BRAMPTON, Ontario, Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L; “Loblaw”) announced today that, in connection with its previously announced transaction (the “Transaction”) involving the sale of President’s Choice Bank and certain other affiliated entities to EQB Inc. (“EQB”) and long-term strategic relationship with EQB, it has entered into an automatic share purchase plan (“ASPP”) with a broker in order to facilitate the purchase of common shares in the capital of EQB (“EQB Common Shares”).

Purchases under the ASPP will be made by Loblaw’s broker pursuant to parameters set by Loblaw when it is not in possession of any material non-public information about EQB and its securities. The ASPP has been entered into in accordance with the requirements of the TSX and applicable Canadian securities laws. Pursuant to the terms of the ASPP, Loblaw’s broker may acquire up to 1,220,000 EQB Common Shares, including any EQB Common Shares acquired by the broker on behalf of Loblaw prior to entering the ASPP (the “Maximum Amount”). The ASPP will terminate once the Maximum Amount has been purchased by the broker, or upon closing of the Transaction, if earlier, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms. Outside of the effective period of the ASPP, Loblaw may purchase EQB Common Shares at its discretion to the extent permitted by applicable law.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, and the nation's largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,800 corporate franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees and Associate-owners employ more than 220,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers.

Loblaw's purpose – Live Life Well® – puts first the needs and well-being of Canadians who make one billion transactions annually in the company's stores. Loblaw is positioned to meet and exceed those needs in many ways: convenient locations; more than 1,100 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® locations and in close to 500 grocery stores; PC Financial® services; Joe Fresh® fashion and family apparel; and four of Canada's top-consumer brands in Life Brand®, Farmer’s Market™, no name® and President's Choice®. For more information, visit Loblaw's website at www.loblaw.ca and Loblaw's issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects Loblaw’s current expectations regarding future events, including expected purchases of EQB Common Shares pursuant to the ASPP and otherwise. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Loblaw’s control that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed in Loblaw’s 2025 Third Quarter Report to Shareholders, Loblaw’s current Annual Information Form and the joint press release of EQB and Loblaw in respect of the Transaction dated December 3, 2025. Loblaw does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are qualified by these cautionary statements.

For more information contact: Roy MacDonald, Vice President, Investor Relations, investor@loblaw.ca