Stockwinners Market Radar for July 06, 2017 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

18:36 EDT American Assets Trust acquires shopping center in Chula Vista, California - American Assets Trust has completed the acquisition of Gateway Marketplace, an approximately 128,000 square foot, dual grocery anchored shopping center, that was completed in 2016 and is located at 40 N 4th in Chula Vista, California, adjacent to our Southbay Marketplace. The purchase price was approximately $42M, funded with a combination of cash on hand and funds drawn against the company's existing credit facility.

18:25 EDT Steel Partners to acquire remaining outstanding shares of Ore Holdings - Steel Partners, the owner of roughly 60% of the outstanding Common Stock of Ore Holdings and all of the outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Ore, together representing approximately 93% of the outstanding Common Stock of Ore on an as converted basis, has agreed to acquire the remaining issued and outstanding shares of Ore pursuant to a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into today by and among Ore, Steel and Ore Merger Sub, Inc., an entity controlled by Steel. The Merger Agreement was unanimously approved by both a Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Ore consisting solely of an independent director and the entire Board of Directors of Ore. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Ore, with Ore surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Steel, and all holders of outstanding Common Stock of Ore will receive 20c per share in cash for each share of Common Stock of Ore they own at the effective time of the Merger. The Merger is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including stockholder approval, and the parties anticipate the closing of the Merger to occur within 30 days.

18:03 EDT On The Fly: After Hours Movers - HIGHER: Synchronoss (SNCR), up 6% after it said that its board of directors will review strategic alternatives, including a sale or other transaction... Core Laboratories (CLB), up 3.7% after it was named to join the S&P MidCap 400... Solaredge Technologies (SEDG), up 3.6% after it was named to join the S&P SmallCap 600... DGSE Companies (DGSE), up 3.6% after it announced a letter of intent to acquire National Pawn... Conatus (CNAT), up 2.4% after it announced that its exclusive license with Novartis (NVS) for the global development and commercialization of emricasan has become effective... Qualcomm (QCOM), up 0.3% after it filed patent infringement complaints against Apple (AAPL) with the ITC. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Cherokee (CHKE), down 21.9%. ALSO LOWER: Dextera Surgical (DXTR), down 17.4% after it placed a temporary shipping hold on the MicroCutter 5/80 Stapler and reload cartridges in response to reports that surgeons were unable to clamp the STapler after inserting a MicroCutter 30 Reload into the stapler prior or during a surgical procedure... RadiSys (RSYS), down 16.4% after it cut its second quarter revenue guidance... Advaxis (ADXS), down 6.7% after CEO Daniel J. O'Conner announced his resignation from the company and board of directors... Mondelez (MDLZ), down 1.9% after it said that its preliminary estimate of the revenue impact of a recent cyberattack is a negative 300 basis points on its second quarter growth rate.

18:01 EDT Celanese raises price of ethyl acetate in Europe - Celanese Corporation will increase list and off-list selling prices for ethyl acetate. The price increase of ethyl acetate to EUR150 per MT will be effective immediately or as contracts otherwise allow.

17:56 EDT Knight Transportation to replace Kate Spade n the S&P 400 at open on 7/12 - S&P SmallCap 600 constituent Knight Transportation (KNX) will replace Kate Spade & Co. (KATE) in the S&P MidCap 400. S&P 500 constituent Coach (COH) is acquiring Kate Spade in a deal expected to be completed soon pending final closing conditions.

17:50 EDT Harris awarded $461.25M government contract - Harris Corp. was awarded a $461,246,563 firm-fixed-price contract to support the capability to upgrade and modernize existing land mobile radio system infrastructure, as well as replace systems with the latest technology. Two bids were solicited and two bids received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 6, 2022. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

17:32 EDT AECOM to acquire Shimmick Construction - AECOM and Shimmick Construction announced a definitive agreement for AECOM to acquire Shimmick, an established leader in the California and Western U.S. heavy civil construction market. The acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in AECOM's Q4. Shimmick has approximately 1,000 employees and a total backlog of approximately $1.35B that includes a wide portfolio of iconic infrastructure projects. Annually, the company generates approximately $300M of revenue and is responsible for put in place construction value of approximately $400M. The enterprise value of the acquisition is $175M and the transaction is expected to be accretive to AECOM's adjusted EPS upon closing.

17:30 EDT Coeur Mining reports Q2 silver production 4M ounces - Reports Q2 gold production 82,819 ounces. Reports Q2 silver equivalent production 8.9M ounces.

17:08 EDT Digital Ally trading halted, news pending

16:48 EDT Google adds G suite security control OAuth apps whitelisting - In a blog post Google said: "Protecting your organization's most sensitive data and assets is a constant challenge. G Suite helps protect your data in a number of ways: thwarting attackers with advanced phishing detection through machine learning, mandating strong authentication with security key enforcement and preventing data leakage through tools such as DLP. We're adding another security feature that improves data access control and enhances phishing prevention-OAuth apps whitelisting, giving your organization added visibility and control into how third-party applications are using your data." Reference Link

16:43 EDT Chemung Financial: NY appellate court affirms lower court decision - On June 29, Chemung Financial received Notice of Entry of the decision and Order of the New York Appellate Division, Third Department, in the matter of Fane v. Chemung Canal Trust Company, involving claims by the owner of the leased premises at 202 East State Street, Ithaca, New York against Chemung Canal Trust Company, the bank subsidiary of the corporation. The Court affirmed the lower court's decision in favor of the plaintiff with damages to be determined at a later proceeding. The corporation is currently assessing its existing legal reserve for this matter to determine if any adjustment is necessary in light of this holding. For further discussion of the original judgment, please refer to the Corporation's March 31 Form 10-Q filed on May 3.

16:38 EDT Apple Hospitality REIT says COO, CFO to oversee operations for Knight - Apple Hospitality REIT reported that Justin Knight, President and CEO, sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries in a plane crash that occurred on Tuesday, July 4. He is expected to make a full recovery. During Mr. Knight's treatment and recovery, Krissy Gathright, Executive Vice President and COO, and Bryan Peery, Executive Vice President and CFO, will share in the responsibilities and oversight of Apple Hospitality's day-to-day activities."We greatly appreciate the concern for Justin's well-being and the outpouring of support following yesterday's accident," said Glade Knight, Justin's father and Executive Chairman of Apple Hospitality. "We feel very fortunate that the injuries he sustained were not more serious and we look forward to his full recovery."

16:35 EDT RadiSys trading resumes

16:34 EDT KKR announces combination of Cardenas Markets, Mi Pueblo - KKR announced the combination of Cardenas Markets and Mi Pueblo, two Hispanic grocery chains in which KKR made significant investments last year, alongside Victory Park Capital. The combined business will operate as Cardenas Markets LLC and will become one of the largest Hispanic supermarket chains in the country. Each grocery chain will continue to operate separately, but will be managed under one executive team led by CEO John Gomez.

16:31 EDT bebe stores to sell Los Angeles Design Studio for $35M - On June 29, bebe stores entered into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Monday Properties Investments, to sell its Los Angeles Design Studio for a purchase price of approximately $35M. The Company retains a right to lease back up to 12,000 square feet for up to four months after closing, with the ability to terminate this right with 30 days prior written notice. The sale is expected to close in mid-August 2017, subject to customary closing conditions.The foregoing description of the Sale Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Sale Agreement, a copy of which will be filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending July 1.

16:30 EDT Qualcomm files patent infringement complaints against Apple with ITC

16:26 EDT Advaxis trading halted, news pending

16:16 EDT Synchronoss to review strategic alternatives, including sale - Synchronoss Technologies announced that its board of directors has initiated a process to evaluate potential strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. As part of the process, the board will consider a full range of strategic, operational and financial alternatives, which may include a sale or other transaction. Synchronoss has retained Goldman Sachs & Co LLC and PJT Partners Inc. as its financial advisors to assist with the strategic review process, and has retained Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP as its legal counsel. As previously disclosed, Synchronoss received a non-binding indication of interest from Siris Capital Group, LLC on June 23, 2017 to acquire the company. In light of the indication of interest, the board believes now is an appropriate time to explore a broad range of strategic alternatives that may have the potential to unlock shareholder value. There can be no assurance that the strategic review process will result in any transaction or strategic alternative, or any assurance as to its outcome or timing. The company has not set a timetable for completion of the review process and does not intend to disclose developments related to the process unless and until the board approves a transaction or specific action, or otherwise determines that further disclosure is appropriate or required.

16:10 EDT Computer Task Group extends continued repurchase plan - CTG has extended its systematic repurchase plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the SEC to facilitate the continued repurchase of shares as part of its existing stock buyback program. The plan enables shares to be purchased during an otherwise self-imposed blackout period between quarter-end and the reporting of the company's financial results. The company had approximately $5.5M available under its outstanding repurchase authorization as of June 30. The plan is effective from July 7 until the day following the company's release of its Q2 financial results.

16:08 EDT Internap expands with Digital Realty in greater Phoenix - Internap Corporation (INAP) and Digital Realty Trust (DLR) announced that they have entered into an amended agreement for data center space leased to INAP in Chandler, Arizona. The state-of-the-art Digital Realty data center is located at 2121 S. Price Road in the Chandler Price Road technology corridor. The new expansion is driven by a significant anchor tenant in the enterprise software industry. In addition to the Greater Phoenix location, which is the largest data center in Arizona, INAP also partnered with Digital Realty to realign its existing leases in El Segundo and Oakland, California. The amendments provide renewed lease extensions, with potential for additional space to support INAP's growth in these markets. INAP's expansion into its own space in the Phoenix Digital Realty facility gives it the high density flexibility to grow beyond the initial need for approximately 25,000 square feet and 4 MW of power and to deliver up to 20 KW per cabinet in the new expansion space.

16:06 EDT DGSE announces letter of intent to acquire National Pawn - DGSE Companies announced that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire the equity interests in National Pawn and its related affiliates. No definitive agreement has been reached, and there can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be reached. DGSE's board's approval is required in order to enter into such definitive agreement. If a definitive agreement is reached, this acquisition would be expected to close in Q3. DGSE expects the acquisition to bring promising revenue and earnings accretion to shareholders going forward.

16:02 EDT Dextera Surgical trading halted, news pending

15:07 EDT Alexion down almost 5% after Bloomberg reports HHS investigation - According to Bloomberg, the government disclosed the investigation in response to FOIA request.

13:19 EDT PPL says KPSC issues corrected order in rate increase proceedings - In a regulatory filing, PPL Corp said that on June 29, the Kentucky Public Service Commission issued a corrected order in the rate increase proceedings of Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company. The new order accepts certain rate calculation and other technical corrections, proposed by the Companies to the KPSC's prior order, dated June 22, 2017, in the matter. The KPSC's corrected order provides for increases of $57M and $52M, respectively, in the annual revenue requirements associated with LG&E and KU base electricity rates and $7M in the annual revenue requirement associated with LG&E base gas rates. These corrected amounts represent increases of approximately $0.8M, $1.1M and $0.3M in the respective electricity and gas annual revenue requirements increase amounts granted in the original KPSC order.

12:19 EDT Endo decides to voluntarily remove Opana ER from market - Endo International said it "continues to believe in the safety, efficacy, and favorable benefit-risk profile of OPANA ER when used as intended, and notes that the Company has taken significant steps over the years to combat misuse and abuse." It added, "Nevertheless, after careful consideration and consultation with the FDA following the FDA's June 2017 withdrawal request, the Company has decided to voluntarily remove OPANA ER from the market." As a result, Endo expects to incur a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $20M in Q2 to write-off the remaining net book value of its Opana ER intangible asset. Reported net sales of Opana ER were $158.9M for 2016 and $35.7M for Q1. Endo reiterates that neither the FDA's withdrawal request nor Endo's decision to voluntarily remove Opana ER from the market reflect a finding that the product is not safe or effective when taken as prescribed. "To the contrary, Endo remains confident in the clinical research and other data demonstrating OPANA(R) ER's safety and efficacy, as well as its favorable risk-benefit profile when used as intended in appropriate patients," it added.

12:16 EDT Endo expects charge of $20M in Q2 for Opana withdrawal

12:16 EDT Endo to voluntarily remove Opana ER from the market

12:04 EDT Blackstone to acquire International Market Centers, terms not disclosed - Blackstone announced that funds managed by Blackstone Real Estate Partners and Blackstone Tactical Opportunities entered into a definitive agreement to acquire International Market Centers, or IMC, the world's largest owner and operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home decor and gift industries, from Bain Capital Private Equity, LP and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. Fireside Investments is also expected to partner with Blackstone in the acquisition. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

11:33 EDT Ultra Petroleum announces dismissal of litigation with Cross Sound Management - Ultra Petroleum confirms that it has entered into a mutual stipulation and settlement agreement with Cross Sound Management, fully resolving the ongoing litigation between the parties. As a result of this settlement, the last remaining objection to the implementation of the company's Plan of Reorganization has been resolved.

11:25 EDT Instagram introduces photo and video replies to stories - Instagram has updated its Stories feature with the ability to reply to stories with either photos or video. The company says that "Today's update is just one of the ways we're working to make Direct the best place to have fun, visual conversations with friends on Instagram." Reference Link

11:02 EDT Boeing, FedEx Express to collaborate on ecoDemonstrator testing - As part of the continuing effort to accelerate aerospace innovation, Boeing (BA) and FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx (FDX), will work together to fly the next ecoDemonstrator. Starting in 2018, a new Boeing 777 Freighter made for FedEx Express will test emerging technologies, such as propulsion advancements and flight deck innovations. The ecoDemonstrator program, now in its fifth iteration, serves as a series of flying testbeds designed to improve the environmental performance and safety of future airplanes. The collaboration on the newest ecoDemonstrator project is the latest in a 38-year relationship between Boeing and FedEx. Flight testing is scheduled to last approximately three months before the airplane returns to the FedEx fleet.

10:15 EDT PNC Financial raises quarterly dividend to 75c per share from 55c per share - The board of PNC Financial declared a quarterly cash dividend on the common stock of 75c per share, an increase of 20c per share, or 36%, from the Q2 dividend of 55c per share. The dividend, with a payment date of August 5, will be payable the next business day to shareholders of record at the close of business July 17.

10:03 EDT Incyte trial termination in May getting investor attention - A trial termination for Incyte's Itacitinib posted on ClinicalTrials.gov in May is getting some investor attention. The purpose of the study reads, "A Phase 2, open-label study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of INCB040093 as monotherapy and as combination therapy with itacitinib (INCB039110) in subjects with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma." The reason for terminating the trial reads, "A decision was made to terminate the study due to the changing treatment landscape for the development of new agents in combination in Hodgkin lymphoma." Shares of Incyte are down roughly in-line with the biotech space. In early trading, the shares are off $1.57 to $126.77. Reference Link

09:48 EDT Cramer says Kraft needs to buy Hershey for 'big premium' - CNBC's Jim Cramer tweeted, "Went over $KHC last night.. Needs to buy $HSY for big premium..." Hershey shares are up 52c to $106.83 in early trading.

09:26 EDT On The Fly: Pre-market Movers - HIGHER: Mazor Robotics (MZOR), up 6.7% after providing second quarter revenue guidance... HSN (HSNI), up 34% following the announcement that Liberty Interactive (LVNTA) will acquire the company in an all-stock transaction... Liberty Interactive QVC Group (QVCA) is up 4.3% following the announcement... Cytori Therapeutics (CYTX), up 9.9% after being granted a cell therapy patent in Europe for scleroderma... Beigene (BGNE), up 20.5% after entering a strategic immuno-oncology collaboration with Celgene (CELG). LOWER: Egalet (EGLT), down 32.3% after it filed to sell common stock and warrants... Azz (AZZ), down 9.3% after reporting quarterly results... Tesla (TSLA), down 2.5% after the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said the Model S 'falls short' of any IIHS awards after safety tests... L Brands (LB), down 7.7% after reporting June same-store sales results.

09:23 EDT Auxilio's CynergisTek selected by health system for security services - CynergisTek, an Auxilio company, announced that it has closed two deals, equating to over $2M, to provide a large health system with specialized security implementation and remediation services. CynergisTek's highly-trained IT security experts will support the health system in the areas of biomedical, web application, network security and payment card consulting over the next year.

09:17 EDT Booz Allen awarded $40M BPA from DISA for cyber security automation - The Defense Information Systems Agency has awarded Booz Allen Hamilton a $40M single-award Blanket Purchase Agreement to help improve DoD cyber security and risk management using automated security solutions for the agency's Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service. Booz Allen will provide full lifecycle development and sustainment of the eMASS system, including user training and enhanced integration with other cyber security tools for state-of-the-art automation.

09:06 EDT ID Analytics, Acxiom partner for risk assessment - ID Analytics and Acxiom announced a partnership to help businesses improve risk assessment and fight fraud. Under the terms of the agreement, Acxiom will expand its risk mitigation portfolio and promote ID Analytics solutions to their customers. The insight from ID Analytics' ID Network will help Acxiom customers to better identify fraud risk and verify identities. ID Analytics uses data from the ID Network, a unique cross-industry repository of near real-time consumer information, which provides a comprehensive perspective on identity. Over the last 15 years, contributions from ID Analytics' cross-industry client base have built the ID Network into a powerful repository of consumer information for fraud detection. This powerful repository includes visibility into a range of consumer identity data provided for account openings, wireless applications, new check orders, changes of address and Internet purchases.

09:03 EDT Kulicke & Soffa acquires Liteq - Kulicke & Soffa Industries announced it has acquired a 100% equity stake of privately held Liteq. Liteq, founded in 2014, has developed the first dedicated step-and-repeat tool serving the unique and broad-ranging requirements of Advanced Packaging lithography. Liteq's modular offerings of high-throughput, modular i-line steppers uniquely utilize a laser-light source, as opposed to more commonly used mercury-vapor-lamp sources. This forward-looking approach drives best-in-class cost-of-ownership to competitively serve existing and next-generation production requirements for fast-growing advanced packaging processes such as System-in-Package, Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging, Through-Silicon-Via in addition to traditional Flip-Chip.

09:01 EDT First Data completes acquisition of CardConnect - First Data Corporation (FDC) and CardConnect (CCN) announced the successful completion of First Data's tender offer to purchase the outstanding shares of CardConnect common stock for $15.00 per share in cash. First Data subsequently completed the acquisition of the remaining CardConnect shares of common stock not acquired in the tender offer through a merger pursuant to Section 251(h) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. As a result, CardConnect is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Data and CardConnect shares will no longer be traded on the NASDAQ. As of the expiration of the tender offer, 22,987,356 shares were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the tender offer, representing approximately 72 percent of CardConnect's outstanding shares of common stock, according to the depositary for the tender offer. Notices of Guaranteed Delivery were delivered with respect to 499,747 additional shares, representing approximately 2 percent of CardConnect's outstanding shares of common stock, according to the depositary. First Data has accepted for payment and expects to promptly pay for all validly tendered shares. All CardConnect shares of common stock that were not validly tendered have been converted into the right to receive $15.00 per share in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes, the same price paid in the tender offer. CardConnect CEO Jeff Shanahan will continue to lead CardConnect operations and will serve as an Executive Vice President and as a member of First Data's Management Committee, reporting to Frank Bisignano. CardConnect and First Data's merchant acquiring businesses will be consolidated in First Data's financial statements starting in Q3 but CardConnect will continue to operate under its own brand and will remain headquartered in King of Prussia, PA.

08:58 EDT Buenaventura sees FY17 Orcopampa gold production 190K-200K oz. - Sees FY17 Tambomayo gold production 60K-90K oz., La Zanja gold production 115K-125K oz., Tantahuatay gold production 145K-155K oz., Yanacocha gold production 530K-560K.

08:56 EDT Buenaventura reports Q2 Orcopampa gold production 46,917 ounces - Reports Q2 Tambomayo gold production 12,454 oz., La Zanja gold production 30,647 oz., Tantahuatay gold production 36,1,725 oz., Yanacocha gold production 120,856 oz. Reports Q2 Uchucchacua silver production 4.31M oz., Julcani silver production 647,883 oz., Mallay silver production 380,369 oz., Tambomayo 295,379 oz., and El Brocal silver production 976,757 oz.

08:50 EDT Heartland Express acquires Interstate Distributer for about $113M - Heartland Express announced that it has acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Interstate Distributer of Tacoma, Washington, or IDC, from Saltchuk Resources. Heartland acquired 100% of IDC's outstanding stock from Saltchuk for cash. The enterprise value of the transaction was approximately $113M. The transaction was funded through $94M of Heartland's existing cash, plus assumption of approximately $23M of IDC's debt, and acquisition of $4M in cash on IDC's balance sheet. Heartland expects to pay off all of IDC's debt after closing. After funding the transaction, including repayment of assumed debt but excluding funding of certain insurance reserves with restricted cash, Heartland will remain debt-free, with substantial liquidity and financial flexibility from a remaining cash balance of over $50M and $170M of availability on its revolving line of credit. The purchase agreement contains customary terms and conditions, including an invested capital true up as of June 30, 2017. The parties will provide certain post-closing services to each other under transition services and other agreements.

08:35 EDT Symantec to acquire Fireglass - Symantec announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Israel-based Fireglass, the agentless isolation solution that eliminates ransomware, malware and phishing threats in real-time by preventing potentially harmful content from ever reaching user endpoints or the corporate network. With this acquisition, Symantec further strengthens its Integrated Cyber Defense Platform and dramatically extends the company's leadership in Secure Web Gateway and Email protection delivered both on premises and in the cloud. Fireglass' approach to browser isolation substantially reduces the attack surface, strengthening an enterprise's security posture and as a result, significantly reduces the burden on the company's security operation center and IT help desk. Users are protected regardless of the links they click or the uncategorized websites they visit, as all potentially harmful website and email content and attachments are executed within a fully protected and separate environment, eliminating the most common infiltration points for ransomware, exploits and malware. Delivered as a cloud service, on premises, or in a hybrid model, Fireglass provides a transparent and worry-free end user experience, with customers reporting a dramatic reduction in problem tickets and the resulting workload of the security team. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in Q3. Symantec expects Fireglass' technology to be available to its customers and partners soon after the transaction closes. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

08:33 EDT Oxitec's Friendly Aedes mosquito receives positive evaluation by RIVM - The National Institute of Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands published its "Technical evaluation of a potential release of OX513A Aedes aegypti mosquitoes on the island of Saba", which positively concludes a vector control program using Oxitec's Friendly Aedes aegypti mosquitoes would pose negligible risks to human health and the environment. RIVM's GMO office undertook its biosafety evaluation of Oxitec's Friendly self-limiting mosquito technology following the guidance for risk assessment of genetically modified animals by the European Food Safety Authority and the European risk assessment framework, which is considered one of the most robust and thorough biosafety frameworks globally. Additionally this independent review reflected guidance from the World Health Organization for testing of genetically modified mosquitoes as well as the Cartagena Protocol on the Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity. This result reinforces the affirmative biosafety profile of Oxitec's self-limiting technology for deployment in vector control programs, and also supports the conclusions of environmental assessments conducted elsewhere including from Brazil's National Technical Commission of Biosafety and the U.S. FDA whose review team consisted of experts from the Center for Veterinary Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Oxitec is a subsidiary of Intrexon Corporation.

08:32 EDT OMA Airports reports June traffic up 6.8% - OMA Airports reports that terminal passenger traffic at its 13 airports increased 6.8% in June 2017, as compared to June 2016. Domestic traffic increased 7.5%, and international traffic rose 1.5%.

08:30 EDT HSN trading resumes

08:25 EDT Sigma Labs signs 3D printing Technology Development Agreement with OXYS - Sigma Labs has signed a Technology Development Agreement with OXYS Corporation, a technology company in Cambridge, MA working in the Industrie 4.0 space. The first project to be executed under the TDA will be a new architecture platform for the company's PrintRite3D INSPECT. The company expects that the completed project will allow for miniaturization of the sensor/hardware PrintRite3D product, enhancements to the level of hardware/software integration moving it towards board-level integration, as well as broaden the market reach of the Company's PrintRite3D technology to the Smart Factory and the larger Digital Enterprise, including polymer-based 3D printing.

08:13 EDT HSNi acquisition expected to be completed by Q4 - The previously announced transaction between Liberty Interactive (LINTA) and General Communication (GNCMA) and subsequent split-off of Liberty Ventures is expected to close later in 2017. Simultaneous with that closing, QVC Group (QVCA), including wholly-owned subsidiaries QVC, Inc., zulily and HSNi (HSNI), will become an asset-backed stock and Liberty Interactive will be renamed QVC Group, Inc. Neither the GCI acquisition nor the HSNi acquisition is conditioned on the completion of the other, and no assurance can be given as to which of these transactions will be completed first. The acquisition of HSNi is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2017. The completion of the acquisition is subject to certain customary conditions, including (i) the receipt of requisite regulatory approvals, including approval from the Federal Communications Commission and the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and (ii) approval by a majority of the outstanding voting power of HSNi shareholders. A voting agreement has been obtained from Liberty Interactive to vote its HSNi shares in-favor of the transaction. Approval of the Liberty Interactive stockholders is not required, and is not being sought, for the HSNi acquisition. Upon closing, the Liberty Interactive Board of Directors will be expanded by one to include a director from the HSNi Board of Directors; this director will be selected by Liberty Interactive.

08:10 EDT Trovagene enages PRA Health Sciences to conduct Phase 1b/2 trial of PCM-075 - Trovagene announces that is has formally engaged PRA Health Sciences, a global contract research organization, to conduct Trovagene's Phase 1b/2 clinical trial of PCM-075, a polo-like kinase 1inhibitor, in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Trovagene filed an Investigational New Drug application and protocol for PCM-075 to the FDA, and subsequently plans to initiate a Phase 1b/2 study that will assess the safety, tolerability, dose and scheduling, and preliminary efficacy of PCM-075 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. PRA will assist Trovagene in clinical site recruitment, clinical operations and regulatory proceedings for the development of PCM-075 in AML.

08:09 EDT Vistra Energy to acquire 1,054 MW CCGT plant in Odessa, Texas - Vistra Energy announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 1,054 MW combined cycle, combustion turbine power plant located in Odessa, Texas from a subsidiary of Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, LLC. Transaction Highlights: $350M purchase price, or ~$332 per installed kilowatt of 1,054 MW, plus a spark spread-based earn-out payable only if market conditions meaningfully improve; Asset purchase funded with cash on hand; Future gas supply optionality via access to three different gas pipelines; Hedging efficiencies with generation matched against TXU Energy's load position in the ERCOT West Zone.

08:08 EDT AgroFresh Solutions announces favorable ruling in MirTech lawsuit - AgroFresh Solutions received notice on June 30 from the United States District Court in Delaware that the Court has ruled AgroFresh to be the owner of the U.S. Patent No. 9,394,216 technology, the core technology used in the product marketed as TruPick. This judgment resolves a key aspect of the litigation filed by AgroFresh against its former consultant, MirTech, and MirTech's principal shareholder, Nazir Mir. In its Opinion, the Court held that the relevant sections of the agreements between the parties were "clear and unambiguous" and that under the terms of those agreements, MirTech automatically assigned to AgroFresh the '216 patent technology. AgroFresh will now pursue its remaining claims in Court, including its damages claim.

08:07 EDT HSN to be acquired by Liberty Interactive in all-stock transaction - Liberty Interactive Corporation (LINTA) and HSN (HSNI) announced that they have entered into an agreement whereby Liberty Interactive will acquire the 62% of HSNi it does not already own in an all-stock transaction. Liberty Interactive currently owns 38.2% of HSNi and, under the definitive agreement will acquire the remaining 61.8% stake, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary, attributed to the QVC Group (QVCA, QVCB) tracking stock. HSNi shareholders will receive fixed consideration of 1.65 shares of Series A QVC Group common stock for every share of HSNi common stock. Based on the Series A QVC Group common stock's closing price as of July 5 and the number of HSNi undiluted shares outstanding as of May 1, this equates to a total enterprise value for HSNi of $2.6B, an equity value of $2.1B, and consideration of $40.36 per HSNi share, representing a premium of $9.06 per share or 29% to HSNi shareholders, based on HSNi's closing price on July 5. Liberty Interactive intends to issue 53.4M shares of QVC Series A common stock to HSNi shareholders. Pro forma, QVC Group total undiluted share count will be 504.3M, comprised of 474.9M shares of Series A common stock and 29.4M shares of Series B common stock, with former HSNi shareholders, excluding Liberty Interactive, to own 10.6% of QVC Group's undiluted equity and 6.9% of the undiluted voting power, based on the number of shares outstanding as of April 30. Following the completion of the transaction, Liberty Interactive expects to continue its repurchases of QVC Group common stock. The acquisition of HSNi is expected to be completed by Q4. The completion of the acquisition is subject to certain customary conditions, including the receipt of requisite regulatory approvals, including approval from the Federal Communications Commission and the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and approval by a majority of the outstanding voting power of HSNi shareholders. A voting agreement has been obtained from Liberty Interactive to vote its HSNi shares in-favor of the transaction. Approval of the Liberty Interactive stockholders is not required, and is not being sought, for the HSNi acquisition. Upon closing, the Liberty Interactive Board of Directors will be expanded by one to include a director from the HSNi Board of Directors; this director will be selected by Liberty Interactive. QVC Group, including wholly-owned subsidiaries QVC, Inc., zulily and HSNi, will become an asset-backed stock and Liberty Interactive will be renamed QVC Group, Inc. Neither the GCI acquisition nor the HSNi acquisition is conditioned on the completion of the other, and no assurance can be given as to which of these transactions will be completed first.

08:06 EDT MassRoots acquires Odava in cash and stock transaction - MassRoots and Odava, a regulatory compliance platform for the cannabis industry, have executed a Definitive Agreement for MassRoots to acquire Odava for cash and shares of MassRoots' common stock. Odava is a platform technology that provides compliance, point-of-sale, and supply chain management for the cannabis industry. The closing of the acquisition is subject to certain closing conditions.

08:04 EDT HSN to be acquired by Liberty Interactive in all-stock transaction

08:02 EDT Eli Lilly, Purdue University announce strategic collaboration - Eli Lilly and Company and Purdue University announced a strategic collaboration to conduct life science research. The five-year agreement, where Lilly will provide up to $52M, marks Purdue's largest strategic collaboration with a single company. The initial research focus areas include: Developing improved delivery of injectable medicines with the goals of reducing pain, decreasing the number of injections, and enabling better patient compliance and overall health. Developing predictive models for clinical success that reduce risks associated with investing in drug development and more effectively predict the outcome of new therapies in humans. The collaboration envisions expansion to other areas to further utilize the range of expertise at the two institutions.

07:58 EDT Hudbay Minerals, Amarc partner to advance IKE Project - Amarc Resources announced it has entered into a Mineral Property Farm-In Agreement with Hudbay Minerals. Under the terms of the Agreement Hudbay may acquire, through a staged investment process, up to a 60% ownership interest in Amarc's 462 km2, 100%-owned IKE copper porphyry district, located near Gold Bridge, British Columbia. Under the terms of the Agreement, Hudbay can earn an initial 49% ownership interest in the IKE Project under a Stage 1 Farm-in Right by funding $25 million of expenditures before December 31, 2020, of which $3.3 million is committed for 2017. Provided its Stage 1 Farm-in Right is exercised, Hudbay can, pursuant to a Stage 2 Farm-in Right, elect to earn an additional 1% interest in the Project, by funding $15 million of expenditures, also before December 31, 2020. Stage 1 and Stage 2 Farm-in expenditures can be accelerated by Hudbay at its discretion. Amarc will be the operator during the Stage 1 and Stage 2 periods. A Joint Venture will be formed when Hudbay has acquired a 49% interest in the Project. Provided that Hudbay has exercised its Stage 2 Farm-in Right and acquired a 50% interest in the IKE Project, it can then elect to go forward via one of two paths.

07:56 EDT HSN trading halted, news pending

07:39 EDT Moleculin Biotech appoints lead European investigator for Annamycin trial - Moleculin Biotech has appointed Dr. Lidia Gil of Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poznan, Poland to be the lead European Principal Investigator for its upcoming planned Phase I/II clinical trial of Annamycin for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia.

07:36 EDT Tahoe Resources can no longer confirm previously issued 2017 guidance - Given the possible material impact of suspending operations at the Escobal mine, the company will be reevaluating previous multi-year guidance and can also no longer confirm previously issued 2017 guidance at this time. Long term care and maintenance plans are under consideration by management and further updates will be provided when that evaluation is complete. Depending upon the success of the Company's appeal and the timing of court rulings, the Company anticipates, assuming a three-month suspension period resulting in a deferral of production to a future period, the following impacts could be expected: 2017 silver production would be deferred to future periods by 5.1 million ounces; Sales and operating costs associated with deferred production would be incurred in future periods; Sustaining capital expenditures of $12 million would be deferred; Fixed costs of approximately $10 million would be incurred; Exploration efforts in Guatemala of $0.5 million would not be incurred; and Estimated royalties of $4 million and taxes of $5 million related to deferred production would not be accrued; payments would resume upon recommencement of production and sales.

07:35 EDT Tahoe Resources says Escobal mining license suspended by Guatemalan court - Tahoe Resources yesterday reported that the company has learned that the Supreme Court of Guatemala has issued a provisional decision in respect of an action brought by the anti-mining organization, CALAS, against Guatemala's Ministry of Energy and Mines. The action alleges that MEM violated the Xinca Indigenous people's right of consultation in advance of granting the Escobal mining license to Tahoe's Guatemalan subsidiary, Minera San Rafael. The provisional decision is in respect of a request by CALAS for an order to temporarily suspend the license to operate the Escobal mine until the action is fully heard. The company understands that no Xinca representative or community is currently participating in the CALAS lawsuit against MEM. The provisional decision suspends the Escobal mining license of Minera San Rafael while the action is being reviewed by the court. The company was not a party to the action commenced by CALAS and did not previously have standing to make submissions to the court in respect of the provisional application. This decision confers legal standing on the company which will now take all legal steps possible to have the ruling reversed and the license reinstated as soon as possible, including immediately appealing the decision to the Constitutional Court. The Guatemala Supreme Court is the initial trial court in Guatemala for constitutional actions filed against MEM. Appeals from these decisions are heard by Guatemala's Constitutional Court. Based on a prior ruling by the Constitutional Court involving consultation obligations with respect to a large natural resource project, the company believes that its operating license should remain in effect while any additional consultation is completed. Accordingly, the company intends to both appeal the decision to the Constitutional Court and ask for the Supreme Court to reconsider its provisional ruling. "Based on its prior experience with Guatemalan court proceedings and evaluation of similar cases before the courts, the Company estimates the Constitutional Court could rule on the appeal within two to four months. We will be seeking to have the license reinstated during this period. The Company also plans to file a motion for reconsideration with the Supreme Court, which is the lower court that issued the provisional decision. Based on prior cases, the Company cannot predict when the Supreme Court would rule on the motion for reconsideration. In addition, the Company will also be requesting the Supreme Court to resolve CALAS's definitive constitutional claim. The definitive constitutional claim and appeal process could take between 12 and 18 months. While the Company cannot determine at this time when or if the suspension will be rescinded and the license will be reinstated, including for purposes of conducting a consultation process, we believe ILO 169 does not apply here, and if it did apply, was already met. We understand that the effect of ruling in favour of CALAS could mean that consultation must occur before the suspension is revoked. It could also mean, as happened in similar cases in Guatemala, that the court could allow operations to resume while a consultation process is conducted. We believe that the timeframe to undertake the consultation processes, and for a reconsideration of our application for the issue of the license, could be in the range of six to 12 months."

07:33 EDT Cedar Fair reports preliminary net revenues through July 4 of approx. $524M - Cedar Fair Entertainment reported preliminary net revenues through July 4, 2017 of approximately $524M, a $2M increase on a same-park basis when compared with the same period a year ago. This period represents approximately 40% of the Company's total operating days for 2017. On a same-park basis, excluding the closing of a stand-alone water park in Cleveland, Ohio, preliminary net revenues were up as a result of a 1%, or 110,000-visit, increase in attendance to 10.5 million visits, and a 2% increase in out-of-park revenues to $62M. Average in-park guest per capita spending of approximately $45.41 was comparable with the same period in 2016 when taking into consideration changes in foreign currency exchange rates. "We are well-positioned to make 2017 our eighth consecutive year of record results, as we have been able to build upon the record attendance and revenues we achieved during the first half of last year," said Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair's CEO. "Our current-year sales trends in advance purchase commitments are strong and support our positive outlook for 2017," added Ouimet. "We believe our significant capital investments, combined with the lengthening of our operating season via WinterFest, are contributing to these advanced sales and current year results, and will continue to create value in the long term." Based on its year-to-date results and continuing consumer trends toward prioritizing experiences over possessions, the company believes it is on track to achieve its FUNforward 2.0 long-term goal of $500 million of Adjusted EBITDA by the end of 2017, a year earlier than planned.

07:31 EDT Albuquerque Police Department renews five-year Axon contract - Axon announced multiple large orders of its body-worn video cameras and digital evidence management solution, Evidence.com. These orders were received in the second quarter of 2017. They were shipped in the second quarter of 2017 and will continue shipping throughout multiple phases in 2017. Albuquerque Police Department: Five-year renewal of Evidence.com on the Unlimited Plan; Georgia Department of Community Supervision: 900 Axon Body 2 cameras on TASER Assurance Plan with five years of Evidence.com; Baton Rouge Police Department: 698 Axon Body 2 cameras on TAP and 425 Axon Fleet units on TAP with five years of Evidence.com; St. Paul Police Department: 550 Axon Body 2 cameras with five years of Evidence.com on the Unlimited Plan.

07:11 EDT Tonix Pharmaceuticals granted conditional acceptance of Tonmya brand name - Tonix Pharmaceuticals reported that the FDA has conditionally accepted the proposed trade name Tonmya for TNX-102 SL sublingual tablets for the management of posttraumatic stress disorder that is in Phase 3 development. Tonix recently launched the Phase 3 HONOR study of Tonmya in military-related PTSD, from which topline results are expected to be reported in the second half of 2018. Tonmya was designated a Breakthrough Therapy by the FDA for the treatment of PTSD. A request for proprietary name review for Tonmya will be submitted once the PTSD NDA is submitted. FDA's final approval of Tonmya is subject to NDA approval. The USPTO has granted the federal registration of the Tonmya mark.

07:07 EDT Bioverativ, Sobi present new data on ALPROLIX, ELOCTATE at ISTH congress - Bioverativ and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum announced that new data from their extended half-life therapies, ALPROLIX and ELOCTATE marketed as Elocta in Europe and the Middle East, will be presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis 2017 Congress, taking place in Berlin, Germany, from July 8-13, 2017. Researchers and investigators will present updated analyses of long-term follow-up data from the ASPIRE and B-YOND extension studies in adults, adolescents and children, further supporting the existing safety and efficacy of ELOCTATE and ALPROLIX. Data from the first and only longitudinal study of joint health in patients treated prophylactically with extended half-life therapies will also be presented. These data and the additional findings reported on joint health and long-term quality-of-life outcomes reflect the companies' commitment to addressing areas of unmet need in hemophilia. Most bleeding events for people with severe hemophilia A and B occur in joints, with joint damage being the most common complication of the condition. Data presented at ISTH will demonstrate improvements in modified hemophilia joint health scores, low target joint annualized bleed rates and target joint resolution for people receiving prophylactic treatment with ELOCTATE and ALPROLIX. The long-term safety and efficacy of these products will also be presented at the Congress.

07:06 EDT Cytori Therapeutics granted cell therapy patent in Europe for scleroderma - Cytori Therapeutics has been issued key patents in the U.S. and Europe. Cytori now has 107 global patents issued and another 45 patent applications pending around the globe. Several of Cytori's recently issued patents contain claims covering the use of Habeo Cell Therapy for patients with scleroderma affecting the hands. On July 5, the European Patent Office issued a patent which claims the use of Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells, including Cytori's Habeo Cell Therapy for scleroderma. This patent has a term at least through 2034.

07:05 EDT Axsome Therapeutics appoints John Golubieski - Axsome Therapeutics announced the appointment of John Golubieski as CFO, effective August 4. Prior to joining Axsome, Golubieski was the CFO of Osmotica Holdings.

07:04 EDT Titan Pharmaceuticals enters into CRADA with WRAIR, SwRI - Titan Pharmaceuticals announced that it has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and Southwest Research Institute to evaluate the development of ProNeura-based implants for a long-term regimen in the prevention of malaria.

07:03 EDT Medical Transcription Billing partners with Winpoint Health - Medical Transcription Billing is partnering with Winpoint Health, a company that assists healthcare practices with chronic care management. Winpoint Health , a New York based chronic care case management services startup, engages patients between office visits by leveraging technology and its clinical team. MTBC's partnership with Winpoint will include cross-marketing and coordination regarding service offerings.

07:02 EDT The Buckle reports June SSS down 5.8% - The Buckle announced today that comparable store net sales, for stores open at least one year, for the 5-week period ended July 1 decreased 5.8% in comparison to comparable store net sales for the 5-week period ended July 2, 2016. Net sales for the 5-week fiscal month ended July 1 decreased 5.9% to $73.6M compared to net sales of $78.3M for the prior year 5-week fiscal month ended July 2, 2016. Comparable store net sales year-to-date for the 22-week period ended July 1 decreased 10.7% from comparable store net sales for the 22-week period ended July 2, 2016. Net sales for the 22-week fiscal period ended July 1 decreased 10.8% to $347.3M from net sales of $389.2M for the prior year 22-week fiscal period ended July 2, 2016.

07:01 EDT Main Street makes new portfolio investment in Boccella Precast - Main Street Capital Corporation announced that it recently made a new portfolio investment in Boccella Precast, a manufacturer of structural precast concrete products. Main Street, along with a co-investor, partnered with the company's management team and Ashland Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private investment firm, to facilitate the transaction, with Main Street funding $18.6M in a combination of first-lien, senior secured term debt and a direct equity investment. In addition, Main Street and its co-investor are providing Boccella an undrawn credit facility to support its working capital needs.

06:57 EDT PolyOne acquires color producer Mesa - PolyOne acquired Mesa, a North American producer of color and additive materials and services. Founded in 1990 and privately-owned, Mesa produces both solid and liquid colorant technologies and operates two facilities located in Phoenix, Arizona and Fort Smith, Arkansas.

06:42 EDT ReneSola Awarded 5MW of solar projects in Thailand - ReneSola was awarded 5MW of agricultural projects in Thailand. The Energy Regulation Commission in Thailand recently announced project winners, which were selected by a lucky-draw system. All of the projects are eligible for a guaranteed tariff of Thai Baht 4.12/kWh. The projects are all expected to be connected to the grid by December 31, 2018. The electricity generated from the projects will be sold to the local utility under a 25-year purchase agreement.

06:37 EDT Ares Management selling Ob Hospitalist Group to Gryphon Investors - Ares Management and Gryphon Investors, a San Francisco-based private equity firm, have entered an agreement through which Gryphon will acquire Ob Hospitalist Group, a provider of obstetric hospitalist services, from a fund affiliated with Ares. Ares' fund, along with OBHG founders Dr. Chris Swain and David Swain, will retain a minority ownership position in the company. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close in late July, were not disclosed.

06:26 EDT Caesars says Roca to lead global development, Daly to lead strategy, M&A - Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CZR) announced the appointment of two senior executives to help lead the company's growth and value creation strategy. Marco Roca will join Caesars Entertainment as President, Global Development, reporting to President and CEO Mark Frissora. Michael Daly will join as SVP, Strategy and M&A reporting to Eric Hession, CFO. Caesars says the appointments of Roca and Daly follow two years of strong performance in which Caesars Entertainment has improved its operating model, driving over 800 basis points of Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion and improving revenue growth across the enterprise. The completion of the Caesars Entertainment Operating Company restructuring, anticipated by the end of the third quarter, will create additional opportunities for growth. Both appointments are subject to customary gaming regulatory approvals. Most recently, Roca served as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Hard Rock International. Daly joins Caesars Entertainment from GE Capital (GE), where he was responsible for Strategy, M&A and Corporate Development.

06:07 EDT Acacia Research invests in Miso Robotics for AI restaurant solutions - Acacia Research has made an investment in Miso Robotics, a leader in robotics and artificial intelligence solutions, as part of Miso Robotics' closing of a $3.1M round of funding. Miso Robotics will use the funding to deliver "Flippy", an adaptable AI-driven robotic kitchen assistant that will work alongside kitchen staff to improve operational efficiency for the restaurant industry. Acacia also has entered into an IP services agreement with Miso Robotics to help Miso drive AI-based solutions for the entire restaurant industry. Miso Robotics plans to roll out its AI-driven robotic kitchen assistant in early 2018 to CaliBurger, its first customer, with the expectation of future expansion to CaliBurger restaurants worldwide.

06:03 EDT Patterson-UTI reports drilling activity for June and Q2 - Patterson-UTI reported that for the month of June, the company had an average of 160 drilling rigs operating in the U.S. and one rig in Canada. For the three months ended June 30, the company had an average of 145 drilling rigs operating in the U.S. and one rig in Canada.

05:42 EDT Reckitt Benckiser cuts 2017 revenue growth outlook after cyber-attack - Reckitt Benckiser notes that further to the cyber-attack which occurred on June 27, the company has "made good progress in getting key applications and systems back on track so we can start trading normally with all our customers and partners." It added, "We believe this issue has now been materially contained, and we continue to work with our IT partners to resolve remaining outstanding items. Mead Johnson's systems have not been impacted by the attack. However, the attack did disrupt the company's ability to manufacture and distribute products to customers in multiple markets across the RB Group. Consequently, we were unable to ship and invoice some orders to customers prior to the close of the quarter. Some of our factories are currently still not operating normally but plans are in place to return to full operation. Separately, and to a lesser extent, the implementation of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India resulted in reduced orders from some customers during June." Reckitt estimates the impact on Q2 trading is LFL net revenue growth down 2%. It said, "We expect that some of the revenue lost from Q2 will be recovered in Q3. However, the continued production difficulties in some factories mean that we also expect to lose some further revenue permanently. We now expect full year like-for-like net revenue growth of around +2% (previously +3%). Operating margin continues to make satisfactory progress."

05:29 EDT Novartis receives approval in EU for Cosentyx label update - Novartis announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, has approved a label update for Cosentyx, the first interleukin-17A, or IL-17A, approved to treat psoriasis. The label update includes 52 week data from the CLEAR study demonstrating the long-term superiority of Cosentyx versus Stelara in psoriasis. The updated label also includes use of Cosentyx to treat moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis - one of the most difficult-to-treat forms of psoriasis, which affects approximately 60M people worldwide. The updated label is based on the proven efficacy and consistent safety profile of Cosentyx.

05:24 EDT Costco reports June SSS up 6% - Reports June revenue up 7% to $12.17B vs. $11.33B last year. Reports June SSS, excluding the impacts from changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange, up 6.%.

05:18 EDT Bank of the Sierra agrees to acquire Woodlake Branch from Citizens Business Bank - Bank of the Sierra, the banking subsidiary of Sierra Bancorp (BSRR), announced that it has entered into an agreement with Citizens Business Bank, the banking subsidiary of CVB Financial (CVBF), to acquire the deposits and certain assets of a branch of Citizens Business Bank located in Woodlake, California. Pending regulatory approval, Sierra's purchase is scheduled to be completed in Q4.