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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Pakistan buries dead from massive bombing as death toll rises to 54

The death toll from a massive suicide bombing that targeted an election rally of a religious party has risen to 54, as Pakistan held funerals and the government vowed to hunt down those behind the attack.

Daesh claimed responsibility for Sunday’s bombing, which also wounded nearly 200 people.

The victims were attending a rally organised by the the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) party, headed by influential cleric and politician Fazlur Rehman.

He did not attend the rally, held under a large tent close to a market in Bajur, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan.

Rehman, who has long supported Afghanistan’s Taliban government, escaped at least two attacks in 2011 and 2014, when bombings damaged his car at rallies.

Victims of the attack were buried in Bajur on Monday.

On Monday, police recorded statements from some of the wounded at a hospital in Khar, Bajur’s largest town. Feroz Jamal, the provincial information minister, said police were “investigating this attack in all aspects.”

Insurgency returns

At least 1,000 people were gathered under a large tent on Sunday as their party prepared for parliamentary elections, expected in October or November.

“People were chanting God is Great on the arrival of senior leaders, when I heard the deafening sound of the bomb,” said Khan Mohammad, a local resident who said he was standing outside the tent.

Mohammad said he heard people crying for help, and minutes later ambulances started arriving and taking the wounded away.

Abdul Rasheed, a senior leader in Rehman’s party said the bombing was aimed at weakening the party but that “such attacks cannot deter our resolve.”

Militant groups have long had a presence in Bajur. The district was formerly a base for Al Qaeda and a stronghold of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The army declared the district clear of the group in 2016 following a series of offensives.

The Daesh terror group’s regional affiliate is based in neighbouring Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province and is a rival of the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

Investigation underway

Shaukat Abbas, a senior police officer, said that police have made progress in their investigation, but did not provide details.

Pakistani security analyst Mahmood Shah said that breakaway factions of the TTP could also be behind the attack. He said some TTP members have been known to disobey their top leadership to carry out attacks, as have breakaway factions of the group.

Shah said such factions could have perpetrated the attack to cause “confusion, instability and unrest ahead of the elections.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to dissolve Pakistan’s parliament in August.

The US and Russian embassies in Islamabad also condemned the attack. Khan condemned the bombing Sunday.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, wrote in a tweet that “such crimes cannot be justified in any way.”

Source: TRTworld.com

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5063MWs of electricity added to national grid over last 15 months by Govt: Dastgir

Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir says five thousand and sixty-three megawatts of electricity has been added to the national grid over the last fifteen months by the coalition government.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad today, he said this included 1980 megawatts from Thar Coal, 720 megawatts from Karot Hydropower project, 1100 megawatts from K-3 nuclear power plant and 1263 megawatts from Haveli Bahadar Shah RLNG plant. He said criminal negligence was meted out to completion of these power projects by the previous government.

The Minister for Power said that it was because of enhancement in electricity generation capacity that the power supply situation during this summer season remained better when compared with the past year. He said we have also inaugurated a project for import of one hundred megawatts of electricity from Iran for Gwadar.

Khurram Dastgir said that we have also operationalized Thar-Matiari transmission line for supply of electricity from Thar coal projects. He said work on three more transmission lines is in progress to improve the transmission system.

The Minister for Power said that the circular debt which was standing at record level of 2467 billion rupees in March last year, has been brought down by 157 billion rupees to 2310 billion rupees. He said we have stopped the increase in circular debt.

Khurram Dastgir said the government is now focusing on renewable energy. He said solar power projects will be offered to the friendly countries in the Gulf countries this week for investment. He was confident that the solar projects will attract massive investment.

Responding to a question, the Minister for Power clarified that no increase has been made in the power tariff of those who use less than two hundred units per month.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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Chinese Vice Premier conferred on Hilal-i-Pakistan Award

President Dr Arif Alvi conferred Hilal-e-Pakistan on the visiting Chinese Vice Premier and President Xi Jinping’s Special Representative, He Lifeng, recognizing his services for Pakistan China friendship and promotion of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

A special award investiture ceremony in this regard was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad today.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly, Federal Ministers and services chiefs also attended the ceremony.

The Chinese Vice Premier, He Lifeng played a prominent role in China’s international economic relations and implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, of which CPEC is a flagship project.

As the Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, he was the instrumental in the planning and execution of multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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Pakistan Minerals Summit to be held in Islamabad tomorrow: Dr. Musadik

The “Pakistan Minerals Summit” is going to be held in Islamabad tomorrow to explore and capitalize vast potential of the mining and minerals industry in the country.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad today, Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik said there are three main objectives of launching mineral revolution, which is aimed at unveiling a new policy regarding mining and mineral exploration in the country.

He said under this revolution, we will first initiate mining process and later turn to smelting and at the end we will go towards making value added goods and elements, for which the government will establish small industrial units in Balochistan and an industrial zone in Gwadar.

He said Pakistan is blessed with abundance of natural resources and even its mineral shell has worth of 6.1 Trillion dollars.

Musadik Malik said the government has also planned to go from “Red Tape to Red Carpet” to end red-tapism in implementation of the development projects.

He said we will also harmonize the laws pertaining to mine and mineral development and even make new legislation in this connection.

The Minister of State said we will ensure highest standards of ensuring health and safety and environment protection along with initiating deregulation of mining process.

He said the government will warmly welcome foreign investment in the mines and mineral sector and give fiscal incentives to the foreign investment companies.

Musadik Malik said the entire policy regarding mines and mineral will be implemented under one window operation through Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

He said the political and military leadership of the country is committed to bring mineral revolution and provide safety and security to the foreign investors.

The “Pakistan Minerals Summit” with theme ‘Dust to Development: Investment Opportunities in Pakistan’ will bring together international investors, mining industry giants, corporate leaders, and government stakeholders to create a roadmap for tapping into the tremendous mineral riches the country offers today.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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Islamabad, Beijing ink six MoUs & agreements for promoting ties

Pakistan and China have signed six agreements and MOUs for promotion of bilateral cooperation.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the visiting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Islamabad on Monday.

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and the Vice Chairman of National Development and Reforms Commission of People’s Republic of China signed the document on the joint cooperation committee of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The second document signed by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and the Vice Chairman of National Development and Reforms Commission of People’s Republic of China was related to the establishment of an experts exchange mechanism within the framework of CPEC.

The third document was signed by the Secretary Ministry of National Food Security Zafar Hassan and the Chinese Charge D’Affaires Pang Chunxue for the export of dried Chillies from Pakistan to China.

Member Planning of National Highway Authority Asim Amin and Chinese Charge D’Affaires Pang Chunxue signed the fourth document on the realignment of Karakoram Highway Phase II project feasibility study.

The two sides also signed through diplomatic channels the MOU on Industrial Workers’ Exchange Program.

The two sides agreed to promote the strategic ML-1 project.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the documents signed today are aimed at further enhancing economic relations between Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister said under the CPEC, more than twenty-five billion dollars’ worth of investment has taken place in Pakistan’s power and hydel sector, road infrastructure and public transport.

He said we are now entering the second phase of the CPEC which will envisage investments in sectors such as agriculture and information technology.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is absolutely ready to contribute towards Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of shared destiny of progress and prosperity. He said both ML-1 and Karachi circular railway projects are of immense importance, expressing the confidence that both the sides will successfully achieve these and many other projects. He was confident that this will help Pakistan stand on its own feet. He said we will emulate the Chinese model of development to achieve peace and prosperity in the country.

The Prime Minister said both Pakistan and China enjoy a unique relationship. He said we are all weather friends, iron brothers and this friendship will continue and will not tolerate any obstacles in its way.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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Pakistan values trade relations with all regional countries: Dar

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar says Pakistan values its trade ties with all the regional countries with a vision to become a regional hub of trade, energy, industrial production and IT services.

He was talking to a delegation of representatives of International Parliamentarians’ Congress led by President Inter-Parliamentary Union Duarte Pacheco in Islamabad on Monday.

The Finance Minister said Pakistan provides regular support through its candidacy at IPU in pursuit of global peace, prosperity, and economic stability.

He briefed about the recent economic and financial measures taken by the government to put the financial position of the country on an upward trajectory.

The President IPU appreciated the role that Pakistan and its Parliamentarians have been playing through the platform of IPU and International Parliamentarians Congress in ensuring the common aspirations of people across the world.

He expressed the IPU’s resolve to further strengthen the engagement of Parliamentarians and ensure adequate representation from across the globe for peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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