customers feel good and live well!” said Vijaikrishna (VJ) Teenarsipur, President of Watkins Wellness. “Sauna360 brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to our business. We look forward to leveraging the synergies between our businesses, which will allow us to better serve our dealer partners, consumers and, ultimately, the growing wellness market.”

“I am very pleased for Sauna360 to become part of Watkins Wellness. Sauna360’s business has grown in recent years, and becoming part of Watkins Wellness will further strengthen our capability and ambition to be a leading sauna player. The dealer distribution strategy, common focus on wellness and similar company cultures make this a true strategic fit,” said Pekka Lettijeff, President & CEO of Sauna360 Group.

Founded in 2008 as a merger between two leading sauna companies, Helo and Tylö, Sauna360 brings decades of industry knowledge and experience resulting from a strong history, with Helo’s origin dating back to 1919 and Tylö’s to 1949. The company is headquartered in Finland and has approximately 180 employees located in Finland, Sweden, the United States, and England.

About Watkins Wellness

Watkins Wellness, established in 1977 in Vista, California, is dedicated to promoting wellness to consumers to help them feel good and live well. The company’s growing portfolio of well-being products for at-home use provides multiple pathways to wellness. Our portfolio of brands includes Hot Spring® Spas, Caldera® Spas, Freeflow® Spas, Fantasy® Spas, and Endless Pools® Fitness Systems, sold predominantly through a specialty dealer network of more than 1,000 dealer partners located in 70+ countries. Watkins Wellness is a wholly owned subsidiary of Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS).

About Masco Corporation

Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Masco Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded home improvement and building products. Our portfolio of industry-leading brands includes BEHR® paint; Delta® and Hansgrohe® faucets, bath and shower fixtures; and Hot Spring® Spas. We leverage our powerful brands across product categories, sales channels, and geographies to create value for our customers and shareholders. For more information about Masco Corporation, visit www.masco.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Watkins Wellness is a subsidiary of Masco Corporation. As such, this press release contains statements that reflect views about Masco Corporation’s future performance and constitute “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “outlook,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “appear,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “assume,” “seek,” “forecast,” and similar references to future periods. These views about future performance involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, accordingly, Masco Corporation’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. We caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the expected closing of the Sauna360 transaction and the expected benefits and synergies of the acquisition, including the expected impact on future financial and operating results and post-acquisition plans and intentions. Masco Corporation’s future performance may also be affected by the levels of residential repair and remodel activity, and to a lesser extent, new home construction, the ability to maintain strong brands and to develop innovative products, the ability to maintain its public reputation, the ability to maintain its competitive position in its industries, reliance on key customers, the cost and availability of materials, dependence on suppliers and service providers, extreme weather events and changes in climate, risks associated with international operations and global strategies, the ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of its strategic initiatives, the ability to successfully execute its acquisition strategy and integrate businesses that it has acquired and may in the future acquire, the ability to attract, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce, risks associated with cybersecurity vulnerabilities, threats and attacks, risks associated with reliance on information systems and technology and the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on its business and operations. These and other factors are discussed in detail in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in Masco Corporation’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as in Masco Corporation’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other filings it makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statement in this press release speaks only as of the date of this press release. Factors or events that could cause Masco Corporation’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all of them. Unless required by law, Masco Corporation undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Attachment

Krista Hydar
Watkins Wellness
760-814-0630
Krista.Hydar@watkinsmfg.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 3607275

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International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID Facilitates Dialogue Encounters at World Youth Day Lisbon 2023

Lisbon, Portugal., July 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID is delighted to announce its participation in World Youth Day Lisbon 2023, a significant international gathering of young people aimed at fostering unity, faith, and cultural exchange. From 1st to 6th August 2023, the enchanting city of Lisbon will play host to this momentous event, and KAICIID will be at the forefront, organizing Dialogue Encounters that promote understanding and cooperation among followers of different religious traditions, religious leaders, and policymakers.

As a unique intergovernmental organization with a dual governance structure consisting of a Council of Parties comprising States and a Board of Directors made up of religious leaders, KAICIID is committed to bridging the gaps between diverse faiths, nationalities, and generations. The Dialogue Encounters, part of the Youth Festival strand, will encompass a series of activities designed to facilitate meaningful dialogues and genuine acceptance, in line with the message of His Holiness Pope Francis, who calls for “concrete encounters” and understanding of those different from ourselves.

At the heart of KAICIID’s involvement in World Youth Day are three key activities: a panel debate with representatives from five different religions, the launch of the innovative Dialogo board game, and a screening of the poignant documentary, “Justine: A KAICIID Fellow’s Journey.”

Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, Secretary General of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming Dialogue Encounters, stating, “At KAICIID, we believe that dialogue is the key to fostering peace and harmony in our interconnected world. World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 presents an unparalleled opportunity for us to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds, nurturing a culture of dialogue and acceptance. We are excited to be hosting several activities, including a panel discussion with leaders from five different religions, the launch of the Dialogo board game in Portugal, and the screening of our latest documentary, all culminating in an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis.”

The KAICIID Dialogo! board game, designed to encourage dialogue, teamwork, and social emotional learning, will be a highlight of the Dialogue Encounters. This game has already made a significant impact worldwide, being embraced by schools, teams, and learning environments as a tool to promote skills in dialogue and peacebuilding. Dr. Alharthi emphasized, “Dialogo! is for youth and adults alike, for all those who seek to develop their skills in dialogue and inspire others to join the conversation.”

Dr. Alharthi further added, “The Dialogue Encounters we have prepared for World Youth Day will empower young people with the necessary tools to facilitate meaningful conversations and embrace diversity. We believe that by promoting dialogue and empathy, we can build bridges that connect cultures and foster global harmony.”

In a moment of exceptional significance, eight KAICIID Fellows will have the privilege of participating in an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis. During this intimate gathering, the Fellows will share their reflections on how interreligious dialogue can serve as a powerful means to create links between cultures and religions, providing a unique and enriching personal experience for all involved.

As an intergovernmental organization based in Lisbon, KAICIID is uniquely positioned to facilitate meaningful encounters between people of different faiths and cultures. By strengthening capacity at the local, national, and regional level through education on dialogue practices, increasing understanding of religious and cultural diversity through leadership for dialogue training, and promoting dialogue and social cohesion through conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and development policies, KAICIID continues to play a vital role in fostering a more inclusive and peaceful world.

To learn more about the International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID and their efforts to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue, please visit www.kaiciid.org.

About International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID:

The International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting peace and understanding through interreligious and intercultural dialogue. By strengthening capacity at the local, national, and regional level through education on dialogue practices, leadership for dialogue training, and promoting dialogue and social cohesion through conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and development policies, KAICIID aims to create a more harmonious and cooperative global community.

For media inquiries, please contact: press@kaiciid.org

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Sandra Coyle
International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID
+351 211 453 501
sandra.coyle@kaiciid.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8883716

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‘The time has come’: Uruguayan defender Diego Godin retires

Uruguayan defender Diego Godin on Monday announced his retirement, ending a 20-year football career at age 37. He published a video message on social media, with the caption: “The time has come. Thank you, football.” Veteran defender played for major European clubs including Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Villarreal. This season, he played in Argentina for Velez Sarsfield. He bagged two UEFA Europa League titles in 2012 and 2018 along with 2014 Spanish La Liga title with Atletico. Godin holds the record for most Uruguay appearances with 161 games, and netted eight times for the national team.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Senegalese court orders detention of opposition leader Sonko

A Senegalese court in the capital Dakar on Monday ordered the detention of opposition leader and presidential hopeful Ousmane Sonko, his lawyer said. Judge Maham Diallo issued a ‘warrant of committal’ against Sonko after hearing charges leveled against him, Khoureychi Ba told reporters. Sonko was charged with multiple counts including calls for insurrection, criminal association, endangering state security, conspiracy against the authority of the state, criminal association in connection with a terrorist enterprise and theft, three days after being arrested at his home. A warrant of committal is an order given to the chief guard of a remand prison, by an investigating magistrate or a criminal court, to receive or detain an accused person pending further investigation. Reacting to the court’s decision, Sonko, whose lawyers expected he could be granted bail, said: ‘Dear compatriots. I have just been unjustly placed under a warrant of committal. I have always placed my trust in God. If the Senegalese people, for whom I have always fought, abdicate and decide to leave me in the hands of the regime of [president] Macky Sall, I will submit, as always, to the divine will.” Sonko was in June sentenced to two years in prison for ‘corrupting youth,’ which jeopardizes his presidential ambition. The verdict triggered violent protests in which 16 people died. The 48-year-old has refused to accept the ruling, claiming that the trial was politically motivated to derail his 2024 presidential bid. As the opposition leader was formally charged, the Senegalese government suspended access to mobile phone data to prevent circulation of subversive messages on social networks which could undermine public disorder. The government also dissolved Sonko’s political party, the Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF). According to a decree signed by Interior Minister Antoine Felix Diome, the government accused the party leaders of ‘frequently calling on its supporters to insurrectional movements, which has led to serious consequences, including loss of life, many wounded, as well as acts of looting of public and private property.’ ‘The latest are the serious disturbances to public order recorded during the first week of June 2023, after those of March 2021,’ read the decree.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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US Senate leader pushes for sanctions on China, Mexico for failing to stop fentanyl trafficking

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has urged the House to take up a new bipartisan defense bill passed by the Senate imposing sanctions on China and Mexico for failing to stop drug trafficking into the US. Schumer is pushing for a new measure at the federal level to prevent drug traffickers and criminal organizations from ferrying the deadly fentanyl, a synthetic drug, into the US. “We are at a breakthrough moment in the fentanyl crisis where the traffickers who are killing Americans can finally be held to account in meaningful and proactive ways, but we need the House to act,” Schumer said on Sunday. “For years, Chinese laboratories have been cooking-up formulas of death and freely trafficking lethal fentanyl across New York, and to many other places across America, where it is killing tens-of-thousands of people – and it has to stop.” The Senate passed the bipartisan defense bill, also known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), on July 27 that also includes a plan to address the influx of fentanyl. “Our legislation will allow the President to declare a state of emergency and impose tough sanctions, economic sanctions, on China and Mexico, and every expert who looks at it says that will make them stop sending us this deadly, deadly drug,” Schumer said. “We need the House to pass it in September.” ”While Mexico and China are the primary source countries for fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked directly into the US, India is emerging as a source for finished fentanyl powder and fentanyl precursor chemicals,” according to the US Department of Drug Enforcement Administration. The US hit a record of nearly 110,000 drug overdose deaths last year as the country faces a drug epidemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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China’s Embassy in Trkiye commemorates 96th Army Day

The Chinese Embassy in Trkiye hosted a reception in the capital Ankara to mark the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China, also known as Army Day. Addressing the event, Senior Col. Li Guangya, defense attache at the Chinese mission in Trkiye, highlighted the significance of the PLA’s founding and its role in safeguarding China’s peace and sovereignty. He also underlined China’s commitment to maintaining security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and opposed turning it into a battleground for geopolitical competition. China actively engages in overseas missions and peacekeeping, supports developing nations to combat poverty, and responds to global climate change while upholding the international system centered on the UN and international laws, Li said. Speaking of China-Trkiye relations, he expressed readiness to enhance cooperation and exchange of ideas to address security risks and contribute to world peace. “Our relations, which began in 1971, were elevated to the level of strategic cooperation as of 2010. We desire to further develop our cooperation with China based on mutual trust and within a framework of mutual benefits,” said Turkish Maj. Gen. Gultekin Yarali, who was present on the occasion. Yarali emphasized that the ongoing high-level military dialogue between Trkiye and China provides an opportunity to institutionalize and advance bilateral defense collaboration. The reception was attended by diplomats, officials, and dignitaries from both Trkiye and China, including Liu Shaobin, China’s ambassador to Ankara. The PLA was established on Aug. 1, 1927, and has since grown to become one of the world’s largest military forces.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Scientific diplomacy a tool to meet challenges, Research Minister tells EU counterparts

Scientific Diplomacy is a significant tool for jointly handling challenges and for the building effective partnerships between states in a time difficult for international relations, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Philippos Hadjizacharias has said, addressing an informal meeting of the EU Research Ministers. The meeting took place on July 28 in Santander Spain and focused on fostering the European framework for Scientific Diplomacy and the role of science in forming policies and international relations. Chadjizacharias noted that Cyprus pays particular attention to scientific knowledge as a tool for effective policy making, as well as in forming diplomatic relations. He added that handling international challenges and managing emerging technologies demands expertise in intersectoral coordination. He also spoke of the PRIMA initiative, as a successful example of Scientific Diplomacy between the EU and the non-European countries of the Mediterranean. He said that the initiative is a successful model of international relations for handling joint challengers of the Mediterranean countries.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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European stock exchanges end Monday mixed

European stock exchanges closed mixed on Monday. The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European markets in 17 countries, rose 0.57 points, or 0.12%, to finish at 471.35. The UK’s FTSE 100 was up five points, or 0.07%, to end the session flat at 7,699. France’s CAC 40, meanwhile, increased 21 points, or 0.29%, to close at 7,497. Italy’s FTSE MIB was the best performer of the day, soaring 144 points, or 0.49%, to 29,644. Germany’s DAX, o the other hand, fell 22 points, or 0.14%, to finish the week at 16,446. Spain’s IBEX 35 shed 43 points, or 0.45%, to end the day at 9,641.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Wizz Air marks 6 million passengers transported to and from Larnaka Airport

Low cost – airline Wizz Air, celebrated the successful transportation of six million passengers to and from the airport of Larnaka, Cyprus. In a press release Wizz Air notes that reaching the six-million-passenger mark at Larnaca Airport exemplifies its dedication to offer budget-friendly yet top-tier travel options. Since its commencement of operations at Larnaka Airport in 2010, Wizz Air has made substantial investments by deploying four aircrafts to the airport. As noted, this strategic move has facilitated seamless connections for passengers to a wide array of destinations, including Athens, Copenhagen, Dammam, Jeddah, Kutaisi, London-Gatwick, Krakow, Prague, Rome, Tel Aviv and Yerevan. Acknowledging the importance of Larnaca Airport as a crucial hub, Wizz Air attributes the surge in passenger numbers to its continuous expansion and introduction of new routes. The Larnaka Airport, boasting an array of destination choices, has become a significant focal point for Wizz Air’s operations. It furthermore notes, that the company’s commitment to providing affordable flights, coupled with its continuous growth, has resulted in a substantial rise in passenger traffic, making Wizz Air a sought-after choice for budget-conscious travellers.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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Holy See and Cyprus House express will for deeper cooperation

Cyprus House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou and Chargé d’Affaires of the Holy See in Cyprus, Msgr. George Panamthundil had a farewell meeting Monday and expressed their will for a deeper cooperation between the Cyprus Parliament and the Holy See. Panamthundil is departing the island as his tenure came to an end and during the meeting today Demetriou thanked him for his kind cooperation and for his contribution to further strengthening the very good relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Cyprus. She also wished him every success in his new duties. During the meeting, a House of Representatives press release says, they both referred to the historic visit of Pope Francis to Cyprus in 2021. Demetriou said that the Pope had send a very strong message on the need for peace and unity and expressed her sincere appreciation for the stance the Vatican maintains on the Cyprus issue. Referring to the ongoing efforts to resume the talks, the House President underlined the importance of reaching a solution, in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions, which would reunite Cyprus, in conditions of lasting peace and stability. She said that Cyprus relies on the support of friendly countries to exert pressure on Turkey, so that it abandons its unacceptable claims for a two-state solution and its intensifying provocations as well as the instrumentalization of the migration crisis. Demetriou expressed sincere gratitude for Pope Francis’ symbolic gesture of relocating fifty migrants from Cyprus to the Vatican. The representative of the Holy See expressed his warm thanks for the excellent cooperation with the House of Representatives and the President of the House in particular, during his term in Cyprus. Msgr. Panamthundil expressed the Holy See’s full understanding of the challenge posed to Cyprus by the mass influx of migrants and referred to the contribution of the Holy See and Italy, as well as other countries, to this issue. They both agreed about the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to address common challenges and the common will to further deepen relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Holy See in areas of mutual interest, with the aim of promoting peace, prosperity and stability in the region. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Source: Cyprus News Agency