Cosmo DeNicola Companies News


Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Warriors acquire No. 44 pick in 2022 NBA draft, select Toledo's Ryan Rollins

Brooklyn, NY - The Warriors acquired the No. 44 overall selection from the Atlanta Hawks. With Bob Myers and Steve Kerr back on the clock, Golden State added guard Ryan Rollins out of Toledo in the second round.

Rollins spent two seasons at Toledo, averaging 16.4 points on 45.3% shooting from the floor with 5.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 64 total games. In his sophomore season, the 19-year-old averaged 18.9 points on 46.8% shooting from the field and 31.1% shooting from beyond the arc with six boards and 3.6 assists in 34 games.

Against Coastal Carolina, Rollins caught fire, scoring 35 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the floor with four triples, four boards, three steals and an assist in 34 minutes. 

On the way to leading Toledo to a MAC regular-season championship, Rollins was named to the All-MAC first team.

Along with first-round pick Baldwin Jr., Rollins will slide in with Golden State’s young core that features Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and James Wiseman.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Sports Agencies Merge to Form Partnership

Newport Beach, CA - Steinberg Sports & Entertainment announced Thursday that they are forming a partnership with Reynolds Sports Management to create Equity Baseball. 

It will be the baseball division of Steinberg Sports, led by chairman Larry Reynolds, who was the founder and president of Reynolds Sports Management. Terry Jones will be president of the agency’s baseball operations. 

“My goal was to take a very special model, a true hybrid of resources, and bring in a unique mix to that,’’ said Steinberg Sports & Entertainment CEO Chris Cabott, who negotiated Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million contract extension. “There was only one baseball group we thought of to support that vision, and that was with Larry Reynolds.’’ 

The Steinberg agency, which was founded by high-powered NFL agent Leigh Steinberg, has long represented NFL players and NBA players, but now adds baseball players into their company. There will now be about 125 MLB, NFL and NBA players under one umbrella at Equity Baseball. 

“We all rely on referrals from someone you love and trust, and this was a simple decision for us,’’ said Reynolds, who started his company in 1997. “It’s like we were cut out for each other, sharing ideas and having a kindred vision. It just felt comfortable. Chris and his colleagues have not only been very successful, but they have done so with a high degree of integrity.’’ 

The relationship began with the simple introduction from former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, who was represented by Reynolds throughout his 21-year career. Hawkins also happens to be the Mahomes’ godfather, becoming close friends with his father, Pat Mahomes, when they played together with the Minnesota Twins.

“We’re really thankful it all came together,’’ Cabott said. “We think it’s a unique hybrid. …This partnership reflects years of admiration and respect for the core values and family-oriented approach of Larry Reynolds, his staff, and their clients.’’ 

Reynolds has represented the likes of All-Stars Torii Hunter, Justin Upton, Tim Anderson, Howie Kendrick, Kenny Hill and Matt Kemp. Steinberg Sports & Entertainment has represented 12 Hall of Famers and 64 first-round selections, including Steve Young, Howie Long, Troy Aikman, Edgerrin James, Kenny Easley, Drew Bledsoe, Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas and Tony Gonzalez. 

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Patrick Mahomes Opens First Whataburger in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY — Texan (Tyler) Patrick Mahomes has officially brought another piece of his home state to the Kansas City area.

Mahomes, as part of the franchisee group KMO Burger, opened the first Whataburger in Kansas City Tuesday.

The new restaurant will be the fifth Whataburger in the Kansas City area, following corporate-owned restaurant openings in Lee’s Summit, Independence, Overland Park and Blue Springs.

“As part of KMO Burger, I am excited our team is opening our first location in Kansas City,” Mahomes said in the statement. “It’s great to bring a gift from my first home to my second home.”

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is a Tyler native who played college football at Texas Tech.

KMO Burger plans to open 30 Whataburgers over the next seven years throughout Kansas and Missouri.

While the fast-food restaurant is a Texas staple, its ownership is no longer based in Texas. The Whataburger founders sold their majority stake to BDT Capital Partners, LLC, a merchant bank based in Chicago, in 2019.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Clutch Putt by Aaron Rodgers Seals Win at the Match 2022

Las Vegas, NV - For the second year in a row at The Match, it came down to Aaron Rodgers on the green. For the second year in a row, the Packers' QB came up clutch.

Josh Allen nearly made a long putt with The Match tied on the 12th and final hole, but it stopped an inch short. Patrick Mahomes' putt went wide right, giving Tom Brady and Rodgers the chance to win. Brady's 15-foot putt was wide right, but Rodgers, who won The Match when paired with Bryson DeChambeau in 2021 sank a game-winning putt, made it look easy, draining the 15-footer to win The Match.

"I felt really good about it," Rodgers told the TNT broadcast. "Tom gave me a really good read and I heard Trevor [Immelman] and Charles [Barkley] in my headphone, they thought I was going to make it. I felt good about the lie when I hit it and I knew it was going in.”

Throughout the afternoon at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas, the four quarterbacks entertained with trash talk, Coors Light "swing juice" and plenty of sliced shots that reminded the fans ducking for cover along the edges of the fairway that the four great QBs are, in fact, still mortal.

But that didn't mean they didn't provide some highlights. Mahomes made several difficult putts to keep his young, AFC pairing in the fight and helped them take the lead, while Brady came in clutch late to tie The Match on the 10th hole and give him and Rodgers the chance to play for their first win as teammates after opposing one another in 2021. Allen showed plenty of power with the driver, while Rodgers was perhaps the most consistent golfer off the tee.

The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights from The Match, featuring four of the NFL's best quarterbacks. Follow along for results from the round of golf between Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

XFL ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR BROADCAST AGREEMENT WITH THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND ESPN

XFL games will be featured on a combination of ABC, ESPN networks and FX

The XFL officially kicks off on Saturday, February 18, 2023

Agreement includes exclusive rights to produce and distribute XFL games
and tentpole events through 2027

NEW YORK – The XFL today announced a new, global multi-year agreement with The Walt Disney Company (“TWDC”) and ESPN, which includes exclusive broadcast rights for all game-day content, tentpole events and more, for its upcoming 2023 season through 2027. Each season, all 43 games (40 regular season games, two playoffs, one championship) will be featured on a combination of ABC, ESPN networks and FX. Additionally, the agreement includes exclusive content rights across TWDC and ESPN’s digital, social and direct-to-consumer outlets such as ESPN+. The XFL is excited to officially announce its 2023 season will kick off on Saturday, February 18, 2023.                                                                           

The announcement was revealed today at the Disney Upfront, where XFL owners Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson were in attendance and presented the news.

“Without question, we have long admired Disney’s distinct ability to engage an expansive consumer fanbase across verticals, while also maintaining a deeply authentic, nuanced and heartfelt approach to storytelling much like our own,” said Dany Garcia, Chairwoman of the XFL. “To find a partner that honors our foundation and to be able to root our vision of unwavering passion, accessibility and the future of football with Disney as our home, is a dream come true. We are extraordinarily excited to explore the endless possibilities of this partnership – today is surely just the beginning.”

“The XFL will tap into sports fans’ deep love of football by emphasizing competitive action while dedicating itself to innovation and entertainment,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content. “You can see a great path to success when you combine the reach and influence of ESPN and Disney with the collective vision of XFL leadership led by Dany, Dwayne and Gerry.”

Dwayne Johnson added, “This is a definitive moment for the XFL and the beginning of an incredible, long-term partnership for the league, building on my longstanding, very successful legacy relationship I’ve had with Disney throughout my career. We’re excited to be working with global visionaries that are aligned with the XFL’s values, are true team players and share our ambitious goals to grow the XFL as a global sports and entertainment business. Through the

combined power of Disney, ESPN and the XFL, together we will create a new powerhouse on the sports calendar and bring a dynamic game of football to fans everywhere. Time to ball out.”

Gerry Cardinale said, “With today’s announcement, the XFL has launched a truly innovative partnership with The Walt Disney Company and its world-class platforms across media, culture, sports and entertainment.  It is a privilege to join forces with the incredibly talented team at Disney and ESPN and bring Dany and Dwayne’s vision for world-class football and live event entertainment to our fans and players.”

For more information, visit XFL.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

About XFL

The XFL’s ownership group, led by Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Gerry Cardinale's RedBird Capital Partners, is building a fan-first, fast-paced global professional football league with innovative rules and enhanced 360 game experience. The XFL will bring entertainment to world class football, with the goal of advancing the game of football and expanding player opportunities when it launches in February 2023.

 

 

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Amtech Software Appoints Chuck Schneider Chief Executive Officer

FORT WASHINGTON, PA - June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Amtech Software (“Amtech” or the “Company”), a leading provider of manufacturing ERP software and technology services for the packaging and other manufacturing industries, announced today that Chuck Schneider has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Schneider succeeds founder Cosmo DeNicola, who will remain a member of the Company’s board of directors.

 

Mr. Schneider brings substantial professional experience in the technology industry, most recently serving as Chief Customer Officer of Navis, a leading operations and supply chain software platform. There he focused on expanding Navis’ service portfolio, integrating new product offerings, and cultivating relationships with the company’s network of customers.

 

“I am honored to lead Amtech through its next phase of growth. I look forward to building on the company’s winning culture and reputation as a leading provider of software solutions to the packaging and other manufacturing industries,” remarked Mr. Schneider. “Further, I am eager to increase our investment in product development and customer support in order to continue delivering an exceptional customer experience. I look forward to collaborating with our customers, the Board, and our dedicated employees, to continue Amtech’s legacy of innovation and growth.”

 

Peter Leibman, board member of Amtech, said, “We are thrilled to have Chuck join Amtech as CEO. Chuck’s significant technology industry experience, in addition to his track record of substantial business and recurring revenue growth, make him the ideal leader for Amtech’s world class software platform. We would also like to thank Cosmo for all that he has done to advance Amtech’s growth trajectory and deliver excellence for its clients.”

 

Mr. DeNicola commented, “This is an exciting time for Amtech, I also look forward to supporting Chuck’s strategic and transformational growth initiatives that will continue to serve Amtech’s customers.”

 

ABOUT AMTECH SOFTWARE

 

Amtech Software is a leading provider of manufacturing ERP software and technology solutions to the packaging and other manufacturing industries. Amtech’s fully integrated product suite of modules, multilingual and enterprise solutions provides a compelling value proposition to the full spectrum of manufacturers. Its software solutions serve over 250 customers at over 750 manufacturing plants in North America, Europe and Latin America. The company is headquartered in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment to Acquire Redbox, Creating Premier Independent Entertainment Company

Cos Cob, CT - Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) streaming services, and Redbox Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: RDBX), a leading entertainment company, have entered into a definitive agreement under which Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment will acquire Redbox. 

 

The combination of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and Redbox will create a leading independent, integrated direct-to-consumer media platform delivering premium entertainment for value conscious consumers. The combined company will have increased scale across content production and distribution, with a massive content library, more than 38,000 kiosks nationwide, extensive digital capabilities in AVOD, TVOD, PVOD, and FAST, and access to millions of targeted customers, including nearly 40 million Redbox Perks members.

 

Together, the combined companies will have the industry’s premier, independent AVOD platforms, one of the fastest growing segments of the overall entertainment industry. According to a recent study by IAB, ad spending on connected TV platforms increased 57% from 2020 to 2021 and is expected to increase another 39% this year. 

 

“Today marks a transformative moment for Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and an inflection point for the ad-supported streaming industry,” said William J. Rouhana Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “Our acquisition of Redbox will accelerate the scaling of our business as it combines complementary teams and services to create the streaming industry’s premier independent AVOD. Redbox has 40 million customers in its loyalty program and high-potential digital television assets including carriage of over 130 FAST digital channels on its Free Live TV platform, as well as a robust TVOD and PVOD platform. Together, we will build a fully developed AVOD and FAST streaming business: proven branded streaming services, formidable content and production capabilities, and a strong AVOD and FAST ad sales operation.”

 

“We believe that Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment is the ideal partner for Redbox. By joining forces, we will accelerate Redbox’s transition from a physical to high growth digital media company and be the only entertainment provider truly focused on value for consumers,” said Galen Smith, chief executive officer of Redbox. “This all-stock transaction provides Redbox stockholders with the opportunity to participate in the significant near- and long-term upside potential of a diversified and growing company with greater scale and resources. With our footprint of more than 38,000 kiosks, diverse content libraries and combined streaming platforms, we will be well positioned to deliver consumers a wealth of high-quality entertainment options.”

Rouhana continued, “More and more viewers are embracing ad-supported streaming offerings in a content environment characterized by cord-cutting and saturation of high-priced subscription services. Near term, these conditions are even more acute against a macro backdrop of rising inflation and economic uncertainty. With the combination of a large content library, digital AVOD and FAST channel capabilities, and an expanding global audience, we believe that we will be able to deliver more exciting premium entertainment for millions of value conscious viewers and drive further growth and value creation for our stockholders.”

 

About Redbox

Redbox Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: RDBX) is a leading entertainment company that gives consumers access to a large variety of content across digital and physical media. The company operates a rapidly growing digital streaming service that provides both ad supported (AVOD) and paid movies from Hollywood studios and hundreds of content partners, as well as over 130 channels of free ad supported streaming television (FAST). The Redbox app is available on major entertainment platforms that include Roku devices, connected TVs, gaming platforms, the web as well iOS and Android devices. Redbox also operates its popular kiosks across the US at thousands of retail locations – giving consumers affordable access to the latest in entertainment. The company produces, acquires, and distributes movies through its Redbox Entertainment™ label, providing rights to talent-led films that are distributed across Redbox’s digital and physical services as well as through third-party digital services. Headquartered just outside of Chicago, Redbox has offices in Los Angeles and Seattle. For more information, visit www.redbox.com.

Monday, May 16, 2022

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment to Acquire Redbox, Creating Premier Independent Entertainment Company

Combination creates leading independent, integrated direct-to-consumer media platform 

delivering premium entertainment for value conscious consumers

 

Forms streaming industry’s premier independent AVOD platforms

 

COS COB, CT –Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) streaming services, and Redbox Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: RDBX), a leading entertainment company, have entered into a definitive agreement under which Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment will acquire Redbox. 

 

The combination of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and Redbox will create a leading independent, integrated direct-to-consumer media platform delivering premium entertainment for value conscious consumers. The combined company will have increased scale across content production and distribution, with a massive content library, more than 38,000 kiosks nationwide, extensive digital capabilities in AVOD, TVOD, PVOD, and FAST, and access to millions of targeted customers, including nearly 40 million Redbox Perks members.

 

Together, the combined companies will have the industry’s premier, independent AVOD platforms, one of the fastest growing segments of the overall entertainment industry. According to a recent study by IAB, ad spending on connected TV platforms increased 57% from 2020 to 2021 and is expected to increase another 39% this year. 

 

“Today marks a transformative moment for Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and an inflection point for the ad-supported streaming industry,” said William J. Rouhana Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “Our acquisition of Redbox will accelerate the scaling of our business as it combines complementary teams and services to create the streaming industry’s premier independent AVOD. Redbox has 40 million customers in its loyalty program and high-potential digital television assets including carriage of over 130 FAST digital channels on its Free Live TV platform, as well as a robust TVOD and PVOD platform. Together, we will build a fully developed AVOD and FAST streaming business: proven branded streaming services, formidable content and production capabilities, and a strong AVOD and FAST ad sales operation.”

 

“We believe that Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment is the ideal partner for Redbox. By joining forces, we will accelerate Redbox’s transition from a physical to high growth digital media company and be the only entertainment provider truly focused on value for consumers,” said Galen Smith, chief executive officer of Redbox. “This all-stock transaction provides Redbox stockholders with the opportunity to participate in the significant near- and long-term upside potential of a diversified and growing company with greater scale and resources. With our footprint of more than 38,000 kiosks, diverse content libraries and combined streaming platforms, we will be well positioned to deliver consumers a wealth of high-quality entertainment options.”

 

Rouhana continued, “More and more viewers are embracing ad-supported streaming offerings in a content environment characterized by cord-cutting and saturation of high-priced subscription services. Near term, these conditions are even more acute against a macro backdrop of rising inflation and economic uncertainty. With the combination of a large content library, digital AVOD and FAST channel capabilities, and an expanding global audience, we believe that we will be able to deliver more exciting premium entertainment for millions of value conscious viewers and drive further growth and value creation for our stockholders.”

 

Monday, May 16, 2022

Samsung Launches Chicken Soup for the Soul and Popcornflix Streaming Service Apps

Thousands of Hours of Content, Including Original and Exclusive Programming, Now Available to Stream for Free

 

New York, NY – Crackle Plus, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE) company and one of the largest operators of advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) streaming services, announced today the Chicken Soup for the Soul and Popcornflix streaming service applications is now available on Samsung.

 

With something for everyone, the Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service offers a mixture of unscripted lifestyle programming, Hollywood blockbusters and classic scripted TV series, thoughtfully curated with the mission to encourage, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages.

 

The Popcornflix streaming service offers the adventure escape viewers crave. The service includes Westerns, Sci-Fi, martial arts, military history TV series and movies and more. For viewers looking for an explosion, they’ll find it on Popcornflix. 

 

“We are excited to bring the Chicken Soup for the Soul and Popcornflix streaming services to millions of Samsung viewers. We plan to provide a unique blend of entertainment from content and distribution partners who share our vision,” said Philippe Guelton, president of Crackle Plus.  

 

Crackle Plus streaming services are currently distributed through 70 touch points in the U.S. with announced plans to expand to over 90 touch points including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, VIZIO), gaming consoles (PS4 and XBoxOne), Plex, iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktop at Crackle.com. Crackle is also available in approximately 500,000 hotel rooms in the Marriott Bonvoy chain

 

Monday, March 28, 2022

Screen Media and BBC Studios Sign Multi-Year Content Deal,Bringing 2,500+ Hours of Premium Content toAll Crackle Plus Streaming Services

Several-year agreement features U.S. premieres and several exclusives,

including ‘Ripper Street’ and ‘A Life in Ten Pictures’

 

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced a multi-year content deal with BBC Studios that will bring more than 2,500 hours of premium content to all current and future Crackle Plus streaming services including Crackle, Popcornflix, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Crackle Plus, also a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company, is one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand networks. 

 

This announcement comes on the heels of another major deal between the two sides that saw the exclusive rights to the popular series Sherlock go to Crackle Plus.

 

More than 300 hours of content will be available to viewers for free on the various Crackle Plus streaming services beginning in April, including the award-winning, critically acclaimed mystery series Ripper Street starring Matthew MacFadyen (Succession), several seasons of which will be streaming only on the Crackle Plus streaming services. In addition, A Life in Ten Pictures, will have its exclusive U.S. premiere in June on the services. More content will be added each month throughout the multi-year agreement. 

 

The deal will also include: all seasons of BAFTA Award-winning series Happy Valley, starring BAFTA Award winning actress Sarah Lancashire and SAG award winning actress Siobhan Finneran; the crime mini-series From Darkness, starring BAFTA award-winning actress Anne-Marie Duff and Johnny Harris; and the first five seasons of the long running crime series Silent Witness, originally starring Amanda Burton. In addition, the 2014-16 action/drama series The Musketeers, and drama series The Coroner, created by Sally Abbott who wrote on EastEnders, will be available to audiences as part of the pact.

 

“The BBC has been producing highly sought-after content for years and we expect this content to perform exceptionally well on our streaming services,” said William J. Rouhana Jr, chief executive officer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “The long-term nature of this agreement enables us to plan ahead to maximize the value of the content to our viewers as well as our advertisers, the BBC, and us.”


“We are ecstatic to bring to the Crackle Plus audience premium content from the BBC,” said David Fannon, president of Screen Media. “With the Benedict Cumberbatch series, Sherlock, their extensive catalog of quality series and movies, and brand new titles that have yet to be released, this agreement provides Chicken Soup for the Soul with a wide array of unique and high quality content. Screen Media could not be happier than to announce this agreement with the BBC.”

 

Dina Vangelisti, executive vice president, content sales, BBC Studios said: “Through this multi-year partnership with Screen Media, we are making it even easier for customers to discover and access our robust programming catalog. The best of British content has never been easier to find in the Americas, and we’re excited by this new relationship with a leading AVOD service.”

 

Screen Media is the exclusive supplier of original content to Crackle Plus streaming services. Recent titles from Screen Media that have premiered on Crackle include the Crackle Originals Vince Carter: Legacy, Playing with Power and Insomnia, as well as the exclusives The Mercy starring Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz, Tom Hardy-led Taboo, international thriller series The Platform and disaster film Skyfire, starring Jason Isaacs.

 

 

ABOUT SCREEN MEDIA VENTURES, LLC 

Screen Media Ventures, LLC, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (Nasdaq: CSSE) company, acquires the rights to high quality, independent television series and feature films. Screen Media Ventures acquires worldwide rights for distribution through theatrical, home video, pay-per-view, free, cable and pay television, video-on-demand, and new digital media platforms. The company acquires AVOD rights for third party networks and is the main supplier of content for Crackle Plus and other Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment properties. With a library of over 1,500 television series and motion pictures, Screen Media Ventures is one of the largest independent suppliers of high-quality tv series and motion pictures to U.S. and international broadcast markets, cable networks, home video outlets and new media venues. For more information, visit: www.screenmedia.net

 

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