Latest news with #Ashton
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ashton kicks off new term with success across hockey, soccer and MTB
Ashton kicks off new term with success across hockey, soccer and MTB Ashton International College Ballito has hit the new term running after another successful week of sport. The college made a triumphant return to the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge Grand Finals, held this past weekend at St Mary's DSG in Kloof. The girls' 1st hockey team wrapped up a strong outdoor season by finishing third in the prestigious provincial festival. This year's result surpasses Ashton's previous Grand Finals finishes of seventh in 2015 and 2016, and ninth in 2013. The school also made history as the highest-placed team from the Durban North Region since the competition began in 2011. Head of Girls' Sport at Ashton and first team coach, Erdine Coetzee, believes that exposing the girls to top-tier competitions like the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Tournament, where they won the Shield Trophy in Cape Town, has paid off. 'It is a fantastic result that reflects their hard work, determination and growth,' she said. 'I am so proud of how far they have come, both individually and as a team.' Proud captain Morgan Els noted how tough the elite schools' tournament was: 'It pushed us and reminded us why we play this game. Every moment, from the bruises to the breakthroughs, showed us how far we have come.' 'It is a fantastic result that reflects their hard work, determination and growth,' she said. 'I am so proud of how far they have come, both individually and as a team. Proud captain Morgan Els noted how tough the elite schools' tournament was: 'It pushed us and reminded us why we play this game. Every moment, from the bruises to the breakthroughs, showed us how far we have come.' Soccer It's been a great start to soccer season for the North Coast school. Ashton's boys' teams swept Curro Hillcrest, while the girls winning two and drawing one of their four matches against the same Highways opposition. Both girls' and boys' 1st and U16A teams won. The only sides not to win were the girls' U14A and U15A teams. Mountain Bike Racing The first event of the Cycle Lab Schools MTB Series at Waterfall College in Hillcrest on Sunday (July 27), saw Ashton's relay team place third, with Joshua Paul and Sophia Lombaard taking first place in their categories. The mountain bike series maintains its position as the premier inter-schools MTB league in KZN, following an XCO short track format, with five races set out for the 2025 season. The series is open to all public and private high schools from U13 to U19 age categories, with the full support and sanctioning by the Schools Cycling SA. Leah Mitchell finished fifth, while Troy Cole ended 11th. The next Cycle Lab event is on August 10 in Pietermaritzburg. Ashton International College Ballito – Senior College Sports Results: July 21 – 27, 2025 Boys Soccer vs Curro Hillcrest TEAM RESULT OPP TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 14A Won Curro 4-0 15A Won Curro 6-1 16A Won Curro 9-1 1st Won Curro 2-0 Girls Soccer vs Curro Hillcrest TEAM RESULT TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 14A Drew Curro 0-0 15A Lost Curro 3-4 16A Won Curro 4-0 1st Won Curro 2-1 Girls Hockey SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge Grand Finals, St Mary's DSG, Kloof TEAM RESULT TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 1st Drew St Anne's 0-0 1st Drew Maris Stella 0-0 1st Won Felixton 2-0 1st Won Wartburg 12-0 1st (Semi-final) Lost St Mary's 0-3 1st (3rd/4th Playoff) Won Epworth 1-0 Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
ASHTON WOODS USA L.L.C. ANNOUNCES EXPIRATION AND RESULTS OF CASH TENDER OFFER FOR ANY AND ALL OUTSTANDING 6.625% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2028
By GlobeNewswire Published on July 28, 2025, 16:05 IST ALPHARETTA, GA, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ashton Woods USA L.L.C. ('Ashton') announced today that the cash tender offer (the 'Offer'), commenced on July 21, 2025 to purchase any and all of the outstanding 6.625% Senior Notes due 2028 (the 'Notes'), co-issued by Ashton and Ashton Woods Finance Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ashton (together with Ashton, the 'Issuers'), expired at 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on July 25, 2025 (the 'Expiration Time'). According to Kroll Issuer Services (US), the tender and information agent for the Offer, valid tenders had been received at the expiration of the Offer in the amount and percentage set forth in the table below. Title of Security CUSIP Numbers(2) Principal Amount Outstanding Principal Amount Tendered Percentage of Principal Amount Tendered Purchase Price per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes 6.625% Senior Notes due 2028(1) 045086AK1, U04537AF0 and 045086AL9 $250,000,000 $199,122,000(3) 79.65%(3) $1,010.78 The Notes are callable at a redemption price of 100.000% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, starting on January 15, 2026. No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP numbers listed in this press release or printed on the Notes. They are provided solely for the convenience of holders of the Notes. This amount excludes $1,238,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes that remain subject to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the offer to purchase and the related notice of guaranteed delivery. Ashton expects to accept for purchase all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn as of the Expiration Time and expects to make payment for any such Notes on July 28, 2025. The payment date for any Notes tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the offer to purchase and the related notice of guaranteed delivery is expected to be July 30, 2025. Ashton will apply part of the proceeds from the issuance of $450 million aggregate principal amount of the Issuers' 6.875% senior notes due 2033 (the 'New Notes'), which is expected to close on July 28, 2025, to the payment for all Notes to be purchased in the Offer. The Offer was made pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the offer to purchase and the related notice of guaranteed delivery, each dated as of July 21, 2025. Subject to settlement of the Offer, the Issuers intend to issue a notice of redemption to redeem, on or about January 15, 2026, any Notes that remain outstanding and concurrently with the issuance of such notice of redemption to satisfy and discharge their obligations under the Notes and the indenture governing the Notes by depositing with the trustee for the Notes, in trust, solely for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, U.S. legal tender, U.S. government obligations or a combination thereof, in such amounts as would be sufficient to pay principal of, and premium and interest on, the Notes to the redemption date. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC has served as the exclusive dealer manager for the Offer and Kroll Issuer Services (US) has served as the tender and information agent for the Offer. Questions regarding the terms of the Offer may be directed to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Liability Management Group, by calling (866) 834-4666 (toll-free) or (212) 834-3046 (collect). This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. In addition, this press release does not constitute a notice of redemption under the indenture governing the Notes. About Ashton Woods Ashton Woods is the largest private home builder in the United States according to Home Builder Executive. The company was recently named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and was recognized in 2025 by Newsweek as a Most Trustworthy Company in America. Ashton Woods markets its homes through its two award-winning brands, Ashton Woods Homes and Starlight Homes. The Ashton Woods brand is known for designing thoughtfully curated, inspired homes for people who love design. The company's industry-leading experience at the AW Studio and curation of distinct AW Collections® results in exceptional design and special designer touches in every Ashton Woods home. The Starlight Homes brand builds homes specifically for the first-time homebuyer, offering affordable homes with well-executed designs and quality finishes for buyers looking to make the dream of home ownership a reality. The company's commitment to innovation and continually evolving to meet the needs of the market is a key reason it is one of the most celebrated homebuilders in the nation, winning hundreds of national and local industry awards in product design, community design, architecture, merchandising, sales, marketing, customer service and innovation. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and information in this press release may constitute 'forward-looking statements,' including statements regarding the New Notes and the Offer and the intended use of proceeds from the New Notes offering. The words 'estimate,' 'project,' 'believe,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'foresee,' 'likely,' 'will,' 'target,' 'could,' 'seek,' or other similar words or phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. A forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, Ashton undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or new information, even if future events make it clear that any expected results that Ashton has expressed or implied will not be realized. Though Ashton is of the view that such forward-looking statements are reasonable, the results or savings or benefits in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors. For additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward‑looking statements, please refer to the offer to purchase. ### Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Winning winter break for Ashton sports teams
Ashton International College Ballito's senior college stars enjoyed a successful school holiday sports campaign. While most people were enjoying the Ballito Pro or away in the Midlands and Drakensberg, Ashton's youngsters were participating across KZN at various winter festivals. There were provincial caps and awards handed out too – read on for a snapshot of the school's recent sports activities. The Ashton girls' 1st football team competed at the Kearsney Festival and won the Plate Final after beating Trinity House 3-0 in the Plate final at the Kearsney Festival last weekend. Kitari van Straaten and Nonkosi Xaba were selected for the Girls' Tournament XI. Hockey stars Jaiden Krambeck and Kaiden Webster were part of the 16-man KZN squad – coached by Ashton 1st team head coach, Keegan Gibbon – which achieved bronze at the 2025 Regional Inter-Provincial Tournament at Michaelhouse. Sasha-Lee Smaldon and Madison Uys – captain and vice-captain of the U19 iLembe Netball team – finished third in the Telkom Netball League. Jared Scheepers represented the Sharks XV at the Reitz VKB U19 Week and was selected as the 'Best Lock'. Jessica Kock (Form 3) and her doubles partner Courtney Kemp were runners up in the girls doubles final at the recent American Express Super 8 KwaZulu-Natal tennis tournament. Emmerson van Zijl was part of the U16A girls' KZN Coastals team that went undefeated and clinched the national title at Hilton College, beating Eastern Province 4–2 in the final. KZN Coastal Hockey Achievements – July 2025. Aside from Van Zijl, a number of Ashton's senior college girls represented successful KZN Coastal teams at prestigious hockey tournaments during the July holidays. Inter-Provincial Tournaments (IPT) U14A – Gold Medalists: Amber van den Hoogen and Kimberly Johnson Amber van den Hoogen and Kimberly Johnson U16A – Gold Medalists: Emmerson van Zijl Emmerson van Zijl U16B – 9th Place (A Section): Lauren Kenny Lauren Kenny U18A – Silver Medalists: Morgan Nel and Nonkosi Xaba Morgan Nel and Nonkosi Xaba U18B – Silver Medalists (B Section): Anna-Maria Angelopoulos Regional Tournaments U14C – Gold Medalists: Aymee Tilbrook and Caylea Duncan Aymee Tilbrook and Caylea Duncan U16C – 8th Place: Madison Miller 'We are incredibly proud of each of you for your commitment, resilience and excellence on the field,' said Ashton head of media, Morgyn Prinsloo. 'Their achievements reflect not only their talent but also the spirit of Ashton. Keep inspiring us with your passion and drive – well done, girls!' KZN Action Netball Awards 2025 There were plenty of prizes for Ashton's talented netballers at the recent KZN Action Netball Awards. Michelle van Heerden collected three awards. She was awarded the Most Dedicated Player of the Year for KZN U16A Action Netball team, the Most Dedicated Player of the Year for the KZN U21 6s and Player of the Year U21 KZN side. Lauren Kenny got awarded Player of the Year KZN U16B team. Madison Uys was voted Most Promising Player of the Year for the KZN U17A team and Breakthrough Player of the Year for the KZN U21s. Sasha-Lee Smaldon was awarded Players' Player of the Year U21 KZN and Most Dedicated Player of the Year for the U21s. Ashton International College Ballito – Senior College Holiday Football Results: June 27 – July 21, 2025 Boys Soccer Kloof High u19 National Tournament TEAM RESULT OPP TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 1st Won George Campbell 5-1 1st Lost Virginia 0-5 1st Won Kearsney 4-3 1st Lost Mondeor 1-5 1st Lost DHS 1-4 Boys Soccer Kearsney 1st Team Soccer Tournament TEAM RESULT OPP TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 1st Lost Curro Hazeldean 0-2 1st Lost Durban High School 1-4 1st Lost Siyajabula 1-5 1st Lost Sutherland 1(0)-1(2) 1st Lost Maqhutshana 1(2)-1(4) Boys Soccer Neil Tovey U14 Soccer Tournament at Northwood School TEAM RESULT OPP TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 14A Lost Queensburgh 0(9)-0(10) 14A Won Kearsney 3-2 14A Lost Westville 1-5 14A Won Northwood 0(2)-0(1) 14A Won Northwood Inv 0(3)-0(2) 14A Lost Glenwood 1(3)-1(4) 14A Won Queensburgh 0-2 Girls Soccer Kearsney 1st Team Soccer Tournament TEAM RESULT OPP TEAM SCORE (Ashton – Opp) 1st Lost Danville Park 0-1 1st Drew Curro Hazeldean 1-1 1st Won Sastri College 4-0 1st (Plate semi-final) Won Crawford La Lucia 2-0 1st (Plate Final) Won Trinity House 3-0 Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
South Wales Argus
22-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Newport footballer Ashton Williams signs Premier League deal
The Newport talent who stands at six foot three is bound for Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he will rub shoulders with fellow Welshman and capped goalkeeper, Tom King, who played for Newport County between 2019 and 2021. Ashton, a 16-year-old centre-back and rising star, has already made waves across youth football, after joining Bristol City's football academy at seven and rising through their ranks over nine flourishing years. Ashton is known for his lightning pace, commanding aerial presence, and refined left-footed distribution from the back. His technical ability and physical maturity have impressed scouts from several top Premier League clubs, earning him widespread recognition before even making a senior appearance. The former St Julian's High School pupil has already amassed multiple caps for Wales at U15 and U16 level, with coaches and fans alike viewing him as a standout figure in his age group. He continues to represent his country with pride and ambition, and many believe it's only a matter of time before he rises through the ranks to senior international level. Ashton developed his early grassroots skills with Ashton Football Club, one of the UK's largest youth setups known for producing elite-level talent. While specific accolades haven't been formally listed, the club's tradition of honouring standout players suggests that Ashton's contributions didn't go unnoticed. Ashton got the all-clear on his transfer deal, late last week and is currently away on warm weather training with Wolves, preparing physically and mentally for the season ahead. Notably, Ashton is related to Christian Malcolm, the former Olympic sprinter and Welsh athletics coach, suggesting that speed and competitive spirit run in the family. A source close to the family said: 'They are all really delighted with the signing and couldn't be any more proud of him.'
NZ Herald
22-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Philip Polkinghorne: Madison Ashton a potential witness at coronial inquest into Pauline Hanna's death
Ashton declined to comment when approached by the Herald. In March a coroner held a pre-inquest conference into the circumstances of Pauline Hanna's death at Auckland District Court. The conference was held to prepare for the inquest next year, how it will be run, and who will take part in it. A coronial inquest into how Pauline Hanna died will be held next August. Photo / Norrie Montgomery It was suggested the inquest could be held in August next year. Before the conference, Coroner Tetitaha wrote in a minute: 'This death involves a suspected self-inflicted death'. She also clarified in a footnote: 'I make this observation without indicating any view on the ultimate questions of cause and circumstances of death'. The minute lists the current interested parties as Philip Polkinghorne, and Pauline Hanna's siblings Bruce and Tracey Hanna. Bruce Hanna will also be called to give evidence at his sister Pauline Hanna's coronial inquest. On Easter Monday 2021, Pauline Hanna, 63, a health procurement manager, was found dead in suspicious circumstances at the Remuera mansion she shared with her husband, Philip Polkinghorne. Last September, after an eight-week trial in the High Court at Auckland, Polkinghorne, 72, was acquitted of murdering his wife. Ashton refused to appear as a Crown witness. She would have given explosive evidence about Polkinghorne's methamphetamine use, how he had planned to leave his wife and marry her – and the messages and videos she had shared with Polkinghorne. While 'mainlining' on the Polkinghorne trial coverage, she took a luxury cruise, walked through the Jardin Majorelle gardens in Morocco, visited London, Lisbon, and climbed the Acropolis in Athens. Madison Ashton refused to give evidence at Philip Polkinghorne's trial, claiming the police botched the investigation into Pauline Hanna's death. Ashton says she fled to Europe to avoid giving evidence because she lost faith in the police investigation into Pauline Hanna's death. She previously told the Herald the police 'botched' the murder investigation by not taking her seriously and omitting crucial evidence she provided. 'They are not going to ask me the right questions; they will only waste my time. The stigma of him being with a sex worker has stopped them from doing their jobs properly,' Ashton said. 'They have never acknowledged that Philip and I were in a relationship, so the jury won't have the full context. The police should admit their mistakes for not testing Philip for drugs [immediately after Hanna's death] or having water-tight forensics.' Madison Ashton claims police never believed she was in a relationship with Philip Polkinghorne. The Herald has obtained personal correspondence between Polkinghorne and Ashton, videos and police interviews that confirms Polkinghorne was living a double life and actively planning a future with the escort. 'We talked about getting married, buying a house and having children,' Ashton says. 'You know what I really loved about Philip? 'He was intelligent and had a dry wit. I was so impressed that Philip and Pauline were in this mature avant-garde, cashed-up relationship that could also have strong boundaries, and no hysteria over sex. 'He had a job, and he wasn't going to be a f***tard and ask me to quit mine, I thought I was having an equal relationship with someone on my level. 'Pauline and I had a lot of similarities; with me he wanted Pauline 2.0. We are tough, well-dressed women who worship our men. 'Most men don't want an out and proud sex worker because they're worried what everyone else will think. Philip wanted me so he looks like more of a man than he really is 'like, f*** how did he wrangle her? But what I was in love with was clearly a myth,' Ashton says. Philip Polkinghorne was acquitted of his wife's murder after an eight-week trial. Photo / Dean Purcell The Crown's case was that Polkinghorne fatally strangled Hanna, staging it to look like a suicide. The Crown submitted that he was living a double life, obsessed with meth and in a relationship with Ashton in Sydney. Polkinghorne's defence was that Hanna, a Counties Manukau Health executive, was exhausted during the Covid response, had a history of mental health issues, was on depression medication and then tragically took her own life. On the first day of the eight-week trial, Polkinghorne pleaded guilty to methamphetamine-related charges and was sentenced last November to 150 hours of community service. Carolyne Meng-Yee is an Auckland-based investigative journalist who won Best Documentary at the Voyager Media Awards. Recently she was runner-up for Best Editorial Campaign and part of a team that won Best Coverage of a Major News Event: Philip Polkinghorne Murder Trial. She worked for the Herald on Sunday from 2007-2011 and rejoined the Herald in 2016 after working as an award-winning current affairs producer at TVNZ's 60 Minutes, 20/20 and Sunday.
