Maple Peak Announces Extension of Exclusivity Period With Citizen Journalism Network (CJN) Invest Ltd.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 23, 2024--

Maple Peak Investments Inc. (TSXV - MAP) (“ MAP ” or the “ Company ”) announced today that the Company and Citizen Journalism Network (CJN) Invest Ltd. (“ CJN ”), a private company incorporated under the laws of the Marshall Islands, have agreed to extend the exclusivity period until the earlier of (i) completion of the Transaction (as defined below), or (ii) February 28, 2025, in relation to the proposed acquisition of MAP by CJN by way of a reverse takeover (the " Transaction ") which was previously announced in the news release dated May 13, 2024.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223327403/en/

As previously announced, the proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, completion of due diligence reasonable or customary in a transaction of a similar nature, the preparation and execution of definitive agreements, such consents and approvals as may be required by the parties, including, but not limited to, approvals of the board of directors and shareholders of each of MAP and CJN, as may be required, and exchange and other approvals and consents necessary to complete the proposed Transaction. The Company will issue a subsequent news release upon entry into definitive agreements with CJN.

Dennis Tam, CEO of MAP,commented: "We are pleased to see this proposed deal continuing to move forward with CJN. We are making progress on the transaction, and hope to complete all relevant work streams and get ready to sign definitive agreements by the end of February, 2025. CJN, under the leadership of CEO Mario Nawfal, has shown both foresight and a pioneering mindset with respect to the rapidly expanding global media trend, as well as a focus in aligning and merging monetization with the media and tech sectors. We are impressed by Mario’s dedication and perseverance in propelling the growth of CJN and making Web3 accessible to the masses. We look forward to collaborating with Mario and CJN and progressing towards completion of this milestone transaction."

CJN and its Business

Citizen Journalism Network (CJN) is a decentralized media group and incubator, and it is one of the fastest-growing media footprints globally. Building on the ethos of X’s and Elon Musk's mission statement to be the globe's town square, CJN champions free expression and the core belief that every voice has the power to impact the world. CJN has pioneered record-breaking citizen journalism coverage of key events with balanced accounts that carry no associated agenda or censorship. Additionally, the business boasts ownership of one of the leading tech/Web3 VC incubators. Together with a media monetization model, CJN is poised to continue growing both organically and through mergers and acquisitions within the alternative media.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations. Statements about the closing of the Transaction, including but not limited to, expected terms of the Transaction, the number of securities of the parties that may be issued in connection with the Transaction, the private placement financing, waiver of sponsorship, the business and operations of CJN, and the parties’ ability to satisfy closing conditions and receive necessary approvals are all forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the Transaction will occur or that, if the Transaction does occur, it will be completed on the terms described above. MAP assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law.

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

Mario Nawfal, CEO of Citizen Journalism Network (left) and Dennis Tam, CEO of Maple Peak Investments Inc. (right) (Photo: Business Wire)

Hockey player Matt Petgrave has called the death of Adam Johnson “a tragic accident” in a public appeal for donations to his legal costs amid a police investigation.

Johnson, who had briefly played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, died after his neck was cut by Petgrave's skate in a collision between the two opponents in a game in Sheffield, England, over a year ago.

Petgrave has raised nearly 10,000 pounds ($12,500) after recently launching a drive on a UK-based crowdfunding site.

A man, whose name has not been released by police, remains under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. South Yorkshire Police have re-bailed the man several times, most recently in early November. No criminal charges have been filed.

“On October 28, 2023, I was involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the passing of fellow ice hockey player Adam Johnson,” Petgrave, who was a defenseman for the Sheffield Steelers, said in a statement on CrowdJustice.

“There is an ongoing police investigation and the legal process has been long and challenging," the 32-year-old Canadian's statement added.

“I am seeking help to cover some of my legal costs whilst I am subject to police bail, as well as additional costs if the matter proceeds to criminal court. Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote safety in hockey, via a CrowdJustice campaign in-line with their unused funds policy.”

CrowdJustice said it conducts “rigorous checks" before drives can be launched. All funds raised go directly to a designated lawyer's account for that client.

It said: “We can confirm these checks have been completed for the Matthew Petgrave campaign. Raised funds will be sent directly to the instructed lawyers.”

Petgrave's page lists Manchester law firm Burton Copeland, which did not respond to an email and phone call for more information.

Johnson, who was a 29-year-old forward with the Nottingham Panthers, was skating with the puck into Sheffield’s defensive zone. As he pivoted to move inside, Petgrave was skating toward him. Petgrave had another Panthers player in front of him and appears to have made contact. Then, Petgrave’s left skate elevated as the defenseman began to fall and the blade hit Johnson in the neck.

“Initially, I had the benefit of insurance cover, but through no fault of my own, this has been halted,” Petgrave’s statement said. “Additionally, the time and costs involved in the legal investigation and potential court proceedings are difficult for me to cover on a privately funded basis. This is especially challenging because my UK visa has expired, preventing me from working as a professional ice hockey player while I continue to need legal assistance.”

Johnson was living with fiancee Ryan Wolfe and studying at Loughborough Business School.

The UK's Elite Ice Hockey League made neck guards mandatory last Jan. 1, two months after Johnson’s death.

AP hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/hockey

FILE - Flower tributes for Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson rest outside the Motorpoint Arena before a memorial ice hockey game between Nottingham Panthers and Manchester Storm in Nottingham, England, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira, File)