Vancouver, British Columbia – February 19, 2026 – TheNewswire – Pond Technologies Holdings Inc. (“Pond” or the “Company”) (TSXV: POND) is pleased to provide shareholders with an update on the business of Find Familiar Spirits, LLC (“FFS”), with which the Company entered into a non-binding letter of intent dated October 27, 2025, in respect of a proposed reverse takeover transaction (the “Proposed Transaction”), pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Macabre Spirits, a premium spirits brand wholly owned by FFS and co-founded by Matthew Lillard (Scream franchise, Scooby Doo) and screenwriter Justin Ware, today announced the successful launch of Ghost Face Vodka on February 9, 2026 (the “Release”). Developed in partnership with Fun World, the creator and owner of the iconic Ghost Face mask and costume that gained worldwide fame through the Scream films, the launch saw the initial limited-edition collectible set sell out in two hours on its first day of availability, demonstrating overwhelming demand from fans.

The launch was timed a few weeks ahead of Lillard’s highly anticipated return as Stu Macher in Scream 7 (releasing February 27, 2026), the latest installment in the iconic Scream franchise, which consists of six films that have collectively grossed over $910 million worldwide at the box office.1

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Ghost Face Vodka is a premium spirit distilled in Germany from 100% non-GMO potatoes. It is naturally gluten-free and exhibits a clean, smooth profile, creamy mid-palate, and silky finish, suitable for enjoying neat or in cocktails.

The initial limited-edition collectible set included:

• A multi-faceted Italian glass bottle with high-quality labeling 

• A bottle hand-signed by Macabre Spirits co-founder Matthew Lillard (available in limited quantities) 

• A limited-edition collector’s box 

• Exclusive Ghost Face Vodka glassware and enamel pins 

• Access via QR code to “GFV Killer Bash,” a custom social party game developed exclusively for the launch 

The complete set was priced at USD$160 and was available exclusively direct-to-consumer at GhostFaceVodka.com. Due to the immediate sell-out on launch day, availability is now exhausted, though Macabre Spirits plans to announce additional Ghost Face product releases in the coming months. FFS will provide additional details regarding the product releases.

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A broader retail rollout in select U.S. states is planned for later in 2026.

Matthew Lillard, co-founder of Macabre Spirits, commented: “The response to Ghost Face Vodka has been incredible, selling out on day one. At Macabre Spirits, we focus on delivering premium spirit experiences tailored to the horror community. Partnering with Fun World on Ghost Face Vodka has allowed us to bring an iconic brand to fans in a new format — a high-quality, collectible product that clearly resonates with the strong enthusiasm for the franchise.”

Grant Smith, CEO of Pond Technologies, stated: “We are thrilled by the successful launch and immediate sell-out of Ghost Face Vodka from Find Familiar Spirits’ Macabre Spirits brand. This milestone underscores the significant growth potential and innovative, fandom-focused business model of FFS as we continue to advance toward completion of the Proposed Transaction.”

About Find Familiar Spirits

Find Familiar Spirits creates premium spirits brands targeted at dedicated enthusiast communities (“fandoms”), both independently and through partnerships with intellectual property holders, celebrities, and other collaborators. Its brands include Quest’s End Whiskey (fantasy/gaming) and Macabre Spirits (horror). Products are sold primarily direct-to-consumer, with expanding retail distribution.

About Pond Technologies Holdings Inc.

Located in Markham, Ontario, Pond Technologies has developed proprietary technology for controlled cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactors, enabling CO2 abatement and production of high-value ingredients. The Company currently markets Organic Spirulina and Astaxanthin under its Regenurex brand.

Cautionary Note Regarding the Proposed Transaction

Completion of the Proposed Transaction remains subject to a number of conditions, including execution of a definitive agreement, receipt of all required regulatory, shareholder, and TSX Venture Exchange approvals, completion of a concurrent financing, and other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

 

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the proposal to complete the Proposed Transaction and associated transactions, the Release, expected revenues, availability, pricing and details relating to the Release. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “projects”, “plans” and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, the completion and expected terms of the Proposed Transaction, the future impact of the Release on the business of FFS, the ability of FFS to market and sell the products, including those related to the Release, the expected results of the Release on future business, FFS’s strategic plans 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 Proposed Transaction will be completed on the terms described above or that the Release will launch as described herein. Pond and FFS assume no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law.

For further information, please contact:

Pond Technologies Holdings Inc.

Grant Smith, CEO

info@pondtech.com

(416) 399-0726

 

Find Familiar Spirits LLC

Liz Valentine, Marketing Director

liz@findfamiliarspirits.com

(904) 619-1479

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

 

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scream_(franchise)