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.

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  • Watkins Wellness, a leader in hot tubs and aquatic fitness systems.
Krista Hydar
Watkins Wellness
760-814-0630
Krista.Hydar@watkinsmfg.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8883225

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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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Trump says he expects to be indicted in election probe ‘any day now’

Ex-US President Donald Trump said Monday that he expects to be indicted by a federal grand jury "any day now" on charges related to efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Trump said the indictment "pertaining to my 'PEACEFULLY and PATRIOTICALLY Speech, will be coming out any day now, as yet another attempt to cover up all of the bad news about bribes, payoffs, and extortion, coming from the Biden 'camp.'" "This seems to be the way they do it. ELECTION INTERFERENCE! PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT!" he said on Truth Social. Trump has insisted that the case, as well as separate charges related to special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into the unlawful retention of classified documents, are politically-motivated. Smith has defended the integrity of his investigations, maintaining all US citizens are treated equally under the law. The grand jury weighing whether or not to indict Trump on charges related to his attempts to retain power is slated to reconvene Tuesday. Trump's attorneys met Thursday with Smith's office to discuss the case. The former president said his lawyers explained "in detail that I did nothing wrong, was advised by many lawyers, and that an Indictment of me would only further destroy our Country." "No indication of notice was given during the meeting - Do not trust the Fake News on anything!" he said on Truth Social, appearing to rebut media reports that suggested his attorneys were informed that Trump would be indicted. Trump said July 18 that he received a letter from officials in Smith's office that told him he has "4 days" to present himself to the grand jury investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection, which he said, "almost always means an Arrest and Indictment."

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Türkiye beat Qatar in FIVB Men’s Final, secure its place for 2024

Türkiye has defeated Qatar 3-2 in the FIVB Men’s Challenger Cup Final.

The Turkish National Volleyball Team won the final with sets of 13-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-22 and 9-15 on Sunday in Doha, Qatar.

With this victory, Türkiye secured its place in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League.

Earlier this month, Türkiye enjoyed the biggest success of the women’s national volleyball team – nicknamed Sultans of the Net – when they defeated powerhouse China to win the Volleyball Nations League, the most prestigious global title in the sport.

These victories not only marked Türkiye's first world-level titles but also solidified their status as one of the world's top volleyball nations.

Source: TRTworld.com

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Manu Chao concert in ?stanbul

The concert will take place in the evening on August 29 in Kalamis. Manu Chao will be coming to Istanbul for a concert on August 29 in the scope of the Kalamis Summer Festival. The tickets of the concert to take place in Kalamis, Kadiköy will be put on sale on August 1.

Born in France as the child of a Spanish family, Manu Chao (José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao), started his music career as a street performer. Manu spent most of his childhood in Boulogne-Billancourt and Sèvres communes.

Besides love songs, the main theme in many of Manu Chao's songs are about migrants and discrimination.

The singer wore a t-shirt on which it was written "Sulukule will not keep silent" (Sulukule Susmayacak) in order to support the Romans whose houses were being demolished at the time in the scope of an urban renewal project in his concert in Bayonne in France. He also wears the uniform of Galatasaray, one popular soccer team of Istanbul in his concerts from time to time.

Singing songs in French, Spanish, English, Galician, Italian, Arabic, Portugese and occasionally in other languages, he became a solo artist in 1995 after his performances in different bands. He is performing live together with the band Radio Bemba in the concerts and tours ever since

Source: English Bianet

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Türkiye-UK economic ties to boost collaboration in ’21st-century’ sectors

An expected new free trade deal between Türkiye and Britain will pave the wave for enhanced ties in new "21st-century" industries from fintech to green energy, digital economy, and advanced manufacturing, UK Minister for Exports Malcolm Offord told Anadolu in an exclusive interview.

Having agreed to hold talks on a new and modernized agreement, the two nations seek to replace and expand the chiefly goods-focused existing one, which was rolled over from when the UK left the EU.

Offord said the topic came up in conversations with businesses during his visit to Türkiye last week as "obviously there is a great deal interest in this happening".

"The previous deal was largely focused on goods. Now we got an opportunity to go into services, especially telecoms, financial services, digital, and so there is a real expectation that we can move this along," he said.

Trade between the two countries increased 30 percent last year, Offord noted, adding that Türkiye was currently the UK's 18th biggest trading partner and was "moving up the league table".

Their current trade volume is £23.5bn ($30.2 billion) and Turkish exports to the UK account for two-thirds of this, while British exports do the remaining part.

"So, it is a very strong position and it seems to me that there is a lot of momentum and a lot of goodwill. These negotiations will start next year, but I think it is a very good time for both of us," Offord said.

While expecting goods will always be part of trade relations, he said: "But, I think the growth is going to be in services and in the new, what we would call '21st-century' industries like digital, Fintech, green energy, advanced manufacturing and telecoms."

The UK Export Finance (UKEF), the British government's export credit agency, announced last week that it has provided €781mn for a 286-kilometer (177-mile) electric railway project connecting Türkiye's southern provinces of Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye and Gaziantep.

This was the third major deal in the last two years that UKEF announced, Offord said. "We have done a lot of business in Türkiye".

Next natural step: 'Starting to invest more'

Last week, Offord attended the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul, one of the biggest defence industry trade exhibitions in the world.

There, he spoke to some of the many British companies and small- and medium-sized enterprises working with Turkish manufacturers.

"They are very connected. I think if we are collaborating in our manufacturing lines, the natural next step is we start investing more. I would expect to see more UK investment in Türkiye. And I had a very interesting seminar with a number of Turkish investors who want to invest in the UK offshore wind. So, there seems to me a lot of commonality," he explained.

Pointing to Turkish contractor companies' expansion across the globe, Offord said UKEF business could take the contracts they make even further.

"I can see quite a bright future for us working together outside of Türkiye," he noted.

Türkiye ranks second place with over 40 among the world's top 250 contractor companies.

Source: TRTworld.com

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Net profit of Turkish banking sector up to $9.7B in H1

Trkiye's banking sector posted a net profit of 250.3 billion Turkish liras ($9.69 billion) in the first six months of 2023, the country's banking watchdog said on Monday. The sector's net profit was up 47.9% compared with 169.15 billion Turkish liras ($585 million) in the same period last year, according to data by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency. Total assets of the sector rose 63% year-on-year to 19.1 trillion Turkish liras ($739.55 billion) as of the end of June, the report showed. Loans, the biggest sub-category of assets, were 10.09 trillion Turkish liras ($387.55 billion), up 60.09% compared with the same period of last year. On the liabilities side, deposits held at lenders in Trkiye - the largest liabilities item - totaled nearly 11.65 trillion Turkish liras ($451.05 billion), up some 71.5% year-on-year. The US dollar/Turkish lira exchange rate was 26.98 at the end of June 2023 and 16.7 at the end of June 2022, according to the Turkish Central Bank data. A total of 55 state/private/foreign lenders - including deposit, participation, and development and investment banks - conducted banking activities in Trkiye as of January. Pointing to lenders' minimum capital requirements, the banking sector's regulatory capital-to-risk-weighted-assets ratio - the higher the better - was 17.96% by the end of June, versus 18.05% at the end of June 2022. The ratio of non-performing loans to total cash loans - the lower the better - was 1.64% in June, versus 2.49% a year ago. The sector had over 207,300 employees, serving through 11,148 branches both in Trkiye and overseas.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Turkish diplomat assassinated by ASALA terror group on this day in 1980

Türkiye has commemorated one of its diplomats and his daughter who were assassinated by an Armenian terrorist group in 1980.

“We commemorate with respect our martyrs, Administrative Attache of the Turkish Embassy in Athens Galip Ozmen and his daughter Neslihan Ozmen, assassinated by the Armenian terrorist organization ASALA on July 31, 1980,” the Foreign Ministry said with a tweet on Monday.

Ozmen was assassinated along with his 14-year-old daughter, while his wife, Sevil Ozmen, and his 16-year-old son, Kaan Ozmen, were also seriously injured but managed to survive.

Founded in 1975 in Beirut, Lebanon, during the Lebanese Civil War, the ASALA is responsible for hundreds of bloody terror acts.

During the 1975-1984 period, Turkish ambassadors and diplomats were targeted around the world by Armenian terrorist groups.

ASALA assassinated over 30 Turkish diplomats and officials in various attacks during that decade.

The Armenian terrorist acts intensified from 1980 to 1983, when 580 of the 699 attacks occurred. The terrorist attacks ended in 1986.

Source: TRTworld.com

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Turkish navy detects unexploded artillery shells in Black Sea

The Turkish navy has detected at least 28 suspicious objects in the Black Sea, according to local authorities in Istanbul.

Investigations conducted by the underwater defence forces revealed that the objects were unexploded artillery shells, the governor's office said in a statement.

Off northeastern Istanbul province, a diving team on Sunday retrieved some of the objects that had been encircled in a security parameter following reports of their presence two days earlier.

"At least 28 pieces of ammunition were detected. Out of the identified munitions, eight of them, which could be safely brought ashore, were taken to the SAS Group Command for identification and disposal," it said.

Noting that underwater defence forces continued to sweep the area, the statement said the disposal of the identified munitions would be carried out on Wednesday "after necessary safety measures have been taken."

Source: TRTworld.com