January 20, 2026

Somnigroup Update

Somnigroup to Engage in Discussions with Leggett & Platt

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DALLAS, Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Somnigroup International Inc. (NYSE: SGI, “Somnigroup”) today issued the following statement in response to the announcement by Leggett & Platt Inc. (NYSE: LEG) that its Board of Directors has authorized discussions and entered into a customary non-disclosure agreement to facilitate due diligence and discussions with Somnigroup:

“We welcome the Board’s willingness to engage in discussions with us and we look forward to conducting customary due diligence.  Somnigroup remains committed to pursuing a transaction that will deliver substantial value to shareholders of both companies.  However, as we advised Leggett & Platt in declining to revise our proposal in advance of customary due diligence, we believe that our proposed all-stock transaction for value of $12 per share, as previously announced on December 1, 2025, represents fair value for Leggett & Platt.  Our proposal offers Leggett & Platt shareholders a 30% premium to the unaffected 30-day average price of Leggett & Platt’s shares as of that date, and an opportunity to participate in the future growth of the combined company.”

No assurance can be given that any transaction will be agreed or consummated, or the timing, price, terms or conditions of any such transaction. 

Somnigroup does not intend to comment further on market speculation or to disclose any developments unless and until it otherwise deems further disclosure is appropriate or required.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to Somnigroup and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is serving as its legal advisor.

Customary Approvals 
Completion of the contemplated transaction is contingent upon reaching a definitive agreement and would be subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of Leggett & Platt shareholder approval and required regulatory approvals. The proposed transaction would not be subject to any financing contingencies or approval by Somnigroup’s shareholders.

Forward Looking Statements
This communication contains statements that may be characterized as “forward-looking,” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Such statements might include information concerning one or more of Somnigroup’s plans, guidance, objectives, goals, strategies and other information that is not historical information. When used in this release, the words “assumes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “guidance,” “anticipates,” “might,” “projects,” “plans,” “proposed,” “targets,” “intends,” “believes,” “will,” “contemplates” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding Somnigroup’s proposal to acquire Leggett & Platt (including the benefits, results, effects and timing of a transaction) and any statements regarding Somnigroup’s (and Somnigroup’s and Leggett & Platt’s combined) expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, dividends, financing plans, business strategy, budgets, capital expenditures, competitive positions, growth opportunities and plans and objectives of management. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that Somnigroup (or the combined company) will realize these expectations, meet its guidance or that these beliefs will prove correct.

Numerous factors, many of which are beyond Somnigroup’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from any that may be expressed herein as forward-looking statements. These potential risks include general economic, financial and industry conditions, particularly conditions relating to the financial performance and related credit issues present in the retail sector, as well as consumer confidence and the availability of consumer financing; the impact of the macroeconomic environment in both the U.S. and internationally on Somnigroup; uncertainties arising from national and global events; industry competition; the effects of consolidation of retailers on revenues and costs; and consumer acceptance and changes in demand for Somnigroup’s products and the other factors discussed in Somnigroup’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. There may be other factors that may cause Somnigroup ‘s actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Somnigroup undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.

Additional Information
This communication relates to a proposal which Somnigroup has made for a business combination transaction with Leggett & Platt. In furtherance of this proposal and subject to future developments, Somnigroup (and, if a negotiated transaction is agreed, Leggett & Platt) may file one or more registration statements, proxy statements, tender offer statements, prospectuses or other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, tender offer statement, prospectus or other document Somnigroup and/or Leggett & Platt may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SOMNIGROUP AND LEGGETT & PLATT ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT(S), REGISTRATION STATEMENT(S), TENDER OFFER STATEMENT(S), PROSPECTUS(ES) AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Any definitive proxy statement(s) or prospectus(es) (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of Somnigroup and Leggett & Platt, as applicable. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain copies of these documents (if and when available) as well as other filings containing information about Somnigroup and Leggett & Platt, free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Those documents, when filed, as well as Somnigroup’s other public filings with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge on Somnigroup’s website at www.somnigroup.com.

Somnigroup and its directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in any solicitation with respect to the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. You can find information about Somnigroup’s executive officers and directors in Somnigroup’s definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in one or more registration statements, proxy statements, tender offer statements, prospectuses or other documents filed with the SEC if and when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell, buy or exchange or the solicitation of an offer to sell, buy or exchange any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

About Somnigroup 
Somnigroup (NYSE: SGI) is the world’s largest bedding company, dedicated to improving people’s lives through better sleep. With superior capabilities in design, manufacturing, distribution and retail, we deliver breakthrough sleep solutions and serve the evolving needs of consumers in more than 100 countries worldwide through our fully-owned businesses, Tempur Sealy, Mattress Firm and Dreams. Our portfolio includes the most highly recognized brands in the industry, including Tempur-Pedic®, Sealy®, Stearns & Foster®, and Sleepy’s®, and our global omni-channel platform enables us to meet consumers wherever they shop, offering a personal connection and innovation to provide a unique retail experience and tailored solutions.

We seek to deliver long-term value for our shareholders through prudent capital allocation, including managing investments in our businesses. We are guided by our core value of Doing the Right Thing and committed to our global responsibility to protect the environment and the communities in which we operate. For more information, please visit www.Somnigroup.com.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/somnigroup-to-engage-in-discussions-with-leggett–platt-302664812.html

January 19, 2026

Dimer Acid Available Now from Everchem

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January 14, 2026

Pearl Group Extends CEO Contract

Pearl Group extends new five-year contract to CEO Martin Kruczinna

United Arab Emirates, 13 January 2026: Pearl Group, a global provider of polyurethane (PU) insulation solutions and other PU-based applications, announced today it has extended the contract of its global chief executive officer, Martin Kruczinna, for a further five years. Martin’s leadership will continue to drive the company’s progress in its ambition to become the global market leader in polyurethane-based solutions by 2034.

Martin was the architect of Pearl’s ambitious growth strategy to double the size of its business within a five-year period. The company will achieve this target in 2026 through its programme of international expansion, product diversification, and technical innovation and excellence. Under Martin’s stewardship, Pearl has opened or expanded its operations in South-east Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Australia and Europe and broadened the company’s product portfolio into applications beyond its core offering. In addition to its leading insulation solutions, Pearl now produces PU-based formulations for coatings, adhesives and elastomers, and has entered new markets such as the polyurea, automotive, packaging and footwear industries, amongst others.

A champion of sustainability and diversity, Martin has led several initiatives to increase environmentally-friendly practices and diversity in the chemicals industry. Under his leadership, Pearl has introduced more sustainable product ingredients, advocated for stronger building code standards, and actively influenced climate policy – including through Pearl’s participation at COP28. Its inclusive hiring practices have substantially increased female representation in the company, which also employs colleagues from more than 20 nationalities.

Martin Kruczinna, CEO of Pearl Group, commented: “I am thrilled to remain at Pearl to lead a company that is going from strength to strength. Although the team has successfully achieved the ambitious targets set out as “Pearl x2” five years ago, we are far from finished: as we continue to enter new markets, extend our product lines and be an agent of change against global warming, I am proud of the progress we have collectively made in the last five years.  There is so much unleveraged potential, and I can’t wait to build on these opportunities with our team.”

Martin joined Pearl as CEO in 2021, and his focus on building a strong internal culture has created the foundation for a company that values high performance and empowerment, while celebrating successes and enjoying the journey. As a result, Pearl achieved the Great Place to Work certification in 2024.

About Pearl

Pearl Group is a global award-winning provider of innovative polyurethane-based systems. With deep foundations in the research and development of polyurethane solutions, Pearl Group offers clients tailor-made systems to meet their exact requirements across a broad range of sectors and applications. Its state-of-the-art plants and warehouses in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Egypt, an Indian distribution hub in Maharashtra, and sales offices in Australia and Germany, Pearl Group offers a comprehensive range of polyurethane systems, prepolymers, and polyesters for the production of high-performance polyurethane foams, coatings, binders, and elastomers.

Formerly known as Bayer Pearl and Pearl Covestro, Pearl Group has a proven track record of more than 35 years in the Middle East region. The company’s roots date back to Otto Bayer – the German inventor of industrial polyurethane production in 1937.

Website: https://pearlpolyurethane.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pearl-polyurethane-systems

January 13, 2026

Arclin to Purchase Willamette Valley

Arclin Expands Presence with Strategic Acquisition of Willamette Valley Company 

December 18, 2025, 6:27 AM ET

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Arclin, a leading material science company, announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Willamette Valley Company (“WVCO”), a manufacturer and distributor of a wide variety of custom products and services in the wood products, railroad, concrete repair, transportation, infrastructure and consumer products segments.

“We are thrilled to welcome Willamette Valley Company to our organization,” said Bradley Bolduc, Arclin’s CEO. “Their innovative technologies and product portfolio perfectly complement our business, creating a beneficial combination for our customers. With a shared commitment to quality across wood products, this acquisition positions us to deliver even greater value and expand opportunities across the segments we serve,” said Bolduc.

The acquisition of WVCO is a pivotal step in extending Arclin’s materials science capabilities into engineered repair systems, specialty adhesives, and infrastructure solutions where performance-critical polymers and formulations are central to customer outcomes. The acquisition will add eight manufacturing facilities and approximately 500 new team members to Arclin’s existing 1,200-person team.

“The acquisition represents a highly strategic move with clear operational efficiencies,” said Mark Glaspey, Arclin’s President. “By combining our capabilities, we will deliver a broader portfolio of solutions to our customers, while expanding geographic reach and unlocking new growth opportunities.”

“The decision to sell Willamette Valley Company to Arclin represents a natural progression for our business,” said John Murray, WVCO’s President and CEO. “Arclin’s world-class operational framework will accelerate our product innovation and drive sustainable growth. Combining Arclin and WVCO’s deep technical expertise, broad knowledge base and ability to rapidly deploy resources will be instrumental in driving our growth strategy. Joining Arclin is an exciting opportunity for our team and we’re eager to drive the business forward,” Murray added.

About Arclin

Arclin is a leading materials science company and manufacturer of polymer technologies, engineered products and specialized materials for the construction, agriculture, transportation infrastructure, weather & fire protection, pharmaceutical, nutrition, electronics, design and other industries. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Arclin has offices and manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S., Canada, U.K., and manufactures for customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.arclin.com.

About Willamette Valley Company

Founded in 1952, the Willamette Valley Company is an engineered solutions provider specializing in a broad array of chemistry and application systems. WVCO is a multinational corporation that manufactures and distributes a wide variety of custom products and services around the globe. While their roots are in the wood products industry, their expertise and solutions encompass innovative railroad tie repair solutions, concrete repair systems, patching, fillers, adhesives, robotics, engineering and more across dozens of industries. For more information, visit https://wilvaco.com

Arclin Expands Presence with Strategic Acquisition of Willamette Valley Company 

January 7, 2026

AI Use in Logistics

How is C.H. Robinson using AI? Its CFO has a story to tell

Lee talks about what 2 of its 30 agentic tools are doing at the 3PL that has Wall Street abuzz

John Kingston

· Tuesday, January 06, 2026

Key Takeaways:

There are two numbers that might help define the impact of AI at 3PL giant C.H. Robinson.

One of them is 55.3%. That’s the growth in the company’s stock price during 2025. There are no other logistics companies that had a record like that in the recently-completed year. Every analyst would say AI is a key part of that surge.

The second is 30. That’s the number of actual agentic AI tools in use at C.H. Robinson. 

Damon Lee, the company’s CFO, reviewed C.H. Robinson’s use of AI in a recent interview with FreightWaves. Lee’s comments moved away from the general message on AI usage that C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) has been touting–with profitability and operational figures to back it up–to more specific details on what the company is using AI to get done.

It’s impossible to know if 30 is a large number or a small one. There is no measuring stick for how many agentic AI tools a freight brokerage that will produce 2025 revenue somewhere close to $11 billion should have at this stage in the AI revolution. 

But the verdict from investors seems to be that 30 is a good number, they like the results and are hoping for more in 2026.

Lots of companies read invoices

At the annual meeting of the Transportation Intermediaries Association in April, a parade of companies touted their freight tech applications at a day-long session with journalists. Most of them talked about AI, but the message at one point became sort of repetitive: we use AI to read invoices or take an incoming call and convert it to language-based data that a broker could use. 

The reality is that many companies across the spectrum of industries–not just logistics–that have plunged into AI aren’t seeing benefits, at least not yet. 

That isn’t surprising to Lee. “I believe people using an off-the-shelf solution for AI, in many cases, will be nothing but a cost adder for their business,” he said. “I don’t think they’ll ever see positive productivity to offset the cost that they’re incurring, because the pay-by-the drink model of AI is very expensive.”

450 men and women at work

That’s why C.H. Robinson has a team of 450 engineers writing their own AI applications. They are the source of the 30 agentic AI tools cited by Lee.

“We’re using bespoke customized AI solutions to drive demonstrable business results,” Lee said.

Lee spoke about one of the 30 agentic AI solutions in going from the theoretical to the specific.

C.H. Robinson receives requests for about 600,000 rate quotes each year at its North American Surface Transport (NAST), the division that includes its core over the road brokerage activities.

Historically, it had the ability to respond to about 60% to 65% of those quotes, Lee said. 

“So when a person was manually doing that exercise, somewhere around a third of those requests either never got answers, or they got answered in a timeline that didn’t meet the customer expectations,” Lee said. 

With an agentic AI tool now at the center of the process for responding to those requests, Lee said C.H. Robinson is able to respond to 100% of the queries.

“I’m now getting to a third of the universe of freight that was available to me before that I never got to,” Lee said. “The sophistication in how I’m responding to the customer has gone up exponentially.”

A human might have five to 10 data points to use in responding to a quote. But the agentic AI tool, Lee said, has “tens of thousand if not hundreds of thousands of data points available to them.”

The price quote from the human would be “unsophisticated,” Lee said. Response time was 17 to 20 minutes. 

But Lee said the agentic AI tool will respond in 32 seconds.

Optimizing margin rapidly

Asked to describe “favorite AI agent number two,” Lee turned to a tool he said is designed to optimize revenue management.

Pricing strategy at C.H. Robinson, Lee said, would be “fairly unsophisticated. It was targeted to figure out ‘I want to try to get this much margin, or this much volume, at this much margin.’”

If the gross margin rate in that strategy is 40%, loads are accepted or rejected on that basis, Lee said. “At the end of the month or the quarter, I see how my pricing strategy did,” he said.

What he described as “course correction” in the middle of that strategy wasn’t easy, according to Lee. 

With the strategy now being powered by an in-house developed agentic AI tool, “we’ll set a pricing strategy at 8 a.m. on Monday, and by 8:05, we’re testing that strategy,” Lee said. The tool asks the question, “is the strategy yielding the volume and the margin that I expected to get?”

And if the answer is no, Lee said, “it will change the strategy two minutes later.” That replaces a system, Lee said, where “you might have a 30-day increment with no adjustments, or even a 90-day increment with no adjustments.” In its place, Lee said, is an approach where “the strategy gets adjusted hundreds of times a day.”

Lee referred to that model as “gross margin arbitrage.” Previously, Lee said, playing that strategy was largely impossible. 

“Folks would say gross margin is commoditized,” Lee said, defining gross margin as a formula of revenue per load minus the cost of capacity. “But we’re able to optimize price, and we’re able to optimize cost because of the frequency in which we’re able to test the market and react to the market in terms of price,” he said. 

If the data coming from the agentic AI tool is showing “volume coming in hot, I can choose to optimize margin,” Lee said. But if “there’s not as many loads on the market, I can get more aggressive in price.”

That’s what every broker does. But C.H. Robinson’s message is they can do it far more rapidly because of AI.

C.H. Robinson does not disclose gross margin in its earnings. It’s a derivative of adjusted gross profits, which are published with the company’s earnings. 

The most recent earnings report shows that in the three months ended September 30, C.H. Robinson’s adjusted gross profit in its truckload brokerage was down 2% year-on-year. That is a relatively small drop considering the freight market in 2025 compared to the already weak one in 2024. 

But the 3PL’s adjusted gross profits in its LTL operations were up 10.5%. For the nine months, the figures were down 0.9% in truckload and up 6.7% in LTL

Not everybody is buying the C.H. Robinson story. For example, data  on Yahoo Finance shows a 6.47% share of the company’s stock float was sold short as of December 15. That is a relatively high number.

The question is whether C.H. Robinson’s price has surged because it’s a brokerage play–hard to imagine that, given the performance of other 3PLs like RXO (NYSE: RXO) and Landstar (NASDAQ: LSTR)–or an AI play. Lee wouldn’t say it wasn’t because of brokerage, but he said “we’ve had a few investors tell us we may be the only company that is getting the level of benefits from AI that we’ve enjoyed in this ecosystem.”

Within the AI play, Lee said there are chip makers and data centers and other companies whose stocks are more of a pure AI play. 

What are harder to find are the operating beneficiaries, Lee said, “examples of folks that are winning at the application layer. And that’s certainly where C.H. Robinson is winning.”

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/how-is-c-h-robinson-using-ai-its-cfo-has-a-story-to-tell?oly_enc_id=7798A6382167C2R