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Brandwatch Named a Leader in Social Media Management and a Major Player in Influencer Marketing in New 2025 Analyst Reports

Brandwatch earns dual recognition from industry analysts IDC and QKS for AI-powered capabilities across social media management and influencer marketing.

BRIGHTON, United Kingdom, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Brandwatch, a Cision company and a global leader in consumer intelligence and social media management, has been recognized by two leading analyst firms for its innovation, enterprise-grade capabilities, and impact across the modern marketing ecosystem.

Brandwatch Named a Leader in Social Media Management and a Major Player in Influencer Marketing in New 2025 Analyst Reports
Brandwatch Named a Leader in Social Media Management and a Major Player in Influencer Marketing in New 2025 Analyst Reports

Brandwatch has been named a Leader in the QKS SPARK Matrix™ for Social Media Management Platforms, 2025 and a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Influencer Marketing Platforms for Large Enterprises, 2025.

These recognitions reflect Brandwatch’s position as a unified social suite that connects listening, publishing, engagement, analytics, and influencer marketing—powered by its advanced Iris AI technology.

QKS SPARK Matrix™: Brandwatch Recognized for AI-Driven Social Media Management

In the 2025 SPARK Matrix™ report, QKS highlights Brandwatch’s end-to-end approach to deep listening, cross-channel publishing, engagement, and real-time analytics. As QKS notes, “Brandwatch is recognized for combining deep listening capabilities, unified publishing and engagement workflows, and Iris AI real-time analytics and content intelligence.”

The SPARK Matrix™ evaluates vendors on Technology Excellence and Customer Impact, positioning Brandwatch as a top choice for enterprises seeking scalable, AI-powered social media management.

IDC MarketScape: Brandwatch Influence Recognized for Enterprise-Scale Creator and Campaign Management

The IDC MarketScape similarly recognizes Brandwatch’s Influence platform for its ability to support global creator programs, from discovery and vetting through to content tracking and reporting. According to IDC, “Brandwatch’s Influence platform enables brands and agencies to discover, vet, manage, and measure influencer collaborations at scale,” supported by automated tracking, analytics, and integrated workflows.

IDC highlights Brandwatch’s extensive creator database, AI-powered discovery tools, and connection to the broader Brandwatch suite as key differentiators for large enterprises and agencies managing multi-market influencer activity.

“This recognition from both QKS and IDC reinforces the strength of the strategy we’ve been executing,” said Jim Daxner, Chief Product Officer of Brandwatch parent company Cision. “Enterprises need clear insight, operational efficiency, and AI that delivers tangible outcomes. Brandwatch brings all of that together in one unified platform. This validation reflects the work our teams are doing to help customers move faster, make better decisions, and drive real business impact.”

Download the 2025 Analyst Report Excerpts

Marketing and communications teams can access complimentary excerpts of both reports:

Download the QKS SPARK Matrix™ excerpt
Download the IDC MarketScape excerpt

About Brandwatch

Brandwatch is the leading social media management and consumer intelligence suite, empowering brands to see and be seen, understand and be understood, by the audiences that matter most. Trusted by half of the Forbes 100, Brandwatch equips the world’s most innovative companies with AI-powered insights and tools to seize opportunities, strengthen engagement, and accelerate growth. 

Our comprehensive suite spans consumer intelligence, influencer marketing, and social media management, enabling brands and agencies to execute data-driven strategies at scale. 

About IDC MarketScape 

IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.

Brandwatch is part of the Cision family of brands, alongside CisionOne and PR Newswire

Media Contact:
Cision Public Relations
CisionPR@cision.com

Brandwatch Named a Leader in Social Media Management and a Major Player in Influencer Marketing in New 2025 Analyst Reports
Brandwatch Named a Leader in Social Media Management and a Major Player in Influencer Marketing in New 2025 Analyst Reports

 

 

Project Eleven to Advance Post-Quantum Security for the Solana Network

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Project Eleven, the leader in post-quantum security and migration for digital assets, today announced a collaboration with the Solana Foundation focused on preparing the Solana ecosystem to be resilient against the emerging threat of quantum computing. As part of this initiative, Project Eleven led a full threat assessment and to prototype a functioning Solana testnet using post-quantum digital signatures.

Under the engagement, Project Eleven conducted an in-depth risk analysis of how future quantum advances could affect Solana’s core infrastructure, user wallets, validator security, and long-term cryptographic assumptions. In addition, Project Eleven also deployed a functioning post-quantum signature system on a Solana testnet, showing that end-to-end quantum-resistant transactions are practical and scalable.

“Our responsibility is to ensure Solana remains secure not just today, but decades into the future,” said Matt Sorg, VP, Technology at the Solana Foundation. “The Solana ecosystem’s culture of shipping will continue with the release of a second client and state of the art consensus mechanism this year. Efforts like Project Eleven’s reflect early, concrete steps to strengthen the network and stay at the forefront, ensuring Solana’s resiliency long-term.”

Project Eleven is uniquely positioned at the intersection of advanced cryptography and real-world blockchain engineering. The company is developing post-quantum tooling, monitoring systems, and migration strategies for several leading protocols and ecosystem stakeholders.

“Our mission is to protect the world’s digital assets from quantum risk,” said Alex Pruden, CEO of Project Eleven. “Solana didn’t wait for quantum computers to become a headline problem. They invested early, asked the hard questions, and took actionable steps today. The results show that post-quantum security on Solana is viable with today’s technology.”

These efforts on Solana underscore a broader industry shift toward quantum-safe infrastructure. As both private and public research accelerates, experts warn that blockchains relying on classical signatures could be vulnerable to future quantum attacks, including the theft of funds, spoofed validator identities, or manipulation of system-level cryptography.

Project Eleven will continue its efforts as the ecosystem evaluates migration paths, standards, and adoption of post-quantum primitives.

About Project Eleven
Project Eleven builds resilient infrastructure and tooling for the post-quantum era. The company develops scalable solutions that strengthen security across a rapidly evolving quantum threat landscape. With deep expertise in cryptography, blockchain, and financial systems, Project Eleven bridges advanced post-quantum research with real-world implementations that prepare the digital asset ecosystem for the future. For more information, visit https://www.projecteleven.com/

Media Contacts
Graeme Moore
Head of Strategy
Project Eleven
gm@projecteleven.com

Rockwell Automation Recognized in Various 2025 Gartner Hype Cycle Reports

Company cited in Hype Cycles spanning manufacturing, AI, cybersecurity, energy and more

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced that it has been recognized across 20 Gartner® Hype Cycles for 2025. In the company’s view, this represents an unprecedented level of acknowledgment that reflects its continued investment in innovation and its broad technology leadership across industries.

Gartner Hype Cycles provide a graphic representation of the maturity and adoption of technologies and applications, and how they are potentially relevant to solving real business problems and exploiting new opportunities. Gartner Hype Cycle™ methodology gives leaders a view of how a technology or application will evolve over time, providing a sound source of insight to manage its deployment within the context of a company’s specific business goals.

Rockwell Automation is mentioned in the following Gartner Hype Cycles for 2025:

  • Hype Cycle for Process Manufacturing Technologies, 2025 published on 10 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Artificial Intelligence, 2025 published on 11 June 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Managing Operational Technology, 2025 published on 9 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Intralogistics Smart Robots & Drones, 2025 published on 21 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Life Sciences Manufacturing, 2025 published on 16 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Local Government, 2025 published on 17 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Government Services, 2025, published on 16 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Private Mobile Network Services, 2025 published on 17 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Manufacturing Operations Strategy, 2025 published on 17 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for ERP, 2025 published on 16 June 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Edge Computing, 2025 published on 18 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Public Safety and Law Enforcement, 2025 published on 20 August 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Supply Chain Execution and Logistic Technologies, 2025, published on 24 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Intelligent Health, 2025 published on 19 June 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Cyber-Physical Systems Security, 2025 published on 15 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Industry Cloud Platforms, 2025 published on 16 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Discrete Manufacturing Technologies, 2025 published on 10 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Digital Grid, 2025 published on 7 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Smart City and Sustainability in China, 2025 published on 7 July 2025
  • Hype Cycle for Oil and Gas, 2025 published on 25 June 2025

“We believe these recognitions reflect the breadth of innovation we’re bringing to our customers as they connect operations, people and technology in new ways,” says Scott Genereux, chief revenue officer at Rockwell Automation. “From AI-driven manufacturing to securing cyber-physical systems, in our view, our inclusion across so many Gartner Hype Cycles demonstrates the trust customers place in Rockwell to help them build a more resilient, agile and sustainable future.”

In Rockwell’s opinion, this acknowledgment reinforces Rockwell’s commitment to creating the future of industrial operations by advancing intelligence, connectivity and security across the enterprise. Through continued investment in innovation and collaboration, Rockwell is helping to empower its customers to transform how they operate and compete. 

To learn more about Rockwell Automation and its entire portfolio of hardware, software and lifecycle services, visit www.rockwellautomation.com

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark and HYPE CYCLE is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2025. To learn more about how we are bringing Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com

iGreen Think Tank Releases Independent ESG Research, Highlighting China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd.’s Verified Low-Carbon and Governance Performance

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iGreen Think Tank, an independent research institution specializing in sustainable development and ESG evaluation, has released its latest independent ESG research and quantitative assessment at the 3rd Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area Low-Carbon and Healthy Living Environment Forum, highlighting China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd.’s verified performance in low-carbon transition, governance maturity, and long-term sustainability capability based on a standardized, data-driven methodology.

On November 15, iGreen Think Tank, an independent research institution specializing in sustainable development and green finance, convened the 3rd Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area Low-Carbon and Healthy Living Environment Forum at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center.

As the organizer of the forum, iGreen Think Tank brought together real estate developers, technology providers, industry associations, and research institutions to examine structural trends in low-carbon transition, healthy buildings, and long-term ESG value creation in the real estate sector.

During the forum, iGreen Think Tank presented key findings from its ongoing industry research and formally released insights from the 2025 Real Estate Industry ESG and Carbon Neutrality Index Research, a longitudinal assessment built on a proprietary data platform and a standardized quantitative evaluation framework. The research emphasizes that, as regulatory and technical conditions mature, governance quality, transparency, and system-level execution capability are becoming the decisive factors differentiating corporate ESG performance.

Independent Evaluation and Recognition Based on Quantitative Methodology

Based on the results of this research, iGreen Think Tank recognized China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. (COLI) with several distinctions, including Top 10 Green Real Estate Competitiveness, Low-Carbon Real Estate Pioneer, and the ESG Excellence Award.

According to iGreen Think Tank, these recognitions are derived exclusively from objective data analysis, long-term tracking, and a consistent indicator system, rather than self-reported narratives or one-off project achievements. The evaluation methodology emphasizes comparability, auditability, and replicability across the industry.

iGreen Think Tank further noted that its ESG index and evaluation system operate on a non-commercial, public-interest basis. No participation or assessment fees are charged, and the process is insulated from commercial influence. This independence is a core reason why the research outcomes have been repeatedly cited by mainstream Chinese media outlets such as Xinhua Net and China National Radio, and increasingly referenced in professional ESG discussions.

From Project-Based Performance to System-Level ESG Capability

From a research perspective, iGreen Think Tank stresses that sustainable corporate performance can no longer be assessed through isolated pilot projects alone. Instead, it requires evidence of integrated governance structures, alignment between strategy and implementation, and transparent disclosure mechanisms across carbon management, green operations, and ecological responsibility.

COLI’s performance in the 2025 index reflects, in iGreen Think Tank’s analysis, a relatively mature ESG framework linking strategy, standards, technology deployment, and ecological considerations. These characteristics make the company’s practices relevant not only as individual case studies, but also as data-supported benchmarks within a broader analytical framework.

Forum Discussions: Technology, Ecology, and Governance as Long-Term Value Drivers

At the forum, COLI shared two thematic presentations — “Haizhichuang Low-Carbon Energy Solutions Empowering Better Housing” and “China Overseas’ Approach to Biodiversity Conservation”. iGreen Think Tank views these contributions as illustrative of emerging industry priorities: moving beyond energy efficiency alone toward lifecycle carbon management, and expanding ESG practice to include nature-based solutions and biodiversity governance.

China Overseas Technology: Building Underlying Capabilities for “ Better Housing ” with Smart Energy Systems

The sharing by China Overseas Technology at the forum presented a new possibility —Better Housing is no longer just a physical product, but a sustainable smart energy system. Covering the entire lifecycle of “design, construction, operation, and renovation,” the system enables buildings to proactively manage energy consumption through modules such as monitoring, analysis, diagnosis, prediction, and quota setting.

What truly reflects COLI’s “Trendsetting” value is that this capability is not confined to its own projects but shared with the industry through an open ecosystem. Technology is not an enterprise’s moat, but a ladder for the entire industry to climb upward together. This attitude of “turning leadership into replicability” embodies COLI’s sense of mission as a large enterprise in the low-carbon transformation stage and constitutes a coherent evidence chain of “innovation – implementation – openness” in its ESG system.

“China Overseas’ Answer to Biodiversity Conservation”: Adding Ecological Depth to Sustainability

The other keynote speech, “China Overseas’ Answer to Biodiversity Conservation,” showcased another dimension of ESG — ecological restoration and the reconstruction of natural value. As the first mainland real estate enterprise to release a “Biodiversity Conservation Report,” COLI has integrated Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into the full lifecycle of its projects. Through practices such as ecological sensitivity surveys, urban microhabitat creation, and water environment restoration, it has transformed “ecological responsibility” from a public welfare slogan into a measurable professional system.

In the global evolution of ESG, the Environmental (E) dimension no longer only refers to carbon emissions, but also incorporates ecological protection, natural value, and long-term environmental risk management. Thanks to its systematicness, transparency, and auditability, COLI’s biodiversity practices have not only provided a methodology for the industry, but also positioned it at the forefront in the “deep water zone” of ESG.

From the perspective of international ESG evaluation, iGreen Think Tank highlighted that environmental performance is increasingly assessed not only through emissions intensity, but also through ecological risk management, transparency, and long-term resilience. Practices that can be systematically measured and disclosed are therefore gaining relevance in global ESG assessment frameworks.

Strengthening Market Credibility Through Independent Research

In closing, iGreen Think Tank emphasized that the Greater Bay Area is becoming a key testing ground for low-carbon and healthy living innovation. Through forums, continuous data-driven research, and publicly accessible evaluation methodologies, the Think Tank aims to support capital markets, rating agencies, and policymakers with credible, evidence-based insights into corporate ESG performance.

The 3rd Greater Bay Area Low-Carbon and Healthy Living Environment Forum thus served not only as an industry exchange platform, but also as a research-anchored disclosure moment, reinforcing the role of independent methodology and transparent data in shaping the future of sustainable real estate investment.

About China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd.

China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. (COLI) affiliated to China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited, was founded in Hong Kong in 1979, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1992, and included in the Hang Seng Index constituent stocks in 2007. Stock code: 00688.HK. With over 40 years of development, the company has established three major industrial groups: “Real Estate Development,” “Operational Businesses,” and “Ecological Businesses,” with a presence in 90 cities in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and overseas. The company has been recognized as a Sustainable Blue-Chip Real Estate Enterprise and a Leading Brand in China’s Real Estate Industry for 21 consecutive years. It holds credit ratings of A- from Fitch, A- from Standard & Poor’s, and Baa2 from Moody’s — leading in the industry — and ranks first in brand value in the sector.

About iGreen Think Tank

www.iGreen.org 

iGreen Think Tank is a professional research institution dedicated to green building and real estate sustainable development in China. Over the past decade, it has continuously built an industry-trusted evaluation system, from the “Carbon Neutrality Index” to a series of ESG and low-carbon research, becoming an important reference for the industry. Its research covers the entire chain of policies, standards, technologies, and markets, and influences the strategic orientation of real estate enterprises through rigorous methodologies and cross-enterprise benchmarking capabilities.

As one of the earliest domestic institutions to systematically track SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative), healthy living, and low-carbon technology paths, iGreen not only shapes industry trends through annual reports, forums, and indices, but also promotes enterprises to move from strategic commitments to quantitative management through digital tools such as “iGreen Carbon Cloud.” It plays a key role in improving real estate enterprises’ ESG ratings, enhancing capital market recognition, and accelerating the implementation of Better Houses and low-carbon transformation.

Contact: Junpeng Huang, huangjp@igreen.org 

Luda Technology Group Limited (LUD.US) Reports Significant Gains from Strategic Equity Investment Portfolio for Eleven Months Ended November 30, 2025

HONG KONG, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Luda Technology Group Limited and its subsidiaries (“Luda Technology” or the “Company”, NYSE: LUD.US) announced that its strategic equity investment portfolio delivered strong performance for the eleven months ended November 30, 2025. This performance made an important contribution to the Company’s earnings and strengthened its overall financial position.

As of November 30, 2025, unaudited performance of the Company’s equity investment portfolio, which includes publicly listed securities traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, had recorded significant realized gains, reflecting the success of the Company’s strategic capital allocation and investment strategy.

Key highlights of the unaudited portfolio’s performance include:

  • Realized Gains: Approximately US$2.4 million for the eleven months ended November 30, 2025 generated from disposal of the publicly listed securities and dividend incomes.
  • Portfolio Performance: The portfolio has achieved a return of approximately 57.8% for the eleven months ended November 30, 2025 with initial investment of approximately US$4.1 million.
  • Strategy Rationale: The performance validates the Company’s strategy of investing a portion of the Company’s surplus cash in high-grade securities to generate an alternative income stream whilst maintaining a risk-managed securities portfolio. The Company’s investment strategy is designed as a complementary buffer against market cyclicality in its primary business, with a medium-to long-term investment time horizon.

Mr. MA Biu, the Chief Executive Officer of Luda Technology, stated, “Our investment portfolio’s performance is a testament to our disciplined approach to capital management. These gains provide us with enhanced financial flexibility and a stronger foundation for future growth. They underscore our ability to not only excel in our core operations but also to generate significant value from our strategic investments. We believe our investment will continue to provide steady support to our earnings in the future.”

-Ends-

Safe Harbor Statements

This filing contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Luda’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Luda may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Luda’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: changes in political, social and economic conditions, the regulatory environment, laws and regulations and interpretation thereof in the jurisdictions where we conduct business or expect to conduct business; the risk that we may be unable to realize our anticipated growth strategies and expected internal growth; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; changes in the availability and cost of professional staff which we require to operate our business; changes in customers’ preferences and needs; changes in competitive conditions and our ability to compete under such conditions; changes in our future capital needs and the availability of financing and capital to fund such needs; changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates; projections of revenue, earnings, capital structure and other financial items; changes in our plan to enter into certain new business sectors; and other factors beyond our control. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Luda’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this report and in the attachments is as of the date of this report, and Luda undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Luda Technology Group Limited (NYSE: LUD.US)

As a manufacturer and trader of stainless steel and carbon steel flanges and pipe fittings, Luda Technology Group Limited is headquartered in Hong Kong, with its production base located in Taian, Shandong Province, China. The Company’s history began with its subsidiary, Luda Development Limited which was incorporated in 2004 and is principally engaged in the trading of steel flanges and pipe fittings. In 2005, the Company expanded its business further upstream by establishing another subsidiary, Luda (Taian) Industrial Company Limited, which commenced the manufacturing of flanges and pipe fittings with a self-owned factory in China. Luda Technology is principally engaged in (i) the manufacturing and sale of stainless steel and carbon steel flanges and pipe fittings products; and (ii) the trading of steel pipes, valves, and other steel piping products. The Company’s sales network comprises customers in China, South America, Australia, Europe, Asia (excluding China), and North America and with a customer base includes manufacturers and traders from the chemical, petrochemical, maritime, and manufacturing industries.

For more information, please visit https://www.ludahk.com/en

 

Keek Social Inc. Announces Its Patent-Pending AI Ad Insertion Technology


Toronto, Ontario – Newsfile Corp. – December 16, 2025 – Keek Social Inc. (TSXV: KEEK) (“Keek” or the “Company”), a Toronto-based social network focused on next-generation video monetization, today announced the development of its patent-pending AI ad insertion technology. Keek’s revolutionary solution is designed to dynamically insert realistic AI generated visual elements into live and pre-recorded online video content for the purpose of product placement.

Keek’s patent-pending solution solves the problem of monetizing short-form video while providing an elegant alternative to pre-roll and mid-roll ads for long form video. Keek’s patent-pending technology allows authorized influencers to select sponsors from Keek’s Adshare network. The AI identifies rebrandable components of the users uploaded or live video and inserts the sponsors brand and products in those spaces. Keek’s revolutionary solution provides a win win for all parties involved. Brands get impactful brand presence in videos that far exceeds the impact of pre-roll ads and influencers share in the advertising revenues.

The solutions dynamic ad insertion allows for demographically specific ad insertion. Meaning that if you are in Canada you may see the Influencer drinking a cup of Canada’s favorite coffee brand while Americans will see their favorite brand in the hand of the Influencer.

“Skippable pre-roll and mid roll ads generate 10s of billions of dollars in advertising revenues annually. How much is a system worth that can give brands meaningful exposure through the entire duration of a video?” states Mark Itwaru Keek CEO.

The patent-pending system is designed to operate across virtually all forms of online video, including live streaming, short-form video, and long-form, on-demand content. This includes platforms and ecosystems comparable to YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other social, creator-driven, and professional video networks.

“Online video has become the dominant medium on the internet, yet monetization methods have not evolved at the same pace as content consumption,” said Mark Itwaru, Founder and CEO of Keek Social Inc. “Our patent-pending ad insertion technology is built to unlock a massive addressable market by allowing advertising and commerce to exist inside the video experience, rather than interrupting it.”

Addressable Market

Online/digital video advertising typically includes ads shown on internet video platforms (pre-roll, mid-roll, in-stream, out-stream), social video ads, and ads served on Connected TV (CTV).

According to Horizon Grand View Research, the online video advertising market will reach $692 billion by 2030 while Polaris Market Research estimates it will hit $1.1 trillion by 2032. Keek’s solution has industry wide applications.

Intellectual Property

CEO Mark Itwaru is the holder of several high value patents. He has filed the patent encompassing the company’s AI ad insertion technology in the name of Keek Social Inc. Making both the technology and intellectual property an asset of the Company. While the full patent grant will provide a significant barrier to competition, the mere filing of the patent serves prior art against subsequent companies, hoping to file patents on similar solutions.

United States Provisional Patent Application. No. 63/916,977
Filed November 13, 2025
Title: Systems and Methods for Inserting Visual Elements and Related Metadata

The Company will launch its service in the early part.

About Keek Social Inc.

Keek Social Inc. is a Toronto-based social technology company developing advanced video, social media, and monetization platforms for the modern creator economy. Keek focuses on innovative, scalable solutions that enhance user engagement while creating new revenue opportunities for platforms, creators, and brands.

You can now find Keek in the Apple AppStore, the Google Playstore and at www.keek.com.

For further information, please contact:

Personas Social Incorporated
Mark Itwaru
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: 647-789-0074
Email: mark@keek.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Results may vary for the use of any Keek service described above. The phrase “get famous fast” is a catch phrase and is not meant to be taken literally. A given users popularity is based on several factors including but not limited to, engaging content. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations are risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Keek Social Inc.

KPM Analytics Unveils the SmartChem® 800 Series, a Next-Generation Platform for High-Throughput Wet Chemistry

Industry’s highest-capacity discrete analyzer delivers true walk-away automation for commercial laboratories

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Commercial laboratories face mounting pressure to process more samples with fewer staff while maintaining fast turnaround times. When urgent samples arrive midday, labs face an impossible choice: disrupt current analyses to accommodate rush orders, or make clients wait. Meanwhile, technicians spend hours monitoring instruments and managing complex workflows across multiple analyzers—an unsustainable approach given persistent staffing shortages and rising operational costs.

In answer to these challenges, KPM Analytics announces the SmartChem® 800 Series, a next-generation automated discrete analyzer designed specifically for high-volume commercial laboratories. Building on the proven SmartChem® platform, with thousands installed in the field with proven performance and reliability over the past decades, the new flagship model offers unprecedented sample capacity, extended walk-away time, and true random-access flexibility to transform laboratory workflows.

“Commercial laboratories need automation that reduces labor reliance while maintaining flexibility,” said Yuegang Zhao, President, KPM Lab Solutions. “Set up your entire day’s workload in the morning, press run, and walk away. If urgent samples arrive midday, insert them without disrupting current tests. That’s what the SmartChem® 800 Series delivers.”

Key Features and Benefits

  • Maximum Sample Capacity: With up to 800-sample capacity, the SmartChem® 800 Series is the largest capacity discrete analyzer on the market, covering a full day’s workload for the majority of laboratories.
  • Reduce Labor Requirements: Run samples continuously throughout the day without constant monitoring.
  • True Random Access: Insert new samples at any time without interrupting current analyses—critical for accommodating rush samples during the day.
  • Enhanced Fluid Capacity: Optional external tanks increase total wash-solution capacity from 35 to 150 liters, eliminating mid-run refilling concerns.
  • SmartBeacon™ Visual Alarm: A colored beacon visible across the laboratory provides at-a-glance status updates, without walking to the instrument.
  • Advanced Optical Flexibility: Up to 16 available wavelengths (9 standard plus optional extended filters) ensure broad method compatibility and facilitate method transfer across different models of SmartChem® analyzers. New wavelengths can be customized upon request for the development of new methods.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Reusable cuvette and small reagent consumption significantly reduce consumable usage and waste, contributing to a lower environmental footprint and lower operating cost.

Proven Performance in Demanding Environments
The SmartChem® 800 Series includes three models to meet varying laboratory requirements:

SmartChem® 800: Base model with up to 800-sample capacity and standard features.
SmartChem® 810: Adds reagent cooling to maintain reagent stability during extended runs.
SmartChem® 820: Adds sample and reagent cooling, supporting long sequences with chemically sensitive samples

Ordering and Availability
The SmartChem® 800 series of analyzers are available now for ordering, available globally in all markets. For pricing and application-specific evaluations, contact KPM Analytics at www.kpmanalytics.com or sales@kpmanalytics.com.

About KPM Analytics 

KPM Analytics is a global leader in scientific instrumentation and vision process machinery, focused primarily on analyzing critical parameters within the food, feed, agriculture, and environmental sectors. We provide a comprehensive range of products and services to solve our customers’ problems uniquely. Our brands include AMS, Bruins Instruments, CHOPIN Technologies, EyePro System, Process Sensors, Sensortech, Sightline, Smart Vision Works, and Unity Scientific. Each has a long history of delivering advanced and reliable analysis solutions to ensure product quality and optimize process efficiency, with customer service at the center of everything we do. Visit www.kpmanalytics.com to learn more.  

Media contacts:
Delphine Cornic
Marketing Manager
dcornic@kpmanalytics.com
+33 6 32 86 38 99

Bright Scholar Announces Completion of Going Private Transaction

CAMBRIDGE, England and FOSHAN, China, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited (“Bright Scholar” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BEDU), a global premier education service company, today announced the completion of the merger (the “Merger”) of the Company with Bright Education Mergersub Limited (“Merger Sub”), an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and a wholly owned subsidiary of Excellence Education Investment Limited (“Parent”), a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, pursuant to the previously announced Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of October 13, 2025, by and among the Company, Parent and Merger Sub.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each American depository share of the Company (each, an “ADS”), representing four Class A ordinary shares of the Company (together with the Class B ordinary shares of the Company, the “Shares”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than ADSs representing the Excluded Shares (as defined in the Merger Agreement), together with the underlying Shares represented by such ADSs, was cancelled in exchange for the right to receive US$2.30 in cash per ADS (less US$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) cancellation fees), without interest and net of any applicable withholding taxes, and each Share of the Company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than the Excluded Shares, Shares represented by ADSs and the Dissenting Shares (as defined in the Merger Agreement), was cancelled in exchange for the right to receive US$0.575 in cash per Share without interest and net of any applicable withholding taxes.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, the Company terminated the 2017 Share Incentive Plan and 2024 Share Incentive Plan adopted by the Company on December 15, 2017 and January 18, 2024, respectively (collectively, the “Company Equity Plan”) and any relevant award agreements entered into under the Company Equity Plan.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, unless otherwise consented to by the holder of such option, each option to purchase Shares granted under the Company Equity Plan in accordance with the terms thereof (each, a “Company Option”) that was vested, outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time was cancelled in exchange for an amount of cash equal to (i) the excess, if any, of US$0.575 over the exercise price per Share of such Company Option, multiplied by (ii) the number of Shares underlying such Company Option (assuming such holder exercised such vested Company Option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time); provided that if the exercise price of any such Company Option was equal to or greater than US$0.575, such Company Option was cancelled without any payment therefor; and each Company Option unvested or otherwise not exercisable immediately prior to the Effective Time was cancelled for nil consideration.

As a result of the Merger, Bright Scholar became a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, and the ADSs of the Company no longer trade on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”).

In connection with the consummation of the Merger, the Company has requested that trading of its ADSs on the NYSE be suspended on [December 16], 2025 (New York time) and that the NYSE file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Form 25 relating to the delisting of the Company’s ADSs from the NYSE to withdraw the Shares from registration under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The deregistration will become effective 90 days after the filing of Form 25 or such shorter period as may be determined by the SEC. The Company intends to file a Form 15 with the SEC under the Exchange Act, approximately 10 days following the filing of the Form 25, requesting the deregistration of the Company’s Shares under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and the suspension of the Company’s reporting obligations under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company’s obligations to file with the SEC certain reports and forms, including Form 20-F and Form 6-K, will be suspended immediately as of the filing date of the Form 15 and will cease once the deregistration becomes effective.

About Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited

Bright Scholar is a premier global education service group. The Company primarily provides quality international education to global students and equips them with the critical academic foundation and skillsets necessary to succeed in the pursuit of higher education.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.brightscholar.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s business plans and development, which can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “future,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Bright Scholar may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Bright Scholar’s beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed with the SEC by the Company, including the Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement filed by the Company; the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; its ability to provide efficient services and compete effectively; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brands; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. 

For investor inquiries, please contact:

IR Contact:
Email: BEDU@thepiacentegroup.com
Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677/ +1-212-481-2050

Media Contact:
Email: media@brightscholar.com