Targeted News Service

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida, May 16 -- Disney World issued the following news release:

Walt Disney World Resort is sharing a sneak peek of "Disney Dreams that Soar Presented by AT&T," a new, nighttime drone show coming to Disney Springs. Running from May 24 to September 2, this innovative experience is the first of several new limited-time entertainment offerings debuting this summer at Walt Disney World Resort.

The footage is from a recent test session in France that shows how the skies over Disney Springs will come alive with larger-than-life images of classic Disney characters through the use ... Show Full Article

Philharmonik Takes the Crown as the Winner of the Tiny Desk Contest!

WASHINGTON, May 16 -- NPR [National Public Radio] issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:

Today on Morning Edition, NPR Music announced the winner of the 10th edition of the Tiny Desk Contest: The Philharmonik, a producer, singer, rapper and multi-instrumentalist from Sacramento, Calif.

The band will perform at the iconic Tiny Desk at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., before embarking on the Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour.

The Philharmonik group members are: Christian Gates (The Philharmonik) (vocals and keys); Moriah Wenzel (background vocals); Alicia Huff (background vocals); ... Show Full Article

MAYER BROWN ADVISES MORGAN STANLEY ON $5.35B REFINANCING FOR FLORIDA'S HIGH-SPEED RAIL SYSTEM

CHICAGO, Illinois, May 16 -- Mayer Brown, a law firm, issued the following news:

Mayer Brown advised Morgan Stanley on groundbreaking transactions that provided financing to support design, development, and construction of high speed rail projects for Brightline Trains Florida (Brightline), a high-speed passenger rail system connecting major populations in Florida. The proceeds of the various financings were used to completely overhaul Brightline's capital structure by refinancing over $5 billion in debt and funding various reserve accounts.

Brightline's current rail project runs a total of approximately ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, May 16 -- Mayer Brown, a law firm, issued the following news: Mayer Brown advised Morgan Stanley on groundbreaking transactions that provided financing to support design, development, and construction of high speed rail projects for Brightline Trains Florida (Brightline), a high-speed passenger rail system connecting major populations in Florida. The proceeds of the various financings were used to completely overhaul Brightline's capital structure by refinancing over $5 billion in debt and funding various reserve accounts. Brightline's current rail project runs a total of approximately235 miles from Miami to Orlando with up to 36 one-way trains daily that are capable of speeds of up to 125 miles per hour. The transactions were also designed to facilitate future steps to expand the Brightline project from Orlando to Tampa. The transactions involved a complex, bespoke structure that included the following financings:

* $2.219 billion in investment grade rated, tax-exempt private activity bonds (PABs) issued by the Florida Development Finance Corporation (FDFC) and partially insured by Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.;

* $25 million under a senior secured revolving credit facility;

* $1.325 billion in taxable high-yield senior secured notes;

* $80 million under an unsecured subordinated credit facility;

* $925 million in unrated, tax-exempt PABs issued by FDFC; and

* $775 million in preferred equity.

The recapitalization spanned across a variety of different financing markets and drew upon the knowledge of several parts of Mayer Brown, with the various financings incorporating elements from project finance, municipal bond finance, and high-yield corporate finance. The transactions also included Brightline's debut high-yield issuance.

The team was led by partners David Narefsky, George Miller and John Ablan and counsel Chadron Edwards and included partners David Bakst, Joaquin C de Baca, Steven Garden and counsel Jeromy Cannon, Mike Loquercio, and Cory Menees and associates Christophe Wassaf, Casey Williams, Gonzalo Go, Victoria McGrath, Marc Leong, Katrina Codilla, Nicholas Kohler, K.P. Ifediba, and Kameryn Garel-McCullough in the firm's Chicago, Charlotte, and New York offices.

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Original text here: https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/news/2024/05/mayer-brown-advises-morgan-stanley-on-535-billion-refinancing-for-floridas-high-speed-rail-system

[Category: BizLaw/Legal]

Locke Lord's Gregory T. Casamento Named Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America

NEW YORK, May 16 (TNSres) -- Locke Lord, a law firm, issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:

Gregory T. Casamento, Co-Chair of Locke Lord's Litigation Department, Co-Chair of the Firm's Business Technology Group and former Managing Partner of the Firm's New York office, has been selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA). Casamento graduated from the Boston University School of Management in 1992, received his Juris Doctor degree from the Boston University School of Law in 1996 and a Command and Staff Diploma from the Naval War College in 2000.

Casamento started ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, May 16 (TNSres) -- Locke Lord, a law firm, issued the following news release on May 15, 2024: Gregory T. Casamento, Co-Chair of Locke Lord's Litigation Department, Co-Chair of the Firm's Business Technology Group and former Managing Partner of the Firm's New York office, has been selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA). Casamento graduated from the Boston University School of Management in 1992, received his Juris Doctor degree from the Boston University School of Law in 1996 and a Command and Staff Diploma from the Naval War College in 2000. Casamento startedhis practice as a U.S. Navy Judge Advocate, where he litigated jury trials and administrative discharge boards from 1997-2000. Casamento received the Navy Achievement Medal as a Defense Counsel and the Navy Commendation Medal as a Trial Prosecution Counsel. He joined Locke Lord in 2003, was named a Partner in 2007, and has focused his practice on complex commercial litigation, business litigation and arbitration matters. Many of his clients are in the financial service and fintech areas, and the matters he handles for these clients are bet-the-company class actions and antitrust litigations. As the most senior trial lawyer in the Firm's New York office, Casamento often represents the Firm's clients in their most complex matters. His clients include investment, commercial and retail banks, insurance companies, structured finance-related entities, Fintechs and other financial services companies.

For additional information, please see Casamento's bio (https://www.lockelord.com/professionals/c/casamento-gregory-t).

The LCA is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation. The LCA is aggressively diverse in its composition. Established as a trial and appellate lawyer honorary society reflecting the American bar in the twenty-first century, the LCA represents the best in law among its membership. The number of Fellowships has been kept at an exclusive limit by design, allowing qualifications, diversity and inclusion to align effectively, with recognition of excellence in litigation across all segments of the bar. Fellows are generally at the partner or shareholder level, or are independent practitioners with recognized experience and accomplishment. In addition, the LCA is dedicated to promoting superior advocacy, professionalism and ethical standards among its Fellows.

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Original text here: https://www.lockelord.com/newsandevents/news/2024/05/gregory-casamento-fellow-litigation-counsel

[Category: BizLaw/Legal]

Holland & Knight Represents Underwriters in $225M Subordinated Notes Offering by Provident Financial Services

DENVER, Colorado, May 16 -- Holland and Knight, a law firm, issued the following news release:

Holland & Knight advised Piper Sandler & Co. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, two leading investment banking firms, as joint book-running managers in the offering and sale of $225 million of 9 percent fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2034 by Provident Financial Services Inc. (NYSE:PFS). The offering closed on May 13, 2024. This was the first Kroll-rated bank holding company subordinated debt issuance since May 2022.

The notes were sold at par, resulting in net proceeds, after ... Show Full Article DENVER, Colorado, May 16 -- Holland and Knight, a law firm, issued the following news release: Holland & Knight advised Piper Sandler & Co. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, two leading investment banking firms, as joint book-running managers in the offering and sale of $225 million of 9 percent fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2034 by Provident Financial Services Inc. (NYSE:PFS). The offering closed on May 13, 2024. This was the first Kroll-rated bank holding company subordinated debt issuance since May 2022. The notes were sold at par, resulting in net proceeds, afterdiscounts and estimated offering expenses, of approximately $219.3 million. The notes are intended to qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes.

The purpose of the offering was to satisfy certain previously announced regulatory conditions that were agreed to in connection with the merger between Provident Financial Services Inc. and Lakeland Bancorp Inc. In light of the completion of the offering, the merger transaction is now expected to close after the close of trading on May 15, 2024, pending satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey, Provident Financial Services is the holding company for Provident Bank, a New Jersey State-chartered community-oriented bank. Provident Bank expects that the net proceeds from the offering will be initially invested in securities and used for other general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other indebtedness.

Holland & Knight Partners Mark Goldschmidt, William Levay, Kevin Houlihan and Paul Aguggia led the firm's representation of Piper Sandler & Co. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Inc. along with Associates Jonathan Guest, Emma O'Connell, Stephanie Torres, Amelia Occhino and Cristina Salazar. The team received assistance from Partners Douglas Youngman, Ross Tuminello, Victoria Zerjav and Robert J. Friedman and Associates Emma Cano and Bryce Klein.

More information about the transaction can be found here.

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Original text here: https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2024/05/holland-knight-represents-underwriters-in-225-million

[Category: BizLaw/Legal]

ESPN Signs Super Bowl Champion Jason Kelce, Adds the Dynamic Personality to Monday Night Countdown

BRISTOL, Connecticut, May 16 -- ESPN, a sports media company, issued the following news release on May 14, 2024:

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* Kelce to Appear Each Week on Monday Night Football Pregame Show

* Six-Time All Pro Added to ESPN's Super Bowl Studio Coverage on Annual Basis, including ESPN's Super Bowl LXI in 2027

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ESPN has signed Super Bowl Champion Jason Kelce to a multi-year agreement, adding the vibrant personality as an analyst on the company's marquee programming around premier NFL telecasts. The 13-year NFL veteran joins Monday Night Countdown each week (6 - 8 p.m. ET), leading into Monday ... Show Full Article BRISTOL, Connecticut, May 16 -- ESPN, a sports media company, issued the following news release on May 14, 2024: * * * * Kelce to Appear Each Week on Monday Night Football Pregame Show * Six-Time All Pro Added to ESPN's Super Bowl Studio Coverage on Annual Basis, including ESPN's Super Bowl LXI in 2027 * * * ESPN has signed Super Bowl Champion Jason Kelce to a multi-year agreement, adding the vibrant personality as an analyst on the company's marquee programming around premier NFL telecasts. The 13-year NFL veteran joins Monday Night Countdown each week (6 - 8 p.m. ET), leading into MondayNight Football throughout the regular season and ESPN's Super Wild Card and Divisional Round playoff games. Each Monday Night Football and ESPN playoff game, Kelce will join Scott Van Pelt and Ryan Clark during halftime.

The six-time NFL All-Pro will also become a member of ESPN's Super Bowl studio coverage each year, including Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles (February 2027) when America's Biggest Game airs on ESPN and ABC. Additional postseason studio appearances will occur annually, including during the NFL's Conference Championship weekend. Further opportunities will be explored.

"Jason is a highly respected, Super Bowl Champion with a strong connection to fans," said Burke Magnus, ESPN President of Content. "Walking off the field and immediately to ESPN, viewers will benefit from his perspective which has been shaped through his years as an established locker room leader and a future Hall of Fame center. Jason's addition to Monday Night Countdown will greatly strengthen our NFL coverage."

Jason Kelce added: "Turns out, it was a short retirement! I'm excited to join ESPN, and particularly the Monday Night Countdown team. ESPN was a consistent presence in our household growing up and the network helped shape who I am and my love of all sports. To now appear on that same screen is a full circle moment. And, I mean it's freaking Monday Night Football! and I'm ready for some football."

Kelce Joins Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Marcus Spears, Adam Schefter and Michelle Beisner-Buck on Monday Night Countdown

On Monday Night Countdown, Kelce will join Van Pelt, Clark and Marcus Spears. The three former players, collectively, played more than 30 seasons in the NFL, with multiple Super Bowls won and a multitude of honors. Van Pelt was named host of the Monday Night Football pregame show prior to the 2023 season, adding to his marquee career which includes hosting the popular SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt and signature events such as the Masters and the PGA Championship.

Adam Schefter will continue to contribute to the show as the industry's leading NFL insider and Michelle Beisner-Buck will bring viewers in-depth storytelling with interviews and features.

More on Jason Kelce

Kelce played his entire NFL career for the Philadelphia Eagles, winning Super Bowl LII, earning first team All Pro six times and being named to seven Pro Bowls. He retired following the 2024 season and is regarded as one of the best centers to ever play. The Ohio native was drafted in 2011 following his college career at Cincinnati where he transitioned into an offensive lineman. As a Bearcat, he was named second team All-Big East twice. Jason will continue to host the New Heights podcast with his Super Bowl Champion brother Travis Kelce.

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Original text here: https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/05/espn-signs-super-bowl-champion-jason-kelce-adds-the-dynamic-personality-to-monday-night-countdown/

[Category: BizMedia]

Debevoise & Plimpton Names 8 New Partners

NEW YORK, May 16 -- Debevoise and Plimpton, a law firm, issued the following news on May 15, 2024:

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announces that Almas Daud, Morgan Davis, Andrew J. Gershon, Yana Mereminsky, Sheena Paul, Mai Shapiro, Paulina Stanfel and Jenny Wheater will become partners of the firm, effective July 1.

Almas Daud is based in the London office and a member of the firm's Finance Group. Her practice focuses on advising borrowers, sponsors, funds and financial institutions on a wide range of financing transactions. Ms. Daud received her M.A. from the University of Cambridge in 2013, completed ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, May 16 -- Debevoise and Plimpton, a law firm, issued the following news on May 15, 2024: Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announces that Almas Daud, Morgan Davis, Andrew J. Gershon, Yana Mereminsky, Sheena Paul, Mai Shapiro, Paulina Stanfel and Jenny Wheater will become partners of the firm, effective July 1. Almas Daud is based in the London office and a member of the firm's Finance Group. Her practice focuses on advising borrowers, sponsors, funds and financial institutions on a wide range of financing transactions. Ms. Daud received her M.A. from the University of Cambridge in 2013, completedthe L.P.C. at Kaplan Law School in 2011 and received her B.A. from the University of Cambridge in 2009.

Morgan Davis is based in the New York office and a member of the firm's Commercial Litigation Group. Her practice focuses on advising clients on complex civil litigation, including securities litigation, mass tort litigation and contract disputes. From 2015 to 2016, she clerked for the Hon. Claire C. Cecchi on the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Ms. Davis received her J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School in 2015 and her B.A. magna cum laude from Barnard College in 2011.

Andrew J. Gershon is based in the New York office and a member of the firm's Investment Management and Private Fund Transactions Groups. His practice focuses on advising clients on secondary transactions, including fund recapitalizations and restructurings, traditional acquisitions and dispositions of fund interests, leveraged and syndicated acquisitions, secondary direct transactions, tender offers and co-investment opportunities. Mr. Gershon received his J.D. from New York University Law School in 2013 and his B.A. magna cum laude from Columbia University in 2008.

Yana Mereminsky is based in the New York office and a member of the firm's Investment Management and Private Equity Groups. Her practice focuses on advising sponsors of private investment funds across a range of strategies, including buyout, middle market and credit funds. Ms. Mereminsky received her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2015 and her B.A. summa cum laude from The Ohio State University in 2012.

Sheena Paul is based in the Washington, D.C. office and a member of the firm's Investment Management Group. Her practice focuses on regulatory and compliance matters in the investment management industry, and in particular on complex legal issues applicable to private funds and their investment advisers across a range of strategies. Ms. Paul received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2012 and her B.A. from Macalester College in 2007.

Mai Shapiro is based in the Hong Kong office and a member of the firm's Tax Department. Her practice focuses on advising private fund sponsors on fund formation and ongoing operational matters, and sponsors and investors on traditional and complex secondaries transactions. Ms. Shapiro received her J.D. from the University of Virginia in 2003 and her B.A. magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1997. Ms. Shapiro is admitted to practice as an attorney in New York and as a solicitor in Hong Kong.

Paulina Stanfel is based in the New York office and a member of the firm's Financial Institutions Group. Her practice focuses on advising clients in connection with mergers and acquisitions, reinsurance transactions and other complex transactions in the insurance industry. Ms. Stanfel received her J.D. magna cum laude from Duke University School of Law in 2015 and her B.S. with highest distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012.

Jenny Wheater is based in the London office and a member of the firm's Tax Department. Her practice focuses on advising clients on the UK tax aspects of establishing and operating various types of investment funds, including private equity, debt and real estate funds, and the UK tax aspects of mergers and acquisition transactions. Miss Wheater received her LL.M. from Georgetown University in 2002 and her B.A. from Durham University in 1994. She is admitted to practice in both England and Wales and in New York.

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Original text here: https://www.debevoise.com/news/2024/05/debevoise-names-eight-new-partners

[Category: BizLaw/Legal]

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