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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King inaugurates Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Housing City in Zarqa

His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, on Monday inaugurated the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Housing City in Zarqa Governorate, which includes 1,032 apartments for JAF personnel. The housing city, constructed over 288 dunums of JAF-owned land, was funded through a grant from the United Arab Emirates. King Abdullah was briefed on the project, which consists of 99 apartment buildings, and toured a number of apartments and facilities. The city, 20km from Amman, also includes a mosque, commercial stores, entertainment areas, and playgrounds for children. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Hneiti, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Jordan Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, and a number of senior officers from Jordan and the UAE attended the inauguration.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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FM partakes in OIC’s Foreign Ministers meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, on Monday participated in the 18th special meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)’s Council of Foreign Ministers. The session, held via teleconference, aimed at discussing the repeated desecration and burning of copies of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Denmark. “(We are conveying) a clear and direct message that we refuse to offend our religious symbols, and we condemn the burning of copies of the Holy Quran, and attempts to offend it are hate crimes that must be prevented from recurring,” Safadi said in the meeting. He added that respecting religious symbols and sanctities is a universal human value, and a necessity to consolidate a culture of respect for others. He emphasized that insulting the Holy Quran is an incitement to hatred, a rejection of the other, a consecration of Islamophobia, and a crude provocation of the feelings of about two billion Muslims that cannot, in any way, be justified in the context of freedom of expression. Safadi called for “taking immediate actions to criminalize and prevent insulting religious sanctities” to stop extremists from spreading an agenda of hatred and racism, which poses a threat to all societies.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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King attends tactical military exercise

His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces- Arab Army (JAF), on Monday attended a tactical military exercise conducted by the Central Military Region’s 51st Hashemite Mechanized Brigade. King Abdullah was briefed on the exercise’s scenario and the various operational, training, technical, and logistical matters related to it. The exercise simulated area defense operations, with the participation of various JAF formations and units. In addition, the exercise utilized medium-range artillery, anti-tank weaponry, explosives, and aerial cover by fighter jets and choppers from the Royal Jordanian Air Force. His Majesty commended the advanced skills, capabilities, and readiness displayed during the exercise, praising the professionalism and high morale of the participants.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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Mikdad: Syrian-Iranian relations will gain achievements in interest of both countries… Abdollahian: Iran supports Syria’s sovereignty and independence

Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, said that practical steps would be taken to implement the agreements reached upon during President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Syria recently.

Mikdad held a press conference with his Iranian counterpart , Hossein Amir Abdollahian, in Tehran on Monday.

Mikdad added “We are satisfied with the developments in the region. Active diplomacy between its countries predicts well for their people, and those seek to obstruct these efforts must know that the Arab people are tired of US hegemony practices that seek to continue Zionist occupation of Arab lands.

Mikdad reiterated Syria’s support for the Palestinians and its condemnation of the crimes against humanity committed by the Israeli occupation against them.

“We support all initiatives for the return of Syrian refugees, but Western countries impede that goal under the pretext that conditions are not suitable,” Mikdad added.

Minister Mikdad stressed “US continues to plunder oil and deprive Syrians of their resources. Furthermore, separatist militias and Turkey are still depriving Hasaka citizens of water”.

“The US occupation must stop its crimes and its army must withdraw from the lands it occupies. The Syrian people will not tolerate this endlessly.” he stated.

“After Syria joined the Arab League summit, the US was shocked and began condemning the Arab countries for their decisions as members of the League. US wants to turn the wheel back, but our Arab brothers will not be subjected to Western blackmail.” Mikdad underlined.

Mikdad described Syrian-Iranian relations as strategic, adding these relations will gain achievements in the interests of both states.

Abdollahian, in turn, said “we discussed regional and international developments and stressed necessity of achieving stability and security in the region away from external interference.

“Iran condemns the repeated attacks of the Zionist entity on Syria, and this entity is the main source of destabilizing security and stability in the region,” Minister Abdollahian went on to say.

The Iranian top diplomat added “US occupation forces support the terrorists in Syria, and we call for their immediate exit from Syrian territory because this will help achieve security and peace in the region.

The Iranian Minister affirmed that his country will continue its efforts to support stability in the region and back Syrian people’s right in defending their country’s sovereignty and independence.

“Stability in the region would not be achieved without the stop of intervention by foreign states, the return of refugees and the removal of western unilateral measures.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency